bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Argan Oil Phytosterols, Schottenol and Spinasterol, Attenuate Oxidative Stress and Restore LPS-Dysregulated Peroxisomal Functions in Acox1−/− and Wild-Type BV-2 Microglial Cells
Authors: Essadek Soukaina , Gondcaille Catherine , Savary Stéphane , Samadi Mohammad , Vamecq Joseph , Lizard Gérard , El Kebbaj Riad , Latruffe Norbert , Benani Alexandre , Nasser Boubker , Cherkaoui-Malki Mustapha , Andreoletti Pierre
Published: January 2023

Oxidative stress and inflammation are the key players in neuroinflammation, in which microglia dysfunction plays a central role. Previous studies suggest that argan oil attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and peroxisome dysfunction in mouse brains. In this study, we explored the effects of two major argan oil (AO) phytosterols, Schottenol (Schot) and Spinasterol (Spina), on oxidative stress, inflammation, and peroxisomal dysfunction in two murine microglial BV-2 cell lines, wild-ype (Wt) and Acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (Acox1)-deficient cells challenged with LPS treatment. Herein, we used an MTT test to reveal no cytotoxicity for both phytosterols with concentrations up to 5 µM. In the LPS-activated microglial cells, cotreatment with each of these phytosterols caused a significant decrease in intracellular ROS production and the NO level released in the culture medium. Additionally, Schot and Spina were able to attenuate the LPS-dependent strong induction of Il-1β and Tnf-α mRNA levels, as well as the iNos gene and protein expression in both Wt and Acox1−/− microglial cells. On the other hand, LPS treatment impacted both the peroxisomal antioxidant capacity and the fatty acid oxidation pathway. However, both Schot and Spina treatments enhanced ACOX1 activity in the Wt BV-2 cells and normalized the catalase activity in both Wt and Acox1−/− microglial cells. These data suggest that Schot and Spina can protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation and their harmful consequences for peroxisomal functions and the homeostasis of microglial cells. Collectively, our work provides a compelling argument for the protective mechanisms of two major argan oil phytosterols against LPS-induced brain neuroinflammation.
Bilirubin Levels Are Negatively Correlated with Adiposity in Obese Men and Women, and Its Catabolized Product, Urobilin, Is Positively Associated with Insulin Resistance
Authors: Kipp Zachary A. , Xu Mei , Bates Evelyn A. , Lee Wang-Hsin , Kern Philip A. , Hinds Terry D.
Published: January 2023

Bilirubin levels in obese humans and rodents have been shown to be lower than in their lean counterparts. Some studies have proposed that the glucuronyl UGT1A1 enzyme that clears bilirubin from the blood increases in the liver with obesity. UGT1A1 clearance of bilirubin allows more conjugated bilirubin to enter the intestine, where it is catabolized into urobilin, which can be then absorbed via the hepatic portal vein. We hypothesized that when bilirubin levels are decreased, the urobilin increases in the plasma of obese humans, as compared to lean humans. To test this, we measured plasma levels of bilirubin and urobilin, body mass index (BMI), adiposity, blood glucose and insulin, and HOMA IR in a small cohort of obese and lean men and women. We found that bilirubin levels negatively correlated with BMI and adiposity in obese men and women, as compared to their lean counterparts. Contrarily, urobilin levels were positively associated with adiposity and BMI. Only obese women were found to be insulin resistant based on significantly higher HOMA IR, as compared to lean women. The urobilin levels were positively associated with HOMA IR in both groups, but women had a stronger linear correlation. These studies indicate that plasma urobilin levels are associated with obesity and its comorbidities, such as insulin resistance.
uDMA: An Efficient User-Level DMA for NVMe SSDs
Authors: Zhu Jinbin , Wang Liang , Xiao Limin , Qin Guangjun
Published: January 2023

The Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) SSD provides high I/O performance for current computer systems, and direct memory access (DMA) is the critical enabling mechanism for direct I/O. However, the lengthy I/O stack becomes a new bottleneck that degrades the potential of NVMe SSD. This paper reveals that existing user-level DMA introduces additional overhead for pinning memory used by DMA from the user space. Moreover, it cannot adapt to I/O requests of different data sizes. This paper proposes an efficient and dynamically adaptive user-level DMA (uDMA) mechanism that can adapt to I/O requests for different data sizes and lighten the I/O software stack by amortizing per-request latency. The critical component of uDMA is the pinned memory pool, which avoids frequently pinning new memory blocks by reusing allocated and pinned memory blocks. In addition, it effectively connects the discrete pinned memory blocks by the scatter/gather lists, improving the utilization of the pinned memory pool. Compared with the latest user-level DMA method, uDMA has an improvement of at least 17% under various data sizes.
Real-Time Interaction for 3D Pixel Human in Virtual Environment
Authors: Deng Haoke , Zhang Qimeng , Jin Hongyu , Kim Chang-Hun
Published: January 2023

Conducting realistic interactions while communicating efficiently in online conferences is highly desired but challenging. In this work, we propose a novel pixel-style virtual avatar for interacting with virtual objects in virtual conferences that can be generated in real-time. It consists of a 2D segmented head video stream for real-time facial expressions and a 3D point cloud body for realistic interactions, both of which are generated from RGB video input of a monocular webcam. We obtain a human-only video stream with a human matting method and generate the 3D avatar’s arms with a 3D pose estimation method, which improves the stereoscopic realism and sense of interaction of conference participants while interacting with virtual objects. Our approach fills the gap between 2D video conferences and 3D virtual avatars and combines the advantages of both. We evaluated our pixel-style avatar by conducting a user study; the result proved that the efficiency of our method is superior to other various existing avatar types.
FACES: A Deep-Learning-Based Parametric Model to Improve Rosacea Diagnoses
Authors: Park Seungman , Chien Anna L. , Lin Beiyu , Li Keva
Published: January 2023

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that causes visible blood vessels and redness on the nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead. However, visual assessment, the current standard method used to identify rosacea, is often subjective among clinicians and results in high variation. Recent advances in artificial intelligence have allowed for the effective detection of various skin diseases with high accuracy and consistency. In this study, we develop a new methodology, coined “five accurate CNNs-based evaluation system (FACES)”, to identify and classify rosacea more efficiently. First, 19 CNN-based models that have been widely used for image classification were trained and tested via training and validation data sets. Next, the five best performing models were selected based on accuracy, which served as a weight value for FACES. At the same time, we also applied a majority rule to five selected models to detect rosacea. The results exhibited that the performance of FACES was superior to that of the five individual CNN-based models and the majority rule in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and precision. In particular, the accuracy and sensitivity of FACES were the highest, and the specificity and precision were higher than most of the individual models. To improve the performance of our system, future studies must consider patient details, such as age, gender, and race, and perform comparison tests between our model system and clinicians.
Analysis of Deep Learning-Based Decision-Making in an Emotional Spontaneous Speech Task
Authors: de Velasco Mikel , Justo Raquel , López Zorrilla Asier , Torres María Inés
Published: January 2023

In this work, we present an approach to understand the computational methods and decision-making involved in the identification of emotions in spontaneous speech. The selected task consists of Spanish TV debates, which entail a high level of complexity as well as additional subjectivity in the human perception-based annotation procedure. A simple convolutional neural model is proposed, and its behaviour is analysed to explain its decision-making. The proposed model slightly outperforms commonly used CNN architectures such as VGG16, while being much lighter. Internal layer-by-layer transformations of the input spectrogram are visualised and analysed. Finally, a class model visualisation is proposed as a simple interpretation approach whose usefulness is assessed in the work.
Applied Sciences—Special Issue on Emerging Techniques in Imaging, Modelling and Visualization for Cardiovascular Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Linte Cristian A. , Pop Mihaela
Published: January 2023

Ongoing developments in computing and data acquisition, along with continuous advances in medical imaging technology, computational modelling, robotics and visualization have revolutionized many medical specialties and, in particular, diagnostic and interventional cardiology [...]
Ni/Fe Bimetallic Ions Co-Doped Manganese Dioxide Cathode Materials for Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries
Authors: Gao Feifei , Shi Wenchao , Jiang Bowen , Xia Zhenzhi , Zhang Lei , An Qinyou
Published: January 2023

The slow diffusion dynamics hinder aqueous MnO2/Zn batteries’ further development. Here, a Ni/Fe bimetallic co-doped MnO2 (NFMO) cathode material was studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculation and experimental characterization techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). The results indicated that the energy band structure and electronic state of MnO2 were effectively optimized due to the simultaneous incorporation of strongly electronegative Ni and Fe ions. Consequently, the NFMO cathode material exhibited a faster charge transfer and ion diffusion dynamics than MnO2 (MO), thus, the assembled NFMO/Zn batteries delivered excellent rate performance (181 mA h g−1 at 3 A g−1). The bimetallic ions co-doping strategy provides new directions for the development of oxide cathode materials towards high-performance aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
Revolutionary Dentistry through Blockchain Technology
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Norouzi Kimia , Ghodsi Alireza , Huang Xu
Published: January 2023

Multitudinous health data are continually being produced as our activities, including medicine, evolve into the digital age where data plays a decisive role. Challenges come along as well, concerning the collection, secure storage, verification and secure access to the continuously growing data at such a broad scale before valuable information can be extracted to contribute to medical advancement nowadays. With the decentralization feature, huge successes of blockchain technology in overcoming similar challenges in the finance and cryptocurrency sector brought us the confidence to investigate and reveal its immeasurable potential for the health sector, specifically in dentistry. Dentistry is an important area of healthcare, but there is relatively little research focusing on its interactions with blockchain technology. Given the limited amount of existing research on this specific subject, this paper focuses on blockchain in dentistry and aims to provide a conceptual framework for the possible applications of blockchain in dentistry. The framework is organised by different areas of dentistry operations so that dental professionals can easily refer to and identify areas of interest. This contributes to increasing the awareness of blockchain technology among dental professionals and promoting blockchain-empowered revolutions in dentistry. This paper also discusses how blockchain fits alongside other emerging technologies, the challenges that have to be overcome to maximise the functionality and efficiency of this technology, as well as future research directions concerning blockchain implementations in the dental industry.
Hybrid Therapeutic Device (CUHK-OA-M2) for Relieving Symptoms Induced by Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zou Li , Chu Kisum , He Xuan , Li Ye , Zhou Liangbin , Xu Xiayi , Liao Wei-Hsin , Qin Ling
Published: January 2023

The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) severely affect the life quality of the elderly population. Low-level laser therapy, heat therapy, and massage therapy are widely used as independent treatments for joint disorders. However, there are very limited reports of a combination of these therapies into an integrated device for KOA so far. This study aims to develop a novel hybrid therapeutic device that can meet various requirements for knee therapy. Our hybrid therapeutic device (CUHK-OA-M2) integrated with low-level laser therapy, heat therapy, and local massage therapy can effectively provide patients with KOA with relief from their clinical symptoms. A pilot test of 50 community-dwelling elderly volunteers with KOA was performed. Finally, 43 volunteers completed two treatment periods (30 days each) and two post-treatment periods (30 days each). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were collected and analyzed after each period. The outputs of the low-level laser, heating, and massage therapies significantly decreased the WOMAC scores in terms of pain, stiffness, function and total WOMAC after two treatment periods (p < 0.05). Although the score increased slightly after the post-treatment period, it was still lower than the baseline, indicating the treatment outcome could last for an extended period. Therefore, our CUHK-OA-M2 device, as an integrated multi-functional hybrid therapeutic device, is therapeutically significant for treating osteoarthritis symptoms on the knee joints of elderly subjects.
Estimating Effects of Sea Level Rise on Benthic Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning in a Large Meso-Tidal Coastal Lagoon
Authors: Dixon Olivia , Gammal Johanna , Clark Dana , Ellis Joanne I. , Pilditch Conrad A.
Published: January 2023

Estuaries are among the world’s most productive ecosystems, but due to their geographic location, they are at the forefront of anthropogenic pressures. Sea level rise (SLR) is one major consequence of climate change that poses a threat to estuaries with extensive intertidal habitats. The ecological implications of intertidal habitat loss have been largely overlooked despite their likely significance. We aimed to address this knowledge gap by investigating how benthic macroinvertebrate communities and their contributions to ecosystem function are likely to respond to SLR. Based on a spatially extensive dataset (119 sites) from a large coastal lagoon, depth, sediment chlorophyll concentrations, mud content, and average current speed were identified as the main drivers of community compositional turnover. Shifts in benthic community structure and associated functional implications were then evaluated using depth as a proxy for SLR. Three main macrofaunal groups representing intertidal, shallow subtidal, and deep subtidal habitats were identified. Functional trait analysis indicated low functional redundancy for a key intertidal suspension-feeding bivalve (Austrovenus stutchburyi) and the lack of a shallow subtidal functional replacement should intertidal habitats become inundated. These findings strongly suggest SLR and the associated environmental changes will alter estuarine macroinvertebrate communities, with implications for future ecosystem function and resilience.
Comprehensive Analysis of Whole-Transcriptome Profiles in Response to Acute Hypersaline Challenge in Chinese Razor Clam Sinonovacula constricta
Authors: Cao Wei , Dong Yinghui , Geng Yusong , Bi Siqi , Liu Zhihong , Zhou Liqing , Sun Xiujun , Xia Sudong , Chi Changfeng , Wu Biao
Published: January 2023

The Chinese razor clam (Sinonovacula constricta) is an important for Chinese aquaculture marine bivalve that naturally occurs across intertidal and estuarine areas subjected to significant changes in salinity level. However, the information on the molecular mechanisms related to high salinity stress in the species remain limited. In this study, nine gill samples of S. constricta treated with 20, 30, and 40 ppt salinity for 24 h were used for whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing, and a regulatory network of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) was constructed to better understand the mechanisms responsible for adaptation of the species to high salinity. A total of 83,262 lncRNAs, 52,422 mRNAs, 2890 circRNAs, and 498 miRNAs were identified, and 4175 of them displayed differential expression pattern among the three groups examined. The KEGG analyses of differentially expressed RNAs evidenced that amino acid synthesis and membrane transport were the dominant factors involved in the adaptation of the Chinese razor clam to acute salinity increase, while lipid metabolism and signaling played only a supporting role. In addition, lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks (ceRNA network) showed clearly regulatory relationships among different RNAs. Moreover, the expression of four candidate genes, including tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), hyaluronidase 4 (HYAL4), cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD), and ∆1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS) at different challenge time were detected by qRT-PCR. The expression trend of TAT and HYAL4 was consistent with that of the ceRNA network, supporting the reliability of established network. The expression of TAT, CSAD, and P5CS were upregulated in response to increased salinity. This might be associated with increased amino acid synthesis rate, which seems to play an essential role in adaptation of the species to high salinity stress. In contrast, the expression level of HYAL4 gene decreased in response to elevated salinity level, which is associated with reduction Hyaluronan hydrolysis to help maintain water in the cell. Our findings provide a very rich reference for understanding the important role of ncRNAs in the salinity adaptation of shellfish. Moreover, the acquired information may be useful for optimization of the artificial breeding of the Chinese razor clam under aquaculture conditions.
Selecting Catalysts for Pyrolysis of Lignocellulosic Biomass
Authors: Rangel Maria do Carmo , Mayer Francieli Martins , Carvalho Mateus da Silva , Saboia Giovanni , de Andrade Arthur Motta
Published: January 2023

The pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass is a promising technology for obtaining renewable chemicals and fuels to replace fossil-based products. However, due to the complexity of the lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose molecules, a large variety of compounds are often formed, making commercial implementation difficult. The use of a catalyst during reactions has been recognized as one of the major improvements in pyrolysis, allowing the production of selected compounds. Moreover, the large number of available catalysts opens up a wide range of possibilities for controlling the reaction network. Zeolites, hierarchical zeolites, alkali and alkaline earth oxides, transition metals and carbonaceous materials, among others, have been investigated in the pyrolysis of a variety of biomasses. In addition, bifunctional catalysts play a role in pyrolysis, as well as the addition of plastics as hydrogen donors. This review aims to present and discuss in detail state-of-the-art catalytic pyrolysis, focusing on the relationships between the properties of the catalysts and the obtained products. A guideline for selecting catalysts for lignocellulosic biomass is also provided.
Delayed Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions: Molecular Recognition, Genetic Susceptibility, and Immune Mediators
Authors: Chu Mu-Tzu , Chang Wan-Chun , Pao Shih-Cheng , Hung Shuen-Iu
Published: January 2023

Drug hypersensitivity reactions are classified into immediate and delayed types, according to the onset time. In contrast to the immediate type, delayed drug hypersensitivity mainly involves T lymphocyte recognition of the drug antigens and cell activation. The clinical presentations of such hypersensitivity are various and range from mild reactions (e.g., maculopapular exanthema (MPE) and fixed drug eruption (FDE)), to drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs) (e.g., Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP)). The common culprits of delayed drug hypersensitivity include anti-epileptics, antibiotics, anti-gout agents, anti-viral drugs, etc. Delayed drug hypersensitivity is proposed to be initiated by different models of molecular recognition, composed of drug/metabolite antigen and endogenous peptide, HLA presentation, and T cell receptor (TCR) interaction. Increasing the genetic variants of HLA loci and drug metabolic enzymes has been identified to be responsible for delayed drug hypersensitivity. Furthermore, preferential TCR clonotypes, and the activation of cytotoxic proteins/cytokines/chemokines, are also involved in the pathogenesis of delayed drug hypersensitivity. This review provides a summary of the current understanding of the molecular recognition, genetic susceptibility, and immune mediators of delayed drug hypersensitivity.
Impact of COVID-19 on the Microbiome and Inflammatory Status of Type 2 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Gradisteanu Pircalabioru Gratiela , Grigore Georgiana Alexandra , Czobor Barbu Ilda , Chifiriuc Mariana-Carmen , Savu Octavian
Published: January 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome–related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has advanced our understanding of the host–microbiome–virus interplay. Several studies in various geographical regions report that SARS-CoV-2 infection disrupts the intestinal microbiota, allowing pathogenic bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae to thrive, and triggering more severe disease outcomes. Here, we profile the microbiota of 30 individuals, 15 healthy controls and 15 type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, before and after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite similar viral loads in both patients and controls, SARS-CoV-2 infection led to exacerbated microbiome changes in T2D patients, characterized by higher levels of Enterobacteriaceae, loss of butyrate producers and an enrichment in fungi such as Candida spp. and Aspergillus spp. Several members of the microbiota were associated with more severe clinical and inflammatory (IL-8 and IL-17) parameters. Future studies to delineate the connection between cytokine release and microbiota disturbances will enhance our understanding of whether these microbial shifts directly impact the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients or whether they are consecutive to the critical disease.
Ventilation Induces Changes in Pulse Wave Transit Time in the Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Mueller-Graf Fabian , Frenkel Paul , Albus Chiara Felicitas , Henkel Maike , Reuter Susanne , Vollmar Brigitte , Tusman Gerardo , Adler Andy , Pulletz Sven , Böhm Stephan H. , Zitzmann Amelie , Reuter Daniel A.
Published: January 2023

Pulse wave transit time (PWTT) shortens as pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) increases and was therefore suggested as a surrogate parameter for PAP. The aim of this analysis was to reveal patterns and potential mechanisms of ventilation-induced periodic changes in PWTT under resting conditions. To measure both PWTT and PAP in five healthy pigs, two pulmonary artery Mikro-Tip™ catheters were inserted into the pulmonary vasculature: one with the tip placed in the pulmonary artery trunk, and a second one placed in a distal segment of the pulmonary artery. Animals received pressure-controlled mechanical ventilation. Ventilation-dependent changes were seen in both variables, PWTT and mean PAP; however, changes in PWTT were not synchronous with changes in PAP. Thus, plotting the value of PWTT for each heartbeat over the respective PAP revealed a characteristic hysteresis. At the beginning of inspiration, PAP rose while PWTT remained constant. During further inspiration, PWTT started to decrease rapidly as mPAP was about to reach its plateau. The same time course was observed during expiration: while mPAP approached its minimum, PWTT increased rapidly. During apnea this hysteresis disappeared. Thus, non-synchronous ventilation-induced changes in PWTT and PAP were found with inspiration causing a significant shortening of PWTT. Therefore, it is suggested that the respiratory cycle should be considered when using PWTT as a surrogate for PAP.
In Situ Investigation of Upper Airway Occlusion in Sleep Disordered Breathing Using Ultrasonic Transducer Arrays
Authors: Al-Abed Mohammad , Watenpaugh Donald , Behbehani Khosrow
Published: January 2023

This work presents a novel application of ultrasound for the real-time, non-invasive investigation of occlusion of the upper airway during events of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. It is hypothesized that ultrasonic pulses applied to the neck during apneic events produce spectral and temporal features that can detect apnea occurrence. Theoretical models of ultrasound propagation and an in vitro test were conducted to test this hypothesis in both transmission and reflection modes. Complete specifications and technical details of the system design and fabrication, which is mounted on each subject’s neck, are presented, including the methodology. Nine patients (seven male and two female, mean age of 42 years, with a range of 25 to 56 years, and body mass index 37.6 ± 6.6 kg/m2) were recruited for a full night study, which included simultaneous nocturnal polysomnography for the validation of the results. Nine temporal features and four spectral features were extracted from the envelope of the received pulse waveform. These were used to compute 26 metrics to quantify the changes in the ultrasonic waveforms between normal breathing and apneic events. The statistical analysis of the collected ultrasonic data showed that at least two or more of the proposed features could detect apneic events in all subjects. The findings establish the feasibility of the proposed method as a cost-effective and non-invasive OSAHS screening tool.
A Label-Free, Mix-and-Detect ssDNA-Binding Assay Based on Cationic Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Zhang Pengbo , Zandieh Mohamad , Ding Yuzhe , Wu Lyuyuan , Wang Xiaoyu , Liu Juewen , Li Zhengping
Published: January 2023

The accurate, simple, and efficient measurement of the concentration of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is important for many analytical applications, such as DNA adsorption, biosensor design, and disease diagnosis, but it is still a challenge. Herein, we studied a cationic conjugated polymer (CCP)-based ssDNA assay taking advantage of the obvious fluorescence change of CCPs upon binding ssDNA. Poly(3-(3′-N,N,N-triethylamino-1′-propyloxy)-4-methyl-2,5-thiophene hydrochloride) (PMNT) achieved an apparent dissociation constant (Kd) of 57 ± 4 nM for ssDNA, indicating a very high binding affinity between PMNT and ssDNA. This allowed us to develop a CCP-based ssDNA biosensor with a detection limit of 0.6 nM, similar to the fluorescence-dye-based method using SYBR Green I and SYBR Gold. Our CCP-based biosensor produced smaller differences among ssDNA samples with different base compositions. In addition, the existence of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) at different concentrations did not interfere with the fluorescence of PMNT, indicating that our CCP-based biosensor was more suitable for the measurement of ssDNA. Compared with fluorescence-intensity-based quantification, our CCP system allowed ratiometric quantification, which made the calibration easier and more robust. We then applied our method to the quantification of ssDNA on AuNPs using both unmodified and thiolated ssDNA, and the accurate quantification of ssDNA was achieved without any fluorophore modification. This method provides an alternative approach for the measurement of ssDNA.
2D Metal-Organic Frameworks: Properties, Synthesis, and Applications in Electrochemical and Optical Biosensors
Authors: Ghosh Anamika , Fathima Thanutty Kallungal Sana , Ramaprabhu Sundara
Published: January 2023

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials like graphene, layered double hydroxides, etc., have received increasing attention owing to their unique properties imparted by their 2D structure. The newest member in this family is based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have been long known for their exceptional physicochemical properties—high surface area, tunable pore size, catalytic properties, etc., to list a few. 2D MOFs are promising materials for various applications as they combine the exciting properties of 2D materials and MOFs. Recently, they have been extensively used in biosensors by virtue of their enormous surface area and abundant, accessible active sites. In this review, we provide a synopsis of the recent progress in the field of 2D MOFs for sensor applications. Initially, the properties and synthesis techniques of 2D MOFs are briefly outlined with examples. Further, electrochemical and optical biosensors based on 2D MOFs are summarized, and the associated challenges are outlined.
Recent Developments on the Performance of Algal Bioreactors for CO2 Removal: Focusing on the Light Intensity and Photoperiods
Authors: Shareefdeen Zarook , Elkamel Ali , Babar Zaeem Bin
Published: January 2023

This work presents recent developments of algal bioreactors used for CO2 removal and the factors affecting the reactor performance. The main focus of the study is on light intensity and photoperiods. The role of algae in CO2 removal, types of algal species used in bioreactors and conventional types of bioreactors including tubular bioreactor, vertical airlift reactor, bubble column reactor, flat panel or plate reactor, stirred tank reactor and specific type bioreactors such as hollow fibre membrane and disk photobioreactors etc. are discussed in details with respect to utilization of light. The effects of light intensity, light incident, photoinhibition, light provision arrangements and photoperiod on the performance of algal bioreactors for CO2 removal are also discussed. Efficient operation of algal photobioreactors cannot be achieved without the improvement in the utilization of incident light intensity and photoperiods. The readers may find this article has a much broader significance as algae is not only limited to removal or sequestration of CO2 but also it is used in a number of commercial applications including in energy (biofuel), nutritional and food sectors.
Short-Term Benefits of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment on Cognition in the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Vaioli Giulia , Tagini Sofia , Scarpina Federica , Cremascoli Riccardo , Priano Lorenzo , Cornacchia Mauro , Fanari Paolo , Mauro Alessandro
Published: January 2023

The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) significantly impacts cognitive functioning. The prolonged use (more than 3 months) of ventilotherapy with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) seems to have positive effects in restoring cognitive difficulties. However, there is poor evidence about its possible short-term effect. We investigated whether the short use (less than 15 days at testing) of CPAP improved the cognitive functioning in fifty individuals with OSAS by collecting retrospective neuropsychological measures about verbal memory and learning, information processing speed, attention (i.e., alerting, orienting, and executive system), and executive functions (i.e., strategic reasoning, problem-solving, and mental planning). The predictive role of days of CPAP use on the neuropsychological scores was assessed by hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses, over and above the possible role of demographics, body mass index, level of OSAS severity, and the level of anxiety and depression. The average number of days since CPAP adaptation was 4.70 (SD = 3.90; range = 0–15). As the days of CPAP adaptation increased, verbal learning and long-term memory significantly improved, contrary to the other assessed domains. Our results show a significant improvement in some cognitive functions even after a short treatment with CPAP, pointing to the importance of the early use of ventilotherapy to rapidly improve cognitive functioning. Identifying which cognitive functions can or cannot be restored with CPAP use may enable the design of complementary neuropsychological interventions focused on those residual difficulties, possibly enhancing patients’ compliance to the treatment.
Numerical Analysis of Wind Effects on a Residential Building with a Focus on the Linings, Window Sills, and Lintel
Authors: Hubová Oľga , Macák Marek , Franek Michal , Lobotka Peter , Konečná Lenka Bujdáková , Ivánková Oľga
Published: January 2023

This article deals with the investigation of wind effects on a façade of a rectangular residential building with explicit modelling of the windows for specific wind conditions. The external wind pressure coefficients were treated on the façade and at the places of the window sills, linings, and lintel for the direction of the wind from 0° to 90° with increments of 22.5°. For a detailed analysis, the CFD simulation using Ansys Fluent was used. The method selected for the CFD simulation solution and its setting (quality of meshing, horizontal homogeneity of the boundary layer, etc.) were verified by known results of similar objects. The purpose of this analysis is to show how important it is to consider wind effects to determine the suitable placement of passive ventilation devices. Research shows the potential optimal position of ventilation units in terms of favourable pressure distribution. Zones with negative pressure and corners or façades in a wake are not suitable for applying passive ventilation units. The results can serve as a basis for designers to achieve optimal comfort in residential buildings.
Initial Shape Analysis and Experimental Study of Air-Supported Membrane Structure Considering Cable–Membrane Contact
Authors: Li Xiongyan , Zhang Zhen , Xue Suduo , He Yanli , Zhao Yanguo
Published: January 2023

The cable net and membrane of the air-supported membrane structure transmits the load through mutual extrusion, and the contact interaction between the cable net and membrane should be considered in the initial morphological analysis stage. In this paper, a scale model was designed according to a large-span air-supported membrane structure engineering project, and the shape and force of the structure were measured. At the same time, a finite element model of cable–membrane contact was established, and its interaction behavior was regarded as a combined contact state and sliding contact state. The results show that the influence of different contact state analyses on the prestress of the cable net is obvious, and the influence of the sliding contact between the cable and the membrane should be considered in the design of the membrane structure.
Study on Eccentric Compressive Behavior of Concrete Columns Reinforced with NPR735 High-Strength Steel Bars
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Ding Yijing , Wang Xuekun , Sun Lele
Published: January 2023

In this paper, eccentric compressive tests and theoretical studies of grade 735 MPa reinforced concrete columns were conducted. The eccentric distance and strength of the longitudinal reinforcement were used as experimental parameters to investigate the bearing capacity, failure mode, and strength of eccentric compressive behavior of NPR735 high-strength steel bars. When the load eccentricity of the reinforced concrete columns was small or longitudinal, the reinforcement ratio was large, and small eccentricity failure occurred. The results were similar to the failure mode of ordinary concrete columns with traditional steel bars. When the load eccentricity decreased, the bearing capacity increased, but the deflection and ductility of the specimen decreased. When the strength of the longitudinal reinforcement increased, the bearing capacity of the specimen increased slightly. Finally, according to current design methods in the concrete structure design code, the bearing capacity of the eccentric compressive column was obtained, and the calculated results were compared with the experimental results to verify the applicability of the concrete structure design code GB50010-2010 to concrete columns with grade 735 MPa reinforcement.
Recent Advances in the Development of Novel Iron–Copper Bimetallic Photo Fenton Catalysts
Authors: Bosio Gabriela N. , García Einschlag Fernando S. , Carlos Luciano , Mártire Daniel O.
Published: January 2023

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been postulated as viable, innovative, and efficient technologies for the removal of pollutants from water bodies. Among AOPs, photo-Fenton processes have been shown to be effective for the degradation of various types of organic compounds in industrial wastewater. Monometallic iron catalysts are limited in practical applications due to their low catalytic activity, poor stability, and recyclability. On the other hand, the development of catalysts based on copper oxides has become a current research topic due to their advantages such as strong light absorption, high mobility of charge carriers, low environmental toxicity, long-term stability, and low production cost. For these reasons, great efforts have been made to improve the practical applications of heterogeneous catalysts, and the bimetallic iron–copper materials have become a focus of research. In this context, this review focuses on the compilation of the most relevant studies on the recent progress in the application of bimetallic iron–copper materials in heterogeneous photo–Fenton-like reactions for the degradation of pollutants in wastewater. Special attention is paid to the removal efficiencies obtained and the reaction mechanisms involved in the photo–Fenton treatments with the different catalysts.
Fragmentation-Oriented Design of Olefin Polymerization Catalysts: Support Porosity
Authors: Fisch Adriano G.
Published: January 2023

The development of catalysts for the production of polyethylene and polypropylene is ordinarily accomplished on a trial-and-error experimentation program. From the point-of-view of the fragmentation performance, support porosity is the key property affecting the mechanical support resistance, and, therefore, it determines the fragmentation process during the early moments of polymerization. The design of the support porosity can be more accurately determined by applying the theoretical knowledge acquired from previous research, but this is not consolidated for catalyst design. This article reports a methodology to optimize the support porosity using a simple fundamental model of the fragmentation process. Using this approach, the design of fragmentation-oriented supports can be achieved for polymerization reactors.
PtM/CNT (M = Mo, Ni, CoCr) Electrocatalysts with Reduced Platinum Content for Anodic Hydrogen Oxidation and Cathodic Oxygen Reduction in Alkaline Electrolytes
Authors: Vernigor Inna , Bogdanovskaya Vera , Radina Marina , Andreev Vladimir , Grafov Oleg
Published: January 2023

Bimetallic catalysts containing platinum and transition metals (PtM, M = Mo, Ni, CoCr) were synthesized on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) functionalized in an alkaline medium. Their platinum content is 10–15% by mass. PtM/CNTNaOH are active in both the hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR) and the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline electrolytes. Although catalysts based on a single transition metal are inactive in the HOR, their activity in the cathode process of ORR increases relative to CNTNaOH. When using the rotating ring-disk electrode method for ORR, PtM/CNT showed a high selectivity in reducing oxygen directly to water. In HOR, the PtM/CNT catalyst had an activity comparable to that of a commercial monoplatinum catalyst. The results obtained show that it is possible to use the PtM/CNT catalyst in an alkaline fuel cell both as an anode and as a cathode.
A Decade of Electrocatalysis with Metal Aerogels: A Perspective
Authors: Li Weishan , Weng Beibei , Sun Xiaoyue , Cai Bin , Hübner René , Luo Yunjun , Du Ran
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, great efforts have been spent on addressing concerns over energy and environmental crises. Among these efforts, electrocatalysis is widely recognized and studied for its high efficiency and easy processability. As a class of emerging electrocatalysts, metal aerogels (MAs) stand out in the last decade. In virtue of their three-dimensional conductive pathways, their library of catalytically/optically active sites, and their robust network structures, MAs have unique advantages in electrocatalysis. However, due to the short history of MAs, there is insufficient research on them, leaving significant room for material design and performance optimization. This perspective will mainly focus on electrocatalysis with MAs, aiming to summarize the state-of-the-art progress and to guide the on-target design of efficient MAs-based electrocatalysts towards energy- and environment-related applications.
Optimization of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Technological Parameters of Deformed Aluminum Alloy D16T in Flowing Electrolyte
Authors: Ropyak Liubomyr , Shihab Thaer , Velychkovych Andrii , Bilinskyi Vitalii , Malinin Volodymyr , Romaniv Mykola
Published: January 2023

The prospects of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technology applied for surface hardening of aluminum alloys are substantiated. The work aims to optimize the technological process of PEO for aluminum in flowing electrolyte. The design of the equipment and the technological process of the PEO for aluminum deformed alloy D16T in flowing silicate–alkaline electrolyte have been developed. Oxide coatings were formed according to various technological parameters of the PEO process. The properties of the oxide coatings were evaluated, respectively, by measurements of coating thickness, geometric dimensions of the samples, microhardness, wear tests, and optical and scanning electron microscopy. To study the influence of the technological parameters of the PEO process of forming oxide coatings on geometrical, physical, and mechanical properties, planning of the experiment was used. According to the results of the conducted experiments, a regression equation of the second order was obtained and the response surfaces were constructed. We determined the optimal values of the technological parameters of the PEO process: component concentration ratio (Na2SiO3/KOH), current density, flow rate, and electrolyte temperature, which provide the oxide coating with minimal wear and sufficiently high physical and mechanical properties and indicators of the accuracy of the shape of the parts. The research results showed that the properties of oxide coatings mainly depend on almost all constituent modes of the PEO process. Samples with Al2O3 oxide coating were tested during dry friction according to the “ring–ring” scheme. It was established that the temperature in the friction zone of aluminum samples with an oxide coating is lower compared to steel samples without a coating, and this indicates high frictional heat resistance of the oxide coating.
Low-Temperature Magnesium Calcium Phosphate Ceramics with Adjustable Resorption Rate
Authors: Lukina Yulia , Kotov Sergey , Bionyshev-Abramov Leonid , Serejnikova Natalya , Chelmodeev Rostislav , Fadeev Roman , Toshev Otabek , Tavtorkin Alexander , Ryndyk Maria , Smolentsev Dmitriiy , Gavryushenko Nikolay , Sivkov Sergey
Published: January 2023

Low-temperature ceramics based on magnesium calcium phosphate cement are a promising resorbable material for bone tissue restoration with the possibility of functionalization. The replacement of the magnesium Mg2+ ion with a calcium Ca2+ ion at the stage of preparation of the precursor leads to the production of multiphase ceramics containing phases of brushite, monetite, and newberyite, with different dissolution rates. Multiphase ceramics leads to volumetric resorption with preservation of their geometric shape, which was confirmed by the results of an evaluation of the output of magnesium Mg2+ and calcium Ca2+ ions into the contact solution of the ceramics and the X-ray density of ceramic samples during subcutaneous implantation. The combined introduction of sodium pyrophosphate decahydrate and citric acid monohydrate as setting inhibitors neutralizes their insignificant negative effect on the physico-chemical properties of ceramics (strength, pH, porosity), determining the optimal composition. In vivo experiments with setting inhibitors in the composition of ceramics showed a different biological response, affecting the rate of resorption on par with magnesium ions. Preliminary data on biocompatibility and solubility determined magnesium-calcium phosphate ceramics containing additives that regulate setting to be a potential material for bone tissue restoration and a vector for further research, including in orthotopic implantation models.
Review of Ceramic Composites in Aeronautics and Aerospace: A Multifunctional Approach for TPS, TBC and DBD Applications
Authors: Shvydyuk Kateryna O. , Nunes-Pereira João , Rodrigues Frederico F. , Silva Abílio P.
Published: January 2023

The quest for increased performance in the aeronautical and aerospace industries has provided the driving force and motivation for the research, investigation, and development of advanced ceramics. Special emphasis is therefore attributed to the ability of fine ceramics to fulfill an attractive, extreme, and distinguishing combination of application requirements. This is impelled by ensuring a suitable arrangement of thermomechanical, thermoelectric, and electromechanical properties. As a result, the reliability, durability, and useful lifetime extension of a critical structure or system are expected. In this context, engineered ceramic appliances consist of three main purposes in aeronautical and aerospace fields: thermal protection systems (TPS), thermal protection barriers (TBC), and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators. Consequently, this research provides an extensive discussion and review of the referred applications, i.e., TPS, TBC, and DBD, and discusses the concept of multifunctional advanced ceramics for future engineering needs and perspectives.
Electrochemical Properties of Super Austenite Stainless Steel with Temperature in a Green Death Solution
Authors: Hwang Hyun-Kyu , Kim Seong-Jong
Published: January 2023

In this investigation, potentiodynamic polarization experiments were conducted on UNS S31603 and UNS N08367 in a modified green death solution, which simulates the environment of a desulfurization device (scrubber), using temperature as a variable. A Tafel analysis showed that the corrosion current density of UNS S31603 at the highest temperature (90 °C) was approximately 4.5 times higher than that of UNS N83067. A surface analysis using a scanning electron microscope revealed that pitting and intergranular corrosion occurred simultaneously in UNS S31603, whereas UNS N83067 exhibited a stronger tendency toward intergranular corrosion. After electrochemical experiments, the corrosion rates according to maximum damage depth were compared with the corrosion rates according to corrosion current density; the relationships between the two values were expressed as α values. The α values of UNS N08367 were higher than those of UNS S31603, indicating that the local damage rate of UNS N08367 was higher.