bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Techno-Economic Role of Nuclear Power in the Transition to the Net-Zero Energy System of the Netherlands Using the IESA-Opt-N Model
Authors: Fattahi Amirhossein , Sijm Jos , van den Broek Machteld , Martinez Gordon Rafael , Sanchez Dieguez Manuel , Faaij André
Published: May 2022

Intending to analyze the role of nuclear power in an integrated energy system, we used the IESA-Opt-N cost minimization model focusing on four key themes: system-wide impacts of nuclear power, uncertain technological costs, flexible generation, and cross-border electricity trade. We demonstrate that the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) alone should not be used to demonstrate the economic feasibility of a power generation technology. For instance, under the default techno-economic assumptions, particularly the 5% discount rate and exogenous electricity trade potentials, it is cost-optimal for the Netherlands to invest in 9.6 GWe nuclear capacity by 2050. However, its LCOE is 34 €/MWh higher than offshore wind. Moreover, we found that nuclear power investments can reduce demand for variable renewable energy sources in the short term and higher energy independence (i.e., lower imports of natural gas, biomass, and electricity) in the long term. Furthermore, investing in nuclear power can reduce the mitigation costs of the Dutch energy system by 1.6% and 6.2% in 2040 and 2050, and 25% lower national CO2 prices by 2050. However, this cost reduction is not significant given the odds of higher nuclear financing costs and longer construction times. In addition, this study has shown that lower financing costs (e.g., EU taxonomy support) considerably reduce the relevance of nuclear cost uncertainties on its investments. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the economic feasibility of national nuclear power investments can vary considerably depending on the cross-border electricity trade assumptions. Additionally, we found that lowering the cost of small modular reactors has more impact on their economic feasibility than increasing their generation flexibility. In conclusion, under the specific assumptions of this study, nuclear power can play a complementary role (in parallel to the wind and solar power) in supporting the Dutch energy transition from the sole techno-economic point of view.
Age Analysis of Status Updating System with Probabilistic Packet Preemption
Authors: Zhang Jixiang , Xu Yinfei
Published: May 2022

The age of information (AoI) metric was proposed to measure the freshness of messages obtained at the terminal node of a status updating system. In this paper, the AoI of discrete time status updating system with probabilistic packet preemption is investigated by analyzing the steady state of a three-dimensional discrete stochastic process. Assuming the queue used in system is Ber/Geo/1/2*/η, which represents that the system size is 2 and the packet in buffer can be preempted by fresher packet with probability η. Instead of considering system’s AoI separately, we use a three-dimensional state vector (n,m,l) to simultaneously track the real time changes of the AoI, the age of packet in server, and the age of packet waiting in buffer. We give the explicit expression of system’s average AoI, and show that the average AoI of system without packet preemption is obtained by letting η=0. When η is set to 1, the mean of AoI of system having Ber/Geo/1/2* queue is obtained as well. Combining the results we have obtained and comparing them with corresponding average continuous AoIs, we propose a possible relationship between average discrete AoI with Ber/Geo/1/c queue and the average continuous AoI with M/M/1/c queue. For each of two extreme cases where η=0 and η=1, we also determine the stationary distribution of AoI using the probability generation function (PGF) method. The relations between average AoI and the packet preemption probability η, as well as AoI’s distribution curves in two extreme cases are illustrated by numerical simulations. Notice that the probabilistic packet preemption may occur, for example, in an energy harvest (EH) node of wireless sensor network, where the packet in buffer can be replaced only when the node collects enough energy. In particular, to exhibit the usefulness of our idea and methods and highlight the merits of considering discrete time systems, in this paper we give much more explanations showing that how the results about continuous AoI is derived by analyzing the corresponding discrete time system, and how the discrete age analysis is generalized to the system with multiple sources. In terms of packet service process, we also propose our idea to analyze system’s AoI when the service time distribution is relaxed to be arbitrary.
Is Autologous Platelet Activation the Key Step in Ovarian Therapy for Fertility Restoration and Menopause Reversal?
Authors: Rickers Natalie S. , Sills E. Scott
Published: May 2022

Platelets are a uniquely mammalian physiologic attribute. As the only non-marine vertebrate class to experience menopause, humans have a substantial post-reproductive lifespan and are believed to have a limited, non-renewable oocyte supply. Ovarian reserve typically declines after about age 35yrs, marking losses which cannot be recovered by available fertility medications. When in vitro fertilization fails due to low or absent ovarian response, gonadotropin adjustments are often ineffectual and if additional oocytes are occasionally harvested, egg quality is usually poor. This problem was confronted by Greek researchers who developed a new surgical method to insert autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into ovaries; the first ovarian PRP success to improve reproductive outcomes was published from Athens in 2016. This innovation influenced later research with condensed platelet-derived growth factors, leading to correction of oocyte ploidy error, normal blastocyst development, and additional term livebirths. Yet women’s health was among the last clinical domains to explore PRP, and its role in ‘ovarian rejuvenation’ remains unsettled. One critical aspect in this procedure is platelet activation, a commonly overlooked step in the cytokine release cascade considered essential for successful transition of undifferentiated ovarian stem cells to an oocyte lineage. Poor activation of platelets thus becomes an unforced error, potentially diminishing or even negating post-treatment ovarian follicular response. To answer this query, relevant theory, current disagreements, and new data on platelet activation are presented, along with clinical challenges for regenerative fertility practice.
Random Triangle Theory: a Computational Approach
Authors: Azzini Ivano
Published: May 2022

In this work we study the following problem, from a computational point of view: If three points are selected in the unit square at random, what is the probability that the triangle obtained is obtuse, acute or right? We provide two convergent strategies: the frst derived from the ideas introduced in [2] and the second built on the combinatorics theory. The combined use of these two methods allows us to address the random triangle theory from a new perspective and, we hope, to work out a general method of dealing with some classes of computational problems.
Evaluasi Kebijakan Bantuan Presiden Usaha Mikro Pada Masa Pendemi Covid-19 Sebagai Upaya Pertahanan Negara
Authors: Rinaldi Fitri , Maarif Syamsul , Thamrin Suyono , Supriyadi Adang
Published: May 2022

Pandemi Covid -19 yang terjadi sejak tahun 2020 memberikan dampak yang sangat besar bagi masyarakat Indonesia. Sebagai negara berkembang, pandemi Covid-19 telah membawa Indonesia ke fase pertumbuhan ekonomi yang menurun. Hal ini menyebabkan jumlah penduduk miskin di Indonesia semakin meningkat. Ditinjau dari segi pertahanan negara, kondisi ini merupakan jenis ancaman nonmiliter yang penanganannya dianggap sebagai upaya bela negara. Dalam menghadapi ancaman nirmiliter, instansi yang bertanggung jawab utama adalah kementerian dan lembaga terkait. Menyikapi kondisi tersebut, pemerintah Indonesia membuat kebijakan berupa Bantuan Presiden (Banpres) Usaha Mikro Produktif/BPUM untuk Usaha Kecil Menengah yang penyalurannya diamanatkan oleh Kementerian Koperasi dan UKM. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan evaluasi kebijakan Banpres Produktif bagi Usaha Mikro. Alat evaluasi kebijakan yang digunakan adalah model evaluasi Countenance Stake yang didasarkan pada tiga fase: anteseden – transaksi – output. Kementerian Koperasi dan Usaha Kecil dan Menengah menjadi sasaran penelitian ini. Wawancara dan dokumentasi dilakukan untuk mengumpulkan data dan diolah dengan analisis kualitatif. Hasil evaluasi kebijakan menunjukkan bahwa secara umum pada ketiga tahapan model Countenance Stake (antecedent – transaksi – output), BPUM telah menunjukkan kualitas yang cukup baik. Sehingga dapat dijadikan pertimbangan kebijakan strategis yang juga menguntungkan sektor pertahanan negara dalam penanganan pandemi Covid-19.
Anisotropic Mechanical Behavior of Stratified Sandstone Subjected to Cyclic Loading
Authors: Xue Fei , Zhao Tongyang , Feng Xiaowei , Wang Tianzuo , Lin Zhongqin
Published: May 2022

To explore the influence of bedding structure on mechanical properties and failure mechanism of anisotropic rocks, six stratified sandstone specimens with different bedding orientations were tested by uniaxial static and cyclic loading. Acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation (DIC) were exploited to analyze the mechanism of crack initiation and propagation. The results show that with the increase of the bedding orientation, the peak strength of the stratified sandstone decreases first and then increases, behaving an obvious anisotropic characteristic. The AE characteristic-stress-strain curve can be divided into four stages: crack closure stage, linear elastic deformation stage, stable crack growth stage, and unstable crack growth stage. Moreover, as the bedding orientation increases from 30° to 90°, the crack closure stage gradually lengthens, while the linear elastic deformation stage first shortens and then lengthens. Under uniaxial static compression, due to the presence of bedding surface, the rock surface has a relative slip trend as a result of the uneven distribution of strain on the left and right parts, and the strain field boundary is almost consistent with the bedding orientation. Furthermore, cyclic loading can increase the rock stiffness, and the stain field boundary of 60° stratified sandstone sample in each cycle is slightly different in the cyclic loading.
Deterioration Mechanism and Constitutive Model of Coal Subjected to Drying-Wetting Cycles of Salty Mine Water
Authors: Wang Min , Xi Xun , Guo Qifeng
Published: May 2022

The stability of coal pillar dams is influenced by cyclic fluctuations of salty water from underground reservoir. Subjected to long-term drying-wetting cycles in salty solution, the microstructure and surface topography of coal dams can be significantly changed which results in the deterioration of mechanical properties. To investigate the damage mechanism of coal subjected to cyclic drying-wetting in salty solution, the uniaxial compression test and microstructure test of prepared coal samples were conducted. The deterioration law of coal under the cyclic drying-wetting in salty solution with different concentrations was obtained. The results show that the unconfined compression strength and elastic modulus logarithmic decrease with cycle numbers in salty solutions with different concentrations. The higher the concentration of salty solution is, the deterioration of coal is more severe. After drying-wetting cycles in salty solution, the granular particles on the coal surface become powdered and the number of holes and cracks in coal increases. A damage constitutive model for coal subjected to drying-wetting cycles of mine water was developed based on experimental results. This model can well describe the deformation characteristics from the compaction stage to failure stage. The research results can provide guidance for the construction and safety operation of underground reservoir.
Activation of periodate using ultrasonic waves and UV radiation for landfill leachate treatment
Authors: Moradian Fatemeh , Ramavandi Bahman , Jaafarzadeh Neemat , Kouhgardi Esmaeil
Published: May 2022

Waste leachate contains heavy metals, toxic compounds, and resistant substances such as humic acids, which make its biological decomposition difficult. In the present work, the saline leachate of the coastal city (Bushehr, Iran) was purified using the ultraviolet/ultrasonication wave/periodate process. The initial TDS and TOC values of the leachate studied were 7390 mg/L and 975 mg/L, respectively. The effect of various parameters on leachate purification was tested and the experiments were optimized at pH 3, oxidizer concentration of 4 mM, and treatment time of 120 min. The initial BOD/COD ratio of 0.66 was reached 0.42 at the end of the reaction. After leachate treatment under optimal conditions, the amount of BOD5, COD, and UV254 were 451.5 mg/L, 1072 mg/L, and 12.69 cm− 1, respectively. Concentrations of heavy metals in crude leachate by ICP-OES were checked. Also, using GC-Mass, the concentration of organic compounds before and after purification was determined. According to the COD factor, the energy consumption of the system designed for leachate treatment was 11.4 kWh/m3. The observed results indicate the effectiveness of the UV/US/IO4− process for leachate with high salinity.
Validation of a new screening questionnaire for Disordered Eating Behaviors in Males
Authors: de Leon-Vazquez Concepcion Diaz , Lazarevich Irina , Unikel-Santoncini Claudia , Alvarez-Diaz Jorge Alberto , Rivera-Marquez Jose Alberto , Sepulveda-Garcia Ana Rosa , Olmos Ricardo
Published: May 2022

Purpose The aim of this study was to develop an instrument to identify disordered eating behaviors (DEB) in males (hereafter, DEBM-Q). Methods A two-stage project consisting of a diagnostic scale construction (N = 9) and a validation study with a cross-sectional sample (N = 570) was carried out. Both semi-structured interviews and a cognitive laboratory with nine participants were conducted to obtain DEBM-Q items. DEBM-Q was applied to 570 freshmen male in Mexico City. Psychometric characteristics and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) were analyzed. An item-total correlation value greater than 0.30 was determined, and factor loads greater than 0.40 were considered valid. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA, n1 = 297) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA, n2 = 273) were performed. Results Two fixed factors explaining 55.08% of the total variance were extracted. Factor 1, "Drive for Thinness" (8 items), explained 30.84% of the variance, whereas factor 2, "Drive for Muscularity" (8 items), explained 24.23% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha for the whole questionnaire was 0.84. DEBM-Q was correlated with the Dutch Food Restriction Scale (RS) (r= 0.52, p < 0.001), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) (r= 0.46, p < 0.001), Emotional Eating Scale (EES) (r=0.18, p < 0.001), and Negative Affect Subscale (PANAS-X) (r= 0.11, p < 0.005). Conclusion DEBM-Q is a valid and practical short screening tool (16 items) allowing early identification of disordered eating in young males, thereby facilitating clinical management.Level of evidence V
Study of the effects of maize silage substitution in total mixed rations on growth, digestibility and economic benefits in male calves of Nili-Ravi buffalo with sugarbeet or citrus pulp ensiled with corncobs
Authors: Anjum Muhammad Iqbal , Javaid Shahbaz , Ashfaq Faisal , Iqbal Javed
Published: May 2022

Ensiling of high-moisture agro-industrial wastes with dry roughage as animal feeds may be a secure way to reduce the feeding cost. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of either sugarbeet or citrus pulp ensiled with ground corncobs, and use as replacement of maize silage in total mixed ration (TMR) for fattening of buffalo calves. Twenty male calves of Nili-Ravi buffalo (aged 14 ± 2 months weighing 133 ± 5 kg) were randomly assigned one of four experimental diets. Four TMRs [iso-nutritious with 12% CP and 69% TDN] differing in forage sources at 50:50 ratio with concentrate, on DM basis; (1) TMR maize silage, (2) TMR sugarbeet pulp ensiled with corncobs (80:20), (3) TMR citrus pulp ensiled with corncobs (78:22), and (4) TMR green maize fodder with wheat straw (9:1). All calves received TMRs for ad libitum intake twice daily for 80-day period. Daily feed intake, fortnightly body weights, and digestibility and N balance study during last 5-days were recorded of individual animals. The calves fed TMR sugarbeet pulp silage got highest daily gain (856 g/d, P < 0.05) than citrus pulp silage (776 g/d) or green maize fodder (704 g/d). But maize silage did not differ from sugarbeet pulp silage and citrus pulp silage (P > 0.05). Average intake of nutrients were same among the all calves. Feed conversion ratio and digestibility of DM, NDF and ADF were higher (P < 0.05) with TMR sugarbeet pulp silage compared to other TMRs. Economic benefit (output/input) with TMR sugarbeet pulp silage had 15.46, 34.27, and 37.36% higher effect for fattening of buffalo calves compared to citrus pulp silage, green maize fodder and maize silage based TMRs, respectively. In conclusion, sugarbeet or citrus pulp ensiled with ground corncobs is simple and viable strategy for effective silage making, however, sugarbeet pulp silage had pronounced economic impact for fattening of buffalo calves.
Exploring bisphenol S removal mechanism with multi-enzymes extracted from waste sludge and reed sediment
Authors: Hou Guangying , Huang Zaihui , Ding Xiaohu , liu chunguang
Published: May 2022

BPS, as a widespread environmental hormone-like micro-pollutants, is difficult to be degraded in the environment. In this study, the removal of BPS with multi-enzymes extracted from waste sludge and reed sediment were studied at 25℃, 37℃ and 55℃. Results show that BPS could be removed efficiently, which could involve enzymolysis and bio-flocculation. The mechanism and pathways of the enzymolysis were identified with LC-MS/MS. Polymerization of BPS with enzymolysis further improved the removal by bio-flocculation due to the production of BPS oligomers. Furthermore, the interaction mechanism between BPS and multi-enzymes was explored through a series of spectroscopic experiments. Results show that more loose skeletal structure of the multi-enzymes and more hydrophobic microenvironment of the amino acid residues are responsible for the removal of BPS. This research not only provided a method for refractory micropollutants removal but also a way for the utilization of waste sludge and reed sediment.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of transplantation-ineligible elderly acute leukemia harboring molecular target; Ph-positive acute leukemia and FLT3 mutated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Imataki Osamu , Ishida Tomoya , Kida Jun-ichiro , Uemura Makiko , Fujita Haruyuki , Kadowaki Norimitsu
Published: May 2022

Objective: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and FLT3 inhibitors are promising agent for Ph-positive acute leukemia (Ph+ AL) and FLT3 mutated acute myeloid leukemia (FLT3-AML), respectively. We examined the cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) of dasatinib and ponatinib for Ph+ AL and the cost-effectiveness of gilteritinib and quizartinib for FLT3-AML in elderly. Molecular therapy can fit elderly population rather than chemotherapy (CT).Results: The daily drug cost of drug dasatinib, ponatinib, gilteritinib, and quizartinib is $240, $170, $524, and $479 in terms of treatment maintenance dose, respectively. When treated with SCT, CT, dasatinib, and ponatinib in Ph+ AL, the CERs were $322,375, $34,928, $61,104, and $46,234, respectively. The CERs for FLT3-AML treated with SCT, CT, gilteritinib, and quizartinib were $355,270, $42,717, $94,987, and $90,080, respectively. The treatments with TKIs and FLT3 inhibitors in elderly remained expensive and inferior than conventional CT, however, the cost-effectiveness ratio was superior compared to that with SCT. Although TKIs and FLT3 inhibitors have a higher drug cost than conventional CT, their promising survival benefit can offset the cost. TKI or FLT3 inhibitor monotherapy is recommended for elderly patients with Ph+ AL or FLT3-AML, such as situationally unfit elderly and even for relapse and refractory cases post-SCT recurrence.
Recent Research in the Malaysian Mining Industry and Its Contribution to Others Sectors: a Systematic Literature Review Approach
Authors: ISMAIL SITI NORAISHAH , SOFIAN AZIZUL HELMI
Published: May 2022

Malaysia is endowed with an abundance of diverse minerals, making the mining sector one of the country's most important industries. However, there is a scarcity of literature devoted to studies of the Malaysian mining sector. Thus, the objective of this systematic research was to (1) to investigate the research trends in the Malaysian mining industries. and (2) to study the contribution of mining industry with others sectors in Malaysia. A systematic literature review (SLR) using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) review technique discovered 24 papers linked to current research in the mining sector in Malaysia from 2016 to 2021 from the ScienceDirect and Scopus databases. Using thematic analysis, one primary theme and seven subthemes were produced based on 24 selected articles. The study on tin mining was the most widely circulated article in the preceding six years. Moreover, the research and publication on contribution of mining industry to various industries also were lacking such as in composite, cosmetic, construction industry and many more. In conclusion, the systematic review study may encourage mine owners, mine employees, government officials, and policymakers to write their own research and development (R&D), issues, or related problems in mining activities and publish them in reputable journals, conferences, and other publishing databases that will benefit the Malaysian mining industry.
Financial viability of a community-based health insurance scheme in two districts of northeast Ethiopia: a mixed methods study
Authors: Hussien Mohammed , Azage Muluken , Bayou Negalign Berhanu
Published: May 2022

Background: Community-based health insurance initiatives in low- and middle-income countries encountered a number of sustainability challenges due to their voluntary nature, small risk pools, and low revenue. In Ethiopia, the schemes’ financial viability has not been well investigated so far. This study examined the scheme's financial viability and explored underlying challenges from the perspectives of various key stakeholders. Methods: This study employed a mixed methods case study in two districts of northeast Ethiopia. By reviewing financial reports of health insurance schemes, quantitative data were collected over the last seven years to examine trends in financial status. Interviews were conducted face-to-face with nine community members and 19 key stakeholders. We used the maximum variation technique to select the study participants. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was applied with both inductive and deductive coding methods.Results: Both schemes experienced excess claims costs and negative net income in almost all the study period. Even after government subsidies, the scheme’s net income remained negative for some reporting periods. The challenges contributing to the observed level of performance have been summarized under five main themes, which include adverse selection, moral hazard behaviors, stockout of medicines, delays in claims settlement for service providers, and low insurance premiums. Conclusions: The health insurance scheme in both districts spent more than it received for claims settlement in almost all the period under the study, and experienced heavy losses in these periods, implying that it is not financially viable for the period in question. The scheme is also unable to fulfill its purpose of protecting members against out-of-pocket expenses at the point of health care. Interventions should target on the highlighted challenges to restore financial balance and enhance the scheme’s viability.
Statistical Data Integration for the Analysis of the Ecological Transition and Sustainable Development
Authors: Perchinunno Paola , Rotondo Francesco , Mongelli Lucia , L'Abbate Samuela
Published: May 2022

The evolution of the concept of sustainability and the availability of new statistical information requires constant checks on the set of indicators so that they accurately perform the task of representing well-being in our society. Statistics and regional sciences are called upon to contribute to the achievement of sustainability objectives by making available increasingly efficient and goal-oriented data, indicators, and methodologies of territorial analysis, to accompany every planning and implementation activity of sustainable development. The Sustainable Development Goals refer to various development domains relating to environmental, social, economic, and institutional issues that have been placed at the basis of the Missions envisaged by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Specifically, the subject of ecological transition and the related statistical indicators and the evaluations of the effectiveness of the programming implemented by the NRRP to pursue it in practice are of significant interest. The numerous data available were analyzed at a regional level through multivariate statistical methodologies (Totally Fuzzy and Relative method) capable of synthesizing the various information to evaluate the territorial adequacy of the economic planning of its various components (MC1, MC2, MC3, MC4). Through the representation on a GIS basis of the geographical distribution of the synthesis values of the fuzzy indices, the need is shown to orient the economic planning of the NRRP missions in its main components in a more appropriate way to the different starting status of the Italian regions than for heterogeneous physical, historical, and economic characteristics require different development policies and therefore distinct economic resources for each component of the missions analyzed. Starting from the availability of multiple data updated to 2019, it is possible to develop an integrated approach to the evaluation of the local government policies in place and to monitor the progress of subsequent interventions by the Italian government.
Results of the treatment of pineal tumors in children: The Lyon experience
Authors: Szathmari Alexandru , Beuriat Pierre-Aurélien , Vasiljevic Alexandre , Leblond Pierre , Faure-Conter Cécile , Claude Line , Rocco Federico Di , mottolese carmine
Published: May 2022

Pineal tumors are rare and their incidence is of 1% among all pediatric tumors of the central nervous system. The survival depends on the histology, the extension of the surgical removal, the efficacy of the complementary treatment (chemotherapy and cranio-spinal irradiation) in relation with the age of the children.We report our experience in Lyon concerning 151 patients treated from 1997 to 2021. All patients were recorded in the French Register of Pineal tumors which is centralized in Lyon since 2010.The analysis shows that benign tumors have a good survival rate and a total surgical removal is manadatory. Concerning true pineal tumors, pinealoblastomas have a bad prognostic especially in children aged inferior to three years old. The new pathological classification allows a better stratification with different groups identified and also the identification of a DICER 1 syndrome in family of patients with a pinealoblastoma that need medical investigations. Results of Germ Cell Tumors are more favorable with a global survival rate of 87 % and a rate of survival for pure germinomas of almost 97%. Results for gliomas of the pineal gland, that are tectal plate gliomas, are good for pilocytic astrocytomas while for other gliomas the prognosis is related to the grade of malignancy and the efficacy of complementary treatment. Papillary tumors need a complete removal for the best chance of survival. Finally, AT/TR still have a bad prognosis.Our results show that many progresses have to be accomplished for pineal region tumors and that these pathologies need a multidisciplinary approach to choose the best treatment to improve the survival rate and the patients’ quality of life.
Marginal Adaptation of Ormocer, Nanofilled, and Nanoceramic Class V Composite Restorations Subjected to Thermal and load Cycling
Authors: Mahmoud Salah Hasab , Eltoukhy Radwa , Elkaffas Aly Atef , Salama Rasha
Published: May 2022

Background: The marginal integrity of resin composite restorations especially in class V cavities remains a challenge in operative dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of substrate and restorative system on the marginal adaptation of class V composite restorations. Methods: Standardized class V cavities were prepared in sound human molars with the cervical margin on dentin and the occlusal margin on enamel. An ormocer, nanofilled, nanoceramic and microhybrid composite were utilized. After finishing and polishing, marginal adaptation of the restorations was analyzed by metallographic microscope (T0) and the following parameters were recorded: width of maximum marginal gap (MG), percentage length of debonded margin relative to cavity periphery (DM), and marginal index (MI = MG × DM/100). After the first evaluation, the specimens underwent thermal cycling (2,000 cycles of 5ºC–55ºC ± 2ºC) and load cycling (50,000 cycles of 50 N and 1 Hz). Specimens were reanalyzed by metallographic microscope (T1). The recorded data were compared using multi-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test (ɑ < 0.05). Results: The type of restorative/adhesive system and margin location significantly affected marginal adaptation. Ormocer restorations exhibited the lowest MG, DM, and MI values, whereas microhybrid composite restorations exhibited the highest values. Relative to the baseline condition, the specimens showed higher gap measurements after thermal and load cycling. Conclusion: The margin location and restorative system have a substantial effect on the marginal adaptation of class V composite restorations. Clinical relevance statement:The cavity margin location and the restorative system have significant influence on the durability of cervical restorations.
Understanding multimode orientation-dependent oxidation of aluminum by first-principles theory calculations
Authors: Pu Jibin , Liu Min , Wang Yongxin , Jin Ying , Pan Jinshan
Published: May 2022

The behavior of oxygen (O) atoms on the surface as well as the subsurface of (111), (001), and (110) orientations of aluminum (Al) during initial-stage oxidation is studied by using density-functional theory (DFT), focusing on adsorption energy, work function, surface relaxation/reconstruction, surface complex formation with evolving structural parameters with increasing coverage of adsorbing O up to two-monolayer. The energetics of O adsorption indicate a favorable oxidation behavior with a large work function increase induced by O on Al(111) and (110). The structural as well as electron re-distribution analyses reveal that spontaneous O ingress into (110) leads to an “intercalating” oxidation mode, which may also result in a much faster surface oxidation process, whereas the oxidation on Al(111) and (001) proceeds similarly in a “layer-by-layer” mode with a slower oxidation rate. Moreover, different complexes of Al-O are formed depending on the availability of O towards Al on different orientations. The evolution of Al-O bond length suggests that the formed oxide resembles α-Al2O3 on (111)/(001) and γ-Al2O3 on (110), respectively. These results have differentiated different oxidation modes as well as kinetics predominantly dependent on surface orientations.
Comparative Study of Some Iterative Methods For Solving Poisson Equations
Authors: Derzie Eshetu Belete , Dinka Tekle Gemechu
Published: May 2022

Objectives: This study focuses on some iterative algorithms (Jacobi, Gauss-Seidel, SOR, and Multigrid) for solving Poisson's equations and investigating their performance based on the computational time complexity point of view. These iterative methods are derived to solve linear systems resulting from the discretization of Poisson's equations using finite difference methods.Results: For each method, the rate of convergence is analyzed. Our analysis shows that the Multigrid method is efficient among the other methods to solve Poisson's equations. Numerical experiments are carried out to validate the theoretical results.AMS Subject Classification: Primary 65F10; 65N06; secondary 65N55
Reflective texture-less object registration using multiple edge features for augmented reality assembly
Authors: He Zaixing , Zhao Jindong , Zhao Xinyue , Feng Wuxi , Wang Quanyou , Jiang Huilong
Published: May 2022

Virtual assembly technology has developed rapidly in recent years. As one of its key technologies, object registration has been widely studied, whose main task is to register the target object. However, the existing methods cannot effectively register reflective texture-less objects such as metal parts. In this paper, an object registration method based on multiple edge features is proposed, which includes a sparse uniform template sampling method and a multiple edge feature matching method. At the same time, we also used two oil pumps to carry out virtual assembly experiments and verify the accuracy of object registration. The experimental results show that this method can achieve high accuracy which is in line with the requirements of the virtual assembly algorithm in the industry.
Copper-Based Metal-Organic Framework Impedes Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis via Local Estrogen Deprivation and Platelets Blockade
Authors: Wang Sijie , Yin Na , Li Yongjuan , Xiang Tingting , Jiang Wenxiao , Zhao Xiu , Liu Wei , Zhang Zhenzhong , Shi Jinjin , Guo Xingming , Zhang Kaixiang , Liu Junjie
Published: May 2022

Metastasis is one of the main causes of failure in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Abnormally estrogen level and activated platelets are the key driving forces for TNBC metastasis. Here, an “ion/gas” bioactive nanogenerator (termed as IGBN), comprising a copper-based MOF and loaded cisplatin-arginine (Pt-Arg) prodrug, is developed for metastasis-promoting tumor microenvironment reprogramming and TNBC therapy. The copper-based MOF not only serves as a drug carrier, but also specifically produces Cu2+ in tumors, which catalytic oxidizing estrogen to reduce estrogen levels in situ. Meanwhile, the rationally designed Pt-Arg prodrug reduced into cisplatin to significantly promote the generation of H2O2 in the tumor, then permitting self-augmented cascade NO gas generation by oxidizing Arg through a H2O2 self-supplied way, thus blocking platelet activation in tumor. We clarified that IGBN inhibited TNBC metastasis through local estrogen deprivation and platelets blockade, affording 88.4% inhibition of pulmonary metastasis in a 4T1 mammary adenocarcinoma model. Notably, the locally copper ion interference, NO gas therapy and cisplatin chemotherapy together resulted in an enhanced therapeutic efficacy in primary tumor ablation without significant toxicity. This “ion/gas” bioactive nanogenerator offers a robust and safe strategy for TNBC therapy.
Short-term Exposure to JUUL Electronic Cigarettes Can Worsen Ischemic Stroke Outcome by Disrupting the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Sifat Ali Ehsan , Archie Sabrina Rahman , Nozohouri Saeideh , Villalba Heidi , Ghanwatkar Yashwardhan , Sharma Sejal , Zhang Yong , Vaidya Bhuvaneshwar , Cucullo Luca , Abbruscato Thomas J.
Published: May 2022

Background
The short and long-term health effects of JUUL electronic cigarette (e-Cig) are largely unknown and warrant extensive research. We hypothesized that chronic exposure to JUUL vapor could promote cerebrovascular toxicities impacting the progression and outcome of ischemic stroke to an extent comparable to that resulting from tobacco smoke (TS) exposure.
Methods
We exposed male C57 mice to TS/ JUUL vapor for 14 days. LCMS/MS was used to measure brain and plasma nicotine and cotinine level. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) followed by reperfusion was used to mimic ischemic stroke. Plasma levels of IL-6 and thrombomodulin were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. At the same time, western blotting was used to study blood-brain barrier (BBB) tight junction (TJ) proteins expression and that of key inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.
Results
tMCAO upregulated IL-6 and decreased plasma thrombomodulin levels. Post-ischemic brain injury following tMCAO was significantly worsened by JUUL/TS pre-exposure. TJ proteins expression was also downregulated by JUUL/TS pre-exposure after tMCAO. Similar to TS, exposure to JUUL downregulated the expression of the antioxidant Nrf2. The inflammatory marker ICAM-1 was also significantly upregulated by TS pre-exposure following tMCAO and by JUUL but to a lesser extent.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that JUUL exposure could negatively impact the cerebrovascular system as much as TS exposure.
Accurate detection of cholesterol in the presence of phytosterols in food samples based on lead halide perovskites with aggregation-induced emission
Authors: Jiao Aiqing , Ge Wenna , Jiang Dafeng , Qu Fei , Zhao Xian-En
Published: May 2022

A kind of lead halide perovskites (LHPs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) feature is used as a fluorescent probe for cholesterol detection. LHPs exhibit a high emission when they aggregate in water. However, β-cyclodextrin modified gold nanoparticles (β-CD@AuNPs) cause the AIE quenching of LHPs. Based on the host-guest recognition between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and cholesterol, LHPs are replaced by cholesterol, resulting in the AIE recovery of LHPs. A linear range of cholesterol is obtained from 0.35 to 20 nM with the limit of detection 0.12 nM which is lower than the most reported methods. This is because only a few pM β-CD@AuNPs quench the AIE of LHPs. Furthermore, phytosterols cannot interfere with the detection of cholesterol due to the different affinities of cholesterol and phytosterols for β-CD. Finally, this method is applied to detecting cholesterol in egg, milk, and pork. Additionally, cholesterol in milk powder containing phytosterols has been determined with good recoveries.
Tanshinone IIA reduces AQP4 expression and astrocyte swelling after oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation by inhibition of the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB/IL-6 pro-inflammatory axis
Authors: Tang Zhaohua , Yang Gang , Liao Zhengbu , Chen Feilan , Chen Song , Tao Wangwen , Huo Gang , Sun Xiaochuan , Wang Xiaoshu
Published: May 2022

Here, we investigated the role of tanshinone IIA (TSO IIA) in astrocytic swelling caused by ischemia and reperfusion-like injury in an in vitro model and the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Primary brain astrocytes were cultured in conditions of glucose and oxygen deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R). We investigated the effects of TSO IIA treatment on cell swelling and injury, and the expression levels of AQP4 protein in the plasma membrane. We then studied the involvement of the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB/IL-6 pro-inflammatory axis in TSO IIA-mediated protection. Treatment with TSO IIA alleviated OGD/R-induced astrocytic swelling and the over-clustering of AQP4 protein in the plasma membrane. In addition, TSO-IIA significantly reduced over-expression of HMGB1, the high levels of NF-κB protein in the nucleus, and of IL-6 protein in cytoplasm and extracellular media induced by OGD/R. Combination of TSO IIA and recombinant HMGB1 reversed these effects. Inhibition of RAGE, the receptor of HMGB1, induced similar results to those of TSO IIA. In addition, exogenous IL-6 reversed TSO IIA-mediated effect on AQP4 over-clustering and cell swelling.TSO IIA significantly reduced astrocyte swelling after OGD/R injury in vitro, via blocking activation of the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB/IL-6 pro-inflammatory axis and thereby decreasing the expression of AQP4 in plasma membrane.
Maladaptive personality traits as predictors of prosocial behavior and behavioral trust in two economic games
Authors: Hepp Johanna , Mohr Melissa R. M. , Niedtfeld Inga
Published: May 2022

Background: Dimensional models of personality disorders postulate interpersonal dysfunction as the core feature of personality pathology, and describe maladaptive personality traits that characterize the specific pattern of dysfunction that is experienced. Herein, we examined whether maladaptive traits predict prosocial behavior and behavioral trust, both of which are highly relevant behaviors for interpersonal functioning. Specifically, we examined antagonism as a predictor of prosocial behavior in a dictator game, and suspiciousness as a predictor of trust in the faith game. Materials and Methods: The study was preregistered and conducted online. The preregistration protocol is available at https://osf.io/er43j. Data and code are available at https://osf.io/2rvbg/. Participants (N = 445) completed the German version of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 to measure antagonism and suspiciousness. Additionally, they played the dictator game (more money taken away from another person indicates less prosocial behavior) and the faith game (choosing the sure choice instead of the faith choice indicates less trust). We conducted a linear regression model to test whether antagonism is associated with prosocial behavior in the dictator game and a logistic regression model to test whether suspiciousness predicts selection of the sure choice in the faith game.Results: As hypothesized, higher levels of antagonism were associated with less prosocial behavior in the dictator game. The remaining hypotheses were not supported, as suspiciousness was not significantly associated with the likelihood of choosing the sure choice in the faith game. Exploratory analyses on participants’ estimates of the sure choice amount suggest successful experimental manipulation in the faith game. Conclusions: The results on antagonism and prosocial behavior are consistent with those of previous studies that used categorial classification systems of personality disorders or examined non-pathological personality traits. Potential explanations for the non-significant effects of suspiciousness are discussed, including the small size and range of the sure choice payoff and that the anonymity of the game may have precluded suspicious traits from expressing. Future research with higher stakes and known interaction partners is needed to further probe the effects of suspiciousness.
Occupational Exposure to High-level Electric Fields and Mechanistic Effects of External Supplements
Authors: Tomruk Arın , Buyukatalay Elcin Ozgur , Kaya Ufuk , Ulusu N. Nuray , Ozturk Goknur Guler
Published: May 2022

The rate of workplace-related various diseases will have arisen. Electrical workers, particularly, might be exposed to different physical, chemical, and biological agents. The respiratory system will be more vulnerable to the initiated inflammatory responses with the combined effects of these dangerous agents. The present study investigated E field-induced intracellular reactive intermediates' status and their disruptive impacts on structural molecules. Moreover, the lung tissues' antioxidant levels and preventive effects of external treated NAC and EGCG were also investigated under long-term E field exposure. The long-term exposure to 50 Hz 24kV/m vertical E Field might indirectly affect the guinea pigs' lung tissues overproducing intracellular ROS. Oxygen and nitrogen-derived reactive intermediates primarily injured lipids' and proteins' structures. With the treatments of NAC and EGCG, this disruptive effect decreased under E field exposure. In establishing safety limits for occupational exposures of electrical workers (more than 10kV/m), there is a need for further mechanistic studies on the relationships between high-level electric fields' exposures and occupational-related diseases at the molecular level.
­The Influence of Land Use and Land Cover Change on Landslide Susceptibility in the Lower Mekong River Basin
Authors: Dandridge Chelsea , Stanley Thomas , Kirschbaum Dalia , Amatya Pukar , Lakshmi Venkataraman
Published: May 2022

The Lower Mekong River Basin in Southeast Asia experiences frequent rainfall-triggered landslides especially during the monsoon season. In this study, the influence of land use and land cover (LULC) change and other causative factors on landslide susceptibility is evaluated in the Lower Mekong Basin. Frequency ratio analysis is performed to quantify the relationship between LULC change and susceptibility. Detailed landslide inventory maps are used for analysis with yearly LULC maps. The LULC change is used as a contributing variable in a logistic regression-based susceptibility model with other variables including distance to roads, slope, aspect, forest loss, and soil properties. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and Area Under the Curve (AUC) are estimated for the model trained by each landslide inventory. The models show good performance, with AUC values ranging from 0.697 to 0.958 and an average AUC equal to 0.820. Both the Frequency Ratio analysis and the Logistic Regression models indicate LULC change from agricultural land to forest has a positive correlation with landslide occurrence. The most significant factors in the models are found to be distance to roads, slope, and aspect. A better understanding of the effects of LULC on landslide susceptibility can be useful for local land and disaster management and for the implementation of LULC as a factor in future susceptibility models. Using datasets that are unique to the Lower Mekong region, this study provides additional insights into the relationship between causative factors and landslide activity to better inform regional and global landslide susceptibility modeling.
Clinical study on the relationship between neopterin and polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Zhou Junjie , Yang Mo , Liu Yingxue , Song Youlan , Lin Ru , Wu Han , Zhang Wenjuan
Published: May 2022

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine and metabolic disorder. To offer new research direction for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), including its pathogenesis and treatment, this research explores the relationship between neopterin (NPT) and polycystic ovary syndrome. Material and Methods: This is a prospective study. 40 cases with PCOS were selected in the reproductive medicine clinics of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University as PCOS group from January 2017 to December 2018. 40 cases with normal pregnancy plan were treated as non-PCOS group, whose menstruation is from 25 days to 35 days. We divided the two groups into two subgroups separately according to their body mass index (BMI): the obese one with BMI≥25kg/㎡and non-obese one with BMI<25kg/m2.Results: The expression levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), fasting insulin (FINS), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil (N), NPT and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in PCOS group were higher than non-PCOS group. CRP, NPT and IL-6 in the obese group were increased than the non-obese group in the pairwise comparison of its subgroups whether in PCOS group or non-PCOS group. In the analysis of linear correlation, NPT was positively correlated with TG, TC, WBC, N, CRP, FINS, IL-6 and TNF-α (P<0.01). Multivariate Stepwise regression analysis found that FINS and IL-6 was the two most important factors. Conclusion: The expression of NPT in PCOS patients was higher than non-PCOS. NPT maybe play a significant role in the development of PCOS.