bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Structure and Genetic Diversity Analysis of “Yufen 1” H Line Chickens Using Whole-Genome Resequencing
Authors: Liu Cong , Wang Dongxue , He Yuehua , Liang Wenjie , Li Wenting , Wang Kejun , Li Donghua , Li Zhuanjian , Tian Yadong , Kang Xiangtao , Sun Guirong
Published: March 2023

The effective protection and utilization of poultry resources depend on an accurate understanding of the genetic diversity and population structure. The breeding of the specialized poultry lineage “Yufen 1”, with its defined characteristics, was approved by the China Poultry Genetic Resource Committee in 2015. Thus, to investigate the relationship between the progenitor H line and other poultry breeds, the genetic diversity and population structure of “Yufen 1” H line (YF) were investigated and compared with those of 2 commercial chicken breeds, the ancestor breed Red Jungle Fowls, and 11 Chinese indigenous chicken breeds based on a whole-genome resequencing approach using 8,112,424 SNPs. The genetic diversity of YF was low, and the rate of linkage disequilibrium decay was significantly slower than that of the other Chinese indigenous breeds. In addition, it was shown that the YF population was strongly selected during intensive breeding and that genetic resources have been seriously threatened, which highlights the need to establish a systematic conservation strategy as well as utilization techniques to maintain genetic diversity within YF. Moreover, a principal component analysis, a neighbor-joining tree analysis, a structure analysis, and genetic differentiation indices indicated that YF harbors a distinctive genetic resource with a unique genetic structure separate from that of Chinese indigenous breeds at the genome level. The findings provide a valuable resource and the theoretical basis for the further conservation and utilization of YF.
The Relationship between Restrictions on Going Out and Motor Imagery among Medical University Students in Japan—Research with Small Samples
Authors: Itotani Keisuke , Suganuma Ippei , Morimoto Seiji , Nakai Hideaki , Ogawa Noriyuki
Published: March 2023

Motor imagery is often used as a training method to improve physical performance. Previous studies have often reported that reduced motor imagery is more likely to occur in older adults and stroke patients. However, it has also been reported that it is difficult to imagine exercises that cannot be performed. Therefore, we hypothesized that this may also have occurred in young people who were physically able to exercise but who were restricted by COVID-19 lockdowns, however, we could find no studies that investigated the impact of restricting outings. In this study, 83 healthy young people were measured for physical performance (maximum walking speed, grasp strength, Timed Up and Go test, imagined Timed Up and Go test, functional reach test, and five chair stand test). It was found that, while restricting outings did not influence physical performance in the subjects, it did influence motor imagery. Therefore, it should be borne in mind that training with motor imagery may not generate adequate actual motor imagery when restrictions are imposed on activities.
Influence of Insertion Torques on the Surface Integrity in Different Dental Implants: An Ex Vivo Descriptive Study
Authors: Brancacci Erika , García González Susana , Galve-Huertas Andrea , Bennani Aida , Hernández Alfaro Federico , Aboul-Hosn Centenero Samir
Published: March 2023

Background: The primary objective of this ex vivo study was to assess the influence of increasing insertion torques on three types of dental implants and possible alterations of their microgeometry after the application of three different torque intensities. Methods: 27 implants of 3 different implant brands (Groups A, B and C) were placed in cow ribs using 30 Ncm, 45 Ncm and 55 Ncm insertion torques. The implants were subsequently removed using trephine burs, and SEM analysis was carried out in order to detect implant surface and connection changes, as compared to the implant controls. Results: Surface deformations were predominantly observed on the third apical part of the implants. The alterations presented with increasing insertion torques, with 45 Ncm being the threshold value. Prosthetic connections were also compromised. Conclusions: The changes sustained by the implants were proportional to the insertion torque they were subjected to; 45 Ncm and greater insertion torques resulted in more consistent damage, both on the implant surface and the implant connection.
Investigation into the Time-Dependent Crack Propagation Rate of Concrete
Authors: Song Jingxiang , Gao Hongbo , Zhu Ran
Published: March 2023

Mass concrete structures under long-term loads are susceptible to time-dependent fractures, which pose a threat to their structural integrity and safety. In order to study the crack growth rate of concrete materials under long-term constant load, the data were processed according to the calculation method of fatigue crack growth rate. The relationship between the crack growth rate and strength factor in the stable growth stage was obtained using the Paris formula. The experimental data and theoretical analysis show that the time-dependent fracture curve CMOR(t)-t of the standard three-point bending beam specimens could be divided into three stages. The relationship between the crack propagation rate da/dt(t) in the second stage and the intensity factor K(t) could be well described by the Paris formula. The life of crack growth of a standard three-point curved beam is inversely proportional to the level of constant load. These conclusions can provide data support for further studies on crack extension life under long-term constant load.
Integration of Discrete Simulation, Prediction, and Optimization Methods for a Production Line Digital Twin Design
Authors: Krenczyk Damian , Paprocka Iwona
Published: March 2023

The integration of discrete simulations, artificial intelligence methods, and the theory of probability in order to obtain a high flexibility of the production system is crucial. In this paper, the concept of a smart factory operation is proposed along with the idea of data exchange architecture, simulation creation, performance optimization, and predictive analysis of the production process conditions. A Digital Twin for a hybrid flow shop from the automotive industry is presented as a case study. In the paper, the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm is developed for multi-criteria scheduling problems in order to obtain a production plan without delays and maximum resource utilization. The ACO is compared to the immune algorithm and genetic algorithm. The best schedules are achieved with low computation time for the Digital Twin. By predicting the reliability parameters of the limited resources of the Digital Twin, stable deadlines for the implementation of production tasks are achieved. Mean Time To Failure and Mean Time of Repair are predicted for a real case study of an electric steering gear production line. The presented integration and data exchange between the elements of the smart factory: a Digital Twin, a computing module including an optimization, prediction, and simulation methods fills the gap between theory and practice for Industry 4.0. The paper presents measurable benefits of integration of discrete simulation tools, historical data analysis, and optimization methods.
Low-Temperature Sintering of Ag Composite Pastes with Different Metal Organic Decomposition Additions
Authors: Xu Zixuan , Liu Xun , Li Junjie , Sun Rong , Liu Li
Published: March 2023

Rapid developments in wide-bandgap semiconductors have led to the demand for interconnection materials that can withstand harsh conditions. In this study, novel Ag composite pastes were developed with the assistance of metal organic decomposition (MOD) to significantly reduce the sintering temperature of commercial Ag pastes. The effects of the decomposition characteristics of different MODs on the microstructure, morphology, and the shear strength of the Ag-sintered joints were systematically investigated. Additionally, the low-temperature sintering mechanisms of the MOD-assisted Ag composite pastes were studied and proposed. Among all the MODs studied, the one consisting of propylamine complexed with silver oxalate demonstrated the best performance due to its ability to form Ag nanoclusters with the smallest size (~25 nm) and highest purity (~99.07 wt.%). Notably, the bonding temperature of the MOD-modified Ag pastes decreased from 250 °C to 175 °C, while the shear strength increased from 20 MPa to 40.6 MPa when compared to the commercial Ag pastes.
Room Temperature Strengthening and High-Temperature Superplasticity of Mg-Li-Al-Sr-Y Alloy Fabricated by Asymmetric Rolling and Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Cao Furong , Xiang Chao , Kong Shuting , Guo Nanpan , Shang Huihui
Published: March 2023

Magnesium-lithium alloy is the lightest alloy to date. To explore its room temperature strength and high-temperature ductility, a plate of a new fine-grained Mg-9.13Li-3.74Al-0.31Sr-0.11Y alloy was fabricated by asymmetric rolling, and the rolled plate was subjected to friction stir processing (FSP). The microstructure and mechanical properties at room and elevated temperatures were investigated by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and tensile tester. Grain refinement with an average grain size in the α-Mg phase of 1.65 μm and an average grain size in the β-Li phase of 4.24 μm was achieved in the water-cooled FSP alloy. For room temperature behavior, the ultimate tensile strength of 208 ± 4 MPa, yield strength of 193 ± 2 MPa, and elongation of 48.2% were obtained in the water-cooled FSP alloy. XRD and EDS analyses revealed that the present alloy consists of α-Mg and β-Li phases, Al2Y, Al4Sr, MgLi2Al, and AlLi intermetallic compounds. For high-temperature behavior, the maximum superplasticity or ductility of 416% was demonstrated in this fine-grained alloy with an average grain size of 10 μm at 573 K and 1.67 × 10−3 s−1. A power-law constitutive equation was established. The stress exponent was 2.29 (≈2) (strain rate sensitivity 0.44), and the deformation activation energy was 162.02 kJ/mol. This evidence confirmed that the dominant deformation mechanism at elevated temperatures is grain boundary and interphase boundary sliding controlled by lattice diffusion.
Optimization of Fly Ash—Slag One-Part Geopolymers with Improved Properties
Authors: Faridmehr Iman , Sahraei Mohammad Ali , Nehdi Moncef L. , Valerievich Kiyanets A.
Published: March 2023

One-part geopolymer concrete/mortar is a pre-mixed material made from industrial by-products and solid alkaline activators that only requires the addition of water for activation. Apart from being environmentally friendly, it also reduces complexity and improves consistency in the mixing process, leading to more efficient production and consistent material properties. However, developing one-part geopolymer concrete with desirable compressive strength is challenging because of the complexity of the chemical reaction involved, the variability of the raw materials used, and the need for precise control of curing conditions. Therefore, 80 different one-part geopolymer mixtures were compiled from the open literature in this study, and the effects of the constituent materials, the dosage of alkaline activators, curing condition, and water/binder ratio on the 28-day compressive strength of one-part geopolymer paste were examined in detail. An ANN model with the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm was developed to estimate one-part geopolymer’s compressive strength and its sensitivity to binder constituents and alkaline dosage. The ANN model’s weights and biases were also used to develop a CPLEX-based optimization method for achieving maximum compressive strength. The results confirm that the compressive strength of one-part geopolymer pastes increased by increasing the Na2O content of the alkaline source and the slag dosage; however, increasing the Na2O content in alkaline sources beyond 6% by fly ash weight led to decreasing the compressive strength; therefore, the optimum alkaline activator dosage by weight of fly ash was to be 12% (i.e., 6% Na2O). The proposed ANN model developed in this study can aid in the production and performance tuning of sustainable one-part geopolymer concrete and mortar for broader full-scale applications.
Efficient Broadband Light-Trapping Structures on Thin-Film Silicon Fabricated by Laser, Chemical and Hybrid Chemical/Laser Treatments
Authors: Kovalev Michael , Podlesnykh Ivan , Nastulyavichus Alena , Stsepuro Nikita , Mushkarina Irina , Platonov Pavel , Terukov Evgeniy , Abolmasov Sergey , Dunaev Aleksandr , Akhmatkhanov Andrey , Shur Vladimir , Kudryashov Sergey
Published: March 2023

Light-trapping structures formed on surfaces of various materials have attracted much attention in recent years due to their important role in many applications of science and technology. This article discusses various methods for manufacturing light-trapping “black” silicon, namely laser, chemical and hybrid chemical/laser ones. In addition to the widely explored laser texturing and chemical etching methods, we develop a hybrid chemical/laser texturing method, consisting in laser post-texturing of pyramidal structures obtained after chemical etching. After laser treatments the surface morphology was represented by a chaotic relief of microcones, while after chemical treatment it acquired a chaotic pyramidal relief. Moreover, laser texturing of preliminarily chemically microtextured silicon wafers is shown to take five-fold less time compared to bare flat silicon. In this case, the chemically/laser-treated samples exhibit average total reflectance in the spectral range of 250–1100 nm lower by 7–10% than after the purely chemical treatment.
Research on the Roundness Approximation Search Algorithm of Si3N4 Ceramic Balls Based on Least Square and EMD Methods
Authors: Sun Jian , Chen Wei , Yao Jinmei , Tian Zhonghao , Gao Longfei
Published: March 2023

This paper aims to obtain the best shape accuracy evaluation algorithm for silicon nitride ceramic balls after lapping, and to extract the initial signal of the ball surface to improve the accuracy and reliability of the algorithm. The research methods of this paper are as follows: Firstly, an analysis of the uniform envelope of the lapping trajectory of ceramic balls is carried out to verify whether the lapping trajectory after processing can achieve a consistent envelope on the balls’ surface. On this basis, it is found through experiments that the standard deviation SD between the roundness deviations of different contour sections is small. The value is maintained at approximately 0.03 μm, and the roundness deviation can approximately replace the spherical deviation. Then the different contour sections of the sphere are sampled by the Taylor roundness instrument. Considering the uncertainty, the sampling points of different contour sections are averaged and used as the original signal of the sphere surface. Then the EMD method is used to process the signal to be detected on the sphere surface. The initial signal of the sphere surface is extracted by judging whether the number of ripples Kc obtained by decomposition is greater than the critical value. Then the initial signal is used as the input value of the approximation algorithm. Through the roundness deviation approximation algorithm based on the least square method, the given minimum approximation domain range is finely processed. The divided fine points are used as the center of the circle to intersect with the initial signal. The maximum, minimum, and range of each circle are calculated to obtain the roundness error based on the minimum circumscribed circle, the maximum inscribed circle, and the minimum region method. Finally, the calculated values are compared with those obtained by the traditional algorithm. The experimental results of this paper show that the algorithm is consistent with the roundness error measured by the instrument, compared with the mainstream evaluation criteria. In summary, the conclusions can be drawn as follows: Through a large number of experimental cases and comparative experiments, the algorithm has high accuracy and reliability. The research results of this paper have essential reference significance for accurately evaluating the shape accuracy of ceramic balls in actual production.
Fabrication of Rapid Electrical Pulse-Based Biosensor Consisting of Truncated DNA Aptamer for Zika Virus Envelope Protein Detection in Clinical Samples
Authors: Jang Moonbong , Lee Myoungro , Sohn Hiesang , Park Chulhwan , Lee Taek
Published: March 2023

Zika virus (ZV) infection causes fatal hemorrhagic fever. Most patients are unaware of their symptoms; therefore, a rapid diagnostic tool is required to detect ZV infection. To solve this problem, we developed a rapid electrical biosensor composed of a truncated DNA aptamer immobilized on an interdigitated gold micro-gap electrode and alternating current electrothermal flow (ACEF) technique. The truncated ZV aptamer (T-ZV apt) was prepared to reduce the manufacturing cost for biosensor fabrication, and it showed binding affinity similar to that of the original ZV aptamer. This pulse-voltammetry-based biosensor was composed of a T-ZV apt immobilized on an interdigitated micro-gap electrode. Atomic force microscopy was used to confirm the biosensor fabrication. In addition, the optimal biosensor performance conditions were investigated using pulse voltammetry. ACEF promoted aptamer-target binding, and the target virus envelope protein was detected in the diluted serum within 10 min. The biosensor waveform increased linearly as the concentration of the Zika envelope in the serum increased, and the detection limit was 90.1 pM. Our results suggest that the fabricated biosensor is a significant milestone for rapid virus detection.
Experimental and Statistical Study on the Properties of Basic Oxygen Furnace Slag and Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag Based Alkali-Activated Mortar
Authors: Özkan Hakan , Miyan Nausad , Kabay Nihat , Omur Tarik
Published: March 2023

Basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) is a waste material generated during the steelmaking process and has the potential to harm both the environment and living organisms when disposed of in a landfill. However, the cementitious properties of BOFS might help in utilizing this waste as an alternative material in alkali-activated systems. Therefore, in this study, BOFS and blast furnace slag were activated with varying dosages of NaOH, and the fresh, physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties were determined along with statistical analysis to reach the optimal mix design. The test results showed that an increase in BOFS content decreased compressive and flexural strengths, whereas it slightly increased the water absorption and permeable pores of the tested mortar samples. On the contrary, the increase in NaOH molarity resulted in a denser microstructure, reduced water absorption and permeable pores, and improved mechanical properties. Statistically significant relationships were obtained through response surface methodology with optimal mix proportions, namely, (i) 24.61% BOFS and 7.74 M and (ii) 20.00% BOFS and 8.90 M, which maximize the BOFS content with lower molarity and improve the mechanical properties with lower water absorption and porosity, respectively. The proposed methodology maximizes the utilization of waste BOFS in alkali-activated systems and may promote environmental and economic benefits.
Adaptive Path Selection Algorithm with Flow Classification for Software-Defined Networks
Authors: Yusuf Muhammed Nura , Bakar Kamalrulnizam bin Abu , Isyaku Babangida , Osman Ahmed Hamza , Nasser Maged , Elhaj Fatin A.
Published: March 2023

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a trending architecture that separates controller and forwarding planes. This improves network agility and efficiency. The proliferation of the Internet of Things devices has increased traffic flow volume and its heterogeneity in contemporary networks. Since SDN is a flow-driven network, it requires the corresponding rule for each flow in the flowtable. However, the traffic heterogeneity complicates the rules update operation due to varied quality of service requirements and en-route behavior. Some flows are delay-sensitive while others are long-lived with a propensity to consume network buffers, thereby inflicting congestion and delays on the network. The delay-sensitive flows must be routed through a path with minimal delay, while congestion-susceptible flows are guided along a route with adequate capacity. Although several efforts were introduced over the years to efficiently route flows based on different QoS parameters, the current path selection techniques consider either link or switch operation during decisions. Incorporating composite path metrics with flow classification during path selection decisions has not been adequately considered. This paper proposes a technique based on composite metrics with flow classification to differentiate congestion-prone flows and reroute them along appropriate paths to avoid congestion and loss. The technique is integrated into the SDN controller to guide the selection of paths suitable to each traffic class. Compared to other works, the proposed approach improved the path load ratio by 25%, throughput by 35.6%, and packet delivery ratio by 31.7%.
Improved Golden Jackal Optimization for Optimal Allocation and Scheduling of Wind Turbine and Electric Vehicles Parking Lots in Electrical Distribution Network Using Rosenbrock’s Direct Rotation Strategy
Authors: Yang Jing , Xiong Jiale , Chen Yen-Lin , Yee Por Lip , Ku Chin Soon , Babanezhad Manoochehr
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a multi-objective allocation and scheduling of wind turbines and electric vehicle parking lots are performed in an IEEE 33-bus radial distribution network to reach the minimum annual costs of power loss, purchased grid energy, wind energy, PHEV energy, battery degradation cost, and network voltage deviations. Decision variables, such as the site and size of wind turbines and electric parking lots in the distribution system, are found using an improved golden jackal optimization (IGJO) algorithm based on Rosenbrock’s direct rotational (RDR) strategy. The results showed that the IGJO finds the optimal solution with a lower convergence tolerance and a better (lower) objective function value compared to conventional GJO, the artificial electric field algorithm (AEFA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), and manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO) methods. The results showed that using the proposed method based on the IGJO, the energy loss cost, grid energy cost, and network voltage deviations were reduced by 29.76%, 65.86%, and 18.63%, respectively, compared to the base network. Moreover, the statistical analysis results proved their superiority compared to the conventional GJO, AEFA, PSO, and MRFO algorithms. Moreover, considering vehicles battery degradation costs, the losses cost, grid energy cost, and network voltage deviations have been reduced by 3.28%, 1.07%, and 4.32%, respectively, compared to the case without battery degradation costs. In addition, the results showed that the decrease in electric vehicle availability causes increasing losses for grid energy costs and weakens the network voltage profile, and vice versa.
A Modified q-BFGS Algorithm for Unconstrained Optimization
Authors: Lai Kin Keung , Mishra Shashi Kant , Sharma Ravina , Sharma Manjari , Ram Bhagwat
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a modification of the q-BFGS method for nonlinear unconstrained optimization problems. For this modification, we use a simple symmetric positive definite matrix and propose a new q-quasi-Newton equation, which is close to the ordinary q-quasi-Newton equation in the limiting case. This method uses only first order q-derivatives to build an approximate q-Hessian over a number of iterations. The q-Armijo-Wolfe line search condition is used to calculate step length, which guarantees that the objective function value is decreasing. This modified q-BFGS method preserves the global convergence properties of the q-BFGS method, without the convexity assumption on the objective function. Numerical results on some test problems are presented, which show that an improvement has been achieved. Moreover, we depict the numerical results through the performance profiles.
Chitosan/Albumin Coating Factorial Optimization of Alginate/Dextran Sulfate Cores for Oral Delivery of Insulin
Authors: Pessoa Bruno , Collado-Gonzalez Mar , Sandri Giuseppina , Ribeiro António
Published: March 2023

The design of nanoparticle formulations composed of biopolymers, that govern the physicochemical properties of orally delivered insulin, relies on improving insulin stability and absorption through the intestinal mucosa while protecting it from harsh conditions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Chitosan/polyethylene glycol (PEG) and albumin coating of alginate/dextran sulfate hydrogel cores are presented as a multilayer complex protecting insulin within the nanoparticle. This study aims to optimize a nanoparticle formulation by assessing the relationship between design parameters and experimental data using response surface methodology through a 3-factor 3-level optimization Box–Behnken design. While the selected independent variables were the concentrations of PEG, chitosan and albumin, the dependent variables were particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and insulin release. Experimental results showed a nanoparticle size ranging from 313 to 585 nm, with PDI from 0.17 to 0.39 and zeta potential ranging from −29 to −44 mV. Insulin bioactivity was maintained in simulated GI media with over 45% cumulative release after 180 min in a simulated intestinal medium. Based on the experimental responses and according to the criteria of desirability on the experimental region’s constraints, solutions of 0.03% PEG, 0.047% chitosan and 1.20% albumin provide an optimum nanoparticle formulation for insulin oral delivery.
Rapid Prototyping of Multi-Functional and Biocompatible Parafilm®-Based Microfluidic Devices by Laser Ablation and Thermal Bonding
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Wang Tianle , Wang Yuye , Zeng Shuwen , Ho Yi-Ping , Ho Ho-Pui
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we report a simple, rapid, low-cost, biocompatible, and detachable microfluidic chip fabrication method for customized designs based on Parafilm®. Here, Parafilm® works as both a bonding agent and a functional membrane. Its high ultimate tensile stress (3.94 MPa) allows the demonstration of high-performance actuators such as microvalves and micropumps. By laser ablation and the one-step bonding of multiple layers, 3D structured microfluidic chips were successfully fabricated within 2 h. The consumption time of this method (~2 h) was 12 times less than conventional photolithography (~24 h). Moreover, the shear stress of the PMMA–Parafilm®–PMMA specimens (0.24 MPa) was 2.13 times higher than that of the PDMS–PDMS specimens (0.08 MPa), and 0.56 times higher than that of the PDMS–Glass specimens (0.16 MPa), showing better stability and reliability. In this method, multiple easily accessible materials such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), PVC, and glass slides were demonstrated and well-incorporated as our substrates. Practical actuation devices that required high bonding strength including microvalves and micropumps were fabricated by this method with high performance. Moreover, the biocompatibility of the Parafilm®-based microfluidic devices was validated through a seven-day E. coli cultivation. This reported fabrication scheme will provide a versatile platform for biochemical applications and point-of-care diagnostics.
Antioxidant Activity of Natural Phenols and Derived Hydroxylated Biphenyls
Authors: Kostić Kristina , Brborić Jasmina , Delogu Giovanna , Simić Milena R. , Samardžić Stevan , Maksimović Zoran , Dettori Maria Antonietta , Fabbri Davide , Kotur-Stevuljević Jelena , Saso Luciano
Published: March 2023

A comparative in vitro study of the antioxidant potential of natural phenols (zingerone, curcumin, raspberry ketone, magnolol) and their synthesized derivatives was performed. The antioxidant efficiency was evaluated in blood serum obtained from healthy individuals, by means of spectrophotometry, before and after the addition of pro-oxidant tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH). Moreover, the antioxidant effect of an equimolar mixture of curcumin and zingerone was investigated. Interpretation of our results reveals that in the blood serum of healthy individuals curcumin (C1), raspberry ketone (RK1), magnolol (M1) and synthesized derivative of zingerone (Z2) demonstrate remarkable antioxidant effects (p < 0.05). However, in the state of TBH-induced excessive oxidative stress natural magnolol and synthesized derivatives C1, Z1 and RK1 show powerful antioxidant activity and thus can be further investigated to obtain information about their metabolic transformations and their potential influence at the cellular level. Results obtained from measurements in an equimolar mixture of zingerone and curcumin indicate synergism (p < 0.05) between the two compounds. This combination is especially successful due to the fast and efficient neutralization of added pro-oxidant TBH. The commercial availability of turmeric and ginger and their frequent combined use in diet suggest ideas for further broader utilization of the beneficial synergistic effect of their phenolic components.
Magnetostructural Properties of Some Doubly-Bridged Phenoxido Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Massoud Salah S. , Louka Febee R. , Dial Madison T. , Salem Nahed N. M. H. , Fischer Roland C. , Torvisco Ana , Mautner Franz A. , Nakashima Kai , Handa Makoto , Mikuriya Masahiro
Published: March 2023

Three new tripod tetradentate phenolate-amines (H2L1, H2L4 and H2L9), together with seven more already related published ligands, were synthesized, and characterized. With these ligands, two new dinuclear doubly-bridged-phenoxido copper(II) complexes (3, 4), and six more complexes (1, 2, 5–8), a new trinuclear complex (9) with an alternative doubly-bridged-phenoxido and –methoxido, as well as the 1D polymer (10) were synthesized, and their molecular structures were characterized by spectroscopic methods and X-ray single crystal crystallography. The Cu(II) centers in these complexes exhibit distorted square-pyramidal arrangement in 1–4, mixed square pyramidal and square planar in 5, 6, and 9, and distorted octahedral (5+1) arrangements in 7 and 8. The temperature dependence magnetic susceptibility study over the temperature range 2–300 K revealed moderate–relatively strong antiferromagnetic coupling (AF) (|J| = 289–145 cm−1) in complexes 1–6, weak-moderate AF (|J| = 59 cm−1) in the trinuclear complex 9, but weak AF interactions (|J| = 3.6 & 4.6 cm−1) were obtained in 7 and 8. No correlation was found between the exchange coupling J and the geometrical structural parameters of the four-membered Cu2O2 rings.
The Castagnoli–Cushman Reaction
Authors: Ramiro José Luis , Martínez-Caballero Sonia , Neo Ana G. , Díaz Jesús , Marcos Carlos F.
Published: March 2023

Since the first reports of the reaction of imines and cyclic anhydrides by Castagnoli and Cushman, this procedure has been applied to the synthesis of a variety of lactams, some of them with important synthetic or biological interest. The scope of the reaction has been extended to the use of various Schiff bases and anhydrides as well as to different types of precursors for these reagents. In recent years, important advances have been made in understanding the mechanism of the reaction, which has historically been quite controversial. This has helped to develop reaction conditions that lead to pure diastereomers and even homochiral products. In addition, these mechanistic studies have also led to the development of new multicomponent versions of the Castagnoli–Cushman reaction that allow products with more diverse and complex molecular structures to be easily obtained.
Higher Education in the Pacific Alliance: Descriptive and Exploratory Analysis of the Didactic Potential of Virtual Reality
Authors: Antón-Sancho Álvaro , Fernández-Arias Pablo , Vergara Diego
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we conducted descriptive quantitative research on the assessment of virtual reality (VR) technologies in higher education in the countries of the Pacific Alliance (PA). Specifically, differences between PA countries in terms of the above perceptions were identified and the behavior of the gender and knowledge area gaps in each of them was analyzed. A validated quantitative questionnaire was used for this purpose. As a result, we found that PA professors express high ratings of VR but point out strong disadvantages regarding its use in lectures; in addition, they have low self-concept of their digital competence. In this regard, it was identified that there are notable differences among the PA countries. Mexico is the country with the most marked gender gaps, while Chile has strong gaps by areas of knowledge. We give some recommendations towards favoring a homogeneous process of integration of VR in higher education in the PA countries.
The Influence of Serious Games in the Promotion of Healthy Diet and Physical Activity Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lamas Susana , Rebelo Sofia , da Costa Sofia , Sousa Helena , Zagalo Nelson , Pinto Elisabete
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: serious games seem to show promising strategies to promote treatment compliance and motivate behavior changes, and some studies have proven to contribute to the literature on serious games. (2) Methods: this systematic review aimed to analyze the effect of serious games in promoting healthy eating behaviors, effectively preventing childhood obesity, and improving physical activity in children. Five electronic bibliographic databases—PubMed, ACM Digital Library, Games for Health Journal, and IEEE Xplore were used to conduct a systematic literature search based on fixed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2003 and 2021 were selected for data extraction. (3) Results: a total of 26 studies were identified, representing 17 games. Half of the studies tested interventions for healthy eating and physical education. Most of the intervention’s games were designed according to specific behavioral change theories, predominantly the social cognitive theory. (4) Conclusions: studies confirmed the potential of serious games for obesity prevention but considering the restrictions encountered, we exhort for novel designs with different theoretical perspectives.
Selenium, Stroke, and Infection: A Threefold Relationship; Where Do We Stand and Where Do We Go?
Authors: Liampas Andreas , Zis Panagiotis , Hadjigeorgiou Georgios , Vavougios George D.
Published: March 2023

Stroke is currently the second most common cause of death worldwide and a major cause of serious long-term morbidity. Selenium is a trace element with pleotropic effects on human health. Selenium deficiency has been associated with a prothrombotic state and poor immune response, particularly during infection. Our aim was to synthesize current evidence on the tripartite interrelationship between selenium levels, stroke, and infection. Although evidence is contradictory, most studies support the association between lower serum selenium levels and stroke risk and outcomes. Conversely, limited evidence on the role of selenium supplementation in stroke indicates a potentially beneficial effect of selenium. Notably, the relationship between stroke risk and selenium levels is bimodal rather than linear, with higher levels of serum selenium linked to disturbances of glucose metabolism and high blood pressure, morbidities which are, in turn, substrates for stroke. Another such substrate is an infection, albeit forming a bidirectional relationship with both stroke and the consequences of impaired selenium metabolism. Perturbed selenium homeostasis leads to impaired immune fitness and antioxidant capacity, which both favor infection and inflammation; specific pathogens may also contend with the host for transcriptional control of the selenoproteome, adding a feed-forward loop to this described process. Broader consequences of infection such as endothelial dysfunction, hypercoagulation, and emergent cardiac dysfunction both provide stroke substrates and further feed-forward feedback to the consequences of deficient selenium metabolism. In this review, we provide a synthesis and interpretation of these outlined complex interrelationships that link selenium, stroke, and infection and attempt to decipher their potential impact on human health and disease. Selenium and the unique properties of its proteome could provide both biomarkers and treatment options in patients with stroke, infection, or both.
Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength as Predictors of Clinical Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Papaemmanouil Androniki , Bakaloudi Dimitra , Gkantali Konstantina , Kalopitas Georgios , Metallidis Simeon , Germanidis Georgios , Chourdakis Michael
Published: March 2023

Phase angle (PhA) and muscle strength are predictors of clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Malnutrition may affect body composition measurements. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the association between PhA and handgrip strength (HGS), and clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The study included a total of 102 patients. Both PhA and HGS were measured twice, within 48 h of hospital admission and on the 7th day of hospitalization. The primary outcome was the clinical status on the 28th day of hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the hospital length of stay (LOS), the concentrations of ferritin, C-reactive protein and albumin, oxygen requirements and the severity of pneumonia. A one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test and Spearman rS correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. No differences were found for PhA [on day 1 (p = 0.769) and day 7 (p = 0.807)] and the primary outcome. A difference was found between HGS on day 1 and the primary outcome (p = 0.008), while no difference was found for HGS on day 7 (p = 0.476). Body mass index was found to be associated with the oxygen requirement on day 7 (p = 0.005). LOS was correlated neither with PhA (rs = −0.081, p = 0.422) nor with HGS (rs = 0.137, p = 0.177) on the first day. HGS could be a useful indicator of clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients, while PhA does not seem to have a clinical impact. However, further research is needed to validate the results of our study.
Untargeted and Targeted Blood Lipidomic Signature Profile of Gestational Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Naik Vishal D. , Ramadoss Jayanth
Published: March 2023

Alcohol consumption has a close relationship with blood lipid levels in a nonpregnant state, with a myriad of effects on the liver; however, little is known about the interaction of alcohol and lipids in the context of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). We herein aimed to determine the effect of alcohol on the lipid profile in a pregnant rat model, with a focus on FASD. Dry blood spots (50 µL) were obtained from rat maternal blood collected on gestational day (GD) 20, two hours after the last binge alcohol exposure (4.5 g/kg, GD 5–10; 6 g/kg, GD 11–20). The samples were then analyzed using high-throughput untargeted and targeted lipid profiling via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In untargeted lipidomics, 73 of 315 identified lipids were altered in the alcohol group compared to the pair-fed controls; 67 were downregulated and 6 were upregulated. In targeted analysis, 57 of the 260 studied lipid subspecies were altered, including Phosphatidylcholine (PC), Phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), Phosphatidic Acid (PA), Phosphatidylinositol (PI), and Phosphatidylserine (PS); 36 of these were downregulated and 21 lipid subspecies were upregulated. These findings suggest alcohol-induced dysregulation of lipids in the maternal blood of rats and provide novel insights into possible FASD mechanisms.
Deconstructing Complex Interventions: Piloting a Framework of Delivery Features and Intervention Strategies for the Eating Disorders in Weight-Related Therapy (EDIT) Collaboration
Authors: Lister Natalie B. , Jebeile Hiba , Khalid Rabia , Pryde Samantha , Johnson Brittany J.
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: weight-management interventions vary in their delivery features and intervention strategies. We aimed to establish a protocol to identify these intervention components. (2) Methods: a framework was developed through literature searches and stakeholder consultation. Six studies were independently coded by two reviewers. Consensus included recording conflict resolutions and framework changes. (3) Results: more conflicts occurred for intervention strategies compared to delivery features; both required the updating of definitions. The average coding times were 78 min (SD: 48) for delivery features and 54 min (SD: 29) for intervention strategies. (4) Conclusions: this study developed a detailed framework and highlights the complexities in objectively mapping weight-management trials.
In Vivo and In Vitro Antidiabetic Efficacy of Aqueous and Methanolic Extracts of Orthosiphon Stamineus Benth
Authors: Bassalat Najlaa , Kadan Sleman , Melamed Sarit , Yaron Tamar , Tietel Zipora , Karam Dina , Kmail Asmaa , Masalha Mahmud , Zaid Hilal
Published: March 2023

Orthosiphon stamineus is a popular folk herb used to treat diabetes and some other disorders. Previous studies have shown that O. stamineus extracts were able to balance blood glucose levels in diabetic rat animal models. However, the antidiabetic mechanism of O. stamineus is not fully known. This study was carried out to test the chemical composition, cytotoxicity, and antidiabetic activity of O. stamineus (aerial) methanol and water extracts. GC/MS phytochemical analysis of O. stamineus methanol and water extracts revealed 52 and 41 compounds, respectively. Ten active compounds are strong antidiabetic candidates. Oral treatment of diabetic mice with O. stamineus extracts for 3 weeks resulted significant reductions in blood glucose levels from 359 ± 7 mg/dL in diabetic non-treated mice to 164 ± 2 mg/dL and 174 ± 3 mg/dL in water- and methanol-based-extract-treated mice, respectively. The efficacy of O. stamineus extracts in augmenting glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane (PM) was tested in a rat muscle cell line stably expressing myc-tagged GLUT4 (L6-GLUT4myc) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The methanol extract was more efficient in enhancing GLUT4 translocation to the PM. It increased GLUT4 translocation at 250 µg/mL to 279 ± 15% and 351 ± 20% in the absence and presence of insulin, respectively. The same concentration of water extract enhanced GLUT4 translocation to 142 ± 2.5% and 165 ± 5% in the absence and presence of insulin, respectively. The methanol and water extracts were safe up to 250 µg/mL as measured with a Methylthiazol Tetrazolium (MTT) cytotoxic assay. The extracts exhibited antioxidant activity as measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. O. stamineus methanol extract reached the maximal inhibition of 77 ± 10% at 500 µg/mL, and O. stamineus water extract led to 59 ± 3% inhibition at the same concentration. These findings indicate that O. stamineus possesses antidiabetic activity in part by scavenging the oxidants and enhancing GLUT4 translocation to the PM in skeletal muscle.
Super-Resolution Structured Illumination Microscopy for the Visualization of Interactions between Mitochondria and Lipid Droplets
Authors: He Ting , Hu Xuejuan , Hu Kai , Liu Jingxin , Zhang Jiaming , Tan Yadan , Yang Xiaokun , Wang Hengliang , Liang Yifei , Liu Shiqian , Ye Jianze
Published: March 2023

Visualizing the dynamics of fine structures in cells requires noninvasive, long-duration imaging of the intracellular environment at high spatiotemporal resolution and low background noise. With modularized hardware and polarized laser modulation, we developed a nanoscale super-resolution structured illumination microscope (SR-SIM) imaging technique. Combined with a reliable image reconstruction algorithm and timing synchronization of all devices, the super-resolution (SR) images in hepatocytes reached 134.95 nm spatial resolution and 50 fps temporal resolution. This imaging system was able to maintain the optimal operation state over hundreds of time points due to less exposure and low phototoxicity. In hepatocytes, interactions between mitochondria and lipid droplets (LDs) underpin many crucial physiological processes, ranging from cellular metabolism to signaling. In this study, we pioneered the use of the SIM system for imaging the interaction characteristics between mitochondria and LDs. More than 200 hepatocytes were counted and recorded effectively. We found that LDs in an unstable state were divided under mitochondrial contact and fused without it. Among 200 LDs, more than 69% were surrounded by mitochondria that tended to wrap LDs. The SR-SIM imaging technique was demonstrated to break the limitations of conventional imaging methods in spatial-temporal resolution and imaging duration in the field of the dynamic study between mitochondria and LDs.
Experimental Synthesis and Demonstration of the Twisted Laguerre–Gaussian Schell-Mode Beam
Authors: Xia Yuning , Wang Haiyun , Liu Lin , Chen Yahong , Wang Fei , Cai Yangjian
Published: March 2023

The twisted Laguerre–Gaussian Schell-model (TLGSM) beam is a novel type of partially coherent beam embedded with both the second-order twist phase and the classical vortex phase. The intriguing properties induced by the interaction of the two types of phases have been demonstrated theoretically quite recently. In this work, we introduce a flexible way to experimentally synthesize a TLGSM beam with controllable twist strength. The protocol relies on the discrete pseudo-mode representation for the cross-spectral density of a TLGSM beam, in which the beam is viewed as an incoherent superposition of a finite number of spatially coherent modes. We show that all these pseudo modes endowed with random phases are mutually uncorrelated and can be encoded into a single frame of a dynamic computer-generated hologram. By sequentially displaying dynamic holograms on a single spatial-light modulator, the controllable TLGSM beam can be synthesized experimentally. The joint effect of the two phases on the propagation and self-reconstruction characteristics of the synthesized beam has also been studied in the experiment.
Effects of Pulsed Red and Near-Infrared Light on Neuroblastoma Cells—Pilot Study on Frequency and Duty Cycle
Authors: Tang Luyao , Qin Haokuan , Lin Shangfei , Liu Muqing
Published: March 2023

Transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) is an innovative intervention for a wide range of neurological and psychological conditions. tPBM therapy can enhance the metabolic capacity of neurons and bring about a variety of beneficial changes. This study mainly investigated the photobiological effects of pulsed red and near-infrared (NIR) light on neuron-like neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells by in vitro experiments. We covered the irradiation parameters, including wavelength (660, 850 nm), power density (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 mW/cm2), frequency (40, 100, 1000 Hz), and duty cycle (10%, 50%, 90%), finding that pulsed light generated a distinct effect compared with continuous-wave light on the cellular responses. Cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) showed significant increase after irradiation of the adequate fluence amount (4.8–9.6 J/cm2), and the enhancement was more notable under 40 Hz pulsed lighting. Under pulsed lighting with an average power density of 10 mW/cm2, cells that received irradiation of higher peak power density up to 100 mW/cm2 with a 10% duty cycle showed slightly higher metabolic responses. In addition, it was found that under same total fluence, short-term irradiation with high power density was more effective than long-term irradiation with low power density, which indicated the existence of a threshold to achieve effectiveness.