bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promising Perspectives of the Antiproliferative GPER Inverse Agonist ERα17p in Breast Cancer
Authors: Kampa Marilena , Lappano Rosamaria , Grande Fedora , Rizzuti Bruno , Maggiolini Marcello , Castanas Elias , Jacquot Yves
Published: February 2023

The estrogen receptor α (ERα) corresponds to a large platform in charge of the recruitment of a panel of molecules, including steroids and related heterocyclic derivatives, oligonucleotides, peptides and proteins. Its 295–311 region is particularly targeted by post-translational modifications, suggesting that it could be crucial for the control of transcription. In addition to anionic phospholipids, the ERα 295–311 fragment interacts with Ca2+-calmodulin, the heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), ERα and possibly importins. More recently, we have demonstrated that it is prone to interacting with the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). In light of these observations, the pharmacological profile of the corresponding peptide, namely ERα17p, has been explored in breast cancer cells. Remarkably, it exerts apoptosis through GPER and induces a significant decrease (more than 50%) of the size of triple-negative breast tumor xenografts in mice. Herein, we highlight not only the promising therapeutic perspectives in the use of the first peptidic GPER modulator ERα17p, but also the opportunity to modulate GPER for clinical purposes.
COVID-19 Affects Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neurofilament Light Chain in Aged Men: Implications for Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Petrella Carla , Zingaropoli Maria Antonella , Ceci Flavio Maria , Pasculli Patrizia , Latronico Tiziana , Liuzzi Grazia Maria , Ciardi Maria Rosa , Angeloni Antonio , Ettorre Evaristo , Menghi Michela , Barbato Christian , Ferraguti Giampiero , Minni Antonio , Fiore Marco
Published: February 2023

Background and Methods: Severe COVID-19 is known to induce neurological damage (NeuroCOVID), mostly in aged individuals, by affecting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9 and the neurofilament light chain (NFL) pathways. Thus, the aim of this pilot study was to investigate BDNF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and NFL in the serum of aged men affected by COVID-19 at the beginning of the hospitalization period and characterized by different outcomes, i.e., attending a hospital ward or an intensive care unit (ICU) or with a fatal outcome. As a control group, we used a novelty of the study, unexposed age-matched men. We also correlated these findings with the routine blood parameters of the recruited individuals. Results: We found in COVID-19 individuals with severe or lethal outcomes disrupted serum BDNF, NFL, and MMP-2 presence and gross changes in ALT, GGT, LDH, IL-6, ferritin, and CRP. We also confirmed and extended previous data, using ROC analyses, showing that the ratio MMPs (2 and 9) versus BDNF and NFL might be a useful tool to predict a fatal COVID-19 outcome. Conclusions: Serum BDNF and NFL and/or their ratios with MMP-2 and MMP-9 could represent early predictors of NeuroCOVID in aged men.
Estrogen Signaling Influences Nephron Segmentation of the Zebrafish Embryonic Kidney
Authors: Wesselman Hannah M. , Gatz Allison E. , Pfaff Mairead R. , Arceri Liana , Wingert Rebecca A.
Published: February 2023

Despite significant advances in understanding nephron segment patterning, many questions remain about the underlying genes and signaling pathways that orchestrate renal progenitor cell fate choices and regulate differentiation. In an effort to identify elusive regulators of nephron segmentation, our lab conducted a high-throughput drug screen using a bioactive chemical library and developing zebrafish, which are a conserved vertebrate model and particularly conducive to large-scale screening approaches. 17β-estradiol (E2), which is the dominant form of estrogen in vertebrates, was a particularly interesting hit from this screen. E2 has been extensively studied in the context of gonad development, but roles for E2 in nephron development were unknown. Here, we report that exogenous estrogen treatments affect distal tubule composition, namely, causing an increase in the distal early segment and a decrease in the neighboring distal late. These changes were noted early in development but were not due to changes in cell dynamics. Interestingly, exposure to the xenoestrogens ethinylestradiol and genistein yielded the same changes in distal segments. Further, upon treatment with an estrogen receptor 2 (Esr2) antagonist, PHTPP, we observed the opposite phenotypes. Similarly, genetic deficiency of the Esr2 analog, esr2b, revealed phenotypes consistent with that of PHTPP treatment. Inhibition of E2 signaling also resulted in decreased expression of essential distal transcription factors, irx3b and its target irx1a. These data suggest that estrogenic compounds are essential for distal segment fate during nephrogenesis in the zebrafish pronephros and expand our fundamental understanding of hormone function during kidney organogenesis.
Autophagosome Biogenesis
Authors: Zhen Yan , Stenmark Harald
Published: February 2023

Autophagy–the lysosomal degradation of cytoplasm–plays a central role in cellular homeostasis and protects cells from potentially harmful agents that may accumulate in the cytoplasm, including pathogens, protein aggregates, and dysfunctional organelles. This process is initiated by the formation of a phagophore membrane, which wraps around a portion of cytoplasm or cargo and closes to form a double-membrane autophagosome. Upon the fusion of the autophagosome with a lysosome, the sequestered material is degraded by lysosomal hydrolases in the resulting autolysosome. Several alternative membrane sources of autophagosomes have been proposed, including the plasma membrane, endosomes, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, lipid droplets, hybrid organelles, and de novo synthesis. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of how the autophagosome is formed and highlight the proposed role of vesicles that contain the lipid scramblase ATG9 as potential seeds for phagophore biogenesis. We also discuss how the phagophore is sealed by the action of the endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Hypoxic Environments Based on Water Splitting-Assisted Electrocatalysis
Authors: Lei Lanjie , Xu Chengtao , Dong Xing , Ma Biao , Chen Yichen , Hao Qing , Zhao Chao , Liu Hong
Published: February 2023

Conventional enzyme-based continuous glucose sensors in interstitial fluid usually rely on dissolved oxygen as the electron-transfer mediator to bring electrons from oxidase to electrode while generating hydrogen peroxide. This may lead to several problems. First, the sensor may provide biased detection results owing to fluctuation of oxygen in interstitial fluid. Second, the polymer coatings that regulate the glucose/oxygen ratio can affect the dynamic response of the sensor. Third, the glucose oxidation reaction continuously produces corrosive hydrogen peroxide, which may compromise the long-term stability of the sensor. Here, we introduce an oxygen-independent nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on water splitting-assisted electrocatalysis for continuous glucose monitoring. For the water splitting reaction (i.e., hydrogen evolution reaction), a negative pretreatment potential is applied to produce a localized alkaline condition at the surface of the working electrode for subsequent nonenzymatic electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose. The reaction process does not require the participation of oxygen; therefore, the problems caused by oxygen can be avoided. The nonenzymatic sensor exhibits acceptable sensitivity, reliability, and biocompatibility for continuous glucose monitoring in hypoxic environments, as shown by the in vitro and in vivo measurements. Therefore, we believe that it is a promising technique for continuous glucose monitoring, especially for clinically hypoxic patients.
The Causes and Factors Associated with Infant Mortality Rate in Ethiopia: The Application of Structural Equation Modelling
Authors: Derso Endeshaw Assefa , Campolo Maria Gabriella , Alibrandi Angela
Published: February 2023

Infant mortality rate is a proxy measure of population health. Previous studies on the infant mortality rate in Ethiopia did not consider measurement errors in the measured variables and had a one-directional effect; little emphasis was placed on testing multiple causal paths at the same time. We used structural equation modelling for a better understanding of the direct, indirect, and total effects among causal variables in a single model. A path analysis was part of an algorithm providing equations that were relating the variances and covariances of the indicators. From the results, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was significantly mediating the influence of out-of-pocket expenditure (OOP) on infant mortality rate (IMR), and the fertility rate (FR) was significantly mediating the influence of GDP to IMR (β = 1.168, p < 0.001). The GDP affects the IMR directly and indirectly while the OOP affects IMR indirectly. This study showed that there was a causal linkage between the World Bank Health and Population Variables for causing IMR in Ethiopia. The MMR and FR were found to be the intermediate indicators in this study. Through the indicators, FR had the highest standardised coefficients for increasing the IMR. We recommended that the existing interventions to reduce IMR be strengthened.
Evaluating Self-Concept Measurements in Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hapsari Happy Indri , Huang Mei-Chih , Kanita Maria Wisnu
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: To evaluate the self-concept of adolescents, a proper evaluation of several existing self-concept measurements is needed. The objectives of this study are to conduct a systematic review of the available measures used to assess self-concept in adolescents, to evaluate the psychometric properties of each measurement, and to assess the attributes of patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) of self-concept in adolescents. (2) Methods: The systematic review was conducted on six databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane, PubMed, CINAHL, and Web of Science, from inception to 2021. A standardized evaluation of psychometric properties was carried out using the Evaluating the Measurement of Patient-Reported Outcomes (EMPRO). The review was conducted independently by two reviewers. Each attribute in EMPRO was assessed and analyzed to obtain an overall score. Only scores that exceeded 50 were considered acceptable. (3) Results: From 22,388 articles, we reviewed 35 articles with five self-concept measurements. Four measurements were obtained that had values above the threshold (SPPC, SPPA, SDQ-II, and SDQII-S). However, there is not enough evidence to support the interpretability attribute in self-concept measurement. (4) Conclusions: There are various measurements of self-concept in adolescents accompanied by their psychometric properties. Each measurement of adolescent self-concept has a characteristic of psychometric properties and measurement attributes.
Mental Health in Children, Adolescents, and Youths Living with Perinatally Acquired HIV: At the Crossroads of Psychosocial Determinants of Health
Authors: Vázquez-Pérez Álvaro , Velo Carlos , Escosa Luis , García-Lopez Teresa , Bernardino Jose I. , Valencia Eulalia , Mican Rafael , Mellado María José , Sainz Talía
Published: February 2023

Here, we aim to describe mental health (MH) in a cohort of children, adolescents, and young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) in Spain and explore the treatment gap for mental disorders. We also aim to analyze the potential association between MH issues to psychosocial risk factors (PSRFs) and identify management priorities. We conducted a descriptive transversal study that included all cases of PHIV under follow-up in a reference hospital in Madrid. The study included patients undergoing follow-up in the pediatric outpatient clinic and youths transferred from pediatric to adult care units after 1997. Epidemiological, clinical, immunovirological, and treatment-related data were collected, including PSRF and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Of the 72 patients undergoing follow-up, 43 (59.7%) had already been transferred to the adult outpatient clinic. The patients’ median age was 25 years (IQR 18–29), and 54.2% were women. Most patients were undergoing treatment (94.6%) and were virologically suppressed (84.7%). Although MH issues were present in 30 patients (41.7%), only 17 (56.7%) had been referred for evaluation to the Department of Mental Health, and only 9 (30%) had received a MH diagnosis. PSRFs were common (32% of participants had at least one PSRF) and were associated with MH issues and adherence issues (all p < 0.05). A multidisciplinary approach to address the psychological factors and social determinants of health is urgently needed, particularly during important life development stages, such as adolescence.
Postnatal Outcomes of Fetuses with Prenatal Diagnosis of 6–9.9 mm Pyelectasis
Authors: Farladansky-Gershnabel Sivan , Gluska Hadar , Meyer Segev , Sharon-Weiner Maya , Schreiber Hanoch , Arnon Shmuel , Markovitch Ofer
Published: February 2023

Pyelectasis, also known as renal pelvic dilatation or hydronephrosis, is frequently found on fetal ultrasound. This study correlated prenatally-detected, moderate pyelectasis with postnatal outcomes. This retrospective, observational study was conducted at a tertiary medical center in Israel. The study group consisted of 54 fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of pyelectasis on ultrasound scan during the second trimester, defined as anteroposterior renal pelvic diameter (APRPD) 6–9.9 mm. Long-term postnatal outcomes and renal-related sequelae were obtained using medical records and telephone-based questionnaires. The control group included 98 cases with APRPD < 6 mm. Results indicate that fetal pyelectasis 6–9.9 mm was more frequent among males (68.5%) than females (51%, p = 0.034). We did not find significant correlations between 6–9.9 mm pyelectasis and other anomalies or chromosomal/genetic disorders. Pyelectasis resolved during the pregnancy in 15/54 (27.8%) cases. There was no change in 17/54 (31.5%) and 22/54 (40.7%) progressed to hydronephrosis Among the study group, 25/54 (46.3%) were diagnosed with neonatal hydronephrosis. There were more cases of renal reflux or renal obstruction in the study group compared to the control group 8/54 (14.8%) vs. 1/98 (1.0%), respectively; p = 0.002. In conclusion, most cases of 6–9.9 mm pyelectasis remained stable or resolved spontaneously during pregnancy. There was a higher rate of postnatal renal reflux and renal obstruction in this group; however, most did not require surgical intervention.
Adaptation of Global Standards of Comprehensive Sexuality Education in China: Characteristics, Discussions, and Expectations
Authors: Liu Wenli , Li Jiayang , Li Hongyan , Zheng Haoran
Published: February 2023

This is a project report to introduce the Comprehensive Sexuality Education Technical Guideline—Adaptation of Global Standards for Potential Use in China (First Edition) (hereafter referred to as the Guideline) as the first adaptation of the International Technical Guidance on Sexuality Education (ITGSE) in China. The project was supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) from 2018 to 2022. The development process included rounds of participatory consultation, validation, and revisions led by the project team and a group of technical advisers from diverse backgrounds. The Guideline is developed to respond to the increasing demands of a technical tool integrating international standards and local context that can be used by all comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) stakeholders in China. While keeping the structure of the ITGSE, the Guideline made modifications and additions in light of the up-to-date Chinese policies, laws, and relevant national programs, as well as Chinese culture and social norms. It is expected that the Guideline could be widely acknowledged, distributed, and used to inform and support the future development of CSE in China.
Vaccine- and Breakthrough Infection-Elicited Pre-Omicron Immunity More Effectively Neutralizes Omicron BA.1, BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 Than Pre-Omicron Infection Alone
Authors: Santos da Silva Eveline , Servais Jean-Yves , Kohnen Michel , Arendt Victor , Gilson Georges , Staub Therese , Seguin-Devaux Carole , Perez-Bercoff Danielle
Published: February 2023

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2, several Omicron sublineages have emerged, supplanting their predecessors. Here we compared the neutralization of Omicron sublineages BA.1, BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5 by human sera collected from individuals who were infected with the ancestral B.1 (D614G) strain, who were vaccinated (3 doses) or with breakthrough infection with pre-Omicron strains (Gamma or Delta). All Omicron sublineages exhibited extensive escape from all sera when compared to the ancestral B.1 strain and to Delta, albeit to different levels depending on the origin of the sera. Convalescent sera were unable to neutralize BA.1, and partly neutralized BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5. Vaccinee sera partly neutralized BA.2, but BA.1, BA.4 and BA.5 evaded neutralizing antibodies (NAb). Some breakthrough infections (BTI) sera were non-neutralizing. Neutralizing BTI sera had similar neutralizing ability against all Omicron sublineages. Despite similar levels of anti-Spike and anti-Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) antibodies in all groups, BTI sera had the highest cross-neutralizing ability against all Omicron sublineages and convalescent sera were the least neutralizing. Antibody avidity inferred from the NT50:antibody titer ratio was highest in sera from BTI patients, underscoring qualitative differences in antibodies elicited by infection or vaccination. Together, these findings highlight the importance of vaccination to trigger highly cross-reactive antibodies that neutralize phylogenetically and antigenically distant strains, and suggest that immune imprinting by first generation vaccines may restrict, but not abolish, cross-neutralization.
Reactive Sputtering Process Study for Vanadium Oxynitride Films
Authors: Chang Nai Yun , Li Chuan , Hsieh Jang-Hsing
Published: February 2023

In this study, vanadium oxynitride thin films were deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering using pure vanadium targets, Ar as a plasma carrier, and a mix of N2 and O2 as reactive gases. Various ratios of mass flow rates between two reactive gases were maintained as a constant during the process. To obtain crystalline phases of oxynitrides, rapid thermal annealing in Ar atmosphere at 600 °C and 700 °C for 5 min was conducted after the deposition. This study aims to define the range of the process parameters of magnetron sputtering to deposit vanadium oxynitride thin films. The assessment for the characterization of films utilizes the surface profiler, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, four-point probe, Hall analyzer, and UV-visible-NIR spectrometer. Experimental results reveal that the annealed films can be oxynitrides when the oxygen flow rate is below 0.25 sccm, and the ratio of oxygen/nitrogen is no more than ~1/10. The annealed vanadium oxynitride films, in terms of their properties, are closer to vanadium nitrides than to oxides, due to the intended low supply of oxygen during deposition. For instance, the film is more metallic than semi-conductive with dark appurtenance and high optical absorbance across the spectrum between 200 and 900 nm. For practical purposes, the deposition conditions of O2:N2 = 1/20, O2 < 0.25 sccm, and 600 °C annealing are recommended to obtain vanadium oxynitride films with relatively lower resistivity (10−2 Ω cm) and optical transmittance (<15%) through films.
Influence of TiC Addition on Corrosion and Tribocorrosion Resistance of Cr2Ti-NiAl Electrospark Coatings
Authors: Kuptsov Konstantin A. , Antonyuk Mariya N. , Sheveyko Alexander N. , Bondarev Andrey V. , Shtansky Dmitry V.
Published: February 2023

Marine and coastal infrastructures usually suffer from synergetic effect of corrosion and wear known as tribocorrosion, which imposes strict requirements on the structural materials used. To overcome this problem, novel composite wear- and corrosion-resistant xTiC-Fe-CrTiNiAl coatings with different TiC content were successfully developed. The coatings were obtained by the original technology of electrospark deposition in a vacuum using xTiC-Cr2Ti-NiAl (x = 0, 25, 50, 75%) electrodes. The structure and morphology of the coatings were studied in detail by XRD, SEM, and TEM. The effect of TiC content on the tribocorrosion behavior of the coatings was estimated using tribological and electrochemical (under stationary and wear conditions) experiments, as well as impact testing, in artificial seawater. The TiC-free Fe-Cr2Ti-NiAl coating revealed a defective inhomogeneous structure with transverse and longitudinal cracks. Introduction of TiC allowed us to obtain coatings with a dense structure without visible defects and with uniformly distributed carbide grains. The TiC-containing coatings were characterized by a hardness and elastic modulus of up to 10.3 and 158 GPa, respectively. Formation of a composite structure with a heavily alloyed corrosion-resistant matrix based on α-(Fe,Cr) solid solution and uniformly distributed TiC grains led to a significant increase in resistance to stationary corrosion and tribocorrosion in artificial seawater. The best 75TiC-Fe-CrTiNiAl coating demonstrated the lowest corrosion current density values both under stationary (0.03 μA/cm2) and friction conditions (0.8 μA/cm2), and was characterized by both a 2-2.5 times lower wear rate (4 × 10−6 mm3/Nm) compared to AISI 420S steel and 25TiC-Fe-CrTiNiAl and a high fracture toughness.
Improving the Surface Properties of an API 5L Grade B Pipeline Steel by Applying the Boriding Process—Part II: On the Changes in the Mechanical Properties
Authors: Alcantar-Martínez Laura Montserrat , Ruiz-Trabolsi Pablo Alfredo , Tadeo-Rosas Raúl , Miranda-Hernández José Guadalupe , Cabrera-Sierra Román , Velázquez Julio César , Hernández-Sánchez Enrique
Published: February 2023

The mechanical performance of API 5L grade B steel, after undergoing a thermochemical boriding process, was assessed. We quantified the boride layer microhardness over cross-section specimens, with the aim of characterizing the mechanical resistance under different conditions. The pipeline steel was analyzed because of the changes in yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and ductility after treatment with boron. These oil and gas pipelines must work in aggressive environments, so borided pipeline steel specimens were tested to assess their erosion–corrosion resistance. Another important characteristic to evaluate was the wearing resistance, because the pipelines tend to suffer scratches when they are under construction. We also present a discussion of the results of the total research work (Part I and Part II), including the results of the boride layer characterization as well as the changes in the substrate, with the goal of selecting the best conditions under which to treat pipeline steel. More extreme treatment conditions can help to form more stable and resistant boride layers, but they can considerably modify some mechanical characteristics of the API 5L grade B steel. For this reason, the boriding treatment conditions must be chosen in a synergistic way.
Effect of the Welding Thermal Cycle on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of TiC Cermet HAZ Using the Gleeble Simulator
Authors: Wei Wei , Huang Zhiquan , Zhang Haiyan , Guan Shaokang
Published: February 2023

The effect of heat input on the microstructure and mechanical properties of TiC cermet in MIG welding has been comprehensively investigated by Gleeble simulation. The microstructure, phase composition and shear fracture of TiC cermet were examined by OM (optical microscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscope), TEM (transmission electron microscope) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) analyses. The results show that the heat input has a significant effect on the properties of TiC cermet. With TiC particles and the austenite bonding phase remaining the same, the heat input can effectively improve the toughness of the bonding phase and the structural strength from 219.9 HV0.01 to 380.5 HV0.01 and from 469 MPa to 684 MPa, respectively, as the dislocation density increases while the heat input increases. When the heat input is 3.4 KJ/cm, the shear strength reaches the peak at 684 MPa, with the increase in heat input, the secondary fragmentation of TiC particles increases, and the crack propagation leads to a significant decrease in material strength.
Silane-Containing Universal Adhesives Influence Resin-Ceramic Microtensile Bond Strength
Authors: Awad Mohamed M. , Alhalabi Feras , Alshehri Abdullah , Salem Mohammed Ali , Robaian Ali , Alghannam Shahad , Alayad Abdullah S. , Almutairi Basil , Alrahlah Ali
Published: February 2023

Background: Silane-containing universal adhesives (UAs) are marketed as adhesion promotors for glass-ceramics. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the priming capacity of γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γMPTS)-containing and γ-methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane (γMPTES)/3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES)-containing universal adhesives (UAs) for lithium disilicate ceramic (LDC). Materials and Methods: Etched LDC discs were distributed into four groups according to the priming material used: (control), no priming; (MBN), LDC was primed with a universal primer (Monobond N); (SBU), γMPTS-containing UA (Single Bond Universal Adhesive) was used as a primer; and (SBP), γMPTES/APTES-containing UA (Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive) was used as a primer. LDC discs were cemented using a dual-cure resin cement, then sectioned into microbeams for microtensile bond strength (μTBS) evaluation. Failure modes were assessed. Results: MBN application showed the highest μTBS among all groups. γMPTES/APTES-containing UA (SBP) resulted in considerably higher μTBS compared with γMPTS-containing UA (SBU) or the control group. The mixed failures were the most predominant among all groups. Conclusions: The effect of silane-containing UAs on resin-ceramic μTBS is material dependent. Although γMPTES/APTES-containing UA improved bonding to LDC, the priming of LDC with either of the UAs tested cannot be considered as an alternative to a separate silanization (priming) step using a universal primer.
Composite Mould Design with Multiphysics FEM Computations Guidance
Authors: Garmendia Iñaki , Vallejo Haritz , Osés Usue
Published: February 2023

Composite moulds constitute an attractive alternative to classical metallic moulds when used for components fabricated by processes such as Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM). However, there are many factors that have to be accounted for if a correct design of the moulds is sought after. In this paper, the Finite Element Method (FEM) is used to help in the design of the mould. To do so, a thermo-electrical simulation has been performed through MSC-Marc in the preheating phase in order to ensure that the mould is able to be heated, through the Joule’s effect, according to the thermal cycle specified under operating conditions. Mean temperatures of 120 °C and 100 °C are predicted for the lower and upper semi-mould parts, respectively. Additionally, a thermo-electrical-mechanical calculation has been completed with MSC-Marc to calculate the tensile state along the system during the preheating stage. For the filling phase, the filling process itself has been simulated through RTM-Worx. Both the uniform- and non-uniform temperature distribution approaches have been used to assess the resulting effect. It has been found that this piece of software cannot model the temperature dependency of the resin and a numerical trick must have been applied in the second case to overcome it. Results have been found to be very dependent on the approach, the filling time being 73% greater when modelling a non-uniform temperature distribution. The correct behaviour of the mould during the filling stage, as a consequence of the filling pressure, has been also proved with a specific mechanical analysis conducted with MSC-Marc. Finally, the thermo-elastic response of the mould during the curing stage has been numerically assessed. This analysis has been made through MSC-Marc, paying special attention to the curing of the resin and the exothermic reaction that takes place. For the sake of accuracy, a user subroutine to include specific curing laws has been used. Material properties employed are also described in detail following a modified version of the Scott model, with curing properties extracted from experiments. All these detailed calculations have been the cornerstone to designing the composite mould and have also unveiled some capabilities that were missed in the commercial codes employed. Future versions of these commercial codes will have to deal with these weak points but, as a whole, the Finite Element Method is shown to be an appropriate tool for helping in the design of composite moulds.
A Performance Study of CNN Architectures for the Autonomous Detection of COVID-19 Symptoms Using Cough and Breathing
Authors: Effati Meysam , Nejat Goldie
Published: February 2023

Deep learning (DL) methods have the potential to be used for detecting COVID-19 symptoms. However, the rationale for which DL method to use and which symptoms to detect has not yet been explored. In this paper, we present the first performance study which compares various convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures for the autonomous preliminary COVID-19 detection of cough and/or breathing symptoms. We compare and analyze residual networks (ResNets), visual geometry Groups (VGGs), Alex neural networks (AlexNet), densely connected networks (DenseNet), squeeze neural networks (SqueezeNet), and COVID-19 identification ResNet (CIdeR) architectures to investigate their classification performance. We uniquely train and validate both unimodal and multimodal CNN architectures using the EPFL and Cambridge datasets. Performance comparison across all modes and datasets showed that the VGG19 and DenseNet-201 achieved the highest unimodal and multimodal classification performance. VGG19 and DensNet-201 had high F1 scores (0.94 and 0.92) for unimodal cough classification on the Cambridge dataset, compared to the next highest F1 score for ResNet (0.79), with comparable F1 scores to ResNet for the larger EPFL cough dataset. They also had consistently high accuracy, recall, and precision. For multimodal detection, VGG19 and DenseNet-201 had the highest F1 scores (0.91) compared to the other CNN structures (≤0.90), with VGG19 also having the highest accuracy and recall. Our investigation provides the foundation needed to select the appropriate deep CNN method to utilize for non-contact early COVID-19 detection.
Influence of X Cation Covalence in the Formation of Ni-O-X Mixed Oxides by Reactive Ion Beam Mixing of Ni/X Interfaces
Authors: Arranz Antonio , Palacio Carlos
Published: February 2023

The reaction of the Ni/X interfaces (X = Si or Cr) with O2+ ions at low energy (3 keV) was studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and factor analysis (FA). It was found that low ion doses lead to the formation of a NiO thin film on the surface that was progressively transformed into a Ni-O-X mixed oxide with increasing the ion dose. The degree of transformation of NiO into Ni-O-X depended on the covalence of the X cation, indicating that the reaction was influenced by chemical driving forces. For strong covalent cations (Si and Al), NiO was completely transformed into Ni-O-X at ion doses above 1.8 × 1017 ions/cm2, whereas for ionic cations (Cr) the transformation was incomplete. The ionicity of Ni atoms in the Ni-O-X mixed oxide increased with the increase in the covalence of X cation, and the features of the Ni 2p core level, characteristic of bulk NiO which were attributed to non-local screening, disappeared.
Effect of Mn+2 Doping and Vacancy on the Ferromagnetic Cubic 3C-SiC Structure Using First Principles Calculations
Authors: Sultan Najib M. , Albarody Thar M. Badri , Obodo Kingsley Onyebuchi , Baharom Masri B.
Published: February 2023

Wide bandgap semiconductors doped with transition metals are attracting significant attention in the fabrication of dilute magnetic semiconductor devices (DMSs). The working principle of DMSs is based on the manipulation of the electron spin, which is useful for magnetic memory devices and spintronic applications. Using the density functional theory (DFT) calculation with the GGA+U approximation, we investigated the effect of native defects on the magnetic and electronic structure of Mn+2-doped 3C-SiC structure. Three structures were selected with variations in the distance between two impurities of (Mn+2)-doped 3C-SiC, which are 4.364 Å, 5.345Å, and 6.171 Å, respectively. We found ferromagnetic coupling for single and double Mn+2 dopant atoms in the 3C-SiC structure with magnetic moments of 3 μB and 6 μB respectively. This is due to the double exchange because of p-d orbital hybridization. The p-orbitals of C atoms play important roles in the stability of the ferromagnetic configuration. The impact of Si-vacancy (nearby, far) and C-vacancy (near) of (Mn+2)-doped 3C-SiC plays an important role in the stabilization of AFM due to super-exchange coupling, while the C-vacancy (far) model is stable in FM. All electronic structures of Mn+2-doped 3C-SiC reveal a half-metallic behavior, except for the Si-vacancy and C-vacancy of (nearby), which shows a semiconductor with bandgap of 0.317 and 0.828 eV, respectively. The Curie temperature of (Mn+2)-doped 3C-SiC are all above room temperature. The study shows that native vacancies play a role in tuning the structure from (FM) to (AFM), and this finding is consistent with experiments reported in the literature.
Editorial for Special Issue “Frontiers of Semiconductor Lasers”
Authors: Chen Yongyi , Qin Li
Published: February 2023

Since the end of the last century, in which semiconductor lasers were fast developing, this kind of laser and its applications have greatly improved our world [...]
Editorial on the Special Issue “Advances of Low-Dimensional Metal Halide Perovskite Materials”
Authors: Luo Binbin , Zeng Ruosheng , Li Feiming
Published: February 2023

Due to their outstanding performance in optoelectronic applications, lead-based halide perovskites (LHPs) have attained significant attention from scientists worldwide [...]
Prediction of Crack Propagation of Nano-Crystalline Coating Material Prepared from (SAM2X5): Experimentally and Numerically
Authors: Al-Abboodi Hamid , Fan Huiqing , Al-Bahrani Mohammed
Published: February 2023

The fracture and crack growth of materials can be practically and conveniently predicted through numerical analysis and linear elastics fracture mechanics. On this basis, the current study aims to present experimental work supported by a numerical technique for mimicking the crack propagation by Version 5.6 of COMSOL Multiphysics (version 5.6), used for the simulation of the coating made from Fe-based amorphous material with a thickness of 300 µm. The paper shows the effects of mixed-mode loading on cohesive zone parameters attained from load-crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) curves. The microstructure dominates the fracture, which in mode I is altered from all-transgranular cleavage to nearly all-intergranular structure in mode II. Two common criteria for failure are linked to the mixed-mode results: Maximum energy release rate criterion (Maximum G) and maximum tensile stress criterion (Maximum S). However, distinguishing between the two criteria is made impossible by the large scatter in the data. The stress intensity factor is the basis for the. The stress intensity factor is the leading parameter facilitated by the singular element and should be estimated with accuracy. With the aim of comparing each criterion and illustrating the numerical schemes’ robustness, a number of examples are presented. It can be concluded that the Maximum G and Maximum S were successful and accurate in predicting the propagation of the Fe-based amorphous material prepared on mild steel.
The Impact of the Early COVID-19 Global Pandemic on Children Undergoing Active Cancer Treatment and Their Parents
Authors: Tran Andrew , Hou Sharon H. J. , Forbes Caitlin , Cho Sara , Forster Victoria J. , Stokoe Mehak , Wakefield Claire E. , Wiener Lori , Heathcote Lauren C. , Michel Gisela , Patterson Pandora , Reynolds Kathleen , Schulte Fiona S. M.
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted people worldwide with unique implications for vulnerable groups. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the impact of the early pandemic on children undergoing active cancer treatment and their parents. (2) Methods: In May 2020, 30 parents of children undergoing active cancer treatment completed an online survey regarding the impact of COVID-19 on their child’s cancer care, perceived utility of telemedicine, and child and parent mental health status. (3) Results: Most participants (87%) reported that they did not experience any changes to major cancer treatments. Among those who reported using telemedicine, 78% reported this to be beneficial. Over half of the participants reported that their child’s mental health status was worse now than prior to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Parent-reported child anxiety scores were significantly higher for those who reported changes to mental health care for their child compared to those who did not report the same, t(25.99) = −3.04, p = 0.005. (4) Conclusion: Child and parent mental health status were affected when compared to pre-pandemic. Telemedicine appears to be a promising complement to face-to-face meetings for some families and warrants further exploration.
Factors Associated with Early Discharge after Non-Emergent Right Colectomy for Colon Cancer: A NSQIP Analysis
Authors: Squires Malcolm H. , Donahue Erin E. , Wallander Michelle L. , Trufan Sally J. , Shea Reilly E. , Lindholm Nicole F. , Hill Joshua S. , Salo Jonathan C.
Published: February 2023

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP) dataset was used to identify perioperative variables associated with the length of stay (LOS) and early discharge among cancer patients undergoing colectomy. Patients who underwent non-emergent right colectomy for colon cancer from 2012 to 2019 were identified from the NSQIP and colectomy-targeted databases. Postoperative LOS was analyzed based on postoperative day (POD) of discharge, with patients grouped into Early Discharge (POD 0–2), Standard Discharge (POD 3–5), or Late Discharge (POD ≥ 6) cohorts. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors associated with early discharge. The NSQIP query yielded 26,072 patients: 3684 (14%) in the Early Discharge, 13,414 (52%) in the Standard Discharge, and 8974 (34%) in the Late Discharge cohorts. The median LOS was 4.0 days (IQR: 3.0–7.0). Thirty-day readmission rates were 7% for Early Discharge, 8% for Standard Discharge, and 12% for Late Discharge. On multivariable regression analysis, risk factors significantly associated with a shorter LOS included independent functional status, minimally invasive approach, and absence of ostomy or additional bowel resection (all p < 0.001). Perioperative variables can be used to develop a model to identify patients eligible for early discharge after right colectomy for colon cancer. Efforts to decrease the overall median length of stay should focus on optimization of modifiable risk factors.
Hemogregarine Diversity Infecting Brazilian Turtles with a Description of Six New Species of Haemogregarina (Apicomplexa: Adeleorina: Haemogregarinidae)
Authors: Úngari Letícia Pereira , Santos André Luiz Quagliatto , da Silva Reinaldo José , O’Dwyer Lucia Helena
Published: February 2023

(1) Background: Hemoparasites of the genus Haemogregarina (Haemogregarinidae) are commonly reported in freshwater turtles. However, in Brazil, only three species have currently been characterised using molecular methods. This study aimed to bring new insights on the diversity of species of Haemogregarina infecting Brazilian freshwater turtles from Mato Grosso and Goiás states using molecular and morphological tools. (2) Methods: In total, 2 mL of blood was collected, with between two to five blood smears prepared, fixed with absolute methanol, and stained with a 10% Giemsa solution. Blood was stored at −20 °C for molecular analysis targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Fragments of the organs (liver, spleen, heart, and kidney) were separated and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. (3) Results: A total of 40 turtles were screened and hemogregarines were observed in 34 (85%) individuals (3 Podocnemis expansa and 31 Podocnemis unifilis). Haemogregarina embaubali and six new species of Haemogregarina were observed and formally described as follows: H. unifila n. sp., H. rubra n. sp., H. goianensis n. sp., H. araguaiensis n. sp., H. tigrina n. sp., and H. brasiliana n. sp. (4) Conclusions: This study contributes to the diversity and knowledge of Brazilian fresh-water turtle blood parasites, using integrative approaches for diagnosing and characterizing hemoparasites, with the identification of six undescribed species.
3D Printing Functionality: Materials, Sensors, Electromagnetics
Authors: Shemelya Corey
Published: February 2023

Additive manufacturing has enabled multifunctional structures, sensors, devices, and platforms to be used in a multitude of fields [...]
The Role of Thoracic Ultrasound for Diagnosis of Diseases of the Chest Wall, the Mediastinum, and the Diaphragm—Narrative Review and Pictorial Essay
Authors: Safai Zadeh Ehsan , Görg Christian , Prosch Helmut , Horn Rudolf , Jenssen Christian , Dietrich Christoph Frank
Published: February 2023

The diagnostic capabilities of ultrasound extend far beyond the evaluation of the pleural space and lungs. Sonographic evaluation of the chest wall is a classic extension of the clinical examination of visible, palpable, or dolent findings. Unclear mass lesions of the chest wall can be differentiated accurately and with low risk by additional techniques such as color Doppler imaging, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, and, in particular, ultrasound-guided biopsy. For imaging of mediastinal pathologies, ultrasound has only a complementary function but is valuable for guidance of percutaneous biopsies of malignant masses. In emergency medicine, ultrasound can verify and support correct positioning of endotracheal tubes. Diaphragmatic ultrasound benefits from the real-time nature of sonographic imaging and is becoming increasingly important for the assessment of diaphragmatic function in long-term ventilated patients. The clinical role of thoracic ultrasound is reviewed in a combination of narrative review and pictorial essay.
Five Years’ Experience with Gene Panel Sequencing in Hereditary Hemolytic Anemia Screened by Routine Peripheral Blood Smear Examination
Authors: Kim Namsu , Kim Tae Yun , Han Ji Yoon , Park Joonhong
Published: February 2023

Background: Hereditary hemolytic anemia (HHA) is defined as a group of heterogeneous and rare diseases caused by defects of red blood cell (RBC) metabolism and RBC membrane, which leads to lysis or premature clearance. The aim of this study was to investigate individuals with HHA for potential disease-causing variants in 33 genes reported to be associated with HHA. Methods: A total of 14 independent individuals or families diagnosed with suspected HHA, and in particular, RBC membranopathy, RBC enzymopathy, and hemoglobinopathy, were collected after routine peripheral blood smear testing. A custom designed panel, including the 33 genes, was performed using gene panel sequencing on the Ion Torrent PGM™ Dx System. The best candidate disease-causing variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results: Several variants of the HHA-associated genes were detected in 10 out of 14 suspected HHA individuals. After excluding those variants predicted to be benign, 10 pathogenic variants and 1 variant of uncertain significance (VUS) were confirmed in 10 individuals with suspected HHA. Of these variants, the p.Trp704Ter nonsense variant of EPB41 and missense p.Gly151Asp variant of SPTA1 were identified in two out of four hereditary elliptocytoses. The frameshift p.Leu884GlyfsTer27 variant of ANK1, nonsense p.Trp652Ter variant of the SPTB, and missense p.Arg490Trp variant of PKLR were detected in all four hereditary spherocytosis cases. Missense p.Glu27Lys, nonsense p.Lys18Ter variants, and splicing errors such as c.92 + 1G > T and c.315 + 1G > A within HBB were identified in four beta thalassemia cases. Conclusions: This study provides a snapshot of the genetic alterations in a cohort of Korean HHA individuals and demonstrates the clinical utility of using gene panels in HHA. Genetic results can provide precise clinical diagnosis and guidance regarding medical treatment and management for some individuals.
Dual-Energy-CT for Osteitis and Fat Lesions in Axial Spondyloarthritis: How Feasible Is Low-Dose Scanning?
Authors: Deppe Dominik , Ziegeler Katharina , Hermann Kay Geert A. , Proft Fabian , Poddubnyy Denis , Radny Felix , Makowski Marcus R. , Muhle Maximilian , Diekhoff Torsten
Published: February 2023

Background: To assess the ability of low-dose dual-energy computed tomography (ld-DECT) virtual non-calcium (VNCa) images for detecting bone marrow pathologies of the sacroiliac joints (SIJs) in patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Material and Methods: Sixty-eight patients with suspected or proven axSpA underwent ld-DECT and MRI of the SIJ. VNCa images were reconstructed from DECT data and scored for the presence of osteitis and fatty bone marrow deposition by two readers with different experience (beginner and expert). Diagnostic accuracy and correlation (Kohen’s k) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the reference standard were calculated for the overall and for each reader separately. Furthermore, quantitative analysis was performed using region-of-interest (ROI) analysis. Results: Twenty-eight patients were classified as positive for osteitis, 31 for fatty bone marrow deposition. DECT’s sensitivity (SE) and specificity (SP) were 73.3% and 44.4% for osteitis and 75% and 67.3% for fatty bone lesions, respectively. The expert reader achieved higher diagnostic accuracy for both osteitis (SE 93.33%; SP: 51.85%) and fatty bone marrow deposition (SE: 65%; SP: 77.55%) than the beginner (SE: 26.67%; SP: 70.37% for osteitis; SE: 60%; SP: 44.9% for fatty bone marrow deposition). Overall correlation with MRI was moderate (r = 0.25, p = 0.04) for osteitis and fatty bone marrow deposition (r = 0.25, p = 0.04). Fatty bone marrow attenuation in VNCa images (mean: −129.58 HU; ±103.61 HU) differed from normal bone marrow (mean: 118.84 HU, ±99.91 HU; p < 0.01) and from osteitis (mean: 172 HU, ±81.02 HU; p < 0.01) while osteitis did not differ significantly from normal bone marrow (p = 0.27). Conclusion: In our study, low-dose DECT failed to detect osteitis or fatty lesions in patients with suspected axSpA. Thus, we conclude that higher radiation might be needed for DECT−based bone marrow analysis.