bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase Lag Index of Resting-State EEG for Identification of Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kuang Yuxing , Wu Ziyi , Xia Rui , Li Xingjie , Liu Jun , Dai Yalan , Wang Dan , Chen Shangjie
Published: October 2022

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is one of the important comorbidities of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is critical to find appropriate methods for early diagnosis and objective assessment of mild cognitive impairment patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM-MCI). Our study aimed to investigate potential early alterations in phase lag index (PLI) and determine whether it can distinguish between T2DM-MCI and normal controls with T2DM (T2DM-NC). EEG was recorded in 30 T2DM-MCI patients and 30 T2DM-NC patients. The phase lag index was computed and used in a logistic regression model to discriminate between groups. The correlation between the phase lag index and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score was assessed. The α-band phase lag index was significantly decreased in the T2DM-MCI group compared with the T2DM-NC group and showed a moderate degree of classification accuracy. The MoCA score was positively correlated with the α-band phase lag index (r = 0.4812, moderate association, p = 0.015). This work shows that the functional connectivity analysis of EEG may offer an effective way to track the cortical dysfunction linked to the cognitive deterioration of T2DM patients, and the α-band phase lag index may have a role in guiding the diagnosis of T2DM-MCI.
Inter-Individual Variability in Motor Output Is Driven by Recruitment Gain in the Corticospinal Tract Rather Than Motor Threshold
Authors: Sarkar Arkaprovo , Dipani Alish , Leodori Giorgio , Popa Traian , Kassavetis Panagiotis , Hallett Mark , Thirugnanasambandam Nivethida
Published: October 2022

Variability in the response of individuals to various non-invasive brain stimulation protocols is a major problem that limits their potential for clinical applications. Baseline motor-evoked potential (MEP) amplitude is the key predictor of an individual’s response to transcranial magnetic stimulation protocols. However, the factors that predict MEP amplitude and its variability remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the input–output curve (IOC) parameters that best predict MEP amplitude and its variability. We analysed IOC data from 75 subjects and built a general linear model (GLM) using the IOC parameters as regressors and MEP amplitude at 120% resting motor threshold (RMT) as the response variable. We bootstrapped the data to estimate variability of IOC parameters and included them in a GLM to identify the significant predictors of MEP amplitude variability. Peak slope, motor threshold, and maximum MEP amplitude of the IOC were significant predictors of MEP amplitude at 120% RMT and its variability was primarily driven by the variability of peak slope and maximum MEP amplitude. Recruitment gain and maximum corticospinal excitability are the key predictors of MEP amplitude and its variability. Inter-individual variability in motor output may be reduced by achieving a uniform IOC slope.
Motivational Orientation in University Athletes: Predictions Based on Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Mercader-Rubio Isabel , Ángel Nieves Gutiérrez , Granero-Gallegos Antonio , Ruiz Nieves Fátima Oropesa , Sánchez-López Pilar
Published: October 2022

While in task orientation, athletes tend to compare themselves to others in order to evaluate their success, in ego orientation athletes have the ability to distinguish between effort and ability and the comparison is made with others in order to evaluate success. The purpose of this study was to inspect the relationship concerning the three dimensions of emotional intelligence (attention, clarity, and emotional regulation) and the two predominant motivational orientations: task-oriented motivation and ego-oriented motivation. The sample was composed of a total of 165 university students from studies within the field of sciences related to sport and physical activity. The main contributions of this research demonstrate the correspondence between emotional intelligence and ego-orientation.
Effect of Confinement on Anxiety Symptoms and Sleep Quality during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alvarado-Aravena Caren , Arriaza Karem , Castillo-Aguilar Matías , Flores Karen , Dagnino-Subiabre Alexies , Estrada-Goic Claudia , Núñez-Espinosa Cristian
Published: October 2022

Confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted lifestyles worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of confinement on anxiety symptoms and sleep quality in people living in extreme southern latitudes. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were administered to 617 people, 74.2% of whom were women. The sample was grouped according to confinement: the zone of confinement (CZ) (46.5%) and the zone of partial confinement (PZ) (53.5%). In addition, the sample was further categorized into four age subgroups (18–25 years; 26–40 years; 41–50 years; over 50 years). Higher levels of anxiety and worse sleep quality were found in the CZ group than in the PZ group. Women had higher levels of anxiety and worse sleep quality than men. A significant bidirectional relationship between anxiety and sleep quality was observed, even after controlling for sex. This study demonstrated that women and young adults were more vulnerable to the effects of confinement on anxiety symptoms and sleep quality in populations at southern latitudes.
Optimization of Urban Block Form by Adding New Volumes for Capacity Improvement and Solar Performance Using A Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm: A Case Study of Nanjing
Authors: Li Jingjin , Wang Yuxiao , Xia Yang , Song Yacheng , Xie Huahua
Published: October 2022

During urban renewal, multi-story residential blocks face a contradiction of balancing residential capacity improvement and solar constraint. This paper constructed a set of automatic workflows for adding new volumes to existing buildings, and a multi-objective optimization was applied with a Wallacei plug-in in Grasshopper to optimize the solar radiation, solar hours, and block capacity. First, this study established three building addition modes of existing blocks in the horizontal direction, vertical direction, and mixed direction, respectively. Three optimization objectives—maximum floor area ratio, maximum average radiation amount, and minimum solar shade—were defined. Second, the net increase in the floor area ratio of the block was calculated to balance capacity improvement and solar constraint. Third, the advantages of the three addition modes under different orientations were discussed. Among all three modes, the mixed addition mode had the best capacity improvement effect, with a 70% increase in floor area ratio. The vertical addition mode had the least impact on the solar shade of existing buildings. The horizontal addition mode could further improve the floor area ratio in areas where building height was strictly limited. The results can provide insights and inspiring guidelines for the renewal of the existing residential blocks to solve the floor area ratio constraint from solar radiation, as well as achieve urban function reconstruction and vitality regeneration.
The Change in Dynamic Response Distribution of Double-Track Tunnel Structure Caused by Adding Middle Partition Wall
Authors: Yao Shuguang , He Jiani , Xu Ping
Published: October 2022

Adding a middle partition wall is an effective method to prevent the interaction between the upper and lower subway lines in a double-track tunnel, and the subsequent change in the dynamic response of the tunnel structure caused by adding a middle partition wall has drawn attention. We analyzed the displacement and acceleration responses of the upper part (zone A), the lower part (zone B), the tunnel bed and the surrounding connecting part (zone C) of the double-track tunnel by establishing a two-dimensional finite element model of the double-track tunnel and soil with and without a middle partition wall. The numerical results demonstrate that the addition of the middle partition wall improves the displacement and acceleration response distribution of the double-track tunnel structure. Compared with single-train traffic, the addition of the middle partition wall brings more obvious changes to the dynamic response of the double-track tunnel during double-train traffic. The maximum displacement response decreases from 5.881 mm to 5.335 mm, and the maximum acceleration response decreases from 18.51 m/s2 to 16.62 m/s2. The displacement response value in the upper part increases from 1.0 mm to 1.5 mm, the acceleration response value increases from 3.0 m/s2 to 4.6 m/s2, the displacement response value in the tunnel bed and the surrounding connecting part decreases from 5.0 mm to 3.0 mm, and the acceleration response value in the tunnel bed and the surrounding connecting part decreases from 18.0 m/s2 to 10.0 m/s2. There is no obvious change in the lower part. During double-train traffic, after adding the middle partition wall, the horizontal displacement and horizontal acceleration response values of the double-track tunnel structure decrease by about 30% to 45%; the vertical displacement response value of the connection between the middle partition wall and the lining increases from 1.337 mm to 1.774 mm, an increase of 32.7%, and the vertical acceleration of the lower half of the tunnel lining is partially transferred to the upper half. The response values of horizontal displacement and acceleration in the middle part of the middle partition wall are the largest, at 1.6 mm and 6.0 m/s2, while the response values of vertical displacement and acceleration in the bottom of the partition wall are the largest, at 3.3 mm and 9.0 m/s2. The research results provide a reference for the structural design of middle partition walls to ensure the safety and stability of trains running in double-track tunnels.
Assessment of Durability Indicators for Service Life Prediction of Portland Limestone Cementitious Systems Produced with Permeability-Reducing Admixtures
Authors: Malakopoulos Athanasios , Salifoglou Athanasios
Published: October 2022

Supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) and the challenges associated with admixture compatibility and durability performance are continuous challenges for the construction industry. Utilizing SCMs has apparent benefits in reducing the carbon footprint and improving the durability performance of concrete structures. This work investigates the performance of mortars composed of Portland limestone cement, calcium carbonate, butyl stearate, and oleic acid. The effort focuses on transport properties using electrical resistivity, chloride migration, porosity, and water permeability measurements. Then, various methods based on the last parameters are compared to assess the changes in the effective chloride diffusion coefficient and the intrinsic liquid water permeability. Measurements for drying shrinkage, thermal expansion, and compressive strength are conducted to verify durability and mechanical performance. The effect of the admixture addition on the service life of a structure fully submerged in marine exposure conditions is then evaluated using Fick’s second law of diffusion and the approach described by FIB model code 34. The results indicate that incorporating calcium carbonate, butyl stearate, and oleic acid in mortar mixtures provides enhanced durability compared to plain Portland limestone cement mortars.
Ensuring Earthquake-Proof Development in a Swiftly Developing Region through Neural Network Modeling of Earthquakes Using Nonlinear Spatial Variables
Authors: Basharat Mubeen ul , Khan Junaid Ali , Khalil Umer , Tariq Aqil , Aslam Bilal , Li Qingting
Published: October 2022

Northern Pakistan, the center of major construction projects due to the commencement of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, is among the most earthquake-prone regions globally owing to its tectonic settings. The area has experienced several devastating earthquakes in the past, and these earthquakes pose a severe threat to infrastructure and life. Several researchers have previously utilized advanced tools such as Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) algorithms for earthquake predictions. This technological advancement helps with construction innovation, for instance, by designing earthquake-proof buildings. However, previous studies have focused mainly on temporal rather than spatial variables. The present study examines the impact of spatial variables to assess the performance of the different ML and DL algorithms for predicting the magnitude of short-term future earthquakes in North Pakistan. Two ML methods, namely Modular Neural Network (MNN) and Shallow Neural Network (SNN), and two DL methods, namely Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) and Deep Neural Network (DNN) algorithms, were used to meet the research objectives. The performance of the techniques was assessed using statistical measures, including accuracy, information gain analysis, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. These metrics were used to evaluate the impact of including a new variable, Fault Density (FD), and the standard seismic variables in the predictions. The performance of the proposed models was examined for different patterns of variables and different classes of earthquakes. The accuracy of the models for the training data ranged from 73% to 89%, and the accuracy for the testing data ranged from 64% to 85%. The analysis outcomes demonstrated an improved performance when using an additional variable of FD for the earthquakes of low and high magnitudes, whereas the performance was less for moderate-magnitude earthquakes. DNN, and SNN models, performed relatively better than other models. The results provide valuable insights about the influence of the spatial variable. The outcome of the present study adds to the existing pool of knowledge about earthquake prediction, fostering a safer and more secure regional development plan involving innovative construction.
Mechanical, Durability, and Microstructural Evaluation of Coal Ash Incorporated Recycled Aggregate Concrete: An Application of Waste Effluents for Sustainable Construction
Authors: Raza Ali , Saad Noha , Elhadi Khaled Mohamed , Azab Marc , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk , Elhag Ahmed Babeker , Ali Khawar
Published: October 2022

This study has endeavored to produce eco-friendly coal ash-incorporated recycled aggregate concrete (FRAC) by utilizing wastewater effluents for environmental sustainability. The mechanical and durability efficiency of the FRAC manufactured were explored using different kinds of effluent by performing a series of tests at various ages. The considered kinds of effluent for the mixing of FRAC were collected from a service station, as well as fertilizer, textile, leather, and sugar factories. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to judge the microstructural behavior of the constructed concrete compositions. The outcomes revealed that using textile factory effluent in the manufacturing of FRAC depicted peak compressive and split tensile strength improvements of 24% and 16% compared to that of the FRAC manufactured using potable water. The application of leather factory effluent for the manufacturing of FRAC portrayed the highest water absorption (13% better than the control mix). The application of fertilizer effluent in the manufacture of FRAC presented the greatest mass loss (19% enhanced than the control mix) due to H2SO4 solution intrusion and the ultimate chloride ion migration (16 mm at twenty-eight days of testing). The summation of coal ash improved the mechanical behavior of the concrete and also caused a reduction in its durability loss of. The SEM analysis depicted that the textile factory effluent presented the most densified microstructure with the development of ettringite needles and CSH gel having refined the ITZ.
Energy Saving and Thermal Comfort Performance of Passive Retrofitting Measures for Traditional Rammed Earth House in Lingnan, China
Authors: Li Shihao , Wang Meilin , Shen Pengyuan , Cui Xue , Bu Linqian , Wei Ruji , Zhang Longzhu , Wu Chengjia
Published: October 2022

The traditional rammed earth houses sharing similar patterns in the Lingnan region, south China, and distributed in rectangular arrays, are gradually losing their vitality and becoming uninhabited under modern living conditions. This research examined a typical pattern called the “Four-point gold” house and analyzed the suitability of different retrofitting technologies by field measurements and building simulation. To optimize energy consumption, indoor thermal comfort, and the corresponding economic performance of the retrofitting measures for the prototypical house, five measures, including wall insulation, reflective roof coating, carpet, sunshade, and natural ventilation, are proposed after considering the status quo of the building envelope. It is found that the best performance in energy-saving, dynamic investment payback period, and annual indoor thermal comfort are 2192.27 kWh/a, 9.17 years, and 1766 h, respectively. Different parameters are included to be clustered by K means clustering technique, and the comprehensively optimized scheme consists of a regime of 30 mm XPS 30 mm, ZS-221 white coating, carpet, 0.5 m sunshade width, and turning off windows (doors). The proposed retrofitting strategy can be promoted to a wide range of traditional rammed earth houses in the Lingnan region in China and holds a conspicuous energy-saving potential for the suburban and rural residential sectors in the region.
High-Growth Entrepreneurial Firms in Extreme Context: The Case of Palestine
Authors: Darwish Nidal A.
Published: October 2022

In this exploratory study, we employed multiple case-based approaches to explore and advance our understanding of how some entrepreneurial firms in unstable and extreme contexts achieve and sustain high growth. We included five Palestinian entrepreneurial firms from different sectors. The findings suggest that several factors play a significant role in how entrepreneurial firms in an extreme context such as Palestine achieve and sustain high growth. These factors are innovation and know-how, family growth, opportunities for exploration and exploitation, human capital, focusing strategy, business and social networks, foreign aid, and flexibility and adaptability.
Biological Response of Human Cancer Cells to Ionizing Radiation in Combination with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Tremi Ioanna , Havaki Sophia , Georgitsopoulou Sofia , Terzoudi Georgia , Lykakis Ioannis N. , Iliakis George , Georgakilas Vasilios , Gorgoulis Vassilis G. , Georgakilas Alexandros G.
Published: October 2022

In the context of improving radiation therapy, high-atomic number (Z) metallic nanoparticles and, more importantly, gold-based nanostructures are developed as radiation enhancers/radiosensitizers. Due to the diversity of cell lines, nanoparticles, as well as radiation types or doses, the resulting biological effects may differ and remain obscure. In this multiparameter study, we aim to shed light on these effects and investigate them further by employing X-irradiation and three human cancer cell lines (PC3, A549, and U2OS cells) treated by multiple techniques. TEM experiments on PC3 cells showed that citrate-capped AuNPs were found to be located mostly in membranous structures/vesicles or autophagosomes, but also, in the case of PEG-capped AuNPs, inside the nucleus as well. The colony-forming capability of cancer cells radiosensitized by AuNPs decreased significantly and the DNA damage detected by cytogenetics, γH2AX immunostaining, and by single (γH2AX) or double (γH2AX and OGG1) immunolocalization via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was in many cases higher and/or persistent after combination with AuNPs than upon individual exposure to ionizing radiation (IR). Moreover, different cell cycle distribution was evident in PC3 but not A549 cells after treatment with AuNPs and/or irradiation. Finally, cellular senescence was investigated by using a newly established staining procedure for lipofuscin, based on a Sudan Black-B analogue (GL13) which showed that based on the AuNPs’ concentration, an increased number of senescent cells might be observed after exposure to IR. Even though different cell lines or different types and concentrations of AuNPs may alter the levels of radiosensitization, our results imply that the complexity of damage might also be an important factor of AuNP-induced radiosensitization.
Dynamics of Diffusion- and Immobilization-Limited Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes by Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Binary or Ternary Solutions
Authors: Suhaimi Nurul Amanina A. , Kong Cristina Pei Ying , Shahri Nurulizzatul Ningsheh M. , Nur Muhammad , Hobley Jonathan , Usman Anwar
Published: October 2022

Photocatalytic degradation employing metal oxides, such as TiO2 nanoparticles, as catalysts is an important technique for the removal of synthetic dyes from wastewater under light irradiation. The basic principles of photocatalysis of dyes, the effects of the intrinsic photoactivity of a catalyst, and the conventional non-fundamental factors are well established. Recently reported photocatalysis studies of dyes in single, binary, and ternary solute solutions opened up a new perspective on competitive photocatalytic degradation of the dyes. There has not been a review on the photocatalytic behavior of binary or ternary solutions of dyes. In this regard, this current review article summarizes the photocatalytic behavior of methylene, rhodamine B, and methyl orange in their binary or ternary solutions. This brief overview introduces the importance of the dynamics of immobilization and reactivity of the dyes, the vital roles of molecular conformation and functional groups on their diffusion onto the catalyst surface, and photocatalytic degradation, and provides an understanding of the simultaneous photocatalytic processes of multiple dyes in aqueous systems.
The Development of High-Performance Platinum-Ruthenium Catalysts for the Methanol Oxidation Reaction: Gram-Scale Synthesis, Composition, Morphology, and Functional Characteristics
Authors: Menshikov Vladislav , Paperzh Kirill , Bayan Yulia , Beskopylny Yegor , Nikulin Aleksey , Pankov Ilya , Belenov Sergey
Published: October 2022

To obtain the PtRu/C electrocatalysts, the surfactant-free (wet) synthesis methods have been used. The structural-morphological characteristics and electrochemical behavior of the catalysts have been studied. The possibility of ranging the crystallite size from 1.2 to 4.5 nm using different reducing agents (ethylene glycol, ethanol, and isopropanol) has been shown. The effect of both the particles’ size and the mass fraction of the metal component on the electrochemical surface area (ESA), activity in the methanol electrooxidation reaction (MOR), and tolerance to its intermediate products has been studied. The simple and scalable surfactant-free synthesis method of the highly active PtRu/C electrocatalysts with a different mass fraction of metals, with their tolerance to intermediate products of the oxidation being 2.3 times higher than the commercial analogue, has been first proposed. The authors have succeeded in obtaining the PtRu/C catalysts with the nanoparticles’ size of less than 2 nm, characterized by the ultranarrow size and uniform spatial distributions over the support surface, thus having the ESA of more than 90 m2gPtRu−1.
Synthesis of Ce0.1La0.9MnO3 Perovskite for Degradation of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals under Visible Photons
Authors: Maridevaru Madappa C. , Naceruddin Afreen Hooriya , Aljafari Belqasem , Anandan Sambandam
Published: October 2022

The UN Environmental Protection Agency has recognized 4-n-Nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) as among the most hazardous chemicals, and it is essential to minimize their concentrations in the wastewater stream. These industrial chemicals have been witnessed to cause endocrine disruption. This report describes the straightforward hydrothermal approach adopted to produce Ce0.1La0.9MnO3 (CLMO) perovskite’s structure. Several physiochemical characterization approaches were performed to understand the Ce0.1La0.9MnO3 (CLMO) perovskite crystalline phase, element composition, optical properties, microscopic topography, and molecular oxidation state. Here, applying visible photon irradiation, the photocatalytic capability of these CLMO nanostructures was evaluated for the elimination of NP and BPA contaminants. To optimize the reaction kinetics, the photodegradation of NP and BPA pollutants on CLMO, perovskite was studied as a specification of pH, catalyst dosage, and initial pollutant concentration. Correspondingly, 92% and 94% of NP and BPA pollutants are degraded over CLMO surfaces within 120 and 240 min, respectively. Since NP and BPA pollutants have apparent rate constants of 0.0226 min−1 and 0.0278 min−1, respectively, they can be satisfactorily fitted by pseudo-first-order kinetics. The decomposition of NP and BPA contaminants is further evidenced by performing FT-IR analysis. Owing to its outstanding photocatalytic execution and simplistic separation, these outcomes suggest that CLMO is an intriguing catalyst for the efficacious removal of NP and BPA toxicants from the aqueous phase. This is pertinent for the treatment of endocrine-disrupting substances in bioremediation.
Ionic Liquids-Assisted Ring Opening of Three-Membered Heterocycles with Thio- and Seleno-Silanes
Authors: Tanini Damiano , Pecchi Tommaso , Ignat’ev Nikolai , Capperucci Antonella
Published: October 2022

Ring opening reactions of strained heterocycles (epoxides, aziridines, thiiranes) by silyl chalcogenides, such as thiosilanes and selenosilanes, can be efficiently performed in a variety of ionic liquids, which can behave as reaction media and in some cases also as catalysts. This protocol enables an alternative access to β-functionalized sulfides and selenides under mild conditions.
N-Heterocyclic Molecules as Potential Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers: Reaction Routes and Dehydrogenation Efficacy
Authors: Stepanenko Sergey A. , Shivtsov Danil M. , Koskin Anton P. , Koskin Igor P. , Kukushkin Roman G. , Yeletsky Petr M. , Yakovlev Vadim A.
Published: October 2022

This study is focused on the development of liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) based on N-heterocyclic compounds. These LOHC-substrates are attractive for their lower hydrogen extraction temperature compared to cycloalkanes, which is caused by the low enthalpy of the dehydrogenation reaction of the N-heterocyclic compounds. The low hydrogen extraction temperature, as well as the low volatility of the heterocycles, provide high purity hydrogen from the reaction. Under similar reaction conditions, the comparison of the efficacy of three promising heterocycles (1-methyl-octahydroindole (8HMI), tetradecahydrophenazine and decahydroquinoline) was carried out in the presence of palladium-containing catalysts. As a result, the advantages of using catalysts supported by alumina, and the high perspectivity of the 8MHI application as a LOHC-substrate, were shown. The dehydrogenation of 8HMI in the presence of 1 wt.% Pd/Al2O3 allowed for reaching a 100% yield in hydrogen under the conditions of the standard catalytic test (1 h, 240 °C). In order to study the high reactivity of 8HMI, thermodynamic dehydrogenation reaction profiles were computationally evaluated, which showed that 8HMI was the most energetically preferred in the field of hydrogen storage from the studied heterocyclic compounds.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Polydioxanone-Coated Dipeptide-Functionalized Magnetic γ-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles-Modified PES Membrane and Its Biological Applications
Authors: Demirci Özlem , Gonca Serpil , Tolan Veysel , Özdemir Sadin , Dizge Nadir , Kılınç Ersin
Published: October 2022

This work is focused on the synthesis of leucyl-glycine-functionalized γ-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles coated by polydioxanone (γ-Fe2O3-CA-Leu-Gly-PDX) as a polyethersulphone (PES) membrane for biotechnological applications. The physicochemical characteristics were investigated by FT-IR, SEM, XRD, a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and ICP-OES. The present investigation also centered on the several biological activities of γ-Fe2O3-CA-Leu-Gly-PDX. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and metal chelating activity was studied for evaluation of its antioxidant activity potential. It exhibited 100% DPPH radical scavenging and 93.33% metal chelating activity. With applicability to antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, DNA cleavage and antimicrobial activity, the cell viability of γ-Fe2O3-CA-Leu-Gly-PDX was investigated in detail. The γ-Fe2O3-CA-Leu-Gly-PDX demonstrated the significant biofilm inhibition activity as being 81.54% and 86.34% for P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, respectively. Moreover, a novel polyethersulphone nanocomposite membrane incorporated with γ-Fe2O3-CA-Leu-Gly-PDX was prepared. The performance of the γ-Fe2O3-CA-Leu-Gly-PDX-blended polyethersulphone (PES) membrane was investigated by measuring the antifouling and E. coli rejection. The nanocomposite membranes demonstrated remarkable antifouling properties in contrast with the pristine PES when BSA (bovine serum albumin) and E. coli were filtrated. A complete rejection was obtained by the composite membrane. After an application of the membrane study, the modified polyethersulphone (PES) membrane blended with γ-Fe2O3-CA-Leu-Gly-PDX removed 100% of the E. coli.
Propane Dehydrogenation on Co-N-C/SiO2 Catalyst: The Role of Single-Atom Active Sites
Authors: Chernov Aleksey N. , Sobolev Vladimir I. , Gerasimov Evgeny Yu. , Koltunov Konstantin Yu.
Published: October 2022

Recently, significant attention has been drawn to carbon materials containing cobalt coordinated to nitrogen, as the promising inexpensive catalysts of a wide range of applications. Given that non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation to propylene (PDH) is also becoming increasingly important, we present the results on PDH over Co-N-C/SiO2 composites. The latter were prepared by pyrolysis of silicone gel enriched with Co(II) salt and triethanolamine. According to XRD, HRTEM and XPS characterizations, the resulting materials consist of metallic cobalt nanoparticles of about 5 to 10 nm size and subnano-sized cobalt species (cobalt single atom sites coordinated to nitrogen/carbon), which are uniformly distributed in mesoporous silica of high specific surface area (up to 500 m2 g−1). The composites demonstrated significant catalytic activity in PDH, which was examined under typical reaction conditions (600 °C, 1 atm) using a fixed bed flow reactor. The subnano-sized Co centers proved to be the real active catalytic sites responsible for the target reaction, while carbon deposition induced by Co nanoparticles provided the catalyst deactivation. It is shown that the catalyst can be reactivated by the treatment with oxygen, which, in addition, notably increases selectivity to propylene (up to 98%) and enhances the catalyst stability in the next operation cycle. This remarkable change in catalytic behavior is shown to be due to the dramatic structural modification of the catalyst upon high-temperature oxidation.
In Situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Cells for High Pressure Homogeneous Catalysis
Authors: Shvets Petr V. , Prokopovich Pavel A. , Dolgoborodov Artur I. , Usoltsev Oleg A. , Skorynina Alina A. , Kozyr Elizaveta G. , Shapovalov Viktor V. , Guda Alexander A. , Bugaev Aram L. , Naranov Evgeny R. , Gorbunov Dmitry N. , Janssens Kwinten , De Vos Dirk E. , Trigub Alexander L. , Fonda Emiliano , Leshchinsky Mark B. , Zagackij Vladimir R. , Soldatov Alexander V. , Goikhman Alexander Yu.
Published: October 2022

We have designed, built, and tested two cells for in situ and, potentially, operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments in transmission and fluorescence modes. The cells were developed for high-pressure and high-temperature conditions to study the catalytic processes under relevant industrial conditions. Operation of the cells was tested for Ru and Rh-based homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic systems. Using synchrotron-based in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy we tracked the evolution of active metal species during catalytic reactions. Our setup proved that it was capable to investigate liquid-state homogeneous and heterogenous systems under elevated temperatures, high pressures of reactive gasses, and in the presence of corrosive reagents.
Gut-Kidney Impairment Process of Adenine Combined with Folium sennae-Induced Diarrhea: Association with Interactions between Lactobacillus intestinalis, Bacteroides acidifaciens and Acetic Acid, Inflammation, and Kidney Function
Authors: Li Xiaoya , Peng Xinxin , Qiao Bo , Peng Maijiao , Deng Na , Yu Rong , Tan Zhoujin
Published: October 2022

Background: Extensive evidence suggests that gut microbiota may interact with the kidneys and play central roles in the pathogenesis of disease. However, the association of gut microbiota-kidneys in diarrhea remains unclear. Methods: A diarrhea mouse model was constructed by combining adenine with Folium sennae. We analyzed the characteristics of the gut content microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs); and explored the potential link between gut content microbiota, SCFAs, intestinal inflammatory response and kidney function. Results: Characteristic bacteria Lactobacillus intestinalis and Bacteroides acidifaciens were enriched in the gut contents of mice. The productions of SCFAs were remarkably inhibited. Model mice presented an increased trend of creatinine (Cr), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), a decreased trend of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). The pathological analysis proved obvious damage to the kidney structure. Lactobacillus intestinalis and Bacteroides acidifaciens exisited in the correlations with acetic acid, intestinal inflammatory response and kidney function. Conclusions: Adenine combined with Folium sennae-induced diarrhea, altered the structure and function of the gut content microbiota in mice, causing the enrichment of the characteristic bacteria Lactobacillus intestinalis and Bacteroides acidifaciens. The interactions between Lactobacillus intestinalis, Bacteroides acidifaciens and acetic acid, intestinal inflammation, and kidney function might be involved in the process of gut-kidney impairment in adenine, combined with Folium sennae-induced diarrhea.
Deficient Sarcolemma Repair in ALS: A Novel Mechanism with Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Li Ang , Yi Jianxun , Li Xuejun , Dong Li , Ostrow Lyle W. , Ma Jianjie , Zhou Jingsong
Published: October 2022

The plasma membrane (sarcolemma) of skeletal muscle myofibers is susceptible to injury caused by physical and chemical stresses during normal daily movement and/or under disease conditions. These acute plasma membrane disruptions are normally compensated by an intrinsic membrane resealing process involving interactions of multiple intracellular proteins including dysferlin, annexin, caveolin, and Mitsugumin 53 (MG53)/TRIM72. There is new evidence for compromised muscle sarcolemma repair mechanisms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Mitochondrial dysfunction in proximity to neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) increases oxidative stress, triggering MG53 aggregation and loss of its function. Compromised membrane repair further worsens sarcolemma fragility and amplifies oxidative stress in a vicious cycle. This article is to review existing literature supporting the concept that ALS is a disease of oxidative-stress induced disruption of muscle membrane repair that compromise the integrity of the NMJs and hence augmenting muscle membrane repair mechanisms could represent a viable therapeutic strategy for ALS.
Developmental Potency and Metabolic Traits of Extended Pluripotency Are Faithfully Transferred to Somatic Cells via Cell Fusion-Induced Reprogramming
Authors: Song Jae-Hoon , Choi Joonhyuk , Hong Yean-Ju , La Hyeonwoo , Hong Tae-Kyung , Hong Kwonho , Do Jeong-Tae
Published: October 2022

As a novel cell type from eight-cell-stage embryos, extended pluripotent stem cells (EPSCs) are known for diverse differentiation potency in both extraembryonic and embryonic lineages, suggesting new possibilities as a developmental research model. Although various features of EPSCs have been defined, their ability to directly transfer extended pluripotency to differentiated somatic cells by cell fusion remains to be elucidated. Here, we derived EPSCs from eight-cell mouse embryos and confirmed their extended pluripotency at the molecular level and extraembryonic differentiation ability. Then, they were fused with OG2+/− ROSA+/− neural stem cells (NSCs) by the polyethylene-glycol (PEG)-mediated method and further analyzed. The resulting fused hybrid cells exhibited pluripotential markers with upregulated EPSC-specific gene expression. Furthermore, the hybrid cells contributed to the extraembryonic and embryonic lineages in vivo and in vitro. RNA sequencing analysis confirmed that the hybrid cells showed distinct global expression patterns resembling EPSCs without parental expression of NSC markers, indicating the complete acquisition of extended pluripotency and the erasure of the somatic memory of NSCs. Furthermore, ultrastructural observation and metabolic analysis confirmed that the hybrid cells rearranged the mitochondrial morphology and bivalent metabolic profile to those of EPSCs. In conclusion, the extended pluripotency of EPSCs could be transferred to somatic cells through fusion-induced reprogramming.
MAOA uVNTR Genetic Variant and Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Castro Gonçalves Ana Beatriz , Ferreira Fratelli Caroline , Saraiva Siqueira Jhon Willatan , Canongia de Abreu Cardoso Duarte Ligia , Ribeiro Barros Aline , Possatti Isabella , Lima dos Santos Maurício , de Souza Silva Calliandra Maria , Rodrigues da Silva Izabel Cristina
Published: October 2022

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent multifactorial psychopathology affected by neurotransmitter levels. Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) influences several neural pathways by modulating these levels. This systematic review (per PRISMA protocol and PECOS strategy) endeavors to understand the MAOA uVNTR polymorphism influence on MDD and evaluate its 3R/3R and 3R* genotypic frequencies fluctuation in MDD patients from different populations. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and EMBASE databases for eligible original articles that brought data on genotypic frequencies related to the MAOA uVNTR variant in patients with MDD. We excluded studies with incomplete data (including statistical data), reviews, meta-analyses, and abstracts. Initially, we found 43 articles. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, seven articles remained. The population samples studied were predominantly Asians, with high 3R and 4R allele frequencies. Notably, we observed higher 3R/3R (female) and 3R* (male) genotype frequencies in the healthy control groups and higher 4R/4R (female) and 4R* (male) genotype frequencies in the MDD groups in the majority of different populations. Despite some similarities in the articles analyzed, there is still no consensus on the MAOA uVNTR variant’s role in MDD pathogenesis.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Alleviates Ovarian Aging by Modulating Mitophagy- and Glycophagy-Based Energy Metabolism in Hens
Authors: Dong Juan , Guo Changquan , Yang Zhaoyu , Wu Yangyang , Zhang Caiqiao
Published: October 2022

As a predominant hormone in the reproductive axis, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is known as the primary surviving factor for follicular growth. In this study, the alleviating effect of FSH on aging chicken granulosa cells (GCs) was investigated. Results showed that FSH activated mitophagy and relieved mitochondrial edema in D-gal-induced senescent GCs, which was evidenced by an increased number of mitophagosomes as well as increased mitochondria-light chain 3 (LC3) colocalization. Mitophagy activation was accompanied by the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Furthermore, upregulated glycophagy was demonstrated by an increased interaction of starch-binding domain protein 1 (STBD1) with GABA type A receptor-associated protein-like 1 (GABARAPL1) in D-gal-induced senescent GCs. FSH treatment further promoted glycophagy, accompanied by PI3K/AKT activation. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and AKT inhibitor GSK690693 attenuated the effect of FSH on glycophagy and glycolysis. The inhibition of FSH-mediated autophagy attenuated the protective effect of FSH on naturally aging GC proliferation and glycolysis. The simultaneous blockage of PI3K/AKT and AMPK signaling also abolished the positive effect of FSH on naturally senescent ovarian energy regulation. These data reveal that FSH prevents chicken ovarian aging by modulating glycophagy- and mitophagy-based energy metabolism through the PI3K/AKT and AMPK pathways.
Liquid Nanofilms’ Evaporation Inside a Heat Exchanger by Mixed Convection
Authors: Nasr Abdelaziz , Alzahrani Abdullah A.
Published: October 2022

The present work focuses on a numerical investigation of nanofilms’ (water/copper and water/aluminium) evaporation inside a heat exchanger by mixed convection flowing down on one channel plate. The channel was composed of two parallel vertical plates. The wetted plate was heated while the other plate was maintained isothermal and dry. The impact of the dispersion of different types of nanoparticles in the liquid film and their volume fraction in mass and heat exchange and the evaporation process has been analysed in this work. The results show that an increase of the nanoparticle inlet volume fraction enhances the efficiency of evaporation in heat exchangers. It is shown that an enhancement of 22% in evaporation rate has been recorded when the inlet nanoparticle volume fraction is elevated by 5%. The results show that the water–copper nanofluid had higher evaporation rate compared to water–aluminium nanofluid.
Facile Synthesis of Dual Modal Pore Structure Aerogel with Enhanced Thermal Stability
Authors: Zhang Meng , Si Zhengkai , Yang Guangjun , Cao Linfang , Liu Xiaohai , Mu Yuandong , Tian Chongfei , Zhang Xinsheng , Luo Zhongtao
Published: October 2022

Regarding the preparation of aerogels by the co-precursor method, the skeleton collapse caused by its low strength is one of the key problems that needs to be solved urgently. In this study, vinyl-functionalized silica aerogel was prepared under atmospheric drying conditions (APD) with vinyltriethoxysilane (V) and water glass (W) as co-precursors. The performance of aerogels varied with the components of co-precursors. When the V:W ratio was 0.8, the aerogel had excellent properties of low thermal conductivity (0.0254 W/(m·K)), super hydrophobicity (hydrophobic angle of 160°), high specific surface area (890.76 m2/g), high porosity (96.82%), and low density (0.087 g/cm3). Test results of SEM and BET showed that the V:W ratio affected the pore structure. When the V:W ratio was around 0.8, the aerogel had a dual modal pore structure composed of both small (6–8 nm) and large (20–30 nm) mesopores, which could contribute to enhance the skeleton strength of the aerogel. On the other hand, the addition of vinyltriethoxysilane promoted the skeleton stability by reducing the capillary force. The vinyltriethoxysilane and water glass as novel co-precursor combinations can provide guidance for the preparation of aerogels under APD conditions.
Influence of the Current Regime during Electrodeposition in a Cr(III)-Containing Fe-Cr-Ni Electrolyte on the Near-Surface pH, Alloy Composition, and Microcrack Behavior
Authors: Meinhold Vanessa , Höhlich Dominik , Mehner Thomas , Lampke Thomas
Published: October 2022

This study shows the electrodeposition of Fe-Cr-Ni alloys using the advantages of a stepped direct-current deposition in a Cr(III)-containing electrolyte, and its influence on the pH value. The resulting coatings are uniform and free of microcracks, with a Cr content around 30% and thicknesses above 10 µm. The influence of the current mode (direct current, stepped direct current, pulsed current) on pH development is investigated and correlated with the arising microstructure and alloy composition. Considering the current flow, it can be stated that pauses interrupt high overvoltage and restrain the pH increase at the cathode. The associated formation of chromium hydrides and their deposition onto the chromium layer, leading to cracking, is thus reduced. In this work, direct evidence for this theory and a suggestion for near-surface pH measurement during electrodeposition are presented.
Frequency Effect on the Structure and Properties of Mo-Zr-Si-B Coatings Deposited by HIPIMS Using a Composite SHS Target
Authors: Kiryukhantsev-Korneev Philipp V. , Sytchenko Alina D. , Loginov Pavel A. , Orekhov Anton S. , Levashov Evgeny A.
Published: October 2022

Mo-Zr-Si-B coatings were deposited by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering at a pulse frequency of 10, 50, and 200 Hz. The coating structure was studied by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, glow-discharge optical-emission spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical characteristics, adhesive strength, coefficient of friction, wear resistance, resistance to cyclic-dynamic-impact loading, high-temperature oxidation resistance, and thermal stability of the coatings were determined. The coatings, obtained at 10 and 50 Hz, had an amorphous structure. Increasing the frequency to 200 Hz led to the formation of the h-MoSi2 phase. As the pulse frequency increased from 10 to 50 and 200 Hz, the deposition rate rose by 2.3 and 9.0 times, while hardness increased by 1.9 and 2.9 times, respectively. The Mo-Zr-Si-B coating deposited at 50 Hz was characterized by better wear resistance, resistance to cyclic-dynamic-impact loading, and oxidation resistance at 1500 °C. Thermal stability tests of the coating samples heated in the transmission electron microscope column showed that the coating deposited at 50 Hz remained amorphous in the temperature range of 20–1000 °C. Long-term annealing in a vacuum furnace at 1000 °C caused partial recrystallization and the formation of a nanocomposite structure, as well as an increased hardness from 15 to 37 GPa and an increased Young’s modulus from 250 to 380 GPa, compared to those of the as-deposited coatings.
Applications of Crystal Plasticity in Forming Technologies
Authors: Qayyum Faisal , Guk Sergey , Prahl Ulrich
Published: October 2022

The Special Issue on ‘Crystal Plasticity in Forming Technologies’ is a collection of 11 original articles dedicated to theoretical and experimental research that provides new insights and practical findings in topics related to crystal plasticity [...]
Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structure of the New Ternary Compound Ca3InAs3
Authors: Peng Wanyue , Baranets Sviatoslav , Bobev Svilen
Published: October 2022

Crystals of a new ternary compound in the Ca-In-As family, Ca3InAs3, have been successfully synthesized via flux growth techniques. This is only the third known compound between the respective elements. As elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements, Ca3InAs3 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62, Pearson symbol oP28) with unit cell parameters a = 12.296(2) Å, b = 4.2553(7) Å, and c = 13.735(2) Å. The smallest building motifs of the structure are InAs4 tetrahedra, which are connected to one another by shared As corners, forming infinite [InAs2As2/2] chains. The latter propagate along the crystallographic b-axis. The As-In-As bond angles within the InAs4 tetrahedra deviate from the ideal 109.5° value and range from 98.12(2)° to 116.53(2)°, attesting to a small distortion from the regular tetrahedral geometry. Electronic structure calculations indicate the opening of a bandgap, consistent with the expected (Ca2+)3(In3+)(As3–)3 formula breakdown based on conventional oxidation numbers. The calculations also show that the Ca–As interactions are an intermediate between covalent and ionic, while providing evidence of strong covalent features of the In–As interactions. Weak s-p hybridization of In states was observed, supporting the experimentally found deviation of the InAs4 moiety from the ideal tetrahedral symmetry.