bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemostatic Abnormalities in Gaucher Disease: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications
Authors: Linari Silvia , Castaman Giancarlo
Published: November 2022

Gaucher disease (GD) is a rare inherited lysosomal metabolism disorder, characterized by an accumulation into lysosomes of reticuloendothelial cells, especially in the bone marrow, spleen, and liver of β-glucosylceramide and glucosyl sphingosine, which is its deacylated product. Impaired storage is responsible for a chronic inflammatory state at the sites of accumulation and together represents the pathophysiological cause of GD. GD is a progressive, multi-organ chronic disorder. Type 1 GD is the most prevalent form, with heterogeneous multisystem involvement and different severity of symptoms at any age. Hematological involvement is consistent, and a bleeding tendency is frequent, particularly at diagnosis. Several coagulation and primary hemostasis abnormalities are observed in GD. Bleeding manifestations are rarely severe and usually mucocutaneous. Post-operative, delivery, and post-partum hemorrhages are also common. Thrombocytopenia, platelet function defects, and clotting abnormalities, alone or variably associated, contribute to increase the risk of bleeding in GD. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) or substrate reduction therapy (SRT) are the two specific available treatments effective in improving typical hematological symptoms and abnormalities, including those of hemostasis. However, the use of medication to potentiate hemostasis may be also useful in defined clinical situations: recent starting of ERT/SRT, surgery, delivery, and life-threatening bleeding.
Profiling Plasma Cytokines by A CRISPR-ELISA Assay for Early Detection of Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Ning , Chinthalapally Molangur , Holden Van K. , Deepak Janaki , Dhilipkannah Pushpa , Fan Jonathan M. , Todd Nevins W. , Jiang Feng
Published: November 2022

Cytokines play crucial roles in tumorigenesis and are potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. An Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is commonly used to measure cytokines but has a low sensitivity and can only detect a single target at a time. CRISPR-Associated Proteins (Cas) can ultra-sensitively and specifically detect nucleic acids and is revolutionizing molecular diagnostics. Here, we design a microplate-based CRISPR-ELISA assay to simultaneously profile multiple cytokines, in which antibodies are coupled with ssDNA to form antibody-ssDNA complexes that bridges CRISPR/Cas12a and ELISA reactions. The ssDNA triggers the Cas12a collateral cleavage activity and releases the fluorescent reporters to generate amplified fluorescent signals in the ELISA detection of cytokines. The CRISPR-ELISA assay can simultaneously measure multiple cytokines with a significantly higher sensitivity compared with conventional ELISA. Using the CRISPR-ELISA assay to profile plasma cytokines in 127 lung cancer patients and 125 cancer-free smokers, we develop a panel of plasma cytokine biomarkers (IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) for early detection of the disease, with 80.6% sensitivity and 82.0% specificity. The CRISPR-ELISA assay may provide a new approach to the discovery of cytokine biomarkers for early lung cancer detection.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Migraine: EQ-5D-5L-Based Study in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Domitrz Izabela , Golicki Dominik
Published: November 2022

Background: Migraine leads to moderate to severe disabilities and disrupts family life, interpersonal relationships, and professional life, and is the second leading cause of disability worldwide. Many people with migraine suffer prolonged headaches and frequent migraine attacks, transition to having chronic migraine, and have the highest number of disability-adjusted life-years. The aim of this study is to measure the quality of life in migraineurs based on the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Methods: We assessed 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with migraine: 70 with episodic migraine and 30 with chronic migraine. Migraineurs were asked to complete the EQ-5D-5L. The control group (n = 100), matched for sex and age group, was created based on the results of the population norms study for the EQ-5D-5L in the general population of Poland. Results: Patients with migraine had worse HRQoL than the matched general population control group for all three primary endpoints of the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire: dimensions, EQ-5D-5L Index and EQ VAS. Conclusions: Migraine is a disease that disrupts daily function, and as a lifelong disease, plays a role in every aspect of it. Proving a negative impact on many aspects helps to make decisions about treatment, especially in the context of the design and reimbursement of drugs.
Cerebral Venous-Associated Brain Damage May Lead to Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Lan Duo , Song Siying , Jia Milan , Wang Mengqi , Jiao Baolian , Liu Yunhuan , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose: Anxiety and depression are common in patients with Cerebral venous outflow disturbance (CVOD). Here, we aimed to explore possible mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Methods: We enrolled patients diagnosed with imaging-confirmed CVOD, including internal jugular venous stenosis (IJVS) and cerebral venous sinus stenosis (CVSS) between 2017 and 2020. All of them had MRI/PWI scans. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were used to evaluate the degree of anxiety and depression at the baseline and three months post-stenting. In addition, the relationships between the HAMA and HAMD scores, white matter lesions, and cerebral perfusion were analyzed using multiple logistic regressions. Results: A total of 61 CVOD patients (mean age 47.95 ± 15.26 years, 59.0% females) were enrolled in this study. Over 70% of them reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. Severe CVOD-related anxiety correlated with older age (p = 0.046) and comorbid hyperlipidemia (p = 0.005). Additionally, head noise, sleep disturbances, and white matter lesions (WMLs) were common risk factors for anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). WMLs were considered an independent risk factor for anxiety based on multiple regression analysis (p = 0.029). Self-contrast displayed that CVOD-related anxiety (p = 0.027) and depression (p = 0.017) scores could be corrected by stenting, as the hypoperfusion scores in the limbic lobes of patients with anxiety and depression were significantly higher than those in patients without. Conclusions: CVOD-induced hypoperfusion-mediated changes in the white matter microstructure may represent an underlying mechanism of anxiety and depression in patients with chronic CVOD.
Electrocardiographic Parameters Associated with Adverse Outcomes in Children with Cardiomyopathies
Authors: Luczak-Wozniak Katarzyna , Obsznajczyk Klaudia , Niszczota Cezary , Werner Bożena
Published: November 2022

Cardiomyopathies have a low prevalence in children and thus may lead to malignant ventricular arrhythmias or the progression of heart failure, resulting in death. In adults, the QRS-T angle derived from ECG has been associated with adverse outcomes in patients with hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies. We aimed to assess the electrocardiographic parameters, including QRS-T angle, associated with adverse cardiac events in children with cardiomyopathies. Forty-two children with cardiomyopathies were included in this study: 19 with dilated cardiomyopathy, 17 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 6 with left ventricular non-compaction. Additionally, 19 control subjects were recruited. In terms of ECG parameters, the QRS-T angle was significantly greater among patients with adverse outcomes compared to patients without the end points of the study (133° vs. 65°, p < 0.001). On Kaplan–Meier survival curves, QRS-T angle > 120°, increased serum concentrations of NT-proBNP and troponin I levels as well as greater NYHA or Ross scale were associated with the greatest risk of unfavorable outcome. The QRS-T angle appears to be a valuable component of 12-lead ECG interpretation, and might be helpful in outlining patients with the greatest cardiovascular risk. Additionally, serum biomarkers such as NT-proBNP (p = 0.003) and troponin (p < 0.001) are useful in outlining patients with the worst survival.
Additive Manufacturing of C/C-SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites by Automated Fiber Placement of Continuous Fiber Tow in Polymer with Pyrolysis and Reactive Silicon Melt Infiltration
Authors: Cramer Corson L. , Yoon Bola , Lance Michael J. , Cakmak Ercan , Campbell Quinn A. , Mitchell David J.
Published: November 2022

An additive manufacturing process for fabricating ceramic matrix composites has been developed based on the C/C-SiC system. Automated fiber placement of the continuous carbon fibers in a polyether ether ketone matrix was performed to consolidate the carbon fibers into a printed preform. Pyrolysis was performed to convert the polymer matrix to porous carbon, and then Si was introduced by reactive melt infiltration to convert a portion of the carbon matrix to silicon carbide. The densities and microstructures were characterized after each step during the processing, and the mechanical properties were measured. The C/C-SiC composites exhibited a porosity of 10–20%, characteristic flexural strength of 234.91 MPa, and Weibull modulus of 3.21. The composites displayed toughness via a significant displacement to failure.
Characterization of COVID-19-Related Lung Involvement in Patients Undergoing Magnetic Resonance T1 and T2 Mapping Imaging: A Pilot Study
Authors: Camastra Giovanni , Arcari Luca , Ciolina Federica , Danti Massimiliano , Ansalone Gerardo , Cacciotti Luca , Sbarbati Stefano
Published: November 2022

Tissue characterization by mapping techniques is a recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tool that could aid the tissue characterization of lung parenchyma in coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The aim of the present study was to compare lung MRI findings, including T1 and T2 mapping, in a group of n = 11 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia who underwent a scheduled cardiac MRI, and a cohort of healthy controls. MRI scout images were used to identify affected and remote lung regions within the patients’ cohort and appropriate regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn accordingly. Both lung native T1 and T2 values were significantly higher in the affected areas of patients with COVID-19 as compared to the controls (1375 ms vs. 1201 ms, p = 0.016 and 70 ms vs. 30 ms, p < 0.001, respectively), whereas no significant differences were detected between the remote lung parenchyma of the COVID-19 patients and the controls (both p > 0.05). When a larger ROI was identified, comprising the whole lung parenchyma within the image irrespective of the affected and remote areas, the COVID-19 patients still retained higher native T1 (1278 ms vs. 1149 ms, p = 0.003) and T2 values (38 ms vs. 34 ms, p = 0.04). According to the receiver operator characteristics curves, the T2 value of the affected region retained the higher accuracy for the differentiation of the COVID-19 patients against the controls (area under the curve 0.934, 95% confidence interval 0.826–0.999). These findings, possibly driven by the ability of MRI tissue mapping to detect ongoing inflammation in the lungs of patients with COVID-19, suggest that T1 and T2 mapping of the lung is a feasible approach in this clinical scenario.
Copepod Feeding Responses to Changes in Coccolithophore Size and Carbon Content
Authors: Toullec Jordan , Delegrange Alice , Perruchon Adélaïde , Duong Gwendoline , Cornille Vincent , Brutier Laurent , Hermoso Michaël
Published: November 2022

Phytoplankton stoichiometry and cell size could result from both phenology and environmental change. Zooplankton graze on primary producers, and this drives both the balance of the ecosystem and the biogeochemical cycles. In this study, we performed incubations with copepods and coccolithophores including different prey sizes and particulate carbon contents by considering phytoplankton biovolume concentration instead of chlorophyll a level (Chl a) as is usually performed in such studies. The egestion of fecal pellet and ingestion rates were estimated based on a gut fluorescence method. The latter was calibrated through the relationship between prey Chl a level and the biovolume of the cell. Chl a/biovolume ratio in phytopkanton has to be considered in the copepod gut fluorescent content method. Both coccolithophore biovolume and particulate inorganic/organic carbon ratios affect the food foraging by copepods. Finally, we observed a non-linear relationship between ingestion rates and fecal pellet egestion, due to the presence of calcite inside the copepod’s gut. These results illustrate that both prey size and stoichiometry need to be considered in copepod feeding dynamics, specifically regarding the process leading to the formation of fecal pellets.
A Study on the Enhanced Process of Elaborate Heat Source Model Parameters for Flux Core Arc Welding of 9% Nickel Steel for Cryogenic Storage Tank
Authors: Pyo Changmin , Jeong Se-Min , Kim Jaewoong , Park Minho , Shin Jihoon , Kim Younghyun , Son Joonsik , Kim Jeong-Hwan , Kim Myoung-Ho
Published: November 2022

Various regulations are being devised and implemented to prevent the environmental pollution that is threatening mankind. The International Maritime Organization has strengthened regulations on sulfur, a notorious pollutant, to prevent sea pollution. In addition, the production of LNG fueled ships is increasing. Among various metals, 9% nickel steel is widely used in the shipbuilding industry because it is advantageous in terms of material strength and cryogenic impact toughness. Various studies are being carried out to predict and prevent its distortion, caused by welding, in the design. To predict welding distortion during flux core arc welding, this study found a way to refine the parameters constituting the Goldak welding heat source. The optimal heat source parameters were derived by using BOP experiments, cross-sectional analysis, finite element analysis and global optimization algorithm. When re-analyzed and verified based on the values, an error of up to 6.3% was found between simulation results and experimental values. The process was improved by clarifying the objective function and reducing the range of candidate welding efficiencies during global optimization and the process efficiency was also improved by reducing analysis time with a simplified model. Therefore, it is thought that this study can contribute to the productivity improvement of LNG storage containers, helping engineers apply it immediately in the industrial field.
Board Directorships and Carbon Emissions: Curvilinear Relationships and Moderating Roles of Other Board Characteristics
Authors: Cheung Kwok Yip , Lai Chung Yee
Published: November 2022

Our research investigates the moderating roles of various board characteristics (independence, gender diversity, tenure, duality, and size) on the curvilinear relationship between board directorships and carbon emissions using a two-step generalized method of moments (GMM) system approach. We use a total of 1582 observations from 391 firms listed in the US Standard and Poor 500 (S&P 500) index collected from 2015 to 2021. Our findings provide empirical evidence in four aspects: (1) there is a U-shaped curvilinear relationship between board directorships and carbon emissions; (2) board directors should not go over two directorships because carbon emissions are likely to increase; (3) board independence, duality, and size positively moderate curvilinear relationships between board directorships and carbon emissions; and (4) board tenure and gender diversity negatively moderate curvilinear relationships. Our study contributes to expanding the existing literature related to sustainable corporate governance in the US market, and also has implications for regulatory issues, business practice, and further research.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Optimization of Landscape Patterns Based on the Ecological Restoration of Territorial Space
Authors: Hu Xuewei , Xu Wenwen , Li Fayong
Published: November 2022

The ecological restoration of territorial space emphasizes the synergy between ecology and social development. On this basis, we used landscape index analysis methods to explore the spatiotemporal evolution of landscape patterns in urban areas on a district scale. Then, we used multiple regression analysis to explore the driving factors behind this evolution. The results showed the following: (1) Landscape compositions have changed significantly. The growth rate of construction land in the main districts was about three times that in the urban area. (2) There were differences in the characteristics of landscape pattern evolution. Arable land is becoming more fragmented as construction land expands outward. The shapes of public green spaces, arable land, and woodlands tend to be simple and regular. The degree of both urban sprawl and agglomeration decreased in the urban area and the main districts. Meanwhile, landscape separation first decreased and then increased, and landscape diversity increased. (3) Population growth, industrial development, changes in industrial structure, and real estate development are the main driving factors of landscape pattern evolution. Based on this, this study puts forward some suggestions for landscape pattern optimization, which is significant for ecological restoration planning and promotion.
Experiment Analysis on Crack Resistance in Negative Moment Zone of Steel–Concrete Composite Continuous Girder Improved by Interfacial Slip
Authors: Wu Wenqing , Dai Jinxi , Chen Liang , Liu Dan , Zhou Xiaoyi
Published: November 2022

Due to the strong interface effect of continuous steel–concrete composite beams with conventional shear connectors, the efficiency of applying pre-stress in the negative moment zone is greatly reduced, which leads to a difficulty of anti-cracking design in the negative moment zone of pre-stressed steel–concrete composite box girder. In order to study the feasibility and the working mechanism of improving the crack resistance of continuous steel–concrete composite bridges by releasing the interfacial slip effect within the negative bending moment region, two groups of model tests were carried out in the paper. Two steel–concrete composite beams were used for model test, one of them using the conventional stud shear connectors, another one using the new shear connectors, named uplift-restricted and slip-permitted shear connectors. The results show that, compared with the composite beam with conventional shear studs, the composite beams with uplift-restricted and slip-permitted shear connectors have a higher pre-stress application efficiency, and the new connector could release the interface slip, which can make the tensile stress distribution in concrete slab more uniform within the negative moment zone, thus increasing the cracking load of concrete slab and reducing the subsequent crack width effectively. This study is helpful to understand the relationship between the interface slip and the anti-crack characteristics in negative moment zones, and a new anti-crack design method is proposed for the design of continuous composite girder.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Binary In-Sn Alloys for Flexible Low Temperature Electronic Joints
Authors: Zhou Jiye , Tan Xin Fu , McDonald Stuart D. , Nogita Kazuhiro
Published: November 2022

This research evaluates the mechanical properties of a variety of binary In-Sn alloys as potential candidates for low temperature electronic joints. The tensile and hardness tests of as-cast In-5Sn, In-12.5Sn, In-25Sn, In-30Sn, In-35Sn, In-40Sn, In-50Sn, In-60Sn, In-80Sn (wt.%) were assessed at room temperature and compared to those of pure In and Sn. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased from 4.2 MPa to 37.8 MPa with increasing tin content in the alloys under the testing condition of 18 mm/min and the results showed little difference under a lower strain rate (1.8 mm/min). Most compositions showed good ductility in tensile testing with an average of 40% elongation. A melting point range of 119.3 °C to 194.9 °C for tested alloys was measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The microstructure investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was discussed with respect to the mechanical properties and it has been found that the presence of the Sn-rich γ-InSn4 phase in the microstructure has a significant impact on mechanical properties. The fundamental data from this study can be used for the development of new low temperature In-Sn alloys.
Bentonite as a Functional Material Enhancing Phytostabilization of Post-Industrial Contaminated Soils with Heavy Metals
Authors: Klik Barbara , Holatko Jiri , Jaskulska Iwona , Gusiatin Mariusz Z. , Hammerschmiedt Tereza , Brtnicky Martin , Liniauskienė Ernesta , Baltazar Tivadar , Jaskulski Dariusz , Kintl Antonin , Radziemska Maja
Published: November 2022

Growing awareness of the risks posed by pollution of the soil environment is leading to the development of new remediation strategies. The technique of aided phytostabilization, which involves the evaluation of new heavy-metal (HM)-immobilizing amendments, together with appropriately selected plant species, is a challenge for environmental protection and remediation of the soil environment, and seems to be promising. In this study, the suitability of bentonite for the technique of aided phytostabilization of soils contaminated with high HM concentrations was determined, using a mixture of two grass species. The HM contents in the tested plants and in the soil were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The application of bentonite had a positive effect on the biomass of the tested plants, and resulted in an increase in soil pH. The concentrations of copper, nickel, cadmium, lead and chromium were higher in the roots than in the above-ground parts of the plants, especially when bentonite was applied to the soil. The addition of the analyzed soil additive contributed significantly to a decrease in the levels of zinc, copper, cadmium and nickel in the soil at the end of the experiment. In view of the above, it can be concluded that the use of bentonite in the aided phytostabilization of soils polluted with HMs, is appropriate.
Effect of Different Temperatures on the Hydration Kinetics of Urea-Doped Cement Pastes
Authors: Su Hui , Luan Yawei , Ma Qiujuan , Hu Baowen , Liu Shaoxing , Bai Yanjie
Published: November 2022

Urea can solve the problem of concrete cracking due to temperature stress. However, its effect is affected by temperature. The influencing mechanism of temperature on urea-doped cement pastes is still unclear. This paper explores the effect of different temperatures on the hydration kinetics of urea-doped cement pastes. The isothermal calorimeter (TAM Air) was used to test hydration at three constant temperatures (20 °C, 40 °C, and 60 °C). The effects of the urea admixture and temperature on the hydration process and hydration kinetics parameters were investigated. The hydration mechanism was analyzed, and the changes in macroscopic mechanical compressive strength and porosity were tested. The results show that, as the urea content (UC) increases, the rate of hydration gradually decreases, and the increase in temperature promotes the inhibitory effect of urea. At 60 °C, UC of 8% can be reduced by 23.5% compared with the pure cement (PC) group’s hydration rate. As the temperature increases from 20 °C to 60 °C, the Krstulovic–Dabic model changes from the NG-I-D process to the NG-D process. The effect of urea on the compressive strength of the cement is mainly shown in the early stage, and its effect on later strength is not obvious. In addition, urea will increase its early porosity. The porosity will gradually decrease in the later stage. The results of the study clarify the effect of temperature on urea-doped cement pastes. The optimal content of urea in cement is about 8%, which will provide theoretical guidance for solving the cracking problem of large-volume concrete due to temperature stress.
Thermodynamic Modeling and Experimental Validation of Acetic Acid Attack on Hardened Cement Paste: Effect of Silica Fume
Authors: Berger Felix , Bogner Andreas , Hirsch Astrid , Ukrainczyk Neven , Dehn Frank , Koenders Eduardus
Published: November 2022

Concrete structures are increasingly becoming exposed to organic acid attack conditions, such as those found in agriculture and food-related industries. This paper aims to experimentally verify the thermodynamic modeling of cement pastes under acetic acid attack. For this, a modeling approach implemented in IPHREEQC via Matlab is described, and results are compared with measured pH and compositions of equilibrated solutions (MP-AES) as well as unreacted/precipitated solids (XRF, XRD and STA) for a wide range of acid concentrations. The 11% replacement of cement by silica fume (SF) led to a 60 or 70% reduction (measured or modeled, respectively) of Portlandite content in the hardened cement paste due to the pozzolanic reaction resulting in higher content of CSH phases, which has effects on the progression of dissolution processes and a resulting pH with increased acid concentrations. Considering that no fitting parameter was used, the model predictions showed good agreement with measured values of pH, dissolved ion concentrations and composition of the remaining (degraded) solids overall. The discrepancies here were more pronounced at very high acid concentrations (equilibrium pH < ~4), i.e., after the full dissolution of hydrate phases due to limitations in the model used to describe Al-, Si- and Fe-gel phases and/or identified experimental challenges in precipitation of calcium and aluminum acetate hydrates.
Dynamic Compression of a SiC Foam
Authors: Postek Eligiusz , Sadowski Tomasz
Published: November 2022

Silicon carbide foam is a material that can be used as reinforcement of interpenetrated composites. This paper presents an analysis of such a foam subjected to low and fast compression. The analysis is performed using the peridynamics (PD) method. This approach allows for an evaluation of failure modes and such effects of microcracks nucleation, their growth, and, finally, fragmentation. Furthermore, the material appears to behave qualitatively and quantitatively differently while subjected to low- and high-speed steel piston movement. Under slow compression case, damage appears in the entire specimen, but the shape of the structure is not changing significantly, whereas during the fast compression the sample is dynamically fragmented.
A Fully Coupled Thermomechanical Phase Field Method for Modeling Cracks with Frictional Contact
Authors: Wan Wan , Chen Pinlei
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a thermomechanical coupled phase field method is developed to model cracks with frictional contact. Compared to discrete methods, the phase field method can represent arbitrary crack geometry without an explicit representation of the crack surface. The two distinguishable features of the proposed phase field method are: (1) for the mechanical phase, no specific algorithm is needed for imposing contact constraints on the fracture surfaces; (2) for the thermal phase, formulations are proposed for incorporating the phase field damage parameter so that different thermal conductance conditions are accommodated. While the stress is updated explicitly in the regularized interface regions under different contact conditions, the thermal conductivity is determined under different conductance conditions. In particular, we consider a pressure-dependent thermal conductance model (PDM) that is fully coupled with the mechanical phase, along with the other three thermal conductance models, i.e., the fully conductive model (FCM), the adiabatic model (ACM), and the uncoupled model (UCM). The potential of this formulation is showcased by several benchmark problems. We gain insights into the role of the temperature field affecting the mechanical field. Several 2D boundary value problems are addressed, demonstrating the model’s ability to capture cracking phenomena with the effect of the thermal field. We compare our results with the discrete methods as well as other phase field methods, and a very good agreement is achieved.
Metaheuristic Optimization for Improving Weed Detection in Wheat Images Captured by Drones
Authors: El-Kenawy El-Sayed M. , Khodadadi Nima , Mirjalili Seyedali , Makarovskikh Tatiana , Abotaleb Mostafa , Karim Faten Khalid , Alkahtani Hend K. , Abdelhamid Abdelaziz A. , Eid Marwa M. , Horiuchi Takahiko , Ibrahim Abdelhameed , Khafaga Doaa Sami
Published: November 2022

Background and aim: Machine learning methods are examined by many researchers to identify weeds in crop images captured by drones. However, metaheuristic optimization is rarely used in optimizing the machine learning models used in weed classification. Therefore, this research targets developing a new optimization algorithm that can be used to optimize machine learning models and ensemble models to boost the classification accuracy of weed images. Methodology: This work proposes a new approach for classifying weed and wheat images captured by a sprayer drone. The proposed approach is based on a voting classifier that consists of three base models, namely, neural networks (NNs), support vector machines (SVMs), and K-nearest neighbors (KNN). This voting classifier is optimized using a new optimization algorithm composed of a hybrid of sine cosine and grey wolf optimizers. The features used in training the voting classifier are extracted based on AlexNet through transfer learning. The significant features are selected from the extracted features using a new feature selection algorithm. Results: The accuracy, precision, recall, false positive rate, and kappa coefficient were employed to assess the performance of the proposed voting classifier. In addition, a statistical analysis is performed using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to measure the stability and significance of the proposed approach. On the other hand, a sensitivity analysis is performed to study the behavior of the parameters of the proposed approach in achieving the recorded results. Experimental results confirmed the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approach when compared to the other competing optimization methods. The achieved detection accuracy using the proposed optimized voting classifier is 97.70%, F-score is 98.60%, specificity is 95.20%, and sensitivity is 98.40%. Conclusion: The proposed approach is confirmed to achieve better classification accuracy and outperforms other competing approaches.
Generalized Thermoelastic Interactions in an Infinite Viscothermoelastic Medium under the Nonlocal Thermoelastic Model
Authors: Saeed Tareq
Published: November 2022

The wave propagation in viscothermoelastic materials is discussed in the present work using the nonlocal thermoelasticity model. This model was created using the Lord and Shulman generalized thermoelastic model due to the consequences of delay times in the formulations of heat conduction and the motion equations. This model was created using Eringen’s theory of the nonlocal continuum. The linear Kelvin–Voigt viscoelasticity model explains the viscoelastic properties of isotropic material. The analytical solutions for the displacement, temperature, and thermal stress distributions are obtained by the eigenvalues approach with the integral transforms in the Laplace transform techniques. The field functions, namely displacement, temperature, and stress, have been graphically depicted for local and nonlocal viscothermoelastic materials to assess the quality of wave propagation in various outcomes of interest. The results are displayed graphically to illustrate the effects of nonlocal thermoelasticity and viscoelasticity. Comparisons are made with and without thermal relaxation time. The outcomes show that Eringen’s nonlocal viscothemoelasticity theory is a promising criterion for analyzing nanostructures, considering the small size effects.
Radii of Starlikeness of Ratios of Analytic Functions with Fixed Second Coefficients
Authors: Rana Shalini , Ahuja Om P. , Jain Naveen Kumar
Published: November 2022

We introduce three classes of analytic functions with fixed second coefficients that are defined using the class P of analytic functions with positive real parts. The objective of this paper is to determine the radii such that the three classes are contained in various subclasses of starlike functions. The radii estimated in the present investigation are better than the radii obtained earlier. Furthermore, connections with previously known results are shown.
Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Middle-Aged Lithuanian Men Based on Body Mass Index and Waist Circumference Group Results from the 2006–2016 Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk Prevention Program
Authors: Rinkūnienė Egidija , Petrulionytė Emilija , Dženkevičiūtė Vilma , Petrulionienė Žaneta , Senulytė Augustė , Puronaitė Roma , Laucevičius Aleksandras
Published: November 2022

Background and aims: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in middle-aged Lithuanian men categorized according to body mass index and waist circumference results. Methods and results: The data were from the Lithuanian High Cardiovascular Risk primary prevention program between 2009 and 2016. This community-based cross-sectional study comprised 38,412 men aged 40 to 54 years old. We compared the prevalence of arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and metabolic syndrome in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) groups. Regarding the allometric anthropometrics for WC, A Body Shape Indices (ABSIs) were analyzed with respect to mortality risk and smoking status. The most prevalent risk factor in men was dyslipidaemia, followed by arterial hypertension and smoking (86.96%, 47.94%, and 40.52%, respectively). All risk factors except for smoking were more prevalent in men with overweight or obesity as measured by BMI compared to men with normal weight. Similarly, smoking was the only cardiovascular risk factor that was more prevalent among subjects with normal WC compared to those with increased WC or abdominal obesity. Elevated ABSI, which is associated with higher mortality risk, was more prevalent in smokers. Conclusion: The most prevalent cardiovascular risk factor among middle-aged Lithuanian men was dyslipidaemia, with a surprisingly high prevalence in all BMI and WC groups. Smoking was the only risk factor most prevalent in subjects with low or normal weight according to BMI. It was also more prevalent in the normal WC group compared to the increased WC or abdominal obesity groups, but ABSI values associated with higher mortality were more prevalent among smokers than non-smokers.
Dinebra retroflexa Herbal Phytotherapy: A Simulation Study Based on Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis Retraction Potential in Swiss Albino Rats
Authors: El-Hela Atef A. , Hegazy Mostafa M. , Abbass Hatem S. , Ahmed Amal H. , Bakr Marwa S. Abu , Elkousy Rawah H. , Ibrahim Adel Ehab , El Deeb Sami , Sayed Ossama M. , Gad Enas S.
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives: Fibrotic lung disease is one of the main complications of many medical conditions. Therefore, the use of anti-fibrotic agents may provide a chance to prevent, or at least modify, such complication. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective pulmonary anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of Dinebra retroflexa. Materials and methods: Dinebra retroflexa methanolic extract and its synthesized silver nanoparticles were tested on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary fibrosis was induced by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5 mg/5 mL/kg-Saline) as a supposed model for induced lung fibrosis. The weed evaluation was performed by intratracheal instillation of Dinebra retroflexa methanolic extract and its silver nanoparticles (35 mg/100 mL/kg-DMSO, single dose). Results: The results showed that both Dinebra retroflexa methanolic extract and its silver nanoparticles had a significant pulmonary fibrosis retraction potential, with Ashcroft scores of three and one, respectively, and degrees of collagen deposition reduction of 33.8 and 46.1%, respectively. High-resolution UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS/MS metabolic profiling and colorimetrically polyphenolic quantification were performed for further confirmation and explanation of the represented effects. Such activity was believed to be due to the tentative identification of twenty-seven flavonoids and one phenolic acid along with a phenolic content of 57.8 mg/gm (gallic acid equivalent) and flavonoid content of 22.5 mg/gm (quercetin equivalent). Conclusion: Dinebra retroflexa may be considered as a promising anti-fibrotic agent for people at high risk of complicated lung fibrosis. The results proved that further clinical trials would be recommended to confirm the proposed findings.
Rapid Customization and Manipulation Mechanism of Micro-Droplet Chip for 3D Cell Culture
Authors: Liu Haiqiang , Yang Chen , Wang Bangbing
Published: November 2022

A full PDMS micro-droplet chip for 3D cell culture was prepared by using SLA light-curing 3D printing technology. This technology can quickly customize various chips required for experiments, saving time and capital costs for experiments. Moreover, an injection molding method was used to prepare the full PDMS chip, and the convex mold was prepared by light-curing 3D printing technology. Compared with the traditional preparation process of micro-droplet chips, the use of 3D printing technology to prepare micro-droplet chips can save manufacturing and time costs. The different ratios of PDMS substrate and cover sheet and the material for making the convex mold can improve the bonding strength and power of the micro-droplet chip. Use the prepared micro-droplet chip to carry out micro-droplet forming and manipulation experiments. Aimed to the performance of the full PDMS micro-droplet chip in biological culture was verified by using a solution such as chondrocyte suspension, and the control of the micro-droplet was achieved by controlling the flow rate of the dispersed phase and continuous phase. Experimental verification shows that the designed chip can meet the requirements of experiments, and it can be observed that the micro-droplets of sodium alginate and the calcium chloride solution are cross-linked into microspheres with three-dimensional (3D) structures. These microspheres are fixed on a biological scaffold made of calcium silicate and polyvinyl alcohol. Subsequently, the state of the cells after different time cultures was observed, and it was observed that the chondrocytes grew well in the microsphere droplets. The proposed method has fine control over the microenvironment and accurate droplet size manipulation provided by fluid flow compared to existing studies.
Versatile Applications of Cyanobacteria in Biotechnology
Authors: Żymańczyk-Duda Ewa , Samson Sunday Ocholi , Brzezińska-Rodak Małgorzata , Klimek-Ochab Magdalena
Published: November 2022

Cyanobacteria are blue-green Gram-negative and photosynthetic bacteria which are seen as one of the most morphologically numerous groups of prokaryotes. Because of their ability to fix gaseous nitrogen and carbon dioxide to organic materials, they are known to play important roles in the universal nutrient cycle. Cyanobacteria has emerged as one of the promising resources to combat the issues of global warming, disease outbreaks, nutrition insecurity, energy crises as well as persistent daily human population increases. Cyanobacteria possess significant levels of macro and micronutrient substances which facilitate the versatile popularity to be utilized as human food and protein supplements in many countries such as Asia. Cyanobacteria has been employed as a complementary dietary constituent of feed for poultry and as vitamin and protein supplement in aquatic lives. They are effectively used to deal with numerous tasks in various fields of biotechnology, such as agricultural (including aquaculture), industrial (food and dairy products), environmental (pollution control), biofuel (bioenergy) and pharmaceutical biotechnology (such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant, anticoagulant and antitumor); recently, the growing interest of applying them as biocatalysts has been observed as well. Cyanobacteria are known to generate a numerous variety of bioactive compounds. However, the versatile potential applications of cyanobacteria in biotechnology could be their significant growth rate and survival in severe environmental conditions due to their distinct and unique metabolic pathways as well as active defensive mechanisms. In this review, we elaborated on the versatile cyanobacteria applications in different areas of biotechnology. We also emphasized the factors that could impede the implementation to cyanobacteria applications in biotechnology and the execution of strategies to enhance their effective applications.
Immunostimulatory Activity of Cordyceps militaris Fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 Isolated from a Salted Small Octopus in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunocompromised Mice and Its Inhibitory Activity against SARS-CoV 3CL Protease
Authors: Dhong Kyu-Ree , Kwon Ha-Kyoung , Park Hye-Jin
Published: November 2022

In this study, we investigated the immune-enhancing and anti-viral effects of germinated Rhynchosia nulubilis (GRC) fermented with Pediococcus pentosaceus SC11 (GRC-SC11) isolated from a salted small octopus. The cordycepin, β-glucan, and total flavonoid contents increased in GRC after SC11 fermentation. GRC-SC11 inhibits 3CL protease activity in severe acute respiratory syndrome-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). GRC-SC11 significantly increased thymus and spleen indices in immunocompromised mice. The rate of splenocyte proliferation was higher in GRC-SC11-treated immunocompromised mice than that in GRC-treated immunocompromised mice in the presence or absence of concanavalin A. In addition, GRC-SC11 increased the phagocytic activity and nitric oxide production in immunocompromised mice. The mRNA expression of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interferon-alpha (IFN-α), and interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) was up-regulated in GRC-SC11 treated RAW 264.7 macrophages, compared to GRC. Our study indicates that GRC-SC11 might be a potential therapeutic agent for immunocompromised patients who are vulnerable to SARS-CoV infection.
Dietary Nutritional Level Affects Intestinal Microbiota and Health of Goats
Authors: Guo Hongran , Li Bibo , Gao Meiqi , Li Qian , Gao Yawei , Dong Ning , Liu Gongwei , Wang Zhichao , Gao Wenrui , Chen Yulin , Yang Yuxin
Published: November 2022

The intestine is a complex micro-ecosystem, and its stability determines the health of animals. Different dietary nutritional levels affect the intestinal microbiota and health. In this study, the nutritional levels of energy and protein in the diet of goats were changed, and the body weight was measured every 15 days. In the late feeding period, 16 S rRNA sequencing technology was used to detect the content of microorganisms. A meteorological chromatograph was used to detect volatile fatty acids in the cecum and colon of goats. In the feeding stage, reducing the nutritional level of the diet significantly reduced the weight of the lamb (p < 0.05). In the cecum, the abundance of potentially harmful bacteria, such as Sphingomonas, Marvinbryantia, and Eisenbergiella, were significantly enriched in goats fed with the standard nutritional level diets (p < 0.05). Additionally, the contents of acetate (p = 0.037) and total VFAs (p = 0.041) increased. In the colon, the abundance of SCFAs-producing bacteria, such as Ruminococcaceae, Christensenellaceae, and Papillibacter, decreased as the nutritional level in the diet increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the increase in nutritional level could affect the growth performance and composition of intestinal microbiota.
Characterization of Latex-Clearing Protein and Aldehyde Dehydrogenases Involved in the Utilization of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) by Nocardia farcinica NBRC 15532
Authors: Suzuki Natsuhei , Suda Daito , Ngan Nguyen Thi Thuy , Gibu Namiko , Huong Nguyen Lan , Anh To Kim , Kasai Daisuke
Published: November 2022

Microbial degradation of natural rubber and synthetic poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) is expected to become an alternative treatment system for waste from poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) products including scrap tires. Nocardia farcinica NBRC 15,532, a gram-positive rubber-degrading bacterium, can utilize poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) as the sole source of carbon and energy to produce oligo-isoprene metabolites containing aldehyde and keto end groups. A homology-based search of the genome revealed a gene encoding a latex-clearing protein (Lcp). Gene disruption analysis indicated that this gene is essential for the utilization of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) in this strain. Further analysis of the genome sequence identified aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) genes as potential candidates for oxidative degradation of oligo-isoprene aldehydes. Based on the enzymatic activity of the ALDH candidates, NF2_RS14000 and NF2_RS14385 may be involved in the degradation of oligo-isoprene aldehydes. Analysis of the reaction products revealed that these ALDHs oxidized tri- to penta-isoprene aldehydes, which were generated by the reaction of Lcp. Based on the inability of ALDH gene deletion mutants, we concluded that NF2_RS14000 is mainly involved in the utilization of poly(cis-1,4-isoprene) and the oxidative degradation of oligo-isoprene aldehydes in Nocardia farcinica NBRC 15,532.
Enhanced Heterogeneous Fenton-like Process for Sulfamethazine Removal via Dual-Reaction-Center Fe-Mo/rGO Catalyst
Authors: Qin Weihua , Ma Yueming , He Ting , Hu Jingbin , Gao Pan , Yang Shaoxia
Published: November 2022

A heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst with single redox site has a rate-limiting step in oxidant activation, which limited its application in wastewater purification. To overcome this, a bimetallic doping strategy was designed to prepare a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst (Fe-Mo/rGO) with a double-reaction center. Combined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and density functional theory calculation, it was confirmed that the formation of an electron-rich Mo center and an electron-deficient Fe center through the constructed Fe-O-Mo and Mo-S-C bonding bridges induced a higher electron transfer capability in the Fe-Mo/rGO catalyst. The designed Fe-Mo/rGO catalyst exhibited excellent sulfamethazine (SMT) degradation efficiency in a broad pH range (4.8–8.4). The catalytic performance was hardly affected by inorganic anions (Cl−, SO42− and HCO3−) in the complicated and variable water environment. Compared to Fe/rGO and Mo/rGO catalysts, the SMT degradation efficiency increased by about 14.6 and 1.6 times in heterogeneous Fenton-like reaction over Fe-Mo/rGO catalyst. The electron spin resonance and radical scavenger experiments proved that ·O2−/HO2· and 1O2 dominate the SMT removal in the Fe-Mo/rGO/H2O2 system. Fe and Mo, as active centers co-supported on rGO, significantly enhanced the electron transfer between catalyst, oxidant, and pollutants, which accelerated the reactive oxygen species generation and effectively improved the SMT degradation. Our findings offer a novel perspective to enhance the performance of heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts by accelerating the electron transfer rate in the degradation of organic pollutants.