bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Behavior of Reduced Graphene Oxide Supported Germanium Oxide, Germanium Nitride, and Germanium Phosphide as Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes Obtained from Highly Soluble Germanium Oxide
Authors: Mikhaylov Alexey A. , Medvedev Alexander G. , Grishanov Dmitry A. , Fazliev Timur M. , Chernyshev Vasilii , Mel’nik Elena A. , Tripol’skaya Tatiana A. , Lev Ovadia , Prikhodchenko Petr V.
Published: April 2023

Germanium and germanium-based compounds are widely used in microelectronics, optics, solar cells, and sensors. Recently, germanium and its oxides, nitrides, and phosphides have been studied as active electrode materials in lithium- and sodium-ion battery anodes. Herein, the newly introduced highly soluble germanium oxide (HSGO) was used as a versatile precursor for germanium-based functional materials. In the first stage, a germanium-dioxide-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite was obtained by complete precipitation of GeO2 nanoparticles on the GO from an aqueous solution of HSGO and subsequent thermal treatment in argon at low temperature. The composition of the composite, GeO2-rGO (20 to 80 wt.% of crystalline phase), was able to be accurately determined by the HSGO to GO ratio in the initial solution since complete deposition and precipitation were achieved. The chemical activity of germanium dioxide nanoparticles deposited on reduced graphene oxide was shown by conversion to rGO-supported germanium nitride and phosphide phases. The GeP-rGO and Ge3N4-rGO composites with different morphologies were prepared in this study for the first time. As a test case, composite materials with different loadings of GeO2, GeP, and Ge3N4 were evaluated as lithium-ion battery anodes. Reversible conversion–alloying was demonstrated in all cases, and for the low-germanium loading range (20 wt.%), almost theoretical charge capacity based on the germanium content was attained at 100 mA g−1 (i.e., 2595 vs. 2465 mAh g−1 for Ge3N4 and 1790 vs. 1850 mAh g−1 for GeP). The germanium oxide was less efficiently exploited due to its lower conversion reversibility.
Recent Advances in Manganese-Based Materials for Electrolytic Water Splitting
Authors: Hu Jing , Zhou Yuru , Liu Yinan , Xu Zhichao , Li Haijin
Published: April 2023

Developing earth-abundant and highly effective electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting is a prerequisite for the upcoming hydrogen energy society. Recently, manganese-based materials have been one of the most promising candidates to replace noble metal catalysts due to their natural abundance, low cost, adjustable electronic properties, and excellent chemical stability. Although some achievements have been made in the past decades, their performance is still far lower than that of Pt. Therefore, further research is needed to improve the performance of manganese-based catalytic materials. In this review, we summarize the research progress on the application of manganese-based materials as catalysts for electrolytic water splitting. We first introduce the mechanism of electrocatalytic water decomposition using a manganese-based electrocatalyst. We then thoroughly discuss the optimization strategy used to enhance the catalytic activity of manganese-based electrocatalysts, including doping and defect engineering, interface engineering, and phase engineering. Finally, we present several future design opportunities for highly efficient manganese-based electrocatalysts.
Conformational Changes of Acyl Carrier Protein Switch the Chain Length Preference of Acyl-ACP Thioesterase ChFatB2
Authors: Yang Tianxiang , Yang Yunlong , Yang Ming , Ren Jiangang , Xue Changying , Feng Yanbin , Xue Song
Published: April 2023

Microbial fatty acids are synthesized by Type II fatty acid synthase and could be tailored by acyl-ACP thioesterase. With the prospects of medium-chain fatty-acid-derivative biofuels, the selectivity of thioesterase has been studied to control the fatty acid product chain length. Here, we report an alternative approach by manipulating the acyl carrier protein portion of acyl-ACP to switch the chain length propensity of the thioesterase. It was demonstrated that ChFatB2 from Cuphea hookeriana preferred C10-ACP to C8-ACP with ACP from E. coli, while converting preference to C8-ACP with ACP from Cuphea lanceolate. Circular dichroism (CD) results indicated that the C8-EcACP encountered a 34.4% α-helix increment compared to C10-EcACP, which resulted in an approximate binding affinity decrease in ChFatB2 compared to C10-EcACP. Similarly, the C10-ClACP2 suffered a 45% decrease in helix content compared to C8–ClACP2, and the conformational changes resulted in an 18% binding affinity decline with ChFatB2 compared with C10-ClACP2. In brief, the study demonstrates that the ACP portion of acyl-ACP contributes to the selectivity of acyl-ACP thioesterase, and the conformational changes of EcACP and ClACP2 switch the chain length preference of ChFatB2 between C8 and C10. The result provides fundamentals for the directed synthesis of medium-chain fatty acids based on regulating the conformational changes of ACPs.
Structural Design and Safety Verification of a Service Hatch Used at Airports by FEM Analysis
Authors: Fiačan Jakub , Jenis Jozef , Čechmánek Damián , Hrček Slavomír , Michal Pavol
Published: April 2023

This paper examines the design of a maintenance shaft hatch cover at an airport service road which will be utilized at airports in the European Union. The shaft has a particular application: it will be used for information networks and airport security. The hatch is also subject to extremely stringent safety criteria. For instance, in a catastrophic case, a wheel from an aircraft could strike the hatch cover. Based on all the input information and after a thorough analysis of the European standards concerning the safety of transport, after performing numerous FEM static evaluations, a hatch cover that can be utilized in airport infrastructure was created. As a result of the FEM analyses, the elements with the greatest impact on static safety were identified. Finally, a simulation of stress tests based on the traffic areas for which the hatch cover was designed, in terms of traffic safety, was carried out. The test led to a positive result, showing that it is possible to apply the hatch directly in practice.
Determination of Key Components in the Bombyx mori p53 Apoptosis Regulation Network Using Y2H-Seq
Authors: Wang Meixian , Wang Jiahao , Yasen Ayinuer , Fan Bingyan , Hull J. Joe , Shen Xingjia
Published: April 2023

The apoptosis pathway is highly conserved between invertebrates and mammals. Although genes encoding the classical apoptosis pathway can be found in the silkworm genome, the regulatory pathway and other apoptotic network genes have yet to be confirmed. Consequently, characterizing these genes and their underlying mechanisms could provide critical insights into the molecular basis of organ apoptosis and remodeling. A homolog of p53, a key apoptosis regulator in vertebrates, has been identified and cloned from Bombyx mori (Bmp53). This study confirmed via gene knockdown and overexpression that Bmp53 directly induces cell apoptosis and regulates the morphology and development of individuals during the metamorphosis stage. Furthermore, yeast two-hybrid sequencing (Y2H-Seq) identified several potential apoptotic regulatory interacting proteins, including the MDM2-like ubiquitination regulatory protein, which may represent an apoptosis factor unique to Bmp53 and which differs from that in other Lepidoptera. These results provide a theoretical basis for analyzing the various biological processes regulated by Bmp53 interaction groups and thus provide insight into the regulation of apoptosis in silkworms. The global interaction set identified in this study also provides a basic framework for future studies on apoptosis-dependent pupation in Lepidoptera.
Validation of the Portuguese Version of the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12
Authors: dos Reis Mariane Cecilia , Nascimento Juliana Araújo , de Andrade Geisa Nascimento , Costa Ana Cláudia de Souza , Takada Julio Yoshio , Mansur Antonio de Padua , Bocchi Edimar Alcides , dos Santos Gianni Mara Silva , Spertus John A. , Nakagawa Naomi Kondo
Published: April 2023

The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 (KCCQ-12) is a simple, feasible, and sensitive questionnaire developed in English for assessing the health status (symptoms, function, and quality of life) of patients with heart failure (HF). We aimed to assess the internal consistency and construct validity of the Portuguese version of KCCQ-12. We administered the KCCQ-12, the Minnesota Living Heart Failure (MLHFQ), and the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification by telephone. Internal consistency was assessed with Cronbach’s Alpha (α-Cronbach) and construct validity with correlations to the MLHFQ and NYHA. Internal consistency was high (α-Cronbach = 0.92 for the Overall Summary score and 0.77–0.85 for the subdomains). Construct validity was supported by finding high correlations between the KCCQ-12 Physical Limitation and the Symptom Frequency domains with the physical domain of the MLHFQ (r = −0.70 and r = −0.76, p < 0.001 for both) and the Overall Summary scale with NYHA classifications (r = −0.72, p < 0.001). The Portuguese version of KCCQ-12 has high internal consistency and shows a convergent construct validity with other measures quantifying the health status of patients with chronic HF and can be used confidently in Brazil for research and clinical care.
Effect of Flat-Knitted Medical Compression Stockings on Venous Malformations
Authors: Li Yi , Mükke Antje , Rother Ulrich , Janka Rolf , Uder Michael , Lang Werner , Heiss Rafael
Published: April 2023

Venous malformations are one of the most common vascular anomalies. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of medical compression stockings of class I and II on the volume of venous malformations. Patients with venous malformations on upper or lower extremities were enrolled. They wore flat-knitted medical compression stockings of class I and II in a randomized order for four weeks each. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and perometry were performed with and without wearing compression stockings. The 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) questionnaire was performed before and after wearing compression stockings for four weeks each. A total of 18 patients completed the evaluations. Both compression classes showed a significant reduction of the volume of the venous malformations in the lesion itself based on MRI in comparison with baseline (both p < 0.001). Measurements taken with perometry did not reveal a significant difference in comparison to baseline (p = 0.09 and p = 0.22). The results of the SF-12 questionnaire demonstrated no significant differences before and after wearing the compression stockings of class I or class II for four weeks or between the two classes of compression therapy. Our results indicate that wearing medical compression stockings of both class I and class II significantly reduces the volume of venous malformation, without compromising the quality of life, while the effect of class II compression stockings on volume reduction was significantly better than that of class I.
Real-World Use and Predictors of Response to Disopyramide in Patients with Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Maurizi Niccolò , Chiriatti Chiara , Fumagalli Carlo , Targetti Mattia , Passantino Silvia , Antiochos Panagiotis , Skalidis Ioannis , Chiti Chiara , Biagioni Giulia , Tomberli Alessia , Giovani Sara , Coppini Raffaele , Cecchi Franco , Olivotto Iacopo
Published: April 2023

Background: Although disopyramide has been widely used to reduce left ventricular outflow obstruction (LVOTO) and to improve symptoms in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), its use in real world as well as patient characteristics associated with a positive treatment response are still unclear. Methods: From 1980 to 2021, 1527 patients with HCM were evaluated and 372 (23%) had a LVOTO with active follow-up. The efficacy and safety of disopyramide were assessed systematically during 12 months (2-, 6-, and 12-month visits). Responders were patients with a final NYHA = I and a LVOTO < 30 mmHg; incomplete responders were those patients with NYHA > I and a LVOTO < 30 mmHg; and non-responders were symptomatic patients with no change in functional class NYHA and a LVOT gradient > 30 mmHg. Results: Two-hundred-fifty-four (66%) patients were in functional class NYHA I/II and 118 (34%) in NYHA III/IV. A total of 118/372 (32%, 55 ± 16 years) underwent disopyramide therapy. Twenty-eight (24%) patients responded to therapy, 39 (33%) were incomplete responders, and 51 (43%) did not respond. Responder were mainly patients in functional NYHA class I/II (24/28, 86%), whereas incomplete responders and non-responders were more often in functional NYHA class III/IV (50/54 (93%)). An independent predictor of response to disopyramide treatment was the presence of NYHA I/II at the initiation of therapy (HR 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–4.5), p = 0.03). No major life-threatening arrhythmic events or syncope occurred, despite 19 (16%) patients showing reduced QTc from baseline, 19 (16%) having no difference, while 80 (69%) patients had prolonged QTc interval. Thirty-one (26%) patients experienced side effects, in particular, 29 of the anticholinergic type. Conclusions: Disopyramide was underused in oHCM but effective in reducing LVOTO gradients and symptoms in slightly symptomatic patients with less severe disease phenotype with a safe pro-arrhythmic profile.
Comparison of the Administration Route of Stem Cell Therapy for Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Clinical Outcomes and Safety
Authors: Fauzi Asra Al , Thamrin Ahmad Muslim Hidayat , Permana Andhika Tomy , Ranuh I. G. M. Aswin R. , Hidayati Hanik Badriyah , Hamdan Muhammad , Wahyuhadi Joni , Suroto Nur Setiawan , Lestari Pudji , Chandra Poodipedi Sarat
Published: April 2023

Stem cell treatment is emerging as an appealing alternative for stroke patients, but there still needs to be an agreement on the protocols in place, including the route of administration. This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of the administration routes of stem cell treatment for ischemic stroke. A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken using the PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. A total of 21 publications on stem cell therapy for ischemic stroke were included. Efficacy outcomes were measured using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and the Barthel index (BI). Intracerebral administration showed a better outcome than other routes, but a greater number of adverse events followed due to its invasiveness. Adverse events were shown to be related to the natural history of stroke not to the treatment. However, further investigation is required, since studies have yet to compare the different administration methods directly.
Serum Cardiotrophin-1 Concentration Is Negatively Associated with Controlled Attenuation Parameters in Subjects with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Liao Yi-Chun , Wu Juei-Seng , Chou Hsuan-Wen , Kuo Hsin-Yu , Lee Chun-Te , Wu Hung-Tsung , Li Chung-Hao , Ou Horng-Yih
Published: April 2023

Background: Since non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, biomarkers for the diagnosis of NAFLD have become an important issue. Although cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) has a protective effect on the liver in NAFLD animal models, the serum levels of CT-1 in human subjects with NAFLD were still unknown. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between the circulating concentration of CT-1 and the severity of hepatic steatosis graded by the value of the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in humans. Design and Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study, and a total of 182 subjects were enrolled. Hepatic steatosis measurement was carried out with a Firoscan® device and recorded by CAP. The enrolled study subjects were categorized into CAP < 238 dB/m, 238 ≤ CAP ≤ 259 dB/m, 260 ≤ CAP ≤ 290 dB/m, and CAP > 290 dB/m. Serum CT-1 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The association between the serum CT-1 concentration and NAFLD was examined by multivariate linear regression analysis. Results: Body mass index, percentage of body fat, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride, hemoglobin A1c and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly increased in groups with higher CAP value, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly decreased. In addition, serum CT-1 concentrations were significantly decreased in subjects with higher CAP values. In multivariate linear regression models, including age, sex, body fat percentage, CAP, high sensitivity- C reactive protein, uric acid, creatinine, ALT, total cholesterol, and HOMA-IR, only age, CAP and uric acid independently associated with CT-1 levels. Moreover, having NAFLD was independently associated with CT-1 after adjustment for sex, obesity and type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Serum CT-1 concentrations are decreased in subjects with NAFLD and negatively associated with CAP.
The Effect of Domiciliary Professional Oral Care on Root Caries Progression in Care-Dependent Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Morén Elisabeth , Skott Pia , Edman Kristina , Gavriilidou Nivetha , Wårdh Inger , Domeij Helena
Published: April 2023

With care dependency, untreated root caries lesions (RCLs) and irregular dental visits are common. RCLs, if left untreated, could lead to pain, tooth loss, difficulties eating, and impact on general health. Therefore, there is a need for prevention and effective treatment for RCLs, and especially in those with care dependency. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effect of domiciliary professional oral care on root caries development and progression, in comparison with self-performed or nurse-assisted oral care. A literature search was conducted in four databases in November 2022. Two authors independently screened the literature throughout the review process. Five of the identified studies were found to be relevant. Four of these were assessed as having moderate risk of bias and were included in the review, while one study had high risk of bias and was excluded from further analyses. Due to heterogenicity of the included studies (and of the interventions and outcomes), no meta-analysis or synthesis without meta-analysis (SWiM) was performed. The participation of dental personnel performing mechanical plaque removal and fluoride, or chlorhexidine application seems beneficial for care-dependent older adults with risk of RCLs development and progression. However, future studies are needed.
Clinical Application of Physical Therapy in Neurorehabilitation
Authors: Straudi Sofia , Cano-de-la-Cuerda Roberto
Published: April 2023

The knowledge from basic neuroscience studies on mechanisms of motor recovery and the development of theoretical models of learning and recovery has favoured the development and implementation of neurophysiologically sounded rehabilitative interventions [...]
Halochromic (pH-Responsive) Indicators Based on Natural Anthocyanins for Monitoring Fish Freshness/Spoilage
Authors: Khezerlou Arezou , Alizadeh Sani Mahmood , Tavassoli Milad , Abedi-Firoozjah Reza , Ehsani Ali , McClements David Julian
Published: April 2023

Today, smart indicators especially based on pigments and natural biopolymers have developed significantly in laboratory and industrial scale. In addition to tracking the freshness and spoilage of the product, these intelligent systems inform the consumer about the quality of the packaged product without opening the package. On the other hand, they reduce food waste and minimize food poisoning. In this study, two halochromic smart indicators were constructed by encapsulating saffron petal and barberry anthocyanins in gelatin/chitin nanofiber films for indication of the freshness/spoilage of fish fillets. Insights into the molecular, structural, and optical properties of these indicators were obtained using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy, and colorimetry analyses. The results showed that the indicators had smooth surfaces and that the pigments were evenly distributed throughout the biopolymer network. The barberry and saffron anthocyanin solutions underwent color changes from reddish to yellow for barberry and reddish to pink to violet to greenish and yellow for saffron anthocyanin after being exposed to different pH values (1–14). The change in appearance of halochromic indicators was quantified by measuring their color coordinates (L*, a*, b*). When applied for estimating fish spoilage, the color of the G/ChNF/BA and G/ChNF/SPA indicators turned from pink to yellow and from violet to green, respectively. After 3 days of storage, the pH and total volatile basic nitrogen of fish fillets reached 8.0 and 49.06 mg N/100 g, respectively. Therefore, a direct relationship between the increase in pH values, the increase in volatile nitrogen bases content, and the changes in the color of the smart indicator applied to monitor the fish was observed. The simulation tests showed that pH-responsive smart indicators can reveal visually fish fillets freshness in real time prior to the point of consumption.
Effect of Nanoparticles and Their Anisometry on Adhesion and Strength in Hybrid Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites
Authors: Ilyin Sergey O. , Kotomin Sergey V.
Published: April 2023

Carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics are composite materials with record-high specific strength, which depends on the efficiency of stress redistribution between the reinforcing fibers by the polymer matrix. The problem is the accurate assessment of adhesion in the carbon fiber–polymer matrix system since it affects the overall strength of the composite. This paper provides a novel electrochemical method for determining adhesion by estimating the critical length of carbon fibers that protrude above the fracture surface of the fiber-reinforced composite using their electrical conductivity and insulating properties of the polymer matrix. The method has been successfully applied to evaluate adhesion in carbon plastics having an epoxy matrix filled with nanoparticles of different anisometry: carbon nanotubes, organomodified montmorillonite, or detonation nanodiamonds. In addition to adhesion measurements, the effect of nanoparticles on the viscosity of epoxy binder, its impregnation efficiency of carbon fibers, curing, glass transition, and tensile strength of fiber-reinforced composites was estimated. Nanodiamonds at a mass fraction of 0.1% proved to be the most effective for improving the quality of epoxy carbon plastics, increasing fiber–matrix adhesion by 2.5 times, tensile strength by 17%, and not decreasing the glass transition temperature.
Antibacterial Efficacy and Surface Characteristics of Boron Nitride Coated Dental Implant: An In-Vitro Study
Authors: Raval Anjali , S. Yadav Naveen , Narwani Shweta , Somkuwar Kirti , Verma Varsha , Almubarak Hussain , Alqahtani Saeed M. , Tasleem Robina , Luke Alexander Maniangat , Kuriadom Sam Thomas , Karobari Mohmed Isaqali
Published: April 2023

This in vitro study evaluated bacterial cell proliferation and biofilm adhesion on titanium discs with and without antibacterial surface treatment to reduce the chances of peri-implant infections. Hexagonal boron nitride with 99.5% purity was converted to hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets via the liquid phase exfoliation process. The spin coating method was used for uniform coating of h-BNNSs over titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) discs. Two groups of titanium discs were formed: Group I (n = 10) BN-coated titanium discs and Group II (n = 10) uncoated titanium discs. Two bacterial strains, Streptococcus mutans (initial colonizers) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (secondary colonizers), were used. A zone of inhibition test, microbial colony forming units assay, and crystal violet staining assay were used to evaluate bacterial cell viability. Surface characteristics and antimicrobial efficacy were examined by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion X-ray spectroscopy. SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 21.0 was used to analyze the results. The data were analyzed for probability distribution using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and a non-parametric test of significance was applied. An inter-group comparison was done using the Mann-Whitney U test. A statistically significant increase was observed in the bactericidal action of BN-coated discs compared to uncoated discs against S. mutans, but no statistically significant difference was found against F. nucleatum.
Fluid Intelligence Is (Much) More than Working Memory Capacity: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Hagemann Dirk , Ihmels Max , Bast Nico , Neubauer Andreas B. , Schankin Andrea , Schubert Anna-Lena
Published: April 2023

Empirical evidence suggests a great positive association between measures of fluid intelligence and working memory capacity, which implied to some researchers that fluid intelligence is little more than working memory. Because this conclusion is mostly based on correlation analysis, a causal relationship between fluid intelligence and working memory has not yet been established. The aim of the present study was therefore to provide an experimental analysis of this relationship. In a first study, 60 participants worked on items of the Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) while simultaneously engaging in one of four secondary tasks to load specific components of the working memory system. There was a diminishing effect of loading the central executive on the APM performance, which could explain 15% of the variance in the APM score. In a second study, we used the same experimental manipulations but replaced the dependent variable with complex working memory span tasks from three different domains. There was also a diminishing effect of the experimental manipulation on span task performance, which could now explain 40% of the variance. These findings suggest a causal effect of working memory functioning on fluid intelligence test performance, but they also imply that factors other than working memory functioning must contribute to fluid intelligence.
Experimental Study on the Bearing Performance of Rock-Socketed Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Piles under Horizontal Cyclic Loading
Authors: Liu Mingwei , Wu Fayou , Abi Erdi , Wu Linjian , Han Yafeng , Chen Nirui , Chen Jue
Published: April 2023

Rock-socketed concrete-filled steel tube piles (RSCFSTs), which have been widely used in harbors, bridges, and offshore wind turbines, were exposed to horizontal cyclic loading during service and suffered fatigue damage. For the RSCFSTs, longitudinal steel bars were welded to the inner wall of the steel tube to enhance the bonding strength of the steel tube and concrete core interface. It is essential to research the bearing performance of RSCFSTs like this, under horizontal cyclic loading. In this paper, cyclic loading tests of RSCFSTs under horizontal loading were carried out. The failure patterns of RSCFSTs during the destabilization process were generalized, and the lateral displacement development law of RSCFSTs was analyzed. The interfacial bonding characteristics between the steel tube and concrete core during the test were also discussed. Results showed that the horizontal bearing capacity of RSCFSTs decreases nonlinearly with the increase in the equal amplitude of load, and the development process of the lateral displacement-cycle number curve was divided into three phases: (I) rapid growth period, (II) fatigue growth period, and (III) sharp growth period. The larger the horizontal load was, the faster the lateral displacement entered the fatigue growth period. The duration of the rapid growth period and fatigue damage period accounts for about 90% of the total life of RSCFSTs. The stiffening form of the longitudinal steel bars welded to the inner wall of the steel tube can realize the synergistic force between the upper steel tube and the concrete core of RSCFSTs, which accounts for about 7/10 of the length of RSCFSTs. The depth of the steel tube, foundation stiffness, and bonding performance between the steel tube and the concrete core were the key factors that affected the horizontal bearing performance of RSCFSTs. Finally, some constructive suggestions are proposed for the design of RSCFSTs, including increasing steel tube embedded depth, adding a sniffer bar between the steel tube and concrete interface, etc.
Efficacy and Safety of Distal Radial Access for Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization (TACE) of the Liver
Authors: Minici Roberto , Serra Raffaele , Giurdanella Marco , Talarico Marisa , Siciliano Maria Anna , Carrafiello Gianpaolo , Laganà Domenico
Published: April 2023

Background: The distal radial artery has emerged as an alternative vascular-access site to conventional transfemoral and transradial approaches. The main advantage over the conventional transradial route is the reduced risk of radial artery occlusion, especially in those patients who, for various clinical reasons, have to undergo repeated endovascular procedures. This study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of distal radial access for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of the liver. Methods: This investigation is a single-center retrospective analysis of 42 consecutive patients who had undergone, from January 2018 to December 2022, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of the liver with distal radial access for intermediate-stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Outcome data were compared with a retrospectively constituted control group of 40 patients undergoing drug-eluting beads-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with femoral access. Results: Technical success was achieved in all cases, with a 2.4% conversion rate for distal radial access. A superselective chemoembolization was performed in 35 (83.3%) cases of distal radial access. No episode of radial artery spasm or radial artery occlusion occurred. No significant differences in efficacy and safety were observed between the distal radial access group and the femoral access group. Conclusions: Distal radial access is effective, safe, and comparable to femoral access in patients undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of the liver.
Spatial Morphology Optimization of Rural Planning Based on Space of Flow: An Empirical Study of Zepan Village in China
Authors: Zhang Chunyang , Chen Junjie
Published: April 2023

The inadequate consideration of livable rural spatial morphology in rural planning has impeded the further advancement of the rural social system, resulting in a challenge for rural residents to establish an appealing living experience that distinguishes itself from urban areas. This situation calls for an urgent exploration of livable spatial morphology based on human-centered principles, as well as an investigation of planning spatial morphology optimization mechanisms that consider ecological backgrounds and human settlement needs. In response to this issue, this study employs the theory of flow space and constructs a framework for the optimization of rural spatial methodology. By integrating ecological and sociological analysis methods, the study identifies the “flow” structure of spatial association in rural ecosystems through ecological network analysis, and identifies the “flow” structure of behavioral association in rural human systems through social network analysis. Based on these findings, the complex network morphologies are evaluated and screened. To test the effectiveness of this framework, the study examines the spatial morphology of four planning options through case empirical analysis in Zepan Village, Hebei Province, China. The research results demonstrate that the framework can help achieve the goal of optimizing rural spatial morphology, improve existing planning practices that prioritize single plans and disregard the selection of multiple plans, and serve as an effective tool to aid planners in tackling complex planning problems by balancing scientific principles and empirical values.
Identification of BACE-1 Inhibitors against Alzheimer’s Disease through E-Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies: An Insilco Approach
Authors: Chidambaram Kumarappan
Published: April 2023

Alzheimer is a severe memory and cognitive impairment neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and characterized by the pathological accumulation of tau protein and amyloid-beta peptides. In this study, we have developed E-pharmacophore modeling to screen the eMolecules database with the help of a reported co-crystal structure bound with Beta-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE-1). Flumemetamol, florbetaben, and florbetapir are currently approved drugs for use in the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the benefits of commercially approved drugs, there is still a need for novel diagnostic agents with enhanced physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties compared to those currently used in clinical practice and research. In the E-pharmacophore modeling results, it is revealed that two aromatic rings (R19, R20), one donor (D12), and one acceptor (A8) are obtained, and also that similar pharmacophoric features of compounds are identified from pharmacophore-based virtual screening. The identified screened hits were filtered for further analyses using structure-based virtual screening and MM/GBSA. From the analyses, top hits such as ZINC39592220 and en1003sfl.46293 are selected based on their top docking scores (−8.182 and −7.184 Kcal/mol, respectively) and binding free energy (−58.803 and −56.951 Kcal/mol, respectively). Furthermore, a molecular dynamics simulation and MMPBSA study were performed, which revealed admirable stability and good binding free energy throughout the simulation period. Moreover, Qikprop results revealed that the selected, screened hits have good drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties. The screened hits ZINC39592220 and en1003sfl.46293 could be used to develop drug molecules against Alzheimer’s disease.
Out of Box Thinking to Tangible Science: A Benchmark History of 3D Bio-Printing in Regenerative Medicine and Tissues Engineering
Authors: Pushparaj Karthika , Balasubramanian Balamuralikrishnan , Pappuswamy Manikantan , Anand Arumugam Vijaya , Durairaj Kaliannan , Liu Wen-Chao , Meyyazhagan Arun , Park Sungkwon
Published: April 2023

Advancements and developments in the 3D bioprinting have been promising and have met the needs of organ transplantation. Current improvements in tissue engineering constructs have enhanced their applications in regenerative medicines and other medical fields. The synergistic effects of 3D bioprinting have brought technologies such as tissue engineering, microfluidics, integrated tissue organ printing, in vivo bioprinted tissue implants, artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches together. These have greatly impacted interventions in medical fields, such as medical implants, multi-organ-on-chip models, prosthetics, drug testing tissue constructs and much more. This technological leap has offered promising personalized solutions for patients with chronic diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, and who have been in severe accidents. This review discussed the various standing printing methods, such as inkjet, extrusion, laser-assisted, digital light processing, and stereolithographic 3D bioprinter models, adopted for tissue constructs. Additionally, the properties of natural, synthetic, cell-laden, dECM-based, short peptides, nanocomposite and bioactive bioinks are briefly discussed. Sequels of several tissue-laden constructs such as skin, bone and cartilage, liver, kidney, smooth muscles, cardiac and neural tissues are briefly analyzed. Challenges, future perspectives and the impact of microfluidics in resolving the limitations in the field, along with 3D bioprinting, are discussed. Certainly, a technology gap still exists in the scaling up, industrialization and commercialization of this technology for the benefit of stakeholders.
Gut Microbiota in Autophagy Regulation: New Therapeutic Perspective in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Mitra Sarmistha , Munni Yeasmin Akter , Dash Raju , Sadhu Toma , Barua Largess , Islam Md. Ariful , Chowdhury Dipannita , Bhattacharjee Debpriya , Mazumder Kishor , Moon Il Soo
Published: April 2023

Gut microbiota and the brain are related via a complex bidirectional interconnective network. Thus, intestinal homeostasis is a crucial factor for the brain, as it can control the environment of the central nervous system and play a significant role in disease progression. The link between neuropsychological behavior or neurodegeneration and gut dysbiosis is well established, but many involved pathways remain unknown. Accumulating studies showed that metabolites derived from gut microbiota are involved in the autophagy activation of various organs, including the brain, one of the major pathways of the protein clearance system that is essential for protein aggregate clearance. On the other hand, some metabolites are evidenced to disrupt the autophagy process, which can be a modulator of neurodegeneration. However, the detailed mechanism of autophagy regulation by gut microbiota remains elusive, and little research only focused on that. Here we tried to evaluate the crosstalk between gut microbiota metabolites and impaired autophagy of the central nervous system in neurodegeneration and the key to future research regarding gut dysbiosis and compromised autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases.
In Vitro Biological Activity and Lymphoma Cell Growth Inhibition by Selected Mexican Medicinal Plants
Authors: Rodríguez-Garza Nancy E. , Quintanilla-Licea Ramiro , Romo-Sáenz César I. , Elizondo-Luevano Joel H. , Tamez-Guerra Patricia , Rodríguez-Padilla Cristina , Gomez-Flores Ricardo
Published: April 2023

Cancer is a major health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. In addition, plants are a source of metabolites with diverse biological properties, including antitumor potential. In this study, we investigated the in vitro murine lymphoma L5178Y-R cell growth inhibition, human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) toxicity and proliferation, and antioxidant, hemolytic, and anti-hemolytic activities of methanol extracts from 15 plants of traditional use in Mexico. Justicia spicigera caused the highest tumor cell growth inhibition with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 29.10 µg/mL and a selectivity index >34.36 compared with those of PBMC, whereas Mimosa tenuiflora showed the highest lymphoproliferative activity from 200 µg/mL compared with that induced by concanavalin A. In addition, M. tenuiflora showed an antioxidant effect (IC50 = 2.86 µg/mL) higher than that of ascorbic acid. Regarding the hemolytic and anti-hemolytic activity, all extracts presented significant anti-hemolytic activity. The extract of J. spicigera is emerging as a possible source of effective antineoplastic compounds.
Improving the Thermal Performance and Energy Efficiency of Buildings by Incorporating Biomass Waste into Clay Bricks
Authors: Ahmed Sama , El Attar Mohamed Esmat , Zouli Nasser , Abutaleb Ahmed , Maafa Ibrahim M. , Ahmed M. M. , Yousef Ayman , Ragab Ayman
Published: April 2023

Excessive urban construction is primarily driven by uncontrolled population growth, which has serious consequences for the environment, energy, cost, and human life in general when building materials are massively used. In terms of energy and economic efficiency, buildings that make use of sustainable construction materials and technologies perform better. This is because building in an eco-friendly way results in less waste. Agro-industrial by-products and insulating materials are two examples of sustainable materials that have been put to good use in the climate change mitigation effort and to preserve the environment. Precast components are emphasized as a viable option that is suitable for this purpose and may potentially fulfill the need for housing units. Thus, this study investigated the viability of employing agricultural waste consisting of pomegranate peel waste to produce fired clay bricks. Results demonstrated that the optimum amount of pomegranate peel waste was determined to be 15%, and the optimal firing temperature was determined to be 900 °C. The thermal conductivity of all test samples was lower than that of conventional brick. Furthermore, when compared to conventional wall brick, all the tested samples of manufactured brick reduced energy consumption by 17.55% to 33.13% and carbon dioxide emissions by 7.50% to 24.50%. In addition, the economic feasibility of employing each synthetic sample was evaluated by computing the simple payback time (SPP). It was determined that 1.88–10.74 years were required for the brick samples to provide a return on their initial investment. Due to its ability to decrease heat gain, preserve energy, minimize CO2 emissions, and shorten the payback time, burned clay bricks manufactured from pomegranate peel waste are regarded as a feasible building material. Hence, manufactured bricks are usually considered an exceptional contribution to environmental sustainability.
Editorial for Special Issue “Advanced Materials in Catalysis and Adsorption”
Authors: Mishakov Ilya V.
Published: April 2023

This Special Issue aims to cover the latest research on the design and development of advanced materials for adsorption and catalytic applications [...]
Influence of Vanadium Micro-Alloying on the Microstructure of Structural High Strength Steels Welded Joints
Authors: Stornelli Giulia , Tselikova Anastasiya , Mirabile Gattia Daniele , Mortello Michelangelo , Schmidt Rolf , Sgambetterra Mirko , Testani Claudio , Zucca Guido , Di Schino Andrea
Published: April 2023

The inter-critically reheated grain coarsened heat affected zone (IC GC HAZ) has been reported as one of the most brittle section of high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels welds. The presence of micro-alloying elements in HSLA steels induces the formation of microstructural constituents, capable to improve the mechanical performance of welded joints. Following double welding thermal cycle, with second peak temperature in the range between Ac1 and Ac3, the IC GC HAZ undergoes a strong loss of toughness and fatigue resistance, mainly caused by the formation of residual austenite (RA). The present study aims to investigate the behavior of IC GC HAZ of a S355 steel grade, with the addition of different vanadium contents. The influence of vanadium micro-alloying on the microstructural variation, RA fraction formation and precipitation state of samples subjected to thermal cycles experienced during double-pass welding was reported. Double-pass welding thermal cycles were reproduced by heat treatment using a dilatometer at five different maximum temperatures of the secondary peak in the inter-critical area, from 720 °C to 790 °C. Although after the heat treatment it appears that the addition of V favors the formation of residual austenite, the amount of residual austenite formed is not significant for inducing detrimental effects (from the EBSD analysis the values are always less than 0.6%). Moreover, the precipitation state for the variant with 0.1 wt.% of V (high content) showed the presence of vanadium rich precipitates with size smaller than 60 nm of which, more than 50% are smaller than 15 nm.
Analysis of Surface Texture and Roughness in Composites Stiffening Ribs Formed by SPIF Process
Authors: Al-Sabur Raheem , Kubit Andrzej , Khalaf Hassanein , Jurczak Wojciech , Dzierwa Andrzej , Korzeniowski Marcin
Published: April 2023

Studying roughness parameters and the topography of stiffening ribs in composite sandwich structures is important for understanding these materials’ surface quality and mechanical properties. The roughness parameters describe the micro-geometry of the surface, including the average height deviation, roughness depth, and waviness. The topography of the surface refers to the spatial arrangement and distribution of features such as bumps, ridges, and valleys. The study investigated the roughness parameters under three scenarios based on two SPIF process parameters: tool rotational speed(N) and feed rate (f). The vertical step was held constant at 0.4 mm across all scenarios. In scenario A, the process parameters were set at f = 300 mm/min and n = 300 rpm; in scenario B, f = 1500 mm/min and n = 3000 rpm; and in scenario C, f = 1500 mm/min and n = 300 rpm. The experimental research topography analyses revealed that the surface roughness of the stiffened ribs was highly dependent on the SPIF process parameters. The highest feed rate and tool rotational speed produced the smoothest surface texture with the lowest maximum height (Sz) value. In contrast, the lowest feed rate and tool rotational speed resulted in a rougher surface texture with a higher maximum height (Sz) value. Furthermore, the contour plots generated from the topography analyses provided a good visual representation of the surface texture and roughness, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the SPIF process parameters. This study emphasizes optimizing the SPIF process parameters to achieve the desired surface quality and texture of stiffened ribs formed in Litecor® panel sheets.
Investigation of an Effective Anchoring Length of CFRP Tapes Used to Strengthen Steel Thin-Walled Beams with a Rectangular Cross-Section Subjected to Four-Point Bending
Authors: Szewczak Ilona , Snela Malgorzata , Rozylo Patryk
Published: April 2023

In order to design an optimal reinforcement of steel thin-walled beams with composite materials, it is worth analyzing two important, although often overlooked issues, which are the selection of the appropriate thickness of the adhesive layer and the effective anchoring length of the composite tape. This paper, which is part of a wider laboratory study devoted to the strengthening of thin-walled steel profiles, focuses on the second issue. The paper involves a description of laboratory four-point bending tests during which ten thin-walled steel beams made of a rectangular section with dimensions of 120 × 60 × 3 and a length of 3 m were tested. Two beams were taken as reference beams, and the other eight were reinforced using Sika CarboDur S512 carbon fiber composite tape, assuming four different effective anchorage lengths. The impact of the length of the anchoring of the composite tape on the value of the displacements and strains of the tested beams and on the value of the destructive load that caused tape detachment was analyzed. The following phase was numerical analyses carried out in the Abaqus program, which showed high consistency with the results of laboratory tests. In reference to the conducted tests, it was observed that the increase in the anchoring length of the composite tape has a slight impact on the change in the value of strains and displacements in the tested beams. Nevertheless, the increase in the effective anchorage length has a significant impact on the load value at which the composite tapes are detached from the surface of the steel thin-walled beam.