bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Production and Mitochondrial Energetics in Rat Tissues with Different Contents of Reduced Coenzyme Q
Authors: Dominiak Karolina , Jarmuszkiewicz Wieslawa
Published: March 2021

We investigated the relationship between mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial energetics in various rat tissues with different contents of the reduced coenzyme Q (Q) pool (Q9 + Q10). Our results indicate that similar to the tissue level, mitochondrial H2O2 release under nonphosphorylating conditions was strongly dependent on the amount of the reduced Q pool. Namely, in brain and lung mitochondria, less H2O2 release corresponded to a less reduced Q pool, while in liver and heart mitochondria, higher H2O2 release corresponded to a more reduced Q pool. We can conclude that the differences observed in rat tissues in the size of the reduced Q pool reflect different levels of ROS production and hence may reflect different demands for reduced Q as an antioxidant. Moreover, differences in mitochondrial H2O2 release were observed in different types of rat mitochondria during the oxidation of succinate (complex II substrate), malate plus glutamate (complex I substrate), and their mixture under phosphorylating and nonphosphorylating conditions. Our results indicate the existence of a tissue-specific maximum respiratory chain capacity in ROS production, possibly related to the membrane potential-mediated control of oxidative phosphorylation. We propose the use of a new parameter for the study of isolated mitochondria, RCRROS, the ratio between the formation of mitochondrial ROS under nonphosphorylating and phosphorylating conditions, which represents the maximum factorial increase in mitochondrial ROS formation that can be achieved after all ADP is phosphorylated.
Targeting AKT/mTOR and Bcl-2 for Autophagic and Apoptosis Cell Death in Lung Cancer: Novel Activity of a Polyphenol Compound
Authors: Tungsukruthai Sucharat , Reamtong Onrapak , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Sukrong Suchada , Vinayanwattikun Chanida , Chanvorachote Pithi
Published: March 2021

Autophagic cell death (ACD) is an alternative death mechanism in resistant malignant cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrated how polyphenol stilbene compound PE5 exhibits potent ACD-promoting activity in lung cancer cells that may offer an opportunity for novel cancer treatment. Cell death caused by PE5 was found to be concomitant with dramatic autophagy induction, as indicated by acidic vesicle staining, autophagosome, and the LC3 conversion. We further confirmed that the main death induction caused by PE5 was via ACD, since the co-treatment with an autophagy inhibitor could reverse PE5-mediated cell death. Furthermore, the defined mechanism of action and upstream regulatory signals were identified using proteomic analysis. Time-dependent proteomic analysis showed that PE5 affected 2142 and 1996 proteins after 12 and 24 h of treatment, respectively. The crosstalk network comprising 128 proteins that control apoptosis and 25 proteins involved in autophagy was identified. Protein–protein interaction analysis further indicated that the induction of ACD was via AKT/mTOR and Bcl-2 suppression. Western blot analysis confirmed that the active forms of AKT, mTOR, and Bcl-2 were decreased in PE5-treated cells. Taken together, we demonstrated the novel mechanism of PE5 in shifting autophagy toward cell death induction by targeting AKT/mTOR and Bcl-2 suppression.
Dietary Marginal and Excess Selenium Increased Triglycerides Deposition, Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Differentially Influenced Selenoproteins Expression in the Anterior and Middle Intestines of Yellow Catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco
Authors: Zhang Dian-Guang , Zhao Tao , Xu Xiao-Jian , Lv Wu-Hong , Luo Zhi
Published: March 2021

Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-mineral and plays important roles in antioxidant responses, and also influences lipid metabolism and selenoprotein expression in vertebrates, but the effects and mechanism remain unknown. The study was undertaken to decipher the insights into dietary Se influencing lipid metabolism and selenoprotein expression in the anterior and middle intestine (AI and MI) of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Yellow catfish (weight: 8.27 ± 0.03 g) were fed a 0.03- (M-Se), 0.25- (A-Se), or 6.39- (E-Se) mg Se/kg diet for 12 wk. AI and MI were analyzed for triglycerides (TGs) and Se concentrations, histochemistry and immunofluorescence, enzyme activities, and gene and protein levelsassociated with antioxidant responses, lipid metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and selenoproteome. Compared to the A-Se group, M-Se and E-Se diets significantly decreased weight gain (WG) and increased TGs concentration in the AI and MI. In the AI, compared with A-Se group, M-Se and E-Se diets significantly increased activities of fatty acid synthase, expression of lipogenic genes, and suppressed lipolysis. In the MI, compared to the A-Se group, M-Se and E-Se diets significantly increased activities of lipogenesis and expression of lipogenic genes. Compared with A-Se group, E-Se diet significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in the AI and MI, and M-Se diet did not significantly reduce GPX activities in the AI and MI. Compared with the A- Se group, E-Se diet significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in the plasma and liver, and M-Se diet significantly reduced GPX activities in the plasma and liver. Compared with the A-Se group, M-Se and E-Se groups also increased glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78, ER stress marker) protein expression of the intestine. Dietary Se supplementation also differentially influenced the expression of the 28 selenoproteins in the AI and MI, many of which possessed antioxidant characteristics. Compared with the A-Se group, the M-Se group significantly decreased mRNA levels of txnrd2 and txnrd3, but made no difference on mRNA levels of these seven GPX proteins in the MI. Moreover, we characterized sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) binding sites of three ER-resident proteins (selenom, selenon, and selenos) promoters, and found that Se positively controlled selenom, selenon, and selenos expression via SREBP1c binding to the selenom, selenon, and selenos promoter. Thus, dietary marginal and excess Se increased TGs deposition of yellow catfish P. fulvidraco, which might be mediated by ER-resident selenoproteins expression and ER stress.
The Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Wound Repair and Regeneration
Authors: Lopes Bruna , Sousa Patrícia , Alvites Rui , Branquinho Mariana , Sousa Ana , Mendonça Carla , Atayde Luís Miguel , Maurício Ana Colette
Published: March 2021

In the past decades, regenerative medicine applied on skin lesions has been a field of constant improvement for both human and veterinary medicine. The process of healing cutaneous wound injuries implicates a well-organized cascade of molecular and biological processes. However, sometimes the normal process fails and can result in a chronic lesion. In addition, wounds are considered an increasing clinical impairment, due to the progressive ageing of the population, as well as the prevalence of concomitant diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, that represent risk-aggravating factors for the development of chronic skin lesions. Stem cells’ regenerative potential has been recognized worldwide, including towards skin lesion repair, Tissue engineering techniques have long been successfully associated with stem cell therapies, namely the application of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted scaffolds. With this review, we intend to explore several stem cell sources with promising aptitude towards skin regeneration, as well as different techniques used to deliver those cells and provide a supporting extracellular matrix environment, with effective outcomes. Furthermore, different studies are discussed, both in vitro and in vivo, in terms of their relevance in the skin regeneration field.
A Systematic Mapping with Bibliometric Analysis on Information Systems Using Ontology and Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Kalibatiene Diana , Miliauskaitė Jolanta
Published: March 2021

The ontology-based information systems (IS) development is beneficial for analyzing, conceptual modeling, designing, and re-engineering complex IS to be semantically enriched and suitable for sophisticated reasoning on the IS content. On the other hand, fuzzy theory employment to handle uncertainty and fuzziness in IS becomes a hot topic in different practical domains, such as engineering, IS, computer sciences, etc. As such, ontology- and fuzzy-based IS are being developed. Consequently, there is a need to provide a comprehensive systematic mapping study (SMS) to build a structure on the ontology- and fuzzy-based IS field of interest and to grasp the main ideas. This paper presents findings of SMS, based on the papers extracted from Web of Science and Scopus and employing a bibliometric analysis tool to automate keyword mapping. We conclude this paper by summarizing the previous work and identifying possible research trends, which future investigations can extend. The main finding indicates that ontology and fuzzy logic contribute to ISs by expanding traditional IS to be intelligent IS, which is applicable for solving complex, fuzzy, and semantically rich (ontological) information collection, saving, processing, sharing, and reasoning in different application domains according to users’ needs in various countries.
F127/Cisplatin Microemulsions: In Vitro, In Vivo and Computational Studies
Authors: Sargazi Saman , Hajinezhad Mohammad Reza , Barani Mahmood , Mukhtar Mahwash , Rahdar Abbas , Baino Francesco , Karimi Pouya , Pandey Sadanand
Published: March 2021

The development of effective strategies for local administration of chemotherapeutic drugs, thus minimizing the adverse side effects to patients, is one of the key challenges in biomedicine and cancer research. This work reports the formulation and characterization of PluronicF127 microemulsions to enhance the bioavailability of Cisplatin (Cis). The size of Cis microemulsion was about 12.0 nm, as assessed by dynamic light scattering analysis. In vitro cytotoxic activity of free Cis and F127/Cis microemulsions were studied on malignant (C152 and MCF7) and normal (HUVEC) cells via tetrazolium (MTT) colorimetric assay. Cell morphology was also monitored. In vitro assessments revealed thatF127/Cis microemulsions induced cytotoxicity/morphological changes to a lesser extent than free Cis. Regarding in vivo experiments, F127/Cis microemulsions were injected intraperitoneally at 7 and 14 mg/kg doses into adult male Wistar rats to assess histologic and biochemical changes. In this case, the bulk Cis group caused severe histopathological changes and significant increases in serum liver enzymes and serum kidney function markers. The group treated with the 14 mg/kg dose of F127/Cis microemulsions also showed severe fatty changes and significant increases in serum liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine levels. The group treated with the low dose of nano-Cis showed a significant increase in serum liver enzymes levels accompanied by mild fatty changes of the liver. Theoretical surveys were performed to get an understanding of the interplay between F127 and Cis. Results reveal that hydrogen bonding (HB) interactions with F127have an influence on the molecular properties of Cis and may playa role in the lower toxicity of F127/Cis in comparison to free Cis.
Human Laryngeal Mucus from the Vocal Folds: Rheological Characterization by Particle Tracking Microrheology and Oscillatory Shear Rheology
Authors: Peters Gregor , Wendler Olaf , Böhringer David , Gostian Antoniu-Oreste , Müller Sarina K. , Canziani Herbert , Hesse Nicolas , Semmler Marion , Berry David A. , Kniesburges Stefan , Peukert Wolfgang , Döllinger Michael
Published: March 2021

Mucus consistency affects voice physiology and is connected to voice disorders. Nevertheless, the rheological characteristics of human laryngeal mucus from the vocal folds remain unknown. Knowledge about mucus viscoelasticity enables fabrication of artificial mucus with natural properties, more realistic ex-vivo experiments and promotes a better understanding and improved treatment of dysphonia with regard to mucus consistency. We studied human laryngeal mucus samples from the vocal folds with two complementary approaches: 19 samples were successfully applied to particle tracking microrheology (PTM) and five additional samples to oscillatory shear rheology (OSR). Mucus was collected by experienced laryngologists from patients together with demographic data. The analysis of the viscoelasticity revealed diversity among the investigated mucus samples according to their rigidity (absolute G′ and G″). Moreover some samples revealed throughout solid-like character (G′ > G″), whereas some underwent a change from solid-like to liquid-like (G′ < G″). This led to a subdivision into three groups. We assume that the reason for the differences is a variation in the hydration level of the mucus, which affects the mucin concentration and network formation factors of the mucin mesh. The demographic data could not be correlated to the differences, except for the smoking behavior. Mucus of predominant liquid-like character was associated with current smokers.
Contribution of Interface Fracture Mechanism on Fracture Propagation Trajectory of Heterogeneous Asphalt Composites
Authors: He Jianxin , Liu Liang , Yang Haihua , Aliha M. R. M. , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: March 2021

Asphalt mixture is a type of textured composite material made of aggregates and mastic part. Overall strength and failure behavior in such materials depends on the texture or heterogeneity of the mixture. In particular, the crack growth mechanism from the tip of the pre-crack is significantly affected by the texture of the asphalt composite and environmental conditions. The crack can extend through the soft mastic, tight aggregates or interface of the mastic/aggregates. In this research, by performing some fracture tests on a typical asphalt mixture with different test specimens under mode I, mixed mode I/II and mixed mode I/III, the fracture resistance and trajectory of propagating crack is studied at two low and medium temperatures (i.e., −15 and +15 °C). The load bearing capacity and the fracture resistance of the tested asphalt samples increases by decreasing the temperature. It is also shown that a significant part of fracture plane passes through the soft mastic and boundary of aggregates (i.e., the interface of aggregates and mastic) and only about 10–15% of the fracture surface of the propagating crack passes via the tight aggregates by breaking them. This percentage decreases for mode II and III loading conditions and higher testing temperatures. Compared to brittle and isotropic materials, the fracture path of the asphalt mixture shows more deviation, and this deviation increases for those mixtures containing coarser aggregates in the ligament and tested under medium temperature conditions.
Quo Vadis Solar Energy Research?
Authors: Reyes-Belmonte Miguel Angel
Published: March 2021

In this paper, solar energy research trends and their publishing evolution are presented in terms of bibliometric analysis tools applied to the existing publications within the Web of Science Core Collection. Publishing evolution shows a clear interest in solar energy topics, as 50% of the total number of publications have been published within the time period between 2015 and 2020; most of them at journals and conference proceedings. A results analysis shows that China, the United States and India were the most productive countries in terms of solar energy research publications, and the list of the 10 most productive countries accounted for 83% of total publications within 2019 and 2020. The study pointed out as well that the main thematic areas in solar energy research in 2019–2020 were related to particular topics such as solar cells and optical properties, nanoparticles and composites, TiO2 and photocatalysis, and more general topics such as performance, simulations optimization and renewable energy. Based on paper findings, the research future of solar energy is bright, with continued growth in the publications record and a wide variety of research topics.
A Two-Round Optimization Design Method for Aerostatic Spindles Considering the Fluid–Structure Interaction Effect
Authors: Gao Qiang , Gao Siyu , Lu Lihua , Zhu Min , Zhang Feihu
Published: March 2021

The fluid–structure interaction (FSI) effect has a significant impact on the static and dynamic performance of aerostatic spindles, which should be fully considered when developing a new product. To enhance the overall performance of aerostatic spindles, a two-round optimization design method for aerostatic spindles considering the FSI effect is proposed in this article. An aerostatic spindle is optimized to elaborate the design procedure of the proposed method. In the first-round design, the geometrical parameters of the aerostatic bearing were optimized to improve its stiffness. Then, the key structural dimension of the aerostatic spindle is optimized in the second-round design to improve the natural frequency of the spindle. Finally, optimal design parameters are acquired and experimentally verified. This research guides the optimal design of aerostatic spindles considering the FSI effect.
Risk-Based Virtual Energy Storage System Service Strategy for Prosumers
Authors: Oh Eunsung
Published: March 2021

The high cost of an energy storage system (ESS) is a barrier to its use. This paper proposes a risk-based virtual ESS (VESS) service strategy for prosumers. The basic concept of the VESS service is to logically refer to a physical ESS by multiple users. The VESS service can install ESS with a larger capacity compared to the case of installing ESS individually. Therefore, the VESS reduces the cost barrier through economies of scale. Moreover, ESS is not always being utilized at its maximum in the VESS service. Considering the risk, a VESS can offer a greater capacity than an installed ESS capacity. In this paper, the VESS service model suggested considers not only the economic benefit of increasing the VESS installation capacity but also the value at risk arising from servicing a greater capacity. The VESS service problem is formulated as a convex problem according to the VESS installation capacity and service price by applying stochastic approximation and is optimally solved using the gradient descent method in an iterative manner. The simulation results demonstrate that, when the proposed service strategy is used, the service provider that considers the risk achieves a significantly greater economic benefit of around 30% for the 128-prosumer pair case as compared to the one that does not consider risk. The benefit of the prosumer is increased by approximately 3.5% for the 128-prosumer pair case because the mismatched quantity is reduced during the peer-to-peer energy transaction. In addition, it is discussed how the proposed VESS service strategy achieves benefit through unit ESS cost reduction by the economics of scale and achieves increased service capacity with the multi-user diversity gain of participants.
A Multi-Stage Classification Approach for IoT Intrusion Detection Based on Clustering with Oversampling
Authors: Qaddoura Raneem , Al-Zoubi Ala’ M. , Almomani Iman , Faris Hossam
Published: March 2021

Intrusion detection of IoT-based data is a hot topic and has received a lot of interests from researchers and practitioners since the security of IoT networks is crucial. Both supervised and unsupervised learning methods are used for intrusion detection of IoT networks. This paper proposes an approach of three stages considering a clustering with reduction stage, an oversampling stage, and a classification by a Single Hidden Layer Feed-Forward Neural Network (SLFN) stage. The novelty of the paper resides in the technique of data reduction and data oversampling for generating useful and balanced training data and the hybrid consideration of the unsupervised and supervised methods for detecting the intrusion activities. The experiments were evaluated in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and G-mean and divided into four steps: measuring the effect of the data reduction with clustering, the evaluation of the framework with basic classifiers, the effect of the oversampling technique, and a comparison with basic classifiers. The results show that SLFN classification technique and the choice of Support Vector Machine and Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SVM-SMOTE) with a ratio of 0.9 and the k value of 3 for k-means++ clustering technique give better results than other values and other classification techniques.
Film Thickness-Profile Measurement Using Iterative Peak Separation Structured Illumination Microscopy
Authors: Yang Kejun , Han Chenhaolei , Feng Jinhua , Tang Yan , Xie Zhongye , Hu Song
Published: March 2021

The surface and thickness distribution measurement for transparent film is of interest for electronics and packaging materials. Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) is a prospective technique for measuring film due to its high accuracy and efficiency. However, when the distance between adjacent layers becomes close, the peaks of the modulation depth response (MDR) start to overlap and interfere with the peak extraction, which restricts SIM development in the field of film measurement. In this paper, an iterative peak separation algorithm is creatively applied in the SIM-based technique, providing a precise peak identification even as the MDR peaks overlap and bend into one. Compared with the traditional method, the proposed method has a lower detection threshold for thickness. The experiments and theoretical analysis are elaborated to demonstrate the feasibility of the mentioned method.
Support of Advanced Technologies in Supply Chain Processes and Sustainability Impact
Authors: Azevedo Susana Garrido , Pimentel Carina M. O. , Alves Anabela C. , Matias João C. O.
Published: March 2021

This paper aims to present a study of the type of advanced technologies used across manufacturing supply chains in supporting the main processes of the supply chain operations reference model (SCOR). It also intends to identify a set of sustainable performance indicators (environmental, economic, and social) suitable to evaluate a supply chain 4.0 (SC4.0). To attain this objective, based on the literature review, a conceptual model is proposed. The multiple case study is used with a cross-case comparison to identify the type of advanced technologies more commonly used in SC4.0, and the performance indicators more suitable for assessing a SC4.0 sustainability performance. A sample of ten case studies was considered with companies belonging to different manufacturing SCs, from different countries, and belonging to different echelons. Main findings revealed that the level of adoption of advanced technologies in the Supply Chain SCOR processes varies amongst the case studies. Some technologies are quite commonly used among the several SCOR processes and companies while others are seldom applied. Some indicators were also identified that are regarded as very or extremely suitable to evaluate the sustainability performance of a SC4.0. The main contribution of this research to the body of knowledge is the empirical insights on the SC4.0 field and on Supply Chain Sustainability performance measurement. The results provide guidelines for the selection of advanced technologies to support SC processes and for the design of sustainable SC4.0 performance measurement systems.
Applications of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials in Environmental Analysis
Authors: Plastiras Orfeas-Evangelos , Deliyanni Eleni , Samanidou Victoria
Published: March 2021

Sample preparation is an essential and preliminary procedure of most chemical analyses. Due to the sample diversity, the selection of appropriate adsorbents for the effective preparation and separation of different samples turned out to be important for the methods. By exploiting the rapid development of material science, some novel adsorption materials, especially graphene-based nanomaterials, have shown supremacy in sample pretreatment. In this review, a discussion between these nanomaterials will be made, as well as some basic information about their synthesis. The focus will be on the different environmental applications that use these materials.
Development of a Friction-Driven Finite Element Model to Simulate the Load Bridging Effect of Unit Loads Stored in Warehouse Racks
Authors: Molina Eduardo , Horvath Laszlo , West Robert L.
Published: March 2021

Current pallet design methodology frequently underestimates the load capacity of the pallet by assuming the payload is uniformly distributed and flexible. By considering the effect of payload characteristics and their interactions during pallet design, the structure of the pallets can be optimized, and raw material consumption reduced. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a finite element model capable of simulating the bending of a generic pallet while supporting a payload made of corrugated boxes and stored on a warehouse load beam rack. The model was generalized in order to maximize its applicability in unit load design. Using a two-dimensional, nonlinear, implicit dynamic model, it allowed for the evaluation of the effect of different payload configurations on the pallet bending response. The model accurately predicted the deflection of the pallet segment and the movement of the packages for a unit load segment with three or four columns of boxes supported in a warehouse rack support. Further refinement of the model would be required to predict the behavior of unit loads carrying larger boxes. The model presented provides an efficient solution to the study of the affecting factors to ultimately optimize pallet design. Such a model has not been previously developed. The model successfully acts as a tool to study and predict the load bridging performance of unit loads requiring only widely available input data, therefore providing a general solution.
Identifying Changes in Sediment Texture along an Ephemeral Gravel-Bed Stream Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography 2D and 3D
Authors: Martínez-Segura Marcos A. , Conesa-García Carmelo , Pérez-Cutillas Pedro , Martínez-Pagán Pedro , Vásconez-Maza Marco D.
Published: March 2021

Differences in deposit geometry and texture with depth along ephemeral gravel-bed streams strongly reflect fluctuations in bedload which are due to environmental changes at the basin scale and to morphological channel adjustments. This study combines electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with datasets from borehole logs to analyse the internal geometry of channel cross-sections in a gravel-bed ephemeral stream (southeast Spain). The survey was performed through longitudinal and transverse profiles in the upper channel stretch, of 14 to 30 m in length and 3 to 6 m in depth, approximately. ERT values were correlated with data on sediment texture as grain size distribution, effective grain sizes, sorting, and particle shape (Zingg’s classification). The alluvial channel-fills showed the superposition of four layers with uneven thickness and arrangement: (1) the softer rocky substrate (<1000 Ω.m); (2) a thicker intermediate layer (1000 to 2000 Ω.m); and (3) an upper set composed of coarse gravel and supported matrix, ranging above 2000 Ω.m, and a narrow subsurface layer, which is the most resistive (>5000 Ω.m), corresponding to the most recent armoured deposits (gravel and pebbles). The ERT results coupled with borehole data allowed for determining the horizontal and vertical behaviour of the materials in a 3D model, facilitating the layer identification.
Synthesis of Cobalt Oxide on FTO by Hydrothermal Method for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Application
Authors: Moridon Siti Nurul Falaein , Salehmin Mohd Nur Ikhmal , Arifin Khuzaimah , Minggu Lorna Jeffery , Kassim Mohammad B.
Published: March 2021

Cobalt oxide thin films were successfully grown directly on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrates through a simple, green, and low-cost hydrothermal method. An investigation into the physicochemical characteristics and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the developed cobalt oxide thin film was comprehensively performed. At various annealing temperatures, different morphologies and crystal phases of cobalt oxide were observed. Microflowers (Co3O4) and microflowers with nanowire petals (Co3O4/CoO) were produced at 450 °C and 550 °C, respectively. Evaluation of the PEC performance of the samples in KOH (pH 13), Na2SO4 (pH 6.7), and H2SO4 (pH 1) revealed that the highest photocurrent −2.3 mA cm−2 generated at −0.5 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) was produced by Co3O4 (450 °C) in H2SO4 (pH 1). This photocurrent corresponded to an 8-fold enhancement compared with that achieved in neutral and basic electrolytes and was higher than the results reported by other studies. This promising photocurrent generation was due to the abundant source of protons, which was favorable for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in H2SO4 (pH 1). The present study showed that Co3O4 is photoactive under acidic conditions, which is encouraging for HER compared with the mixed-phase Co3O4/CoO.
Assessment of the Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete Comprising Fly Ash and Fluid Catalytic Cracking Residue as Aluminosilicate Precursor
Authors: Le Tuan Anh , Le Sinh Hoang , Nguyen Thuy Ninh , Nguyen Khoa Tan
Published: March 2021

The use of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) by-products as aluminosilicate precursors in geopolymer binders has attracted significant interest from researchers in recent years owing to their high alumina and silica contents. Introduced in this study is the use of geopolymer concrete comprising FCC residue combined with fly ash as the requisite source of aluminosilicate. Fly ash was replaced with various FCC residue contents ranging from 0–100% by mass of binder. Results from standard testing methods showed that geopolymer concrete rheological properties such as yield stress and plastic viscosity as well as mechanical properties including compressive strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus were affected significantly by the FCC residue content. With alkali liquid to geopolymer solid ratios (AL:GS) of 0.4 and 0.5, a reduction in compressive and flexural strength was observed in the case of geopolymer concrete with increasing FCC residue content. On the contrary, geopolymer concrete with increasing FCC residue content exhibited improved strength with an AL:GS ratio of 0.65. Relationships enabling estimation of geopolymer elastic modulus based on compressive strength were investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns revealed that the final product from the geopolymerization process consisting of FCC residue was similar to fly ash-based geopolymer concrete. These observations highlight the potential of FCC residue as an aluminosilicate source for geopolymer products.
Ru(II)-Dppz Derivatives and Their Interactions with DNA: Thirty Years and Counting
Authors: Di Pietro Maria Letizia , La Ganga Giuseppina , Nastasi Francesco , Puntoriero Fausto
Published: March 2021

Transition metal complexes with dppz-type ligands (dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) are extensively studied and attract a considerable amount of attention, becoming, from the very beginning and increasingly over time, a powerful tool for investigating the structure of the DNA helix. In particular, [Ru(bpy)2(dppz)]2+ and [Ru(phen)2(dppz)]2+ and their derivatives were extensively investigated as DNA light-switches. The purpose of this mini-review, which is not and could not be exhaustive, was to first introduce DNA and its importance at a biological level and research in the field of small molecules that are capable of interacting with it, in all its forms. A brief overview is given of the results obtained on the Ru-dppz complexes that bind to DNA. The mechanism of the light-switch active in this type of species is also briefly introduced along with its effects on structural modifications on both the dppz ligand and the ancillary ligands. Finally, a brief mention is made of biological applications and the developments obtained due to new spectroscopic techniques, both for understanding the mechanism of action and for cellular imaging applications.
Spectroscopic and Spectrometric Applications for the Identification of Bioactive Compounds from Vegetal Extracts
Authors: Lozada-Ramírez José Daniel , Ortega-Regules Ana E. , Hernández Luis Ricardo , Anaya de Parrodi Cecilia
Published: March 2021

The use of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques to isolate, quantify, and characterize bioactive compounds from edible plants has become a common and mandatory activity in food chemistry. As technology advances, diverse methodologies are being applied more frequently, which are coupled most of the time to give the best diagnosis and information of a metabolite of interest. In this paper, we state the different approaches that have been performed by our research group to isolate, identify, and apply the different bioactive organic compounds obtained from some vegetal extracts. Through this review, we show the importance of the use of those analytical tools to evaluate the possible impact of some plants we included on diet for improving human health.
Development and Evaluation of Nano-Silica Sustainable Concrete
Authors: Alqamish Habib H. , Al-Tamimi Adil K.
Published: March 2021

In the last decade, nanomaterials made a major breakthrough in the concrete industry by providing the concrete with unique properties. Earlier studies have shown improvement in the early strength of concrete that can accelerate the construction process. In this study, 1% and 2% of nano-silica were added to concrete mixtures that contain 30% and 70% ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS). Adding 1% of nano-silica to the 30% GGBS mixture showed an increase in the compressive strength by 13.5%, 7.8%, 8.1%, and 2.2% at one day, three days, seven days, and twenty-eight days, respectively. The 2% of nano-silica increased the 30% GGBS mixture’s compressive strength less effectively by 4.3%, 7.6%, and 4.9% at three days, seven days, and 28 days, respectively, when compared to the 1%. On the other hand, adding 1% and 2% of nano-silica reduced the 70% GGBS mixtures’ compressive strength. Moreover, nano-silica reduced the deformability of the mixtures significantly, which caused the increase in the Young’s modulus. The flexural strength of the 30% GGBS mixtures had similar behavior as the 28-day compressive strength. On the other hand, the flexural strength of the 70% GGBS mixtures increased as the nano-silica increased. Nano-silica addition improved the microstructure and the interface structure of the mixtures due to its high pozzolanic activity and the nano-filler effect, which is confirmed by RCPT results and SEM images.
Comparison of Four Dental Pulp-Capping Agents by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Histological Techniques—A Split-Mouth Design Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Muruganandhan Jayanandan , Sujatha Govindarajan , Poorni Saravanan , Srinivasan Manali Ramakrishnan , Boreak Nezar , Al-Kahtani Ahmed , Mashyakhy Mohammed , Chohan Hitesh , Bhandi Shilpa , Raj A. Thirumal , Zanza Alessio , Testarelli Luca , Patil Shankargouda
Published: March 2021

Dental pulp-capping is done to preserve vital teeth when the pulp is exposed due to caries, trauma or instrumentation. Various materials are used as pulp-capping agents. The introduction of newer materials requires scientific studies to assess their clinical efficacy. The study was designed as a split-mouth randomized analysis of four pulp-capping agents (calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine and EndoSequence root repair material (ERRM)). Based on selection criteria, 15 orthodontic patients requiring the extraction of four premolars (60 teeth total) were included in the study. After pulp-capping, the teeth were extracted after 8 weeks. We analyzed the extracted teeth using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and histological sections to determine the quality of the dentinal bridge and the pulpal response. Ordinal scores were given based on the completeness of the dentinal bridge, the type of bridge and the degree of pulpal inflammation. Results were analyzed using a Kruskal–Wallis test (p < 0.05) with post hoc Conover values being used when applicable. All four pulp-capping materials elicited dentinal bridge formation (60/60). MTA had the highest scores (10/15) in dentinal bridge formation followed by ERRM (8/15). Both materials showed more samples with complete dentinal bridges (9/15 each) and a favorable pulpal response (15/15). Teeth capped with calcium hydroxide showed more cases of incomplete bridge formation (9/15) and pulpal inflammation. These differences in dentinal bridge formation and pulpal inflammation were statistically significant (p 0.001 and p 0.00005, respectively), with post hoc tests revealing no significant differences between MTA and ERRM (p 0.49 and p 0.71, respectively). MTA and ERRM performed better than the other pulp-capping materials but did not differ significantly from each other. The individual preference for a pulp-capping material may be based on clinical efficacy and handling characteristics.
Friction Stir Welding of 1Cr11Ni2W2MoV Martensitic Stainless Steel: Numerical Simulation Based on Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian Approach Supported with Experimental Work
Authors: Ragab Mohamed , Liu Hong , Yang Guan-Jun , Ahmed Mohamed M. Z.
Published: March 2021

1Cr11Ni2W2MoV is a new martensitic heat-resistant stainless steel utilized in the manufacturing of aero-engine high-temperature bearing components. Welding of this type of steel using fusion welding techniques causes many defects. Friction stir welding (FSW) is a valuable alternative. However, few investigations have been performed on the FSW of steels because of the high melting point and the costly tools. Numerical simulation in this regard is a cost-effective solution for the FSW of this steel in order to optimize the parameters and to reduce the number of experiments for obtaining high-quality joints. In this study, a 3D thermo-mechanical finite element model based on the Coupled Eulerian Lagrangian (CEL) approach was developed to study the FSW of 1Cr11Ni2W2MoV steel. Numerical results of metallurgical zones’ shape and weld appearance at different tool rotation rates of 250, 350, 450 and 550 rpm are in good agreement with the experimental results. The results revealed that the peak temperature, plastic strain, surface roughness and flash size increased with an increase in the tool rotation rate. Lack-of-fill defect was produced at the highest tool rotation rate of 650 rpm. Moreover, an asymmetrical stir zone was produced at a high tool rotation rate.
PetroBlock: A Blockchain-Based Payment Mechanism for Fueling Smart Vehicles
Authors: Jamil Faisal , Cheikhrouhou Omar , Jamil Harun , Koubaa Anis , Derhab Abdelouahid , Ferrag Mohamed Amine
Published: March 2021

Current developments in information technology and increased inclination towards smart cities have led to the initiation of a plethora of features by technology-oriented companies (i.e., car manufacturers) to improve users’ privacy and comfort. The invention of smart vehicle technology paved the way for the excessive use of machine-to-machine technologies. Moreover, third-party sharing of financial services are also introduced that support machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. These monetary systems’ prime focus is on improving reliability and security; however, they overlook aspects like behaviors and users’ need. For instance, people often hand over their bank cards or share their credentials with their colleagues to withdraw money on their behalf. Such behaviors may originate issues about privacy and security that can have severe losses for the card owner. This paper presents a novel blockchain-based strategy for payment of fueling of smart cars without any human interaction while maintaining transparency, privacy, and trust. The proposed system is capable of data sharing among the users of the system while securing sensitive information. Moreover, we also provide a blockchain-based secure privacy-preserving strategy for payment of fueling among the fuel seller and buyer without human intervention. Furthermore, we have also analytically evaluated several experiments to determine the proposed blockchain platform’s usability and efficiency. Lastly, we harness Hyperledger Caliper to assess the proposed system’s performance in terms of transaction latency, transactions per second, and resource consumption.
Highway Speed Prediction Using Gated Recurrent Unit Neural Networks
Authors: Jeong Myeong-Hun , Lee Tae-Young , Jeon Seung-Bae , Youm Minkyo
Published: March 2021

Movement analytics and mobility insights play a crucial role in urban planning and transportation management. The plethora of mobility data sources, such as GPS trajectories, poses new challenges and opportunities for understanding and predicting movement patterns. In this study, we predict highway speed using a gated recurrent unit (GRU) neural network. Based on statistical models, previous approaches suffer from the inherited features of traffic data, such as nonlinear problems. The proposed method predicts highway speed based on the GRU method after training on digital tachograph data (DTG). The DTG data were recorded in one month, giving approximately 300 million records. These data included the velocity and locations of vehicles on the highway. Experimental results demonstrate that the GRU-based deep learning approach outperformed the state-of-the-art alternatives, the autoregressive integrated moving average model, and the long short-term neural network (LSTM) model, in terms of prediction accuracy. Further, the computational cost of the GRU model was lower than that of the LSTM. The proposed method can be applied to traffic prediction and intelligent transportation systems.
Evolutionary Relation of Mathematical Physics Equations Evolutionary Relation as Foundation of Field Theory Interpretation of the Einstein Equation
Authors: Petrova Ludmila
Published: March 2021

It was shown that from the mathematical physics equations that are composed of the conservation laws equations for energy, momentum, angular momentum, and mass and describe material media such as thermodynamical, gas-dynamical, cosmic, and others, it follows the evolutionary relation that possesses the properties of field theory equations. The evolutionary relation, which is based on conservation laws, unites the field theory equations, reveals their internal connection, and discloses the properties, which are common for all equations of field theory. The correspondence between the equations of field theory and evolutionary relation physics indicates that the equations of field theory are related to the equations of mathematical physics. This can reveal the fundamentals of field theory. These results are obtained using skew-symmetric differential forms describing conservation laws on which the equations of mathematical physics and equations of field theory are based. In this paper, the Einstein equation will be investigated by application of skew-symmetric differential forms.
At the Crossroad of Gene Regulation and Genome Organization: Potential Roles for ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodelers in the Regulation of CTCF-Mediated 3D Architecture
Authors: Alpsoy Aktan , Sood Surbhi , Dykhuizen Emily C.
Published: March 2021

In higher order organisms, the genome is assembled into a protein-dense structure called chromatin. Chromatin is spatially organized in the nucleus through hierarchical folding, which is tightly regulated both in cycling cells and quiescent cells. Assembly and folding are not one-time events in a cell’s lifetime; rather, they are subject to dynamic shifts to allow changes in transcription, DNA replication, or DNA damage repair. Chromatin is regulated at many levels, and recent tools have permitted the elucidation of specific factors involved in the maintenance and regulation of the three-dimensional (3D) genome organization. In this review/perspective, we aim to cover the potential, but relatively unelucidated, crosstalk between 3D genome architecture and the ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers with a specific focus on how the architectural proteins CTCF and cohesin are regulated by chromatin remodeling.
The Application of Bicarbonate Recovers the Chemical-Physical Properties of Airway Surface Liquid in Cystic Fibrosis Epithelia Models
Authors: Ferrera Loretta , Capurro Valeria , Delpiano Livia , Gianotti Ambra , Moran Oscar
Published: March 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease associated with the defective function of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein that causes obstructive disease and chronic bacterial infections in airway epithelia. Deletion of phenylalanine at position 508, p.F508del, the most frequent mutation among CF patients, causes a folding and traffic defect, resulting in a dramatic reduction in the CFTR expression. To investigate whether the direct application of bicarbonate could modify the properties of the airway surface liquid (ASL), we measured the micro-viscosity, fluid transport and pH of human bronchial epithelial cells monolayers. We have demonstrated that the treatment of a CF-epithelia with an iso-osmotic solution containing bicarbonate is capable of reducing both, the ASL viscosity and the apical fluid re-absorption. We suggest the possibility of design a supportive treatment based on topical application of bicarbonate, or any other alkaline buffer.
The Effects of Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Fluoride, and Lead on Bone Tissue
Authors: Ciosek Żaneta , Kot Karolina , Kosik-Bogacka Danuta , Łanocha-Arendarczyk Natalia , Rotter Iwona
Published: March 2021

Bones are metabolically active organs. Their reconstruction is crucial for the proper functioning of the skeletal system during bone growth and remodeling, fracture healing, and maintaining calcium–phosphorus homeostasis. The bone metabolism and tissue properties are influenced by trace elements that may act either indirectly through the regulation of macromineral metabolism, or directly by affecting osteoblast and osteoclast proliferation or activity, or through becoming part of the bone mineral matrix. This study analyzes the skeletal impact of macroelements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus), microelements (fluorine), and heavy metals (lead), and discusses the concentration of each of these elements in the various bone tissues.
Electrochemical Trimethylamine N-Oxide Biosensor with Enzyme-Based Oxygen-Scavenging Membrane for Long-Term Operation under Ambient Air
Authors: Waffo Armel F. T. , Mitrova Biljana , Tiedemann Kim , Iobbi-Nivol Chantal , Leimkühler Silke , Wollenberger Ulla
Published: March 2021

An amperometric trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) biosensor is reported, where TMAO reductase (TorA) and glucose oxidase (GOD) and catalase (Cat) were immobilized on the electrode surface, enabling measurements of mediated enzymatic TMAO reduction at low potential under ambient air conditions. The oxygen anti-interference membrane composed of GOD, Cat and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel, together with glucose concentration, was optimized until the O2 reduction current of a Clark-type electrode was completely suppressed for at least 3 h. For the preparation of the TMAO biosensor, Escherichia coli TorA was purified under anaerobic conditions and immobilized on the surface of a carbon electrode and covered by the optimized O2 scavenging membrane. The TMAO sensor operates at a potential of −0.8 V vs. Ag/AgCl (1 M KCl), where the reduction of methylviologen (MV) is recorded. The sensor signal depends linearly on TMAO concentrations between 2 µM and 15 mM, with a sensitivity of 2.75 ± 1.7 µA/mM. The developed biosensor is characterized by a response time of about 33 s and an operational stability over 3 weeks. Furthermore, measurements of TMAO concentration were performed in 10% human serum, where the lowest detectable concentration is of 10 µM TMAO.