bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Biofuel Cells: Fundamental Principles, Development and Recent Obstacles
Authors: Kižys Kasparas , Zinovičius Antanas , Jakštys Baltramiejus , Bružaitė Ingrida , Balčiūnas Evaldas , Petrulevičienė Milda , Ramanavičius Arūnas , Morkvėnaitė-Vilkončienė Inga
Published: February 2023

This review focuses on the development of microbial biofuel cells to demonstrate how similar principles apply to the development of bioelectronic devices. The low specificity of microorganism-based amperometric biosensors can be exploited in designing microbial biofuel cells, enabling them to consume a broader range of chemical fuels. Charge transfer efficiency is among the most challenging and critical issues while developing biofuel cells. Nanomaterials and particular redox mediators are exploited to facilitate charge transfer between biomaterials and biofuel cell electrodes. The application of conductive polymers (CPs) can improve the efficiency of biofuel cells while CPs are well-suitable for the immobilization of enzymes, and in some specific circumstances, CPs can facilitate charge transfer. Moreover, biocompatibility is an important issue during the development of implantable biofuel cells. Therefore, biocompatibility-related aspects of conducting polymers with microorganisms are discussed in this review. Ways to modify cell-wall/membrane and to improve charge transfer efficiency and suitability for biofuel cell design are outlined.
Immunohistochemical Distribution and Neurochemical Characterization of Huntingtin-Associated Protein 1 Immunoreactive Neurons in the Adult Mouse Lingual Ganglia
Authors: Islam Md Nabiul , Sakurai Yoshinori , Hiwaki Yurie , Tarif Abu Md Mamun , Afrin Marya , Meher Mirza Mienur , Nozaki Kanako , Masumoto Koh Hei , Yanai Akie , Jahan Mir Rubayet , Shinoda Koh
Published: February 2023

Huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) is a determinant marker for the stigmoid body (STB), a neurocytoplasmic physiological inclusion. STB/HAP1 enriched areas in the brain/spinal cord are usually protected from neurodegenerative diseases, whereas the regions with tiny amounts or no STB/HAP1 are affected. In addition to the brain/spinal cord, HAP1 is highly expressed in the myenteric/submucosal plexuses of the enteric nervous system in the gastrointestinal tract. The tongue is attached to the pharynx by the hyoid bone as an extension of the gastrointestinal system. To date, the immunohistochemical distribution and neurochemical characterization of HAP1 have not been elucidated in the lingual ganglia. Using immunohistochemistry and light microscopy, our current study demonstrates the expression and immunohistochemical phenotype of HAP1 in the lingual ganglia of adult mice. We showed that HAP1 was profoundly distributed in the intralingual ganglion (ILG) and the ganglia near the root of the tongue (which we coined as “lingual root ganglion”; LRG). Neurons in ILG and LRG exhibited high coexpression of HAP1 with NOS or ChAT. Furthermore, most HAP1-immunoreactive neurons contained SP, CGRP, and VIP immunoreactivity in both ILG and LRG. The current results might serve as an essential base for future studies to elucidate the pathological/physiological functions of HAP1 in the lingual ganglia.
Improving the Mechanical Properties and Durability of Cold Bitumen Emulsion Mixtures Using Waste Products and Microwave Heating Energy
Authors: Al-Busaltan Shakir , Dulaimi Anmar , Al-Nageim Hassan , Mahmood Shaker , Kadhim Mustafa Amoori , Al-Kafaji Muna , Özkılıç Yasin Onuralp
Published: February 2023

Scientists have effectively demonstrated that the introduction of a waste product comprising cementitious chemical compositions can enhance the mechanical properties and durability of cold bitumen emulsion mixes (CBEMs). On the other hand, the high air void content of the CBEM mix remains a challenge that is considered unsatisfactory by paving engineers. As a result, this investigation highlights two major changes that were made. The first is the use of waste paper sludge ash (PSA) as a filler in CBEM instead of the conventional mineral filler (CMF). The second change was made to further improve the mixture by reducing the amount of CBEM air voids using microwave (MW) heating energy as a post-treatment method. When compared to typical hot mix asphalt (HMA), the new CBEMs showed great mechanical properties and durability. Moreover, the proposed method, using CBEMs, has lower environmental risks, is safer, and is more cost-effective than existing paving mix technologies. This study presents a method for controlling air voids within pavement specifications without affecting mechanical behaviour or generating additional environmental or economic considerations. When compared to typical mixtures, laboratory test results showed that MW-heating can enhance both the stiffness modulus and the air void content. Furthermore, these results revealed a minor reduction in creep stiffness and water sensitivity. Nevertheless, in terms of mechanical, volumetric, and economic properties, the suggested post-mix treatment was comparable to HMA. The findings point to the need to adopt CBEM post-heating approaches, particularly the MW treatment procedure.
Design for Manufacture and Assembly of Digital Fabrication and Additive Manufacturing in Construction: A Review
Authors: Tuvayanond Wiput , Prasittisopin Lapyote
Published: February 2023

Design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA) in the architectural, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry is attracting the attention of designers, practitioners, and construction project stakeholders. Digital fabrication (Dfab) and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) practices are found in current need of further research and development. The DfMA’s conceptual function is to maximize the process efficiency of Dfab and AM building projects. This work reviewed 171 relevant research articles over the past few decades. The concepts and the fundamentals of DfMA in building and construction were explored. In addition, DfMA procedures for Dfab, DfAM, and AM assembly processes were discussed. Lastly, the current machine learning research on DfMA in construction was also highlighted. As Dfab and DFAM are innovated, practical DFMA techniques begin to develop to a great extent. Large research gaps in the DfMA for Dfab and DfAM can be filled in terms of integrating them with product structural performance, management, studied cases, building information modeling (BIM), and machine learning to increase operational efficiency and sustainable practices.
Prediction of the Malignancy of a Breast Lesion Detected on Breast Ultrasound: Radiomics Applied to Clinical Practice
Authors: Nicosia Luca , Pesapane Filippo , Bozzini Anna Carla , Latronico Antuono , Rotili Anna , Ferrari Federica , Signorelli Giulia , Raimondi Sara , Vignati Silvano , Gaeta Aurora , Bellerba Federica , Origgi Daniela , De Marco Paolo , Castiglione Minischetti Giuseppe , Sangalli Claudia , Montesano Marta , Palma Simone , Cassano Enrico
Published: February 2023

The study aimed to evaluate the performance of radiomics features and one ultrasound CAD (computer-aided diagnosis) in the prediction of the malignancy of a breast lesion detected with ultrasound and to develop a nomogram incorporating radiomic score and available information on CAD performance, conventional Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System evaluation (BI-RADS), and clinical information. Data on 365 breast lesions referred for breast US with subsequent histologic analysis between January 2020 and March 2022 were retrospectively collected. Patients were randomly divided into a training group (n = 255) and a validation test group (n = 110). A radiomics score was generated from the US image. The CAD was performed in a subgroup of 209 cases. The radiomics score included seven radiomics features selected with the LASSO logistic regression model. The multivariable logistic model incorporating CAD performance, BI-RADS evaluation, clinical information, and radiomic score as covariates showed promising results in the prediction of the malignancy of breast lesions: Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, [AUC]: 0.914; 95% Confidence Interval, [CI]: 0.876–0.951. A nomogram was developed based on these results for possible future applications in clinical practice.
CDK4/6 Inhibitors in Pancreatobiliary Cancers: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Arsenijevic Tatjana , Coulonval Katia , Raspé Eric , Demols Anne , Roger Pierre P. , Van Laethem Jean-Luc
Published: February 2023

Existing treatment strategies for pancreatobiliary malignancies are limited. Nowadays, surgery is the only path to cure these types of cancer, but only a small number of patients present with resectable tumors at the time of diagnosis. The notoriously poor prognosis, lack of diverse treatment options associated with pancreaticobiliary cancers, and their resistance to current therapies reflect the urge for the development of novel therapeutic targets. Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors have emerged as an attractive therapeutic strategy in a number of cancers since their approval for treatment in patients with ER+/HER- breast cancer in combination with antiestrogens. In this article, we discuss the therapeutic potential of CDK4/6 inhibitors in pancreatobiliary cancers, notably cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Targeted Therapy of Interleukin-34 as a Promising Approach to Overcome Cancer Therapy Resistance
Authors: Monteleone Giovanni , Franzè Eleonora , Maresca Claudia , Colella Marco , Pacifico Teresa , Stolfi Carmine
Published: February 2023

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy have markedly improved the management of several malignancies. However, not all cancer patients respond primarily to such therapies, and others can become resistant during treatment. Thus, identification of the factors/mechanisms underlying cancer resistance to such treatments could help develop novel effective therapeutic compounds. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs) are major components of the suppressive tumor microenvironment and are critical drivers of immunosuppression, creating a tumor-promoting and drug-resistant niche. In this regard, therapeutic strategies to tackle immunosuppressive cells are an interesting option to increase anti-tumor immune responses and overcome the occurrence of drug resistance. Accumulating evidence indicates that interleukin-34 (IL-34), a cytokine produced by cancer cells, and/or TAMs act as a linker between induction of a tumor-associated immunosuppressive microenvironment and drug resistance. In this article, we review the current data supporting the role of IL-34 in the differentiation/function of immune suppressive cells and, hence, in the mechanisms leading to therapeutic resistance in various cancers.
Intestinal Epithelial Cells Adapt to Chronic Inflammation through Partial Genetic Reprogramming
Authors: Collin Guillaume , Foy Jean-Philippe , Aznar Nicolas , Rama Nicolas , Wierinckx Anne , Saintigny Pierre , Puisieux Alain , Ansieau Stéphane
Published: February 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to be the main drivers of inflammatory bowel disease. We investigated whether this permanent insult compels intestinal stem cells to develop strategies to dampen the deleterious effects of ROS. As an adverse effect, this adaptation process may increase their tolerance to oncogenic insults and facilitate their neoplastic transformation. We submitted immortalized human colonic epithelial cells to either a mimic of chronic inflammation or to a chemical peroxide, analyzed how they adapted to stress, and addressed the biological relevance of these observations in databases. We demonstrated that cells adapt to chronic-inflammation-associated oxidative stress in vitro through a partial genetic reprogramming. Through a gene set enrichment analysis, we showed that this program is recurrently active in the intestinal mucosae of Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis disease patients and evolves alongside disease progression. Based on a previously reported characterization of intestinal stem and precursor cells using tracing experiments, we lastly confirmed the activation of the program in intestinal precursor cells during murine colorectal cancer development. This adaptive process is thus likely to play a role in the progression of Crohn’s and ulcerative disease, and potentially in the initiation of colorectal cancer.
Performance of Modified Alumina-Supported Ruthenium Catalysts in the Reforming of Methane with CO2
Authors: Maina Silvia Carolina Palmira , Vilella Irene María Julieta , Ballarini Adriana Daniela , de Miguel Sergio Rubén
Published: February 2023

Ruthenium (1 wt%) catalysts supported on alumina doped with alkaline (Na and K) and alkaline earth metals (Ba, Ca, and Mg) of different concentrations (1, 5, and 10 wt%) were tested in the dry reforming of methane. All catalysts were prepared by the successive impregnation method. Supports were characterized by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area, temperature-programmed desorption of CO2, and 2-propanol dehydration. Additionally, catalysts were characterized by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Stability tests to study coke deposition were performed using long-time dry reforming reactions. All the catalysts showed good catalytic activity, and activity falls were never detected. Ru metallic phase seemed to be resistant to coke formation even though its particles are sintered during a long-term reaction.
Non-Covalent Catalysts
Authors: Novikov Alexander S.
Published: February 2023

The elementary stages of chemical reactions (including catalytic ones) are caused by such weak inter- and intramolecular contacts as hydrogen, halogen, chalcogen, and tetrel bonds as well as stacking (and other π-system-involved) interactions [...]
Copper Oxide Nanoparticles over Hierarchical Silica Monoliths for Continuous-Flow Selective Alcoholysis of Styrene Oxide
Authors: Marelli Marcello , Zaccheria Federica , Ravasio Nicoletta , Pitzalis Emanuela , Didi Youcef , Galarneau Anne , Scotti Nicola , Evangelisti Claudio
Published: February 2023

A simple and reproducible approach for the synthesis of Cu-based heterogeneous catalysts, named flow chemisorption hydrolysis (flow-CH), is reported. The approach, derived from the CH method, allows size-controlled CuO nanoparticles (mean diameter 2.9 nm) to be obtained, that are highly and homogeneously dispersed into hierarchically meso-/macroporous silica monoliths. The Cu-based monolithic catalysts (CuO@SiO2-MN, 8.4 wt.% Cu) were studied in the styrene oxide ring opening reaction at 60 °C in the presence of isopropanol, under continuous flow-through conditions. A remarkable activity with a steady-state conversion of 97% for 13 h and 100% selectivity towards the corresponding β-alkoxyalcohol was observed. The performances of CuO@SiO2-MN were higher than those obtained in batch conditions with the previously reported CuO/SiO2 catalysts and with the ground CuO@SiO2-MN monolith in terms of productivity and selectivity. Moreover, a negligible Cu leaching (<0.6 wt.%) in reaction medium was observed. After 13 h CuO@SiO2-MN catalysts could be regenerated by a mild calcination (220 °C) permitting reuse.
Autophagy Meets Aging: An Overview
Authors: Picca Anna , Marzetti Emanuele , Leeuwenburgh Christiaan
Published: February 2023

Aging is characterized by biological disarrangements that increase vulnerability to stressors, the development of chronic diseases (e [...]
Targeted Sequencing Approach and Its Clinical Applications for the Molecular Diagnosis of Human Diseases
Authors: Pei Xiao Meng , Yeung Martin Ho Yin , Wong Alex Ngai Nick , Tsang Hin Fung , Yu Allen Chi Shing , Yim Aldrin Kay Yuen , Wong Sze Chuen Cesar
Published: February 2023

The outbreak of COVID-19 has positively impacted the NGS market recently. Targeted sequencing (TS) has become an important routine technique in both clinical and research settings, with advantages including high confidence and accuracy, a reasonable turnaround time, relatively low cost, and fewer data burdens with the level of bioinformatics or computational demand. Since there are no clear consensus guidelines on the wide range of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and techniques, there is a vital need for researchers and clinicians to develop efficient approaches, especially for the molecular diagnosis of diseases in the emergency of the disease and the global pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. In this review, we aim to summarize different methods of TS, demonstrate parameters for TS assay designs, illustrate different TS panels, discuss their limitations, and present the challenges of TS concerning their clinical application for the molecular diagnosis of human diseases.
Innovative Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of the Ocular Morbidities in Patients with EEC Syndrome
Authors: Barbaro Vanessa , Bonelli Filippo , Ferrari Stefano , La Vella Giulia , Di Iorio Enzo
Published: February 2023

Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal dysplasia-Clefting (EEC) syndrome is caused by heterozygous missense point mutations in the p63 gene, an important transcription factor during embryogenesis and for stem cell differentiation in stratified epithelia. Most of the cases are sporadic, related to de novo mutations arising during early-stage development. Familial cases show an autosomic dominant inheritance. The major cause of visual morbidity is limbal stem cell failure, which develops in the second to third decade of life. Patients often show ocular surface alterations, such as recurrent blepharitis and conjunctivitis, superficial microlesions of the cornea, and spontaneous corneal perforation and ulceration, leading to progressive corneal clouding and eventually visual loss. No definitive cures are currently available, and treatments to alleviate symptoms are only palliative. In this review, we will discuss the proposed therapeutic strategies that have been tested or are under development for the management of the ocular defects in patients affected by EEC syndrome: (i) gene therapy-based approaches by means of Allele-Specific (AS) siRNAs to correct the p63 mutations; (ii) cell therapy-based approaches to replenish the pool of limbal stem cells; and (iii) drug therapy to correct/bypass the genetic defect. However, as the number of patients with EEC syndrome is too limited, further studies are still necessary to prove the effectiveness (and safety) of these innovative therapeutic approaches to counteract the premature differentiation of limbal stem cells.
Lens Epithelial Explants Treated with Vitreous Humor Undergo Alterations in Chromatin Landscape with Concurrent Activation of Genes Associated with Fiber Cell Differentiation and Innate Immune Response
Authors: Upreti Anil , Padula Stephanie L. , Tangeman Jared A. , Wagner Brad D. , O’Connell Michael J. , Jaquish Tycho J. , Palko Raye K. , Mantz Courtney J. , Anand Deepti , Lovicu Frank J. , Lachke Salil A. , Robinson Michael L.
Published: February 2023

Lens epithelial explants are comprised of lens epithelial cells cultured in vitro on their native basement membrane, the lens capsule. Biologists have used lens epithelial explants to study many different cellular processes including lens fiber cell differentiation. In these studies, fiber differentiation is typically measured by cellular elongation and the expression of a few proteins characteristically expressed by lens fiber cells in situ. Chromatin and RNA was collected from lens epithelial explants cultured in either un-supplemented media or media containing 50% bovine vitreous humor for one or five days. Chromatin for ATAC-sequencing and RNA for RNA-sequencing was prepared from explants to assess regions of accessible chromatin and to quantitatively measure gene expression, respectively. Vitreous humor increased chromatin accessibility in promoter regions of genes associated with fiber differentiation and, surprisingly, an immune response, and this was associated with increased transcript levels for these genes. In contrast, vitreous had little effect on the accessibility of the genes highly expressed in the lens epithelium despite dramatic reductions in their mRNA transcripts. An unbiased analysis of differentially accessible regions revealed an enrichment of cis-regulatory motifs for RUNX, SOX and TEAD transcription factors that may drive differential gene expression in response to vitreous.
Targeting Human Endothelial Cells with Glutathione and Alanine Increases the Crossing of a Polypeptide Nanocarrier through a Blood–Brain Barrier Model and Entry to Human Brain Organoids
Authors: Mészáros Mária , Phan Thi Ha My , Vigh Judit P. , Porkoláb Gergő , Kocsis Anna , Páli Emese K. , Polgár Tamás F. , Walter Fruzsina R. , Bolognin Silvia , Schwamborn Jens C. , Jan Jeng-Shiung , Deli Mária A. , Veszelka Szilvia
Published: February 2023

Nanoparticles (NPs) are the focus of research efforts that aim to develop successful drug delivery systems for the brain. Polypeptide nanocarriers are versatile platforms and combine high functionality with good biocompatibility and biodegradability. The key to the efficient brain delivery of NPs is the specific targeting of cerebral endothelial cells that form the blood–brain barrier (BBB). We have previously discovered that the combination of two different ligands of BBB nutrient transporters, alanine and glutathione, increases the permeability of vesicular NPs across the BBB. Our aim here was to investigate whether the combination of these molecules can also promote the efficient transfer of 3-armed poly(l-glutamic acid) NPs across a human endothelial cell and brain pericyte BBB co-culture model. Alanine and glutathione dual-targeted polypeptide NPs showed good cytocompatibility and elevated cellular uptake in a time-dependent and active manner. Targeted NPs had a higher permeability across the BBB model and could subsequently enter midbrain-like organoids derived from healthy and Parkinson’s disease patient-specific stem cells. These results indicate that poly(l-glutamic acid) NPs can be used as nanocarriers for nervous system application and that the right combination of molecules that target cerebral endothelial cells, in this case alanine and glutathione, can facilitate drug delivery to the brain.
Loss of Nf1 and Ink4a/Arf Are Associated with Sex-Dependent Growth Differences in a Mouse Model of Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma
Authors: Gutierrez Wade R. , Rytlewski Jeffrey D. , Scherer Amanda , Roughton Grace A. , Carnevale Nina C. , Vyas Krisha Y. , McGivney Gavin R. , Brockman Qierra R. , Knepper-Adrian Vickie , Dodd Rebecca D.
Published: February 2023

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive form of cancer that accounts for half of all pediatric soft tissue sarcomas. Little progress has been made in improving survival outcomes over the past three decades. Mouse models of rhabdomyosarcoma are a critical component of translational research aimed at understanding tumor biology and developing new, improved therapies. Though several models exist, many common mutations found in human rhabdomyosarcoma tumors remain unmodeled and understudied. This study describes a new model of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma driven by the loss of Nf1 and Ink4a/Arf, two mutations commonly found in patient tumors. We find that this new model is histologically similar to other previously-published rhabdomyosarcoma models, although it substantially differs in the time required for tumor onset and in tumor growth kinetics. We also observe unique sex-dependent phenotypes in both primary and newly-developed orthotopic syngeneic allograft tumors that are not present in previous models. Using in vitro and in vivo studies, we examined the response to vincristine, a component of the standard-of-care chemotherapy for RMS. The findings from this study provide valuable insight into a new mouse model of rhabdomyosarcoma that addresses an ongoing need for patient-relevant animal models to further translational research.
Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Yoon Hyunho , Kim Ayoung , Jang Hoon
Published: February 2023

Ovarian cancer (OC) is gynecological cancer, and diagnosis and treatment are continuously advancing. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based diagnoses have emerged as novel methods for identifying molecules and pathways in cancer research. The NGS-based applications have expanded in OC research for early detection and identification of aberrant genes and dysregulation pathways, demonstrating comprehensive views of the entire transcriptome, such as fusion genes, genetic mutations, and gene expression profiling. Coinciding with advances in NGS-based diagnosis, treatment strategies for OC, such as molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have also advanced. Immunotherapy is effective against many other cancers, and its efficacy against OC has also been demonstrated at the clinical phase. In this review, we describe several NGS-based applications for therapeutic targets of OC, and introduce current immunotherapeutic strategies, including vaccines, checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell transplantation, for effective diagnosis and treatment of OC.
Gellan Gum-Montmorillonite Nanocomposites for Electrochromic Devices
Authors: Caliman Willian R. , Sentanin Franciani C. , Sabadini Rodrigo C. , Garcia Rodrigo H. S. , Monaretto Tatiana , Colnago Luiz A. , Pawlicka Agnieszka
Published: February 2023

The present paper shows the results of nanocomposite polymer electrolytes (SPEs) of montmorillonite (MMT; Na+SYN-1) and gellan gum obtained by the solution casting method. The membrane samples were characterized by ATR-FTIR, time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, two samples were chosen and applied in small electrochromic devices (ECDs). The ATR-FTIR revealed shifts in bands of acetate and glycosidic bonds at 1032 and 1611 cm−1, respectively, indicating an interaction between the gellan gum and Na+SYN-1. The spin–lattice relaxation time of the proton nuclei (T1) suggests the poor dispersion of MMT in the matrix, especially above 20 wt.%. However, SEM pictures pointed to a more homogeneous surface of the nanocomposite containing 40 wt.% Na+SYN-1 when compared to the sample without clay. NPEs with 10 and 40 wt.% Na+SYN-1 were applied in ECDs, and the voltammograms showed a decrease in anodic and cathodic peaks after 2519 chronocoulometric cycles for the sample with 10 wt.% Na+SYN-1 and after 420 cycles for the sample with 40 wt.% Na+SYN-1. There was also a decrease in the charge density in both ECDs and an oscillating difference in transmittance between the colored/discolored states during the chronocoulometric cycles of the ECD with GG-MMT10. Further studies may reveal more property improvements in gellan gum nanocomposites.
Novel Method for Deposition of Gas-Tight SiC Coatings
Authors: Shikunov Sergey , Kaledin Alexei , Shikunova Irina , Straumal Boris , Kurlov Vladimir
Published: February 2023

A new high-temperature method for the deposition of gas-tight silicon carbide protective coatings with low gas permeability has been developed. The free carbon atoms form during the high-temperature pyrolysis of hydrocarbon molecules. In turn, carbon reacts with molten silicon contained in the subsurface substrate layers and/or with silicon vapor. The source of silicon vapor serves the molten silicon in the heated zone of a reactor furnace. Such coatings effectively protect SiC-C-Si and SiC-C-MoSi2 ceramics, carbon–carbon composite materials, structural graphite, and refractory metals and alloys from oxidation. The conducted tests show the high thermal oxidation and thermal shock stability of deposited protective coatings, as well as their good adhesion to the substrates.
Ground States of Heisenberg Spin Clusters from a Cluster-Based Projected Hartree–Fock Approach
Authors: Ghassemi Tabrizi Shadan , Jiménez-Hoyos Carlos A.
Published: February 2023

Recent work on approximating ground states of Heisenberg spin clusters by projected Hartree–Fock theory (PHF) is extended to a cluster-based ansatz (cPHF). Whereas PHF variationally optimizes a site–spin product state for the restoration of spin- and point-group symmetry, cPHF groups sites into discrete clusters and uses a cluster-product state as the broken-symmetry reference. Intracluster correlation is thus already included at the mean-field level, and intercluster correlation is introduced through symmetry projection. Variants of cPHF differing in the broken and restored symmetries are evaluated for ground states and singlet-triplet gaps of antiferromagnetic spin rings for various cluster sizes, where cPHF in general affords a significant improvement over ordinary PHF, although the division into clusters lowers the cyclical symmetry. In contrast, certain two- or three-dimensional spin arrangements permit cluster groupings compatible with the full spatial symmetry. We accordingly demonstrate that cPHF yields approximate ground states with correct spin- and point-group quantum numbers for honeycomb lattice fragments and symmetric polyhedra.
Cardiac Arrhythmias in Pediatric Age: Are They Triggered by SARS-CoV-2 Infection?
Authors: Fumanelli Jennifer , Sabatino Jolanda , Biffanti Roberta , Reffo Elena , Di Salvo Giovanni , Leoni Loira
Published: February 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a highly contagious infectious disease. Research on heart rhythm disorders in children affected by COVID-19 infection is quite lacking. An infant and a congenital heart disease (CHD) teenager with a pacemaker presented fascicular tachycardia and atrial flutter, respectively, during COVID-19 pauci-symptomatic infection. The hemodynamic condition was always stable. The self-resolving trend of the atrial flutter and progressive resolution of the ventricular tachycardia occurred in conjunction with the negativization of the swab. These particular tachyarrhythmias have been reported as a form of potential arrhythmic complication during active pauci-symptomatic COVID-19 infection for the first time ever.
Quantum Secret Aggregation Utilizing a Network of Agents
Authors: Ampatzis Michael , Andronikos Theodore
Published: February 2023

Suppose that the renowned spymaster Alice controls a network of spies who all happen to be deployed in different geographical locations. Let us further assume that all spies have managed to get their hands on a small, albeit incomplete by itself, secret, which actually is just a part of a bigger secret. In this work, we consider the following problem: given the above situation, is it possible for the spies to securely transmit all these partial secrets to the spymaster so that they can be combined together in order to reveal the big secret to Alice? We call this problem, which, to the best of our knowledge, is a novel one for the relevant literature, the quantum secret aggregation problem. We propose a protocol, in the form of a quantum game, that addresses this problem in complete generality. Our protocol relies on the use of maximally entangled GHZ tuples, shared among Alice and all her spies. It is the power of entanglement that makes possible the secure transmission of the small partial secrets from the agents to the spymaster. As an additional bonus, entanglement guarantees the security of the protocol, by making it statistically improbable for the notorious eavesdropper Eve to steal the big secret.
Ordered/Disordered Structures of Water at Solid/Liquid Interfaces
Authors: Qi Chonghai , Ling Cheng , Wang Chunlei
Published: February 2023

Experiments and theory have revealed versatile possible phases for adsorbed and confined water on two-dimensional solid surfaces, which are closely related to the aspects of various phenomena in physics, chemistry, biology, and tribology. In this review, we summarize our recent works showing that the different water phases with disordered and ordered structures can greatly affect surface wetting behavior, dielectric properties, and frictions. This includes the ordered phase of water structure that induces an unexpected phenomenon, an “ordered water monolayer that does not completely wet water”, at T = 300 K on the model’s surface and some real, solid material, together with the anomalous low dielectric properties due to ordered water.
New Insights into Plastid and Mitochondria Evolution in Wild Peas (Pisum L.)
Authors: Shatskaya Natalia V. , Bogdanova Vera S. , Kosterin Oleg E. , Vasiliev Gennadiy V.
Published: February 2023

Plastids and mitochondria are organelles of plant cells with small genomes, which may exhibit discordant microevolution as we earlier revealed in pea crop wild relatives. We sequenced 22 plastid and mitochondrial genomes of Pisum sativum subsp. elatius and Pisum fulvum using Illumina platform, so that the updated sample comprised 64 accessions. Most wild peas from continental southern Europe and a single specimen from Morocco were found to share the same organellar genome constitution; four others, presumably hybrid constitutions, were revealed in Mediterranean islands and Athos Peninsula. A mitochondrial genome closely related to that of Pisum abyssinicum, from Yemen and Ethiopia, was unexpectedly found in an accession of P. sativum subsp. elatius from Israel, their plastid genomes being unrelated. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on plastid and mitochondrial genomes revealed different sets of wild peas to be most related to cultivated P. sativum subsp. sativum, making its wild progenitor and its origin area enigmatic. An accession of P. fulvum representing ‘fulvum-b’ branch, according to a nuclear marker, appeared in the same branch as other fulvum accessions in organellar trees. The results stress the complicated evolution and structure of genetic diversity of pea crop wild relatives.
Systematics, Ecology and Taxonomy of Collembola: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Bellini Bruno Cavalcante , Weiner Wanda Maria , Winck Bruna Raquel
Published: February 2023

Springtails (Collembola) are very small terrestrial arthropods commonly found to be associated with edaphic environments [...]
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Appraising Myocardial Strain and Biomechanics: A Current Overview
Authors: Zlibut Alexandru , Cojocaru Cosmin , Onciul Sebastian , Agoston-Coldea Lucia
Published: February 2023

Subclinical alterations in myocardial structure and function occur early during the natural disease course. In contrast, clinically overt signs and symptoms occur during late phases, being associated with worse outcomes. Identification of such subclinical changes is critical for timely diagnosis and accurate management. Hence, implementing cost-effective imaging techniques with accuracy and reproducibility may improve long-term prognosis. A growing body of evidence supports using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to quantify deformation parameters. Tissue-tagging (TT-CMR) and feature-tracking CMR (FT-CMR) can measure longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains and recent research emphasize their diagnostic and prognostic roles in ischemic heart disease and primary myocardial illnesses. Additionally, these methods can accurately determine LV wringing and functional dynamic geometry parameters, such as LV torsion, twist/untwist, LV sphericity index, and long-axis strain, and several studies have proved their utility in prognostic prediction in various cardiovascular patients. More recently, few yet important studies have suggested the superiority of fast strain-encoded imaging CMR-derived myocardial strain in terms of accuracy and significantly reduced acquisition time, however, more studies need to be carried out to establish its clinical impact. Herein, the current review aims to provide an overview of currently available data regarding the role of CMR in evaluating myocardial strain and biomechanics.
Potential Role of PSMA-Targeted PET in Thyroid Malignant Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rizzo Alessio , Racca Manuela , Dall’Armellina Sara , Delgado Bolton Roberto C. , Albano Domenico , Dondi Francesco , Bertagna Francesco , Annunziata Salvatore , Treglia Giorgio
Published: February 2023

Background: Recently, several studies introduced the potential use of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting radiopharmaceuticals in radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer (TC). Methods: The authors accomplished a comprehensive literature search of original articles concerning the performance of PSMA-targeted PET/CT in TC patients. Original papers exploring this molecular imaging examination in radioiodine-refractory TC patients undergoing restaging of their disease were included. Results: A total of 6 documents concerning the diagnostic performance of PSMA-targeted PET/CT in TC (49 patients) were included in this systematic review. The included articles reported heterogeneous values of PSMA-targeted PET/CT detection rates in TC, ranging from 25% to 100% and overall inferior to [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT when the two molecular imaging examinations were compared. Two studies reported the administration of [177Lu]PSMA-radioligands with theragnostic purpose in three patients. Conclusions: The available literature data in this setting are limited and heterogeneous. The employment of PET with PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceuticals in this setting did not affect patient management. Nevertheless, prospective multicentric studies are needed to properly assess its potential role in TC patients.
The Use of Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Statie Răzvan-Cristian , Florescu Dan Nicolae , Gheonea Dan-Ionuț , Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Iordache Sevastița , Rogoveanu Ion , Ciurea Tudorel
Published: February 2023

The diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can sometimes be challenging. By corroborating clinical, imaging and histological data, the two main entities of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease (CD), can be differentiated in most cases. However, there remains 10–20% of patients where the diagnosis cannot be accurately established, in which case the term “IBD unclassified” is used. The imaging techniques most used to evaluate patients with IBD include colonoscopy, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Endoscopic ultrasonography is mainly recommended for the evaluation of perianal CD. Through this work, we aim to identify other uses of this method in the case of patients with IBD.
Complexity and Evolution
Authors: Veloz Tomas , Heylighen Francis , Witkowski Olaf
Published: February 2023

Understanding the underlying structure of evolutionary processes is one the most important issues of scientific enquiry of this century [...]
Dynamic Productivity Prediction Method of Shale Condensate Gas Reservoir Based on Convolution Equation
Authors: Wang Ping , Liu Wenchao , Huang Wensong , Qiao Chengcheng , Jia Yuepeng , Liu Chen
Published: February 2023

The dynamic productivity prediction of shale condensate gas reservoirs is of great significance to the optimization of stimulation measures. Therefore, in this study, a dynamic productivity prediction method for shale condensate gas reservoirs based on a convolution equation is proposed. The method has been used to predict the dynamic production of 10 multi-stage fractured horizontal wells in the Duvernay shale condensate gas reservoir. The results show that flow-rate deconvolution algorithms can greatly improve the fitting effect of the Blasingame production decline curve when applied to the analysis of unstable production of shale gas condensate reservoirs. Compared with the production decline analysis method in commercial software HIS Harmony RTA, the productivity prediction method based on a convolution equation of shale condensate gas reservoirs has better fitting affect and higher accuracy of recoverable reserves prediction. Compared with the actual production, the error of production predicted by the convolution equation is generally within 10%. This means it is a fast and accurate method. This study enriches the productivity prediction methods of shale condensate gas reservoirs and has important practical significance for the productivity prediction and stimulation optimization of shale condensate gas reservoirs.
Prediction of Fuel Properties of Torrefied Biomass Based on Back Propagation Neural Network Hybridized with Genetic Algorithm Optimization
Authors: Liu Xiaorui , Yang Haiping , Yang Jiamin , Liu Fang
Published: February 2023

Torrefaction is an effective technology to overcome the defects of biomass which are adverse to its utilization as solid fuels. For assessing the torrefaction process, it is essential to characterize the properties of torrefied biomass. However, the preparation and characterization of torrefied biomass often consume a lot of time, costs, and manpower. Developing a reliable method to predict the fuel properties of torrefied biomass while avoiding various experiments and tests is of great value. In this study, a machine learning (ML) model of back propagation neural network (BPNN) hybridized with genetic algorithm (GA) optimization was developed to predict the important properties of torrefied biomass for the fuel purpose involving fuel ratio (FR), H/C and O/C ratios, high heating value (HHV) and the mass and energy yields (MY and EY) based on the proximate analysis results of raw biomass and torrefaction conditions. R2 and RMSE were examined to evaluate the prediction precision of the model. The results showed that the GA-BPNN model exhibited excellent accuracy in predicting all properties with the values of R2 higher than 0.91 and RMSE less than 1.1879. Notably, the GA-BPNN model is applicable to any type of biomass feedstock, whether it was dried or not before torrefaction. This study filled the gap of ML application in predicting the multiple fuel properties of torrefied biomass. The results could provide reference to torrefaction technology as well as the design of torrefaction facilities.
A Global Review of the Hydrogen Energy Eco-System
Authors: Noyan Omer Faruk , Hasan Muhammad Mahmudul , Pala Nezih
Published: February 2023

Climate change primarily caused by the greenhouse gases emitted as a result of the consumption of carbon-based fossil fuels is considered one of the biggest challenges that humanity has ever faced. Moreover, the Ukrainian crisis in 2022 has complicated the global energy and food status quo more than ever. The permanency of this multifaceted fragility implies the need for increased efforts to have energy independence and requires long-term solutions without fossil fuels through the use of clean, zero-carbon renewables energies. Hydrogen technologies have a strong potential to emerge as an energy eco-system in its production-storage-distribution-utilization stages, with its synergistic integration with solar-wind-hydraulic-nuclear and other zero-carbon, clean renewable energy resources, and with the existing energy infrastructure. In this paper, we provide a global review of hydrogen energy need, related policies, practices, and state of the art for hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and utilization.
Bio Oil as Cutter Stock in Fuel Oil Blends for Industrial Applications
Authors: Palmay Paul , Puente Cesar , Haro Carla , Bruno Joan Carles , Coronas Alberto
Published: February 2023

In many countries, Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) is still a common fuel in industrial applications due to its low price and high energy density. However, the complex and incomplete combustion of HFO results in high levels of emissions and low efficiency, which causes the search for additives to improve its properties without affecting its heating value. The present paper aims to use as an additive the liquid fraction from pyrolysis of the polystyrene for fuel oil, replacing conventional additives such as cutter stock, improving its fluidity without using heat to pump it. As for pyrolysis for obtaining pyrolytic oil, the effect of temperature on the chemical composition of the liquid fraction from the thermal pyrolysis of compact polystyrene was studied. PS pyrolysis was carried out in a temperature range between 350 to 450 °C at a heating rate of 15 °C min−1 in a batch type reactor, with a condensation system, in order to analyze the best fraction liquid yield. At 400 °C we obtained a liquid fraction of 81%. This product presented a kinematic viscosity of 1.026 mm2 s−1, a relative density of 0.935, a flash point of 24 °C, and a gross heating value of 48.5 MJ kg−1. Chromatographic analysis indicates that 75% by mass of the components corresponds to C6 to C20 hydrocarbons, showing the high generation of isomers of the polystyrene monomer and aromatic compounds. The product obtained is mixed with base fuel oil at 60 °C at 250 rpm for a period of one hour, in percentages of 10 to 50% by mass. The 10% mixture has properties very close to those required by the standard fuel oil, presenting a viscosity of 108 mm2 s−1 that adjusts to the requirements in burners for industrial applications; additionally, it has a Sulphur content lower than that of fuel oil without affecting its heating value.
Study on the Tight Gas Accumulation Process and Model in the Transition Zone at the Margin of the Basin: A Case Study on the Permian Lower Shihezi Formation, Duguijiahan Block, Ordos Basin, Northern China
Authors: Yu Hanwen , Ye Jiaren , Cao Qiang , Liu Yiming , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

Recent discoveries of oil and gas have principally been located in the central part of the Ordos Basin, which is a petroliferous basin with the largest discovered reserves and annual production of tight sandstone gas in China. For tight sandstone gas reservoirs in the transition zone of the basin margin, the process of natural gas accumulation has remained relatively vaguely understood, because of the transitional accumulation of geological conditions such as structure, sedimentation, and preservation. In this study, thin-section identification and scanning electron microscopic observations of the reservoir core, measurement of the physical properties of the reservoir, microscopic petrography research and measurement of the homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions, digital simulations, and laser Raman spectroscopy analysis were combined to analyze the process of natural gas accumulation of the Permian Lower Shihezi Formation in Duguijiahan block, Hangjinqi area, northern Ordos Basin. The results showed that the Lower Shihezi Formation reservoir in the Duguijiahan block began gas charging in the southern part as early as the Early Cretaceous (130–128 Ma), and then gradually charged in the northern part. Three stages were identified in the digital simulations of gas charging, i.e., the breakthrough, rapid, and fully saturated stages. The initial porosity of the Lower Shihezi Formation reservoir ranged between 28% and 40%. Later, because of strong compaction and interstitial filling during burial, the sandstone porosity decreased rapidly, and densification (porosity < 10%) occurred in the mid–late Jurassic. This late tectonic uplift caused a continuous reduction in ground temperature, and diagenesis had a weak effect on pore transformation. The present porosity of the Lower Shihezi Formation reservoir basically inherited its characteristics in the late Early Cretaceous. The current average porosity of the reservoir is 8.58%, and the average permeability is 0.88 mD, and it can thus be characterized as a tight reservoir. The gas accumulation process of the Lower Shihezi Formation has three stages: (1) the depositional stage (C–P), corresponding to the depositional stage of the source-reservoir-cap combination in gas reservoir; (2) the natural gas accumulation stage (T–K1), corresponding to the period of rapid source rock maturation and natural gas charging step-by-step; and (3) the gas reservoir adjustment stage (K2–present), corresponding to the period of uplift and natural gas charging in the early stage that gradually migrated and accumulated northward along the fracture zone. Finally, the gas accumulation model in the transition zone at the margin of basin was established.