bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Age-Adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index on the Survival of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients after Radical Esophagectomy
Authors: Song Jianyu , Lin Yulan , Zhang Juwei , Liu Shuang , Zhou Jinsong , Zeng Qiaoyan , Lin Zheng , Fu Rong , Qiu Minglian , Hu Zhijian
Published: November 2022

We aimed to investigate whether the age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (ACCI) can predict the postoperative overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. Between 1 July 2015 and 31 July 2021, a retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients with primary ESCC who underwent radical esophagectomy. A total of 352 patients were included, with median age of 63.00 (IQR (interquartile range) 56.00–68.00). The patients were divided into low (n = 300) and high (n = 52) ACCI groups based on the optimal cut-off value of 5 points. Chronic pulmonary disease (38.4%) was the most common comorbidity. The results of the multivariate Cox regression showed that the ACCI (HR = 1.63, 95%CI: 1.04–2.56), tumor size (HR = 1.67, 95%CI: 1.05–2.66), pTNM (II vs. I, HR = 4.74, 95%CI: 1.82–12.32; III vs. I, HR = 6.08, 95%CI: 2.37–15.60), and postoperative chemotherapy (HR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.40–0.91) were significantly associated with the OS. Furthermore, the ACCI, tumor size, pTNM, and postoperative chemotherapy were also significantly associated with the CSS. Interactions were identified between the ACCI and postoperative chemotherapy, pTNM stage, and tumor size in relation to the OS and CSS. In conclusion, the ACCI may be an independent prognostic factor affecting the long-term prognosis of patients after radical esophagectomy.
Pyramidal Decision Support Framework Leverages Subspecialty Expertise across Enterprise to Achieve Superior Cancer Outcomes and Personalized, Precision Care Plans
Authors: Bosserman Linda D. , Mambetsariev Isa , Ladbury Colton , Barzi Afsaneh , Johnson Deron , Morse Denise , Deaville Debbie , Smith Wade , Rajurkar Swapnil , Merla Amartej , Hajjar George , Kim Daniel , Fricke Jeremy , Trisal Vijay , Salgia Ravi
Published: November 2022

The complexity of cancer care requires integrated and continuous support to deliver appropriate care. An expert network with complementary expertise and the capability of multidisciplinary care is an integral part of contemporary oncology care. Appropriate infrastructure is necessary to empower this network to deliver personalized precision care to their patients. Providing decision support as cancer care becomes exponentially more complex with new diagnostic and therapeutic choices remains challenging. City of Hope has developed a Pyramidal Decision Support Framework to address these challenges, which were exacerbated by the COVID pandemic, health plan restrictions, and growing geographic site diversity. Optimizing efficient and targeted decision support backed by multidisciplinary cancer expertise can improve individual patient treatment plans to achieve improved care and survival wherever patients are treated.
Metabolomic Profiles on Antiblastic Cardiotoxicity: New Perspectives for Early Diagnosis and Cardioprotection
Authors: Fazzini Luca , Caggiari Ludovica , Deidda Martino , Onnis Carlotta , Saba Luca , Mercuro Giuseppe , Cadeddu Dessalvi Christian
Published: November 2022

Antiblastic drugs-induced cardiomyopathy remains a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality, during and after chemotherapy, despite the progression in protective therapy against cardiovascular diseases and myocardial function. In the last few decades, many groups of researchers have focused their attention on studying the metabolic profile, first in animals, and, subsequently, in humans, looking for profiles which could be able to predict drug-induced cardiotoxicity and cardiovascular damage. In clinical practice, patients identified as being at risk of developing cardiotoxicity undergo a close follow-up and more tailored therapies. Injury to the heart can be a consequence of both new targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and conventional chemotherapeutic agents, such as anthracyclines. This review aims to describe all of the studies carried on this topic of growing interest.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Fluorapatite Coatings over Titanium Implants for Enhanced Osseointegration—An In Vivo Study in the Rabbit
Authors: Santiago Eduardo , Martin Victor , Colaço Bruno , Fernandes Maria Helena , Santos Catarina , Gomes Pedro S.
Published: November 2022

This work aims at the development and characterization of fluorapatite coatings, innovatively prepared by the hydrothermal method, aiming for enhanced osseointegration of titanium implants. Fluoride-containing coatings were prepared and characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy—attenuated total reflectance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The biological response was characterized by microtomographic evaluation and histomorphometric analysis upon orthotopic implantation in a translational rabbit experimental model. Physic-chemical analysis revealed the inclusion of fluoride in the apatite lattice with fluorapatite formation, associated with the presence of citrate species. The in vivo biological assessment of coated implants revealed an enhanced bone formation process—with increased bone-to-implant contact and bone volume. The attained enhancement of the osteogenic process may be attributable to the conjoined modulatory activity of selected fluoride and citrate levels within the produced coatings. In this regard, the production of fluorapatite coatings with citrate, through the hydrothermal method, entails a promising approach for enhanced osseointegration in implant dentistry and orthopedic applications.
WikiLink: An Encyclopedia-Based Semantic Network for Design Creativity
Authors: Zuo Haoyu , Jing Qianzhi , Song Tianqi , Sun Lingyun , Childs Peter , Chen Liuqing
Published: November 2022

Data-driven design is a process to reuse data sources and provide valuable information to provoke creative ideas in the stages of design. However, existing semantic networks for design creativity are built on data sources restricted to technological and scientific information. Existing studies build the edges of a semantic network on statistical or semantic relationships, which are less likely to make full use of the benefits from both types of relationships and discover implicit knowledge for design creativity. Therefore, to overcome the gaps, we constructed WikiLink, a semantic network based on Wikipedia, which is an integrated source of general knowledge and specific knowledge, with broad coverage of disciplines. The weight in WikiLink fuses both the statistic and semantic weights between concepts instead of simply one type of weight, and four algorithms are developed for inspiring new ideas. Evaluation experiments are undertaken, and the results show that the network is characterised by high coverage of terms, relationships and disciplines, which demonstrates and supports the network’s effectiveness and usefulness. A demonstration and case study results indicate that WikiLink can serve as an idea generation tool for creativity in conceptual design. The source code of WikiLink and the backend data are provided open-source for more users to explore and develop.
An Energy Efficiency Optimization Strategy of Hybrid Electric Ship Based on Working Condition Prediction
Authors: Liu Beibei , Gao Diju , Yang Ping , Hu Yihuai
Published: November 2022

Optimizing the operational performance of green ships can further improve the energy saving and emission reduction effect of ships, and speed optimization is one of the more widely used and effective measures. It is a new challenge for the shipping industry to achieve speed optimization that simultaneously saves energy, reduces emissions and meets transportation requirements, while considering changes in the navigation environment. In this paper, a hybrid electric ship energy efficiency optimization strategy based on working condition prediction is proposed to solve the problem of navigation condition at a future moment, by making a time series prediction of energy efficiency influencing factors, such as wind speed and current speed. Further, on the basis of establishing the sailing speed prediction model and the real-time energy efficiency operation index (EEOI) model, the real-time EEOI deviation and the sailing speed deviation are adopted as the comprehensive objective function to establish a dynamic optimization model of hybrid electric ship energy efficiency, considering the time-varying environmental factors. Then, the fast Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is applied to solve the bi-objective optimization problem and obtain the optimal ship engine speed in real time. Finally, experimental studies show that the proposed optimization model can improve the energy-saving and emission-reduction effect of the ship under the given speed limit requirements and working environment conditions, which can provide theoretical support for the optimal navigation of hybrid electric ships.
An Optimization of New Energy Hybrid Configuration Parameters Based on GA Method
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Diao Lijun , Xu Chunmei , Zhang Jia , Wu Qiya , Pei Haoying , Huang Liying , Li Xuefei , Qi Yuwen
Published: November 2022

Configuration parameters of vehicular hybrid power systems (HPSs) are critical to their economy, weight, and fuel consumption. Many marine vehicles have parameters often set based on engineering experience when designing them, which often leads to excess power from power sources, increased costs, and increased emissions. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization model, which includes the economic cost, weight, and fuel consumption, is proposed to evaluate the performance of configuration parameters. To optimize the objective optimization model, this paper adopts a genetic algorithm (GA) method to iteratively calculate the globally optimal configuration parameter results. Finally, three sets of different weight coefficients are used to verify the configuration optimization results when considering different optimization objectives. To verify the advantage of the multi-objective optimization method, the three sets of optimized results are compared to a specific configuration parameter of a marine vehicle. From the simulation results, compared with the original configuration scheme, the total economic cost of Scheme 1 is reduced by 37.25 × 104 $, the total weight is reduced by 213.55 kg, and the total fuel consumption is reduced by 163.64 t; the total economic cost of Scheme 2 is reduced by 12.2 × 104 $, the total weight is increased by 393.36 kg, and the total fuel consumption is reduced by 271.89 t; the total economic cost of Scheme 3 is reduced by 36.89 × 104 $, the total weight is reduced by 209.2 kg, and the total fuel consumption is reduced by 162.35 t.
Effect of Different Colored LED Lighting on the Growth and Pigment Content of Isochrysis zhanjiangensis under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Lv Bu , Liu Ziling , Chen Yu , Lan Shuaiqin , Mao Jing , Gu Zhifeng , Wang Aimin , Yu Feng , Zheng Xing , Vasquez Hebert Ely
Published: November 2022

Light is one of the most important environmental factors affecting the growth and reproduction of algae. In this study, the effect of various LED colors on the productivity, chlorophyll (Chl-a, Chl-b, and total Chl), protein, and carbohydrate content of Isochrysis zhanjiangensis in indoor culture was investigated. Microalgae monocultures were cultivated under five different colors (red, green, blue, yellow, and white) for twenty-one days. The microalgae cultured under red light exhibited a higher specific growth rate (0.4431 ± 0.0055 µ day−1), and under white light a higher productivity (0.0728 ± 0.0013 g L−1 day−1). The poorest performance was observed under yellow and green lights. Interestingly, green light exhibited the highest levels of chlorophylls (Chl-a, 1.473 ± 0.037 mg L−1; Chl-b, 1.504 ± 0.001 mg L−1; total Chl, 2.827 ± 0.083 mg L−1). The highest protein content was observed under the white light (524.1935 ± 6.5846 mg L−1), whereas the carbohydrate content was remarkably high under the blue light (24.4697 ± 0.0206 mg L−1). This study is important in terms of the selection of light at the appropriate color (wavelength) to increase the content of organic compounds desired to be obtained indoors with the potential for commercially produced cultures.
Ex Situ Breeding Program with Wild-Caught Founders Provides the Source for Collaborative Effort to Augment Threatened New England Cottontail Populations
Authors: Brown Jessie , Puccia Lauren
Published: November 2022

As part of a science-based conservation strategy for the New England cottontail (NEC), Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZ), located in Providence, Rhode Island, participates in a NEC ex situ breeding program in partnership with the NEC Population Working Group. RWPZ’s role is to not only breed vulnerable cottontail rabbits for eventual release to bolster wild populations, but also to help foster research on a species that is hard to observe naturally. RWPZ was the first to breed this species in a zoological facility, playing a significant role in the survival of New England’s only native rabbit.
Head-Starting and Conservation of Endangered Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus horridus) at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Authors: Montague Gabriel
Published: November 2022

The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus horridus) is extinct in Rhode Island and Maine with populations in the remaining New England states afforded endangered species status. Lou Perrotti, Director of Conservation and Research at Roger Williams Park Zoo (RWPZ), has long been a champion of these unloved animals in peril and spearheaded a program at the zoo in fall 2010 to work on the recovery of this endangered snake species. Partnering with multiple state agencies was required to begin saving this maligned native species, which had seen massive population reductions. The program began with accepting adults of varying size and sex suffering from skin lesions believed to be Snake Fungal Disease from multiple New England states. Depending on the severity of the infection, the animals were treated and then released. As the program evolved, it became a goal to not only treat affected adults and determine the overall health of declining New England populations but to begin a head-start program with one of the state conservation partners. Head-starting refers to when neonates are either born in a zoological facility or captured in the wild and raised under managed care until a desired size is reached. They are then released back to the wild, giving them a better chance for survival. The area where the snakes are kept at the zoo allows for temperature manipulation to simulate a natural temperature change and allow for the brumation of individuals. Once the appropriate size is reached, a radio transmitter is surgically implanted to allow radio telemetry tracking after release. The head-starting strategy has been a success, with individuals being found years later, suggesting they are surviving in the wild. Due to the sensitive nature of this program, some data and names of partners have been purposely omitted.
Garcixanthone E and Garcimangophenone C: New Metabolites from Garcinia mangostana and Their Cytotoxic and Alpha Amylase Inhibitory Potential
Authors: Mohamed Gamal A. , Ibrahim Sabrin R. M.
Published: November 2022

Garcinia mangostana (Clusiaceae) is a rich pool of metabolites with diversified bioactivities. A new xanthone, garcixanthone E (1), and a new benzophenone, rhamnoside, as well as garcimangophenone C (9) together with garcinone E (2), α-mangostin (3), γ-mangostin (4), garcinone C (5), garcixanthone C (6), gartanin (7), and 2,4,6,3′,5′-pentahydroxybenzophenone (8) were purified from G. mangostana EtOAc extract. Their structural verification was accomplished utilizing assorted spectral tools and relating to the literature. The in vitro cytotoxic potential versus MCF-7, A549, and HCT-116 cell lines demonstrated the moderate potential of 1 (IC50s 8.5, 5.4, and 5.7 µM, respectively) in comparison to doxorubicin (IC50s 0.18, 0.6 and 0.2 µM, respectively) using a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Additionally, 1 and 9 had AAI (α-amylase inhibition) with IC50s 17.8 and 12.9 µM, respectively, compared to acarbose (IC50 6.7 µM). Further, their AAI mechanisms were inspected utilizing molecular-docking evaluation by employing the crystal structure of the human α-amylase (PDB-ID: 5EOF). Compound 9 possessed a reasonable docking score of −7.746 kcal/mol compared with the native ligand 7JR which had a docking score of −9.932 kcal/mol. These results could further provide new insight into the potential usage of G. mangostana as a functional food for regulating postprandial hyperglycemia via suppressing AA.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Acetylcholinesterase, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Properties of Arbutus unedo L. and Laurus nobilis L. Essential Oils
Authors: Al-Mijalli Samiah Hamad , Mrabti Hanae Naceiri , Ouassou Hayat , Flouchi Rachid , Abdallah Emad M. , Sheikh Ryan A. , Alshahrani Mohammed Merae , Awadh Ahmed Abdullah Al , Harhar Hicham , Omari Nasreddine El , Qasem Ahmed , Assaggaf Hamza , Moursi Naif Hesham , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Gallo Monica , Faouzi Moulay El Abbes
Published: November 2022

The objectives of this work were to determine the phytochemical composition and antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-acetylcholinesterase properties of Arbutus unedo L. and Laurus nobilis L. EOs. The antioxidant effects were estimated using four complementary methods. In addition, the anti-diabetic activity was assessed by targeting three carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, namely α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase. The anti-inflammatory and anti-acetylcholinesterase effects were evaluated by testing the inhibitory potential of both plants on lipo-oxygenase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), respectively. The antimicrobial activity of these oils was evaluated using disc-diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum lethal concentration (MLC) tests. The chemical composition of L. nobilis essential oil (EO) was dominated by eucalyptol (36.40%), followed by α-terpineole (13.05%), α-terpinyl acetate (10.61%), linalool (10.34%), and northujane (5.74%). The main volatile compounds of A. unedo EOs were decenal (13.47%), α-terpineol (7.8%), and palmitic acid (6.00%). L. nobilis and A. unedo EOs inhibited α-amylase with IC50 values of 42.51 ± 0.012 and 102 ± 0.06 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, both oils inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase (IC50 = 1.347 ± 0.021 µg/mL and IC50 = 76 ± 0.021 µg/mL) and lipase (IC50 = 21.23 ± 0.021 µg/mL and IC50 = 97.018 ± 0.012 µg/mL, respectively). In addition, L. nobilis EO showed an anti-AChE activity (IC50 = 89.44 ± 0.07 µg/mL) higher than that of A. unedo EO (IC50 = 378.57 ± 0.05 µg/mL). Regarding anti-inflammatory activity, in vitro assays showed that L. nobilis significantly inhibits (IC50 = 48.31 ± 0.07 μg/mL) 5-lipoxygenase compared to A. unedo (IC50 = 86.14 ± 0.05 μg/mL). This was confirmed in vivo via a notable inhibition of inflammation recorded after 6 h of treatment in both plants at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The microbiological results revealed that EOs from both plants inhibited the growth of all tested organisms except P. aeruginosa, with the highest antimicrobial effect for L. nobilis. The results of these tests showed that these two plants possess remarkable biological and pharmacological properties, explaining their medicinal effects and suggesting them as promising sources of natural drugs.
Risankizumab: Efficacy, Safety, and Survival in the Mid-Term (52 Weeks) in Real Clinical Practice in Andalusia, Spain, According to the Therapeutic Goals of the Spanish Psoriatic Guidelines
Authors: Ruiz-Villaverde Ricardo , Rodriguez-Fernandez-Freire Lourdes , Pérez-Gil Amalia , Font-Ugalde Pilar , Galán-Gutiérrez Manuel
Published: November 2022

Introduction. Risankizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) type that binds selectively, and with high affinity, to the p19 subunit of interleukin-23 (IL-23), resulting in the inhibition of inflammation and clinical symptoms associated with psoriasis. Its introduction has managed to increase the levels of efficacy and safety (improving upon those previously presented by the anti-IL-23 class). Material and methods. Retrospective analysis of a multicenter, observational study of real clinical practice, including patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in treatment with risankizumab. This cross-sectional analysis includes information on patients from May 2020 to June 2022. A total of six tertiary hospitals in Andalusia (Spain) participated in this study. Analyses were performed “as observed” using GraphPad Prism version 8.3.0 for Windows. Results. Regarding the percentage of patients who reached PASI 90 or PASI 100 at week 52, 92.5% achieved the therapeutic goal of PASI 90, and 78.5% reached PASI 100. When analyzing the results by absolute PASI, we found that 78.5% (n = 33) obtained PASI 0, 85.7% (n = 36) obtained PASI ≤ 1, and all patients achieved PASI ≤ 3 (disease control). Discussion. Risankizumab has shown promising results in the control of psoriasis in the long-term, with a high percentage of patients (>80%) maintaining PASI 90 and PASI 100 up to 52 weeks of treatment. No abnormal safety findings have been reported, and risankizumab appears to be a solid treatment in the different scenarios analyzed.
Human iPSC-Derived Cortical Neurons Display Homeostatic Plasticity
Authors: Cordella Federica , Ferrucci Laura , D’Antoni Chiara , Ghirga Silvia , Brighi Carlo , Soloperto Alessandro , Gigante Ylenia , Ragozzino Davide , Bezzi Paola , Di Angelantonio Silvia
Published: November 2022

Maintaining the excitability of neurons and circuits is fundamental for healthy brain functions. The global compensatory increase in excitatory synaptic strength, in response to decreased activity, is one of the main homeostatic mechanisms responsible for such regulation. This type of plasticity has been extensively characterized in rodents in vivo and in vitro, but few data exist on human neurons maturation. We have generated an in vitro cortical model system, based on differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells, chronically treated with tetrodotoxin, to investigate homeostatic plasticity at different developmental stages. Our findings highlight the presence of homeostatic plasticity in human cortical networks and show that the changes in synaptic strength are due to both pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms. Pre-synaptic plasticity involves the potentiation of neurotransmitter release machinery, associated to an increase in synaptic vesicle proteins expression. At the post-synaptic level, we report an increase in the expression of post-synaptic density proteins, involved in glutamatergic receptor anchoring. These results extend our understanding of neuronal homeostasis and reveal the developmental regulation of its expression in human cortical networks. Since induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons can be obtained from patients with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, our platform offers a versatile model for assessing human neural plasticity under physiological and pathological conditions.
Comprehensive Phytochemical Analysis of Various Solvent Extracts of Artemisia judaica and Their Potential Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Khan Merajuddin , Khan Mujeeb , Al-hamoud Khaleel , Adil Syed Farooq , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Alkhathlan Hamad Z.
Published: November 2022

Solvents play an important role in the extraction process by considerably affecting the amount and nature of secondary metabolites of medicinal plants. Thus, the effect of solvents must be investigated to obtain desired biological properties of plant extracts. In the current study, we extracted aerial parts of Artemisia judaica, native to Saudi Arabia, in three different solvents, including methanol (MeOH), hexane (Hex), and chloroform (Chl). Obtained extracts from the aerial parts of A. judaica were analysed by GC–MS and GC–FID techniques, which resulted in the identification of 46, 18, and 17 phytoconstituents from the Hex, Chl, and MeOH extracts, respectively. All the extracts contain oxygenated terpenes, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and aromatics as major classes of compounds in varying amounts. Among the various phytoconstituents identified, piperitone was the dominant compound and was found in all the extracts in different amounts, specifically, 28.8, 26.1, and 20.1% in the Chl, MeOH, and Hex extracts, respectively. Moreover, all these extracts (Chl, MeOH, and Hex) were tested for the antimicrobial properties on both Gram-positive and negative bacteria as well as for their anticancer properties on four different cell lines including HepG2, DU145, Hela, and A549. Among the different extracts, the Hex and Chl extracts demonstrated identical antimicrobial properties, while the Chl extract showed superior anticancer properties when compare to the other extracts. The higher biological properties of Chl extracts including both antimicrobial and anticancer activities may be attributed to the presence of large amounts of piperitone and/or santonin, which are distinctly present in excess amounts in the Chl extract.
Polyether Ether Ketone Coated with Ultra-Thin Films of Titanium Oxide and Zirconium Oxide Fabricated by DC Magnetron Sputtering for Biomedical Application
Authors: Akimchenko Igor O. , Rutkowski Sven , Tran Tuan-Hoang , Dubinenko Gleb E. , Petrov Vsevolod I. , Kozelskaya Anna I. , Tverdokhlebov Sergei I.
Published: November 2022

Recently, polyether ether ketone has raised increasing interest in research and industry as an alternative material for bone implants. This polymer also has some shortcomings, as it is bioinert and its surface is relatively hydrophobic, causing poor cell adhesion and therefore slow integration with bone tissue. In order to improve biocompatibility, the surface of polyether ether ketone-based implants should be modified. Therefore, polished disc-shaped polyether ether ketone samples were surface-modified by direct current magnetron sputtering with ultrathin titanium and zirconium coatings (thickness < 100 nm). The investigation results show a uniform distribution of both types of coatings on the sample surfaces, where the coatings mostly consist of titanium dioxide and zirconium dioxide. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that the crystalline structure of the polyether ether ketone substrates was not changed by the coating deposition. Both coatings are amorphous, as shown by X-ray diffraction investigations. The roughness of both coating types increases with increasing coating thickness, which is beneficial for cell colonization. The coatings presented and investigated in this study improve wettability, increasing surface energies, in particular the polar component of the surface energies, which, in turn, are important for cell adhesion.
Effect of Impact Position on Repaired Composite Laminates Subjected to Multi-Impacts
Authors: Reis Paulo N. B. , Coelho Sara R. M. , Bezazi Abderrezak
Published: November 2022

Because the certification of aircraft structures requires significant costs and time-consuming experimental tests, all the studies carried out are strong contributions to the applicability of repairs based on adhesively bonded fibre composite patches. In this context, the main goal of this study aims to analyse the effect of the impact position on the multi-impact response of repaired composites. The results will be compared with those obtained in composites containing holes. Therefore, experimental tests will be carried out using an energy of 8 J and centrally supported samples. It was noted that the patch region proved to be very sensitive to impact due to its thickness. Full perforation occurred after two to three impacts, and to obtain higher strength it would be necessary to increase the thickness of the patch. However, depending on the location of the repair, this could bring aerodynamic problems. For the distance of 15 mm from the centre, an overlap region, the repaired laminate shows 494.7% higher impact strength than a laminate with a hole. In this case, the effect of the stress concentration is determinant in the impact fatigue life. Finally, for the 35 mm distances that are close to the border, no significant changes in impact fatigue life were observed for both the repaired laminates and those containing the hole. This leads to the conclusion that the border effect is much more significant than the presence of the hole for this distance.
Effect of Cold Working on the Properties and Microstructure of Cu-3.5 wt% Ti Alloy
Authors: Huang Lue , Peng Lijun , Mi Xujun , Zhao Gang , Huang Guojie , Xie Haofeng , Zhang Wenjing
Published: November 2022

Cu-Ti alloys were strengthened by β’-Cu4Ti metastable precipitation during aging. With the extension of the aging time, the β’-Cu4Ti metastable phase transformed into the equilibrium β-Cu4Ti phase. The Cu-3.5 wt% Ti(Cu-4.6 at% Ti) alloys with different processing were aged at different temperatures for various times after solution treatment at 880 °C for 1 h. The electrical conductivity of samples under different heat treatments had shown an upward trend as time increased during aging, but the hardness reached the peak value and then decreased. The hardness and electrical conductivity of the samples with 70% deformation after aging are higher tha n the samples without deformation. Deformation after aging would cause the metastable phase to dissolve into a matrix. The best combination value of conductivity and hardness is 13.88% IACS and 340.78 Hv, and the optimal heat treatment is 500 °C for 2 h + 70% deformation + 450 °C for 2 h.
Multiscale Femoral Neck Imaging and Multimodal Trabeculae Quality Characterization in an Osteoporotic Bone Sample
Authors: Soldati Enrico , Roseren Flavy , Guenoun Daphne , Mancini Lucia , Catelli Emilio , Prati Silvia , Sciutto Giorgia , Vicente Jerome , Iotti Stefano , Bendahan David , Malucelli Emil , Pithioux Martine
Published: November 2022

Although multiple structural, mechanical, and molecular factors are definitely involved in osteoporosis, the assessment of subregional bone mineral density remains the most commonly used diagnostic index. In this study, we characterized bone quality in the femoral neck of one osteoporotic patients as compared to an age-matched control subject, and so used a multiscale and multimodal approach including X-ray computed microtomography at different spatial resolutions (pixel size: 51.0, 4.95 and 0.9 µm), microindentation and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Our results showed abnormalities in the osteocytes lacunae volume (358.08 ± 165.00 for the osteoporotic sample vs. 287.10 ± 160.00 for the control), whereas a statistical difference was found neither for shape nor for density. The osteoporotic femoral head and great trochanter reported reduced elastic modulus (Es) and hardness (H) compared to the control reference (−48% (p < 0.0001) and −34% (p < 0.0001), respectively for Es and H in the femoral head and −29% (p < 0.01) and −22% (p < 0.05), respectively for Es and H in the great trochanter), whereas the corresponding values in the femoral neck were in the same range. The spectral analysis could distinguish neither subregional differences in the osteoporotic sample nor between the osteoporotic and healthy samples. Although, infrared spectroscopic measurements were comparable among subregions, and so regardless of the bone osteoporotic status, the trabecular mechanical properties were comparable only in the femoral neck. These results illustrate that bone remodeling in osteoporosis is a non-uniform process with different rates in different bone anatomical regions, hence showing the interest of a clear analysis of the bone microarchitecture in the case of patients’ osteoporotic evaluation.
High-Gain Observer-Based Advanced Nonlinear Control of a Grid-Connected Wind Energy Conversion System with Sensorless Maximum Power Point Tracking
Authors: Abouloifa Abdelmajid , Noussi Karim , Elbouchikhi Elhoussin , Katir Hanane , Lachkar Ibtissam , El Aroudi Abdelali
Published: November 2022

This paper deals with the control development of a wind energy conversion system (WECS) interfaced to a utility grid by using a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG), a back-to-back (B2B) converter and an RL filter for optimal power extraction. The aim was to design a sensorless controller to improve the system reliability and to simultaneously achieve the regulation of the generator speed, reactive power and DC-link voltage. The proposed global control scheme combines: (i) a high-gain observer employed to estimate the generator speed and the mechanical torque, usually regarded as accessible, (ii) a sensorless MPPT block developed to provide optimal generator speed reference, which is designed on the basis of the mechanical observer and a polynomial wind-speed estimator and (iii) a finite-time controller (FTC) applied to the B2B converter to meet the output reference’s tracking objectives in a short predefined finite time by using the backstepping and Lyapunov approaches. The proposed controller performance is formally analysed, and its capabilities are verified by numerical simulations using a 2 MW DFIG wind turbine (WT) under different operating conditions.
Using Market News Sentiment Analysis for Stock Market Prediction
Authors: Cristescu Marian Pompiliu , Nerisanu Raluca Andreea , Mara Dumitru Alexandru , Oprea Simona-Vasilica
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Since the current crises that has inevitably impacted the financial market, market prediction has become more crucial than ever. The question of how risk managers can more accurately predict the evolution of their portfolio, while taking into consideration systemic risks brought on by a systemic crisis, is raised by the low rate of success of portfolio risk-management models. Sentiment analysis on natural language sentences can increase the accuracy of market prediction because financial markets are influenced by investor sentiments. Many investors also base their decisions on information taken from newspapers or on their instincts. (2) Methods: In this paper, we aim to highlight how sentiment analysis can improve the accuracy of regression models when predicting the evolution of the opening prices of some selected stocks. We aim to accomplish this by comparing the results and accuracy of two cases of market prediction using regression models with and without market news sentiment analysis. (3) Results: It is shown that the nonlinear autoregression model improves its goodness of fit when sentiment analysis is used as an exogenous factor. Furthermore, the results show that the polynomial autoregressions fit better than the linear ones. (4) Conclusions: Using the sentiment score for market modelling, significant improvements in the performance of linear autoregressions are showcased.
Suspended Sediment Yield Forecasting with Single and Multi-Objective Optimization Using Hybrid Artificial Intelligence Models
Authors: Yadav Arvind , Chithaluru Premkumar , Singh Aman , Albahar Marwan Ali , Jurcut Anca , Álvarez Roberto Marcelo , Mojjada Ramesh Kumar , Joshi Devendra
Published: November 2022

Rivers play a major role within ecosystems and society, including for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses, and in power generation. Forecasting of suspended sediment yield (SSY) is critical for design, management, planning, and disaster prevention in river basin systems. It is difficult to forecast the SSY using conventional methods because these approaches cannot handle complicated non-stationarity and non-linearity. Artificial intelligence techniques have gained popularity in water resources due to handling complex problems of SSY. In this study, a fully automated generalized single hybrid intelligent artificial neural network (ANN)-based genetic algorithm (GA) forecasting model was developed using water discharge, temperature, rainfall, SSY, rock type, relief, and catchment area data of eleven gauging stations for forecasting the SSY. It is applied at individual gauging stations for SSY forecasting in the Mahanadi River which is one of India’s largest peninsular rivers. All parameters of the ANN are optimized automatically and simultaneously using the GA. The multi-objective algorithm was applied to optimize the two conflicting objective functions (error variance and bias). The mean square error objective function was considered for the single-objective optimization model. Single and multi-objective GA-based ANN, autoregressive and multivariate autoregressive models were compared to each other. It was found that the single-objective GA-based ANN model provided the best accuracy among all comparative models, and it is the most suitable substitute for forecasting SSY. If the measurement of SSY is unavailable, then single-objective GA-based ANN modeling approaches can be recommended for forecasting SSY due to comparatively superior performance and simplicity of implementation.
Multi-Objective Optimization of an Elastic Rod with Viscous Termination
Authors: Xing Siyuan , Sun Jian-Qiao
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we study the multi-objective optimization of the viscous boundary condition of an elastic rod using a hybrid method combining a genetic algorithm and simple cell mapping (GA-SCM). The method proceeds with the NSGAII algorithm to seek a rough Pareto set, followed by a local recovery process based on one-step simple cell mapping to complete the branch of the Pareto set. To accelerate computation, the rod response under impulsive loading is calculated with a particular solution method that provides accurate structural responses with less computational effort. The Pareto set and Pareto front of a case study are obtained with the GA-SCM hybrid method. Optimal designs of each objective function are illustrated through numerical simulations.
Patterns of Genomic Variations in the Plant Pathogen Dickeya solani
Authors: Khayi Slimane , Chan Kok-Gan , Faure Denis
Published: November 2022

The plant pathogen Dickeya solani causes soft rot and blackleg diseases in several crops including Solanum tuberosum. Unveiling the patterns of its diversity contributes to understanding the emergence and virulence of this pathogen in potato agro-systems. In this study, we analyzed the genome of several D. solani strains exhibiting an atypically high number of genetic variations. Variant calling and phylogenomics support the evidence that the strains RNS10-105-1A, A623S-20A-17 and RNS05.1.2A belong to a divergent sub-group of D. solani for which we proposed RNS05.1.2A as a reference strain. In addition, we showed that the variations (1253 to 1278 snp/indels) in strains RNS13-30-1A, RNS13-31-1A and RNS13-48-1A were caused by a horizontal gene transfer event from a donor belonging to the D. solani RNS05.1.2A subgroup. The overall results highlight the patterns driving the diversification in D. solani species. This work contributes to understanding patterns and causes of diversity in the emerging pathogen D. solani.
Roseburia intestinalis Modulates PYY Expression in a New a Multicellular Model including Enteroendocrine Cells
Authors: Gautier Thomas , Fahet Nelly , Tamanai-Shacoori Zohreh , Oliviero Nolwenn , Blot Marielle , Sauvager Aurélie , Burel Agnes , Gall Sandrine David-Le , Tomasi Sophie , Blat Sophie , Bousarghin Latifa
Published: November 2022

The gut microbiota contributes to human health and disease; however, the mechanisms by which commensal bacteria interact with the host are still unclear. To date, a number of in vitro systems have been designed to investigate the host–microbe interactions. In most of the intestinal models, the enteroendocrine cells, considered as a potential link between gut bacteria and several human diseases, were missing. In the present study, we have generated a new model by adding enteroendocrine cells (ECC) of L-type (NCI-H716) to the one that we have previously described including enterocytes, mucus, and M cells. After 21 days of culture with the other cells, enteroendocrine-differentiated NCI-H716 cells showed neuropods at their basolateral side and expressed their specific genes encoding proglucagon (GCG) and chromogranin A (CHGA). We showed that this model could be stimulated by commensal bacteria playing a key role in health, Roseburia intestinalis and Bacteroides fragilis, but also by a pathogenic strain such as Salmonella Heidelberg. Moreover, using cell-free supernatants of B. fragilis and R. intestinalis, we have shown that R. intestinalis supernatant induced a significant increase in IL-8 and PYY but not in GCG gene expression, while B. fragilis had no impact. Our data indicated that R. intestinalis produced short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as butyrate whereas B. fragilis produced more propionate. However, these SCFAs were probably not the only metabolites implicated in PYY expression since butyrate alone had no effect. In conclusion, our new quadricellular model of gut epithelium could be an effective tool to highlight potential beneficial effects of bacteria or their metabolites, in order to develop new classes of probiotics.
Microbiome-Driven Proline Biogenesis in Plants under Stress: Perspectives for Balanced Diet to Minimize Depression Disorders in Humans
Authors: Vujanovic Silva , Vujanovic Josko , Vujanovic Vladimir
Published: November 2022

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to the overall global burden of mental disorders. An increasing number of studies have revealed that among 20 different amino acids, high proline consumption is a dietary factor with the strongest impact on depression in humans and animals, including insects. Recent studies acknowledged that gut microbiota play a key role in proline-related pathophysiology of depression. In addition, the multi-omics approach has alleged that a high level of metabolite proline is directly linked to depression severity, while variations in levels of circulating proline are dependent on microbiome composition. The gut–brain axis proline analysis is a gut microbiome model of studying depression, highlighting the critical importance of diet, but nothing is known about the role of the plant microbiome–food axis in determining proline concentration in the diet and thus about preventing excessive proline intake through food consumption. In this paper, we discuss the protocooperative potential of a holistic study approach combining the microbiota–gut–brain axis with the microbiota–plant–food–diet axis, as both are involved in proline biogenesis and metabolism and thus on in its effect on mood and cognitive function. In preharvest agriculture, the main scientific focus must be directed towards plant symbiotic endophytes, as scavengers of abiotic stresses in plants and modulators of high proline concentration in crops/legumes/vegetables under climate change. It is also implied that postharvest agriculture—including industrial food processing—may be critical in designing a proline-balanced diet, especially if corroborated with microbiome-based preharvest agriculture, within a circular agrifood system. The microbiome is suggested as a target for selecting beneficial plant endophytes in aiming for a balanced dietary proline content, as it is involved in the physiology and energy metabolism of eukaryotic plant/human/animal/insect hosts, i.e., in core aspects of this amino acid network, while opening new venues for an efficient treatment of depression that can be adapted to vast groups of consumers and patients. In that regard, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and molecular biomarkers combined with rapid and non-destructive imaging technologies were also discussed in the scope of enhancing integrative science outcomes, agricultural efficiencies, and diagnostic medical precisions.
Finger Millet Seed Coat—A Functional Nutrient-Rich Cereal By-Product
Authors: Onipe Oluwatoyin Oladayo , Ramashia Shonisani Eugenia
Published: November 2022

Finger millet (FM) is one of the little millets grown in Asia and Africa. Although still classified as an “orphan crop”, there is an increasing interest in the research of FM seed coat (FMSC), also known as bran. It houses 90% of the seed’s polyphenols and dietary fibre. The calcium and phosphorus content of FMSC is about 6- to 25-fold that of other cereals. FMSC is specifically beneficial for its polyphenols, arabinoxylans, phytates, and flavonoids content. Evidence of the hypoglycaemic, nephroprotective, hypocholesterolemic, and anti-cataractogenic effects of FMSC has been substantiated, thereby supporting the health claims and validating its nutraceutical potential for diabetics. This article discusses FMSC extraction and nutritional properties, focusing on arabinoxylan and polyphenols, their potential health benefits, and their application in food formulations. Although there is a dearth of information on using FMSC in food formulation, this review will be a data repository for further studies on FMSC.
Extraction of Polyphenols and Vitamins Using Biodegradable ATPS Based on Ethyl Lactate
Authors: Velho Pedro , Marques Luís , Macedo Eugénia A.
Published: November 2022

The growing human population, together with the inefficient use of natural resources, has been dramatically increasing the production of food waste, which poses serious economic, environmental, and social problems. Being so, it is necessary to increase the efficiency of food consumption so as to reduce its waste and to convert the remaining residues into societal benefits. Since this biowaste is rich in polyphenols and vitamins, it could become the feedstock for the production of important value-added compounds for the pharmaceutical (e.g., food supplements) and cosmetic (e.g., creams and shampoos) industries. In this work, partition studies of one polyphenol (epicatechin) and two B-complex vitamins (cyanocobalamin and nicotinic acid) were performed in biodegradable Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) based on ethyl lactate and on organic salts (disodium tartrate, tripotassium citrate, and trisodium citrate) at 298.15 K and 0.1 MPa. The largest partition coefficient (K) and extraction efficiency (E) were obtained for vitamin B12 (K=78.56, E=97.5%) for the longest tie line TLL=77.66% in the ATPS {ethyl lactate (1) + tripotassium citrate (2) + water (3)}. All the extractions were obtained with low biomolecule mass losses in quantification (<5%) and after a thorough study of pH influence in the UV–Vis absorbance spectra.