bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subjective Efficiency Evaluation after Maxillomandibular Advancement Surgery in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients
Authors: Kuik Karel , Tan Misha L. , Ho Jean-Pierre T. F. , Lindeboom Jerôme A. H. , de Lange Jan
Published: June 2023

Purpose: To investigate subjective efficiency outcomes after maxillomandibular advancement (MMA) surgery in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. Material and Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out between December 2016 and May 2021, including 30 severe or treatment-refractory OSA patients treated by MMA surgery. All patients answered four validated questionnaires: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire (FOSQ), Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ), and EQ-5D-3L (i.e., EQ-5D and EQ-VAS). They also answered one custom-made questionnaire (AMCSQ). Questionnaires were requested to be filled out 1 week before surgery and at least 6 months after surgery. Results: The total preoperative and postoperative scores on the questionnaires were compared. The mean total ESS (p < 0.01), FOSQ (p < 0.01), EQ-5D (p < 0.05), and EQ-VAS (p < 0.01) scores showed significant improvement, which was in accordance with an improvement in the mean postoperative apnea/hypopnea index score (p < 0.01). In contrast, the mean total MFIQ score (p < 0.01) indicated a decline in mandibular function. Conclusion: This study confirms the hypothesis that MMA surgery in OSA patients improves outcomes, both objectively and subjectively, with the exception of postoperative mandibular function.
Pivotal Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Assistive Artificial Intelligence-Based Software for Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Kim Seongmin , An Hyonggin , Cho Hyun-Woong , Min Kyung-Jin , Hong Jin-Hwa , Lee Sanghoon , Song Jae-Yun , Lee Jae-Kwan , Lee Nak-Woo
Published: June 2023

Colposcopy is the gold standard diagnostic tool for identifying cervical lesions. However, the accuracy of colposcopies depends on the proficiency of the colposcopist. Machine learning algorithms using an artificial intelligence (AI) system can quickly process large amounts of data and have been successfully applied in several clinical situations. This study evaluated the feasibility of an AI system as an assistive tool for diagnosing high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions compared to the human interpretation of cervical images. This two-centered, crossover, double-blind, randomized controlled trial included 886 randomly selected images. Four colposcopists (two proficient and two inexperienced) independently evaluated cervical images, once with and the other time without the aid of the Cerviray AI® system (AIDOT, Seoul, Republic of Korea). The AI aid demonstrated improved areas under the curve on the localization receiver-operating characteristic curve compared with the colposcopy impressions of colposcopists (difference 0.12, 95% confidence interval, 0.10–0.14, p < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity also improved when using the AI system (89.18% vs. 71.33%; p < 0.001, 96.68% vs. 92.16%; p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the classification accuracy rate improved with the aid of AI (86.40% vs. 75.45%; p < 0.001). Overall, the AI system could be used as an assistive diagnostic tool for both proficient and inexperienced colposcopists in cervical cancer screenings to estimate the impression and location of pathologic lesions. Further utilization of this system could help inexperienced colposcopists confirm where to perform a biopsy to diagnose high-grade lesions.
Physical Activity Modifies the Severity of COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients—Observational Study
Authors: Sutkowska Edyta , Stanek Agata , Madziarska Katarzyna , Jakubiak Grzegorz K. , Sokołowski Janusz , Madziarski Marcin , Sutkowska-Stępień Karolina , Biernat Karolina , Mazurek Justyna , Borowkow-Bulek Adrianna , Czyżewski Jakub , Wilk Gabriela , Jagasyk Arkadiusz , Marciniak Dominik
Published: June 2023

Background and aim: Physical activity (PA) can modulate the immune response, but its impact on infectious disease severity is unknown. We assess if the PA level impacts the severity of COVID-19. Methods: Prospective, cohort study for adults hospitalized due to COVID-19, who filled out the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Disease severity was expressed as death, transfer to intensive care unit (ICU), oxygen therapy (OxTh), hospitalization length, complications, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin level. Results: Out of 326 individuals, 131 (57; 43.51% women) were analyzed: age: median—70; range: 20–95; BMI: mean—27.18 kg/m²; and SD: ±4.77. During hospitalization: 117 (83.31%) individuals recovered, nine (6.87%) were transferred to ICU, five (3.82%) died, and 83 (63.36%) needed OxTh. The median for the hospital stay was 11 (range: 3–49) for discharged patients, and mean hospitalization length was 14 (SD: ±5.8312) for deaths and 14.22 days (SD: ±6.92) for ICU-transferred patients. The median for MET-min/week was 660 (range: 0–19,200). Sufficient or high PA was found in recovered patients but insufficient PA was observed in dead or ICU-transferred patients (p = 0.03). The individuals with poor PA had a higher risk of death (HR = 2.63; ±95%CI 0.58–11.93; p = 0.037). OxTh was used more often in the less active individuals (p = 0.03). The principal component analysis confirmed a relationship between insufficient PA and an unfavorable course of the disease. Conclusion: A higher level of PA is associated with a milder course of COVID-19.
Piecing Arterial Branching Pattern Together from Non-Contrast and Angiographic Brain Computed Tomography before Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Lee Horyul , Shim Woojin , Jeong Dongjun , Kwon Younghoon , Youn Sung Won
Published: June 2023

Predicting the unseen arterial course and branching pattern distal to vessel occlusion is crucial for endovascular thrombectomy in acute stroke patients. We investigated whether a comprehensive interpretation of NCT and CTA would enhance arterial course prediction more than either NCT or CTA interpretation alone. Among 150 patients who achieved post-thrombectomy TICI grades ≥ IIb for anterior circulation occlusions, we assessed visualization grade on both NCT and CTA by five scales at the thrombosed and the distal-to-thrombus segment, using DSA as the reference standard. The visualization grades were compared and related to various subgroups. The mean visualization grade of the distal-to-thrombus segment on NCT was significantly larger than that of CTA (mean ± SD, 3.62 ± 0.87 versus 3.31 ± 1.20; p < 0.05). On CTA, visualization grade of distal-to-thrombus segment in the good collateral flow subgroup was higher than that in the poor collateral flow subgroup (mean ± SD, 4.01 ± 0.93 versus 2.56 ± 0.99; p < 0.001). After the comprehensive interpretation of NCT and CTA, seventeen cases (11%) showed visualization grade of distal-to-thrombus segment upgrading. Tracing arterial course and piecing branching patterns together in distal-to-occlusion of stroke patients was feasible on the routine pre-interventional NCT and CTA, which may provide timely guidance during thrombectomy.
Modeling Intruder Reconnaissance Behavior through State Diagrams to Support Defensive Deception
Authors: Belalis Ilias , Spathoulas Georgios , Anagnostopoulos Ioannis
Published: June 2023

Active reconnaissance is the primary source of information gathering about the infrastructure of a target network for intruders. Its main functions are host discovery and port scanning, the basic techniques of which are thoroughly analyzed in the present paper. The main contribution of the paper is the definition of a modeling approach regarding (a) all possible intruder actions, (b) full or partial knowledge of the intruder’s preferred methodology, and (c) the topology of the target network. The result of the modeling approach, which is based on state diagrams, is the extraction of a set of all probable paths that the intruder may follow. On top of this, a number of relevant metrics are calculated to enable the dynamic assessment of the risk to specific network assets according to the point on the paths at which the intruder is detected. The proposed methodology aims to provide a robust model that can enable the efficient and automated application of deception techniques to protect a given network. A series of experiments has also been performed to assess the required resources for the modeling approach when applied in real-world applications and provide the required results with bearable overhead to enable the online application of deception measures.
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Recyclable Composites Prepared from Bio-Olefins and Industrial Waste
Authors: Sauceda-Oloño Perla Y. , Borbon-Almada Ana C. , Gaxiola Martin , Smith Ashlyn D. , Tennyson Andrew G. , Smith Rhett C.
Published: June 2023

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) production consumes tremendous amounts of fresh water and energy and releases vast quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere. Not only would an alternative to OPC whose production requires no water, releases little CO2, and consumes less energy represent a transformative advance in the pursuit of industrial decarbonization, but the greater availability of safe drinking water would lead to significantly improved public health, particularly among vulnerable populations most at risk from contaminated water supply. For any OPC alternative to be adopted on any meaningful scale, however, its structural capabilities must meet or exceed those of OPC. An inverse vulcanization of brown grease, sunflower oil, and elemental sulfur (5:5:90 weight ratio) was successfully modified to afford the high-sulfur-content material SunBG90 in quantities > 1 kg, as was necessary for standardized ASTM and ISO testing. Water absorption (ASTM C140) and thermal conductivity (ISO 8302) values for SunBG90 (<1 wt% and 0.126 W·m−1·K−1, respectively) were 84% and 94% lower than those for OPC, respectively, suggesting that SunBG90 would be more resistant against freeze-thaw and thermal stress damage than OPC. Consequently, not only does SunBG90 represent a more environmentally friendly material than OPC, but its superior thermomechanical properties suggest that it could be a more environmentally robust material on its own merits, particularly for outdoor structural applications involving significant exposure to water and seasonal or day/night temperature swings.
Recent Advancements in Post Processing of Additively Manufactured Metals Using Laser Polishing
Authors: Ali Majed , Almotari Abdalmageed , Algamal Anwar , Qattawi Ala
Published: June 2023

The poor surface roughness associated with additively manufactured parts can influence the surface integrity and geometric tolerances of produced components. In response to this issue, laser polishing (LP) has emerged as a potential technique for improving the surface finish and producing parts with enhanced properties. Many studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of LP on parts produced using additive manufacturing. The results showed that applying such a unique treatment can significantly enhance the overall performance of the part. In LP processes, the surface of the part is re-melted by the laser, resulting in smaller peaks and shallower valleys, which enable the development of smoother surfaces with the help of gravity and surface tension. Precise selection of laser parameters is essential to achieve optimal enhancement in the surface finish, microstructure, and mechanical properties of the treated parts. This paper aims to compile state-of-the-art knowledge in LP of additively manufactured metals and presents the optimal process parameters experimentally and modeling using artificial machine learning. The effects of laser power, the number of laser re-melting passes, and scanning speed on the final surface roughness and mechanical properties are comprehensively discussed in this work.
Investigating the Effects of Polypropylene Fibers on the Mechanical Strength, Permeability, and Erosion Resistance of Freshwater and Seawater Mixed Concretes
Authors: Alomayri Thamer , Ali Babar , Raza Syed Safdar , Ahmed Hawreen , Hamad Moustafa
Published: June 2023

Seawater mixed (SW) concrete lessens the freshwater (FW) demand and eases the stress on the already depleting FW resources. The use of SW concrete is a sustainable solution that mitigates the environmental impact of concrete production, especially in coastal regions and islands vulnerable to FW scarcity. This study investigated the influence of polypropylene (PP) fiber incorporation on high-performance-SW concrete’s long-term mechanical and durability performance. The findings indicate that the incorporation of seawater in the production of concrete containing ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) has a beneficial effect on its early strength. This is due to the fact that SW accelerates the hardening process. SW concrete mixes showed an improvement in strength with aging. The difference between the strength of SW and FW concretes reduced with aging. The PP fiber showed phenomenal improvements in the tensile properties of SW and FW concretes. At the addition of 0.3% PP fiber, SW yielded 56% and 48% higher splitting tensile and flexural strength than plain FW concrete at 28 days, respectively. The use of 0.15% of PP fiber caused notable reductions of around 20% in the water absorption (WA) capacity and a 12–20% reduction in chloride ion permeability (CIP) of SW concrete. The incorporation of PP fiber increases the number of drying–wetting cycles to initiate the erosion of SW and FW concretes in a simulated environment. The use of 0.15% PP fiber is beneficial, as compared to 0.3% PP fiber to control the tidal erosion of SW and FW concretes. After exposure to 126 drying–wetting cycles (stimulated tidal erosion), the mass loss of SW concrete was reduced from 0.56% to 0.22%.
The COMPASS Complex Regulates Fungal Development and Virulence through Histone Crosstalk in the Fungal Pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Liu Ruoyan , Chen Xiaoyu , Zhao Fujie , Jiang Yixuan , Lu Zhenguo , Ji Huining , Feng Yuanyuan , Li Junqiang , Zhang Heng , Zheng Jianting , Zhang Jing , Zhao Youbao
Published: June 2023

The Complex of Proteins Associated with Set1 (COMPASS) methylates lysine K4 on histone H3 (H3K4) and is conserved from yeast to humans. Its subunits and regulatory roles in the meningitis-causing fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans remain unknown. Here we identified the core subunits of the COMPASS complex in C. neoformans and C. deneoformans and confirmed their conserved roles in H3K4 methylation. Through AlphaFold modeling, we found that Set1, Bre2, Swd1, and Swd3 form the catalytic core of the COMPASS complex and regulate the cryptococcal yeast-to-hypha transition, thermal tolerance, and virulence. The COMPASS complex-mediated histone H3K4 methylation requires H2B mono-ubiquitination by Rad6/Bre1 and the Paf1 complex in order to activate the expression of genes specific for the yeast-to-hypha transition in C. deneoformans. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that putative COMPASS subunits function as a unified complex, contributing to cryptococcal development and virulence.
Optimization of Green Spaces in Plain Urban Areas to Enhance Carbon Sequestration
Authors: Tao Peiyuan , Lin Ye , Wang Xing , Li Jiayan , Ma Chao , Wang Zhenkun , Dong Xinyue , Yao Peng , Shao Ming
Published: June 2023

Global climate change and rapid urbanization have placed enormous pressure on the urban ecological environment worldwide. Urban green spaces, which are an important component of urban ecosystems, can maintain ecological and environmental sustainability and benefits, including biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. However, land use changes across urban landscapes, especially in plain urban areas with high development pressure, have significantly impacted the carbon sequestration efficiency of urban green spaces. Nevertheless, research examining the impact of land use change and development pressure on urban green spaces and carbon sequestration is relatively scarce. Understanding the carbon sequestration efficiency of urban green spaces and its determining factors will help predict future carbon capture trends within urban ecosystems and formulate more targeted sustainable urban planning and management strategies to improve urban carbon sink efficiency and achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. Therefore, to understand the factors affecting the carbon sequestration efficiency of urban green spaces, this paper used an integrated framework that combined the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach (CASA) model, landscape pattern index, multiple linear regression, and Markov–FLUS model. The study explored the impact of urban land use and land cover changes on carbon sequestration within the plain urban areas of Beijing at street scale. The results showed that, at street scale, there was a significant positive and negative correlation between the landscape pattern index and net primary productivity (NPP). In addition, the green spaces located in areas with more complex landscape structures had better carbon sequestration benefits. In addition, multiscenario carbon sequestration efficiency prediction suggested that the sustainable development (SD) scenario could achieve a positive increment of overall NPP. In contrast, the business-as-usual development (BD), the fast development (FD), and the low development (LD) scenarios showed a downward trend in NPP. This paper also proposed strategies for optimizing and enhancing green spaces within urban plain areas. Based on the strategies, the results guide decision making for sustainable urban green space planning that maintains the ecological, economic, and social integrity of urban landscapes during urbanization.
The Influential Factors of the Habitat Quality of the Red-crowned Crane: A Case Study of Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Wang Yuxun , Fang Liang , Liu Chao , Wang Lanxin , Xu Huimei
Published: June 2023

In order to effectively protect the habitat of cranes, this study constructs an indicator evaluation system based on the ecology–economy–society complex system and adopts the comprehensive “entropy weight method and analytic hierarchy process” evaluation model and coupled coordination model to scientifically measure the degree of coordinated development of the EES system in Yancheng. Further, a negative binomial regression model based on LASSO was used to analyze the key factors affecting the habitat quality of red-crowned cranes, and a support vector regression model was used to predict the population size of the cranes. The results show that the degree of the coordinated development of the EES system exhibited a fluctuating upward phenomenon, and the population size of the cranes also had a similar evolutionary trend, which indicates that the interaction between the two was significant and that the degree of the coordinated development of the system had a positive impact on the quality of the habitat of the cranes. Three types of ecological indicators (normalized difference vegetation index, annual precipitation, and soil erosion area) and three types of social indicators (natural growth rate, rural Engel coefficient, and public library collection) are the key factors affecting the population size of the cranes. The prediction results of the support vector regression model showed that the population of the cranes showed a fluctuating upward trend during the prediction interval, with a maximum of 952 cranes and an overall growth rate of 69.70%. The population size of the cranes is related to human social activities and the surrounding ecological environment, and the main reason for the decline in the population size of the cranes is the destruction of the local vegetation cover by the rapidly growing population and frequent human activities. Therefore, to improve the habitat quality of the cranes, local government departments need to strengthen the publicity of wildlife conservation, reduce agricultural land reclamation and pesticide pollution, and promote the coordinated development of the EES system in the Yancheng area.
Long-Term Impact of Ground Deformation on Vegetation in an Underground Mining Area: Its Mechanism and Suggestions for Revegetation
Authors: Mi Jiaxin , Hou Huping , Jin Zhifeng , Yang Xiaoyan , Hua Yifei
Published: June 2023

Ground deformation is one of the most common geological disasters arising in underground mining areas, and mining-induced environmental impacts have resulted in numerous concerns, especially the impacts on the surface vegetation. The evaluation of mining-induced impacts on vegetation is beneficial to revegetation in mining areas; however, the impacts of ground deformation have seldom been systematically evaluated and explained on long time scales despite the long-term existence of ground deformation in underground mining areas. To address this, in this study a vegetation-soil-climate (VSC) model was developed to evaluate the long-term impacts of ground deformation on vegetation, and to reveal its mechanism. The results revealed that the long-term impacts of ground deformation on vegetation result from the degradation of the vegetation and soil when ground deformation occurs, which thereby limits the growth and succession of plants after the ground deformation has occurred. The intensity of the long-term impacts is determined by the severity of the ground deformation, but the duration, climate factors, the substrate conditions of the vegetation and soil before the deformation, and the natural change coefficient of the vegetation and soil are also relevant. Furthermore, the characteristics of the long-term impacts on vegetation were analyzed, and a framework for implementing revegetation and suggestions for the supervision of revegetation in underground mining areas are presented based on the characteristics. The results of this study provide insights into the impacts of mining-induced ground deformation on vegetation on long time scales, considering the comprehensive interactions between the vegetation and other environmental factors, and provide theoretical support for revegetation in underground mining areas.
Aerobic Fitness as an Important Moderator Risk Factor for Loneliness in Physically Trained Older People: An Explanatory Case Study Using Machine Learning
Authors: Encarnação Samuel , Vaz Paula , Fortunato Álvaro , Forte Pedro , Vaz Cátia , Monteiro António
Published: June 2023

Background: Loneliness in older people seems to have emerged as an increasingly prevalent social problem. Objective: To apply a machine learning (ML) algorithm to the task of understanding the influence of sociodemographic variables, physical fitness, physical activity levels (PAL), and sedentary behavior (SB) on the loneliness feelings of physically trained older people. Materials and Methods: The UCLA loneliness scale was used to evaluate loneliness, the Functional Fitness Test Battery was used to evaluate the correlation of sociodemographic variables, physical fitness, PAL, and SB in the loneliness feelings scores of 23 trained older people (19 women and 4 men). For this purpose, a naive Bayes ML algorithm was applied. Results: After analysis, we inferred that aerobic fitness (AF), hand grip strength (HG), and upper limb strength (ULS) comprised the most relevant variables panel to cause high participant loneliness with 100% accuracy and F-1 score. Conclusions: The naive Bayes algorithm with leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) predicted loneliness in trained older with a high precision. In addition, AF was the most potent variable in reducing loneliness risk.
Air Pollution and microRNAs: The Role of Association in Airway Inflammation
Authors: Furci Fabiana , Allegra Alessandro , Tonacci Alessandro , Isola Stefania , Senna Gianenrico , Pioggia Giovanni , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: June 2023

Air pollution exposure plays a key role in the alteration of gene expression profiles, which can be regulated by microRNAs, inducing the development of various diseases. Moreover, there is also evidence of sensitivity of miRNAs to environmental factors, including tobacco smoke. Various diseases are related to specific microRNA signatures, suggesting their potential role in pathophysiological processes; considering their association with environmental pollutants, they could become novel biomarkers of exposure. Therefore, the aim of the present work is to analyse data reported in the literature on the role of environmental stressors on microRNA alterations and, in particular, to identify specific alterations that might be related to the development of airway diseases so as to propose future preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Bone Nanomechanics in Hip Fracture and Aging
Authors: Stavri Richard , Tay Tabitha , Wiles Crispin C. , Di Federico Erica , Boughton Oliver , Ma Shaocheng , Karunaratne Angelo , Churchwell John H. , Bhattacharya Rajarshi , Terrill Nicholas J. , Cobb Justin P. , Hansen Ulrich , Abel Richard L.
Published: June 2023

Bone mechanics is well understood at every length scale except the nano-level. We aimed to investigate the relationship between bone nanoscale and tissue-level mechanics experimentally. We tested two hypotheses: (1) nanoscale strains were lower in hip fracture patients versus controls, and (2) nanoscale mineral and fibril strains were inversely correlated with aging and fracture. A cross-sectional sample of trabecular bone sections was prepared from the proximal femora of two human donor groups (aged 44–94 years): an aging non-fracture control group (n = 17) and a hip-fracture group (n = 20). Tissue, fibril, and mineral strain were measured simultaneously using synchrotron X-ray diffraction during tensile load to failure, then compared between groups using unpaired t-tests and correlated with age using Pearson’s correlation. Controls exhibited significantly greater peak tissue, mineral, and fibril strains than the hip fracture (all p < 0.05). Age was associated with a decrease in peak tissue (p = 0.099) and mineral (p = 0.004) strain, but not fibril strain (p = 0.260). Overall, hip fracture and aging were associated with changes in the nanoscale strain that are reflected at the tissue level. Data must be interpreted within the limitations of the observational cross-sectional study design, so we propose two new hypotheses on the importance of nanomechanics. (1) Hip fracture risk is increased by low tissue strain, which can be caused by low collagen or mineral strain. (2) Age-related loss of tissue strain is dependent on the loss of mineral but not fibril strain. Novel insights into bone nano- and tissue-level mechanics could provide a platform for the development of bone health diagnostics and interventions based on failure mechanisms from the nanoscale up.
Anti-Proliferative Effect of Radiotherapy and Implication of Immunotherapy in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Wächter Sabine , Roth Silvia , Gercke Norman , Schötz Ulrike , Dikomey Ekkehard , Engenhart-Cabillic Rita , Maurer Elisabeth , Bartsch Detlef , Di Fazio Pietro
Published: June 2023

Radiotherapy and immunotherapy have shown promising efficacy for the treatment of solid malignancies. Here, we aim to clarify the potential of a combined application of radiotherapy and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) monoclonal antibody atezolizumab in primary anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) cells. The radiation caused a significant reduction in cell proliferation, measured by luminescence, and of the number of colonies. The addition of atezolizumab caused a further reduction in cell proliferation of the irradiated ATC cells. However, the combined treatment did not cause either the exposure of the phosphatidylserine or the necrosis, assessed by luminescence/fluorescence. Additionally, a reduction in both uncleaved and cleaved forms of caspases 8 and 3 proteins was detectable in radiated cells. The DNA damage evidenced the over-expression of TP53, CDKN1A and CDKN1B transcripts detected by RT-qPCR and the increase in the protein level of P-γH2AX and the DNA repair deputed kinases. PD-L1 protein level increased in ATC cells after radiation. Radiotherapy caused the reduction in cell viability and an increase of PD-L1-expression, but not apoptotic cell death in ATC cells. The further combination with the immunotherapeutic atezolizumab could increase the efficacy of radiotherapy in terms of reduction in cell proliferation. Further analysis of the involvement of alternative cell death mechanisms is necessary to clarify their cell demise mechanism of action. Their efficacy represents a promising therapy for patients affected by ATC.
The Enhancement of Overall Performance of Lubricating Grease by Adding Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Li Yong , Zhou Weidong , Xue Wanan , Huang Yongwang , Zhang Qiang , Han Jingbin
Published: June 2023

In this work, MgAl-layered double hydroxides (LDH) were synthesized by co-precipitation method using a colloid mill and characterized by XRD and SEM. It was found that the environmentally friendly LDHs had greater performance than the traditional antioxidant. By adding LDHs into large electric shovel grease (GRK-A) in open-pit coal mine, the service lifetime of grease was extended by 20%. With the increase in LDH addition, the grease sample attains greater activation energy, and the thermal oxidation and decomposition resistance become stronger. Comparing the energy storage modulus and flow transition index at different temperatures, adding the right amount of LDHs needs close attention for the system oxidation resistance and viscoelasticity. For the electric shovel grease, the best oxidation resistance and rheological properties can be achieved by adding 2% of LDHs. The rheological viscosity–temperature curves show that the grease samples with different ratios of solid LDHs have better low-temperature properties than the mine grease. This work outlines a simple method for creating an environmentally sustainable lubricant additive with the use of LDH. LDH serves as a novel inorganic antioxidant additive that is optimal for open gear lubrication and sliding friction.
Non-Standard and Null Lagrangians for Nonlinear Dynamical Systems and Their Role in Population Dynamics
Authors: Pham Diana T. , Musielak Zdzislaw E.
Published: June 2023

Non-standard Lagrangians do not display any discernible energy-like terms, yet they give the same equations of motion as standard Lagrangians, which have easily identifiable energy-like terms. A new method to derive non-standard Lagrangians for second-order nonlinear differential equations with damping is developed and the limitations of this method are explored. It is shown that the limitations do not exist only for those nonlinear dynamical systems that can be converted into linear ones. The obtained results are applied to selected population dynamics models for which non-standard Lagrangians and their corresponding null Lagrangians and gauge functions are derived, and their roles in the population dynamics are discussed.
On the Structure of the Mislin Genus of a Pullback
Authors: Tonisi Thandile , Kwashira Rugare , Mba Jules
Published: June 2023

The notion of genus for finitely generated nilpotent groups was introduced by Mislin. Two finitely generated nilpotent groups Q and R belong to the same genus set G(Q) if and only if the two groups are nonisomorphic, but for each prime p, their p-localizations Qp and Rp are isomorphic. Mislin and Hilton introduced the structure of a finite abelian group on the genus if the group Q has a finite commutator subgroup. In this study, we consider the class of finitely generated infinite nilpotent groups with a finite commutator subgroup. We construct a pullback Ht from the l-equivalences Hi→H and Hj→H, t≡(i+j)mods, where s=|G(H)|, and compare its genus to that of H. Furthermore, we consider a pullback L of a direct product G×K of groups in this class. Here, we prove results on the group L and prove that its genus is nontrivial.
Geometric Probability Analysis of Meeting Probability and Intersection Duration for Triple Event Concurrency
Authors: Al Bataineh Mohammad , Al-qudah Zouhair , Abdrabou Atef , Sandokah Ayman N.
Published: June 2023

This study investigates the dynamics of three discrete independent events occurring randomly and repeatedly within the interval [0,T]. Each event spans a predetermined fraction γ of the total interval length T before concluding. Three independent continuous random variables represent the starting times of these events, uniformly distributed over the time interval [0,T]. By employing a geometric probability approach, we derive a rigorous closed-form expression for the probability of the joint occurrence of these three events, taking into account various values of the fraction γ. Additionally, we determine the expected value of the intersection duration of the three events within the time interval [0,T]. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive solution for evaluating the expected number of trials required for the simultaneous occurrence of these events. Numerous numerical examples support the theoretical analysis presented in this paper, further validating our findings.
High Wnt2 Expression Confers Poor Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer, and Represents a Novel Therapeutic Target in BRAF-Mutated Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Liu Huan , Zhang Lihua , Wang Ye , Wu Rendi , Shen Chenjie , Li Guifang , Shi Shiqi , Mao Yong , Hua Dong
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: We aimed to investigate the role of Wnt2 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) prognosis and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic target in BRAF-mutated CRC. Materials and Methods: Exactly 136 samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded CRC tissue specimens were obtained from patients who underwent surgical resection for CRC. The gene mutation status of the samples was detected using fluorescence PCR. Wnt2 expression was detected using immunohistochemistry. Survival curves with high Wnt2 expression and BRAF mutations were compared using the Kaplan–Meier method. A nomogram was constructed to determine the estimated overall survival probability. We also predicted the 3-year and 5-year survival rates for patients with high Wnt2 expression and BRAF mutations. In total, 50 samples of BRAF-mutated CRC were collected and detected Wnt2 expression by immunohistochemistry. The Chi-squared test was used to analyze the association between Wnt2 expression and BRAF-mutated CRC. Results: High Wnt2 expression and BRAF mutations are associated with poor prognosis of CRC. Multivariate survival analyses indicated that high Wnt2 expression and BRAF mutations are significant independent predictors of CRC prognosis. Furthermore, high Wnt2 expression was significantly associated with BRAF-mutated CRC, and Wnt2 may be a potential therapeutic target for BRAF-mutated CRC. Conclusions: High Wnt2 expression confers poor prognosis in colorectal cancer and represents a novel therapeutic target in BRAF-mutated CRC.
Prognostic Value of HIF-1α-Induced Genes in Sepsis/Septic Shock
Authors: Lotsios Nikolaos S. , Keskinidou Chrysi , Jahaj Edison , Mastora Zafeiria , Dimopoulou Ioanna , Orfanos Stylianos E. , Vassilaki Niki , Vassiliou Alice G. , Kotanidou Anastasia
Published: June 2023

Hypoxia is characterized as one of the main consequences of sepsis, which is recognized as the leading cause of death in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. In this study, we aimed to examine whether the expression levels of genes regulated under hypoxia could be utilized as novel biomarkers for sepsis prognosis in ICU patients. Whole blood expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF1A), interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), hexokinase 2 (HK2), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA), heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1), erythropoietin (EPO), and the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were measured on ICU admission in 46 critically ill, initially non-septic patients. The patients were subsequently divided into two groups, based on the development of sepsis and septic shock (n = 25) or lack thereof (n = 21). HMOX1 mRNA expression was increased in patients who developed sepsis/septic shock compared to the non-septic group (p < 0.0001). The ROC curve, multivariate logistic regression, and Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that HMOX1 expression could be utilized for sepsis and septic shock development probability. Overall, our results indicate that HMOX1 mRNA levels have the potential to be a valuable predictive factor for the prognosis of sepsis and septic shock in ICU patients.
Modelling the Performance of Electrically Conductive Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Kapitonov Alexey A. , Ryzhkov Ilya I.
Published: June 2023

Electrically conductive membranes are a class of stimuli-responsive materials, which allow the adjustment of selectivity for and the rejection of charged species by varying the surface potential. The electrical assistance provides a powerful tool for overcoming the selectivity–permeability trade-off due to its interaction with charged solutes, allowing the passage of neutral solvent molecules. In this work, a mathematical model for the nanofiltration of binary aqueous electrolytes by an electrically conductive membrane is proposed. The model takes into account the steric as well as Donnan exclusion of charged species due to the simultaneous presence of chemical and electronic surface charges. It is shown that the rejection reaches its minimum at the potential of zero charge (PZC), where the electronic and chemical charges compensate for each other. The rejection increases when the surface potential varies in positive and negative directions with respect to the PZC. The proposed model is successfully applied to a description of experimental data on the rejection of salts and anionic dyes by PANi–PSS/CNT and MXene/CNT nanofiltration membranes. The results provide new insights into the selectivity mechanisms of conductive membranes and can be employed to describe electrically enhanced nanofiltration processes.
Integrated Electrocoagulation, Ultrafiltration, Membrane Distillation, and Crystallization for Treating Produced Water
Authors: Jebur Mahmood , Bachynska Yelyzaveta , Hao Xiaolei , Wickramasinghe Sumith Ranil
Published: June 2023

Produced water (PW) generated from hydraulic fracturing operations was treated using an integrated electrocoagulation, ultrafiltration, membrane distillation, and crystallization process (EC UF MDC). The aim was to determine the viability of this integrated process for maximizing water recovery. The results obtained here indicate that optimizing the various unit operations could lead to increased recovery of PW. Membrane fouling limits all membrane separation processes. A pretreatment step to suppress fouling is essential. Here, removal of total suspended solids (TSS) and total organic carbon (TOC) was achieved by electrocoagulation (EC) followed by ultrafiltration (UF). The hydrophobic membrane used in membrane distillation may be fouled by dissolved organic compounds. Reducing membrane fouling is essential to increase the long-term durability of the membrane distillation (MD) system. In addition, combining membrane distillation with crystallization (MDC) can help reduce scale formation. By inducing crystallization in the feed tank, scale formation on the MD membrane was suppressed. The integrated EC UF MDC process can impact Water Resources/Oil & Gas Companies. Conservation of surface and groundwater is possible by treating and reusing PW. Additionally, treating PW reduces the amount of PW disposed in Class II disposal wells and promotes more environmentally sustainable operations.
Evolution of Microstructures, Texture and Mechanical Properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu Alloy under Different Welding Speeds during Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Luo Zhang , Sun Youping , Li Wangzhen , He Jiangmei , Luo Guojian , Liu Huashen
Published: June 2023

The effects of different welding speeds on the microstructures and mechanical properties of Al-0.75Mg-0.75Si-0.8Cu alloys were investigated using optical metallographic microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, an ETM105D electronic universal testing machine and field emission electron microscopy (SEM). The results reveal that during the friction stir welding process, the welded joint forms the base material (BM), heat-affected zone (HAZ), thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) and nugget zone (NZ), under the action of shear force and friction heat. The textures present in the BM are mainly C ({001}<100>) recrystallised cubic texture and P({110}<112>) recrystallised texture, Goss (G) texture, brass (B) texture and {112}<110> rotating copper texture. The organisation of the NZ undergoes dynamic recrystallisation, forming fine isometric crystals with large angular grain boundaries, accounting for more than 75% of the total. The geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs) in the NZ grow as the welding speed rises. Moreover, {111}<11−0> and {111}<1−10> shearing textures, {001}<110> recrystallisation textures and fibre textures are mainly present in NZs. The average grain size in the NZ was the smallest, and the mechanical properties were the best at a welding speed of 125 mm/min. The grain size and the tensile strength and elongation of the NZ were 2.945 µm, 200.7 MPa and 12.7% for the joint at a welding speed of 125 mm/min, respectively.
Improving the Performance of a Post-Buckled Beam Harvester under Combined External and Parametrical Slow Excitations
Authors: Zhou Yue , Cui Jinchao , Jiang Wenan
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we consider novel bursting energy harvesting under combined external and parametrical slow excitations, and a harvester is realized by employing an externally and parametrically excited post-buckled beam. Based on the method of fast–slow dynamics analysis, multiple-frequency oscillation, with two slow commensurate excitation frequencies, is used to observe complex bursting patterns, the behaviors of the bursting response are presented, and some novel one-parameter bifurcation patterns are observed. Furthermore, the bursting harvesting performances of the single and the two slow commensurate excitation frequencies are compared, and it was found that the two slow commensurate excitation frequencies can be used to improve the harvesting voltage.
Lateral Flow Assay for Hepatitis B Detection: A Review of Current and New Assays
Authors: Abu Norhidayah , Mohd Bakhori Noremylia , Shueb Rafidah Hanim
Published: June 2023

From acute to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular cancer, hepatitis B infection causes a broad spectrum of liver diseases. Molecular and serological tests have been used to diagnose hepatitis B-related illnesses. Due to technology limitations, it is challenging to identify hepatitis B infection cases at an early stage, particularly in a low- and middle-income country with constrained resources. Generally, the gold-standard methods to detect hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection requires dedicated personnel, bulky, expensive equipment and reagents, and long processing times which delay the diagnosis of HBV. Thus, lateral flow assay (LFA), which is inexpensive, straightforward, portable, and operates reliably, has dominated point-of-care diagnostics. LFA consists of four parts: a sample pad where samples are dropped; a conjugate pad where labeled tags and biomarker components are combined; a nitrocellulose membrane with test and control lines for target DNA-probe DNA hybridization or antigen-antibody interaction; and a wicking pad where waste is stored. By modifying the pre-treatment during the sample preparation process or enhancing the signal of the biomarker probes on the membrane pad, the accuracy of the LFA for qualitative and quantitative analysis can be improved. In this review, we assembled the most recent developments in LFA technologies for the progress of hepatitis B infection detection. Prospects for ongoing development in this area are also covered.
Valorization of Using Agro-Wastes for Levan through Submerged Fermentation and Statistical Optimization of the Process Variables Applying Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Design
Authors: Saeed Shagufta , Ahmed Sibtain , Naz Alina , Arooj Fariha , Mehmood Tahir
Published: June 2023

Levan is a homopolysaccharide of fructose units that repeat as its structural core. As an exopolysaccharide (EPS), it is produced by a great variety of microorganisms and a small number of plant species. The principal substrate used for levan production in industries, i.e., sucrose, is expensive and, hence, the manufacturing process requires an inexpensive substrate. As a result, the current research was designed to evaluate the potential of sucrose-rich fruit peels, i.e., mango peels, banana peels, apple peels, and sugarcane bagasse, to produce levan using Bacillus subtilis via submerged fermentation. After screening, the highest levan-producing substrate, mango peel, was used to optimize several process parameters (temperature, incubation time, pH, inoculum volume, and agitation speed) employing the central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM), and their impact on levan production was assessed. After incubation for 64 h at 35 °C and pH 7.5, the addition of 2 mL of inoculum, and agitation at 180 rpm, the highest production of levan was 0.717 g/L of mango peel hydrolysate (obtained from 50 g of mango peels/liter of distilled water). The F-value of 50.53 and p-value 0.001 were calculated using the RSM statistical tool to verify that the planned model was highly significant. The selected model’s accuracy was proven by a high value (98.92%) of the coefficient of determination (R2). The results obtained from ANOVA made it clear that the influence of agitation speed alone on levan biosynthesis was statistically significant (p-value = 0.0001). The functional groups of levan produced were identified using FTIR (Fourier-transform ionization radiation). The sugars present in the levan were measured using HPLC and the levan was found to contain only fructose. The average molecular weight of the levan was 7.6 × 106 KDa. The findings revealed that levan can be efficiently produced by submerged fermentation using inexpensive substrate, i.e., fruit peels. Furthermore, these optimized cultural conditions can be applied on a commercial scale for industrial production and commercialization of levan.