bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Septin Defects Favour Symmetric Inheritance of the Budding Yeast Deceptive Courtship Memory
Authors: Akhtar Fozia , Brignola Bastien , Caudron Fabrice
Published: February 2023

Mnemons are prion-like elements that encode cellular memories of past cellular adaptations and do not spread to progenies during cell divisions. During the deceptive courtship in budding yeast, the Whi3 mnemon (Whi3mnem) condenses into a super-assembly to encode a mating pheromone refractory state established in the mother cell. Whi3mnem is confined to the mother cell such that their daughter cells have the ability to respond to the mating pheromone. Confinement of Whi3mnem involves its association with the endoplasmic reticulum membranes and the compartmentalization of these membranes by the lateral membrane diffusion barrier at the bud neck, the limit between the mother cell and the bud. However, during the first cell division after the establishment of the pheromone refractory state, this adaptation is more likely to be inherited by the daughter cell than in subsequent cell divisions. Here, we show that the first cell division is associated with larger daughter cells and cytokinesis defects, traits that are not observed in subsequent cell divisions. The cytoskeletal septin protein shows aberrant localisation in these divisions and the septin-dependent endoplasmic reticulum membrane diffusion barrier is weakened. Overall, these data suggest that cytokinesis defects associated with prolonged cell division can alter the confinement and inheritance pattern of a cellular memory.
Periodontitis and COVID-19: Immunological Characteristics, Related Pathways, and Association
Authors: Qi Manlin , Sun Wenyue , Wang Kun , Li Wen , Lin Jinying , Gong Jing , Wang Lin
Published: February 2023

Both periodontitis and Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pose grave threats to public health and social order, endanger human life, and place a significant financial strain on the global healthcare system. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mounting research has revealed a link between COVID-19 and periodontitis. It is critical to comprehend the immunological mechanisms of the two illnesses as well as their immunological interaction. Much evidence showed that there are many similar inflammatory pathways between periodontitis and COVID-19, such as NF-κB pathway, NLRP3/IL-1β pathway, and IL-6 signaling pathway. Common risk factors such as gender, lifestyle, and comorbidities contribute to the severity of both diseases. Revealing the internal relationship between the two diseases is conducive to the treatment of the two diseases in an emergency period. It is also critical to maintain good oral hygiene and a positive attitude during treatment. This review covers four main areas: immunological mechanisms, common risk factors, evidence of the association between the two diseases, and possible interventions and potential targets. These will provide potential ideas for drug development and clinical treatment of the two diseases.
Deep-Learning-Based Carrier Frequency Offset Estimation and Its Cross-Evaluation in Multiple-Channel Models
Authors: Wang Zhenyi , Wei Shengyun , Zou Li , Liao Feifan , Lang Weimin , Li Yuanzhuo
Published: February 2023

The most widely used Wi-Fi wireless communication system, which is based on OFDM, is currently developing quickly. The receiver must, however, accurately estimate the carrier frequency offset between the transmitter and the receiver due to the characteristics of the OFDM system that make it sensitive to carrier frequency offset. The autocorrelation of training symbols is typically used by the conventional algorithm to estimate the carrier frequency offset. Although this method is simple to use and low in complexity, it has poor estimation performance at low signal-to-noise ratios, which has a significant negative impact on the performance of the wireless communication system. Meanwhile, the design of the communication physical layer using deep-learning-based (DL-based) methods is receiving more and more attention but is rarely used in carrier frequency offset estimation. In this paper, we propose a DL-based carrier frequency offset (CFO) model architecture for 802.11n standard OFDM systems. With regard to multipath channel models with varied degrees of multipath fadding, the estimation error of the proposed model is 70.54% lower on average than that of the conventional method under 802.11n standard channel models, and the DL-based method can outperform the estimation range of conventional methods. Besides, the model trained in one channel environment and tested in another was cross-evaluated to determine which models could be used for deployment in the real world. The cross-evaluation demonstrates that the DL-based model can perform well over a large class of channels without extra training when trained under the worst-case (most severe) multipath channel model.
Synergistic Behavioral Response Effect of Mixtures of Andrographis paniculata, Cananga odorata, and Vetiveria zizanioides against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Panthawong Amonrat , Nararak Jirod , Jhaiaun Pairpailin , Sukkanon Chutipong , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap
Published: February 2023

Each binary mixture formulation of Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (VZ) with Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees (AP) or Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson (CO) and AP with CO at 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 ratios (v:v) was investigated for behavioral responses on laboratory and field strains of Aedes aegypti. Irritant and repellent activities of each formulation were compared with N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) using an excito-repellency test system. The result demonstrated that the mixture of VZ:AP in all combination ratios was the most effective in inducing an irritancy response against the laboratory strain (56.57–73.33%). The highest percentage of escaped mosquitoes exposed to the mixture at a 1:4 ratio (73.33%) was significantly different from DEET (26.67%) (p < 0.05). Against the field strain, the strongest escape response of AP:CO at a 1:1 ratio in the contact trial (70.18%) was significantly different compared with DEET (38.33%) (p < 0.05). There was a weak non-contact escape pattern in all combinations of VZ:CO against the laboratory strains (6.67–31.67%). These findings could lead to the further development of VZ and AP as active ingredients in a repellent that could advance to human use trials.
Prediction of Surgical Approach in Mitral Valve Disease by XGBoost Algorithm Based on Echocardiographic Features
Authors: Lin Xiaoxuan , Chen Lixin , Zhang Defu , Luo Shuyu , Sheng Yuanyuan , Liu Xiaohua , Liu Qian , Li Jian , Shi Bobo , Peng Guijuan , Zhong Xiaofang , Huang Yuxiang , Li Dagang , Qin Gengliang , Yin Zhiqiang , Xu Jinfeng , Meng Chunying , Liu Yingying
Published: February 2023

In this study, we aimed to develop a prediction model to assist surgeons in choosing an appropriate surgical approach for mitral valve disease patients. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 143 patients who underwent surgery for mitral valve disease. The XGBoost algorithm was used to establish a predictive model to decide a surgical approach (mitral valve repair or replacement) based on the echocardiographic features of the mitral valve apparatus, such as leaflets, the annulus, and sub-valvular structures. The results showed that the accuracy of the predictive model was 81.09% in predicting the appropriate surgical approach based on the patient’s preoperative echocardiography. The result of the predictive model was superior to the traditional complexity score (81.09% vs. 75%). Additionally, the predictive model showed that the three main factors affecting the choice of surgical approach were leaflet restriction, calcification of the leaflet, and perforation or cleft of the leaflet. We developed a novel predictive model using the XGBoost algorithm based on echocardiographic features to assist surgeons in choosing an appropriate surgical approach for patients with mitral valve disease.
A Prospect to Ameliorate Affective Symptoms and to Enhance Cognition in Long COVID Using Auricular Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Authors: Colzato Lorenza S. , Elmers Julia , Beste Christian , Hommel Bernhard
Published: February 2023

Long COVID, the postviral disorder caused by COVID-19, is expected to become one of the leading causes of disability in Europe. The cognitive consequences of long COVID have been described as “brain fog” and characterized by anxiety and depression, and by cognitive deficits. Long COVID is assumed to be a complex condition arising from multiple causes, including persistent brainstem dysfunction and disrupted vagal signaling. We recommend the potential application of auricular transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (atVNS) as an ADD-ON instrument to compensate for the cognitive decline and to ameliorate affective symptoms caused by long COVID. This technique enhances vagal signaling by directly activating the nuclei in the brainstem, which are hypoactive in long COVID to enhance mood and to promote attention, memory, and cognitive control—factors affected by long COVID. Considering that atVNS is a non-pharmacological intervention, its ADD-ON to standard pharmaceutical agents will be useful for non-responders, making of this method a suitable tool. Given that atVNS can be employed as an ecological momentary intervention (EMI), we outline the translational advantages of atVNS in the context of accelerating the cognitive and affective recovery from long COVID.
Effect of Supplemental Oxygen on von Willebrand Factor Activity and Ristocetin Cofactor Activity in Patients at Risk for Cardiovascular Complications Undergoing Moderate-to High-Risk Major Noncardiac Surgery—A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Trial
Authors: Horvath Katharina , Taschner Alexander , Adamowitsch Nikolas , Falkner von Sonnenburg Markus , Fleischmann Edith , Kabon Barbara , Fraunschiel Melanie , Reiterer Christian , Graf Alexandra
Published: February 2023

Increased von Willebrand Factor (vWF) activity mediates platelet adhesion and might be a contributor to the development of thrombotic complications after surgery. Although in vitro studies have shown that hyperoxia induces endovascular damage, the effect of perioperative supplemental oxygen as a possible trigger for increased vWF activity has not been investigated yet. We tested our primary hypothesis that the perioperative administration of 80% oxygen concentration increases postoperative vWF activity as compared to 30% oxygen concentration in patients at risk of cardiovascular complications undergoing major noncardiac surgery. A total of 260 patients were randomly assigned to receive 80% versus 30% oxygen throughout surgery and for two hours postoperatively. We assessed vWF activity and Ristocetin cofactor activity in all patients shortly before the induction of anesthesia, within two hours after surgery and on the first and third postoperative day. Patient characteristics were similar in both groups. We found no significant difference in vWF activity in the overall perioperative time course between both randomization groups. We observed significantly increased vWF activity in the overall study population throughout the postoperative time course. Perioperative supplemental oxygen showed no significant effect on postoperative vWF and Ristocetin cofactor activity in cardiac risk patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery. In conclusion, we found no significant influence of supplemental oxygen in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery on postoperative vWF activity and Ristocetin cofactor activity.
Trends in Unhealthy Lifestyle Factors among Adults with Stroke in the United States between 1999 and 2018
Authors: Liu Yuting , Wang Haochen , Bai Bingqing , Liu Fengyao , Chen Yilin , Wang Yu , Liang Yanting , Shi Xiaohe , Yu Xueju , Wu Chao , Guo Lan , Ma Huan , Geng Qingshan
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND: Unhealthy lifestyle factors are risk factors for stroke, and they play a key role in stroke secondary prevention. A better understanding of these factors may aid with improvements in public health policy. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to comprehensively understand the trends in unhealthy lifestyle factors in people who have previously had a stroke in the US. METHODS: Utilizing data from the biannual United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANESs) between 1999 and 2018, we collated data on unhealthy lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol drinking, depression, unhealthy diet, high BMI, physical inactivity, and sedentary behavior) in adults with a history of stroke. The Joinpoint Regression model was used to calculate the annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) to identify trends. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify the influence of sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, employment status, family income, and highest education level). RESULTS: The analysis included 2017 respondents with a history of stroke. Current alcohol drinking (39.3% (95% confidence interval: 29.8, 48.7) to 57.4% (45.7, 69.0) p = 0.008) and obesity (39.2% (28.3, 50.2) to 49.4% (38.9, 59.8) p = 0.029) increased significantly from 1999 to 2018. The prevalence of smoking and depression remained generally stable. The proportion of respondents with an unhealthy diet decreased from 1999 (44.5% (32.4, 56.5)) to 2011 (29.0% (17.5, 40.4) p = 0.019), but then returned to its original prevalence in 2018 (42.0% (31.4, 52.7)). From 2007 to 2018, the proportion of respondents who were physically inactive decreased significantly, from 70.4% (64.4, 76.3) to 55.1% (46.1, 64.2; p = 0.017). After a gradual increase in sedentary activity from 2007 to 2012, this declined from 2013 to 2018, with no statistical significance. We found stroke survivors who were widowed, divorced, separated, or unemployed were at a higher risk of having unhealthy lifestyles than those who were employed or had other marital statuses. CONCLUSIONS: A modest reduction in the prevalence of physical inactivity was observed in Americans with a history of stroke between 1999 and 2018. The prevalences of smoking, drinking, depression, poor diet, obesity, and sedentary behavior were stable or increasing.
Cellular and Humoral Responses to Recombinant and Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in CKD Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Zhang Siliang , He Jiaoxia , Tang Bin , Zhou Qin , Hu Yudong , Yu Yuan , Chen Jianwei , Liu Yi , Li Chunmeng , Ren Hong , Liao Xiaohui
Published: February 2023

Background: It remains unclear what B cell and humoral responses are mounted by chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in response to recombinant and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. In this study, we aimed to explore the cellular and humoral responses, and the safety of recombinant and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in CKD patients. Methods: 79 CKD and 420 non-CKD individuals, who completed a full course of vaccination, were enrolled in the study. Adverse events (AEs) were collected via a questionnaire. Cellular and humoral responses were detected at 1, 3, and 6 months, including IgG antibody against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-RBD-IgG), neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), the positive rate of NAbs and anti-RBD-IgG, RBD-atypical memory B cells (MBCs) (CD3 − CD19 + RBD + CD21 − CD27−), RBD-activated MBCs (CD3 − CD19 + RBD + CD21 − CD27+), RBD-resting MBCs (CD3 − CD19 + RBD + CD21 + CD27+), and RBD-intermediate MBCs (CD3 − CD19 + RBD + CD21 + CD27−). Results: We found no differences in the positivity rates of NAbs (70.89% vs. 79.49%, p = 0.212) and anti-RBD IgG (72.15% vs. 83.33%, p = 0.092) between the CKD and control groups. A total of 22 CKD individuals completed the full follow-up (1, 3, and 6 months). Significant and sustained declines were found at 3 months in anti-RBD IgG (26.64 BAU/mL vs. 9.08 BAU/mL, p < 0.001) and NAbs (161.60 IU/mL vs. 68.45 IU/mL p < 0.001), and at 6 months in anti-RBD IgG (9.08 BAU/mL vs. 5.40 BAU/mL, p = 0.064) and NAbs (68.45 IU/mL vs. 51.03 IU/mL, p = 0.001). Significant differences were identified in MBC subgroups between CKD patients and healthy controls, including RBD-specific atypical MBCs (60.5% vs. 17.9%, p < 0.001), RBD-specific activated MBCs (36.3% vs. 14.8%, p < 0.001), RBD-specific intermediate MBCs (1.24% vs. 42.6%, p < 0.001), and resting MBCs (1.34% vs. 22.4%, p < 0.001). Most AEs in CKD patients were mild (grade 1 and 2) and self-limiting. One patient with CKD presented with a recurrence of nephrotic syndrome after vaccination. Conclusions: The recombinant and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine was well-tolerated and showed a good response in the CKD cohort. Our study also revealed differences in MBC subtypes after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination between CKD patients and healthy controls.
Review of the Literature on Partial Resections of the Gallbladder, 1898–2022: The Outline of the Conception of Subtotal Cholecystectomy and a Suggestion to Use the Terms ‘Subtotal Open-Tract Cholecystectomy’ and ‘Subtotal Closed-Tract Cholecystectomy’
Authors: Lunevicius Raimundas
Published: February 2023

Current descriptions of the history of subtotal cholecystectomy require more details and accuracy. This study presented a narrative review of the articles on partial resections of the gallbladder published between 1898 and 2022. The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles items guided the style and content of this paper. The systematic literature search yielded 165 publications. Of them, 27 were published between 1898 and 1984. The evolution of the partial resections of the gallbladder began in the last decade of the 19th century when Kehr and Mayo performed them. The technique of partial resection of the gallbladder leaving the hepatic wall in situ was well known in the 3rd and 4th decades of the 20th century. In 1931, Estes emphasised the term ‘partial cholecystectomy’. In 1947, Morse and Barb introduced the term ‘subtotal cholecystectomy’. Madding and Farrow popularised it in 1955–1959. Bornman and Terblanche revitalised it in 1985. This term became dominant in 2014. From a subtotal cholecystectomy technical execution perspective, it is either a single-stage (when it includes only the resectional component) or two-stage (when it also entails closure of the remnant of the gallbladder or cystic duct) operation. Recent papers on classifications of partial resections of the gallbladder indicate the extent of gallbladder resection. Subtotal cholecystectomy is an umbrella term for incomplete cholecystectomies. ‘Subtotal open-tract cholecystectomy’ and ‘subtotal closed-tract cholecystectomy’ are terms that characterise the type of completion of subtotal cholecystectomy.
Physiological Demands of a Self-Paced Firefighter Air-Management Course and Determination of Work Efficiency
Authors: Jagim Andrew R. , Luedke Joel A. , Dobbs Ward C. , Almonroeder Thomas , Markert Adam , Zapp Annette , Askow Andrew T. , Kesler Richard M. , Fields Jennifer B. , Jones Margaret T. , Erickson Jacob L.
Published: February 2023

Firefighters often complete air management courses (AMC) to assess the ability to tolerate personal protective equipment, appropriately manage the breathing system and assess occupational performance. Little information is known relative to the physiological demands of AMCs, nor how to assess work efficiency in order to characterize occupational performance and evaluate progress. Purpose: To assess the physiological demands of an AMC and examine differences across BMI categories. A secondary aim was to develop an equation to assess work efficiency in firefighters. Methods: Fifty-seven firefighters (Women, n = 4; age: 37.2 ± 8.4 yr.; height: 182.0 ± 6.9 cm; body mass: 90.8 ± 13.1 kg; BMI: 27.8 ± 3.6 kg·m−2) completed an AMC per routine evaluation while wearing a department issued self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear. Course completion time, starting pounds per square inch (PSI) on the air cylinder, changes in PSI, and distance traveled were recorded. All firefighters were equipped with a wearable sensor integrated with a triaxial accelerometer and telemetry to assess movement kinematics, heart rate, energy expenditure, and training impulse. The AMC consisted of an initial section involving a hose line advance, rescue (body drag), stair climb, ladder raise, and forcible entry. This section was followed by a repeating loop, which consisted of a stair climb, search, hoist, and recovery walk. Firefighters repeated the course loop until the self-contained breathing apparatus air supply pressure reached 200 PSI, at which time they were instructed to lay down until the PSI reached zero. Results: Average completion time was 22.8 ± 1.4 min, with a mean distance of 1.4 ± 0.3 km and an average velocity of 2.4 ± 1.2 m·s−1. Throughout the AMC, the mean heart rate was 158.7 ± 11.5 bpm equating to 86.8 ± 6.3% of the age-predicted max heart rate and a training impulse of 55 ± 3 AU. Mean energy expenditure was 464 ± 86 kcals and work efficiency was 49.8 ± 14.9 km·PSI−1·s. Regression analysis determined that fat-free mass index (R2 = 0.315; β = −5.069), body fat percentage (R2 = 0.139; β = −0.853), fat-free mass (R2 = 0.176; β = −0.744), weight (R2 = 0.329; β = −0.681), and age (R2 = 0.096; β = −0.571) were significant predictors of work efficiency. Conclusions: The AMC is a highly aerobic task with near-maximal heart rates reached throughout the course. Smaller and leaner individuals achieved a higher degree of work efficiency during the AMC.
Minimum Active Component Count Design of a PIλDμ Controller and Its Application in a Cardiac Pacemaker System
Authors: Nako Julia , Psychalinos Costas , Elwakil Ahmed S.
Published: February 2023

A generalized structure for implementing fractional-order controllers is introduced in this paper. This is achieved thanks to the consideration of the controller transfer function as a ratio of integer and non-integer impedances. The non-integer order impedance is implemented using RC networks, such as the Foster and Cauer networks. The main offered benefit, with regards to the corresponding convectional implementations, is the reduced active and, also, passive component count. To demonstrate the versatility of the proposed concept, a controller suitable for implementing a cardiac pacemaker control system is designed. The evaluation of the performance of the system is performed through circuit simulation results, using a second-generation voltage conveyor as the active element.
Parapharyngeal Space Tumors: Our Experience
Authors: Galli Jacopo , Rolesi Rolando , Gallus Roberto , Seccia Annalisa , Pedicelli Alessandro , Bussu Francesco , Scarano Emanuele
Published: February 2023

Para-pharyngeal space (PPS) tumors include an heterogeneous group of neoplasms, accounting for approximatively 0.5–1.5% of all head and neck tumors. Management of these neoplasms requires a careful diagnostic workout and an appropriate surgical approach to obtain good outcomes associated with minimal aesthetic drawbacks. In this study we investigated clinical onset, histologic features, surgical treatment outcomes, peri operative complications and follow up of 98 patients treated for PPS tumors in our Centre between 2002 and 2021. Furthermore, we reviewed our preliminary experience of preoperative embolization of hyper vascular PPS tumors trough SQUID12, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH) which exhibits many advantages over other embolic agents, due to its better devascularization rate and lower risk of systemic complications. Our data support the hypothesis that transoral surgery scenario should be significantly revised, as it could represent a valid treatment for tumors located in lower and prestyloyd portion of PPS. Moreover, SQUID12, a novel embolization agent, may be a very promising choice for PPS hyper vascularized tumors, ensuring higher devascularization rate, safer procedures and lower risk of systemic dispersion compared to traditional Contour treatment.
Lung Dysfunction and Chronic Kidney Disease: A Complex Network of Multiple Interactions
Authors: Gembillo Guido , Calimeri Sebastiano , Tranchida Valeria , Silipigni Salvatore , Vella Davide , Ferrara Domenico , Spinella Claudia , Santoro Domenico , Visconti Luca
Published: February 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive disease that affects > 10% of the total population worldwide or >800 million people. CKD poses a particularly heavy burden in low- and middle-income countries, which are least able to cope with its consequences. It has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide and is one of the few non-communicable diseases where the number of related deaths has increased over the last two decades. The high number of people affected, and the significant negative impact of CKD should be a reason to increase efforts to improve prevention and treatment. The interaction of lung and kidney leads to highly complex and difficult clinical scenarios. CKD significantly affects the physiology of the lung by altering fluid homeostasis, acid-base balance and vascular tone. In the lung, haemodynamic disturbances lead to the development of alterations in ventilatory control, pulmonary congestion, capillary stress failure and pulmonary vascular disease. In the kidney, haemodynamic disturbances lead to sodium and water retention and the deterioration of renal function. In this article, we would like to draw attention to the importance of harmonising the definitions of clinical events in pneumology and renal medicine. We would also like to highlight the need for pulmonary function tests in routine clinical practise for the management of patients with CKD, in order to find new concepts for pathophysiological based disease-specific management strategies.
Barriers and Facilitators in the Implementation of Prevention Strategies for Chronic Disease Patients—Best Practice GuideLines and Policies’ Systematic Review
Authors: Duda-Sikuła Marta , Kurpas Donata
Published: February 2023

Visits of chronically ill patients account for 80% of primary care consultations. Approximately 15–38% of patients have three or more chronic diseases, and 30% of hospitalisations result from the deteriorating clinical condition of these patients. The burden of chronic disease and multimorbidity is increasing in combination with the growing population of elderly people. However, many interventions found to be effective in health service studies fail to translate into meaningful patient care outcomes across multiple contexts. With the growing burden of chronic diseases, healthcare providers, health policymakers, and other healthcare system stakeholders are re-examining their strategies and opportunities for more effective prevention and clinical interventions. The study aimed to find the best practice guidelines and policies influencing effective intervention and making it possible to personalize prevention strategies. Apart from clinical treatment, it is essential to increase the effectiveness of non-clinical interventions that could empower chronic patients to increase their involvement in therapy. The review focuses on the best practice guidelines and policies in non-medical interventions and the barriers to and facilitators of their implementation into everyday practice. A systematic review of practice guidelines and policies was conducted to answer the research question. The authors screened databases and included 47 full-text recent studies in the qualitative synthesis.
Management of Vascular Access in the Setting of Percutaneous Mechanical Circulatory Support (pMCS): Sheaths, Vascular Access and Closure Systems
Authors: Sardone Andrea , Franchin Luca , Moniaci Diego , Colangelo Salvatore , Colombo Francesco , Boccuzzi Giacomo , Iannaccone Mario
Published: February 2023

The use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS), such as intra-aortic balloon pump, Impella, TandemHeart and VA-ECMO, in the setting of cardiogenic shock or in protect percutaneous coronary intervention (protect-PCI) is rapidly increasing in clinical practice. The major problem related to the use of pMCS is the management of all the device-related complications and of any vascular injury. MCS often requires large-bore access, if compared with common PCI, and for this reason the correct management of vascular access is a crucial point. The correct use of these devices in catheterization laboratories requires specific knowledge such as the correct evaluation of the vascular access performed, when possible, with advance imaging techniques in order to choose a percutaneous or a surgical approach. In addition to conventional transfemoral access, other types of access, such as transaxillary/subclavial access and the transcaval approach, have emerged over the years. These other approaches require advanced skills of the operators and a multidisciplinary team with dedicated physicians. Another important part of the management of vascular access is the closure systems used for hemostasis. Currently, two types of devices are typically used in the lab: suture-based or plug-based ones. In this review we want to describe all these aspects related to the management of vascular access in pMCS and describe, finally, a case report from our center’s experience.
Modelling of Tissue Invasion in Epithelial Monolayers
Authors: Alsubaie Faris Saad , Khataee Hamid , Neufeld Zoltan
Published: February 2023

Mathematical and computational models are used to describe biomechanical processes in multicellular systems. Here, we develop a model to analyse how two types of epithelial cell layers interact during tissue invasion depending on their cellular properties, i.e., simulating cancer cells expanding into a region of normal cells. We model the tissue invasion process using the cellular Potts model and implement our two-dimensional computational simulations in the software package CompuCell3D. The model predicts that differences in mechanical properties of cells can lead to tissue invasion, even if the division rates and death rates of the two cell types are the same. We also show how the invasion speed varies depending on the cell division and death rates and the mechanical properties of the cells.
Halloysite Reinforced Natural Esters for Energy Applications
Authors: Taha-Tijerina Jose Jaime , Aviña Karla , Padilla-Gainza Victoria , Akundi Aditya
Published: February 2023

Recently, environmentally friendly and sustainable materials are being developed, searching for biocompatible and efficient materials which could be incorporated into diverse industries and fields. Natural esters are investigated and have emerged as eco-friendly high-performance alternatives to mineral fluids. This research shows the evaluations on thermal transport and tribological properties of halloysite nanotubular structures (HNS) reinforcing natural ester lubricant at various filler fractions (0.01, 0.05, and 0.10 wt.%). Nanolubricant tribotestings were evaluated under two configurations, block-on-ring, and 4-balls, to obtain the coefficient of friction (COF) and wear scar diameter (WSD), respectively. Results indicated improvements, even at merely 0.01 wt.% HNS concentration, where COF and WSD were reduced by ~66% and 8%, respectively, when compared to pure natural ester. The maximum significant improvement was observed for the 0.05 wt.% concentration, which resulted in a reduction of 87% in COF and 37% in WSD. Thermal conductivity was analyzed under a temperature scan from room temperature up to 70 °C (343 K). Results indicate that thermal conductivity is improved as the HNS concentration and testing temperature are increased. Results revealed improvements for the nanolubricants in the range of 8–16% at 50 °C (323 K) and reached a maximum of 30% at 70 °C (343 K). Therefore, this research suggests that natural ester/HNS lubricants might be used in industrial applications as green lubricants.
Methyl 9-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-9-oxononanoate
Authors: Micheletti Gabriele , Boga Carla
Published: February 2023

Methyl 9-(1-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-9-oxononanoate was synthesized using Friedel–Crafts acylation between N-methyl indole and methyl 9-chloro-9-oxononanoate. The structure of the newly synthesized compound was elucidated using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, NOESY-1D, ESI-MS, FT-IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
Functionalized Fullerenes and Their Applications in Electrochemistry, Solar Cells, and Nanoelectronics
Authors: Paukov Maksim , Kramberger Christian , Begichev Ilia , Kharlamova Marianna , Burdanova Maria
Published: February 2023

Carbon-based nanomaterials have rapidly advanced over the last few decades. Fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene and its derivatives, graphene oxide, nanodiamonds, and carbon-based quantum dots have been developed and intensively studied. Among them, fullerenes have attracted increasing research attention due to their unique chemical and physical properties, which have great potential in a wide range of applications. In this article, we offer a comprehensive review of recent progress in the synthesis and the chemical and physical properties of fullerenes and related composites. The review begins with the introduction of various methods for the synthesis of functionalized fullerenes. A discussion then follows on their chemical and physical properties. Thereafter, various intriguing applications, such as using carbon nanotubes as nanoreactors for fullerene chemical reactions, are highlighted. Finally, this review concludes with a summary of future research, major challenges to be met, and possible solutions.
Review on Load Transfer Mechanisms of Asphalt Mixture Meso-Structure
Authors: Wang Sudi , Yu Weixiao , Miao Yinghao , Wang Linbing
Published: February 2023

Asphalt mixture is a skeleton filling system consisting of aggregate and asphalt binder. Its performance is directly affected by the internal load transfer mechanism of the skeleton filling system. It is significant to understand the load transfer mechanisms for asphalt mixture design and performance evaluation. The objective of this paper is to review the research progress of the asphalt mixture load transfer mechanism. Firstly, this paper summarizes the test methods used to investigate the load transfer mechanism of asphalt mixtures. Then, an overview of the characterization of load transfer mechanism from three aspects was provided. Next, the indicators capturing contact characteristics, contact force characteristics, and force chain characteristics were compared. Finally, the load transfer mechanism of asphalt mixtures under different loading conditions was discussed. Some recommendations and conclusions in terms of load transfer mechanism characterization and evaluation were given. The related work can provide valuable references for the study of the load transfer mechanism of asphalt mixtures.
Mechanical Properties of Sugar Beet Roots under Impact Loading Conditions
Authors: Kołodziej Paweł , Stropek Zbigniew , Gołacki Krzysztof
Published: February 2023

Root damages due to mechanical impacts result in deterioration in commercial sugar beet quality. In order to determine the mechanical characteristics of roots, a stand equipped with a pendulum enabling impact investigations of whole beets was used. The roots were stored in a monitored environment for up to 5 days (temperature 15 ± 2 °C, 40 ± 2%). During the tests, the beets were struck against a flat steel resistant surface with the velocities Vimp = 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m·s−1. The measurements of local root curvatures in three chosen impact areas and the deformation (dmax) allowed modelling of the volume of contact (CV) by means of the ellipsoid cap. These investigations enabled the determination of the relations between the maximal impact force, Fmax, the impact energy, Eimp, and the absorbed energy, Eabs, as well as the contact volume and impact velocity, taking into account the root storage time, St. It was found that the maximal impact force increased with increasing impact velocity and decreased with the storage time for each group of roots. With increasing velocity, there were also increases in the following: impact energy, absorbed energy, contact volume and maximal deformation, as well as absorbed energy, referred to as the mass Eabs-v from Vimp. The mean values of the stresses (σmax), being the quotients of the impact force (Fmax) and the surface area of the ellipsoid cap base (ABE), were 0.81–1.17 MPa, 1.064–1.59 MPa and 1.45–1.77 MPa for the velocities of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 m·s−1, respectively. It was confirmed that the statistical significance of the mentioned parameters changes depending on the impact velocity.
Impact Buffering Characteristics of One-Dimensional Elastic–Plastic Composite Granular Chain
Authors: Mao Shunyuan , Wang Hui , Wu Xiaomao , Zhang Huiling
Published: February 2023

Considering the elastic–plastic deformation, the wave propagations and energy transmissions of the one-dimensional three-segment composite granular chain are studied. The axial symmetry model for elastic-perfectly plastic materials is built by using the finite element method. Six materials with different yield strengths are selected for the adjustable segment. The results show that the repeated loading and unloading behaviors, as well as the wave propagations in the elastic–plastic granular chain, are complex and significantly different from those in the purely elastic granular chain. The yield strength of the granular materials in the adjustable segment has significant effects on energy dissipation and wave velocity, which could be used to design the impact buffer. The studies show that taking lower yield strength for the adjustable part than the non-adjustable part, the energy dissipation could be increased, and the wave velocity could be reduced, then the arrival time of the impact waves could be delayed. These characteristics of the elastic–plastic granular chain could be used to design metamaterials for impact absorbers in impact protection.
Efficient Day-and-Night NO2 Abatement by Polyaniline/TiO2 Nanocomposites
Authors: Meroni Daniela , Galloni Melissa G. , Cionti Carolina , Cerrato Giuseppina , Falletta Ermelinda , Bianchi Claudia L.
Published: February 2023

Finding innovative and highly performing approaches for NOx degradation represents a key challenge to enhance the air quality of our environment. In this study, the high efficiency of PANI/TiO2 nanostructures in the NO2 abatement both in the dark and under light irradiation is demonstrated for the first time. Heterostructures were synthesized by a “green” method and their composition, structure, morphology and oxidation state were investigated by a combination of characterization techniques. The results show that the unique PANI structure promotes two mechanisms for the NO2 abatement in the dark (adsorption on the polymeric chains and chemical reduction to NO), whereas the photocatalytic behavior prevails under light irradiation, leading to the complete NOx degradation. The best-performing materials were subjected to recycling tests, thereby showing high stability without any significant activity loss. Overall, the presented material can represent an innovative and efficient night-and-day solution for NOx abatement.
Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulation of the Performance and Transport Phenomena of Oxygen Evolution Reactions in a Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer
Authors: Zheng Jinsong , Kang Zhenye , Han Bo , Mo Jingke
Published: February 2023

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis, which is one of methods of hydrogen production with the most potential, has attracted more attention due to its energy conversion and storage potential. In this paper, a steady state, three-dimensional mathematical model coupled with the electrochemical and mass transfer physical fields for a PEM water electrolyzer was established. The influence of the different operation parameters on the cell performance was discussed. Moreover, the different patterns of the flow field, such as parallel, serpentine, multi-serpentine, and interdigitate flow fields, were simulated to reveal their influence on the mass transfer and current distribution and how they consequently affected the cell performance. The results of the numerical modeling were in good agreement with the experimental data. The results demonstrated that a higher temperature led to a better mass transfer, current distribution, and cell performance. By comparing the polarization curve, current, velocity, and pressure distribution, the results also indicated that the PEM water electrolyzer with a parallel flow field had the best performance. The results in this study can help in optimizing the design of PEM water electrolyzers.
Complex Eigenvalue Analysis of Multibody Problems via Sparsity-Preserving Krylov–Schur Iterations
Authors: Mangoni Dario , Tasora Alessandro , Peng Chao
Published: February 2023

In this work, we discuss the numerical challenges involved in the computation of the complex eigenvalues of damped multi-flexible-body problems. Aiming at the highest generality, the candidate method must be able to deal with arbitrary rigid body modes (free–free mechanisms), arbitrary algebraic constraints, and must be able to exploit the sparsity pattern of Jacobians of large systems. We propose a custom implementation of the Krylov–Schur method, proving its robustness and its accuracy in a variety of different complex test cases.
Analysis of Manufacturing Methods and Die Design for Rice Transplanter Claws and Combine Harvester Blades in Bangladesh
Authors: Schalch William , Colton Jonathan
Published: February 2023

High labor wages brought on by a shrinking agricultural labor force, as well as promises of increased crop yields and decreased labor requirements, have spurred the adoption of agricultural mechanization in Bangladesh. Due to these factors, the market for more complex agricultural machinery, such as rice transplanters and combine harvesters, is growing substantially in Bangladesh. As a result, a market has developed for agricultural workshops to manufacture spare parts within the local communities. However, the current manufacturing practices of local agricultural workshops limit their ability to produce high-quality parts that can compete with spare parts imported from China. This paper presents the analysis of the manufacturing processes used in the manufacturing of two key spare parts for the mechanization of planting and harvesting in Bangladesh: rice transplanter claws and combine harvester blades. The manufacturing processes proposed in this paper use machine tools and manufacturing processes that are ubiquitous in Bangladesh, such as grinders and drill presses. Additional manufacturing processes, such as blanking and forming with punch and die sets, are proposed as the methods for increasing product quality and reducing the manufacturing time required to produce complex geometries, such as those found on rice transplanter claws and combine harvester blades. The results from the experimental testing and the finite element simulations of the deformation processes indicate that local manufacturing of high-quality rice transplanter claws and combine harvester blades is viable with the proposed manufacturing processes.
Experimental Study on Tribological and Leakage Characteristics of a Rotating Spring-Energized Seal under High and Low Temperature
Authors: Liu Dengyu , Zhao Jun , Li Shuangxi , Zhao Xinni , Huang Lele
Published: February 2023

A spring-energized seal, whose PTFE plastic shell has excellent self-lubrication and a low temperature stability, is used widely in liquid fuel valves’ rotating end-face seals. However, in practical application, temperature has a larger effect on not only the physical and tribological properties of materials, but also on the leakage performance of spring-energized rings. Thus, a high and low temperature sealing test of the spring-energized seal that applies to an engine was carried out. In this paper, the leakage characteristics, friction torque and wear characteristics of a spring-energized ring under different temperatures were studied. The friction torque at high temperature was less than that at normal temperature, and a low temperature could effectively reduce the wear amount of PTFE material. In order to study the influence of temperature on PTFE filled with graphite, the friction and wear test of PTFE-2 was carried out. The results showed that the amount of wear of PTFE-2 was only 27.8% of that at the normal temperature but the friction coefficient was three times larger when the temperature was −45 °C.
Transition-Layer Implantation for Improving Magnetoelectric Response in Co-fired Laminated Composite
Authors: Liu Sheng , Liao Sihua , Zou Hongxiang , Qin Bo , Deng Lianwen
Published: February 2023

Magnetoelectric (ME) laminated composites with strong ME coupling are becoming increasingly prevalent in the electron device field. In this paper, an enhancement of the ME coupling effect via transition-layer implantation for co-fired lead-free laminated composite (80Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3-20Bi0.5K0.5TiO3)/(Ni0.8Zn0.2)Fe2O4 (BNKT/NZFO) was demonstrated. A transition layer composed of particulate ME composite 0.5BNKT-0.5NZFO was introduced between the BNKT piezoelectric layer and the NZFO magnetostrictive layer, effectively connecting the two-phase interface and strengthening interface stress transfer. In particular, an optimal ME voltage coefficients (αME) of 144 mV/(cm·Oe) at 1 kHz and 1.05 V/(cm·Oe) at the resonant frequency in the composite was achieved, with a layer thickness ratio (BNKT:0.5BNKT-0.5NZFO:NZFO) of 3:1:6. The static elastic model was used to determine strong interface coupling. A large magnetodielectric (MD) response of 3.95% was found under a magnetic field excitation of 4 kOe. These results demonstrate that transition-layer implantation provides a new path to enhance the ME response in co-fired laminated composite, which can play an important role in developing magnetic field-tuned electronic devices.
A Conway–Maxwell–Poisson Type Generalization of Hypergeometric Distribution
Authors: Roy Sudip , Tripathi Ram C. , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy
Published: February 2023

The hypergeometric distribution has gained its importance in practice as it pertains to sampling without replacement from a finite population. It has been used to estimate the population size of rare species in ecology, discrete failure rate in reliability, fraction defective in quality control, and the number of initial faults present in software coding. Recently, Borges et al. considered a COM type generalization of the binomial distribution, called COM–Poisson–Binomial (CMPB) and investigated many of its characteristics and some interesting applications. In the same spirit, we develop here a generalization of the hypergeometric distribution, called the COM–hypergeometric distribution. We discuss many of its characteristics such as the limiting forms, the over- and underdispersion, and the behavior of its failure rate. We write its probability-generating function (pgf) in the form of Kemp’s family of distributions when the newly introduced shape parameter is a positive integer. In this form, closed-form expressions are derived for its mean and variance. Finally, we develop statistical inference procedures for the model parameters and illustrate the results by extensive Monte Carlo simulations.