bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Alcohol Hand Sanitiser Gels with Mandelic Acid and Essential Oils
Authors: Egner Pavlína , Pavlačková Jana , Sedlaříková Jana , Pleva Pavel , Mokrejš Pavel , Janalíková Magda
Published: February 2023

Antimicrobial hand gels have become extremely popular in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequent use of hand sanitising gel can lead to dryness and irritation of the skin. This work focuses on the preparation of antimicrobial acrylic acid (Carbomer)-based gels enhanced by non-traditional compounds—mandelic acid and essential oils—as a substitute for irritating ethanol. Physicochemical properties (pH and viscosity), stability and sensory attributes of the prepared gels were investigated. Antimicrobial activity against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts was determined. The prepared gels with mandelic acid and essential oil (cinnamon, clove, lemon, and thyme) proved to have antimicrobial activity and even better organoleptic properties than commercial ethanol-based antimicrobial gel. Further, results confirmed that the addition of mandelic acid had a desirable effect on gel properties (antimicrobial, consistency, stability). It has been shown that the essential oil/mandelic acid combination can be a dermatologically beneficial hand sanitiser compared to commercial products. Thus, the produced gels can be used as a natural alternative to alcohol-based daily hand hygiene sanitisers.
Selective Immobilization of His-Tagged Enzyme on Ni-Chelated Ion Exchange Resin and Its Application in Protein Purification
Authors: Wang Kangjing , Zhao Liting , Li Ting , Wang Qian , Ding Zhongyang , Dong Weifu
Published: February 2023

Ion exchange resins are suitable as carriers for immobilized enzymes because of their stable physicochemical properties, appropriate particle size and pore structure, and lower loss in continuous operation. In this paper, we report the application of the Ni-chelated ion exchange resin in the immobilization of His-tagged enzyme and protein purification. Acrylic weak acid cation exchange resin (D113H) was selected from four cationic macroporous resins that could chelate the transition metal ion Ni. The maximum adsorption capacity of Ni was ~198 mg/g. Phosphomannose isomerase (PMI) can be successfully immobilized on Ni-chelated D113H from crude enzyme solution through chelation of transition metal ions with the His-tag on the enzyme. The maximum amount of immobilized PMI on the resin was ~143 mg/g. Notably, the immobilized enzyme showed excellent reusability and maintained 92% of its initial activity with 10 cycles of catalytic reaction. In addition, PMI was successfully purified using an affinity chromatography column prepared by Ni-chelated D113H, which showed the potential for the immobilization and purification process to be realized in one step.
Nano-Biocomposite Materials Obtained from Laser Ablation of Hemp Stalks for Medical Applications and Potential Component in New Solar Cells
Authors: Cocean Alexandru , Cocean Georgiana , Diaconu Maria , Garofalide Silvia , Husanu Francisca , Munteanu Bogdanel Silvestru , Cimpoesu Nicanor , Motrescu Iuliana , Puiu Ioan , Postolachi Cristina , Cocean Iuliana , Gurlui Silviu
Published: February 2023

The study in this paper presents a new material that was produced as a thin film by the Pulsed Laser Deposition technique (PLD) using a 532 nm wavelength and 150 mJ/pulse laser beam on the hemp stalk as target. The analyses performed by spectroscopic techniques (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy—FTIR, Laser—Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy—LIF, Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray—SEM-EDX, Atomic Force Microscopy—AFM and optical microscope) evidenced that a biocomposite consisting of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, waxes, sugars and phenolyc acids p-coumaric and ferulic, similar to the hemp stalk target was obtained. Nanostructures and aggregated nanostructures of 100 nm to 1.5 μm size were evidenced. Good mechanical strength and its adherence to the substrate were also noticed. It was noticed that the content in calcium and magnesium increased compared to that of the target from 1.5% to 2.2% and from 0.2% to 1.2%, respectively. The COMSOL numerical simulation provided information on the thermal conditions that explain phenomena and processes during laser ablation such as C-C pyrolisis and enhanced deposition of calcium in the lignin polymer matrix. The good gas and water sorption properties due to the free OH groups and to the microporous structure of the new biocomposite components recommends it for studies for functional applications in medicine for drug delivery devices, filters in dialysis and for gas and liquid sensors. Functional applications in solar cells windows are also possible due to the conjugated structures of the contained polymers.
The Effects of Peripubertal THC Exposure in Neurodevelopmental Rat Models of Psychopathology
Authors: Di Bartolomeo Martina , Stark Tibor , Di Martino Serena , Iannotti Fabio Arturo , Ruda-Kucerova Jana , Romano Giovanni Luca , Kuchar Martin , Laudani Samuele , Palivec Petr , Piscitelli Fabiana , Wotjak Carsten T. , Bucolo Claudio , Drago Filippo , Di Marzo Vincenzo , D’Addario Claudio , Micale Vincenzo
Published: February 2023

Adolescent exposure to cannabinoids as a postnatal environmental insult may increase the risk of psychosis in subjects exposed to perinatal insult, as suggested by the two-hit hypothesis of schizophrenia. Here, we hypothesized that peripubertal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (aTHC) may affect the impact of prenatal methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM) or perinatal THC (pTHC) exposure in adult rats. We found that MAM and pTHC-exposed rats, when compared to the control group (CNT), were characterized by adult phenotype relevant to schizophrenia, including social withdrawal and cognitive impairment, as revealed by social interaction test and novel object recognition test, respectively. At the molecular level, we observed an increase in cannabinoid CB1 receptor (Cnr1) and/or dopamine D2/D3 receptor (Drd2, Drd3) gene expression in the prefrontal cortex of adult MAM or pTHC-exposed rats, which we attributed to changes in DNA methylation at key regulatory gene regions. Interestingly, aTHC treatment significantly impaired social behavior, but not cognitive performance in CNT groups. In pTHC rats, aTHC did not exacerbate the altered phenotype nor dopaminergic signaling, while it reversed cognitive deficit in MAM rats by modulating Drd2 and Drd3 gene expression. In conclusion, our results suggest that the effects of peripubertal THC exposure may depend on individual differences related to dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Insensitive High-Energy Density Materials Based on Azazole-Rich Rings: 1,2,4-Triazole N-Oxide Derivatives Containing Isomerized Nitro and Amino Groups
Authors: Yang Xinbo , Li Nan , Li Yuchuan , Pang Siping
Published: February 2023

It is an arduous and meaningful challenge to design and develop new energetic materials with lower sensitivity and higher energy. How to skillfully combine the characteristics of low sensitivity and high energy is the key problem in designing new insensitive high-energy materials. Taking a triazole ring as a framework, a strategy of N-oxide derivatives containing isomerized nitro and amino groups was proposed to answer this question. Based on this strategy, some 1,2,4-triazole N-oxide derivatives (NATNOs) were designed and explored. The electronic structure calculation showed that the stable existence of these triazole derivatives was due to the intramolecular hydrogen bond and other interactions. The impact sensitivity and the dissociation enthalpy of trigger bonds directly indicated that some compounds could exist stably. The crystal densities of all NATNOs were larger than 1.80 g/cm3, which met the requirement of high-energetic materials for crystal density. Some NATNOs (9748 m/s for NATNO, 9841 m/s for NATNO-1, 9818 m/s for NATNO-2, 9906 m/s for NATNO-3, and 9592 m/s for NATNO-4) were potential high detonation velocity energy materials. These study results not only indicate that the NATNOs have relatively stable properties and excellent detonation properties but also prove that the strategy of nitro amino position isomerization coupled with N-oxide is an effective means to develop new energetic materials.
Mechanisms for the α-Adrenoceptor-Mediated Positive Inotropy in Mouse Ventricular Myocardium: Enhancing Effect of Action Potential Prolongation
Authors: Hamaguchi Shogo , Morinou Ikue , Shiseki Yuko , Mikami Ayako , Seki Maika , Namekata Iyuki , Tanaka Hikaru
Published: February 2023

Mechanisms for the α-adrenoceptor-mediated positive inotropy in neonatal mouse ventricular myocardium were studied with isolated myocardial preparations. The phenylephrine-induced positive inotropy was suppressed by prazosin, nifedipine, and chelerythrine, a protein kinase C inhibitor, but not by SEA0400, a selective Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibitor. Phenylephrine increased the L-type Ca2+ channel current and prolonged the action potential duration, while the voltage-dependent K+ channel current was not influenced. In the presence of cromakalim, an ATP-sensitive K+ channel opener, the phenylephrine-induced prolongation of action potential duration, as well as the positive inotropy, were smaller than in the absence of cromakalim. These results suggest that the α-adrenoceptor-mediated positive inotropy is mediated by an increase in Ca2+ influx through the L-type Ca2+ channel, and the concomitant increase in action potential duration acts as an enhancing factor.
Impact of Microplastics on the Ocular Surface
Authors: Wu Duoduo , Lim Blanche X. H. , Seah Ivan , Xie Shay , Jaeger Julia E. , Symons Robert K. , Heffernan Amy L. , Curren Emily E. M. , Leong Sandric C. Y. , Riau Andri K. , Lim Dawn K. A. , Stapleton Fiona , Ali Mohammad Javed , Singh Swati , Tong Louis , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Su Xinyi , Lim Chris H. L.
Published: February 2023

Plastics are synthetic materials made from organic polymers that are ubiquitous in daily living and are especially important in the healthcare setting. However, recent advances have revealed the pervasive nature of microplastics, which are formed by degradation of existing plastic products. Although the impact on human health has yet to be fully characterised, there is increasing evidence that microplastics can trigger inflammatory damage, microbial dysbiosis, and oxidative stress in humans. Although there are limited studies investigating their effect on the ocular surface, studies of microplastics on other organs provide some insights. The prevalence of plastic waste has also triggered public outcry, culminating in the development of legislation aimed at reducing microplastics in commercial products. We present a review outlining the possible sources of microplastics leading to ocular exposure, and analyse the possible mechanisms of ocular surface damage. Finally, we examine the utility and consequences of current legislation surrounding microplastic regulation.
Comment on Jones et al. Application of a Novel Algorithm for Expanding Newborn Screening for Inherited Metabolic Disorders across Europe. Int. J. Neonatal Screen. 2022, 8, 20
Authors: Maase Rose , Jansen Marleen E. , Heijnen Marie-Louise , Dekkers Eugenie
Published: February 2023

With innovations in both the screening methodologies and treatment of diseases, newborn screening (NBS) programmes are confronted with an increasing number of candidate diseases [...]
Research on Pedestrian Detection Based on the Multi-Scale and Feature-Enhancement Model
Authors: Li Rui , Zu Yaxin
Published: February 2023

Pedestrian detection represents one of the critical tasks of computer vision; however, detecting pedestrians can be compromised by problems such as the various scale of pedestrian features and cluttered background, which can easily cause a loss of accuracy. Therefore, we propose a pedestrian detection method based on the FCOS network. Firstly, we designed a feature enhancement module to ensure that effective high-level semantics are obtained while preserving the detailed features of pedestrians. Secondly, we defined a key-center region judgment to reduce the interference of background information on pedestrian feature extraction. By testing on the Caltech pedestrian dataset, the AP value is improved from 87.36% to 94.16%. The results of the comparison experiment illustrate that the model proposed in this paper can significantly increase the accuracy.
Machine Learning to Identify Patients at Risk of Developing New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass
Authors: Parise Orlando , Parise Gianmarco , Vaidyanathan Akshayaa , Occhipinti Mariaelena , Gharaviri Ali , Tetta Cecilia , Bidar Elham , Maesen Bart , Maessen Jos G. , La Meir Mark , Gelsomino Sandro
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aims to get an effective machine learning (ML) prediction model of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to highlight the most relevant clinical factors. Methods: Four ML algorithms were employed to analyze 394 patients undergoing CABG, and their performances were compared: Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline, Neural Network, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine. Each algorithm was applied to the training data set to choose the most important features and to build a predictive model. The better performance for each model was obtained by a hyperparameters search, and the Receiver Operating Characteristic Area Under the Curve metric was selected to choose the best model. The best instances of each model were fed with the test data set, and some metrics were generated to assess the performance of the models on the unseen data set. A traditional logistic regression was also performed to be compared with the machine learning models. Results: Random Forest model showed the best performance, and the top five predictive features included age, preoperative creatinine values, time of aortic cross-clamping, body surface area, and Logistic Euro-Score. Conclusions: The use of ML for clinical predictions requires an accurate evaluation of the models and their hyperparameters. Random Forest outperformed all other models in the clinical prediction of POAF following CABG.
Sex- and Age-Dependent Wide-Field Choroidal Thickness Differences in Healthy Eyes
Authors: Mihara Naohisa , Sonoda Shozo , Terasaki Hiroto , Shiihara Hideki , Sakono Takato , Funatsu Ryoh , Sakamoto Taiji
Published: February 2023

In this study, we aimed to map and characterize the choroidal thickness over a wide area from the posterior pole to the vortex vein in normal eyes. This observational study included 146 healthy eyes (63 male). Three-dimensional volume data were acquired to create a choroidal thickness map using swept-source optical coherence tomography. The map was classified as type A if an area with a choroidal thickness >250 µm in the vertical direction from the optic disc, and the area corresponding to the watershed was not observed, or as type B if such an area was observed. The relationship between the ratio of groups A to B and age was compared by classifying the age for three age groups: <40, 40–60, and >60 years in men and women. In men and women, 69.8% and 49.4% were classified as type A, respectively, with significant sex differences (p = 0.013). The proportion of type B decreased with increasing age in both the sexes. There was a significant difference between ≤60 and >60 years in men and between ≤40 and >40 years in women (p < 0.05). To conclude, the wide-area choroidal thickness and the age-dependent changes in healthy eyes differed between the sexes.
Genetic Variations in Angiotensinogen Gene and Risk of Preeclampsia: A Pilot Study
Authors: He Dong , Peng Xianglan , Xie Hongkai , Peng Rui , Li Qixuan , Guo Yitong , Wang Wei , He Hong , Chen Yang
Published: February 2023

Preeclampsia (PE) is a typical hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) which can cause substantial morbidity and mortality in both pregnant women and fetuses. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) genes are the main HDP-causing genes, and Angiotensinogen (AGT) as the initial substrate can directly reflect the activity of the entire RAS. However, the association between AGT SNPs and PE risk has rarely been confirmed. This study was carried out to determine whether AGT SNPs could affect the risk of PE in 228 cases and 358 controls. The genotyping result revealed that the AGT rs7079 TT carrier was related to increased PE risk. Further stratified analysis illustrated that the rs7079 TT genotype significantly increased the PE risk in subgroups of Age < 35, BMI < 25, Albumin (ALB) ≥ 30 and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) < 30. These findings demonstrated that the rs7079 might be a promising candidate SNP strongly associated with PE susceptibility.
Pulse Wave Velocity and Blood Pressure Variability as Prognostic Indicators in Very Elderly Patients
Authors: de la Sierra Alejandro , Sierra Cristina , Murillo Marcos , Aiello Tomasso F. , Mateu Aina , Almagro Pedro
Published: February 2023

There is scarce evidence for the prognostic importance of hemodynamic measures, such as blood pressure (BP), BP variability, and arterial stiffness, in the very elderly population with advanced chronic conditions. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic importance of 24 h BP, BP variability, and arterial stiffness in a cohort of very elderly patients admitted to the hospital due to a decompensated chronic disease. We studied 249 patients older than 80 (66% women; 60% congestive heart failure). Noninvasive 24 h monitoring was used to determine 24 h brachial and central BP, BP and heart rate variabilities, aortic pulse wave velocity, and BP variability ratios during admission. The primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Aortic pulse wave velocity (3.3 times for each SD increase) and BP variability ratio (31% for each SD increase) were associated with 1-year mortality, after adjustments for clinical confounders. Increased systolic BP variability (38% increase for each SD change) and reduced heart rate variability (32% increase for each SD change) also predicted 1-year mortality. In conclusion, increased aortic stiffness and BP and heart rate variabilities predict 1-year mortality in very elderly patients with decompensated chronic conditions. Measurements of such estimates could be useful in the prognostic evaluation of this specific population.
Assessing the Feasibility of Using Electrochemical Skin Conductance as a Substitute for the Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test in the Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale and Its Correlation with Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale 31 in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Huang Yu-Chuan , Huang Chih-Cheng , Lai Yun-Ru , Lien Chia-Yi , Cheng Ben-Chung , Kung Chia-Te , Chiang Yi-Fang , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: February 2023

The Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS) is a quantitative scoring system that integrates the sudomotor, the cardiovagal, and the adrenergic subscores, and the Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale 31 (COMPASS 31) is based on a well-established comprehensive questionnaire designed to assess the autonomic symptoms across multiple domains. We tested the hypothesis that electrochemical skin conductance (Sudoscan) can be a substitute for the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) in the sudomotor domain and assessed its correlation with COMPASS 31 in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Fifty-five patients with PD underwent clinical assessment and cardiovascular autonomic function tests and completed the COMPASS 31 questionnaire. We compared the modified CASS (integrating the Sudoscan-based sudomotor, adrenergic, and cardiovagal subscores) and CASS subscores (the sum of the adrenergic and cardiovagal subscores). The total weighted score of COMPASS 31 was significantly correlated with both the modified CASS and the CASS subscore (p = 0.007 and p = 0.019). The correlation of the total weighted score of COMPASS 31 increased from 0.316 (CASS subscores) to 0.361 (modified CASS). When we added the Sudoscan-based sudomotor subscore, the case numbers for autonomic neuropathy (AN) increased from 22 (40%, CASS subscores) to 40 (72.7%, modified CASS). The modified CASS not only better reflects the exact autonomic function, but also improves the characterization and quantification of AN in patients with PD. In areas in which a QSART facility is not easily available, Sudoscan could be a time-saving substitution.
Our Current Understanding of the Heterogeneity in Prostate Cancer and Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Sha , Chen Junru , Zeng Hao
Published: February 2023

Urological cancer is a collective term for cancers of the bladder, kidney, ureter, penis, prostate, and testicles. Last year, more than 444,000 people were diagnosed with urinary cancers in the United States. In this review, we talk about the complexity of prostate and kidney cancer.
Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pegreffi Francesco , Balestra Alice , De Lucia Orazio , Smith Lee , Barbagallo Mario , Veronese Nicola
Published: February 2023

An association between knee osteoarthritis (OA) and sarcopenia has been proposed, but the evidence is controversial, with the recent literature showing disparate results. Therefore, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia in knee OA patients compared to people not affected by this condition. We searched several databases until 22 February 2022. The data regarding prevalence were summarized using odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among the 504 papers initially screened, 4 were included for a total of 7495 participants with a mean age of 68.4 years, who were mainly females (72.4%). The prevalence of sarcopenia in people with knee OA was 45.2%, whilst, in the controls, it was 31.2%. Pooling the data of the studies included that the prevalence of sarcopenia in knee OA was more than two times higher than in the control group (OR = 2.07; 95%CI: 1.43–3.00; I2 = 85%). This outcome did not suffer any publication bias. However, after removing an outlier study, the recalculated OR was 1.88. In conclusion, the presence of sarcopenia in knee OA patients was high, affecting one person in every two persons and was higher than in the control groups included.
Post-Operative Quality of Life after Single-Visit Root Canal Treatment Employing Three Different Instrumentation Techniques—An Institutional Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Shetty Vathsalya , Yelke Shalini , Wahjuningrum Dian Agustin , Luke Alexander Maniangat , Testarelli Luca , Giardino Luciano , Pawar Ajinkya M.
Published: February 2023

Root canal treatment (RCT) eliminates damaged pulpal tissue and protects the tooth from recurrent microbial invasion. Post-endodontic pain (PEP) is a frequently encountered complication of root canal therapy. It can have an impact on patients’ quality of life (QoL) and their subjective perception of treatment options. Thus, a self-assessment questionnaire was used to evaluate and compare the influence of manual, rotary, and reciprocating file shaping procedures on immediate post-operative quality of life (POQoL) involving single-visit root canal therapy. It was a double-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial. A total of 120 participants were randomly assigned sequentially to three groups comprising 40 patients in each group: Group A: Hand K file (positive control); Group B: ProTaper Next file system; and Group C: WaveOne Gold. Post-operative pain was evaluated using a 4-point visual analog scale (VAS) after 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 1 week. The highest post-operative pain was with manual instrumentation using hand K files, and the lowest was with reciprocating and rotating instrumentations. No significant difference was noted between the parameters of quality of life assessed, suggesting the filing system or technique had a similar effect.
Translation of Medical AR Research into Clinical Practice
Authors: Seibold Matthias , Spirig José Miguel , Esfandiari Hooman , Farshad Mazda , Fürnstahl Philipp
Published: February 2023

Translational research is aimed at turning discoveries from basic science into results that advance patient treatment. The translation of technical solutions into clinical use is a complex, iterative process that involves different stages of design, development, and validation, such as the identification of unmet clinical needs, technical conception, development, verification and validation, regulatory matters, and ethics. For this reason, many promising technical developments at the interface of technology, informatics, and medicine remain research prototypes without finding their way into clinical practice. Augmented reality is a technology that is now making its breakthrough into patient care, even though it has been available for decades. In this work, we explain the translational process for Medical AR devices and present associated challenges and opportunities. To the best knowledge of the authors, this concept paper is the first to present a guideline for the translation of medical AR research into clinical practice.
Effect of Reverse Engineering Pedagogy on Primary School Students’ Computational Thinking Skills in STEM Learning Activities
Authors: Liu Xiaohong , Wang Xiao , Xu Kexue , Hu Xiaoyong
Published: February 2023

Computational thinking (CT) is important for students because it is one of the 21st century’s skills. Reverse engineering pedagogy (REP) can improve students’ CT due to its ability to develop students’ cooperativity, algorithmic thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in discipline education. Thus, this study aimed to explore the effect of REP on primary school students’ CT skills in STEM learning activities. A total of 101 fifth graders in a primary school participated in the study for one semester (16 weeks), including 51 students in the experimental group (EG) with REP, and 50 students in the control group (CG) with the demonstration method (DM). The computational thinking scale (CTS) was used to measure the CT skills of students in the pretest and posttest. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the data. The results verified that REP had a fine effect on the improvement of students’ CT skills compared to the DM. The findings can provide some ideas for researchers to develop students’ CT skills in STEM learning activities. Teachers can use different teaching methods to reasonably arrange teaching activities to develop primary school students’ CT skills.
Real-Time Cutting Temperature Measurement in Turning of AISI 1045 Steel through an Embedded Thermocouple—A Comparative Study with Infrared Thermography
Authors: Guimarães Bruno , Rosas José , Fernandes Cristina M. , Figueiredo Daniel , Lopes Hernâni , Paiva Olga C. , Silva Filipe S. , Miranda Georgina
Published: February 2023

During machining processes, a high temperature is generated in the cutting zone due to deformation of the material and friction of the chip along the surface of the tool. This high temperature has a detrimental effect on the cutting tool, and for this reason, it is of the utmost importance to assess the cutting temperature in real time during these processes. Despite all the advances and investigation in this field, accurately measuring the cutting temperature remains a great challenge. In this sense, this work intends to contribute to solving this problem by experimentally evaluating the potential of the developed approach for embedding thermocouples into the rake face of cutting tools for measuring cutting temperature in real time during dry turning of AISI 1045 steel for different cutting parameters and comparing the obtained results with infrared thermography measurements at the exact same point. A well-defined, smooth micro-groove with good surface quality was produced by laser surface modification. Then a laser-welded K-type thermocouple was fixated in the micro-groove with a MgO ceramic adhesive, ensuring protection from wear and chips, which allowed the creation of WC-Co cutting inserts with the ability to measure cutting tool temperature with a maximum error of 0.96%. Results showed that, despite yielding the same trend, the tool temperature measured by the IR thermographic camera was always lower than the temperature measured by the K-type embedded thermocouple. The proposed embedded thermocouple method proved to be a reliable, precise, accurate, and cost-effective approach for real-time temperature measurement capable of providing useful information for cutting parameter optimization, thus allowing increased productivity and tool life.
An OFDM-Based Frequency Domain Equalization Algorithm for Underwater Acoustic Communication with a High Channel Utilization Rate
Authors: Feng Chengxu , Luo Yasong , Zhang Jianqiang , Li Houpu
Published: February 2023

The underwater acoustic communication technique for high-speed and highly reliable information transmission in the ocean has been one of the popular research focuses facing the fast-growing information technology sector and the accelerating development of ocean resources. In order to achieve a high information transmission rate with limited underwater acoustic channel bandwidth, researchers have paid much attention to the underwater acoustic communication technique based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). A traditional OFDM-based frequency domain equalization algorithm relies on cyclic prefixes for the effective resistance to the multipath effect of an underwater acoustic channel. However, a redundant cyclic prefix may lead to a severe waste of energy and bandwidth in the underwater acoustic system if it is too long. The high utilization rate of OFDM signal channel will not be practically achieved in this case. Based on the limitations of the existing frequency domain equalization algorithm, this paper studied the influence of the multipath effect on the OFDM signal transmission. Subsequently, the principles of the OFDM-based frequency domain equalization were further explored for an improved structural model design of the communication system. On this basis, a novel frequency domain adaptive equalization algorithm was put forward. In addition, the proposed algorithm was optimized to address the problem of increased computation. The simulation results proved that the novel frequency domain equalization algorithm delivers a better symbol error ratio than the existing algorithm, and the compensation for the multipath effect through frequency selective fading. The proposed algorithm can realize the information transmission at a low symbol error ratio when fewer cyclic prefixes are used, so that it takes up a lower number of channels with cyclic prefixes in the OFDM communication system.
Molecular Dissection of Crz1 and Its Dynamic Subcellular Localization in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Chadwick Benjamin J. , Ross Brittain Elizabeth , Lin Xiaorong
Published: February 2023

Across lower eukaryotes, the transcription factor Crz1 is dephosphorylated by calcineurin, which facilitates Crz1 translocation to the nucleus to regulate gene expression. In the fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, calcineurin–Crz1 signaling maintains calcium homeostasis, thermotolerance, cell wall integrity, and morphogenesis. How Crz1 distinguishes different stressors and differentially regulates cellular responses is poorly understood. Through monitoring Crz1 subcellular localization over time, we found that Crz1 transiently localizes to granules after exposure to high temperature or calcium. These granules also host the phosphatase calcineurin and Pub1, a ribonucleoprotein stress granule marker, suggesting a role of stress granules in modulating calcineurin–Crz1 signaling. Additionally, we constructed and analyzed an array of Crz1 truncation mutants. We identified the intrinsically disordered regions in Crz1 contribute to proper stress granule localization, nuclear localization, and function. Our results provide the groundwork for further determination of the mechanisms behind the complex regulation of Crz1.
Assessment of the Genotoxic and Cytotoxic Effects of Turpentine in Painters
Authors: Kević Dešić Sara , Viljetić Barbara , Wagner Jasenka
Published: February 2023

Turpentine is a fluid used mainly as a solvent for thinning oil-based paints, obtained by distilling the resin of coniferous trees. Fine art painters use turpentine on a daily basis. The aim of this study was to investigate the genotoxic effect of turpentine and to determine the lymphocyte proliferation index in the peripheral blood of individuals occupationally exposed to turpentine. For this purpose, the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) was used to determine the total number of micronuclei (MNi), nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB), and nuclear buds (NBUD), as well as the cell proliferation index (CBPI) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the subjects. Twenty-two subjects exposed to turpentine daily through their work participated in the study and were compared to twenty subjects in the control group. The results showed a significant increase in the number of micronuclei and other genotoxicity parameters, as well as significant cytotoxicity based on CBPI values. In addition, the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of turpentine were found to be time-dependent, i.e., the deleterious effects of turpentine on genetic material increase with prolonged exposure. These results strongly suggest that exposure to turpentine vapors may affect genome stability and that occupational safety measures should be taken when using turpentine.
Increased Mitochondrial Calcium Fluxes in Hypertrophic Right Ventricular Cardiomyocytes from a Rat Model of Pulmonary Artery Hypertension
Authors: Krstic Anna Maria , Power Amelia S. , Ward Marie-Louise
Published: February 2023

Pulmonary artery hypertension causes right ventricular hypertrophy which rapidly progresses to heart failure with underlying cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction. Prior to failure, there are alterations in cytosolic Ca2+ handling that might impact mitochondrial function in the compensatory phase of RV hypertrophy. Our aims, therefore, were (i) to measure beat-to-beat mitochondrial Ca2+ fluxes, and (ii) to determine mitochondrial abundance and function in non-failing, hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Male Wistar rats were injected with either saline (CON) or monocrotaline (MCT) to induce pulmonary artery hypertension and RV hypertrophy after four weeks. Cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyto) transients were obtained in isolated right ventricular (RV) cardiomyocytes, and mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]mito) was recorded in separate RV cardiomyocytes. The distribution and abundance of key proteins was determined using confocal and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy. The RV mitochondrial function was also assessed in RV homogenates using oxygraphy. The MCT cardiomyocytes had increased area, larger [Ca2+]cyto transients, increased Ca2+ store content, and faster trans-sarcolemmal Ca2+ extrusion relative to CON. The MCT cardiomyocytes also had larger [Ca2+]mito transients. STED images detected increased mitochondrial protein abundance (TOM20 clusters per μm2) in MCT, yet no difference was found when comparing mitochondrial respiration and membrane potential between the groups. We suggest that the larger [Ca2+]mito transients compensate to match ATP supply to the increased energy demands of hypertrophic cardiomyocytes.
Investigation on Machinability Characteristics of Inconel 718 Alloy in Cryogenic Machining Processes
Authors: Gong Le , Su Yu , Liu Yong , Zhao Wei , Khan Aqib Mashood , Jamil Muhammad
Published: February 2023

In this innovative work, Inconel 718 alloy turning simulation models under dry and cryogenic machining (Cryo) conditions are developed. The machinability characteristics of the aforementioned alloy were assessed with relation to cutting temperature (Tct) and cutting force (Fcf). The comparison of the Tct and Fcf results from simulation with those obtained under the identical experimental conditions served as additional evidence of the effectiveness of the suggested simulation model. By varying the cutting speed, the reduction in Tct under Cryo conditions was 9.36% to 11.98% compared to dry cutting. Regarding the force comparison under experiment and simulation, the average difference between the simulation and experimental values for the main cutting force (Fc) was 13.73%, whereas the average deviation for the feed force (Ff) was 14.63%. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to build the forecasting models for Tct and Fcf in cryogenic settings. These mathematical models showed excellent predictive performance and were able to estimate the Tct and Fcf under machining operations settings, according to the present research. When compared to dry cutting, Cryo reduced the cutting temperature, which had a positive impact on the alloy’s machinability.
Effect of the Distribution Characteristics of TiC Phases Particles on the Strengthening in Nickel Matrix
Authors: Qu Dingfeng , Zheng Min , Zhu Zongxiao , Chen Wenbang , Chen Weihua , Shi Tianzuo , Chen Jie
Published: February 2023

Molecular dynamics (MD) was used to simulate the effect of TiC particles distribution on the tribological behavior of the reinforced composites. The mechanical properties, friction coefficient, number of wear atoms, stress and temperature, and microscopic deformation behavior of TiC/Ni composites during nano-friction were systematically investigated by MD to reveal the effect of TiC distribution on the friction removal mechanism of the material. It was found that the larger the radius of the TiC particles, or the shallower the depth of the TiC particles, the easier it was to generate stress concentrations around the TiC particles, forming a high dislocation density region and promoting the nucleation of dislocations. This leads to severe friction hardening, reducing the atomic number of abrasive chips and reducing the friction coefficient by approximately 6% for every 1 nm reduction in depth, thus improving the anti-wear capacity. However, when the radius of the TiC particles increases and the thickness from the surface deepens, the elastic recovery in material deformation is weakened. We also found that the presence of the TiC particles during the friction process changes the stress state inside the workpiece, putting the TiC particles and the surrounding nickel atoms into a high-temperature state and increasing the concentrated temperature by 30 K for every 1 nm increase in depth. Nevertheless, the workpiece atoms below the TiC particles invariably exist in a low-temperature state, which has a great insulation effect and improves the high-temperature performance of the material. The insight into the wear characteristics of TiC particles distribution provides the basis for a wide range of TiC/Ni applications.
Modified Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm-Based Single-Sensor Global MPPT for Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Alhumade Hesham , Houssein Essam H. , Rezk Hegazy , Moujdin Iqbal Ahmed , Al-Shahrani Saad
Published: February 2023

Recently, a swarm-based method called Artificial Hummingbird Algorithm (AHA) has been proposed for solving optimization problems. The AHA algorithm mimics the unique flight capabilities and intelligent foraging techniques of hummingbirds in their environment. In this paper, we propose a modified version of the AHA combined with genetic operators called mAHA. The experimental results show that the proposed mAHA improved the convergence speed and achieved better effective search results. Consequently, the proposed mAHA was used for the first time to find the global maximum power point (MPP). Low efficiency is a drawback of photovoltaic (PV) systems that explicitly use shading. Normally, the PV characteristic curve has an MPP when irradiance is uniform. Therefore, this MPP can be easily achieved with conventional tracking systems. With shadows, however, the conditions are completely different, and the PV characteristic has multiple MPPs (i.e., some local MPPs and a single global MPP). Traditional MPP tracking approaches cannot distinguish between local MPPs and global MPPs, and thus simply get stuck at the local MPP. Consequently, an optimized MPPT with a metaheuristic algorithm is required to determine the global MPP. Most MPPT techniques require more than one sensor, e.g., voltage, current, irradiance, and temperature sensors. This increases the cost of the control system. In the current research, a simple global MPPT method with only one sensor is proposed for PV systems considering the shadow conditions. Two shadow scenarios are considered to evaluate the superiority of the proposed mAHA. The obtained results show the superiority of the proposed single sensor based MPPT method for PV systems.
Numerical Scrutinization of Ternary Nanofluid Flow over an Exponentially Stretching Sheet with Gyrotactic Microorganisms
Authors: Souayeh Basma , Ramesh Katta
Published: February 2023

In the modern age, the study of nanofluids over the stretching sheet has received much attention from researchers due to its significant role in the polymer industry, for instance in the production of fibre sheets and the extrusion of molten polymers through a slit die. Due to these affordable applications, the current study focusses on the motion of metallic ternary nanofluids (Ag-Au-Cu/H2O) past an exponential stretching sheet, taking diverse effects such as gyrotactic microorganisms, activation energy, buoyancy forces and thermal radiation into consideration. The model was created with the complex system of partial differential equations. Suitable similarity transformations and non-dimensional quantities were utilized to transform the complex system of partial differential equations to a set of ordinary differential equations. The resultant system is solved with the help of Matlab software. The computational outcomes are presented through the tables and pictorial notations. It is observed from the current analysis that the nanoparticle temperature of the ternary nanofluid enhances with the enhancement of activation energy and Brownian motion parameters. For the rising values of Lewis and thermophoresis numbers there is a declination in the nanoparticle concentration distribution. The Brownian motion and radiation effects increase the microorganism profile.
S-Type Random k Satisfiability Logic in Discrete Hopfield Neural Network Using Probability Distribution: Performance Optimization and Analysis
Authors: Abdeen Suad , Kasihmuddin Mohd Shareduwan Mohd , Zamri Nur Ezlin , Manoharam Gaeithry , Mansor Mohd. Asyraf , Alshehri Nada
Published: February 2023

Recently, a variety of non-systematic satisfiability studies on Discrete Hopfield Neural Networks have been introduced to overcome a lack of interpretation. Although a flexible structure was established to assist in the generation of a wide range of spatial solutions that converge on global minima, the fundamental problem is that the existing logic completely ignores the probability dataset’s distribution and features, as well as the literal status distribution. Thus, this study considers a new type of non-systematic logic termed S-type Random k Satisfiability, which employs a creative layer of a Discrete Hopfield Neural Network, and which plays a significant role in the identification of the prevailing attribute likelihood of a binomial distribution dataset. The goal of the probability logic phase is to establish the logical structure and assign negative literals based on two given statistical parameters. The performance of the proposed logic structure was investigated using the comparison of a proposed metric to current state-of-the-art logical rules; consequently, was found that the models have a high value in two parameters that efficiently introduce a logical structure in the probability logic phase. Additionally, by implementing a Discrete Hopfield Neural Network, it has been observed that the cost function experiences a reduction. A new form of synaptic weight assessment via statistical methods was applied to investigate the effect of the two proposed parameters in the logic structure. Overall, the investigation demonstrated that controlling the two proposed parameters has a good effect on synaptic weight management and the generation of global minima solutions.
Polynomial Distributions and Transformations
Authors: Yu Yue , Loskot Pavel
Published: February 2023

Polynomials are common algebraic structures, which are often used to approximate functions, such as probability distributions. This paper proposes to directly define polynomial distributions in order to describe stochastic properties of systems rather than to assume polynomials for only approximating known or empirically estimated distributions. Polynomial distributions offer great modeling flexibility and mathematical tractability. However, unlike canonical distributions, polynomial functions may have non-negative values in the intervals of support for some parameter values; their parameter numbers are usually much larger than for canonical distributions, and the interval of support must be finite. Hence, polynomial distributions are defined here assuming three forms of a polynomial function. Transformations and approximations of distributions and histograms by polynomial distributions are also considered. The key properties of the polynomial distributions are derived in closed form. A piecewise polynomial distribution construction is devised to ensure that it is non-negative over the support interval. A goodness-of-fit measure is proposed to determine the best order of the approximating polynomial. Numerical examples include the estimation of parameters of the polynomial distributions and generating polynomially distributed samples.
A Bayesian Variable Selection Method for Spatial Autoregressive Quantile Models
Authors: Zhao Yuanying , Xu Dengke
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a Bayesian variable selection method for spatial autoregressive (SAR) quantile models is proposed on the basis of spike and slab prior for regression parameters. The SAR quantile models, which are more generalized than SAR models and quantile regression models, are specified by adopting the asymmetric Laplace distribution for the error term in the classical SAR models. The proposed approach could perform simultaneously robust parametric estimation and variable selection in the context of SAR quantile models. Bayesian statistical inferences are implemented by a detailed Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) procedure that combines Gibbs samplers with a probability integral transformation (PIT) algorithm. In the end, empirical numerical examples including several simulation studies and a Boston housing price data analysis are employed to demonstrate the newly developed methodologies.
Briavioids E–G, Newly Isolated Briarane-Diterpenoids from a Cultured Octocoral Briareum violaceum
Authors: Huynh Thanh Hao , Liu Chia-Jung , Liu Yi-Hung , Chien Su-Ying , Wen Zhi-Hong , Fang Lee-Shing , Chen Jih-Jung , Wu Yang-Chang , Su Jui-Hsin , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: February 2023

The chemical screening of a cultured soft coral, Briareum violaceum, led to the isolation of eight natural, briarane-related diterpenoids, including three unreported metabolites, briavioids E–G (1–3), and five known briaranes, briacavatolides B (4) and C (5), briaexcavatin L (6), briaexcavatolide U (7) and briarenol K (8). The structures of briaranes 1–8 were established using spectroscopic methods. The absolute configuration of briavioid A (9), obtained in a previous study, was reported for the first time in this study by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis using a copper radiation source. The anti-inflammatory activity of briaranes 1 and 2 and briaranes 4–8 was evaluated by screening their inhibitory ability against the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.