bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital TKA Alignment Training with a New Digital Simulation Tool (Knee-CAT) Improves Process Quality, Efficiency, and Confidence
Authors: Graichen Heiko , Strauch Marco , Hirschmann Michael T. , Becker Roland , Lustig Sébastien , Clatworthy Mark , Jordaan Jacobus Daniel , Hazratwala Kaushik , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Giesinger Karlmeinrad , Calliess Tilman
Published: January 2023

Individual alignment techniques have been introduced to restore patients’ unique anatomical variations during total knee arthroplasty. The transition from conventional mechanical alignment to individualised approaches, with the assistance of computer and/or robotic technologies, is challenging. The objective of this study was to develop a digital training platform with real patient data to educate and simulate various modern alignment philosophies. The aim was to evaluate the training effect of the tool by measuring the process quality and efficiency, as well as the post-training surgeon’s confidence with new alignment philosophies. Based on 1000 data sets, a web-based interactive TKA computer navigation simulator (Knee-CAT) was developed. Quantitative decisions on bone cuts were linked to the extension and flexion gap values. Eleven different alignment workflows were introduced. A fully automatic evaluation system for each workflow, with a comparison function for all workflows, was implemented to increase the learning effect. The results of 40 surgeons with different experience levels using the platform were assessed. Initial data were analysed regarding process quality and efficiency and compared after two training courses. Process quality measured by the percentage of correct decisions was increased by the two training courses from 45% to 87.5%. The main reasons for failure were wrong decisions on the joint line, tibia slope, femoral rotation, and gap balancing. Efficiency was obtained with a reduction in time spent per exercise from 4 min 28 s to 2 min 35 s (42%) after the training courses. All volunteers rated the training tool as helpful or extremely helpful for learning new alignment philosophies. Separating the learning experience from OR performance was mentioned as one of the main advantages. A novel digital simulation tool for the case-based learning of various alignment philosophies in TKA surgery was developed and introduced. The simulation tool, together with the training courses, improved surgeon confidence and their ability to learn new alignment techniques in a stress-free out-of-theatre environment and to become more time efficient in making correct alignment decisions.
Preoperative Pain Catastrophizing and Neuropathic Pain Do Not Predict Length of Stay and Early Post-Operative Complications following Total Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Shemesh Shai S. , Dieterich James Douglas , Chen Darwin , Sharon Roni , Bronson Michael J. , Frenkel Rutenberg Tal , Moucha Calin S.
Published: January 2023

Background: Both pain catastrophizing and neuropathic pain have been suggested as prospective risk factors for poor postoperative pain outcomes in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Objective: We hypothesized that pain catastrophizers, as well as patients with pain characterized as neuropathic, would exhibit higher pain scores, higher early complication rates and longer lengths of stay following primary TJA. Methods: A prospective, observational study in a single academic institution included 100 patients with end-stage hip or knee osteoarthritis scheduled for TJA. In pre-surgery, measures of health status, socio-demographics, opioid use, neuropathic pain (PainDETECT), pain catastrophizing (PCS), pain at rest and pain during activity (WOMAC pain items) were collected. The primary outcome measure was the length of stay (LOS) and secondary measures were the discharge destinations, early postoperative complications, readmissions, visual analog scale (VAS) levels and distances walked during the hospital stay. Results: The prevalence of pain catastrophizing (PCS ≥ 30) and neuropathic pain (PainDETECT ≥ 19) was 45% and 20.4%, respectively. Preoperative PCS correlated positively with PainDETECT (rs = 0.501, p = 0.001). The WOMAC positively correlated more strongly with PCS (rs = 0.512 p = 0.01) than with PainDETECT (rs = 0.329 p = 0.038). Neither PCS nor PainDETECT correlated with the LOS. Using multivariate regression analysis, a history of chronic pain medication use was found to predict early postoperative complications (OR 38.1, p = 0.47, CI 1.047–1386.1). There were no differences in the remaining secondary outcomes. Conclusions: Both PCS and PainDETECT were found to be poor predictors of postoperative pain, LOS and other immediate postoperative outcomes following TJA.
Evaluation of Clinical Results regarding Peristomal Skin Health Associated with the Adjustment and Formulation of the New Moderma Flex One-Piece Ostomy Devices
Authors: Rivera García Sebastian , Espejo Lunar Esperanza-Macarena , Rodríguez-Almagro Julian , Louzao Méndez Silvia
Published: January 2023

In order to determine the perception of ostomized patients about the performance and safety of the new one-piece device Moderma Flex, as well as the evolution of peristomal skin health after its use. The pre- and post-experimental multicenter study after the use of the Moderma Flex one-piece ostomy device on 306 ostomized people from 68 hospitals in Spain. We used a self-made questionnaire on the usefulness of different parts of the device and the perception of peristomal skin improvement. The sample was composed of 54.6% (167) men and had an average age of 64.5 years (standard deviation = 15.43). The type of device most commonly used according to its opening was closed by 45.1% (138). In addition, for the type of barrier, the most frequently used is the flat one; 47.7% (146) and 38.9% (119) used a model of soft convexity. A total of 48% scored with the highest assessment in the perception of skin improvement. The percentage of patients with peristomal skin problems decreased from 35.9% at the first visit to less than 8% after the use of Moderma Flex. Further, 92.4% (257) had no skin problems, the most frequent being erythema. The use of the Moderma Flex device seems to be related to a reduction in peristomal skin complications and a perception of improvement.
Determinants of Financial Risk Tolerance: An Analysis of Psychological Factors
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Albaity Mohamed , Baigh Tarannum , Masud Md.
Published: January 2023

Financial risk tolerance is a complex process that goes beyond the exclusive use of demographic characteristics. Despite the necessity of developing a comprehensive financial risk tolerance measurement model, the psychological factors that might be important have been long overlooked. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of psychological factors on financial risk tolerance level. The sample (n = 1204) comprises university students from different parts of Malaysia. Significant financial risk tolerance differences are found as a function of gender and race. Students with high financial risk tolerance (FRT) are found to be positively correlated with the propensity for regret, the propensity for trust, the propensity to attribute success to luck, the propensity for overconfidence, and the propensity for social interaction, but not with happiness in life. These findings highlight the importance of individual propensities in assessing the financial risk tolerance level of a person. This study will act as an aid to financial advisors in understanding the behavior and attitudes of their clients.
Assessing Preferences for Cultural Ecosystem Services in the English Countryside Using Q Methodology
Authors: Hubatova Marie , McGinlay James , Parsons David J. , Morris Joe , Graves Anil R.
Published: January 2023

Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) are difficult to assess due to the subjective and diverse way in which they are experienced. This can make it difficult to apply CES research to enhance human experience of nature. This study applies Q methodology to group people according to their preferences for CES. The Q methodology survey was carried out with 47 local residents and tourists in Wiltshire, in South West England. Four groups of respondents were identified drawing value from nature through: (1) spiritual benefits and mental well-being (Group 1—Inspired by nature); (2) nature and biodiversity conservation (Group 1—Conserving nature); (3) cultural heritage in multifunctional landscapes (Group 3—Countryside mix); and (4) opportunities for outdoor activities (Group 4—Outdoor pursuits). All four groups stated that benefits from nature were enhanced by actually visiting the countryside, through a better understanding of nature itself, and through a range of sensory experiences. They particularly identified relaxation opportunities as a very important CES benefit. These findings, and the demonstrated use of the Q methodology, could support local planning and landscape management in order to provide accessible and functional landscapes that can provide a range of different CES benefits to people.
Macro- and Microstructure of In Situ Composites Prepared by Friction Stir Processing of AA5056 Admixed with Copper Powders
Authors: Rubtsov Valery , Chumaevskii Andrey , Gusarova Anastasija , Knyazhev Evgeny , Gurianov Denis , Zykova Anna , Kalashnikova Tatiana , Cheremnov Andrey , Savchenko Nikolai , Vorontsov Andrey , Utyaganova Veronika , Kolubaev Evgeny , Tarasov Sergei
Published: January 2023

This paper is devoted to using multi-pass friction stir processing (FSP) for admixing 1.5 to 30 vol.% copper powders into an AA5056 matrix for the in situ fabrication of a composite alloy reinforced by Al-Cu intermetallic compounds (IMC). Macrostructurally inhomogeneous stir zones have been obtained after the first FSP passes, the homogeneity of which was improved with the following FSP passes. As a result of stirring the plasticized AA5056, the initial copper particle agglomerates were compacted into large copper particles, which were then simultaneously saturated by aluminum. Microstructural investigations showed that various phases such as α-Al(Cu), α-Cu(Al) solid solutions, Cu3Al and CuAl IMCs, as well as both S and S’-Al2CuMg precipitates have been detected in the AA5056/Cu stir zone, depending upon the concentration of copper and the number of FSP passes. The number of IMCs increased with the number of FSP passes, enhancing microhardness by 50–55%. The effect of multipass FSP on tensile strength, yield stress and strain-to-fracture was analyzed.
Investigation on Performances and Functions of Asphalt Mixtures Modified with Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP)
Authors: Sun Yuxuan , Song Weimin , Wu Hao , Zhan Yiqun , Wu Zhezheng , Yin Jian
Published: January 2023

The super absorbent polymer (SAP) has been attracting extensive concerns due to its strong capacity in water absorption and retention. The amorphous hydrogels formed by the post-absorbent SAP have the potential of clogging the micro-cracks in asphalt materials and refraining the rainwater from infiltrating. This provides the possibility of applying SAP in asphalt pavements to seal or fill the cracks and relieve the distresses caused by rainwater infiltration in the underlying layers. Before exploring the cracking sealing mechanism of SAPs in asphalt pavements, a series of experiments were performed to evaluate the feasibility and influences of SAPs in asphalt mastics and asphalt mixtures on their mechanical performances and functionalities. Firstly, the basic properties of SAPs were analyzed, and then the rheological properties of the asphalt mastics using SAP replacing mineral powder (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by volume) were explored. The water stability and infiltration reduction effect of the asphalt mixtures incorporated with SAP were evaluated by the Marshall stability test, immersion Marshall stability test, freeze-thaw splitting strength test, Cantabro test, and permeability test. The test results indicated that SAPs could be used in the asphalt mixtures to partially substitute mineral powder with desirable mechanical performances. When less than 10% of the mineral powder was replaced by the SAP, the high-temperature performance and fatigue life of the asphalt mastics could be improved to some extent, but both declined after the content of the SAP was larger than 10%. Due to the hydrogels formed by SAPs after water absorption, the water stability of the asphalt mixtures deteriorated with the increased content of SAPs. Moreover, the results from the permeability tests implied that the SAP hydrogels could fill the seepage channels in the material, thus improving the migration and infiltration resistances of the asphalt mixtures. With the increased contents of SAPs, the permeability coefficients of the asphalt mixtures could be reduced up to 55%. Based on the research findings in this study, when an appropriate amount of SAP was added in the asphalt materials, desirable temperature stability, water stability, and fatigue resistance could be achieved regarding actual requirements from applications. At the same time, the addition of SAPs could effectively refrain the infiltration and migration of rainwater in asphalt pavements, thus potentially mitigating the effect of water erosion on the underlying layers.
Ongoing Challenges of Laser-Based Powder Bed Fusion Processing of Al Alloys and Potential Solutions from the Literature—A Review
Authors: Martucci Alessandra , Aversa Alberta , Lombardi Mariangela
Published: January 2023

Their high strength-to-weight ratio, good corrosion resistance and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity have exponentially increased the interest in aluminium alloys in the context of laser-based powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M) production. Although Al-based alloys are the third most investigated category of alloys in the literature and the second most used in industry, their processing by PBF-LB/M is often hampered by their considerable solidification shrinkage, tendency to oxidation, high laser reflectivity and poor powder flowability. For these reasons, high-strength Al-based alloys traditionally processed by conventional procedures have often proved to be unprintable with additive technology, so the design and development of new tailored Al-based alloys for PBF-LB/M production is necessary. The aim of the present work is to explore all the challenges encountered before, during and after the PBF-LB/M processing of Al-based alloys, in order to critically analyse the solutions proposed in the literature and suggest new approaches for addressing unsolved problems. The analysis covers the critical aspects in the literature as well as industrial needs, industrial patents published to date and possible future developments in the additive market.
Enhanced Surface Properties of the Al0.65CoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy via Laser Remelting
Authors: Miao Junwei , Li Tianxin , Li Qiang , Chen Xiaohu , Ren Zheng , Lu Yiping
Published: January 2023

The laser remelting technique was applied to the surface modification of the Al0.65CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) to further advance its mechanical potential. The microstructure of the remelted layer was refined from coarse dendritic to submicron-scale basket weave compared with the as-cast substrate, resulting in a 1.8-time increase in Vickers microhardness. The nanoindentation tests indicated that the nanohardness of the remelted layer was higher than that of each phase in the substrate. Meanwhile, the remelted layer retained considerable plasticity, as evidenced by its high Wp/Wt ratio (0.763) and strain hardening exponent (0.302). Additionally, adhesive wear prevailed on the substrate, while only abrasive wear features were observed on the remelted layer. Accordingly, the average friction coefficient and the wear rate of the remelted layer were minimized by 23% and 80%, respectively, compared with the substrate. Our findings explored an industrialized method to enhance the surface properties of the Al0.65CoCrFeNi HEA and also provided some helpful references for its laser additive manufacturing.
Design of Refractory Alloys for Desired Thermal Conductivity via AI-Assisted In-Silico Microstructure Realization
Authors: Seyed Mahmoud Seyed Mohammad Ali , Faraji Ghader , Baghani Mostafa , Hashemi Mohammad Saber , Sheidaei Azadeh , Baniassadi Majid
Published: January 2023

A computational methodology based on supervised machine learning (ML) is described for characterizing and designing anisotropic refractory composite alloys with desired thermal conductivities (TCs). The structural design variables are parameters of our fast computational microstructure generator, which were linked to the physical properties. Based on the Sobol sequence, a sufficiently large dataset of artificial microstructures with a fixed volume fraction (VF) was created. The TCs were calculated using our previously developed fast Fourier transform (FFT) homogenization approach. The resulting dataset was used to train our optimal autoencoder, establishing the intricate links between the material’s structure and properties. Specifically, the trained ML model’s inverse design of tungsten-30% (VF) copper with desired TCs was investigated. According to our case studies, our computational model accurately predicts TCs based on two perpendicular cut-section images of the experimental microstructures. The approach can be expanded to the robust inverse design of other material systems based on the target TCs.
Coupling Failure Mechanism of Underground Structures Induced by Construction Disturbances
Authors: Zhang Jianhong , Wang Aixia , Zhang Limin , Chen Xiangsheng
Published: January 2023

The development of cities often involves the construction of new tunnels buried underneath densely distributed existing structures. When tunnels experience complicated and difficult conditions, coupling failure mechanisms often develop, in which the failure of one structure results in the failures of adjacent structures caused by soil failure initiated from the excavation of the new tunnel. Four centrifuge tests were performed in this study to reveal three major mechanisms, i.e., rapid sand flow, partial failure and overall collapse induced by the instability of a tunnel face and the effects of soil types and buried existing structures. Data are presented about the deformation and the failure mechanisms. Effects of soil properties and groundwater are discussed. The tests indicate that rapid sand flow can be easily triggered by tunnel face instability, a chimney-like mechanism creating gaps underneath existing structures. In cohesive soil, failure may be limited in front of the tunnel face due to the formation of arching, rendering a partial collapse. An overall collapse may occur in less cohesive soil when involving changes in underground water, which is a failure mode of a ground block bounded by two single shear planes extending from the tunnel face to the surface. It was observed that the bending deformation of the existing tunnel is well correlated with the failure mode, and a limited partial collapse had the smallest impact on the tunnel. The magnitude of the deformation of the structures depended not only on the failure mode but also on the scope and orientation of the failure.
Queueing System with Potential for Recruiting Secondary Servers
Authors: Chakravarthy Srinivas , Dudin Alexander , Dudin Sergey , Dudina Olga
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we consider a single server queueing system in which the arrivals occur according to a Markovian arrival process (MAP). The served customers may be recruited (or opted from those customers’ point of view) to act as secondary servers to provide services to the waiting customers. Such customers who are recruited to be servers are referred to as secondary servers. The service times of the main as well as that of the secondary servers are assumed to be exponentially distributed possibly with different parameters. Assuming that at most there can only be one secondary server at any given time and that the secondary server will leave after serving its assigned group of customers, the model is studied as a QBD-type queue. However, one can also study this model as a GI/M/1-type queue. The model is analyzed in steady state, and a few illustrative numerical examples are presented.
On Stability Criteria Induced by the Resolvent Kernel for a Fractional Neutral Linear System with Distributed Delays
Authors: Madamlieva Ekaterina , Milev Marian , Stoyanova Tsvetana
Published: January 2023

We consider an initial problem (IP) for a linear neutral system with distributed delays and derivatives in Caputo’s sense of incommensurate order, with different kinds of initial functions. In the case when the initial functions are with bounded variation, it is proven that this IP has a unique solution. The Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem, a very appropriate tool, is used to prove the existence of solutions in the case of the neutral systems. As a corollary of this result, we obtain the existence and uniqueness of a fundamental matrix for the homogeneous system. In the general case, without additional assumptions of boundedness type, it is established that the existence and uniqueness of a fundamental matrix lead existence and uniqueness of a resolvent kernel and vice versa. Furthermore, an explicit formula describing the relationship between the fundamental matrix and the resolvent kernel is proven in the general case too. On the base of the existence and uniqueness of a resolvent kernel, necessary and sufficient conditions for the stability of the zero solution of the homogeneous system are established. Finally, it is considered a well-known economics model to describe the dynamics of the wealth of nations and comment on the possibilities of application of the obtained results for the considered systems, which include as partial case the considered model.
Blockchain Enabled Credible Energy Trading at the Edge of the Internet of Things
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Du Xinyu , Zhang Hui , Wang Qin
Published: January 2023

In order to promote the value circulation of energy resources and improve energy efficiency, credible energy sharing between Internet of Things Devices (IoTDs) came into being. However, sometimes IoTDs do not obtain the required energy in the required time period, resulting in less active participation in energy sharing. To address these challenges, this paper first proposes a credible energy transaction model based on the distributed ledger blockchain at the Edge of the Internet of Things, where the Edge Cloud Server (ECS) can collect a large number of surplus energy resources of IoTDs in a secure and credible energy sharing environment and share them with other IoTDs in urgent need of charging. Meanwhile, in order to attract IoTDs to participate in energy sharing for a long time and meet the energy demand of ECS to the maximum extent, a smart contract-based Expected Social Welfare Maximized double auction incentive mechanism of Single ECS to Multi-IoTDs (ESWM-StM) is proposed to enable dynamic and adaptive energy sharing from multiple IoTDs to a single ECS. In addition, this paper compares the proposed algorithm with the benchmark method in terms of energy-sharing cost and long-term utility. The simulation results show that the proposed incentive mechanism can enable IoTDs to provide more surplus energy per unit cost to meet the energy demand of ECSs, and can sustainably attract more energy trading participants to enhance the expected social welfare in the long term.
Some Properties of Motion of Atoms near a Charged Wire
Authors: Dorociaková Božena , Olach Rudolf , Chupáč Radoslav , Oršanský Pavol
Published: January 2023

We are concerned with the classical approach to atomic motions in the vicinity of a wire charged by an oscillating voltage. This mechanism has been proposed to serve for trapping cold neutral atoms. We prove that, under some conditions, the atom must either collide with the wire or escape to infinity in the radial direction. The presented results for the atom–wire problem extend and complement some earlier ones in the literature.
Validation of a New Prognostic Score in Patients with Ovarian Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Trifanescu Oana , Mitrica Radu , Gales Laurentia , Marinescu Serban , Motas Natalia , Trifanescu Raluca , Rebegea Laura , Gherghe Mirela , Georgescu Dragos , Serbanescu Georgia , Bashar Haj , Dragosloveanu Serban , Cristian Daniel , Anghel Rodica
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of clinical prognostic factors and propose a prognostic score that aids the clinician’s decision in estimating the risk for patients in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: The study included 195 patients diagnosed with ovarian adenocarcinoma. The therapeutic strategy involved multidisciplinary decisions: surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (80%), neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (16.4%), and only chemotherapy in selected cases (3.6%). Results: After a median follow-up of 68 months, in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 1 and 2 vs. 0 (hazard ratio—HR = 2.71, 95% confidence interval—CI, 1.96–3.73, p < 0.001 for PFS and HR = 3.19, 95%CI, 2.20–4.64, p < 0.001 for OS), menopausal vs. premenopausal status (HR = 2.02, 95%CI, 1.35–3,0 p < 0.001 and HR = 2.25, 95%CI = 1.41–3.59, p < 0.001), ascites (HR = 1.95, 95%CI 1.35–2.80, p = 0.03, HR = 2.31, 95%CI = 1.52–3.5, p < 0.007), residual disease (HR = 5.12, 95%CI 3.43–7.65, p < 0.0001 and HR = 4.07, 95%CI = 2.59–6.39, p < 0.0001), and thrombocytosis (HR = 2.48 95%CI = 1.72–3.58, p < 0.0001, HR = 3.33, 95%CI = 2.16–5.13, p < 0.0001) were associated with a poor prognosis. An original prognostic score including these characteristics was validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (area under the curve—AUC = 0.799 for PFS and AUC = 0.726 for OS, p < 0.001). The median PFS for patients with none, one, two, three, or four (or more) prognostic factors was not reached, 70, 36, 20, and 12 months, respectively. The corresponding median overall survival (OS) was not reached, 108, 77, 60, and 34 months, respectively. Conclusions: Several negative prognostic factors were identified: ECOG performance status ≥ 1, the presence of ascites and residual disease after surgery, thrombocytosis, and menopausal status. These led to the development of an original prognostic score that can be helpful in clinical practice.
Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy—Case Reports and Medical Management
Authors: Kampioni Małgorzata , Chmaj-Wierzchowska Karolina , Wszołek Katarzyna , Wilczak Maciej
Published: January 2023

The term intramural (interstitial) ectopic pregnancy refers to a pregnancy developing outside the uterine cavity, with a gestational sac implanted into the interstitial part of the Fallopian tube, surrounded by a layer of the myometrium. The prevalence rate of interstitial pregnancy (IP) is 2–4% of all ectopic pregnancies. Surgery is the primary treatment for interstitial ectopic pregnancy; the pharmacological management of ectopic pregnancy, including IP, in asymptomatic patients includes systemic administration of methotrexate. In this report, we present two cases of this rare pregnancy type, reviewing our management technique and treatment ways presented in the literature. In our patients, the management was initially conservative and included methotrexate, administered as intravenous bolus injection, regular beta-human chorionic gonadotropins (β-HCG) level measurements in peripheral blood, and monitoring of the patient’s general condition. Due to signs of intra-abdominal bleeding in patient A and inadequate β-HCG level reduction in patient B, both patients eventually underwent laparoscopic cornual resection. Pregnancy, implanted into the interstitial part of the Fallopian tube and surrounded by myometrial tissue with myometrial invasion of the trophoblast, poses a serious diagnostic challenge to modern gynecology due to particularly low sensitivity and specificity of symptoms, and may require both pharmacological and surgical treatment.
Interpersonal Violence Is Associated with Self-Reported Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Men in East-Central Sweden: Results of a Population-Based Survey
Authors: Macassa Gloria , Wijk Katarina , Rashid Mamunur , Hiswåls Anne-Sofie , Daca Chanvo , Soares Joaquim
Published: January 2023

Background and Objectives: Interpersonal violence is a social and public health problem globally, and though it is related to poor health outcomes across all genders, most research has been directed towards violence against women. As a result, the health consequences of men’s victimization may be underreported and unaddressed. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between interpersonal violence and the psychological health outcomes of self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression among men. Materials and Methods: The study used data from the male sample (n = 2597) of the 2018 Health on Equal Terms Survey conducted in Gävleborg County in East-Central Sweden. Regression analysis was carried out to study the relationship between interpersonal violence and self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression. Results: The bivariate analysis showed that there was a statistically significant association between interpersonal violence and self-reported stress (OR 2.35; CI 1.45–3.81), anxiety (OR 1.54; CI 1.06–2.25), and depression (OR 2.30; CI 1.48–3.57). Controlling for other variables in the multivariate analysis removed the statistically significant relationship and reduced the odds ratios for stress (OR 1.46; CI 0.57–3.74), anxiety (OR 0.86; 0.40–1.84), and depression (OR 1.40; CI 0.67–3.32) respectively. Conclusions: The study found that interpersonal violence among men was associated with stress, anxiety and depression which was largely explained by demographic, socioeconomic, and health/behavior-related factors. The findings suggest the need for longitudinal studies to assess causal links between male victimization and psychological health outcomes at the county level.
A Complex Investigation of LATP Ceramic Stability and LATP+PVDF Composite Membrane Performance: The Effect of Solvent in Tape-Casting Fabrication
Authors: Waris Zainab , Akhmetov Nikita O. , Pogosova Mariam A. , Lipovskikh Svetlana A. , Ryazantsev Sergey V. , Stevenson Keith J.
Published: January 2023

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are a prospective energy storage platform to mitigate the discrepancy between barely adjustable energy production and fluctuating demand. The energy density and affordability of RFBs can be improved significantly through the transition from aqueous systems to non-aqueous (NAq) due to their wider electrochemical stability window and better solubility of active species. However, the NAqRFBs suffer from a lack of effective membranes with high ionic conductivity (IC), selectivity (low permeability), and stability. Here, we for the first time thoroughly analyse the impact of tape-casting solvents (dimethylformamide—DMF; dimethylsulfoxide—DMSO; N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone—NMP) on the properties of the composite Li-conductive membrane (Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 filler within poly(vinylidene fluoride) binder—LATP+PVDF). We show that the prolonged exposure of LATP to the studied solvents causes slight morphological, elemental, and intrastructural changes, dropping ceramic’s IC from 3.1 to 1.6–1.9 ∙ 10−4 S cm−1. Depending on the solvent, the final composite membranes exhibit IC of 1.1–1.7 ∙ 10−4 S cm−1 (comparable with solvent-treated ceramics) along with correlating permeability coefficients of 2.7–3.1 ∙ 10−7 cm2 min−1. We expect this study to complement the understanding of how the processes underlying the membrane fabrication impact its functional features and to stimulate further in-depth research of NAqRFB membranes.
Hydrogen Desorption Kinetics of V30Nb10(TixCr1–x)60 High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Cheng Bo , Kong Lingjie , Li Yunkai , Wan Di , Xue Yunfei
Published: January 2023

In recent years, high-entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted wide attention for their enormous hydrogen storage potential, fast hydrogen absorption kinetics, and a wide range of composition selectivity, and the fact that alloys with body-centered cubic (BCC) structure are considered to possess large capacity. Herein, three V30Nb10(TixCr1–x)60 HEAs with different Ti contents (Ti25, Ti30, Ti35) forming BCC structures were designed using the method of CALPHAD. The microstructure characteristics and the hydrogen storage performances, especially the kinetics of hydrogen desorption, were systematically investigated. The results show that after absorbing ~3.7 wt.% hydrogen at 300 K with 100 bar hydrogen pressure, the studied alloys exhibit similar hydrogen release behaviors at different temperatures. Taking the V30Nb10Ti25Cr35 alloy as an example, it was able to release 1.96 wt.%, 2.21 wt.%, and 2.48 wt.% of hydrogen at 353, 373, and 423 K, respectively. The higher the temperature, the faster the hydrogen desorption kinetics and the more hydrogen released. The hydrogen desorption kinetics of the alloys were successfully fitted with the Ginstling–Brounshtein model, and the main rate-controlling step was diffusion. In addition, the diffusion activation energy of hydrogen desorption decreases with the substitution of Cr content. The present study is expected to provide valuable information for the better development of high-entropy-based hydrogen storage alloys.
Prediction of Hot Formability of AA7075 Aluminum Alloy Sheet
Authors: Wang Heyuan , Sui Xiaolong , Guan Yingping
Published: January 2023

A uniaxial high-temperature tensile test of an AA7075 aluminum alloy sheet was conducted using an established induction heating test system. Five different types of specimens were designed to obtain the stress–strain curves at different forming temperatures and strain rates so as to construct and modify the Johnson–Cook constitutive model. The uniaxial tensile test of different stress states was numerically simulated using ABAQUS finite element software, and the stress triaxiality and equivalent fracture strain parameters were extracted. The Johnson–Cook ductile fracture model was constructed, and an error evaluation scheme was designed to determine the best failure parameter combination. Based on the obtained Johnson–Cook ductile fracture model, finite element models of different strain paths were constructed, and theoretical forming limit curves at different temperatures and strain rates were obtained. The results of the Nakazima test and finite element simulation are mostly consistent, which confirms the reliability of the constructed fracture model and theoretical forming limit curves.
Research on the Effect of Pearlite Lamellar Spacing on Rolling Contact Wear Behavior of U75V Rail Steel
Authors: Fei Junjie , Zhou Guifeng , Zhou Jianhua , Zhou Xudong , Li Zhao , Zuo Duo , Wu Run
Published: January 2023

The damage mode of U75V rail steel in application is determined by its rolling wear behavior. In this paper, the pearlite microstructure of U75V steel is characterized to investigate the relationship between wear and fatigue behavior. The results show that, with decreasing of pearlite lamellar spacing, the wear resistance of the steel increases and the contact fatigue resistance decreases. The spacing decreasing causes the change of the wear mechanism from abrasive wear to adhesive wear, as well as the damage mode from wear damage to fatigue damage. The smaller the pearlite lamellar spacing is, the stronger the deformation of the cementite lamellar is. The thin cementite lamellar is hardly broken in the rolling friction to pile up a large number of dislocations in the ferrite matrix and the work hardening degree was improved. So, the plastic deformation layer is difficult to remove, and fatigue cracks are easy to initiate and extend to the interior of the material.
Influence of Size Effect in Milling of a Single-Crystal Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Soriano Gonzalez Luis , Medina Aguirre Fernanda , Soo Sein Leung , Hood Richard , Novovic Donka
Published: January 2023

This paper details an experimental investigation on the influence of the size effect when slot-milling a CMSX-4 single-crystal nickel-based superalloy using 1 mm- and 4 mm-diameter TiAlN-coated tungsten carbide (WC) end-mills. With all tools having similar cutting-edge radii (re) of ~6 µm, the feed rate was varied between 25–250 mm/min while the cutting speed and axial depth of cut were kept constant at 126 m/min and 100 µm, respectively. Tests involving the Ø 4 mm end-mills exhibited a considerable elevation in specific cutting forces exceeding 500 GPa, as well as irregular chip morphology and a significant increase in burr size, when operating at the lowest feed rate of 25 mm/min. Correspondingly for the Ø 1 mm micro-end-mills, high levels of specific cutting forces up to ~1000 GPa together with severe material ploughing and grooving at the base of the machined slots were observed. This suggests the prevalence of the size effect in the chip formation mechanism as feed per tooth/uncut chip thickness decreases. The minimum uncut chip thickness (hmin) when micromilling was subsequently estimated to be less than 0.10 re, while this increased to between 0.10–0.42 re when machining with the larger Ø 4 mm tools.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Cinnamaldehyde in Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Wounds
Authors: Figueiredo Cristiane Santos Silva e Silva , Oliveira Patrícia Vieira de , Saminez Warlison Felipe da Silva , Diniz Roseana Muniz , Mendonça Juliana Silva Pereira , Silva Lucas dos Santos , Paiva Miria Yasmim Miranda , Nascimento Mayara de Santana do , Aliança Amanda Silva dos Santos , Zagmignan Adrielle , Rodrigues João Francisco Silva , Souza Joicy Cortêz de Sá , Grisotto Marcos Augusto Grigolin , Silva Luís Cláudio Nascimento da
Published: January 2023

Cinnamaldehyde (CNM) is an essential-oil component with reported anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects, making it an interesting compound for the treatment of wound infection. Herein, we evaluated the effects of topical administration of CNM in experimental wounds infected by Staphylococcus aureus. Swiss mice (n = 12/group) were randomly allocated into three groups (CON: animals with uninfected lesions; Sa: animals with untreated infected lesions; Sa + CNM: animals with infected wounds and treated with CNM). Excisional lesions (64 mm2) were induced at the dorsal area followed by the addition of S. aureus (80 μL of a 1.5 × 108 CFU/mL bacterial suspension). The wounds were treated with CNM (200 μg/wound/day) or vehicle (2% DMSO) for 10 days. Skin samples were taken on the 3rd or 10th treatment day for quantification of inflammatory mediators, bacterial load, immunophenotyping, and histological analysis. The treatment with CNM improved the healing process and attenuated the severity of skin lesions infected by S. aureus. These effects were associated with significant decreases in bacterial loads in CNM-treated wounds. The levels of neutrophils, TNF-α, IL-6, NO, and VEGF were decreased in the lesions treated with CNM. Taken together, these data provide further evidence of the effectiveness of CNM for the treatment of skin infections.
Potential Biological Properties of Lycopene in a Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System
Authors: Báo Sônia Nair , Machado Manuela , Da Silva Ana Luisa , Melo Adma , Cunha Sara , Sousa Sérgio S. , Malheiro Ana Rita , Fernandes Rui , Leite José Roberto S. A. , Vasconcelos Andreanne G. , Relvas João , Pintado Manuela
Published: January 2023

In recent years, lycopene has been highlighted due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, associated with a beneficial effect on human health. The aim of this study was to advance the studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms on human keratinocytes cells (HaCaT) of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) loaded with lycopene purified from red guava (nanoLPG). The characteristics of nanoLPG were a hydrodynamic diameter of 205 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.21 and a zeta potential of −20.57, providing physical stability for the nanosystem. NanoLPG demonstrated antioxidant capacity, as shown using the ORAC methodology, and prevented DNA degradation (DNA agarose). Proinflammatory activity was evaluated by quantifying the cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8, with only IL-8 showing a significant increase (p < 0.0001). NanoLPG showed greater inhibition of the tyrosinase and elastase enzymes, involved in the skin aging process, compared to purified lycopene (LPG). In vitro treatment for 24 h with 5.0 µg/mL of nanoLPG did not affect the viability of HaCaT cells. The ultrastructure of HaCaT cells demonstrated the maintenance of morphology. This contrasts with endoplasmic reticulum stresses and autophagic vacuoles when treated with LPG after stimulation or not with LPS. Therefore, the use of lycopene in a nanoemulsion may be beneficial in strategies and products associated with skin health.
Targeting Proliferation Signals and the Cell Cycle Machinery in Acute Leukemias: Novel Molecules on the Horizon
Authors: Ghelli Luserna di Rorà Andrea , Jandoubi Mouna , Martinelli Giovanni , Simonetti Giorgia
Published: January 2023

Uncontrolled proliferative signals and cell cycle dysregulation due to genomic or functional alterations are important drivers of the expansion of undifferentiated blast cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells. Therefore, they are largely studied as potential therapeutic targets in the field. We here present the most recent advancements in the evaluation of novel compounds targeting cell cycle proteins or oncogenic mechanisms, including those showing an antiproliferative effect in acute leukemia, independently of the identification of a specific target. Several new kinase inhibitors have been synthesized that showed effectiveness in a nanomolar to micromolar concentration range as inhibitors of FLT3 and its mutant forms, a highly attractive therapeutic target due to its driver role in a significant fraction of AML cases. Moreover, we introduce novel molecules functioning as microtubule-depolymerizing or P53-restoring agents, G-quadruplex-stabilizing molecules and CDK2, CHK1, PI3Kδ, STAT5, BRD4 and BRPF1 inhibitors. We here discuss their mechanisms of action, including the downstream intracellular changes induced by in vitro treatment, hematopoietic toxicity, in vivo bio-availability and efficacy in murine xenograft models. The promising activity profile demonstrated by some of these candidates deserves further development towards clinical investigation.
Prediction of a Cyclic Hydrogenated Boron Molecule as a Promising Building Block for Borophane
Authors: Ando Yasunobu , Nakashima Takeru , Yin Heming , Tateishi Ikuma , Zhang Xiaoni , Tsujikawa Yuki , Horio Masafumi , Cuong Nguyen Thanh , Okada Susumu , Kondo Takahiro , Matsuda Iwao
Published: January 2023

We have extensively searched for a cyclic hydrogenated boron molecule that has a three-center two-electron bond at the center. Using first-principles calculations, we discovered a stable molecule of 2:4:6:8:-2H-1,5:1,5-μH-B8H10 and propose its existence. This molecule can be regarded as a building block for sheets of topological hydrogen boride (borophane), which was recently theoretically proposed and experimentally discovered. The electronic structure of the cyclic hydrogenated boron molecule is discussed in comparison with that of cyclic hydrogenated carbon molecules.
Neuroprotective Actions of Different Exogenous Nucleotides in H2O2-Induced Cell Death in PC-12 Cells
Authors: Zhu Na , Liu Riu , Xu Mei-Hong , Li Yong
Published: January 2023

Exogenous nucleotides (NTs) are considered conditionally essential nutrients, and the brain cannot synthesize NTs de novo. Therefore, the external supplementation of exogenous NTs is of great significance for maintaining normal neuronal metabolism and function under certain conditions, such as brain aging. This study, therefore, sets out to assess the neuroprotective effect of four kinds of single exogenous NTs and a mixture of the NTs, and to elucidate the potential mechanism. A rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC-12 was treated with different concentrations of exogenous NTs after 4 h of exposure to 200 µM H2O2. We found that the exogenous NTs exerted significant neuroprotection through decreasing neuron apoptosis and DNA damage, ameliorating inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, promoting cell viability, and augmenting antioxidant activity, and that they tended to up-regulate the NAD+/SIRTI/PGC-1α pathway involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. Among the different NTs, the neuroprotective effect of AMP seemed to be more prominent, followed by the NT mixture, NMN, and CMP. AMP also exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity in H2O2-treated PC-12 cells. UMP was excellent at inhibiting neuronal inflammation and improving mitochondrial function, while GMP offered major advantages in stabilizing mitochondrial membrane potential. The mixture of NTs had a slightly better performance than NMN, especially in up-modulating the NAD+/SIRTI/PGC-1α pathway, which regulates mitochondrial biogenesis. These results suggest that antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and protection of mitochondrial function are possible mechanisms of the neuroprotective actions of exogenous NTs, and that the optimization of the mixture ratio and the concentration of NTs may achieve a better outcome.
Pharmaceutical Transformation Products Formed by Ozonation—Does Degradation Occur?
Authors: Zilberman Adi , Gozlan Igal , Avisar Dror
Published: January 2023

The efficiency of an advanced oxidation process (AOP) using direct and indirect ozonation for the removal of pharmaceutical residues from deliberately spiked deionized water was examined. Both direct and indirect ozonation demonstrated 34% to 100% removal of the parent compounds. However, based on the products’ chemical structure and toxicity, we suggest that despite using accepted and affordable ozone and radical concentrations, the six parent compounds were not fully degraded, but merely transformed into 25 new intermediate products. The transformation products (TPs) differed slightly in structure but were mostly similar to their parent compounds in their persistence, stability and toxicity; a few of the TPs were found to be even more toxic than their parent compounds. Therefore, an additional treatment is required to improve and upgrade the traditional AOP toward degradation and removal of both parent compounds and their TPs for safer release into the environment.
Gluten-Free Diet and Metabolic Syndrome: Could Be a Not Benevolent Encounter?
Authors: Defeudis Giuseppe , Massari Maria Chiara , Terrana Giovanni , Coppola Lucia , Napoli Nicola , Migliaccio Silvia
Published: January 2023

Celiac disease is a rising disorder and is becoming frequently diagnosed in recent years. To date, the only available treatment is the gluten-free diet (GFD). The role of gluten on components of metabolic syndrome and on related inflammatory response is still unclear due to controversial results. In recent years, scientific focus on this topic has been growing up, in particular regarding the role of the GFD on glycometabolic parameters and diabetes. In addition, studies on the remaining components showed discordant results, which was likely due to heterogeneous and large celiac disease populations and to the lack of prospective studies. Furthermore, knowledge about the role of the GFD on inflammatory cytokines and the relationship among vitamin D and celiac disease, metabolic syndrome (MS) and GFD is needed. In this narrative review, we provided evidence regarding the role of the GFD on glycometabolic parameters, cholesterol, triglycerides, waist circumference, blood pressure and inflammatory cascade, also evaluating the role of vitamin D, trying to summarize whether this nutritional pattern may be a value-added for subjects with dysmetabolic conditions. Finally, due to the limited findings and very low-certainty evidence, predominantly based on observational studies, the real effects of a GFD on different components of MS, however, are unclear; nevertheless, an improvement in HDL levels has been reported, although data on glycemic levels are discordant.