bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Self-Compacting Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete for Pervious Frames Used for River Revetment
Authors: Geng Haibin , Ding Xinxin , Du Hao , Shi Jiaxin , Li Changyong , Li Xiaoke
Published: October 2022

Aimed at improving the production efficiency of tetrahedron-like pervious frames for the river revetment, self-compacting steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) was applied to strengthen the tensile resistance of concrete to remove conventional steel bars used as reinforcement. The workability and mechanical properties of self-compacting SFRC were experimentally studied with the volume fraction of steel fiber changed from 0.4% to 1.2%, and the rational volume fraction of 0.8% was determined for producing the pervious frames. Based on the flow-induced orientation of the steel fibers in the fresh mix, the casting process of self-compacting SFRC was optimal from one inclined rod to other two inclined rods and the horizontal rods of the pervious frame. The loading capacities of pervious frames during lifting and stacking were respectively detected by the simulation tests on the testing machine, which ensure the safety of pervious frames lifted six layers together and stacked for nineteen layers. By testing groups of pervious frames throwed in and then salvaged from the river, the quality of pervious frames without any damage was observed. Finally, the pervious frames were successfully applied in an engineering project for the river revetment.
Comparison of Optimization Techniques and Objective Functions Using Gas Generator and Staged Combustion LPRE Cycles
Authors: Khan Suniya Sadullah , Qamar Ihtzaz , Sohail Muhammad Umer , Swati Raees Fida , Ahmad Muhammad Azeem , Qureshi Saad Riffat
Published: October 2022

This paper compares various optimization techniques and objective functions to obtain optimum rocket engine performances. This research proposes a modular optimization framework that provides an optimum design for Gas Generator (GG) and Staged Combustion (SC) Liquid Propellant Rocket Engines. This process calculates the ideal rocket engine performance by applying seven different optimization techniques: Simulated Annealing (SA), Nelder Mead (NM), Cuckoo Search Algorithm (CSA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Pigeon-Inspired Optimization (PIO), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and a novel hybrid GA-PSO technique named GA-Swarm. This new technique combines the superior search capability of GA with the efficient constraint matching capability of PSO. This research also compares objective functions to determine the most suitable function for GG and SC cycle rocket engines. Three single objective functions are used to minimize the Gross Lift-Off Weight and to maximize Specific Impulse and the Thrust-to-Weight ratio. A fourth multiobjective function is used to simultaneously maximize both Specific Impulse and Thrust-to-Weight ratio. This framework is validated against a pump-fed rocket, and results are within 1% of the actual rocket engine mass. The results of this research indicate that PSO and GA-Swarm produce optimum results for all objective functions. Finally, the most suitable objective function to use while comparing these two cycles is the Gross Lift-Off Weight.
A Mesoscale CFD Simulation Study of Basic Wind Pressure in Complex Terrain—A Case Study of Taizhou City
Authors: Li Ruige , Wang Yanru , Lin Hongjian , Du Hai , Wang Chunling , Chen Xiaosu , Huang Mingfeng
Published: October 2022

The basic wind pressure or the reference wind pressure for structural design varies greatly across complex terrain. Since only a few meteorological stations can provide adequate extreme wind speed records, it is very difficult to appropriately determine the basic wind pressure for a specific site without a long history of meteorological records. To solve this problem, a mesoscale CFD model was developed and optimized based on geographic information data for Taizhou and suitable turbulence models were selected for CFD simulation. The mean extreme wind speed and the corresponding direction at five main weather stations with long observation histories in Taizhou were used as the verification conditions to perform the CFD simulation of the extreme wind field. The maximum wind speeds of the rural areas, cities, and streets of Taizhou were obtained from the results of the mesoscale CFD simulations. Then, the 50-year return period reference wind pressures were calculated and could be used for the wind-resistant structural design of buildings for sites without a long history of meteorological records. The reliability of the results was verified by comparing the simulation results with the observation data at five main stations with a long history.
Design and Fabrication of Untethered Light-Actuated Microbots in Fluid for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Jamil Md Faiyaz , Pokharel Mishal , Park Kihan
Published: October 2022

Untethered mobile robots at the micro-scale have the ability to improve biomedical research by performing specialized tasks inside complex physiological environments. Light-controlled wireless microbots are becoming the center of interest thanks to their accuracy in navigation and potential to carry out operations in a non-invasive manner inside living environments. The pioneering light-engineered microbots are currently in the early stage of animal trials. There is a long way ahead before they can be employed in humans for therapeutic applications such as targeted drug delivery, cancer cell diagnosis, tissue engineering, etc. The design of light-actuated microbots is one of the challenging parts along with the biocompatibility and precision control for in vivo applications. Recent progress in light-activated microbots has revealed a few innovative design concepts. In this study, we presented a framework on the different aspects with a comparative analysis of potential designs for the next generation of light-controlled microbots. Utilizing numerical simulations of fluid-structure interactions, limiting design elements of the microbots are addressed. We envision that this study will eventually facilitate the integration of robotic applications into the real world owing to the described design considerations.
The Use of Machine Learning for Comparative Analysis of Amperometric and Chemiluminescent Methods for Determining Antioxidant Activity and Determining the Phenolic Profile of Wines
Authors: Kazak Anatoliy , Plugatar Yurij , Johnson Joel , Grishin Yurij , Chetyrbok Petr , Korzin Vadim , Kaur Parminder , Kokodey Tatiana
Published: October 2022

This paper presents an analysis of modern methods used to determine antioxidant activity. According to research by the World Health Organization, the deficiency of such important nutrients as antioxidants leads to a decrease in body resistance and the development of chronic diseases. When it comes to diet, the inclusion of foods with a high content of antioxidants helps to increase life expectancy. As a result of this research, the mass concentration of phenolic substances and the antioxidant activity of phenolic antioxidants in young white and red table wine materials were determined using amperometric and chemiluminescent methods in order to determine antioxidant activity. Regression equations reflecting the relationship between the indicator of antioxidant activity and the value of the mass concentration of phenolic substances in young table wine materials were derived. The conversion coefficient for determining the mass concentration of phenolic substances when using Trolox-C and gallic acid as standards was established, which was—3.75. Based on a multiple linear regression model, the total antioxidant activity of the samples (F9.5 = 19.10 and p = 0.0023) can be fairly accurately predicted with an R2 of 0.921 for the calibration data set. A neural network regression model (NNRM) was chosen for the machine-learning regression analysis of the antioxidant activity of the wine samples due to its effectiveness in predicting outcomes in various applications. The implementation was performed using the fitrnet function provided in the Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox in MATLAB R2021b. The MSE of the calibration model was 0.056; however, the MSE for the three validation samples was much higher, at 0.272.
Assessing Indoor Environmental Quality in a Crowded Low-Quality Built Environment: A Case Study
Authors: Al-Rawi Mohammad , Lazonby Annette , Wai Abel A.
Published: October 2022

Home heating, cooling and ventilation are a major concern for those living in low-quality built environments, particularly those with high occupancy rates (crowded houses). In New Zealand, both owner-occupiers and tenants can experience problems associated with poor Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), such as poor thermal comfort and dampness, when Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems are not installed, improperly installed or too expensive to run. Occupants of poorer households are the most affected by high installation or running costs of HVAC systems, and are also more likely to live in households with a higher level of crowding. Poor IEQ in housing is associated with adverse health outcomes, particularly respiratory illness. This paper outlines the IEQ problems experienced by households living in an area of New Zealand with higher levels deprivation and shows how an HVAC system could be employed to remedy poor IEQ. This report presents a case study of a house with poor IEQ that was selected from a survey conducted across 24 homes in the Manukau, Auckland region of New Zealand. The IEQ results are presented for this house, which performs poorly in terms of relative humidity, temperature and thermal comfort. This house is then analysed using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach in ANSYS CFX 2021R1 based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Airconditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standard 55-2017 and a model of temperature and air flow is created in the software, which can identify ways to improve these parameters in the house. These results are compared with the New Zealand Healthy Homes Standards 2019. The simulation showed the system was capable of lifting the indoor temperature to above 21 ℃, eliminating cold spots and improving thermal comfort, and reduced relative humidity to below 50%.
Effects of the Impact Factors on Transportation Sector’s CO2-eq Emissions: Panel Evaluation on South Africa’s Major Economies
Authors: Oladunni Oluwole Joseph , Olanrewaju Oludolapo Akanni
Published: October 2022

The paper utilized a panel dataset to investigate the effects of the impact factors, namely, economic growth, energy intensity, energy consumption, urbanisation, passenger vehicles and transport infrastructure investments on carbon emissions (CO2-eq). The transport sector of the main buoyant economic provinces of South Africa for a consecutive period of five years was investigated using STIRPAT models. Carbon emissions coefficient method, (CECM) is made applicable to determine the quantification of the forms of fossil fuels utilized in the transportation sector. The characterized parametric panel dataset for Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape were assessed from 2016 to 2020 to make objective function determinations. The results indicate that GDP and passenger vehicles contributed largely to CO2-eq emissions, however, the impact varies across the three provinces. Energy intensity and the approach to energy consumption are significant in mitigating carbon emissions, which is due to the possibilities of high fuel efficiency and pollution decrease. The outcome of the research advances climate change mitigation strategy and proffers the required attention to policy makers in South Africa and Africa as a continent.
Estimation of Short-Term and Long-Term Ozone Exposure Levels in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region Based on Geographically Weighted Regression Model
Authors: Qiao Zequn , Liu Yusi , Cui Chen , Shan Mei , Tu Yan , Liu Yaxin , Xu Shiwen , Mi Ke , Chen Li , Ma Zhenxing , Zhang Hui , Gao Shuang , Sun Yanling
Published: October 2022

In recent years, ozone (O3) concentration has shown a decreasing trend in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region in China. However, O3 pollution remains a prominent problem. Accurate estimation of O3 exposure levels can provide support for epidemiological studies. A total of 13 variables were combined to estimate short- and long-term O3 exposure levels using the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model in the BTH region with a spatial resolution of 1 × 1 km from 2017 to 2020. Five variables were left in the GWR model. O3 concentration was positively correlated with temperature, wind speed, and SO2, whereas is was negatively correlated with precipitation and NO2. Results showed that the model performed well. Leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) R2 for short- and long-term simulation results were 0.91 and 0.71, and the values for RMSE were 11.14 and 3.49 μg/m3, respectively. The annual maximum 8 h average O3 concentration was the highest in 2018 and the lowest in 2020. Decreasing concentrations of major precursors of O3 due to the regional joint prevention and control may be the reason. O3 concentration was high in the southeast of the BTH region, including in Hengshui, Handan, Xingtai and Cangzhou.
Time-Dependent Behavior of Waste Lithium-Ion Batteries in Secondary Copper Smelting
Authors: Klemettinen Anna , Klemettinen Lassi , Michallik Radosław , O’Brien Hugh , Jokilaakso Ari
Published: October 2022

As the electrification sector expands rapidly, the demand for metals used in batteries is increasing significantly. New approaches for lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling have to be investigated and new technologies developed in order to secure the future supply of battery metals (i.e., lithium, cobalt, nickel). In this work, the possibility of integrating LIB recycling with secondary copper smelting was further investigated. The time-dependent behavior of battery metals (Li, Co, Ni, Mn) in simulated secondary copper smelting conditions was investigated for the first time. In the study, copper alloy was used as a medium for collecting valuable metals and the distribution coefficients of these metals between copper alloy and slag were used for evaluating the recycling efficiencies. The determined distribution coefficients follow the order Ni >> Co >> Mn > Li throughout the time range investigated. In our study, the evolution of phases and their chemical composition were investigated in laboratory-scale experiments under reducing conditions of oxygen partial pressure p(O2) = 10−10 atm, at 1300 °C. The results showed that already after 1 h holding time, the major elements were in equilibrium. However, based on the microstructural observations and trace elements distributions, the required full equilibration time for the system was determined to be 16 h.
Two New Species and Two New Records of the Lichen-Forming Fungal Genus Peltula (Ascomycota: Peltulaceae) from China
Authors: Yang Qiuxia , Hollinger Jason , Leavitt Steven D. , Wei Xinli
Published: October 2022

In this study, two new species, Peltula confusa Q.X. Yang & X.L. Wei, sp. nov., growing in a dry microenvironment within a semi-humid area, and Peltula subpatellata Q.X. Yang & X.L. Wei, sp. nov., occurring in arid and semi-arid regions, are described. In addition, two species, P. polyspora (Tuck.) Wetmore and P. obscuratula (Nyl.) Poelt ex Egea, are recorded for the first time in China. All four species are described based on morphological, anatomical and molecular data. Peltula confusa is characterized by a lighter, brighter, and more yellowish upper surface than other species of this genus, with discs concentrated in the central part of squamules, and a thick lower cortex. Peltula subpatellata can be distinguished from P. patellata (Bagl.) Swinscow & Krog by its non-thickened and sometimes darkened margins and sometimes the presence of peltate squamules. Phylogenetic analysis based on DNA sequences of four loci (ITS, nrSSU, nrLSU, and RPB2) demonstrates the placement of these species within Peltula, and supports current species delimitations. We suggest that the growth substrate should be considered as an additional characteristic for species delimitation.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Almond AP2/ERF Superfamily and Its Functional Prediction during Dormancy in Response to Freezing Stress
Authors: Yu Zhenfan , Zhang Dongdong , Hu Shaobo , Liu Xingyue , Zeng Bin , Gao Wenwen , He Yawen , Qin Huanxue , Ma Xintong
Published: October 2022

The AP2/ERF transcription factor family is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants and plays an important role in regulating plant growth and development and the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, there is no report on the AP2/ERF gene family in almond (Prunus dulcis). In this study, a total of 136 PdAP2/ERF genes were identified from the almond genome, and their protein physicochemical properties were analyzed. The PdAP2/ERF members were divided into five subgroups: AP2, RAV, ERF, DREB, and Soloist. The PdAP2/ERF members in each subgroup had conserved motif types and exon/intron numbers. PdAP2/ERFS members are distributed on eight chromosomes, with 22 pairs of segmental duplications and 28 pairs of tandem duplications. We further explored the colinear relationship between almond and Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, Malus domestica, and Prunus persicaAP2/ERF genes and their evolution. The results of cis-acting elements showed that PdAP2/ERF members are widely involved in various processes, such as growth and development, hormone regulation, and stress response. The results based on transcriptome expression patterns showed that PdAP2/ERF genes had significant tissue-specific expression characteristics and were involved in the response of annual dormant branches of almond to low-temperature freezing stress. In addition, the fluorescence quantitative relative expression results of 13 representative PdAP2/ERF genes in four tissues of ‘Wanfeng’ almond and under six low-temperature freezing treatments of annual dormant branches were consistent with the transcriptome results. It is worth noting that the fluorescence quantitative expression level showed that the PdERF24 gene was extremely significant at −30 °C, suggesting that this gene may play an important role in the response of almond dormancy to ultralow temperature freezing stress. Finally, we identified 7424 and 6971 target genes based on AP2 and ERF/DREB DNA-binding sites, respectively. The GO and KEGG enrichment results showed that these target genes play important roles in protein function and multiple pathways. In summary, we conducted bioinformatics and expression pattern studies on PdAP2/ERF genes, including 13 PdAP2/ERF genes, and performed fluorescence quantitative analysis of annual dormant shoots under different low-temperature freezing stress treatments to understand the tolerance of almond dormancy to freezing stress and suggest future improvements.
Synthetic Mono-Carbonyl Curcumin Analogues Attenuate Oxidative Stress in Mouse Models
Authors: Hussain Haya , Ahmad Shujaat , Shah Syed Wadood Ali , Ullah Abid , Rahman Shafiq Ur , Ahmad Manzoor , Almehmadi Mazen , Abdulaziz Osama , Allahyani Mamdouh , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Halawi Mustafa , Alamer Edrous
Published: October 2022

Alzheimer’s disease is the commonest form of dementia associated with short-term memory loss and impaired cognition and, worldwide, it is a growing health issue. A number of therapeutic strategies have been studied to design and develop an effective anti-Alzheimer drug. Curcumin has a wide spectrum of biological properties. In this regard, the antioxidant potentials of mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues (h1–h5) were investigated using in vitro antioxidant assays and hippocampal-based in vivo mouse models such as light–dark box, hole board, and Y-maze tests. In the in vitro assay, mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues h2 and h3 with methoxy and chloro-substituents, respectively, showed promising 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazo-line-6-sulfonate (ABTS) free radical scavenging activities. In the in vivo studies, scopolamine administration significantly (p < 0.001) induced oxidative stress and memory impairment in mice, in comparison to the normal control group. The pretreatment with mono-carbonyl curcumin analogues, specifically h2 and h3, significantly decreased (123.71 ± 15.23 s (p < 0.001), n = 8; 156.53 ± 14.13 s (p < 0.001), n = 8) the duration of time spent in the light chamber and significantly enhanced (253.95 ± 19.05 s (p < 0.001), n = 8, and 239.57 ± 9.98 s (p < 0.001), n = 8) the time spent in the dark compartment in the light–dark box arena. The numbers of hole pokings were significantly (p < 0.001, n = 8) enhanced in the hole board test and substantially increased the percent spontaneous alternation performance (SAP %) in the Y-maze mouse models in comparison to the stress control group. In the biomarker analysis, the significant reduction in the lipid peroxidation (MDA) level and enhanced catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) activities in the brain hippocampus reveal their antioxidant and memory enhancing potentials. However, further research is needed to find out the appropriate mechanism of reducing oxidative stress in pathological models.
The Value of SIRT1/FOXO1 Signaling Pathway in Early Detection of Cardiovascular Risk in Children with β-Thalassemia Major
Authors: Ibrahim Hoda A. , Zakaria Soha S. , El-Batch Manal M. , El-Shanshory Mohamed R. , Alrayes Zahrah R. , Kabel Ahmed M. , Eldardiry Samia A.
Published: October 2022

Background: Atherosclerosis represents one of the major causes of morbidity in children with β-thalassemia major (β-TM). Aim: This study was designed to investigate SIRT1-FOXO1 signaling in β-TM children and their role in early detection of premature atherosclerosis. Methods: We equally subdivided 100 Egyptian children aged 6–14 years with β-TM according to carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) into 50 with CIMT < 0.5 mm and 50 with CIMT ≥ 0.5 mm, and 50 healthy children of matched age were included. They were subjected to evaluation of SIRT1, heat shock protein 72 (HSP72), and hepcidin levels via ELISA and forkhead box protein 1 (FOXO1) mRNA expression using real-time PCR in PBMCs; meanwhile, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Results: Our results show significantly high values for CIMT, β-stiffness, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), MDA, HSP72 and FOXO1, ferritin with significantly low hepcidin, SOD, catalase, and SIRT1 in β-TM as compared to controls with a more significant difference in β-TM with CIMT ≥ 0.5 mm than those with CIMT < 0.5 mm. A significant positive correlation between CIMT and MDA, HSP72, and FOXO1 gene expression was found, while a significant negative correlation with hepcidin, SOD, catalase, and SIRT1 was found. FOXO1 gene expression and HSP72 levels were the strongest independent determinants of CIMT. Conclusion: In β-TM, FOXO1 signaling is activated with low levels of SIRT1, and this is attributed to accelerated atherosclerosis in β-TM, which would be crucial in prediction of atherosclerosis.
A Conjugate between Lqh-8/6, a Natural Peptide Analogue of Chlorotoxin, and Doxorubicin Efficiently Induces Glioma Cell Death
Authors: Dardevet Lucie , Najlaoui Feten , Aroui Sonia , Collot Mayeul , Tisseyre Céline , Pennington Michael W. , Mallet Jean-Maurice , De Waard Michel
Published: October 2022

Natural peptides isolated from animal venoms generally target cell surface receptors with high affinity and selectivity. On many occasions, some of these receptors are over-expressed in cancer cells. Herein, we identified Lqh-8/6 as a natural peptide analog of chlorotoxin, a proven and useful compound for the diagnosis and treatment of glioma. Lqh-8/6 and two other natural analogues were chemically synthesized for the first time and evaluated for their ability to label, detect and prevent glioma growth in vitro. We demonstrate that a biotinylated version of Lqh-8/6 allows both the labeling of glioma cell lines and the detection of glioma in brain sections of glioma allograft Fisher rats. Lqh-8/6 has intrinsic anti-invasive properties but is non-toxic to glioma cells. To confer anti-tumor properties to Lqh-8/6, we chemically coupled doxorubicin to the glioma-targeting peptide using click chemistry. To this end, we successfully chemically synthesized Lqh-8/6-azide and doxorubicin-alkyne without impairing the toxic nature of doxorubicin. The toxin-drug conjugate efficiently promotes the apoptosis of glioma cells in vitro. This example contributes to the concept that animal venom peptides constitute exquisite warheads for delivering toxic chemical conjugates, a parallel to the popular concept of antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of cancer.
Antimicrobial Activity of a 3D-Printed Polymethylmethacrylate Dental Resin Enhanced with Graphene
Authors: Salgado Helena , Gomes Ana T. P. C. , Duarte Ana S. , Ferreira José M. F. , Fernandes Carlos , Figueiral Maria Helena , Mesquita Pedro
Published: October 2022

The present study aimed to test, in vitro, the antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans and the surface roughness of a 3D-printed polymethylmethacrylate dental resin enhanced with graphene. A 3D-printed polymethylmethacrylate dental resin was reinforced with four different concentrations of graphene: 0.01, 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 wt%. Neat resin was used as a control. The specimens were printed in a liquid crystal display printer. Disc specimens were used in antimicrobial evaluation, and bar-shaped specimens were used to measure surface roughness. The study of antimicrobial activity included the inhibition of the growth of C. albicans and S. mutans and their adhesion to the resin’s surface. Surface roughness increased with the increase in the graphene concentration. The growth inhibition of C. albicans was observed in the different concentrations of graphene after 24 h, with no recovery after 48 h. The specimens doped with graphene were capable of inactivating S. mutans after 48 h. The surface-adhesion studies showed that the density of microbial biofilms decreases in the case of specimens doped with graphene. Graphene, despite increasing the resin’s surface roughness, was effective in inhibiting the growth and the adhesion to the resin’s surface of the main inducers of prosthetic stomatitis.
Drug–Membrane Interaction as Revealed by Spectroscopic Methods: The Role of Drug Structure in the Example of Rifampicin, Levofloxacin and Rapamycin
Authors: Le-Deygen Irina M. , Safronova Anastasia S. , Mamaeva Polina V. , Kolmogorov Ilya M. , Skuredina Anna A. , Kudryashova Elena V.
Published: October 2022

We have investigated the nature of the interaction of small organic drug molecules with lipid membranes of various compositions. Using infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry methods, we studied the role of the structure of the active molecule in interaction with the membrane using the example of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine:cardiolipin (DPPC:CL) liposomes. We discovered the key role of the heterocycle in interaction with the polar part of the bilayer and the network of unsaturated bonds in interaction with the hydrophobic part. For rifampicin and levofloxacin, the main binding sites were phosphate and carbonyl groups of lipids, and in the case of anionic liposomes we found a slight penetration of rifampicin into the hydrophobic part of the bilayer. For rapamycin, experimental confirmation of the localization of the molecule in the region of fatty acid chains was obtained, and perturbation in the region of phosphate groups was demonstrated for the first time. The process of phase transition of liposomal forms of rifampicin and levofloxacin was studied. DPPC liposomes accelerate the phase transition when loaded with a drug. DPPC:CL liposomes are less susceptible to changes in the phase transition rate.
Obesity-Related Cross-Talk between Prostate Cancer and Peripheral Fat: Potential Role of Exosomes
Authors: Feng Shangzhi , Lou Kecheng , Luo Cong , Zou Junrong , Zou Xiaofeng , Zhang Guoxi
Published: October 2022

The molecular mechanisms of obesity-induced cancer progression have been extensively explored because of the significant increase in obesity and obesity-related diseases worldwide. Studies have shown that obesity is associated with certain features of prostate cancer. In particular, bioactive factors released from periprostatic adipose tissues mediate the bidirectional communication between periprostatic adipose tissue and prostate cancer. Moreover, recent studies have shown that extracellular vesicles have a role in the relationship between tumor peripheral adipose tissue and cancer progression. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the feedback mechanisms between prostate cancer and periglandular adipose and the role of exosomes as mediators of signal exchange to understand obesity as a risk factor for prostate cancer. This review summarizes the two-way communication between prostate cancer and periglandular adipose and discusses the potential role of exosomes as a cross-talk and the prospect of using adipose tissue as a means to obtain exosomes in vitro. Therefore, this review may provide new directions for the treatment of obesity to suppress prostate cancer.
Modified Albumin–Bilirubin Model for Stratifying Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Receiving Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Hsu Wei-Fan , Hsu Shih-Chao , Chen Te-Hong , Lin Chien-Hung , Lin Ying-Chun , Chang Yu-Wei , Wang Hung-Wei , Liao Yu-Min , Lai Hsueh-Chou , Peng Cheng-Yuan
Published: October 2022

Albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade is an objective and reproducible model for evaluating overall survival (OS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the original ALBI grade was established for patients with Child–Pugh classes A–C. HCC patients with Child–Pugh class C or poor performance status (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage D) usually receive hospice care. Thus, optimized cutoffs for the ALBI grade for stratifying OS in HCC patients receiving anticancer therapy are pertinent for accurate prognostication. This study retrospectively enrolled 2116 patients with BCLC stages A–C HCC after the exclusion of those ineligible for receiving anticancer therapy. The modified ALBI (mALBI) grades were: an ALBI score ≤−3.02 for mALBI grade 1, an ALBI score >−3.02 to ≤−2.08 for mALBI grade 2, and an ALBI score >−2.08 for mALBI grade 3. The original ALBI and mALBI grades were independent predictors of OS in all the enrolled patients and those receiving transarterial chemoembolization. In patients receiving curative therapy (radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection), the mALBI grade (grade 2 vs. 1 and grade 3 vs. 2) was an independent predictor of OS. Original ALBI grade 2 vs. 1 was an independent predictor of OS but not ALBI grade 3 vs. 2. The mALBI model can differentiate between patients with early, intermediate, or advanced HCC who received anticancer therapy into three prognostic groups. External validation of the proposed mALBI grade is warranted.
Is Fasting Good When One Is at Risk of Liver Cancer?
Authors: Minciuna Iulia , van Kleef Laurens A. , Stefanescu Horia , Procopet Bogdan
Published: October 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, is a multistep process that usually develops in the background of cirrhosis, but also in a non-cirrhotic state in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or viral hepatis. Emerging evidence suggests that intermittent fasting can reduce the risk of cancer development and could improve response and tolerance to treatment through the metabolic and hormonal adaptations induced by the low energy availability that finally impairs cancer cells’ adaptability, survival and growth. The current review will outline the beneficial effects of fasting in NAFLD/NASH patients and the possible mechanisms that can prevent HCC development, including circadian clock re-synchronization, with a special focus on the possibility of applying this dietary intervention to cirrhotic patients.
Electron-Beam Deposition of Metal and Ceramic-Based Composite Coatings in the Fore-Vacuum Pressure Range
Authors: Tyunkov A. V. , Klimov A. S. , Savkin K. P. , Yushkov Y. G. , Zolotukhin D. B.
Published: October 2022

We present the experimental results on the fabrication of metal-ceramic coatings by electron-beam evaporation of alumina ceramic and copper powder composites with different fractions of the components (with Cu powder fraction from 0.1 to 20%) pre-sintered by an electron beam. The mass-to-charge composition of the multi-component plasma, generated in the electron beam transport region, was measured, demonstrating that the fraction of target ions in plasma grows with the electron beam power density. The morphology and electrical conductivity of fabricated coatings were investigated; it was found that the increase in Cu fraction in the deposited coating from 0 to 20% decreases both the volumetric and surface resistance of the coatings in around 8 orders of magnitude, thereby being a convenient tool to control the coating properties.
Flexible and Transparent SERS Substrates Composed of Au@Ag Nanorod Arrays for In Situ Detection of Pesticide Residues on Fruit and Vegetables
Authors: Liu Chao , Wang Shenhao , Dong Xuan , Huang Qing
Published: October 2022

Due to the increasing importance of food quality/safety control, there is an imminent need to develop efficient methods for the rapid detection of pesticide residues in agricultural products. Herein, we proposed a simple and rapid detection approach to the in situ detection of residual pesticides on fruit/vegetable using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). Flexible and transparent SERS substrates were fabricated by transferring Au@Ag core-shell nanorods (Au@Ag NRs) arrays to silicone membranes, with the single-layer Au@Ag NRs arrays prepared by the liquid–liquid interface self-assembly method. The as-prepared SERS sensor showed excellent SERS activity and repeatability, and it could be readily pasted onto the surface of fruit and vegetables for residual pesticide detection. For the inspection of thiram in contaminated strawberries, apples, and mushrooms, the limit of detection (LOD) could reach 2 ng/cm2 with high measurement recovery and reproducibility. In general, this work provides an effective way for the preparation and application of flexible and transparent SERS substrates in food-safety control.
Application of Voltammetric Sensors for Pathogen Bacteria Detection: A Review
Authors: Lopez-Tellez Jorge , Ramirez-Montes Sandra , Ferreira T. Alexandra , Santos Eva M. , Rodriguez Jose A.
Published: October 2022

In recent years, new strategies for bacteria determination have been developed in order to achieve rapid detection and adequate limits of detection for quantification of microorganisms. This review classifies voltammetric sensors according to whether the bacteria are directly or indirectly detected. Direct methods are based on the recognition of the bacteria themselves, either in labeled or label-free mode. In contrast, indirect methods detect a metabolite produced by the bacteria. New trends in bacteria sensors involve DNA analysis, which makes it possible to improve the sensitivity and specificity of measurements. Voltammetric sensors provide good linear ranges and low limits of detection and are useful for analysis of food and clinical and environmental samples.
Nanostructuring of SnO2 Thin Films by Associating Glancing Angle Deposition and Sputtering Pressure for Gas Sensing Applications
Authors: Mohajir Achraf El , Yazdi Mohammad Arab Pour , Krystianiak Anna , Heintz Olivier , Martin Nicolas , Berger Franck , Sanchez Jean-Baptiste
Published: October 2022

SnO2 thin films were prepared by conventional and Glancing Angle Deposition reactive sputtering, and their gas sensing properties were investigated. The porosity of the as-prepared films was widely assessed using optical methods, and the sensing performances of these active layers were correlated with the evolution of surface and film porosity as a function of deposition conditions and annealing treatment. The sensor made of inclined columns grown at high sputtering pressure (6 × 10−3 mbar) and annealed at 500 °C in air exhibited the best response to benzene, with a limit of detection of 30 ppb. In addition, successful BTEX (i.e., benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) discrimination was achieved by combining the sensing signals of four nanostructured tin-oxide-based gas sensors.
The DUX-25 after Twenty-Five Years: New Analyses and Reference Data
Authors: Koopman Hendrik M. , Telkamp Benjamin S. D. , Hijkoop Annelieke , Reuser Julie A. , Madderom Marlous J. , IJsselstijn Hanneke , Rietman Andre B.
Published: October 2022

Twenty-five years after its inception, we present new analyses and reference data for the DUX-25, a questionnaire on health-related quality of life for children 8–17 years old and their parents as proxy. Data from 774 healthy children and their caregivers were collected through web-based data collection. Participants were recruited via primary and secondary schools in the Netherlands. The DUX-25 showed adequate psychometric qualities. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, we were able to support the theorized four-factor model. In addition, a model with five factors emerged in which the factor ‘Social’ was divided into ‘Social Close’ and ‘Social Far’. A comparison of the outcomes of the PedsQL with those of the DUX-25 provides evidence for a high construct validity of the DUX-25. With the new updated reference data, the DUX-25 can still be used in inpatient and outpatient settings to measure health-related quality of life of children with chronic conditions.
Adaptation of the Aphasia Impact Questionnaire-21 into Greek: A Reliability and Validity Study
Authors: Charalambous Marina , Phylactou Phivos , Kountouri Alexia , Serafeim Marios , Psychogios Loukia , Annoni Jean-Marie , Kambanaros Maria
Published: October 2022

The impact of aphasia on the everyday life of Greek-speaking people with aphasia (PWA) is often underestimated by rehabilitation clinicians. This study explores the adaptation and psychometric properties of the Greek (GR) version of The Aphasia Impact Questionnaire-21 (AIQ-21-GR) to address this issue. The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and validity of the Greek version of the AIQ-21. The AIQ-21-GR was administered to 69 stroke survivors, 47 with aphasia and 22 without aphasia. The data were analyzed to determine reliability and validity. Content validity was based on the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments guidelines. The AIQ-21-GR shows high levels of reliability and validity. The results confirmed high scores of internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and indicated good known—groups validity (Mann–Whitney U = 202, p < 001). Content validity achieved high scores with an overall median score of 4 [Q25 = 4, Q75 = 5]. The psychometric properties of the AIQ-21-GR support the reliability and validity of the tool for investigating the impact of aphasia on the quality of life of Greek-speaking PWA. The AIQ-21-GR can be used for setting functional goals in collaboration with PWA and as a patient reported outcome measure for functional communication training.
Hypebaeus cooteri sp. nov., the Nemoral Species of Soft-Winged Flower Beetles (Coleoptera, Malachiidae) in North Asia
Authors: Tshernyshev Sergei E.
Published: October 2022

A new species of soft-winged flower beetle, Hypebaeus cooteri Tshernyshev, sp. nov., external appearance very close to H. flavipes (Fabricius, 1787) but differs in shape of the elytral appendages and dark colouration of apical margin of the elytra is described from the Russian Far East. Phenomenon of disjunctive distribution of the new species from the main areal of the genus is discussed on the basis of nemoral faunogenesis during the Late Pleistocene and the Middle Holocene in dependence of broad-leaf forest distribution. Oak trees are considered as typical habitat of the genus Hypebaeus Kiesenwetter, 1863 on the basis of field study by Jonathan Cooter in Moccas Park National Nature Reserve on old oak trees in UK. H. flavipes, the nominative species of the genus Hypebaeus, is redescribed from the specimens collected in Great Britain. Illustrations of external appearance and special male characters for both species are provided.
Cannabidiol in Dentistry: A Scoping Review
Authors: David Carla , Elizalde-Hernández Alejandro , Barboza Andressa , Cardoso Gabriela , Santos Mateus , Moraes Rafael
Published: October 2022

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been gaining increased attention in contemporary society but seems to have been little explored in dentistry. This scoping review mapped the scientific and technological scenarios related to the use of CBD in dentistry. Peer-reviewed publications were searched in five international databases, patents were searched in five technological platforms. In total, 11 articles and 13 patents involving CBD in dentistry-related applications were included. The countries contributing to most articles were Brazil (27.3%) and USA (18.2%). The studies involved experiments on animals (63.6%) and/or using bacteria or cells (36.4%), and no clinical study was found. Three different applications of CBD were observed: periodontal therapy (45.4%), aid for bone regeneration (27.3%), and general use in oral therapies (27.3%). Patent inventors were based in China (53.8%) or USA (46.2%). The patent claims were mainly compositions for oral care, tooth whitening, injury repair, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects. A total of 76.9% of the patents were filed in association with a company. In general, research suggests that CBD has promising biological properties for applications in dentistry, whereas patents indicate that the current interest of industry relies on compositions for oral care. There appears to be extensive room available for research and technological applications of CBD in dentistry.
Decoupled Early Time Series Classification Using Varied-Length Feature Augmentation and Gradient Projection Technique
Authors: Chen Huiling , Zhang Ye , Tian Aosheng , Hou Yi , Ma Chao , Zhou Shilin
Published: October 2022

Early time series classification (ETSC) is crucial for real-world time-sensitive applications. This task aims to classify time series data with least timestamps at the desired accuracy. Early methods used fixed-length time series to train the deep models, and then quit the classification process by setting specific exiting rules. However, these methods may not adapt to the length variation of flow data in ETSC. Recent advances have proposed end-to-end frameworks, which leveraged the Recurrent Neural Networks to handle the varied-length problems, and the exiting subnets for early quitting. Unfortunately, the conflict between the classification and early exiting objectives is not fully considered. To handle these problems, we decouple the ETSC task into the varied-length TSC task and the early exiting task. First, to enhance the adaptive capacity of classification subnets to the data length variation, a feature augmentation module based on random length truncation is proposed. Then, to handle the conflict between classification and early exiting, the gradients of these two tasks are projected into a unified direction. Experimental results on 12 public datasets demonstrate the promising performance of our proposed method.
An Overview on Irreversible Port-Hamiltonian Systems
Authors: Ramirez Hector , Le Gorrec Yann
Published: October 2022

A comprehensive overview of the irreversible port-Hamiltonian system’s formulation for finite and infinite dimensional systems defined on 1D spatial domains is provided in a unified manner. The irreversible port-Hamiltonian system formulation shows the extension of classical port-Hamiltonian system formulations to cope with irreversible thermodynamic systems for finite and infinite dimensional systems. This is achieved by including, in an explicit manner, the coupling between irreversible mechanical and thermal phenomena with the thermal domain as an energy-preserving and entropy-increasing operator. Similarly to Hamiltonian systems, this operator is skew-symmetric, guaranteeing energy conservation. To distinguish from Hamiltonian systems, the operator depends on co-state variables and is, hence, a nonlinear-function in the gradient of the total energy. This is what allows encoding the second law as a structural property of irreversible port-Hamiltonian systems. The formalism encompasses coupled thermo-mechanical systems and purely reversible or conservative systems as a particular case. This appears clearly when splitting the state space such that the entropy coordinate is separated from other state variables. Several examples have been used to illustrate the formalism, both for finite and infinite dimensional systems, and a discussion on ongoing and future studies is provided.
Status Forecasting Based on the Baseline Information Using Logistic Regression
Authors: Zhao Xin , Nie Xiaokai
Published: October 2022

In the status forecasting problem, classification models such as logistic regression with input variables such as physiological, diagnostic, and treatment variables are typical ways of modeling. However, the parameter value and model performance differ among individuals with different baseline information. To cope with these difficulties, a subgroup analysis is conducted, in which models’ ANOVA and rpart are proposed to explore the influence of baseline information on the parameters and model performance. The results show that the logistic regression model achieves satisfactory performance, which is generally higher than 0.95 in AUC and around 0.9 in F1 and balanced accuracy. The subgroup analysis presents the prior parameter values for monitoring variables including SpO2, milrinone, non-opioid analgesics and dobutamine. The proposed method can be used to explore variables that are and are not medically related to the baseline variables.
A Comprehensive Study on Next-Generation Electromagnetics Devices and Techniques for Internet of Everything (IoE)
Authors: Nusrat Tasin , Dawod Firas Slewa , Islam Tania , Kunkolienker Pratik , Roy Sayan , Rahman Md Mirazur , Ghosh Susmita , Dey Shuvashis , Mitra Dipankar , Braaten Benjamin D.
Published: October 2022

Evolution of mobile broadband is ensured by adopting a unified and more capable radio interface (RI). For ubiquitous connectivity among a wide variety of wireless applications, the RI enables the adoption of an adaptive bandwidth with high spectrum flexibility. To this end, the modern-day communication system needs to cater to extremely high bandwidth, starting from below 1 GHz to 100 GHz, based on different deployments. This instigates the creation of a platform called the Internet of Everything (IoE), which is based on the concept of all-round connectivity involving humans to different objects or things via sensors. In simple words, IoE is the intelligent connection of people, processes, data, and things. To enable seamless connectivity, IoE resorts to low-cost, compact, and flexible broadband antennas, RFID-based sensors, wearable electromagnetic (EM) structures, circuits, wireless body area networks (WBAN), and the integration of these complex elements and systems. IoE needs to ensure broader information dissemination via simultaneous transmission of data to multiple users through separate beams and to that end, it takes advantage of metamaterials. The precise geometry and arrangement of metamaterials enable smart properties capable of manipulating EM waves and essentially enable the metamaterial devices to be controlled independently to achieve desirable EM characteristics, such as the direction of propagation and reflection. This review paper presents a comprehensive study on next-generation EM devices and techniques, such as antennas and circuits for wearable and sub 6 GHz 5G applications, WBAN, wireless power transfer (WPT), the direction of arrival (DoA) of propagating waves, RFID based sensors for biomedical and healthcare applications, new techniques of metamaterials as well as transformation optics (TO) and its applications in designing complex media and arbitrary geometry conformal antennas and optical devices that will enable future IoE applications.