bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organochlorine Pesticides in Karst Soil: Levels, Distribution, and Source Diagnosis
Authors: Chen Wei , Zeng Faming , Liu Wei , Bu Jianwei , Hu Guofeng , Xie Songshi , Yao Hongyan , Zhou Hong , Qi Shihua , Huang Huanfang
Published: November 2021

Excessive reclamation and improper use of agrochemicals in karst areas leads to serious non-point source pollution, which is of great concern and needs to be controlled, since contaminants can easily pollute groundwater due to the thin patchy soil and developed karst structures. The occurrences of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in karst soil were investigated by analyzing 25 OCPs in the karst soils near the Three Gorges Dam, China. The total concentrations of OCPs ranged 161–43,100 (6410 ± 9620) pg/g, with the most abundant compounds being p,p’-DDT and mirex. The concentration differences between the orchard and vegetable field and between upstream and downstream presented the influences of land-use type and water transport on the OCP spatial distributions. Composition analysis indicated the possible fresh inputs of lindane, technical DDT, aldrin, endrin, mirex, and methoxychlor. Their illegal uses implied an insufficient agrochemical management system in undeveloped karst areas. Principal component analysis with multiple linear regression analysis characterized the dominant sources from current agricultural use and current veterinary use in the study area. OCPs in the soils might not pose significant cancer risk for the residents, but they need to be controlled due to their illegal uses and bioaccumulation effect via the food chain.
Development of a Model Care Pathway for Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Payedimarri Anil babu , Ratti Matteo , Rescinito Riccardo , Vasile Alessandra , Seys Deborah , Dumas Hervé , Vanhaecht Kris , Panella Massimiliano
Published: November 2021

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a chronic, life-lasting condition that requires high coordination among different professionals and disciplines. The diagnosis of MG is often delayed and sometimes misdiagnosed. The goal of the care pathway (CP) is to add value to healthcare reducing unnecessary variations. The quality of the care received by patients affected with MG could benefit from the use of CP. We conducted a study aimed to define an inclusive, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary CP for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of MG. The development of the model CP, key interventions, and process indicators is based on the literature review and 85 international MG experts were involved in their evaluation, expressing a judgment of relevance through the Delphi study. 60 activities are included in the model CP and evaluated by the MG experts were valid and feasible. The 60 activities were then translated into 14 key interventions and 24 process indicators. We believe that the developed model CP will help for MG patients to have a timely diagnosis and high-quality, accessible, and cost-effective treatments and care. We also believe that the development of model CPs for other rare diseases is feasible and could aid in the integration of evidence-based knowledge into clinical practice.
National Holidays and Social Mobility Behaviors: Alternatives for Forecasting COVID-19 Deaths in Brazil
Authors: Aragão Dunfrey Pires , dos Santos Davi Henrique , Mondini Adriano , Gonçalves Luiz Marcos Garcia
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we investigate the influence of holidays and community mobility on the transmission rate and death count of COVID-19 in Brazil. We identify national holidays and hallmark holidays to assess their effect on disease reports of confirmed cases and deaths. First, we use a one-variate model with the number of infected people as input data to forecast the number of deaths. This simple model is compared with a more robust deep learning multi-variate model that uses mobility and transmission rates (R0, Re) from a SEIRD model as input data. A principal components model of community mobility, generated by the principal component analysis (PCA) method, is added to improve the input features for the multi-variate model. The deep learning model architecture is an LSTM stacked layer combined with a dense layer to regress daily deaths caused by COVID-19. The multi-variate model incremented with engineered input features can enhance the forecast performance by up to 18.99% compared to the standard one-variate data-driven model.
A GIS-Based Approach for Flood Risk Zoning by Combining Social Vulnerability and Flood Susceptibility: A Case Study of Nanjing, China
Authors: Chen Yi , Ye Zhicong , Liu Hui , Chen Ruishan , Liu Zhenhuan , Liu Hui
Published: November 2021

The identification of vulnerable people and places to flood is crucial for effective disaster risk management. Here, we combine flood hazard and social vulnerability index to capture the potential risk of flood. In this paper, Nanjing was taken as the case study to explore the spatial pattern of social vulnerability towards flood at the community scale by developing an index system. Based on the flood risk results of ArcSWAT, the risk of flood disaster in Nanjing was evaluated. The results show the following. (1) Social vulnerability exhibits a central–peripheral pattern in general, which means that the social vulnerability degree is high in the central city and decreases gradually to the suburbs. (2) The susceptibility to flood disaster has a similar circle-layer pattern that is the highest in the urban centre, lower in the exurban areas, and the lowest in the suburb areas. (3) By using the GIS-based zoning approach, communities are classified into four types by comprehensively considering their flood susceptibility and social vulnerability. The spatial pattern is explained, and policy recommendation for reducing flood risk is provided for each type of community. The research has important reference significance for identifying the spatial pattern of social vulnerability to flood and then formulating targeted adaptation countermeasures.
Physical Function, Cognitive Function, and Daily Activities in Patients Hospitalized Due to COVID-19: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study in Sweden
Authors: Larsson Alexandra C. , Palstam Annie , Persson Hanna C.
Published: November 2021

An estimated 14–20% of people infected with COVID-19 require medical care. The aim of the present study was to evaluate physical function, cognitive function, and daily activities in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, and to investigate differences depending on age and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). This prospective descriptive cross-sectional study included a consecutive sample of 211 patients (mean age 65.1 years, 67.3% men) hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Sweden. Data regarding physical function and daily activities were collected in hospital from July 2020 to February 2021. The average length of hospital stay was 33.8 days, and 48.8% of the patients were admitted to the ICU. Physical function (grip- and lower body strength) was reduced in both groups, and significantly more in the older group, ≥65 years old, compared to the younger. Furthermore, the older group also had significantly less ability to perform activities in daily life, and had significantly reduced cognitive function as compared to the younger age group. In patients treated in the ICU, physical impairments as well as the activity level were significantly more pronounced compared to patients not treated in the ICU. Patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 are physically impaired, have mild cognitive impairments, and have difficulties performing daily activities. The findings in this study indicate the need for out-patient follow-up and rehabilitation for patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, especially in older patients and patients treated in the ICU.
Cross-Tolerance and Autoimmunity as Missing Links in Abiotic and Biotic Stress Responses in Plants: A Perspective toward Secondary Metabolic Engineering
Authors: Perincherry Lakshmipriya , Stępień Łukasz , Vasudevan Soniya Eppurathu
Published: November 2021

Plants employ a diversified array of defense activities when they encounter stress. Continuous activation of defense pathways that were induced by mutation or altered expression of disease resistance genes and mRNA surveillance mechanisms develop abnormal phenotypes. These plants show continuous defense genes’ expression, reduced growth, and also manifest tissue damage by apoptosis. These macroscopic abrasions appear even in the absence of the pathogen and can be attributed to a condition known as autoimmunity. The question is whether it is possible to develop an autoimmune mutant that does not fetch yield and growth penalty and provides enhanced protection against various biotic and abiotic stresses via secondary metabolic pathways’ engineering. This review is a discussion about the common stress-fighting mechanisms, how the concept of cross-tolerance instigates propitious or protective autoimmunity, and how it can be achieved by engineering secondary metabolic pathways.
Identification and Function of Apicoplast Glutaredoxins in Neospora caninum
Authors: Song Xingju , Yang Xu , Ying Zhu , Zhang Heng , Liu Jing , Liu Qun
Published: November 2021

Glutaredoxins (GRXs), important components of the intracellular thiol redox system, are involved in multiple cellular processes. In a previous study, we identified five GRXs in the apicomplexan parasite, Neospora caninum. In the present study, we confirmed that the GRXs S14 and C5 are located in the apicoplast, which suggests unique functions for these proteins. Although single-gene deficiency did not affect the growth of parasites, a double knockout (Δgrx S14Δgrx C5) significantly reduced their reproductive capacity. However, there were no significant changes in redox indices (GSH/GSSG ratio, reactive oxygen species and hydroxyl radical levels) in double-knockout parasites, indicating that grx S14 and grx C5 are not essential for maintaining the redox balance in parasite cells. Key amino acid mutations confirmed that the Cys203 of grx S14 and Cys253/256 of grx C5 are important for parasite growth. Based on comparative proteomics, 79 proteins were significantly downregulated in double-knockout parasites, including proteins mainly involved in the electron transport chain, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and protein translation. Collectively, GRX S14 and GRX C5 coordinate the growth of parasites. However, considering their special localization, the unique functions of GRX S14 and GRX C5 need to be further studied.
Quantification and Topographical Distribution of Terminal and Linked Fucose Residues in Human Spermatozoa by Using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM)
Authors: Robles-Gómez Laura , Sáez-Espinosa Paula , López-Viloria Eliana Marina , López-Botella Andrea , Aizpurua Jon , Gómez-Torres María José
Published: November 2021

The modification of sperm glycocalyx is an essential process during sperm capacitation. The presence and redistribution of terminal and linked fucose have been described during in vitro capacitation in humans. However, the influence of the capacitation time on the quantification and localization of terminal and linked fucose is still unknown. In this study, the quantitative and qualitative changes in fucosyl residues during different in vitro capacitation times (1 and 4 h), are simultaneously characterized by using Aleuria aurantia (AAA) lectin–gold labelling and high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) in human sperm. A significant decrease was found in the number of terminal fucose registered in the whole sperm head during the in vitro capacitation. Nevertheless, the quantification of fucose residues after 1 h of in vitro capacitation was very similar to those found after 4 h. Therefore, the changes observed in terminal and linked fucose during capacitation were not time-dependent. Furthermore, the comprehensive analysis of the topographic distribution showed the preferential fucosyl location in the acrosomal region and the presence of distinct clusters distributed over the head in all the studied conditions. Overall, these findings corroborate the validity of FE-SEM combined with gold labelling to register changes in surface molecules during in vitro sperm capacitation.
Amyloid-Driven Tau Accumulation on Mitochondria Potentially Leads to Cognitive Deterioration in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Cuadrado-Tejedor Mar , Pérez-González Marta , Alfaro-Ruiz Rocío , Badesso Sara , Sucunza Diego , Espelosin María , Ursúa Susana , Lachen-Montes Mercedes , Fernández-Irigoyen Joaquín , Santamaria Enrique , Luján Rafael , García-Osta Ana
Published: November 2021

Despite the well-accepted role of the two main neuropathological markers (β-amyloid and tau) in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, the interaction and specific contribution of each of them is not fully elucidated. To address this question, in the present study, an adeno-associated virus (AAV9) carrying the mutant P301L form of human tau, was injected into the dorsal hippocampi of APP/PS1 transgenic mice or wild type mice (WT). Three months after injections, memory tasks, biochemical and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. We found that the overexpression of hTauP301L accelerates memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice, but it did not affect memory function of WT mice. Likewise, biochemical assays showed that only in the case of APP/PS1-hTauP301L injected mice, an important accumulation of tau was observed in the insoluble urea fraction. Similarly, electron microscopy images revealed that numerous clusters of tau immunoparticles appear at the dendrites of APP/PS1 injected mice and not in WT animals, suggesting that the presence of amyloid is necessary to induce tau aggregation. Interestingly, these tau immunoparticles accumulate in dendritic mitochondria in the APP/PS1 mice, whereas most of mitochondria in WT injected mice remain free of tau immunoparticles. Taken together, it seems that amyloid induces tau aggregation and accumulation in the dendritic mitochondria and subsequently may alter synapse function, thus, contributing to accelerate cognitive decline in APP/PS1 mice.
Using Knock-Out Mutants to Investigate the Adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to Abiotic Surfaces
Authors: Spengler Christian , Nolle Friederike , Thewes Nicolas , Wieland Ben , Jung Philipp , Bischoff Markus , Jacobs Karin
Published: November 2021

The adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus to abiotic surfaces is crucial for establishing device-related infections. With a high number of single-cell force spectroscopy measurements with genetically modified S. aureus cells, this study provides insights into the adhesion process of the pathogen to abiotic surfaces of different wettability. Our results show that S. aureus utilizes different cell wall molecules and interaction mechanisms when binding to hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. We found that covalently bound cell wall proteins strongly interact with hydrophobic substrates, while their contribution to the overall adhesion force is smaller on hydrophilic substrates. Teichoic acids promote adhesion to hydrophobic surfaces as well as to hydrophilic surfaces. This, however, is to a lesser extent. An interplay of electrostatic effects of charges and protein composition on bacterial surfaces is predominant on hydrophilic surfaces, while it is overshadowed on hydrophobic surfaces by the influence of the high number of binding proteins. Our results can help to design new models of bacterial adhesion and may be used to interpret the adhesion of other microorganisms with similar surface properties.
A Patent Review on the Therapeutic Application of Monoclonal Antibodies in COVID-19
Authors: Asdaq Syed Mohammed Basheeruddin , Rabbani Syed Imam , Alkahtani Meshary , Aldohyan Meshal Meshary , Alabdulsalam Abdullah Mohammad , Alshammari Majed Sadun , Alajlan Saleh Ahmad , Binrokan Aljawharah , Mohzari Yahya , Alrashed Ahmed , Alshammari Mohammed Kanan , Imran Mohd. , Nayeem Naira
Published: November 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) contains spike proteins that assist the virus in entering host cells. In the absence of a specific intervention, efforts are afoot throughout the world to find an effective treatment for SARS-CoV-2. Through innovative techniques, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) are being designed and developed to block a particular pathway of SARS-CoV-2 infection. More than 100 patent applications describing the development of MAbs and their application against SARS-CoV-2 have been registered. Most of them target the receptor binding protein so that the interaction between virus and host cell can be prevented. A few monoclonal antibodies are also being patented for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Some of them, like Regeneron® have already received emergency use authorization. These protein molecules are currently preferred for high-risk patients such as those over 65 years old with compromised immunity and those with metabolic disorders such as obesity. Being highly specific in action, monoclonal antibodies offer one of the most appropriate interventions for both the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2. Technological advancement has helped in producing highly efficacious MAbs. However, these agents are known to induce immunogenic and non-immunogenic reactions. More research and testing are required to establish the suitability of administering MAbs to all patients at risk of developing a severe illness. This patent study is focused on MAbs as a therapeutic option for treating COVID-19, as well as their invention, patenting information, and key characteristics.
Single-Cell Transcriptomics Analysis of Human Small Antral Follicles
Authors: Fan Xueying , Moustakas Ioannis , Bialecka Monika , del Valle Julieta S. , Overeem Arend W. , Louwe Leoni A. , Pilgram Gonneke S. K. , van der Westerlaken Lucette A. J. , Mei Hailiang , Chuva de Sousa Lopes Susana M.
Published: November 2021

Human ovarian folliculogenesis is a highly regulated and complex process. Characterization of follicular cell signatures during this dynamic process is important to understand follicle fate (to grow, become dominant, or undergo atresia). The transcriptional signature of human oocytes and granulosa cells (GCs) in early-growing and ovulatory follicles have been previously described; however, that of oocytes with surrounding GCs in small antral follicles have not been studied yet. Here, we have generated a unique dataset of single-cell transcriptomics (SmartSeq2) consisting of the oocyte with surrounding GCs from several individual (non-dominant) small antral follicles isolated from adult human ovaries. We have identified two main types of (healthy) follicles, with a distinct oocyte and GC signature. Using the CellphoneDB algorithm, we then investigated the bi-directional ligand–receptor interactions regarding the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), wingless-type (MMTV)-integration site (WNT), NOTCH, and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) signaling pathways between oocyte and GCs within each antral follicle type. Our work not only revealed the diversity of small antral follicles, but also contributes to fill the gap in mapping the molecular landscape of human folliculogenesis and oogenesis.
Profiling and Functional Analysis of microRNA Deregulation in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Depicts an Anti-Invasive Role of microRNA-204 via Regulation of Their Motility
Authors: Rajthala Saroj , Min Anjie , Parajuli Himalaya , Debnath Kala Chand , Ljøkjel Borghild , Hoven Kristin Marie , Kvalheim Arild , Lybak Stein , Neppelberg Evelyn , Vintermyr Olav Karsten , Johannessen Anne Christine , Sapkota Dipak , Costea Daniela Elena
Published: November 2021

Background: Knowledge on the role of miR changes in tumor stroma for cancer progression is limited. This study aimed to investigate the role of miR dysregulation in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methodology: CAF and normal oral fibroblasts (NOFs) were isolated from biopsies of OSCC patients and healthy individuals after informed consent and grown in 3D collagen gels. Total RNA was extracted. Global miR expression was profiled using Illumina version 2 panels. The functional impact of altered miR-204 expression in fibroblasts on their phenotype and molecular profile was investigated using mimics and inhibitors of miR-204. Further, the impact of miR-204 expression in fibroblasts on invasion of adjacent OSCC cells was assessed in 3D-organotypic co-cultures. Results: Unsupervised hierarchical clustering for global miR expression resulted in separate clusters for CAF and NOF. SAM analysis identified differential expression of twelve miRs between CAF and NOF. Modulation of miR-204 expression did not affect fibroblast cell proliferation, but resulted in changes in the motility phenotype, expression of various motility-related molecules, and invasion of the adjacent OSCC cells. 3′ UTR miR target reporter assay showed ITGA11 to be a direct target of miR-204. Conclusions: This study identifies differentially expressed miRs in stromal fibroblasts of OSCC lesions compared with normal oral mucosa and it reveals that one of the significantly downregulated miRs in CAF, miR-204, has a tumor-suppressive function through inhibition of fibroblast migration by modulating the expression of several different molecules in addition to directly targeting ITGA11.
Aberrant Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Protein Expression in the Development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Aloufi Noof , Alluli Aeshah , Eidelman David H. , Baglole Carolyn J.
Published: November 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an incurable and prevalent respiratory disorder that is characterized by chronic inflammation and emphysema. COPD is primarily caused by cigarette smoke (CS). CS alters numerous cellular processes, including the post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs. The identification of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as main factors engaged in the regulation of RNA biology opens the door to understanding their role in coordinating physiological cellular processes. Dysregulation of post-transcriptional regulation by foreign particles in CS may lead to the development of diseases such as COPD. Here we review current knowledge about post-transcriptional events that may be involved in the pathogenesis of COPD.
Correction: Moustafa et al. Insecticidal Activity of Lemongrass Essential Oil as an Eco-Friendly Agent against the Black Cutworm Agrotis ipsilon (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Insects 2021, 12, 737
Authors: Moustafa Moataz A. M. , Awad Mona , Amer Alia , Hassan Nancy N. , Ibrahim El-Desoky S. , Ali Hayssam M. , Akrami Mohammad , Salem Mohamed Z. M.
Published: November 2021

Additional Affiliations [...]
Optimal Sequence and Second-Line Systemic Treatment of Patients with RAS Wild-Type Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Chih-Chien , Hsu Chao-Wen , Hsieh Meng-Che , Wang Jui-Ho , Chang Min-Chi , Yang Ching-Shiang , Su Yi-Chia
Published: November 2021

Although several sequential therapy options are available for treating patients with RAS wild-type (WT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), the optimal sequence of these therapies is not well established. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials and 4 observational studies were performed, resulting from a search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases. Overall survival (OS) did not differ significantly in patients with RAS-WT failure who were administered a second-line regimen of changed chemotherapy (CT) plus anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) versus only changed CT, changed CT plus bevacizumab versus changed CT plus anti-EGFR, or changed CT versus maintaining CT plus anti-EGFR after first-line therapy with CT, plus bevacizumab. However, OS was significantly different with a second-line regimen that included changed CT plus bevacizumab, versus only changing CT. Analysis of first-line therapy with CT plus anti-EGFR for treatment of RAS-WT mCRC indicated that second-line therapy of changed CT plus an anti-EGFR agent resulted in better outcomes than changing CT without targeted agents. The pooled data study demonstrated that the optimal choice of second-line treatment for improved OS was an altered CT regimen with retention of bevacizumab after first-line bevacizumab failure. The best sequence for first-to-second-line therapy of patients with RAS-WT mCRC was cetuximab-based therapy, followed by a bevacizumab-based regimen.
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Stock Market Forecasting: A Critique, Review, and Research Agenda
Authors: Chopra Ritika , Sharma Gagan Deep
Published: November 2021

The stock market is characterized by extreme fluctuations, non-linearity, and shifts in internal and external environmental variables. Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can detect such non-linearity, resulting in much-improved forecast results. This paper reviews 148 studies utilizing neural and hybrid-neuro techniques to predict stock markets, categorized based on 43 auto-coded themes obtained using NVivo 12 software. We group the surveyed articles based on two major categories, namely, study characteristics and model characteristics, where ‘study characteristics’ are further categorized as the stock market covered, input data, and nature of the study; and ‘model characteristics’ are classified as data pre-processing, artificial intelligence technique, training algorithm, and performance measure. Our findings highlight that AI techniques can be used successfully to study and analyze stock market activity. We conclude by establishing a research agenda for potential financial market analysts, artificial intelligence, and soft computing scholarship.
The Urine Biomarker PUR-4 Is Positively Associated with the Amount of Gleason 4 in Human Prostate Cancers
Authors: Ball Richard Y. , Cardenas Ryan , Winterbone Mark S. , Hanna Marcelino Y. , Parker Chris , Hurst Rachel , Brewer Daniel S. , D’Sa Lauren , Mills Rob , Cooper Colin S. , Clark Jeremy
Published: November 2021

The Prostate Urine Risk (PUR) biomarker is a four-group classifier for predicting outcome in patients prior to biopsy and for men on active surveillance. The four categories correspond to the probabilities of the presence of normal tissue (PUR-1), D’Amico low-risk (PUR-2), intermediate-risk (PUR-3), and high-risk (PUR-4) prostate cancer. In the current study we investigate how the PUR-4 status is linked to Gleason grade, prostate volume, and tumor volume as assessed from biopsy (n = 215) and prostatectomy (n = 9) samples. For biopsy data PUR-4 status alone was linked to Gleason Grade group (GG) (Spearman’s, ρ = 0.58, p < 0.001 trend). To assess the impact of tumor volume each GG was dichotomized into Small and Large volume cancers relative to median volume. For GG1 (Gleason Pattern 3 + 3) cancers volume had no impact on PUR-4 status. In contrast for GG2 (3 + 4) and GG3 (4 + 3) cancers PUR-4 levels increased in large volume cancers with statistical significance observed for GG2 (p = 0.005; Games-Howell). These data indicated that PUR-4 status is linked to the presence of Gleason Pattern 4. To test this observation tumor burden and Gleason Pattern were assessed in nine surgically removed and sectioned prostates allowing reconstruction of 3D maps. PUR-4 was not correlated with Gleason Pattern 3 amount, total tumor volume or prostate size. A strong correlation was observed between amount of Gleason Pattern 4 tumor and PUR-4 signature (r = 0.71, p = 0.034, Pearson’s). These observations shed light on the biological significance of the PUR biomarker and support its use as a non-invasive means of assessing the presence of clinically significant prostate cancer.
Elevation Mechanisms and Diagnostic Consideration of Cardiac Troponins under Conditions Not Associated with Myocardial Infarction. Part 2
Authors: Chaulin Aleksey M.
Published: November 2021

This article proceeds with a discussion of the causes and mechanisms of an elevation in cardiac troponins in pathological conditions not associated with acute myocardial infarction. The second part of the article discusses the causes and mechanisms of cardiac troponins elevation in diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, hereditary cardiomyopathies, cardiac arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia), acute aortic dissection, and diseases of the central nervous system (strokes, subarachnoidal hemorrhage). The final chapter of this article discusses in detail the false-positive causes and mechanisms of elevated cardiac troponins.
Evaluating the Death and Recovery of Lateral Line Hair Cells Following Repeated Neomycin Treatments
Authors: Venuto Alexandra , Erickson Timothy
Published: November 2021

Acute chemical ablation of lateral line hair cells is an important tool to understand lateral line-mediated behaviors in free-swimming fish larvae and adults. However, lateral line-mediated behaviors have not been described in fish larvae prior to swim bladder inflation, possibly because single doses of ototoxin do not effectively silence lateral line function at early developmental stages. To determine whether ototoxins can disrupt lateral line hair cells during early development, we repeatedly exposed zebrafish larvae to the ototoxin neomycin during a 36 h period from 3 to 4 days post-fertilization (dpf). We use simultaneous transgenic and vital dye labeling of hair cells to compare 6-h and 12-h repeated treatment timelines and neomycin concentrations between 0 and 400 µM in terms of larval survival, hair cell death, regeneration, and functional recovery. Following exposure to neomycin, we find that the emergence of newly functional hair cells outpaces cellular regeneration, likely due to the maturation of ototoxin-resistant hair cells that survive treatment. Furthermore, hair cells of 4 dpf larvae exhibit faster recovery compared to 3 dpf larvae. Our data suggest that the rapid functional maturation of ototoxin-resistant hair cells limits the effectiveness of chemical-based methods to disrupt lateral line function. Furthermore, we show that repeated neomycin treatments can continually ablate functional lateral line hair cells between 3 and 4 dpf in larval zebrafish.
Critical Current and Pinning Features of a CaKFe4As4 Polycrystalline Sample
Authors: Galluzzi Armando , Leo Antonio , Masi Andrea , Varsano Francesca , Nigro Angela , Grimaldi Gaia , Polichetti Massimiliano
Published: November 2021

We analyze the magnetic behavior of a CaKFe4As4 polycrystalline sample fabricated by a mechanochemically assisted synthesis route. By means of DC magnetization (M) measurements as a function of the temperature (T) and DC magnetic field (H) we study its critical parameters and pinning features. The critical temperature Tc has been evaluated by M(T) curves performed in Zero Field Cooling-Field Cooling conditions. These curves show the presence of a little magnetic background for temperatures above Tc, as also confirmed by the hysteresis loops M(H). Starting from the M(H) curves, the critical current density Jc of the sample has been calculated as a function of the field at different temperatures in the framework of the Bean critical state model. The Jc(H) values are in line with the ones reported in the literature for this typology of samples. By analyzing the temperature dependence of the critical current density Jc(T) at different magnetic fields, it has been found that the sample is characterized by a strong type pinning regime. This sample peculiarity can open perspectives for future improvement in the fabrication of this material.
Soft Denture Liner Adhesion to Conventional and CAD/CAM Processed Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Acrylic Denture Resins-An In-Vitro Study
Authors: Al Taweel Sara Mohammad , Al-Otaibi Hanan Nejer , Labban Nawaf , AlFouzan Afnan , Shehri Huda Al
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the airborne-particle abrasion surface treatment effects on the tensile bond strength (TBS) between resilient denture liner and CAD/CAM or conventional heat polymerized poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) acrylic denture resins. A total of 48 dumbbell-shaped specimens (70 mm in total length, and 12 mm and 7 mm in diameter at the thickest and thinnest section, respectively) were prepared from CAD/CAM and conventional acrylic resins. Before relining with denture liner, 12 specimens from each material were surface-treated by 110 µm Al2O3 airborne-particle abrasion, and the remaining specimens served as control (no treatment). Following relining, all the specimens were aged by thermal cycling (1000 cycles, 5–55 °C). The TBS of denture liner to acrylic denture resins was tested in a universal testing apparatus at a 5 mm/min crosshead speed. The debonded surfaces were visually examined for the failure modes. ANOVA and multiple comparisons posthoc analysis tests were applied to determine the significant difference in TBS between the study groups (α = 0.05). A significant difference in TBS was observed between the control and surface treated groups (p < 0.001) for both acrylic resins materials. However, there was no statistically significant difference in bond strength between the acrylic resins materials (p = 0.739). Surface treatment with airborne-particle abrasion demonstrated increased TBS of the soft denture liners to acrylic resins. The TBS of conventional and CAD/CAM acrylic resins to soft denture liners were not considerably different.
The Hydrogenation Impact on Electronic Properties of p-Diamond/n-Si Heterojunctions
Authors: Łoś Szymon , Fabisiak Kazimierz , Paprocki Kazimierz , Szybowicz Mirosław , Dychalska Anna , Spychaj-Fabisiak Ewa , Franków Wojciech
Published: November 2021

The undoped polycrystalline diamond films (PDFs) have been deposited on n-type silicon (Si) by Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition (HF CVD) technique. The reaction gases are a mixture of methane and hydrogen. The obtained PDFs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy which, in addition to the diamond phase, also confirms the presence of sp2 hybridized carbon bonds. As-grown CVD diamond layers are hydrogen terminated and show p-type conductivity. The effect of the level of hydrogenation on the electrical properties of p-diamond/n-Si heterojunctions has been investigated by temperature dependent current–voltage (J-V/T) characteristics. The obtained results suggest that the energy distribution of interface states at the grain boundary (GB) subjected to hydrogenation becomes shallower, and the hole capture cross-section can be reduced. Hydrogenation can lead to a significant reduction of the GB potential barrier. These results can be interesting from the point of view of hydrogen passivation of GBs in microelectronics.
The Influence of the Microstructure of Ceramic-Elastomer Composites on Their Energy Absorption Capability
Authors: Kozera Paulina , Boczkowska Anna , Kozera Rafał , Małek Marcin , Idczak Włodzimierz
Published: November 2021

The paper presents the experimental results of static and dynamic compressive tests conducted on ceramic-elastomer composites. The alumina ceramic preforms were fabricated by the four-step method: ceramic mixture preparation, consolidation under pressure, presintering, and sintering under pressure, respectively. To obtain ceramic preforms with a similar volume fraction of open pores, but with different pore sizes, alumina powder with different particle size and a ceramic binder were used, as well as pore-forming agents that were evenly distributed throughout the volume of the molding mass. The composites were obtained using vacuum pressure infiltration of porous alumina ceramic by urea-urethane elastomer in liquid form. As a result, the obtained composites were characterized by two phases that interpenetrated three-dimensionally and topologically throughout the microstructure. The microstructure of the ceramic preforms was revealed by X-ray tomography, which indicated that the alumina preforms had similar porosity of approximately 40% vol. but different pore diameter in the range of 6 to 34 µm. After composite fabrication, image analysis was carried out. Due to the microstructure of the ceramic preforms, the composites differed in the specific surface fraction of the interphase boundaries (Sv). The highest value of the Sv parameter was achieved for composite fabricated by infiltration method of using ceramic preform with the smallest pore size. Static and dynamic tests were carried out using different strain rate: 1.4·10−3, 7·10−2, 1.4·10−1, and 3·103 s−1. Compressive strength, stress at plateau zone, and absorbed energy were determined. It was found that the ceramic-elastomer composites’ ability to absorb energy depended on the specific surface fraction of the interphase boundaries and achieved a value between 15.3 MJ/m3 in static test and 51.1 MJ/m3 for dynamic strain rate.
Nanocrystalline Cellulose Supported MnO2 Composite Materials for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Tran Quang Nhat , Vo Thuan Ngoc , Kim Il Tae , Kim Ji Hyeon , Lee Dal Ho , Park Sang Joon
Published: November 2021

The rate capability and poor cycling stability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are predominantly caused by the large volume expansion upon cycling and poor electrical conductivity of manganese dioxide (MnO2), which also exhibits the highest theoretical capacity among manganese oxides. In this study, a nanocomposite of nanosized MnO2 and pyrolyzed nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) was prepared with high electrical conductivity to enhance the electrochemical performance of LIBs. The nanocomposite electrode showed an initial discharge capacity of 1302 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and exhibited a high discharge capacity of 305 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the MnO2-CNC nanocomposite delivered a good rate capability of up to 10 A g−1 and accommodated the large volume change upon repeated cycling tests.
Influence of Holes Manufacture Technology on Perforated Plate Aerodynamics
Authors: Grzelak Joanna , Szwaba Ryszard
Published: November 2021

Transpiration flow is a very important and still open subject in many technical applications. Perforated walls are useful for the purpose of “flow control”, as well as for the cooling of walls and blades (effusive cooling) in gas turbines. We are still not able to include large numbers of holes in the numerical calculations and therefore we need physical models. Problems are related also to the quality of the holes in perforated plates. The present transpiration analysis concerns with experimental investigations of the air flow through perforated plates with microholes of 125 and 300 µm diameters. A good accordance of the results with other experiments, simulations and theory was obtained. The received results very clearly show that technology manufacturing of plate holes influences on their aerodynamic characteristics. It turned out that the quality of the plate microholes using laser technology and, consequently, the shape of the hole, can affect the flow losses. Therefore, this effect was investigated and the flow characteristics in both directions were measured, i.e., for two plate settings.
Evaluation of Corrosion Behavior and In Vitro of Strontium-Doped Calcium Phosphate Coating on Magnesium
Authors: Park Jung-Eun , Jang Yong-Seok , Choi Ji-Bong , Bae Tae-Sung , Park Il-Song , Lee Min-Ho
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the biocompatibility of strontium-doped calcium phosphate (Sr-CaP) coatings on pure magnesium (Mg) surfaces for bone applications. Sr-CaP coated specimens were obtained by chemical immersion method on biodegradable magnesium. In this study, Sr-CaP coated magnesium was obtained by immersing pure magnesium in a solution containing Sr-CaP at 80 °C for 3 h. The corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of magnesium according to the content of Sr-CaP coated on the magnesium surface were evaluated. As a result, the corrosion resistance of Sr-CaP coated magnesium was improved compared to pure magnesium. In addition, it was confirmed that the biocompatibility of the group containing Sr was increased. Thus, the Ca-SrP coating with a reduced degradation and improved biocompatibility could be used in Mg-based orthopedic implant applications.
Enhancements on Flame Resistance by Inorganic Silicate-Based Intumescent Coating Materials
Authors: Chen Sin-Nan , Li Pei-Kai , Hsieh Tar-Hwa , Ho Ko-Shan , Hong Yu-Meng
Published: November 2021

Flame-retardant coatings have drawn much attention in recent years. In this study, an inorganic sodium silicate-based intumescent flame-resistance coating with an excellent flameproof properties is developed by mainly utilizing sodium silicate as the ceramizable binder, via hydrolysis and self-condensation reaction. Fly ash, metakaoline, and wollastonite behave as supplement cementing materials. Major formulation encompasses the combination of the ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol as the flame-retardant additives, and aluminum hydroxide or expandable graphite as the intumescence-improving filler agents. Expandable graphite was found to play an important role in the eventual performance of flame-resistance testing. The results showed that solid interaction forces can be formed between metakaoline and sodium silicate, resulting in a similar material to geopolymer with excellent physical properties. After high-temperature flame testing, a densely complex protective layer of carbon-char created on top of the robust silicon dioxide networks offers notable flame resistance. An optimal ratio in this inorganic intumescent coating contains sodium silicate—metakaoline (weight ratio = 9:1)—ammonium polyphosphate and pentaerythritol, aluminum hydroxide (3, 3, 10 wt.%)—expandable graphite (1 wt.%), which can create 4.7 times higher expansion ratio compared with neat sodium silicate matrix. The results of flame testing demonstrate only 387.1 °C and 506.3 °C on the back surface of steel substrate after one and three hours flaming (>1000 °C) on the other surface, respectively, which could meet the requirements according to the level of fire rating.
Resistance Switching Effect of Memory Device Based on All-Inorganic Cspbbri2 Perovskite
Authors: Ke Wang , Yang Xiaoting , Liu Tongyu
Published: November 2021

In this study, the CsPbBrI2 perovskite film was prepared by the preparation of the sol-gel and the spin-coating method, and the cubic lattice was stabilized by introducing Br+ into the CsPbI3 film, which solved the problem of instability of the traditional perovskite phase. Based on the CsPbBrI2 perovskite film, the Ag/CsPbBrI2/ITO memory device with a resistance switching effect was prepared. The morphology and phase compositions of the film were analyzed by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The non-volatile and repeatable resistance switching effect of the Ag/CsPbBrI2/ITO memory device was measured under open-air conditions. The experimental results show that the surface of the CsPbBrI2 perovskite film is uniform and dense, and the Ag/CsPbBrI2/ITO memory device has an order of magnitude resistance-on-off ratio after 500 cycles of cyclic voltage. This study shows that Ag/CsPbBrI2/ITO memory devices based on CsPbBrI2 perovskite films have potential applications in the field of non-volatile memory devices. At the same time, the transient properties of the CsPbBrI2 film that can quickly dissolve in deionized water make it potentially useful in short-period data storage units and implantable electronic devices with human or environmental sensors.
Accessing Structural, Electronic, Transport and Mesoscale Properties of Li-GICs via a Complete DFTB Model with Machine-Learned Repulsion Potential
Authors: Anniés Simon , Panosetti Chiara , Voronenko Maria , Mauth Dario , Rahe Christiane , Scheurer Christoph
Published: November 2021

Lithium-graphite intercalation compounds (Li-GICs) are the most popular anode material for modern lithium-ion batteries and have been subject to numerous studies—both experimental and theoretical. However, the system is still far from being consistently understood in detail across the full range of state of charge (SOC). The performance of approaches based on density functional theory (DFT) varies greatly depending on the choice of functional, and their computational cost is far too high for the large supercells necessary to study dilute and non-equilibrium configurations which are of paramount importance for understanding a complete charging cycle. On the other hand, cheap machine learning methods have made some progress in predicting, e.g., formation energetics, but fail to provide the full picture, including electrostatics and migration barriers. Following up on our previous work, we deliver on the promise of providing a complete and affordable simulation framework for Li-GICs. It is based on density functional tight binding (DFTB), which is fitted to dispersion-corrected DFT data using Gaussian process regression (GPR). In this work, we added the previously neglected lithium–lithium repulsion potential and extend the training set to include superdense Li-GICs (LiC6−x; x>0) and lithium metal, allowing for the investigation of dendrite formation, next-generation modified GIC anodes, and non-equilibrium states during fast charging processes in the future. For an extended range of structural and energetic properties—layer spacing, bond lengths, formation energies and migration barriers—our method compares favorably with experimental results and with state-of-the-art dispersion-corrected DFT at a fraction of the computational cost. We make use of this by investigating some larger-scale system properties—long range Li–Li interactions, dielectric constants and domain-formation—proving our method’s capability to bring to light new insights into the Li-GIC system and bridge the gap between DFT and meso-scale methods such as cluster expansions and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations.
Shear Strength of Hybrid Fibre-Reinforced Ternary Blend Geopolymer Concrete Beams under Flexure
Authors: Sathish Kumar V. , Ganesan N. , Indira P. V.
Published: November 2021

The need to promote sustainable civil infrastructure is one of the most important concerns in the construction industry. Geopolymer composites are one of the promising eco-friendly materials for the development of low carbon concrete. The main objective of this experimental investigation is to study the effect of hybrid fibres on the shear strength of flexural members made with ternary blend geopolymer concrete (TGPC). A total number of 27 reinforced concrete beams of size 100 mm × 150 mm × 1200 mm were cast and tested for shear. M55 grade of concrete was considered in this study. Crimped steel fibres and polypropylene fibres with an aspect ratio of 66 and 300, respectively, were used in this work. The main variables considered in this investigation involve two volume proportions of steel fibres, viz., 0.5% and 1% as well as four volume proportions of polypropylene fibres viz., 0.1%, 0.15%, 0.2% and 0.25%. The hybrid fibre-reinforced ternary blend geopolymer concrete (HTGPC) beams were compared with TGPC beams without fibres. From the test results, it was clear that incorporating hybrid fibres improved the shear strength and changed the type of failure of the beam from shear to flexure. Moreover, a method to predict the ultimate shear strength of HTGPC was proposed, and the estimated values were found to be the same as the test results.
Ductile Fracture Prediction in Cross-Wedge Rolling of Rail Axles
Authors: Bulzak Tomasz
Published: November 2021

In the process of cross-wedge rolling, axial-symmetric forgings are formed using wedge tools. These tools may be flat- or roll-shaped. This article presents two methods of cross-wedge rolling of rail axles, traditional and multi-wedge, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. Two cross-wedge rolling processes are modelled numerically using Simufact Forming. Numerical results are then verified by experiments performed on a flat wedge rolling mill. Results obtained with the two rolling methods are compared in terms of material fracture, force parameters, effective strain and thermal conditions during rolling. Results show that material fracture poses a serious problem in these rolling processes. It is found that the Cockcroft–Latham ductile fracture criterion does not predict material fracture correctly. Results demonstrate that the fracture of railway axles in cross-wedge rolling can be best predicted by the fracture criteria developed by Ayada, Brozzo, Ko, Rice and Tracey.