bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Approaches for Predicting Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis in Women with Osteoporosis Using VEGFA Gene Polymorphisms
Authors: Kim Jin-Woo , Yee Jeong , Oh Sang-Hyeon , Kim Sun-Hyun , Kim Sun-Jong , Chung Jee-Eun , Gwak Hye-Sun
Published: June 2021

Objective: This nested case–control study aimed to investigate the effects of VEGFA polymorphisms on the development of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) in women with osteoporosis. Methods: Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the VEGFA were assessed in a total of 125 patients. Logistic regression was performed for multivariable analysis. Machine learning algorithms, namely, fivefold cross-validated multivariate logistic regression, elastic net, random forest, and support vector machine, were developed to predict risk factors for BRONJ occurrence. Area under the receiver-operating curve (AUROC) analysis was conducted to assess clinical performance. Results: The VEGFA rs881858 was significantly associated with BRONJ development. The odds of BRONJ development were 6.45 times (95% CI, 1.69–24.65) higher among carriers of the wild-type rs881858 allele compared with variant homozygote carriers after adjusting for covariates. Additionally, variant homozygote (GG) carriers of rs10434 had higher odds than those with wild-type allele (OR, 3.16). Age ≥ 65 years (OR, 16.05) and bisphosphonate exposure ≥ 36 months (OR, 3.67) were also significant risk factors for BRONJ occurrence. AUROC values were higher than 0.78 for all machine learning methods employed in this study. Conclusion: Our study showed that the BRONJ occurrence was associated with VEGFA polymorphisms in osteoporotic women.
Equation for Calculating Evapotranspiration of Technical Soils for Urban Planting
Authors: Weiss Oliver , Minixhofer Pia , Scharf Bernhard , Pitha Ulrike
Published: June 2021

Equations for calculating evapotranspiration in technical soils show great differences regarding their results. Causes are the different climatic conditions and vegetation specifics during their development. Every equation of evapotranspiration only delivers 100% correct results if it is used under the same climatic condition as it was developed in. To determine the evapotranspiration, the loss of weight of different technical soils and plants was measured in a test series on load cells in a climate chamber. The result of these test series is the development of an easy-to-use equation. An equation for calculating evapotranspiration at any temperature is possible while using a polynomial correlation. To determine the evapotranspiration rate (in mm/m² per 24 h), only temperature, vegetation type, and technical soil have to be defined to obtain an output of evapotranspiration in mm/day. Using the well-known equation by Makkink, evapotranspiration in technical soils is 0.12 mm/day, whereas the newly developed equation calculates (1) 2.59–5.58 mm/day for the variant with no vegetation, (2) 3.15–4.00 mm/day for Sedum floriferum, (3) 4.40–4.55 mm/day for Geranium x cantabrigiense. The application of this equation will help to determine the evapotranspiration in chosen technical soils (used in the sector of rainwater management) with or without vegetation.
Mechanically Induced Cavitation in Biological Systems
Authors: Kim Chunghwan , Choi Won June , Ng Yisha , Kang Wonmo
Published: June 2021

Cavitation bubbles form in soft biological systems when subjected to a negative pressure above a critical threshold, and dynamically change their size and shape in a violent manner. The critical threshold and dynamic response of these bubbles are known to be sensitive to the mechanical characteristics of highly compliant biological systems. Several recent studies have demonstrated different biological implications of cavitation events in biological systems, from therapeutic drug delivery and microsurgery to blunt injury mechanisms. Due to the rapidly increasing relevance of cavitation in biological and biomedical communities, it is necessary to review the current state-of-the-art theoretical framework, experimental techniques, and research trends with an emphasis on cavitation behavior in biologically relevant systems (e.g., tissue simulant and organs). In this review, we first introduce several theoretical models that predict bubble response in different types of biological systems and discuss the use of each model with physical interpretations. Then, we review the experimental techniques that allow the characterization of cavitation in biologically relevant systems with in-depth discussions of their unique advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we highlight key biological studies and findings, through the direct use of live cells or organs, for each experimental approach.
The Roles of Neuropeptide Y (Npy) and Peptide YY (Pyy) in Teleost Food Intake: A Mini Review
Authors: Assan Daniel , Mustapha Umar Farouk , Chen Huapu , Li Zhiyuan , Peng Yuhao , Li Guangli
Published: June 2021

Neuropeptide Y family (NPY) is a potent orexigenic peptide and pancreatic polypeptide family comprising neuropeptide Y (Npy), peptide YYa (Pyya), and peptide YYb (Pyyb), which was previously known as peptide Y (PY), and tetrapod pancreatic polypeptide (PP), but has not been exhaustively documented in fish. Nonetheless, Npy and Pyy to date have been the key focus of countless research studies categorizing their copious characteristics in the body, which, among other things, include the mechanism of feeding behavior, cortical neural activity, heart activity, and the regulation of emotions in teleost. In this review, we focused on the role of neuropeptide Y gene (Npy) and peptide YY gene (Pyy) in teleost food intake. Feeding is essential in fish to ensure growth and perpetuation, being indispensable in the aquaculture settings where growth is prioritized. Therefore, a better understanding of the roles of these genes in food intake in teleost could help determine their feeding regime, regulation, growth, and development, which will possibly be fundamental in fish culture.
Change of Mechanical Properties of Repair Mortars after Frost Resistance Rests
Authors: Łagoda Grażyna , Gajda Tomasz
Published: June 2021

The use of repair mortars for concrete structures repair with no or limited resistance to the impact caused by freeze and thaw cycles is often the primary repair failure cause. This is particularly important in Poland. Due to the geographical location of the country, there is a large temperature difference between summer and winter. The number of passes through the threshold temperature of 0 °C throughout the year in the winter season exceeds 100. The article presents a comparison of the frost resistance results of tests of repair mortars. The first method was performed according to the Polish Guidelines (without the use of de-icing salts) and the second method according to PN-EN 1504-3 (with the use of de-icing salts). The results obtained were inconsistent in many areas. In particular, significant differences in the results for the change in compressive strength and the change in bending strength were observed. In the case of the frost resistance testing without the use of de-icing salts, a decrease in compressive strength was usually accompanied by a decrease in bending strength. In the case of frost resistance tests with the use of de-icing salts, an increase in the bending strength of mortars was observed (even by a dozen or so percent) with a decrease in the compressive strength of mortars (even by several dozen percent).
Influence of Fe and Mn on the Microstructure Formation in 5xxx Alloys—Part I: Evolution of Primary and Secondary Phases
Authors: Grasserbauer Jakob , Weißensteiner Irmgard , Falkinger Georg , Kremmer Thomas M. , Uggowitzer Peter J. , Pogatscher Stefan
Published: June 2021

The increasing demands for Al sheets with superior mechanical properties and excellent formability require a profound knowledge of the microstructure and texture evolution in the course of their production. The present study gives a comprehensive overview on the primary- and secondary phase formation in AlMg(Mn) alloys with varying Fe and Mn additions, including variations in processing parameters such as solidification conditions, homogenization temperature, and degree of cold rolling. Higher Fe alloying levels increase the primary phase fraction and favor the needle-shaped morphology of the constituent phases. Increasing Mn additions alter both the shape and composition of the primary phase particles, but also promote the formation of dispersoids as secondary phases. The size, morphology, and composition of primary and secondary phases is further affected by the processing parameters. The average dispersoid size increases significantly with higher homogenization temperature and large primary particles tend to fragment during cold rolling. The microstructures of the final soft annealed states reflect the important effects of the primary and secondary phase particles on their evolution. The results presented in this paper regarding the relevant secondary phases provide the basis for an in-depth discussion of the mechanisms underlying the microstructure formation, such as Zener pinning, particle stimulated nucleation, and texture evolution, which is presented in Part II of this study.
Preliminary Study on the Utilization of RHA as a Performance Enhancer for Rubber Mortar
Authors: Li Jin , Chen Peiyuan , Cai Haibing , Xu Ying , Li Chunchao
Published: June 2021

In this study, rice husk ash (RHA) was explored as a strength enhancer for mortars containing waste rubber. The effects of RHA on the flow, mechanical strength, chloride resistance, and capillary absorption of rubber mortar were investigated by substituting up to 20% cement with RHA. The experimental results showed that the incorporation of rubber into mortar could be safely achieved by adding RHA as a cement substitute by up to 20% without compromising the compressive strength of mortar. Moreover, the RHA also exerted positive effects on the enhancement of the chloride resistance as well as the capillary absorption of rubber mortars, for which 15% RHA was found to be the optimal dosage.
Lightweight Insulation Boards Based on Lignocellulosic Particles Glued with Agents of Natural Origin
Authors: Mirski Radosław , Dziurka Dorota , Kuliński Marcin , Derkowski Adam
Published: June 2021

In this study, the possibility of using adhesives of natural origin for the manufacture of wood fiber-based lightweight panels was investigated. The boards, of a density ranging from 150 to 250 kg/m3, were glued together using commercial urea–formaldehyde resin (control board), solutions of rye flour and potato starch and two types of starch: oxidized and gelatinized. The density and density profile, compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, acoustic properties and thermal conductivity were determined in the produced boards. These studies show that when food components are used as binding agents in the manufacture of lightweight wood fiberboards, the properties obtained can be comparable with those of commercial boards manufactured using synthetic agents.
A Comparison of Discrete Schemes for Numerical Solution of Parabolic Problems with Fractional Power Elliptic Operators
Authors: Čiegis Raimondas , Čiegis Remigijus , Dapšys Ignas
Published: June 2021

The main aim of this article is to analyze the efficiency of general solvers for parabolic problems with fractional power elliptic operators. Such discrete schemes can be used in the cases of non-constant elliptic operators, non-uniform space meshes and general space domains. The stability results are proved for all algorithms and the accuracy of obtained approximations is estimated by solving well-known test problems. A modification of the second order splitting scheme is presented, it combines the splitting method to solve locally the nonlinear subproblem and the AAA algorithm to solve the nonlocal diffusion subproblem. Results of computational experiments are presented and analyzed.
Linear Independence of T-Spline Blending Functions of Degree One for Isogeometric Analysis
Authors: Wang Aizeng , Li Ling , Wang Wei , Du Xiaoxiao , Xiao Feng , Cai Zhanchuan , Zhao Gang
Published: June 2021

Linear independence of the blending functions is a necessary requirement for T-spline in isogeometric analysis. The main work in this paper focuses on the analysis about T-splines of degree one, we demonstrate that all the blending functions of such T-spline of degree one are linearly independent. The advantage owned by one degree T-spline is that it can avoid the problem of judging whether the model is analysis-suitable or not, especially for occasions that need a quick response from the analysis results. This may provide a new way of using T-spline for a CAD and CAE integrating scenario, since one degree T-spline still guarantees the topology flexibility and is compatible with the spline-based modeling system. In addition, we compare the numerical approximations of isogeometric analysis and finite element analysis, and the experiment indicates that isogeometric analysis using T-spline of degree one can reach a comparable result with classical method.
Antiproliferative Illudalane Sesquiterpenes from the Marine Sediment Ascomycete Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Orfali Raha , Perveen Shagufta , Khan Muhammad Farooq , Ahmed Atallah F. , Wadaan Mohammad A. , Al-Taweel Areej Mohammad , Alqahtani Ali S. , Nasr Fahd A. , Tabassum Sobia , Luciano Paolo , Chianese Giuseppina , Sheu Jyh-Horng , Taglialatela-Scafati Orazio
Published: June 2021

The new asperorlactone (1), along with the known illudalane sesquiterpene echinolactone D (2), two known pyrones, 4-(hydroxymethyl)-5-hydroxy-2H-pyran-2-one (3) and its acetate 4, and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5), were isolated from a culture of Aspergillus oryzae, collected from Red Sea marine sediments. The structure of asperorlactone (1) was elucidated by HR-ESIMS, 1D, and 2D NMR, and a comparison between experimental and DFT calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. This is the first report of illudalane sesquiterpenoids from Aspergillus fungi and, more in general, from ascomycetes. Asperorlactone (1) exhibited antiproliferative activity against human lung, liver, and breast carcinoma cell lines, with IC50 values < 100 µM. All the isolated compounds were also evaluated for their toxicity using the zebrafish embryo model.
Liver Impairment and Hematological Changes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C and COVID-19: A Retrospective Study after One Year of Pandemic
Authors: Cerbu Bianca , Pantea Stelian , Bratosin Felix , Vidican Iulia , Turaiche Mirela , Frent Stefan , Borsi Ema , Marincu Iosif
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing public health emergency. Patients with chronic diseases are at greater risk for complications and poor outcomes. The objective of this study was to investigate the liver function abnormalities and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and chronic hepatitis C. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, single-center study was conducted on a cohort of 126 patients with a history of hepatitis C, confirmed with COVID-19 between 01 April 2020 and 30 December 2020. Several clinical outcomes were compared between patients with active and non-active HCV infection, and the risks of liver impairment and all-cause mortality in active HCV patients were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Among 1057 patients under follow-up for chronic HCV infection, 126 (11.9%) were confirmed with COVID-19; of these, 95 (75.4%) were under treatment or achieved SVR, while in the other 31 (24.6%), we found active HCV replication. There was a significantly higher proportion of severe COVID-19 cases in the active HCV group as compared to the non-active HCV group (32.2 vs. 7.3%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age, sex, alanine aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and HCV viral load were significant independent risk factors for liver impairment and all-cause mortality. The length of stay in hospital and intensive care unit for COVID-19 was significantly higher in patients with active HCV infection (p-value < 0.001), and a higher proportion of these patients required mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: Active HCV infection is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients.
Myositis-Related Interstitial Lung Disease: A Respiratory Physician’s Point of View
Authors: Waseda Yuko
Published: June 2021

Idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM) is an umbrella term for diseases of unknown origin that cause muscle inflammation. Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are IIMs that commonly cause interstitial lung disease (ILD). When a patient presents with ILD, the evaluation of whether the case displays the characteristics of myositis should be determined by interview, physical examination, imaging findings, the measurement of myositis-related antibodies, and the determination of disease severity after diagnosis. Rapidly progressing anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibody-positive ILD may require rapid multi-drug therapy, while anti-aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (ARS) antibody-positive ILD can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Importantly, however, anti-ARS antibody-positive ILD often recurs and sometimes develops into fibrosis. Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment, and we therefore need to clarify the features of myositis associated with ILD and suspect these pathologies early. This section reviews what clinicians need to look for and what findings are evaluated in patients when diagnosing myositis associated with ILD.
Alginate Hydrogel Assisted Controllable Interfacial Polymerization for High-Performance Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Ma Zhao-Yu , Xue Yu-Ren , Xu Zhi-Kang
Published: June 2021

The deepening crisis of freshwater resources has been driving the further development of new types of membrane-based desalination technologies represented by nanofiltration membranes. Solving the existing trade-off limitation on enhancing the water permeance and the rejection of salts is currently one of the most concerned research interests. Here, a facile and scalable approach is proposed to tune the interfacial polymerization by constructing a calcium alginate hydrogel layer on the porous substrates. The evenly coated thin hydrogel layer can not only store amine monomers like the aqueous phase but also suppress the diffusion of amine monomers inside, as well as provide a flat and stable interface to implement the interfacial polymerization. The resultant polyamide nanofilms have a relatively smooth morphology, negatively charged surface, and reduced thickness which facilitate a fast water permeation while maintaining rejection efficiency. As a result, the as-prepared composite membranes show improved water permeance (~30 Lm−2h−1bar−1) and comparable rejection of Na2SO4 (>97%) in practical applications. It is proved to be a feasible approach to manufacturing high-performance nanofiltration membranes with the assist of alginate hydrogel regulating interfacial polymerization.
Analysis of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Membranes Fabricated for Membrane Distillation
Authors: Ahn Minchul , Cho Hyeongrak , Choi Yongjun , Lee Seockheon , Lee Sangho
Published: June 2021

The optimization of the properties for MD membranes is challenging due to the trade-off between water productivity and wetting tendency. Herein, this study presents a novel methodology to examine the properties of MD membranes. Seven polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were synthesized under different conditions by the phase inversion method and characterized to measure flux, rejection, contact angle (CA), liquid entry pressure (LEP), and pore sizes. Then, water vapor permeability (Bw), salt leakage ratio (Lw), and fiber radius (Rf) were calculated for the in-depth analysis. Results showed that the water vapor permeability and salt leakage ratio of the prepared membranes ranged from 7.76 × 10−8 s/m to 20.19 × 10−8 s/m and from 0.0020 to 0.0151, respectively. The Rf calculated using the Purcell model was in the range from 0.598 μm to 1.690 μm. Since the Rf was relatively small, the prepared membranes can have high LEP (more than 1.13 bar) even at low CA (less than 90.8°). The trade-off relations between the water vapor permeability and the other properties could be confirmed from the results of the prepared membranes. Based on these results, the properties of an efficient MD membrane were suggested as a guideline for the membrane development.
Separation of H2O/CO2 Mixtures by MFI Membranes: Experiment and Monte Carlo Study
Authors: Wotzka Alexander , Jorabchi Majid Namayandeh , Wohlrab Sebastian
Published: June 2021

The separation of CO2 from gas streams is a central process to close the carbon cycle. Established amine scrubbing methods often require hot water vapour to desorb the previously stored CO2. In this work, the applicability of MFI membranes for H2O/CO2 separation is principally demonstrated by means of realistic adsorption isotherms computed by configurational-biased Monte Carlo (CBMC) simulations, then parameters such as temperatures, pressures and compositions were identified at which inorganic membranes with high selectivity can separate hot water vapour and thus make it available for recycling. Capillary condensation/adsorption by water in the microporous membranes used drastically reduces the transport and thus the CO2 permeance. Thus, separation factors of αH2O/CO2 = 6970 could be achieved at 70 °C and 1.8 bar feed pressure. Furthermore, the membranes were tested for stability against typical amines used in gas scrubbing processes. The preferred MFI membrane showed particularly high stability under application conditions.
The Effects of Annealing at Different Temperatures on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cold-Rolled Al0.3CoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Zhu Zichao , Yang Tongtong , Shi Ruolan , Quan Xuantong , Zhang Jinlong , Qiu Risheng , Song Bo , Liu Qing
Published: June 2021

In this work, cold-rolling was utilized to induce a high density of crystal defects in Al0.3CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloys. The effects of annealing temperature on static recrystallization, precipitation behavior and mechanical properties were investigated. With increasing annealing temperature from 590 °C to 800 °C, the area fraction of recrystallized region increases from 26.9% to 93.9%. Cold-rolling deformation largely promotes the precipitation of B2 phases during annealing, and the characteristics of the precipitates are linked to recrystallization level. The coarse and equiaxed B2 phases exist in the recrystallized region and the fine and elongated B2 phases occupy the non-recrystallized region. Combined use of cold-rolling and annealing can remarkably enhance the strength and toughness. A partially recrystallized microstructure in a cold-rolled sample annealed at 700 °C exhibits a better combination of strength and toughness than a fully recrystallized microstructure in a cold-rolled sample annealed at 800 °C. Finally, related mechanisms are discussed.
Fabricating Homogeneous FeCoCrNi High-Entropy Alloys via SLM In Situ Alloying
Authors: Hou Yaqing , Su Hang , Zhang Hao , Wang Xuandong , Wang Changchang
Published: June 2021

Selective laser melting (SLM) in situ alloying is an effective way to design and fabricate novel materials in which the elemental powder is adopted as the raw material and micro-areas of elemental powder blend are alloyed synchronously in the forming process of selective laser melting (SLM). The pre-alloying process of preparation of raw material powder can be left out, and a batch of bulk samples can be prepared via the technology combined with quantitative powder mixing and feeding. The technique can be applied to high-throughput sample preparation to efficiently obtain a microstructure and performance data for material design. In the present work, bulk equiatomic FeCoCrNi high-entropy alloys with different processing parameters were fabricated via laser in situ alloying. Finite element simulation and CALPHAD calculation were used to determine the appropriate SLM and post-heating parameters. SEM (scanning electron microscope), EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and mechanical testing were used to characterize the composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of as-printed and post-heat-treated samples. The experimental results show that the composition deviation of laser in situ alloying samples could be controlled within 20 wt %. The crystal structure of as-printed samples is a single-phase face-centered cubic (FCC), which is the same as those prepared by the traditional method. The mechanical properties of the samples prepared by laser in situ alloying with elemental powder blend are comparable to those prepared by pre-alloying powder and much higher than those prepared by the traditional method (arc melting). As-printed samples can get a homogeneous microstructure under the optimal laser in situ alloying process combined with post-heat treatment at 1200 °C for 20 h.
Shape Memory Effect and Superelasticity of [001]-Oriented FeNiCoAlNb Single Crystals Aged under and without Stress
Authors: Chumlyakov Yuriy I. , Kireeva Irina V. , Pobedennaya Zinaida V. , Krooß Philipp , Niendorf Thomas
Published: June 2021

The two-step ageing of Fe-28Ni-17Co-11.5Al-2.5Nb (at.%) single crystals under and without stress, leads to the precipitation of the γ′- and β-phase particles. Research has shown that γ–α′ thermoelastic martensitic transformation (MT), with shape memory effect (SME) and superelasticity (SE), develops in the [001]-oriented crystals under tension. SE was observed within the range from the temperature of the start of MT upon cooling Ms, to the temperature of the end of the reverse MT upon heating Af, and at temperatures from Af to 323–373 K. It was found that at γ–α′ MT in the [001]-oriented crystals, with γ′- and β-phase particles, a high level of elastic energy, ΔGel, is generated, which significantly exceeds the energy dissipation, ΔGdis. As a result, the temperature of the start of the reverse MT, while heating As, became lower than the temperature Ms. The development of γ–α′ MT under stress occurs with high values of the transformation hardening coefficient, Θ = dσ/dε from 2 to 8 GPa and low values of mechanical Δσ and thermal ΔTh hysteresis. The reasons for an increase in ΔGel during the development of γ–α′ MT under stress are discussed.
Effect of Build Orientation on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of a Biodegradable High Manganese Steel Processed by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Otto Martin , Pilz Stefan , Gebert Annett , Kühn Uta , Hufenbach Julia
Published: June 2021

In the last decade, additive manufacturing technologies like laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) have emerged strongly. However, the process characteristics involving layer-wise build-up of the part and the occurring high, directional thermal gradient result in significant changes of the microstructure and the related properties compared to traditionally fabricated materials. This study presents the influence of the build direction (BD) on the microstructure and resulting properties of a novel austenitic Fe-30Mn-1C-0.02S alloy processed via LPBF. The fabricated samples display a {011} texture in BD which was detected by electron backscatter diffraction. Furthermore, isolated binding defects could be observed between the layers. Quasi-static tensile and compression tests displayed that the yield, ultimate tensile as well as the compressive yield strength are significantly higher for samples which were built with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to BD compared to their parallel counterparts. This was predominantly ascribed to the less severe effects of the sharp-edged binding defects loaded perpendicular to BD. Additionally, a change of the Young’s modulus in dependence of BD could be demonstrated, which is explained by the respective texture. Potentiodynamic polarization tests conducted in a simulated body fluid revealed only slight differences of the corrosion properties in dependence of the build design.
Circulating Levels of Pro-Neurotensin and Its Relationship with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Hepatic Lipid Metabolism
Authors: Villar Beatriz , Bertran Laia , Aguilar Carmen , Binetti Jessica , Martínez Salomé , Sabench Fàtima , Real Monica , Riesco David , París Marta , Del Castillo Daniel , Richart Cristóbal , Auguet Teresa
Published: June 2021

Recent studies suggest a link between pro-neurotensin (pro-NT) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the published data are conflicting. Thus, we aimed to analyze pro-NT levels in women with morbid obesity (MO) and NAFLD to investigate if this molecule is involved in NAFLD and liver lipid metabolism. Plasma levels of pro-NT were determined in 56 subjects with MO and 18 with normal weight (NW). All patients with MO were subclassified according to their liver histology into the normal liver (NL, n = 20) and NAFLD (n = 36) groups. The NAFLD group had 17 subjects with simple steatosis (SS) and 19 with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We used a chemiluminescence sandwich immunoassay to quantify pro-NT in plasma and RT-qPCR to evaluate the hepatic mRNA levels of several lipid metabolism-related genes. We reported that pro-NT levels were significantly higher in MO with NAFLD than in MO without NAFLD. Additionally, pro-NT levels were higher in NASH patients than in NL. The hepatic expression of lipid metabolism-related genes was found to be altered in NAFLD, as previously reported. Additionally, although pro-NT levels correlated with LDL, there was no association with the main lipid metabolism-related genes. These findings suggest that pro-NT could be related to NAFLD progression.
Deuterium Magnetic Resonance Imaging and the Discrimination of Fetoplacental Metabolism in Normal and L-NAME-Induced Preeclamptic Mice
Authors: Markovic Stefan , Roussel Tangi , Neeman Michal , Frydman Lucio
Published: June 2021

Recent magnetic resonance studies in healthy and cancerous organs have concluded that deuterated metabolites possess highly desirable properties for mapping non-invasively and, as they happen, characterizing glycolysis and other biochemical processes in animals and humans. A promising avenue of this deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) approach involves looking at the fate of externally administered 2H6,6′-glucose, as it is taken up and metabolized into different products as a function of time. This study employs deuterium magnetic resonance to follow the metabolism of wildtype and preeclamptic pregnant mice models, focusing on maternal and fetoplacental organs over ≈2 h post-injection. 2H6,6′-glucose uptake was observed in the placenta and in specific downstream organs such as the fetal heart and liver. Main metabolic products included 2H3,3′-lactate and 2H-water, which were produced in individual fetoplacental organs with distinct time traces. Glucose uptake in the organs of most preeclamptic animals appeared more elevated than in the control mice (p = 0.02); also higher was the production of 2H-water arising from this glucose. However, the most notable differences arose in the 2H3,3′-lactate concentration, which was ca. two-fold more abundant in the placenta (p = 0.005) and in the fetal (p = 0.01) organs of preeclamptic-like animals, than in control mice. This is consistent with literature reports about hypoxic conditions arising in preeclamptic and growth-restricted pregnancies, which could lead to an enhancement in anaerobic glycolysis. Overall, the present measurements suggest that DMI, a minimally invasive approach, may offer new ways of studying and characterizing health and disease in mammalian pregnancies, including humans.
Modeling Mine Workforce Fatigue: Finding Leading Indicators of Fatigue in Operational Data Sets
Authors: Talebi Elaheh , Rogers W. Pratt , Morgan Tyler , Drews Frank A.
Published: June 2021

Mine workers operate heavy equipment while experiencing varying psychological and physiological impacts caused by fatigue. These impacts vary in scope and severity across operators and unique mine operations. Previous studies show the impact of fatigue on individuals, raising substantial concerns about the safety of operation. Unfortunately, while data exist to illustrate the risks, the mechanisms and complex pattern of contributors to fatigue are not understood sufficiently, illustrating the need for new methods to model and manage the severity of fatigue’s impact on performance and safety. Modern technology and computational intelligence can provide tools to improve practitioners’ understanding of workforce fatigue. Many mines have invested in fatigue monitoring technology (PERCLOS, EEG caps, etc.) as a part of their health and safety control system. Unfortunately, these systems provide “lagging indicators” of fatigue and, in many instances, only provide fatigue alerts too late in the worker fatigue cycle. Thus, the following question arises: can other operational technology systems provide leading indicators that managers and front-line supervisors can use to help their operators to cope with fatigue levels? This paper explores common data sets available at most modern mines and how these operational data sets can be used to model fatigue. The available data sets include operational, health and safety, equipment health, fatigue monitoring and weather data. A machine learning (ML) algorithm is presented as a tool to process and model complex issues such as fatigue. Thus, ML is used in this study to identify potential leading indicators that can help management to make better decisions. Initial findings confirm existing knowledge tying fatigue to time of day and hours worked. These are the first generation of models and future models will be forthcoming.
Jacek Namieśnik—Analytical Chemist and Dedicated Biker: From Wine Analysis to Toxic Compounds
Authors: Silberring Jerzy , Ciborowski Pawel
Published: June 2021

Jacek Namieśnik, who died at the age of 69, was one of the most influential analytical chemists in Poland at the second half of the 20th century and the first two decades of the 21st century [...]
Effect of the Propionylation Method on the Deformability under Thermal Pressure of Block-Shaped Wood
Authors: Abe Mitsuru , Seki Masako , Miki Tsunehisa , Nishida Masakazu
Published: June 2021

Converting wood waste into thermoplastic materials is an attractive means of increasing its utilization because complex three-dimensional molded products can easily be obtained by press molding wood with thermoplasticity. Chemical modification, especially esterification, is a promising method for imparting thermoplasticity to wood. In this study, we produced multiple propionylated wood specimens using several propionylation methods and elucidated the factors affecting the deformability of the wood. Regardless of the method, all of the propionylated wood samples showed deformability in the tangential direction. However, in the longitudinal direction, not only the degree of propionylation but also the propionylation method had a significant influence on the deformability. The flow in the tangential direction occurred under a relatively low pressure, whereas the flow in the longitudinal direction occurred under higher pressure. The chemical composition and motility of each sample were evaluated using solid-state NMR measurements. With some propionylation methods, decomposition of the cellulose main chain occurred during the reaction, which had a dominant effect on the deformability of the wood in the longitudinal direction. These results indicate that the deformability of wood can be controlled by the appropriate selection of a propionylation method and its treatment conditions.
Development of Antimicrobial Laser-Induced Photodynamic Therapy Based on Ethylcellulose/Chitosan Nanocomposite with 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(m-Hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin
Authors: Hasanin Mohamed S. , Abdelraof Mohamed , Fikry Mohamed , Shaker Yasser M. , Sweed Ayman M. K. , Senge Mathias O.
Published: June 2021

The development of new antimicrobial strategies that act more efficiently than traditional antibiotics is becoming a necessity to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens. Here we report the efficacy of laser-light-irradiated 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(m-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (mTHPP) loaded onto an ethylcellulose (EC)/chitosan (Chs) nanocomposite in eradicating multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. Surface loading of the ethylcelllose/chitosan composite with mTHPP was carried out and the resulting nanocomposite was fully characterized. The results indicate that the prepared nanocomposite incorporates mTHPP inside, and that the composite acquired an overall positive charge. The incorporation of mTHPP into the nanocomposite enhanced the photo- and thermal stability. Different laser wavelengths (458; 476; 488; 515; 635 nm), powers (5–70 mW), and exposure times (15–45 min) were investigated in the antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) experiments, with the best inhibition observed using 635 nm with the mTHPP EC/Chs nanocomposite for C. albicans (59 ± 0.21%), P. aeruginosa (71.7 ± 1.72%), and S. aureus (74.2 ± 1.26%) with illumination of only 15 min. Utilization of higher doses (70 mW) for longer periods achieved more eradication of microbial growth.
A Multifunctional Au/CeO2-Mg(OH)2 Catalyst for One-Pot Aerobic Oxidative Esterification of Aldehydes with Alcohols to Alkyl Esters
Authors: Lim Seulgi , Kwon Seungdon , Kim Nagyeong , Na Kyungsu
Published: June 2021

Au nanoparticles bound to crystalline CeO2 nanograins that were dispersed on the nanoplate-like Mg(OH)2, denoted as Au/CeO2-Mg(OH)2, were developed as the highly active and selective multifunctional heterogeneous catalyst for direct oxidative esterification of aldehydes with alcohols to produce alkyl esters under base-free aerobic conditions using oxygen or air as the green oxidants. Au/CeO2-Mg(OH)2 converted 93.3% of methacrylaldehyde (MACR) to methyl methacrylate (MMA, monomer of poly(methyl methacrylate)) with 98.2% selectivity within 1 h, and was repeatedly used over eight recycle runs without regeneration. The catalyst was extensively applied to other aldehydes and alcohols to produce desirable alkyl esters. Comprehensive characterization analyses revealed that the strong metal–support interaction (SMSI) among the three catalytic components (Au, CeO2, and Mg(OH)2), and the proximity and strong contact between Au/CeO2 and the Mg(OH)2 surface were prominent factors that accelerated the reaction toward a desirable oxidative esterification pathway. During the reaction, MACR was adsorbed on the surface of CeO2-Mg(OH)2, upon which methanol was simultaneously activated for esterifying the adsorbed MACR. Hemiacetal-form intermediate species were subsequently produced and oxidized to MMA on the surface of the electron-rich Au nanoparticles bound to partially reduced CeO2−x with electron-donating properties. The present study provides new insights into the design of SMSI-induced supported-metal-nanoparticles for the development of novel, multifunctional, and heterogeneous catalysts.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Iridium-Substituted NaTaO3 Perovskites
Authors: Burnett David L. , Vincent Christopher D. , Clayton Jasmine A. , Kashtiban Reza J. , Walton Richard I.
Published: June 2021

Iridium-containing NaTaO3 is produced using a one-step hydrothermal crystallisation from Ta2O5 and IrCl3 in an aqueous solution of 10 M NaOH in 40 vol% H2O2 heated at 240 °C. Although a nominal replacement of 50% of Ta by Ir was attempted, the amount of Ir included in the perovskite oxide was only up to 15 mol%. The materials are formed as crystalline powders comprising cube-shaped crystallites around 100 nm in edge length, as seen by scanning transmission electron microscopy. Energy dispersive X-ray mapping shows an even dispersion of Ir through the crystallites. Profile fitting of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows expanded unit cell volumes (orthorhombic space group Pbnm) compared to the parent NaTaO3, while XANES spectroscopy at the Ir LIII-edge reveals that the highest Ir-content materials contain Ir4+. The inclusion of Ir4+ into the perovskite by replacement of Ta5+ implies the presence of charge-balancing defects and upon heat treatment the iridium is extruded from the perovskite at around 600 °C in air, with the presence of metallic iridium seen by in situ powder XRD. The highest Ir-content material was loaded with Pt and examined for photocatalytic evolution of H2 from aqueous methanol. Compared to the parent NaTaO3, the Ir-substituted material shows a more than ten-fold enhancement of hydrogen yield with a significant proportion ascribed to visible light absorption.
On the Use of Laser Fragmentation for the Synthesis of Ligand-Free Ultra-Small Iron Nanoparticles in Various Liquid Environments
Authors: Havelka Ondřej , Cvek Martin , Urbánek Michal , Łukowiec Dariusz , Jašíková Darina , Kotek Michal , Černík Miroslav , Amendola Vincenzo , Torres-Mendieta Rafael
Published: June 2021

Traditionally, the synthesis of nanomaterials in the ultra-small size regime (1–3 nm diameter) has been linked with the employment of excessive amounts of hazardous chemicals, inevitably leading to significant environmentally detrimental effects. In the current work, we demonstrate the potential of laser fragmentation in liquids (LFL) to produce highly pure and stable iron ultra-small nanoparticles. This is carried out by reducing the size of carbonyl iron microparticles dispersed in various polar solvents (water, ethanol, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol 400) and liquid nitrogen. The explored method enables the fabrication of ligand-free iron oxide ultra-small nanoparticles with diameter in the 1–3 nm range, a tight size distribution, and excellent hydrodynamic stability (zeta potential > 50 mV). The generated particles can be found in different forms, including separated ultra-small NPs, ultra-small NPs forming agglomerates, and ultra-small NPs together with zero-valent iron, iron carbide, or iron oxide NPs embedded in matrices, depending on the employed solvent and their dipolar moment. The LFL technique, aside from avoiding chemical waste generation, does not require any additional chemical agent, other than the precursor microparticles immersed in the corresponding solvent. In contrast to their widely exploited chemically synthesized counterparts, the lack of additives and chemical residuals may be of fundamental interest in sectors requiring colloidal stability and the largest possible number of chemically active sites, making the presented pathway a promising alternative for the clean design of new-generation nanomaterials.
A Dual Mind Approach to Understanding the Conscious Self and Its Treatment
Authors: Schiffer Fredric
Published: June 2021

In this paper I will address questions about will, agency, choice, consciousness, relevant brain regions, impacts of disorders, and their therapeutics, and I will do this by referring to my theory, Dual-brain Psychology, which posits that within most of us there exist two mental agencies with different experiences, wills, choices, and behaviors. Each of these agencies is associated as a trait with one brain hemisphere (either left or right) and its composite regions. One of these agencies is more adversely affected by past traumas, and is more immature and more symptomatic, while the other is more mature and healthier. The theory has extensive experimental support through 17 peer-reviewed publications with clinical and non-clinical research. I will discuss how this theory relates to the questions about the nature of agency and I will also discuss my published theory on the physical nature of subjective experience and its relation to the brain, and how that theory interacts with Dual-Brain Psychology, leading to further insights into our human nature and its betterment.
A Review of Topical and Systemic Vitamin Supplementation in Ocular Surface Diseases
Authors: Fogagnolo Paolo , De Cilla’ Stefano , Alkabes Micol , Sabella Pierfilippo , Rossetti Luca
Published: June 2021

In the homeostasis of the ocular surface, vitamins play a critical role in regulating inflammatory responses and promoting cell differentiation, development and correct function. Systemic vitamin supplementation has been available for many decades; in recent years, thanks to pharmacological advancements, topical vitamin delivery has also become available in an attempt to better treat ocular surface disease (OSD) and dry eye disease (DED). In this paper, we reviewed the current evidence on the role of vitamin supplementation in OSD and DED. We originally searched the PubMed archive, inspected the references and restricted the search to pertinent papers. The body of evidence was evaluated using the amelioration of both signs and symptoms as the outcome, when available. We found that in patients with vitamin deficiency, systemic supplementation of Vitamin A is effective in treating OSD, reducing both DED signs and symptoms. Additionally, systemic supplementation of vitamin D is useful in reducing DED symptoms and increasing tear volume. Vitamin A is also effective in reducing DED signs and symptoms when administered locally. The efficacy of supplementation with other vitamins is still not fully proven. In conclusion, the inclusion of vitamins into the treatment strategies for OSD and DED allows for better treatment customization and better outcomes in these patients.
Direct Evidence for Viral Antigen Presentation during Latent Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Lemmermann Niels A. W. , Reddehase Matthias J.
Published: June 2021

Murine models of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection have revealed an immunological phenomenon known as “memory inflation” (MI). After a peak of a primary CD8+ T-cell response, the pool of epitope-specific cells contracts in parallel to the resolution of productive infection and the establishment of a latent infection, referred to as “latency.” CMV latency is associated with an increase in the number of cells specific for certain viral epitopes over time. The inflationary subset was identified as effector-memory T cells (iTEM) characterized by the cell surface phenotype KLRG1+CD127−CD62L−. As we have shown recently, latent viral genomes are not transcriptionally silent. Rather, viral genes are sporadically desilenced in a stochastic fashion. The current hypothesis proposes MI to be driven by presented viral antigenic peptides encoded by the corresponding, stochastically expressed viral genes. Although this mechanism suggests itself, independent evidence for antigen presentation during viral latency is pending. Here we fill this gap by showing that T cell-receptor transgenic OT-I cells that are specific for peptide SIINFEKL proliferate upon adoptive cell transfer in C57BL/6 recipients latently infected with murine CMV encoding SIINFEKL (mCMV-SIINFEKL), but not in those latently infected with mCMV-SIINFEKA, in which antigenicity is lost by mutation L8A of the C-terminal amino acid residue.