bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ketogenic Diet Increases Serum and White Adipose Tissue SIRT1 Expression in Mice
Authors: Tozzi Rossella , Campolo Federica , Baldini Enke , Venneri Mary Anna , Lubrano Carla , Ulisse Salvatore , Gnessi Lucio , Mariani Stefania
Published: December 2022

Overnutrition and its sequelae have become a global concern due to the increasing incidence of obesity and insulin resistance. A ketogenic diet (KD) is widely used as a dietary treatment for metabolic disorders. Sirtuin1 (SIRT1), a metabolic sensor which regulates fat homeostasis, is modulated by dietary interventions. However, the influence of nutritional ketosis on SIRT1 is still debated. We examined the effect of KD on adipose tissue, liver, and serum levels of SIRT1 in mice. Adult C57BL/6J male mice were randomly assigned to two isocaloric dietary groups and fed with either high-fat KD or normal chow (NC) for 4 weeks. Serum SIRT1, beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), glucose, and triglyceride levels, as well as SIRT1 expression in visceral (VAT), subcutaneous (SAT), and brown (BAT) adipose tissues, and in the liver, were measured. KD-fed mice showed an increase in serum βHB in parallel with serum SIRT1 (r = 0.732, p = 0.0156), and increased SIRT1 protein expression in SAT and VAT. SIRT1 levels remained unchanged in BAT and in the liver, which developed steatosis. Normal glycemia and triglycerides were observed. Under a KD, serum and white fat phenotypes show higher SIRT1, suggesting that one of the molecular mechanisms underlying a KD’s potential benefits on metabolic health involves a synergistic interaction with SIRT1.
Deep Brain Stimulation in the Subthalamic Nucleus Can Improve Skilled Forelimb Movements and Retune Dynamics of Striatal Networks in a Rat Stroke Model
Authors: Krämer Stefanie , Schuhmann Michael , Volkmann Jens , Fluri Felix
Published: December 2022

Recovery of upper limb (UL) impairment after stroke is limited in stroke survivors. Since stroke can be considered as a network disorder, neuromodulation may be an approach to improve UL motor dysfunction. Here, we evaluated the effect of high-frequency stimulation (HFS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) in rats on forelimb grasping using the single-pellet reaching (SPR) test after stroke and determined costimulated brain regions during STN-HFS using 2-[18F]Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-([18F]FDG)-positron emission tomography (PET). After a 4-week training of SPR, photothrombotic stroke was induced in the sensorimotor cortex of the dominant hemisphere. Thereafter, an electrode was implanted in the STN ipsilateral to the infarction, followed by a continuous STN-HFS or sham stimulation for 7 days. On postinterventional day 2 and 7, an SPR test was performed during STN-HFS. Success rate of grasping was compared between these two time points. [18F]FDG-PET was conducted on day 2 and 3 after stroke, without and with STN-HFS, respectively. STN-HFS resulted in a significant improvement of SPR compared to sham stimulation. During STN-HFS, a significantly higher [18F]FDG-uptake was observed in the corticosubthalamic/pallidosubthalamic circuit, particularly ipsilateral to the stimulated side. Additionally, STN-HFS led to an increased glucose metabolism within the brainstem. These data demonstrate that STN-HFS supports rehabilitation of skilled forelimb movements, probably by retuning dysfunctional motor centers within the cerebral network.
Calcitriol Reduces the Inflammation, Endothelial Damage and Oxidative Stress in AKI Caused by Cisplatin
Authors: Oliveira Beatriz M. , de Almeida Lucas Ferreira , Deluque Amanda L. , Souza Claudia S. , Maciel Ana Lívia D. , Francescato Heloísa D. C. , Costa Roberto S. , Giovanini Cleonice , de Paula Francisco José A. , Coimbra Terezila M.
Published: December 2022

Cisplatin treatment is one of the most commonly used treatments for patients with cancer. However, thirty percent of patients treated with cisplatin develop acute kidney injury (AKI). Several studies have demonstrated the effect of bioactive vitamin D or calcitriol on the inflammatory process and endothelial injury, essential events that contribute to changes in renal function and structure caused by cisplatin (CP). This study explored the effects of calcitriol administration on proximal tubular injury, oxidative stress, inflammation and vascular injury observed in CP-induced AKI. Male Wistar Hannover rats were pretreated with calcitriol (6 ng/day) or vehicle (0.9% NaCl). The treatment started two weeks before i.p. administration of CP or saline and was maintained for another five days after the injections. On the fifth day after the injections, urine, plasma and renal tissue samples were collected to evaluate renal function and structure. The animals of the CP group had increased plasma levels of creatinine and of fractional sodium excretion and decreased glomerular filtration rates. These changes were associated with intense tubular injury, endothelial damage, reductions in antioxidant enzymes and an inflammatory process observed in the renal outer medulla of the animals from this group. These changes were attenuated by treatment with calcitriol, which reduced the inflammation and increased the expression of vascular regeneration markers and antioxidant enzymes.
Anti-Bacterial Effect of Cannabidiol against the Cariogenic Streptococcus mutans Bacterium: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Barak Tamar , Sharon Eden , Steinberg Doron , Feldman Mark , Sionov Ronit Vogt , Shalish Miriam
Published: December 2022

Dental caries is caused by biofilm-forming acidogenic bacteria, especially Streptococcus mutans, and is still one of the most prevalent human bacterial diseases. The potential use of cannabidiol (CBD) in anti-bacterial therapies has recently emerged. Here we have studied the anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activity of CBD against S. mutans. We measured minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC). The bacterial growth and changes in pH values were measured in a kinetic study. The biofilm biomass was assessed by Crystal Violet staining and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) metabolic assay. Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopy (SDCM) was used to assess biofilm structure, bacterial viability and extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production. CBD inhibited S. mutans planktonic growth and biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner, with similar MIC and MBIC values (5 µg/mL). CBD prevented the bacteria-mediated reduction in pH values that correlated with bacterial growth inhibition. SDCM showed a decrease of 50-fold in live bacteria and EPS production. CBD significantly reduced the viability of preformed biofilms at 7.5 µg/mL with an 80 ± 3.1% reduction of metabolic activity. At concentrations above 20 µg/mL, there was almost no bacterial recovery in the CBD-treated preformed biofilms even 48 h after drug withdrawal. Notably, precoating of the culture plate surfaces with CBD prior to incubation with bacteria inhibited biofilm development. Additionally, CBD was found to induce membrane hyperpolarization in S. mutans. Thus, CBD affects multiple processes in S. mutans including its cariogenic properties. In conclusion, we show that CBD has a strong inhibitory effect against cariogenic bacteria, suggesting that it is a potential drug adjuvant for reducing oral pathogenic bacterial load as well as protecting against dental caries.
Upregulation of Nrf2 Signalling and the Inhibition of Erastin-Induced Ferroptosis by Ferulic Acid in MIN6 Cells
Authors: Kose Tugba , Sharp Paul A. , Latunde-Dada Gladys O.
Published: December 2022

Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death process characterised by the iron-dependent accumulation of oxidised polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phospholipids. Its initiation is complicated and involves reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a loss of the activity of the lipid repair enzyme glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4). These play critical roles in the development of ferroptotic cell damage by lipid peroxidation. Antioxidant therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent or even reverse the progression of ferroptosis. This study was designed to demonstrate the protective effect of ferulic acid (FA) against oxidative stress and erastin-mediated ferroptosis in murine MIN6 cells. Cells were treated with FA or its metabolite ferulic acid 4-O-sulfate disodium salt (FAS) and 20 μM of erastin. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, iron levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), ROS levels were determined by a dihydrodichlorofluorescein (H2DCF) cell-permeant probe, and glutathione and lipid peroxidation were assayed with commercially available kits. The phenolic acids enhanced cell viability in erastin-treated MIN6 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, MIN6 cells exposed to erastin alone showed elevated levels of iron and ROS, glutathione (GSH) depletion, and lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05) compared to cells that were protected by co-treatment with FA or FAS. The treatment of MIN6 cells with FA or FAS following exposure to erastin increased the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein levels. Consequently, levels of its downstream antioxidant proteins, HO-1, NQO1, GCLC, and GPX4, increased. FA and FAS greatly decreased erastin-induced ferroptosis in the presence of the Nrf2 inhibitor, ML385, through the regulation of Nrf2 response genes. In conclusion, these results show that FA and FAS protect MIN6 cells from erastin-induced ferroptosis by the Nrf2 antioxidant protective mechanism.
EBF1 Negatively Regulates Brassinosteroid-Induced Apical Hook Development and Cell Elongation through Promoting BZR1 Degradation
Authors: Zhao Na , Zhao Min , Wang Lingyan , Han Chao , Bai Mingyi , Fan Min
Published: December 2022

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a group of plant steroid hormones that play important roles in a wide range of developmental and physiological processes in plants. Transcription factors BRASSINOZALE-RESISTANT1 (BZR1) and its homologs are key components of BR signaling and integrate a wide range of internal and environmental signals to coordinate plant growth and development. Although several E3 ligases have been reported to regulate the stability of BZR1, the molecular mechanism of BZR1 degradation remains unclear. Here, we reveal how a newly identified molecular mechanism underlying EBF1 directly regulates BZR1 protein stability via the 26S proteasome pathway, repressing BR function on regulating Arabidopsis apical hook development and hypocotyl elongation. BZR1 directly binds to the EBF1 gene promotor to reduce EBF1 expression. Furthermore, the genetic analysis shows that BZR1, EIN3 and PIF4 interdependently regulate plant apical hook development. Taken together, our data demonstrates that EBF1 is a negative regulator of the BR signaling pathway.
Radiological Assessment in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) Patients According to MUC5B Polymorphism
Authors: Cocconcelli Elisabetta , Bernardinello Nicol , Giraudo Chiara , Castelli Gioele , Greco Clorinda , Polverosi Roberta , Saetta Marina , Spagnolo Paolo , Balestro Elisabetta
Published: December 2022

The MUC5B rs35705950 mutant T allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for familial and sporadic IPF. We sought to determine whether MUC5B genotype influences radiological patterns of IPF at diagnosis, as well as their change over time, in patients on antifibrotic therapy. Among eighty-eight IPF patients, previously genotyped for MUC5B rs35705950, we considered seventy-eight patients who were evaluated for radiological quantification of the following features both at treatment initiation (HRCT1) and after 1 year (HRCT2): ground glass opacities (AS), reticulations (IS) and honeycombing (HC). Of the evaluated patients, 69% carried at least one copy of the T allele (TT/TG). Carriers of the T allele displayed similar FVC loss in the first year of treatment as GG carriers, but overall survival at the end of follow-up was longer in the TT/TG group, compared to the GG group. In the GG group, both the AS and HC increased significantly, whereas in the TT/TG group only HC increased over the first year of treatment. MUC5B rs35705950 GG carriers are associated with increased ground glass and honeycombing extent over time and worse survival than T allele carriers. Longitudinal HRCT may help define the prognostic role of the MUC5B rs35705950 genotype.
Effects of Streamer Discharge on PM2.5 Containing Endotoxins and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Biological Responses In Vitro
Authors: Honda Akiko , Inoue Ken-ichiro , Tamura Shin , Tanaka Michitaka , Wang Zaoshi , Tanaka Toshio , Hirai Seitarou , Okuda Tomoaki , Ueda Kayo , Takano Hirohisa
Published: December 2022

Experimental and epidemiological studies have demonstrated that fine particulate matter with a diameter of <2.5 μm (PM2.5) affects both the respiratory and immune systems. However, effective approaches to reduce PM2.5-induced hazardous effects have not been discovered yet. Streamer discharge is a category of plasma discharge in which high-speed electrons collide with oxygen and nitrogen molecules. Although streamer discharge can reportedly eliminate bacteria, molds, chemical substances, and allergens, its ability to decontaminate PM2.5 has not been previously demonstrated. The present study explored whether streamer discharge treatment could reduce PM2.5-induced inflammatory responses by employing an in vitro system. PM2.5 was collected under four conditions (Bangkok (Sep.–Dec.), Bangkok (Dec.–Mar.), Singapore, and Taipei). Airway epithelial cells and antigen-presenting cells exposed to non-treated PM2.5 in several conditions resulted in inflammatory responses. Streamer-discharged PM2.5 (Bangkok (Sep.–Dec.)) decreased the expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 compared to non-treated PM2.5. Moreover, composition analysis demonstrated that streamer discharge reduced some compounds, such as endotoxins and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, included in PM2.5 that can elicit inflammatory responses. Streamer discharge treatment can reduce endotoxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and the subsequent inflammatory responses induced by PM2.5 in vitro.
Genome-Wide Association Studies of Salt Tolerance at the Seed Germination Stage and Yield-Related Traits in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Zhang Yan , Li Ping , Zhang Jie , Li Yaqi , Xu Aixia , Huang Zhen
Published: December 2022

Salt stress severely affects crop growth and development and reduces the yield of Brassica napus. Exploring natural genetic variations for high salt tolerance in B. napus seedlings is an effective approach to improve productivity under salt stress. Using 10,658 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers developed by specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were performed to investigate the genetic basis of salt tolerance and yield-related traits of B. napus. The results revealed that 77 and 497 SNPs were significantly associated with salt tolerance and yield-related traits, of which 40 and 58 SNPs were located in previously reported QTLs/SNPs, respectively. We identified nineteen candidate genes orthologous with Arabidopsis genes known to be associated with salt tolerance and seven potential candidates controlling both salt tolerance and yield. Our study provides a novel genetic resource for the breeding of high-yield cultivars resistant to salt stress.
Immunoregulatory Sertoli Cell Allografts Engineered to Express Human Insulin Survive Humoral-Mediated Rejection
Authors: Washburn Rachel L. , Hibler Taylor , Kaur Gurvinder , Sabu-Kurian Anna , Landefeld Alissa , Dufour Jannette M.
Published: December 2022

An effective treatment and possible cure for type 1 diabetes is transplantation of pancreatic islets. Unfortunately, transplanted islets are rejected by the immune system with humoral-mediated responses being an important part of rejection. Sertoli cells (SC), an immune regulatory cell shown to survive as allografts long-term without immunosuppressants, have the potential to be used as a cell-based gene therapy vehicle to deliver endogenous insulin—a possible alternative to islets. Previously, we transduced a mouse SC line to produce human insulin. After transplantation into diabetic mice, these cells consistently produced low levels of insulin with graft survival of 75% at 50 days post-transplantation. The object of this study was to assess humoral immune regulation by these engineered SC. Both nontransduced and transduced SC survived exposure to human serum with complement in vitro. Analysis of allografts in vivo at 20 and 50 days post-transplantation revealed that despite IgG antibody detection, complement factor deposition was low and grafts survived through 50 days post-transplantation. Furthermore, the transduced SC secreted elevated levels of the complement inhibitor C1q binding protein. Overall, this suggests SC genetically engineered to express insulin maintain their ability to prevent complement-mediated killing. Since inhibiting complement-mediated rejection is important for graft survival, further studies of how SC modifies the immune response could be utilized to advance the use of genetically engineered SC or to prolong islet allograft survival to improve the treatment of diabetes.
Silicone Oil-Induced Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Moshiri Ala , Fang Fang , Zhuang Pei , Huang Haoliang , Feng Xue , Li Liang , Dalal Roopa , Hu Yang
Published: December 2022

Previously, we developed a simple procedure of intracameral injection of silicone oil (SO) into mouse eyes and established the mouse SOHU (SO-induced ocular hypertension under-detected) glaucoma model with reversible intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and significant glaucomatous neurodegeneration. Because the anatomy of the non-human primate (NHP) visual system closely resembles that of humans, it is the most likely to predict human responses to diseases and therapies. Here we tried to replicate the mouse SOHU glaucoma model in rhesus macaque monkeys. All six animals that we tested showed significant retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, optic nerve (ON) degeneration, and visual functional deficits at both 3 and 6 months. In contrast to the mouse SOHU model, however, IOP changed dynamically in these animals, probably due to individual differences in ciliary body tolerance capability. Further optimization of this model is needed to achieve consistent IOP elevation without permanent damage of the ciliary body. The current form of the NHP SOHU model recapitulates the severe degeneration of acute human glaucoma, and is therefore suitable for assessing experimental therapies for neuroprotection and regeneration, and therefore for translating relevant findings into novel and effective treatments for patients with glaucoma and other neurodegenerations.
Clinical Evidence on the Potential Beneficial Effects of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Pavlidou Eleni , Fasoulas Aristeidis , Mantzorou Maria , Giaginis Constantinos
Published: December 2022

The ‘gut microbiome’—the hundreds of trillions of bacteria in the human gastrointestinal tract—serves several functions. The gut microbiome includes all the microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi in the gastrointestinal tract and their genetic material. It helps digest indigestible foods and produces nutrients. Through the metabolism of sugars and proteins, it helps the intestinal barrier, the immune system, and metabolism. Some bacteria, such as those in the gut microbiome, cause disease, but others are essential to our health. These “good” microbes protect us from pathogens. Numerous studies have linked an unhealthy gut microbiome to obesity, insulin resistance, depression, and cardiometabolic risk factors. To maximize probiotic benefits in each case, knowledge of probiotic bacterial strains and how to consume them should be increased. This study aims to examine the benefits of probiotic and prebiotic organisms on cardiovascular health, specifically on heart disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension. To complete the research, a literature review was conducted by gathering clinical studies and data. The clinical evidence demonstrates the beneficial effect of probiotics and prebiotic microorganisms on the gut microbiome, which has multiple benefits for overall health and especially for cardiovascular diseases.
Effects of Metformin Delivery via Biomaterials on Bone and Dental Tissue Engineering
Authors: Zhu Minjia , Zhao Zeqing , Xu Hockin H. K. , Dai Zixiang , Yu Kan , Xiao Le , Schneider Abraham , Weir Michael D. , Oates Thomas W. , Bai Yuxing , Zhang Ke
Published: December 2022

Bone tissue engineering is a promising approach that uses seed-cell-scaffold drug delivery systems to reconstruct bone defects caused by trauma, tumors, or other diseases (e.g., periodontitis). Metformin, a widely used medication for type II diabetes, has the ability to enhance osteogenesis and angiogenesis by promoting cell migration and differentiation. Metformin promotes osteogenic differentiation, mineralization, and bone defect regeneration via activation of the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Bone tissue engineering depends highly on vascular networks for adequate oxygen and nutrition supply. Metformin also enhances vascular differentiation via the AMPK/mechanistic target of the rapamycin kinase (mTOR)/NLR family pyrin domain containing the 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling axis. This is the first review article on the effects of metformin on stem cells and bone tissue engineering. In this paper, we review the cutting-edge research on the effects of metformin on bone tissue engineering. This includes metformin delivery via tissue engineering scaffolds, metformin-induced enhancement of various types of stem cells, and metformin-induced promotion of osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and its regulatory pathways. In addition, the dental, craniofacial, and orthopedic applications of metformin in bone repair and regeneration are also discussed.
Four New Species of Larval Charletonia and Leptus (Acari: Trombidiformes: Erythraeidae), with a Checklist of the Two Genera and Their Hosts from China
Authors: Xu Si-Yuan , Yi Tian-Ci , Guo Jian-Jun , Jin Dao-Chao
Published: December 2022

Four new species, Charletonia rectangia Xu and Jin sp. nov., Leptus (Leptus) bomiensis Xu and Jin sp. nov., Leptus (Leptus) longisolenidionus Xu and Jin sp. nov., and Leptus (Leptus) striatus Xu and Jin sp. nov. are described and illustrated based on larvae. All four new species are from biodiversity hotspots, L. (L.) bomiensissp. nov. from the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot, while the other three species from the Indo–Burma biodiversity hotspot.
On Formulae for Wave Transmission at Submerged and Low-Crested Breakwaters
Authors: Brancasi Alberica , Leone Elisa , Francone Antonio , Scaravaglione Giulio , Tomasicchio Giuseppe Roberto
Published: December 2022

Submerged and low-crested breakwaters are nearshore barriers with an underwater or slightly emergent crest, designed to reduce the energy of wave attacks and, consequently, to protect the coast from erosion and flooding. Their performance in reducing the wave energy can be evaluated by the value of the wave transmission coefficient, which thus requires accurate prediction. In the last few decades, several experimental investigations allowed the development of several formulae to predict this coefficient that agreed well within the given range of validity. In the present study, a comprehensive review of the existing formulae has been reported and the influence of input design variables has been highlighted. Moreover, an extensive set of experimental data has been collected and critically examined and re-analyzed to obtain a homogenous up-to-date database. Special attention has been addressed to the assessment of the reliability of each existing formula for and to evaluate its performance beyond the validity limits for which it was developed.
An Integrated Approach to Assessing the Wave Potential for the Energy Supply of Ports: A Case Study
Authors: Ramos Victor , Giannini Gianmaria , Calheiros-Cabral Tomás , Rosa-Santos Paulo , Taveira-Pinto Francisco
Published: December 2022

In recent years, seaports have faced increasing pressure to transition towards a low-carbon and more sustainable energy model. In this context, the exploitation of the local wave energy resource may appear as a promising alternative. Therefore, the objective of this work is to present a methodology to select the best WEC-site combination to supply the energy demands of ports. To illustrate this methodology, the Port of Leixões (Portugal) is used as a case study. For the selection of wave energy sites in port areas, the methodology proposes a detailed spatial characterisation of both the wave resource and marine uses. For the area of study, having considered the main marine uses (sediment disposal, biodiversity, aquaculture, recreational and navigation), two exploitable wave energy sites (Areas I and II) with average annual energy resources of 24 and 17 kWm−1, respectively, were found. Next, the methodology proposes a techno-economic optimisation of WECs, based on the local wave conditions of Areas I and II, to minimise their associated Levelised Cost of Energy (LCoE). The results obtained confirm the effectiveness of the methodology, with the novel oCECO device, appearing as the most feasible option (with an LCoE of EUR 387.6/MWh) to exploit the wave potential in the surrounding areas of the port.
High Ultrafiltration Rate Is Associated with Increased All-Cause Mortality in Incident Hemodialysis Patients with a High Cardiothoracic Ratio
Authors: Yang Lii-Jia , Chao Yu-Lin , Kuo I-Ching , Niu Sheng-Wen , Hung Chi-Chih , Chiu Yi-Wen , Chang Jer-Ming
Published: December 2022

A high ultrafiltration rate (UFR) is associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. However, whether a high UFR itself or heart failure with fluid overload followed by a high UFR causes mortality remains unknown. In this study, 2615 incident hemodialysis patients were categorized according to their initial cardiothoracic ratios (CTRs) to assess whether UFR was associated with mortality in patients with high or low CTRs. In total, 1317 patients (50.4%) were women and 1261 (48.2%) were diabetic. During 2246 (1087–3596) days of follow-up, 1247 (47.7%) cases of all-cause mortality were noted. UFR quintiles 4 and 5 were associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality than UFR quintile 2 in fully adjusted Cox regression analysis. As the UFR increased by 1 mL/kg/h, the risk of all-cause mortality increased 1.6%. Subgroup analysis revealed that in UFR quintile 5, hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality were 1.91, 1.48, 1.22, and 1.10 for CTRs of >55%, 50–55%, 45–50%, and <45%, respectively. HRs for all-cause mortality were higher in women and patients with high body weight. Thus, high UFRs may be associated with increased all-cause mortality in incident hemodialysis patients with a high CTR, but not in those with a low CTR.
Do the Inward and Outward Foreign Direct Investments Spur Domestic Investment in Bangladesh? A Counterfactual Analysis
Authors: Islam Md. Monirul , Tareque Mohammad , Wahid Abu N. M. , Alam Md. Mahmudul , Sohag Kazi
Published: December 2022

The net contribution of the decomposed measures of foreign direct investment (FDIs), e.g., the inward and outward flows of FDIs, to domestic investment is still inconclusive in the case of underdeveloped and developing countries. The current literature bears testimony to this fact. Hence, this research examines the impact of inward and outward foreign direct investments (FDIs) on the domestic investment in Bangladesh. This study considers annual time series data from 1976 to 2019 and estimates this data property under the augmented ARDL approach to cointegration. In addition, this research employs the dynamic ARDL simulation technique in order to forecast the counterfactual shock of the regressors and their effects on the dependent variable. The results from the augmented ARDL method suggest that the inward FDI has a positive impact on domestic investment, while the outward FDI is inconsequential in both the long run and the short run. Besides, our estimated findings also show the economic growth’s long-run and short-run favorable effects on domestic investment. At the same time, there is no significant impact of real interest rates and institutional quality on domestic investment in the long run or the short run in Bangladesh. In addition, the counterfactual shocks (10% positive and negative) to inward FDI positively impact domestic investment, indicating the crowding-in effect of the inward FDI on the domestic investment in Bangladesh. As the inward FDI flow is a significant determinant for sustained domestic investment in Bangladesh, the policy strategy must fuel the local firms by utilizing cross-border investment.
The Impact of Cropland Use Changes on Terrestrial Ecosystem Services Value in Newly Added Cropland Hotspots in China during 2000–2020
Authors: Cai Tianyi , Luo Xueyuan , Fan Liyao , Han Jing , Zhang Xinhuan
Published: December 2022

The assessment of ecosystem services value is the basis for the realization of integrated management of these services. In recent decades, the hotspots of China’s newly added cropland have shifted to the Xinjiang oasis areas, where the ecological environment is relatively fragile. However, the impact of changes in cropland use on the terrestrial ecosystem services value (TESV) in Xinjiang, China, has not been studied in depth, and it is related to the sustainability of the dynamic balance between China’s cropland and the sustainable management of natural resources in Xinjiang. This study focuses on Xinjiang and employs the benefit transfer method and five phases (2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020) of high-resolution and finely classified remote sensing monitoring data of land use to evaluate the impact of changes in cropland use on the TESV from 2000 to 2020. The findings suggest the following: (1) The cropland area in Xinjiang grew from 6.5682 million ha in 2000 to 8.9874 million ha in 2020, demonstrating significant expansion, and it has gone through four stages: rapid expansion, steady expansion, rapid expansion and relative stability. (2) A sharp mutual conversion trend is observed between cropland and other types of land use in Xinjiang. Grassland and unused land are the main sources of new cropland, while lost cropland has been mainly converted back into grassland and construction land. (3) During 2000–2020, although the extensive expansion of cropland and conversion of cropland mainly at the expense of ecological land in Xinjiang have significantly enhanced the provision services of the terrestrial ecosystem (539.49 million USD), ecosystem regulation services (−1508.47 million USD), support services (−1084.47 million USD) and cultural services (−565.05 million USD) experienced losses. Consequently, an overall loss in the TESV has ensued. This study provides new insights that help re-examine the sustainability issue of the spatial transfer of cropland in China, and it also offers guidance for the realization of the sustainable management of natural resources in Xinjiang.
4′-(3,5-Dimethoxy-4-propargyloxyphenyl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine
Authors: Chameroy Romain , Deboskre Clément , Husson Jérôme , Jourdain Isabelle , Knorr Michael
Published: December 2022

The preparation and characterization of a new terpyridine molecule containing an acetylenic moiety is described. Part of this molecule, unknown in the literature, is obtained from a biomass-derived synthon that is formed from the naturally occurring syringaldehyde 4-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde. The title compound was fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy (1H and 13C), as well as by high-resolution mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy.
Effect of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Concentration on the Micro/Mesopore Structure of SBA15 Silica
Authors: Kim Seongmin , Jung Minuk , Han Seongsoo , Jeon Ho-Seok , Han Yosep
Published: December 2022

In this work, a series of micro/mesoporous SBA15 silica materials were synthesized using P123 and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as co-templates. The pore structure of the prepared SBA15 was observed to be a function of the PVA concentration. When the amount of PVA was relatively small, the specific surface area, micropore volume, and pore wall thickness of the synthesized SBA15 were considerably large. By contrast, when a large amount of PVA was added, the pore wall thickness was greatly reduced, but the mesopore volume and size increased. This is because the added PVA interacted with the polyethylene oxide (PEO) in the shells of the P123 micelles. Furthermore, when the amount of PVA was increased, the core polypropylene oxide (PPO) block also increased, owing to the enhanced aggregation of the P123/PVA mixed micelles. This research contributes to a basic comprehension of the cooperative interactions and formation process underlying porous silica materials, assisting in the rational design and synthesis of micro/mesoporous materials.
Lignocellulosic-Based Activated Carbon-Loaded Silver Nanoparticles and Chitosan for Efficient Removal of Cadmium and Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Mandal Sujata , Marpu Sreekar B. , Omary Mohammad A. , Dinulescu Catalin C. , Prybutok Victor , Shi Sheldon Q.
Published: December 2022

The cadmium-contaminated water body is a worldwide concern for the environment and toxic to human beings and the removal of cadmium ions from drinking and groundwater sustainably and cost-effectively is important. A novel nano-biocomposite was obtained by impregnating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) within kenaf-based activated carbon (KAC) in the presence of chitosan matrix (CS) by a simple, facile photoirradiation method. The nano-biocomposite (CS-KAC-Ag) was characterized by an environmental scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (ESEM-EDX), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method. A Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the adsorption of Cd2+. It was found that 95.1% of Cd2+ (10 mg L−1) was eliminated at pH 9, contact time of 120 min, and adsorbent dosage of 20 mg, respectively. The adsorption of Cd2+ by CS-KAC-Ag is also in agreement with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model with an R2 (coefficient of determination) factor greater than 99%. The lab data were also corroborated by tests conducted using water samples collected from mining sites in Mexico. Along with Cd2+, the CS-KAC-Ag exhibited superior removal efficiency towards Cr6+ (91.7%) > Ni2+ (84.4%) > Co2+ (80.5%) at pH 6.5 and 0.2 g L−1 dose of the nano-adsorbent. Moreover, the adsorbent was regenerated, and the adsorption capacity remained unaltered after five successive cycles. The results showed that synthesized CS-KAC-Ag was a biocompatible and versatile porous filtering material for the decontamination of different toxic metal ions.
Influence of Target-Substrate Distance on the Transport Process of Sputtered Atoms: MC-MD Multiscale Coupling Simulation
Authors: Zhu Guo , Du Qixin , Xiao Baijun , Chen Ganxin , Gan Zhiyin
Published: December 2022

A Monte Carlo (MC) and molecular dynamics (MD) coupling simulation scheme for sputtered particle transport was first proposed in this work. In this scheme, the MC method was utilized to model the free-flight process of sputtered atoms, while the MD model was adopted to simulate the collision between the sputtered atom and background gas atom so as to self-consistently calculate the post-collision velocity of the sputtered atom. The reliability of the MD collision model has been verified by comparing the computation results of the MD model and of an analytical model. This MC-MD coupling simulation scheme was used to investigate the influence of target-substrate distance on the transport characteristic parameters of sputtered Cu atoms during magnetron sputtering discharge. As the target-substrate distance increased from 30 to 150 mm, the peak energy of the incident energy distribution of deposited Cu atoms decreased from 2 to 1 eV due to the gradual thermalization of sputtered atoms. The distribution of differential deposition rate in unit solid angle firstly became more forward-peaked and then reversely approached the cosine distribution, which was agreed with the existing experimental observations. This work is expected to provide a more realistic simulation scheme for sputtered particle transport, which can be further combined with the MD simulation of sputtered film growth to explore the influence mechanism of process parameters on the properties of sputtered film.
Study on the Macro-Micro Mechanical Properties of Grout Consolidated Coal under Different Loading Rates
Authors: Pan Hongyu , Wang Junyan , Du Guanyi , Wang Kang , Zhang Lei , He Suinan , Song Shuang
Published: December 2022

The bore hole is sealed from a sealing hole: the surrounding coal fracture permeability and grout cementation form a new consolidated body and coal material. In this paper, the characteristics of the macroscopic compressive strength, microscopic interface bending, porosity, and fractal dimension of the consolidated body were studied, and the structure strength relationship between loading rates, porosity, fractal dimension, and uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) was established. The results show that the loading rates had a great and consistent effect on the macro- and micro-mechanical properties of the consolidated body. Macroscopically, in the range of 0.1~0.4 mm/min, the UCS and elastic modulus of the solidified body increased with the increase in the loading rate, and there was a critical loading rate (η = 0.4 mm/min). At the microscale, with the increase in loading rates, the interface bending phenomenon, porosity, fractal dimension, and UCS of the grout and coal were consistent, showing a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. The fractal dimension was linearly correlated with the UCS and porosity. The loading rates, porosity, fractal dimension, and UCS had a multivariate nonlinear regression distribution.
Band Gap Opening in Borophene/GaN and Borophene/ZnO Van der Waals Heterostructures Using Axial Deformation: First-Principles Study
Authors: Slepchenkov Michael M. , Kolosov Dmitry A. , Nefedov Igor S. , Glukhova Olga E.
Published: December 2022

One of the topical problems of materials science is the production of van der Waals heterostructures with the desired properties. Borophene is considered to be among the promising 2D materials for the design of van der Waals heterostructures and their application in electronic nanodevices. In this paper, we considered new atomic configurations of van der Waals heterostructures for a potential application in nano- and optoelectronics: (1) a configuration based on buckled triangular borophene and gallium nitride (GaN) 2D monolayers; and (2) a configuration based on buckled triangular borophene and zinc oxide (ZnO) 2D monolayers. The influence of mechanical deformations on the electronic structure of borophene/GaN and borophene/ZnO van der Waals heterostructures are studied using the first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) within a double zeta plus polarization (DZP) basis set. Four types of deformation are considered: uniaxial (along the Y axis)/biaxial (along the X and Y axes) stretching and uniaxial (along the Y axis)/biaxial (along the X and Y axes) compression. The main objective of this study is to identify the most effective types of deformation from the standpoint of tuning the electronic properties of the material, namely the possibility of opening the energy gap in the band structure. For each case of deformation, the band structure and density of the electronic states (DOS) are calculated. It is found that the borophene/GaN heterostructure is more sensitive to axial compression while the borophene/ZnO heterostructure is more sensitive to axial stretching. The energy gap appears in the band structure of borophene/GaN heterostructure at uniaxial compression by 14% (gap size of 0.028 eV) and at biaxial compression by 4% (gap size of 0.018 eV). The energy gap appears in the band structure of a borophene/ZnO heterostructure at uniaxial stretching by 10% (gap size 0.063 eV) and at biaxial compression by 6% (0.012 eV). It is predicted that similar heterostructures with an emerging energy gap can be used for various nano- and optoelectronic applications, including Schottky barrier photodetectors.
A Study on the Acquirement Method of Mechanical Property Parameters in the Different Base Materials Composite Region of Clad Rebar
Authors: Zhuang Zecheng , Li Zhen , Qian Xuehai , Tan Jianping , Zeng Lei , Zhao Yang , Xiang Yong
Published: December 2022

Clad rebar is one of the key structures of marine and construction services. Therefore, it is of great importance to acknowledge the mechanical property parameters of the composite region in the structural integrity evaluation of clad rebar. The different base materials of clad rebar (20MnSiV/316L steel, 35#/316L steel, 45#/316L steel, and 55#/316L steel) are researched in this study. The composite area is further refined, and simultaneously, a refinement model of the composite region of clad rebar is established. In view of the fact that a surface hardness experiment is quite easy to conduct, a proposed method consists of obtaining the mechanical property parameters of materials using the surface hardness test. The mechanical property parameters are acquired; moreover, the relationship between yield stress and surface hardness of the stainless steel clad rebar is set up. We used this method to acquire the mechanical parameters of a composite surface uneven area of clad rebar, and we established a mechanical parameters mathematics model of clad rebar, it is a significant basis for a structural integrity evaluation of cladding materials.
Design Concepts and Performance Characterization of Heat Pipe Wick Structures by LPBF Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kappe Konstantin , Bihler Michael , Morawietz Katharina , Hügenell Philipp P. C. , Pfaff Aron , Hoschke Klaus
Published: December 2022

Additive manufacturing offers a wide range of possibilities for the design and optimization of lightweight and application-tailored structures. The great design freedom of the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) manufacturing process enables new design and production concepts for heat pipes and their internal wick structures, using various metallic materials. This allows an increase in heat pipe performance and a direct integration into complex load-bearing structures. An important influencing factor on the heat pipe performance is the internal wick structures. The complex and filigree geometry of such structures is challenging in regards to providing high manufacturing quality at a small scale and varying orientations during the printing process. In this work, new wick concepts have been developed, where the design was either determined by the geometrical parameters, the process parameters, or their combination. The wick samples were additively manufactured with LPBF technology using the lightweight aluminum alloy Scalmalloy®. The influence of the process parameters, geometrical design, and printing direction was investigated by optical microscopy, and the characteristic wick performance parameters were determined by porosimetry and rate-of-rise measurements. They showed promising results for various novel wick concepts and indicated that additive manufacturing could be a powerful manufacturing method to further increase the performance and flexibility of heat pipes.
Impact of the Surface Irregularities of NiFeMo Compacted Powder Particles on Irreversible Magnetization Processes
Authors: Olekšáková Denisa , Kollár Peter , Neslušan Miroslav , Jakubčin Miloš , Füzer Ján , Bureš Radovan , Fáberová Mária
Published: December 2022

One specific group of materials with excellent application potential are powder-compacted soft magnetic materials. These materials have been intensively studied by materials scientists to improve their magnetic properties. This work describes the influence of mechanical smoothing applied to Ni80Fe15Mo5 (wt.%) alloy particle surfaces before the process of compaction. The soft magnetic properties of compacted powders prepared from smoothed and non-smoothed particles were investigated using the following measurements: coercive field, permeability, excess loss, and Barkhausen noise analysis. We found that compactions prepared with smoothed powder particles exhibit a lower value of coercivity (4.80 A/m), higher initial (10,850) and maximum relative permeability (27,700), and low-frequency core losses (1.54 J/m3) in comparison with compactions prepared with non-smoothed particles.
Experimental Static and Dynamic Characteristics of Recycled Waste Tire Rubber Particle–Cement–Sand Composite Soil
Authors: Li Zhaoyan , Zhang Liping , Zhuang Haiyang , Wu Qi
Published: December 2022

To investigate the static and dynamic characteristics of rubber–sand composite soil (RS soil) reinforced with cement, a series of triaxial compression tests and resonant column tests was performed by considering the influence of rubber content (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%), cement content (0, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.0 g/100 mL), and effective consolidation confining pressure (50, 100, and 150 kPa). Compared with the RS soil, the addition of cement significantly improved the shear strength of a cement–rubber–sand composite soil (RCS soil), based on an undrained shear test. The increase in cement content not only makes the elastic modulus and cohesion of the RCS soil increase but also reduces the internal friction angle of the RCS soil. With the increase in rubber content, the failure of the RCS soil samples changes from strain-softening to hardening, and the prediction equation of the initial elastic modulus of the RCS soil is given herein when the recommended cement content is 3.5 g/100 mL. The effects of rubber content, cement content, and effective confining pressure on the dynamic shear modulus and damping ratio of the RCS soil were studied via the resonant column test. The test results show that the increase in rubber content slows down the modulus attenuation of the RCS soil, but increases its damping ratio. The test results also show that the increase in cement content makes the bonding force between particles greater so that the modulus attenuation of the RCS soil becomes slower and the damping ratio is reduced. At the same time, according to the change rule of the maximum dynamic shear modulus of the RCS soil with the rubber content, when the recommended cement content is 3.5 g/100 mL, an empirical formula and recommended value of the shear modulus Gmax of the RCS soil are proposed.