bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Biomarkers for Triaging Patients for Suspected Stroke: Every Minute Counts
Authors: Jadav Radhika Kiritsinh , Mortazavi Reza , Yee Kwang Choon
Published: July 2022

Early stroke diagnosis remains a big challenge in healthcare partly due to the lack of reliable diagnostic blood biomarkers, which in turn leads to increased rates of mortality and disability. Current screening methods are optimised to identify patients with a high risk of cardio-vascular disease, especially among the elderly. However, in young adults and children, these methods suffer low sensitivity and specificity and contribute to further delays in their triage and diagnosis. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to develop reliable blood biomarkers for triaging patients suspected of stroke in all age groups, especially children and young adults. This review explores some of the existing blood biomarkers, as single biomarkers or biomarker panels, and examines their sensitivity and specificity for predicting stroke. A review was performed on PubMed and Web of Science for journal articles published in English during the period 2001 to 2021, which contained information regarding biomarkers of stroke. In this review article, we provide comparative information on the availability, clinical usefulness, and time-window periods of seven single blood biomarkers and five biomarker panels that have been used for predicting stroke in emergency situations. The outcomes of this review can be used in future research for developing more effective stroke biomarkers.
The Effects of Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wolny Tomasz , Fernández-de-las Peñas César , Buczek Tomasz , Domin Magdalena , Granek Arkadiusz , Linek Paweł
Published: July 2022

Background: To date, various forms of physiotherapy are used in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS). The effectiveness of physiotherapy for CuTS is inconclusive. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of physiotherapy in the conservative treatment of CuTS. Methods: The six databases were searched from December 2020 to March 2022. The inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials, case series, and case reports that evaluate the effects of physiotherapy in the treatment of adult participants with diagnosis CuTS. A total of 11 studies met the eligibility criteria, capturing a total of 187 participants. Results: In three types of papers, pain, muscle strength, and limitation of upper limb function were the most frequently assessed characteristics. Physiotherapy was most often based on manual therapy, neurodynamic techniques, and electrical modalities. One clinical trial rated the risk of bias “high” and the other two “some concerns”. In case-series designs, five studies rated the risk of bias as “serious” and three as “moderate”. Most of the studies showed a significant improvement in the clinical condition, also in the follow-up study. Only one clinical trial showed no therapeutic effect. Conclusion: There is no possibility of recommending the best method of physiotherapy in clinical practice for people with CuTS based on the results of this systematic review. More high-quality studies are required.
Validation of the Cooling Model for TMCP Processing of Steel Sheets with Oxide Scale Using Industrial Experiment Data
Authors: Beygelzimer Emmanuil , Beygelzimer Yan
Published: July 2022

To verify the mathematical model of the water-jet cooling of steel plates developed by the authors, previously performed experimental studies of the temperature of the test plates in a roller-quenching machine (RQM) were used. The calculated temperature change in the metal as it moved in the RQM was compared with the readings of thermocouples installed at the center of the test plate and near its surface. The basis of the model is the dependence of the temperatures of the film, transition and nucleate boiling regimes on the thickness of the oxide scale layer on the cooled surface. It was found that the model correctly accounts for the oxide scale on the sheet surface, the flow rates and combinations of the RQM banks used, the water temperature, and other factors. For all tests, the calculated metal temperature corresponded well with the measured one. In the experiments with interrupted cooling, the calculated temperature plots repeated the characteristic changes in the experimental curves. The main uncertainty in the modeling of cooling over a wide temperature range can be attributed to the random nature of changes in the oxide scale thickness during water cooling. In this regard, the estimated thickness of the oxide scale layer should be considered the main parameter for adapting the sheet temperature-control process. The data obtained confirm the possibility of effective application of the model in the ACS of industrial TMCP (Thermo-Mechanical Controlled Process) systems.
Craft Product Export Promotion Competitiveness: The Mediating Effect between Niche Differentiation Strategy and Export Performance
Authors: Traiyarach Saksuriya , Banjongprasert Jantima
Published: July 2022

Export competitiveness is an important factor for national development and economic growth. The craft product market is one of the commodities with high growing value. Thus, many craft product companies are encouraged to export their products to foreign markets. This study aims to examine the strategies and competitiveness of exporting craft products. The sample of 400 respondents who completed the questionnaires represents people working in craft product export companies using marine transport in Thailand. The data analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling (SEM). The findings show that the niche differentiation strategy of craft products positively relates to export promotion competitiveness. Moreover, a niche differentiation strategy positively affects export performance. The results indicate that export promotion competitiveness partially mediates the relationship between niche differentiation strategy and export performance. This study contributes to the craft product export business using marine transport and helps the companies to improve their competitiveness and export performance.
CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 Genotypes and Metabolizer Status Distribution in a Bulgarian Psychiatric Cohort
Authors: Ivanov Hristo Y. , Grigorova Denitsa , Lauschke Volker M. , Velinov Branimir , Stoychev Kaloyan , Kyosovska Gergana , Shopov Peter
Published: July 2022

CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 are enzymes of essential significance for the pharmacokinetics of a multitude of commonly used antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiemetics, β-blockers, opioids, antiestrogen, antacids, etc. Polymorphisms in the respective genes are well established as resulting in functional differences, which in turn can impact safety and efficacy. Importantly, the prevalence of genetic CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 variability differs drastically between populations. Drawing on the limited information concerning genotype frequencies in Bulgaria, we here analyzed 742 Bulgarian psychiatric patients predominantly diagnosed with depression and/or anxiety. Specifically, we analyzed frequencies of CYPC19*2, *4 and *17, as well as of CYP2D6*2, *3, *4, *5, *6, *10 and *41. In total, 571 out of 742 patients (77%) carried at least one variant which impacts metabolizer status. Overall, 48.6% of the studied individuals were classified as non-normal metabolizers of CYP2D6 with most exhibiting reduced function (38.2% intermediate metabolizers and 6.6% poor metabolizers). In contrast, for CYP2C19, the majority of non-normal metabolizers showed increased functionality (28.9% rapid and 5.5% ultrarapid metabolizers), while reduced activity metabolizer status accounted for 25.6% (23.8% intermediate and 1.8% poor metabolizers). These results provide an important resource to assess the genetically encoded functional variability of CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 which may have significant implications for precision medicine in Bulgarian psychiatry practice.
Potential Similarities in Sex Difference in Key Genes and Their Expression, Network, EQTL and Pathways between COVID-19 and Chronic Kidney Disease Based on Mouse Model
Authors: Yu Zhuo , Zhan Jingyu , Dong Wei , Lu Lu , Jablonski Monica M. , Aleya Lotfi , Chen Jingyu , Zhang Peiqing , Chen Hong , Gu Weikuan
Published: July 2022

COVID-19 and chronic kidney disease (CKD) share similarity in sex bias and key genes in the disease pathway of sex difference. We investigated the sex difference of molecular pathways of four key players of these two diseases using an existing large set of whole genome expression profiles from the kidneys of female and male mouse models. Our data show that there is little to no correlation at the whole genome expression level between female and male mice among these four genes. There are considerable sex differences among genes in upstream regulation, Ace2 complex interaction, and downstream pathways. Snap25 and Plcb4 may play important roles in the regulation of the expression level of Adam17, Tmprss2, and Cd146 in females. In males, Adh4 is a candidate gene for the regulation of Adam17, while Asl, Auts2, and Rabger1 are candidates for Tmprss2. Within the Ace2 complex, Cd146 directly influences the expression level of Adam17 and Ace2 in the female, while in the male Adam potentially has a stronger influence on Ace2 than that of Tmprss2. Among the top 100 most related genes, only one or two genes from four key genes and 11 from the control B-Actin were found to be the same between sexes. Among the top 10 sets of genes in the downstream pathway of Ace2, only two sets are the same between the sexes. We concluded that these known key genes and novel genes in CKD may play significant roles in the sex difference in the CKD and COVID-19 disease pathways.
How to Price Ecosystem Water Yield Service and Determine the Amount of Compensation?—The Wei River Basin in China as an Example
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Ding Zhenmin , Yao Shunbo , Xue Caixia , Deng Yuanjie , Jia Lei , Chai Chaoqing , Zhang Xiao
Published: July 2022

Determining the price of water yield service is the core of watershed compensation. This is necessary to establish a reasonable and scientific compensation mechanism and achieve the efficient management of water. Unlike previous studies, this study establishes a theoretical model of pricing and a compensation mechanism for achieving a balance between the supply and demand of water yield service. A panel threshold model is used to estimate the production elasticity of water for pricing water yield service. Then, we analyze the spatial and temporal changes of the price and the compensation amounts of water yield service in the Wei River basin, China. The results show that: (1) The water marginal contribution to regional GDP meets the law of diminishing marginal return in the form of the threshold effect. When water input amounts (logarithm) are on both sides of 9.449, the marginal contribution is significantly different. (2) The price of water yield service shows an increasing trend. It was CNY 47.27/m3 in 2015, increasing by 472.94% compared with 2000 (CNY 8.24/m3). The spatial distribution was “high in the southeast and low in the northwest”. (3) Total payment amounts increased from CNY 33.1955 billion in 2000 to CNY 227.1302 billion in 2015 and were mainly distributed in relatively developed areas. The acceptance areas were concentrated in relatively undeveloped areas. Total acceptance amounts increased from CNY 2922.2 million in 2000 to CNY 16,398.6 million in 2015. This study can provide scientific basis for ecological compensation practices and promote high-quality development of the socio-economy of the watershed.
A Real Pandora’s Box in Pandemic Times: A Narrative Review on the Acute Cardiac Injury Due to COVID-19
Authors: Timpau Amalia-Stefana , Miftode Radu-Stefan , Leca Daniela , Timpau Razvan , Miftode Ionela-Larisa , Petris Antoniu Octavian , Costache Irina Iuliana , Mitu Ovidiu , Nicolae Ana , Oancea Alexandru , Jigoranu Alexandru , Tuchilus Cristina Gabriela , Miftode Egidia-Gabriela
Published: July 2022

The intricate relationship between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the cardiovascular system is an extensively studied pandemic topic, as there is an ever-increasing amount of evidence that reports a high prevalence of acute cardiac injury in the context of viral infection. In patients with Coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, a significant increase in serum levels of cardiac troponin or other various biomarkers was observed, suggesting acute cardiac injury, thus predicting both a severe course of the disease and a poor outcome. Pathogenesis of acute cardiac injury is not yet completely elucidated, though several mechanisms are allegedly involved, such as a direct cardiomyocyte injury, oxygen supply-demand inequity caused by hypoxia, several active myocardial depressant factors during sepsis, and endothelial dysfunction due to the hyperinflammatory status. Moreover, the increased levels of plasma cytokines and catecholamines and a significantly enhanced prothrombotic environment may lead to the destabilization and rupture of atheroma plaques, subsequently triggering an acute coronary syndrome. In the present review, we focus on describing the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and role of biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with acute cardiac injury in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also explore some novel therapeutic strategies involving immunomodulatory therapy, as well as their role in preventing a severe form of the disease, with both the short-term outcome and the long-term cardiovascular sequelae being equally important in patients with SARS-CoV-2 induced acute cardiac injury.
How an Outbreak of COVID-19 Circulated Widely in Nepal: A Chronological Analysis of the National Response to an Unprecedented Pandemic
Authors: Pandey Basu Dev , Ngwe Tun Mya Myat , Pandey Kishor , Dumre Shyam Prakash , Nwe Khin Mya , Shah Yogendra , Culleton Richard , Takamatsu Yuki , Costello Anthony , Morita Kouichi
Published: July 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first COVID-19 case was reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The first COVID-19 case in Nepal was reported in January 2020 in a Nepalese man who had returned from Wuhan to Nepal. This study aims to evaluate the government of Nepal’s (GoN) response to the COVID-19 pandemic and explore ways to prevent COVID-19 and other pandemic diseases in the future. As of May 2022, a total of 979,140 cases and 11,951 deaths associated with COVID-19 have been reported in Nepal. To prevent the spread of the virus, the GoN initiated various preventive and control measures, including lockdown strategies. The effects of COVID-19 are expected to persist for many years; the best strategies a resource-limited country such as Nepal can implement to control pandemic diseases such as COVID-19 in the pre-vaccine stage are to increase testing, tracing, and isolation capacity.
Anti-Coronavirus Efficiency and Redox-Modulating Capacity of Polyphenol-Rich Extracts from Traditional Bulgarian Medicinal Plants
Authors: Vilhelmova-Ilieva Neli , Petrova Zdravka , Georgieva Almira , Tzvetanova Elina , Trepechova Madlena , Mileva Milka
Published: July 2022

Background: The use of various herbal therapists as part of traditional medicine in different parts of the world, including Bulgaria, is due to the knowledge accumulated over the centuries by people about their valuable biological activities. In this study, we investigate extracts from widely used Bulgarian medicinal plants for their ability to prevent the coronavirus infection of cells by testing different mechanisms of antiviral protection, their polyphenol content, and redox-modulating capacity. Methods: The influence on the stage of viral adsorption, the inhibition of extracellular virions, and the protective effect on uninfected cells of the plant’s extracts were reported by the end-point dilution method, and virus titer (in Δ lgs) was determined as compared to the untreated controls. The total content of polyphenols and flavonoids was also determined. We tested the antioxidant power of the extracts by their ability to inhibit the generation of superoxide anionic radicals and to scavenge DPPH radicals. We determined their iron-reducing, copper-reducing, and metal-chelating antioxidant powers. Results: Most of the extracts tested suppress the extracellular virions of HCov. They also inhibit the stage of viral adsorption to the host cell to varying degrees and have a protective effect on healthy cells before being subjected to viral invasion. The examined extracts contained significant levels of polyphenols and quercetin-like flavonoids and showed remarkable antioxidant, radical, and redox-modulating effects. Conclusions: All of these 13 extracts from Bulgarian medicinal plants tested can act as antioxidants and antiviral and symptomatic drugs for the management of coronavirus infection.
5,5′-(Piperazine-1,4-diyl)bis(4-chloro-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-one)
Authors: Ogurtsov Vladimir A. , Rakitin Oleg A.
Published: July 2022

Conjugates of 3H-1,2-dithiol-3-ones with various biologically active compounds are intensively investigated. Although many derivatives of this class have been described in the literature, the compounds containing two dithiole cycles have been explored much less. In this communication, it was shown that the reaction of 4,5-dichloro-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-one with piperazine can selectively lead to the mono-product, 4-chloro-5-piperazin-1-yl-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-one and bis-product, 5,5′-(piperazine-1,4-diyl)bis(4-chloro-3H-1,2-dithiol-3-one). The structure of the synthesized compounds was established by elemental analysis, high resolution mass-spectrometry, 1H, 13C NMR and IR spectroscopy, and mass-spectrometry.
A Study on the In-Plane Shear-after-Impact Properties of CFRP Composite Laminates
Authors: Liu Longquan , Xu Wenjun
Published: July 2022

Impact loading on carbon fiber reinforced polymer matrix (CFRP) composite laminates can result in a significant reduction in their residual properties, and the (ShAI) properties of the composite material are essential to obtain the material allowable values of the shear dominated composite structures. In order to obtain the ShAI properties of the composite material in pure shear stress at a coupon level, this study presents theoretical, experimental, and numerical methods and analysis work on the in-plane shear and ShAI properties of the composite laminates. Theoretically, a method of sizing the composite specimen loading in shear is developed through comparing the load values due to buckling and the material failure. Following this, both impact tests using the drop-weight method and ShAI tests using the picture frame test method are conducted, and the influences of the impact energies on the impact damage and the residual ShAI values are evaluated. Moreover, a progressive failure finite element model based on the Hashin’s failure criterion and the cohesive zone model is developed, and a two-step dynamic analysis method is performed to simulate the failure process of the composite laminates under impact loading and ShAI loading. It is found that the impact damage with the cut-off energy, 50 J, causes a 26.8% reduction in the residual strength and the residual effective shear failure strain is about 0.0132. The primary reason of the shear failure is the propagation of both the matrix tensile failure and interlaminar delamination. It can be concluded that the proposed theoretical, experimental, and numerical methods are promising factors to study the ShAI properties of the composite materials.
Performance of Different Concrete Types Exposed to Elevated Temperatures: A Review
Authors: Alhamad Amjad , Yehia Sherif , Lublóy Éva , Elchalakani Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Concrete is a heterogeneous material that consists of cement, aggregates, and water as basic constituents. Several cementitious materials and additives are added with different volumetric ratios to improve the strength and durability requirements of concrete. Consequently, performance of concrete when exposed to elevated temperature is greatly affected by the concrete type. Moreover, post-fire properties of concrete are influenced by the constituents of each concrete type. Heating rate, days of curing, type of curing, cooling method, and constituents of the mix are some of the factors that impact the post-fire behavior of concrete structures. In this paper, an extensive review was conducted and focused on the effect of concrete constituents on the overall behavior of concrete when exposed to elevated temperature. It was evident that utilizing fibers can improve the tensile capacity of concrete after exposure to higher temperatures. However, there is an increased risk of spalling due to the induced internal stresses. In addition, supplementary cementitious materials such as metakaolin and silica fume enhanced concrete strength, the latter proving to be the most effective. In terms of the heating process, it was clear that several constituents, such as silica fume or fly ash, that decrease absorption affect overall workability, increase the compressive strength of concrete, and can yield an increase in the strength of concrete at 200 °C. Most of the concrete types show a moderate and steady decrease in the strength up until 400 °C. However, the decrease is more rapid until the concrete reaches 800 °C or 1000 °C at which it spalls or cannot take any applied load. This review highlighted the need for more research and codes’ provisions to account for different types of concrete constituents and advanced construction materials technology.
X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Pigments in Gothic Frescoes, Coats of Arms, and Polychromy on Sculptures on the Triforium in St. Vitus Cathedral on the Territory of the Czech Kingdom in the 14th Century
Authors: Čechák Tomáš , Trojek Tomáš , Růžek Vladimír , Šefců Radka , Průšová Hana
Published: July 2022

Pigments in the paints used for the coats of arms, polychromy on sculptures, and pigments in frescoes characterize not only the epoch but also individual creators or groups of artists involved in their creation. X-ray fluorescence analysis is a non-destructive method suitable for determining the chemical composition of these artifacts. This article covers the results of measurements of selected objects, and compares them with similar objects from the territory of the Czech Kingdom in the 14th century.
A Simulation and an Experimental Study of Space Harpoon Low-Velocity Impact, Anchored Debris
Authors: Zhao Wei , Pang Zhaojun , Zhao Zhen , Du Zhonghua , Zhu Weiliang
Published: July 2022

The space harpoon is a rigid-flexible, coupled debris capture method with a simple, reliable structure and a high adaptability to the target. For the process of impacting and embedding the harpoon into the target plate, the effect of friction at a low-velocity impact is studied, and the criteria for effective embedding of the harpoon and the corresponding launch velocity are determined. A simulation model of the dynamics of the harpoon and the target plate considering tangential friction is established, and the reliability of the numerical simulation model is verified by comparing the impact test, focusing on the kinetic energy change and embedding length during the impact of the harpoon. The results show that the frictional effect in the low-velocity impact is more obvious for the kinetic energy consumption of the harpoon itself, and the effective embedding of the harpoon into the anchored target ranges from 50~90 mm, corresponding to a theoretical launch initial velocity between 88.4~92.5 m/s.
Technogenic Fiber Wastes for Optimizing Concrete
Authors: Klyuev Sergey , Fediuk Roman , Ageeva Marina , Fomina Ekaterina , Klyuev Alexander , Shorstova Elena , Sabitov Linar , Radaykin Oleg , Anciferov Sergey , Kikalishvili Diana , de Azevedo Afonso , Vatin Nikolai , Amran Mugahed
Published: July 2022

A promising method of obtaining mineral fiber fillers for dry building mixtures is the processing of waste that comes from the production of technogenic fibrous materials (TFM). The novelty of the work lies in the fact that, for the first time, basalt production wastes were studied not only as reinforcing components, but also as binder ones involved in concrete structure formation. The purpose of the article is to study the physical and mechanical properties of waste technogenic fibrous materials as additives for optimizing the composition of raw concrete mixes. To assess the possibility of using wastes from the complex processing of TFM that were ground for 5 and 10 min as an active mineral additive to concrete, their chemical, mineralogical, and granulometric compositions, as well as the microstructure and physical and mechanical characteristics of the created concretes, were studied. It is established that the grinding of TFM for 10 min leads to the grinding of not only fibers, but also pellets, the fragments of which are noticeable in the total mass of the substance. The presence of quartz in the amorphous phase of TFM makes it possible to synthesize low-basic calcium silicate hydrates in a targeted manner. At 90 days age, at 10–20% of the content of TFM, the strength indicators increase (above 40 MPa), and at 30% of the additive content, they approach the values of the control composition without additives (above 35 MPa). For all ages, the ratio of flexural and compressive strengths is at the level of 0.2, which characterizes a high reinforcing effect. Analysis of the results suggests the possibility of using waste milled for 10 min as an active mineral additive, as well as to give better formability to the mixture and its micro-reinforcement to obtain fiber-reinforced concrete.
Selected Physical and Spectroscopic Properties of TPS Moldings Enriched with Durum Wheat Bran
Authors: Combrzyński Maciej , Wójtowicz Agnieszka , Oniszczuk Anna , Karcz Dariusz , Szponar Jarosław , Matwijczuk Arkadiusz P.
Published: July 2022

The impact of the amount of durum wheat bran additive used on the selected structural, mechanical, and spectroscopic properties of thermoplastic starch moldings was examined in this study. Bran was added to corn starch from 10 to 60% by weight in the blends. Four temperature settings were used for the high-pressure injection: 120, 140, 160, and 180 °C. The highest value of elongation at break (8.53%) was observed for moldings containing 60% bran. Moreover, for these moldings, the tensile strength and flexural strength were lower (appropriately 3.43 MPa and 27.14 MPa). The highest deformation at break (1.56%) were obtained for samples with 60% bran and injection molded at 180 °C. We saw that higher bran content (50 and 60%) and a higher injection molding temperature (160 °C and 180 °C) significantly changed the color of the samples. The most significant changes in the FTIR spectra were observed at 3292 and 1644 cm−1 and in the region of 1460–1240 cm−1. Moreover, notable changes were observed in the intensity ratio of bands at 1015 and 955 cm−1. The changes observed correspond well with the amount of additive used and with the injection temperature applied; thus it may be considered as a marker of interactions affecting plasticization of the material obtained.
Human–Robot Interaction: A Review and Analysis on Variable Admittance Control, Safety, and Perspectives
Authors: Sharkawy Abdel-Nasser , Koustoumpardis Panagiotis N.
Published: July 2022

Human–robot interaction (HRI) is a broad research topic, which is defined as understanding, designing, developing, and evaluating the robotic system to be used with or by humans. This paper presents a survey on the control, safety, and perspectives for HRI systems. The first part of this paper reviews the variable admittance (VA) control for human–robot co-manipulation tasks, where the virtual damping, inertia, or both are adjusted. An overview of the published research for the VA control approaches, their methods, the accomplished collaborative co-manipulation tasks and applications, and the criteria for evaluating them are presented and compared. Then, the performance of various VA controllers is compared and investigated. In the second part, the safety of HRI systems is discussed. The various methods for detection of human–robot collisions (model-based and data-based) are investigated and compared. Furthermore, the criteria, the main aspects, and the requirements for the determination of the collision and their thresholds are discussed. The performance measure and the effectiveness of each method are analyzed and compared. The third and final part of the paper discusses the perspectives, necessity, influences, and expectations of the HRI for future robotic systems.
A Two-Stage Model with an Improved Clustering Algorithm for a Distribution Center Location Problem under Uncertainty
Authors: Wu Jun , Liu Xin , Li Yuanyuan , Yang Liping , Yuan Wenyan , Ba Yile
Published: July 2022

Distribution centers are quite important for logistics. In order to save costs, reduce energy consumption and deal with increasingly uncertain demand, it is necessary for distribution centers to select the location strategically. In this paper, a two-stage model based on an improved clustering algorithm and the center-of-gravity method is proposed to deal with the multi-facility location problem arising from a real-world case. First, a distance function used in clustering is redefined to include both the spatial indicator and the socio-economic indicator. Then, an improved clustering algorithm is used to determine the optimal number of distribution centers needed and the coverage of each center. Third, the center-of-gravity method is used to determine the final location of each center. Finally, the improved method is compared with the traditional clustering method by testing data from 12 cities in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China. The comparison result proves the proposed method’s effectiveness.
Online Learning versus Hands-On Learning of Basic Ocular Ultrasound Skills: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Trial
Authors: Kang Soo-Yeon , Yoo Jonghoon , Park Sookyung , Jo Ik-Joon , Kim Seonwoo , Cho Hyun , Lee Guntak , Park Jong-Eun , Kim Taerim , Lee Se-Uk , Hwang Sung-Yeon , Cha Won-Chul , Shin Tae-Gun , Yoon Hee
Published: July 2022

Background and objectives: Ocular ultrasound is a core application of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to assist physicians in promptly identifying various ocular diseases at the bedside; however, hands-on POCUS training is challenging during a pandemic. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial was conducted in an academic emergency department from October 2020 to April 2021. Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group H (hands-on learning group) participated individually in a hands-on session with a standardized patient for 30 min, whereas Group O (online learning group) learned training materials and video clips for 20 min. They scanned four eyeballs of two standardized patients sequentially following the ocular POCUS scan protocol. Repeated POCUS scans were performed 2 weeks later to assess skill maintenance. Both groups completed the pre- and post-surveys and knowledge tests. Two emergency medicine faculty members blindly evaluated the data and assigned a score of 0–25. The primary endpoint was the initial total score of scan quality evaluated using non-inferiority analysis (generalized estimating equation). The secondary endpoints were total scores for scan quality after 2 weeks, scan time, and knowledge test scores. Results: The least squares means of the total scores were 21.7 (0.35) for Group O and 21.3 (0.25) for Group H, and the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) was greater than the non-inferiority margin of minus 2 (95% CI: −0.48–1.17). The second scan scores were not significantly different from those of the first scan. The groups did not differ in scanning time or knowledge test results; however, Group H showed higher subjective satisfaction with the training method (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that basic online ocular ultrasound education was not inferior to hands-on education, suggesting that it could be a useful educational approach in the pandemic era.
Superficial Femoral Artery Recanalization Using Fiber Optic RealShape Technology
Authors: Klaassen Jurre , van Herwaarden Joost A. , Teraa Martin , Hazenberg Constantijn E. V. B.
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Report of a successful case of endovascular recanalization of an occluded superficial femoral artery (SFA) using Fiber Optic RealShape (FORS) technology. Case Report: A 79-year-old male was referred for evaluation of multiple ischemic pretibial ulcers of the right lower extremity. Computed tomography–angiography (CTA) imaging confirmed significant stenosis of the right common femoral artery (CFA) and an occlusion of the SFA from its origin to the Hunter’s canal. The patient was treated with a hybrid surgical procedure: an endarterectomy of the CFA and SFA origin was performed combined with an endovascular recanalization of the occluded SFA using FORS technology. During recanalization, the FORS guidewire slowly twisted subintimally around the occluded lumen of the SFA, maintaining the created corkscrew shape after pre-dilation with the percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) balloon and subsequent stenting. Conclusions: FORS technology can be successfully used during recanalization of an occluded SFA without the use of fluoroscopy. The corkscrew shape formed during recanalization in this case was retained during PTA balloon pre-dilation and stenting; this potentially improves hemodynamics and thereby reduces the risk of in-stent restenosis. However, expanding patient series and longer follow-up data are needed to increase the understanding of the feasibility and effectiveness of using FORS in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease.
Digging into the Role of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Diagnosis and Prognosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Frosolini Andrea , Franz Leonardo , Daloiso Antonio , Lovato Andrea , de Filippis Cosimo , Marioni Gino
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives: Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) is a quite common clinical finding in otolaryngology. Most cases are classified as idiopathic and there is a dearth of information on factors able to predict the response to treatment and hearing recovery. The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess and critically discuss the role of circulating inflammatory biomarkers in SSNHL. Materials and Methods: A search was conducted of the English literature published between 1 January 2009 and 7 July 2022 on Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane following PRISMA guidelines. Results: A total of 256 titles were retrieved from the search. After full-text screening and application of inclusion/exclusion criteria, 13 articles were included. Twelve out of thirteen studies reported significant differences in biomarkers values in SSNHL patients, of which Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive Protein (CRP) were the most analyzed. Our meta-analysis for CRP’s mean values in SSNHL groups vs. controls showed significantly higher CRP levels with a pooled overall difference of 1.07; confidence interval (CI) at 95%: 0.03; 2.11. For TNF-α, discordant results were found: three studies showed significantly higher levels in SSNHL patients vs. controls, whereas other three investigations showed lower levels in the SSNHL groups (overall pooled difference 1.97; 95% CI: −0.90; 4.84). A high between-study heterogeneity was found. Conclusions: This systematic review pointed out that, although there exists a growing literature in the field of circulatory biomarkers identification in SSNHL, there is a high heterogeneity of results and low quality of evidence. CRP resulted to be higher in SSNHL patients than in controls, while TNF-α showed more heterogeneous behavior. The data reported herein needs to be confirmed in well-designed prospective multicenter randomized studies, with the objective of improving SSNHL treatment and outcome and thereby reducing the social burden of hearing loss.
Desalination Using the Capacitive Deionization Technology with Graphite/AC Electrodes: Effect of the Flow Rate and Electrode Thickness
Authors: Martinez Jhonatan , Colán Martín , Catillón Ronald , Huamán Jesús , Paria Robert , Sánchez Luis , Rodríguez Juan
Published: July 2022

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an emerging water desalination technology whose principle lies in ion electrosorption at the surface of a pair of electrically charged electrodes. The aim of this study was to obtain the best performance of a CDI cell made of activated carbon as the active material for water desalination. In this work, electrodes of different active layer thicknesses were fabricated from a slurry of activated carbon deposited on graphite sheets. The as-prepared electrodes were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, and their physical properties were also studied using SEM and DRX. A CDI cell was fabricated with nine pairs of electrodes with the highest specific capacitance. The effect of the flow rate on the electrochemical performance of the CDI cell operating in charge–discharge electrochemical cycling was analyzed. We obtained a specific absorption capacity (SAC) of 10.2 mg/g and a specific energetic consumption (SEC) of 217.8 Wh/m3 at a flow rate of 55 mL/min. These results were contrasted with those available in the literature; in addition, other parameters such as Neff and SAR, which are necessary for the characterization and optimal operating conditions of the CDI cell, were analyzed. The findings from this study lay the groundwork for future research and increase the existing knowledge on CDI based on activated carbon electrodes.
Effect of Temperature and Humidity on the Water and Dioxygen Transport Properties of Polybutylene Succinate/Graphene Nanoplatelets Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Cosquer Raphaël , Pruvost Sébastien , Gouanvé Fabrice
Published: July 2022

Nanocomposite films of polybutylene succinate (PBS)/graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) with a GnP content ranging from 0 to 1.35 wt.% were prepared by melt processing. The morphology of both the neat PBS and PBS/GnP nanocomposites were investigated and revealed no significant impact of GnP on the crystalline microstructure. Moisture sorption at 10 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C were analyzed and modeled using the Guggenheim, Andersen, and De Boer (GAB) equation and Zimm-Lundberg theory, allowing for a phenomenological analysis at the molecular scale. An understanding of the transport sorption properties was proposed by the determination of the molar heat of sorption (ΔHs), and the activation energy of the diffusion (Ed) of water in the matrix since both solubility and diffusion are thermo-activable properties. Both ΔHs and Ed showed a good correlation with the water clustering theory at high water activity. Water and dioxygen permeabilities ( and ) were determined as a function of temperature and water activity. and decreased with the addition of a small amount of GnP, regardless of the studied temperature. Moreover, the evolution of as a function of water activity was driven by the solubility process, whereas at a given water activity, was driven by the diffusion process. Activation energies of the permeability (Ep) of water and dioxygen showed a dependency on the nature of the permeant molecule. Finally, from the ΔHs, Ed, and Ep obtained values, the reduction in water permeability with the addition of a low content of GnP was attributed mainly to a tortuosity effect without diffusive interfaces rather than a significant change in the transport property mechanism.
Assessments of Ceanothanes Triterpenes as Cholinesterase Inhibitors: An Investigation of Potential Agents with Novel Inspiration for Drug Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Muñoz-Nuñez Evelyn , Quiroz-Carreño Soledad , Pastene-Navarrete Edgar , Seigler David S. , Céspedes-Acuña Carlos , Martínez Valenzuela Ignacio , Oppliger Muñoz Martina , Salas-Burgos Alexis , Alarcón-Enos Julio
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the inhibitory capacity of ceanothanes triterpenes isolate from Chilean Rhamnaceae on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. Seven ceanothanes triterpenes were isolated from aerial parts of plant material by classical phytochemical methods or prepared by the hemisynthetic method. Structures were determined by the spectroscopic method (1H-NMR and 13C NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). AChE and BChE activity were determined by the Ellmann method for all compounds. All tested compounds exerted a greater affinity to AChE than to BChE, where compound 3 has an IC50 of 0.126 uM for AChE and of >500 uM to BChE. Kinetic studies indicated that its inhibition was competitive and reversible. According to the molecular coupling and displacement studies of the propidium iodide test, the inhibitory effect of compound 3 would be produced by interaction with the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of AChE. The compounds tested (1–7) showed an important inhibitory activity of AChE, binding to PAS. Therefore, inhibitors that bind to PAS would prevent the formation of the AChE-Aβ complex, constituting a new alternative in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Fabrication and Electrical Characterization of High Aspect Ratio Through-Silicon Vias with Polyimide Liner for 3D Integration
Authors: Chen Xuyan , Chen Zhiming , Xiao Lei , Hao Yigang , Wang Han , Ding Yingtao , Zhang Ziyue
Published: July 2022

High aspect ratio (HAR) through-silicon vias (TSVs) are in urgent need to achieve smaller keep-out zones (KOZs) and higher integration density for the miniaturization of high-performance three-dimensional (3D) integration of integrated circuits (IC), micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), and other devices. In this study, HAR TSVs with a diameter of 11 μm and an aspect ratio of 10:1 are successfully fabricated in a low-cost process flow. Conformal polyimide (PI) liners are deposited using a vacuum-assisted spin coating technique, and the effects of spin coating time and speed on the deposition results are discussed. Then, continuous Cu seed layers are fabricated by sequential sputtering and ultrasound-assisted electroless plating. Additionally, void-free and seamless Cu conductors are formed by electroplating. Moreover, a semi-additive method is used to fabricate the redistribution layers (RDLs) on the insulating layers of photosensitive PI (PSPI). Notably, a plasma bombardment process is introduced to remove residual PSPI in the contact windows between RDLs and central pillars. Results show that the resistance of a single TSV from a daisy chain of 144 TSVs with density of 2000/mm2 is about 28 mΩ. Additionally, the S-parameters of a single TSV are obtained using L-2L de-embedding technology, and the experimental and simulated results agree well. The proposed low-cost fabrication technologies and the related electrical characterization of PI-TSVs are significant for the application of HAR TSVs in modern heterogeneous integration systems.
“Don’t Look Up” Your Science—Herd Immunity or Herd Mentality?
Authors: Igyártó Botond Z.
Published: July 2022

This analysis piece will attempt to examine some of the critical pandemic-related measures implemented in the United States from an immunological perspective and pinpoint caveats that should have been considered before their implementation. I also discuss alternative measures grounded in scientific data that were not thoroughly explored and likely could have helped fight the pandemic.
Discrimination and Characterization of Escherichia coli Originating from Clinical Cases of Femoral Head Necrosis in Broilers by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Confirms Great Heterogeneity of Isolates
Authors: Nees Marina , Hess Michael , Hess Claudia
Published: July 2022

Escherichia coli, a major pathogen in poultry production, is involved in femoral head necrosis (FHN) in broiler birds. So far, the characterization and relationship of isolates in context with this disease are mainly based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics. Previously, an involvement of diverse E. coli isolates was reported. MALDI-TOF MS has been successfully applied investigating the clonality of different bacteria. Therefore, its application to characterize a well-defined selection of E. coli isolates beyond the species level was tested. The isolates were derived from clinical cases of FHN as well as from healthy birds. Reproducibility studies to perform a standardized protocol were done, and LB agar as well as the usage of fresh bacterial cultures proved most appropriate. No distinct clustering in context with the origin of isolates, association with lesions, serotype, or PFGE profile was found. Most of the isolates belonging to phylogroup B2 revealed a characteristic peak shift at 9716 m/z and could be attributed to the same MALDI-TOF MS cluster. The present study confirmed the previously found pheno- and genotypic heterogeneity of E. coli involved in FHN on the proteomic level. The study also highlights the need for standardized protocols when using MALDI-TOF MS for bacterial typing, especially beyond species level.
Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications of the Neoproterozoic Peraluminous Granitic Rocks from the Tianshui Area, Western Margin of the North Qinling Terrane, China: Evidence from Whole-Rock Geochemistry and Zircon U–Pb–Hf–O Isotopes
Authors: Yang Gang , Zhang Juan , Zhang Hongfu , Bao Zhian , Lin Abing
Published: July 2022

The source and petrogenesis of peraluminous granitic rocks in orogenic belts can provide insights into the evolution, architecture, and composition of continental crust. Neoproterozoic peraluminous granitic rocks are sporadically exposed in the Tianshui area of the western margin of the North Qinling Terrane (NQT), China. However, the source, petrogenesis, and tectonic setting of these rocks still remain unclear, which limits our understanding of the Precambrian tectonic and crustal evolution of the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB). Here, we determined the whole-rock geochemical compositions and in situ zircon U–Pb ages, trace-element contents, and Hf–O isotopic compositions of a series of peraluminous granitic mylonites and granitic gneisses in the Tianshui area at the west end of North Qinling. Zircon U–Pb dating revealed that the protoliths of the studied granitic mylonites and granitic gneisses crystallized at 936–921 Ma. The granitic rocks displayed high A/CNK values (1.12–1.34) and were enriched in large-ion lithophile elements (e.g., Rb, Ba, Th, U, and K) and light rare earth elements, and they were depleted of high-field-strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti). These rocks showed variable zircon εHf(t) (−12.2 / 9.7) and δ18O (3.56‰ / 11.07‰) values, suggesting that they were derived from heterogeneous crustal sources comprising predominantly supracrustal sedimentary rocks and subordinate igneous rocks. In addition, the U–Pb–Hf isotopic compositions from the core domains of inherited zircons were similar to those of detrital zircons from the Qinling Group, suggesting that the Qinling Group was an important crustal source for the granitic rocks. The lithological and geochemical features of these granitic rocks indicate that they were generated by biotite dehydration melting of heterogeneous sources at lower crustal depths. Combining our results with those of previous studies, we suggest that the NQT underwent a tectonic transition from syn-collision to post-collision at 936–874 Ma in response to the assembly and breakup of the Rodinia supercontinent.