bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Skills and DNA Methylation Are Correlating in Healthy and Novice College Students Practicing Preksha Dhyāna Meditation
Authors: Abomoelak Bassam , Prather Ray , Pragya Samani U. , Pragya Samani C. , Mehta Neelam D. , Uddin Parvin , Veeramachaneni Pushya , Mehta Naina , Young Amanda , Kapoor Saumya , Mehta Devendra
Published: August 2023

The impact of different meditation protocols on human health is explored at the cognitive and cellular levels. Preksha Dhyana meditation has been observed to seemingly affect the cognitive performance, transcriptome, and methylome of healthy and novice participant practitioners. In this study, we performed correlation analyses to investigate the presence of any relationships in the changes in cognitive performance and DNA methylation in a group of college students practicing Preksha Dhyāna (N = 34). Nine factors of cognitive performance were assessed at baseline and 8 weeks postintervention timepoints in the participants. Statistically significant improvements were observed in six of the nine assessments, which were predominantly relating to memory and affect. Using Illumina 850 K microarray technology, 470 differentially methylated sites (DMS) were identified between the two timepoints (baseline and 8 weeks), using a threshold of p-value < 0.05 and methylation levels beyond −3% to 3% at every site. Correlation analysis between the changes in performance on each of the nine assessments and every DMS unveiled statistically significant positive and negative relationships at several of these sites. The identified DMS were in proximity of essential genes involved in signaling and other important metabolic processes. Interestingly, we identified a set of sites that can be considered as biomarkers for Preksha meditation improvements at the genome level.
Synergistic Effects of Roadside Trees and Spatial Geometry on Thermal Environment in Urban Streets: A Case Study in Tropical, Medium-Sized City, Taiwan
Authors: Huang Jou-Man , Chen Liang-Chun
Published: August 2023

With the global warming effect and the rapid growth of global urbanization, the concept of urban heat islands (UHIs) has become one of the most important environmental issues in the world. Early studies on UHIs mostly focused on highly developed, large cities and found that urban heat island intensity (UHII) can be as high as 4~7 °C. In recent years, it has also been found that the UHI of medium-sized cities can also reach 4–6 °C. Previous studies have also found that planting, street orientation, and aspect ratio individually have a great impact on the thermal environment of streets, but there are not many studies that comprehensively discuss the synergistic effects of these factors. Therefore, this study takes a tropical, medium-sized city, Chiayi City, as a case study to use the ENVI-met numerical simulation tool to comprehensively compare and analyze the influence of the trees and geometric characteristics of streets on the microclimate and comfort in the streets. As a result, in a tropical, with sea winds (west winds), medium-sized city, by comparison of 12 street schemes with different roadside tree situations (planting or not), orientations (E–W, N–S), and aspect ratios (0.3, 0.7, 1.0), the improvement benefits and possible mechanisms of air temperature, wind speed, MRT, PET, SET, absolute humidity, etc. at the pedestrian street level (H = 1.4 m) were obtained and show that the cooling effect of trees was deeply affected by the street orientation and geometry. An analysis of changes at different heights was also obtained. Finally, design strategy suggestions, such as the street orientation, should be prioritized to be parallel to the prevailing wind; modifying tree shapes or building forms on streets perpendicular to the prevailing wind for creating cool and comfortable streets in future tropical, medium-sized cities were proposed.
Optimal Design of Crossbeam Stiffness Factor in Bridge Towers Using a Reliability-Based Approach
Authors: Pan Wenhao , Zhu Yi , Zhao Chuanhao , Tong Jingzhong
Published: August 2023

Optimal design of the crossbeam is essential for the economical design of bridge towers as the crossbeam could considerably enhance the lateral stiffnesses of these towers by providing a special bracing for the tower columns. By using a reliability-based approach, this paper studies the optimal design of the crossbeam stiffness factor in bridge towers; this is defined as a dimensionless crossbeam stiffness relative to the tower column stiffness. A novel second-order matrix stiffness method (MSM) is applied to obtain a closed-form solution of the lateral stiffness of the bridge tower. The structural second-order stiffness matrix consists of combinations of the second-order element stiffness matrices and coordinate transformations. Subsequently, a reliability analysis to study the optimal design of the bridge tower is performed by considering the uncertainties arising from the design and construction of the bridge tower. The lateral stiffness of the bridge tower is set as an objective function while the total usage of materials is set as a constraint condition. Then, the influence of the crossbeam stiffness factor on the lateral stiffness of the bridge tower, including the fragility curve and the probabilistic behavior, is examined. Based on the reliability analysis, optimal design recommendations on the crossbeam stiffness of the bridge tower are presented.
Necrotic Cell Death and Inflammasome NLRP3 Activity in Mycobacterium bovis-Infected Bovine Macrophages
Authors: Escobar-Chavarría Omar , Benitez-Guzman Alejandro , Jiménez-Vázquez Itzel , Carrisoza-Urbina Jacobo , Arriaga-Pizano Lourdes , Huerta-Yépez Sara , Baay-Guzmán Guillermina , Gutiérrez-Pabello José A.
Published: August 2023

Mycobacterium bovis is a facultative intracellular bacterium that produces cellular necrosis in granulomatous lesions in bovines. Although M. bovis-induced inflammation actively participates in granuloma development, its role in necrotic cell death and in bovine macrophages has not been fully explored. In this study, we evaluate the effect of M. bovis AN5 and its culture filtrate protein extract (CFPE) on inflammasome activation in bovine macrophages and its consequences on cell death. Our results show that both stimuli induce necrotic cell death starting 4 h after incubation. CFPE treatment and M. bovis infection also induce the maturation of IL-1β (>3000 pg/mL), oligomerization of ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD), and activation of caspase-1, following the canonical activation pathway of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Inhibiting the oligomerization of NLRP3 and caspase-1 decreases necrosis among the infected or CFPE-stimulated macrophages. Furthermore, histological lymph node sections of bovines naturally infected with M. bovis contained cleaved gasdermin D, mainly in macrophages and giant cells within the granulomas. Finally, the induction of cell death (apoptosis and pyroptosis) decreased the intracellular bacteria count in the infected bovine macrophages, suggesting that cell death helps to control the intracellular growth of the mycobacteria. Our results indicate that M. bovis induces pyroptosis-like cell death that is partially related to the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and that the cell death process could control bacterial growth.
A Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe for pH Measurement over a Wide Range Composed of Three Types of Fluorophores Assembled on a DNA Scaffold
Authors: Nakata Eiji , Gerelbaatar Khongorzul , Asif Mashal , Konishi Hiroaki , Shibano Yuya , Lin Peng , Morii Takashi
Published: August 2023

The desirable properties of the sophisticated fluorescent pH probe are ratiometric detection properties and a wide detection range. In this study, three types of fluorophores with different fluorescence properties were assembled on a DNA origami nanostructure. DNA nanostructure has the advantage of being a scaffold that can assemble different types of fluorophores with control over their number and position. The defined number of three different fluorophores, i.e., pH-sensitive fluorescein (CF) and Oregon Green (OG), and pH-insensitive tetramethylrhodamine (CR), assembled on the DNA scaffold provided a ratiometric fluorescent pH probe with a wide pH detection range that could cover the variation of intracellular pH.
Academic Performance in Institutionalized and Noninstitutionalized Children: The Role of Cognitive Ability and Negative Lability
Authors: Sousa Mariana , Peixoto Manuela , Cruz Orlanda , Cruz Sara
Published: August 2023

More research is needed to understand the factors that contribute to low academic achievement in institutionalized children. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive and emotion regulation skills and academic performance, by comparing institutionalized and noninstitutionalized Portuguese children. The sample comprised 94 participants (46 institutionalized (22 boys) and 48 noninstitutionalized (23 boys) children), aged between 6 and 10 years, matched for age and sex. We used Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices (RCPM) to measure cognitive abilities. Emotional regulation and negative lability were assessed using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERC). Academic performance was assessed with the Competence Academic Scale (CAS) of the Portuguese version of the Social Skills Rating System—Teacher Form (SSRS-T). Institutionalized children exhibited poorer academic performance than their noninstitutionalized counterparts (effect size, η2 = 0.174). Cognitive ability (β = 0.28) and negative lability (β = −0.28) were significant predictors of academic performance. In addition to institutionalization, cognitive ability, and the challenges of managing negative emotions may contribute to the observed differences in academic performance. Interventions aimed at fostering cognitive and emotional competencies may play a protective role for institutionalized children facing academic and social difficulties.
Non-Linear Analysis of R.C. and P.R.C. Girder Bridges
Authors: Givonetti Marco , Mairone Mattia , Asso Rebecca , De Luca Emanuela , Grateron Luis Alberto Bohorquez , Masera Davide , Marano Giuseppe Carlo
Published: August 2023

In professional practice, the design and verification of Reinforced Concrete (RC) and Prestressed Reinforced Concrete (PRC) structures are performed using a simplified calculation provided by the Eurocodes that limits resistance but that also includes a certain level of structural safety. Some aspects that directly affect the simplified methods involve the use of linear constitutive laws of materials. The use of non-linear laws is evident in the exploitation of reservoirs of strength and deformations of plastic materials in the Ultimate Limit State. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the increase in resistance to bending actions during the plasticization of the beam of existing bridges to support the decision-making process of the engineer in the assessment of existing structures. To achieve this, two codes (MEG Ductility, MEG Fiber Sections) were developed to provide the moment–curvature diagram of RC and PRC sections using non-linear bonds, and in this paper, the study of RC sections is reported. Furthermore, through a push-down analysis, two RC and PRC viaducts have been analyzed using the moment–curvature characteristics obtained from the realized codes and by varying the non-linear constitutive bonds. The results of this study provide valuable insights into the behavior of RC structures under bending actions and demonstrate the importance of considering non-linear material laws for accurate structural assessments. The findings contribute to the enhancement of the decision-making process of engineers when dealing with existing infrastructures.
Prostate MRI and PSMA-PET in the Primary Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cereser Lorenzo , Evangelista Laura , Giannarini Gianluca , Girometti Rossano
Published: August 2023

Over the last years, prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained a key role in the primary diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). While a negative MRI can avoid unnecessary prostate biopsies and the overdiagnosis of indolent cancers, a positive examination triggers biopsy samples targeted to suspicious imaging findings, thus increasing the diagnosis of csPCa with a sensitivity and negative predictive value of around 90%. The limitations of MRI, including suboptimal positive predictive values, are fueling debate on how to stratify biopsy decisions and management based on patient risk and how to correctly estimate it with clinical and/or imaging findings. In this setting, “next-generation imaging” imaging based on radiolabeled Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)-Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is expanding its indications both in the setting of primary staging (intermediate-to-high risk patients) and primary diagnosis (e.g., increasing the sensitivity of MRI or acting as a problem-solving tool for indeterminate MRI cases). This review summarizes the current main evidence on the role of prostate MRI and PSMA-PET as tools for the primary diagnosis of csPCa, and the different possible interaction pathways in this setting.
Spontaneous Emergence of Multicellular Heritability
Authors: Zamani-Dahaj Seyed Alireza , Burnetti Anthony , Day Thomas C. , Yunker Peter J. , Ratcliff William C. , Herron Matthew D.
Published: August 2023

The major transitions in evolution include events and processes that result in the emergence of new levels of biological individuality. For collectives to undergo Darwinian evolution, their traits must be heritable, but the emergence of higher-level heritability is poorly understood and has long been considered a stumbling block for nascent evolutionary transitions. Using analytical models, synthetic biology, and biologically-informed simulations, we explored the emergence of trait heritability during the evolution of multicellularity. Prior work on the evolution of multicellularity has asserted that substantial collective-level trait heritability either emerges only late in the transition or requires some evolutionary change subsequent to the formation of clonal multicellular groups. In a prior analytical model, we showed that collective-level heritability not only exists but is usually more heritable than the underlying cell-level trait upon which it is based, as soon as multicellular groups form. Here, we show that key assumptions and predictions of that model are borne out in a real engineered biological system, with important implications for the emergence of collective-level heritability.
Saffron Stigmas Apocarotenoid Contents from Saffron Latent Virus (SaLV)-Infected Plants with Different Origins and Dehydration Temperatures
Authors: Lorenzo Cándida , Shadmani Golnaz , Valouzi Hajar , Moratalla-López Natalia , Bahlolzada Habibullah , Sánchez-Gómez Rosario , Dizadji Akbar , Alonso Gonzalo L.
Published: August 2023

Saffron is a spice that is obtained by dehydrating the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower. Iran is the country that produces the largest amount of saffron, exceeding 90% of world production. Currently, there is a growing medicinal use which implies that there is more demand than supply worldwide, in turn, a large amount of labor is required to obtain it; for these two reasons, it reaches a high price in the international market. This demand is due to the high concentration of apocarotenoid metabolites that it biosynthesizes. In this work, the content of these metabolites of saffron from six production areas of Iran and neighbouring countries infected with saffron latent virus (SaLV) and dehydrated at two temperatures is compared. The corms of the six provenances were planted in a homogeneous plot and the stigmas analyzed were those of the second year after planting. The analysis showed that corms do not completely retain the memory of their original origin. In general, the ratio of the sum of mmol/kg of HTCC derivatives to the sum of the mmol of crocins is greater than two. This implies that the biosynthesis of saffron apocarotenoids due to the degradation of β-carotene towards HTCC is more important than that of zeaxanthin formation, which later gives HTCC and crocetin dialdehyde.
From Harvest to Market: Non-Destructive Bruise Detection in Kiwifruit Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Ebrahimi Sajad , Pourdarbani Razieh , Sabzi Sajad , Rohban Mohammad H. , Arribas Juan I.
Published: August 2023

Fruit is often bruised during picking, transportation, and packaging, which is an important post-harvest issue especially when dealing with fresh fruit. This paper is aimed at the early, automatic, and non-destructive ternary (three-class) detection and classification of bruises in kiwifruit based on local spatio-spectral near-infrared (NIR) hyperspectral (HSI) imaging. For this purpose, kiwifruit samples were hand-picked under two ripening stages, either one week (7 days) before optimal ripening (unripe) or at the optimal ripening time instant (ripe). A total of 408 kiwi fruit, i.e., 204 kiwifruits for the ripe stage and 204 kiwifruit for the unripe stage, were harvested. For each stage, three classes were considered (68 samples per class). First, 136 HSI images of all undamaged (healthy) fruit samples, under the two different ripening categories (either unripe or ripe) were acquired. Next, bruising was artificially induced on the 272 fruits under the impact of a metal ball to generate the corresponding bruised fruit HSI image samples. Then, the HSI images of all bruised fruit samples were captured either 8 (Bruised-1) or 16 h (Bruised-2) after the damage was produced, generating a grand total of 408 HSI kiwifruit imaging samples. Automatic 3D-convolutional neural network (3D-CNN) and 2D-CNN classifiers based on PreActResNet and GoogLeNet models were used to analyze the HSI input data. The results showed that the detection of bruising conditions in the case of the unripe fruit is a bit easier than that for its ripe counterpart. The correct classification rate (CCR) of 3D-CNN-PreActResNet and 3D-CNN-GoogLeNet for unripe fruit was 98% and 96%, respectively, over the test set. At the same time, the CCRs of 3D-CNN-PreActResNet and 3D-CNN-GoogLeNet for ripe fruit were both 86%, computed over the test set. On the other hand, the CCRs of 2D-CNN-PreActResNet and 2D-CNN-GoogLeNet for unripe fruit were 96 and 95%, while for ripe fruit, the CCRs were 91% and 98%, respectively, computed over the test set, implying that early detection of the bruising area on HSI imaging was consistently more accurate in the unripe fruit case as compared to its ripe counterpart, with an exception made for the 2D-CNN GoogLeNet classifier which showed opposite behavior.
Presenting the Secrets: Exploring Endogenous Defense Mechanisms in Chrysanthemums against Aphids
Authors: Xia Changchen , Xue Wanjie , Li Zhuozheng , Shi Jiaxu , Yu Guofu , Zhang Yang
Published: August 2023

As the second-largest cut flower plant globally and one of the top ten traditional flowers in China, chrysanthemums hold significant economic value, encompassing both ornamental and medicinal applications. However, aphids pose a considerable threat as one of the most critical pests affecting chrysanthemums. These pests not only diminish the ornamental value of chrysanthemums through feeding and reproduction but also transmit numerous plant viruses, causing irreversible damage. This review examines aphids’ feeding and damage patterns as a starting point, highlighting the unique endogenous defense mechanisms that have evolved in chrysanthemums during their continuous struggle against aphids. These mechanisms include constitutive defense and induced defense. In addition, we enumerate aphid-resistance genes that have been reported in chrysanthemums. Furthermore, this paper compares and predicts the aphid-resistance genes of other species based on the published Chrysanthemum nankingense genome, aiming to provide a valuable reference for future research on aphid-resistance genes in chrysanthemums.
Changes in Children and Youth’s Mental Health Presentations during COVID-19: A Study of Primary Care Practices in Northern Ontario, Canada
Authors: Daneshmand Roya , Acharya Shreedhar , Zelek Barbara , Cotterill Michael , Wood Brianne
Published: August 2023

Recent research suggests that children and youth are at increased risk of anxiety and depression due to the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, children and youths may face additional hurdles in accessing mental health services in rural areas due to socioeconomic disadvantages and healthcare provider shortages worsened by the pandemic. Our study aimed to assess changes in primary healthcare utilization related to depression and anxiety among children and youth aged 10–25 years in Northern Ontario, Canada. We analyzed de-identified electronic medical record data to assess primary healthcare visits and prescriptions for depression and anxiety among children and youth aged 10–25 years. We used provider billing data and reasons for visits and antidepressant/antianxiety prescriptions compared with 21 months pre-pandemic (1 June 2018 to 28 February 2020) and 21 months during the pandemic (1 April 2020 to 31 December 2021). Our interrupted time series analysis showed an average increase in visits by 2.52 per 10,000 person-months and in prescriptions by 6.69 per 10,000 person-months across all ages and sexes. Females aged 10 to 14 years were found to have the greatest relative change in visits across all age–sex groups. The greatest relative increases in antianxiety and antidepression prescriptions occurred among females and males aged 10 to 14 years, respectively. These findings indicate that there were increased anxiety and depression presentations in primary healthcare among children and youths living in northern and rural settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased primary healthcare presentations of anxiety and depression by children and youths suggest that additional mental health resources should be allocated to northern rural primary healthcare to support the increased demand. Adequate mental health professionals, accessible services, and clinical recommendations tailored to northern rural populations and care settings are crucial.
Inductive Compensation of an Open-Loop IPT Circuit: Analysis and Design
Authors: Ponce-Silva Mario , García-García Alan R. , Arau Jaime , Lara-Reyes Josué , Cortés-García Claudia
Published: August 2023

The main contribution of this paper is the inductive compensation of a wireless inductive power transmission circuit (IPT) with resonant open-loop inductive coupling. The variations in the coupling coefficient k due to the misalignment of the transmitter and receiver are compensated with only one auxiliary inductance in the primary of the inductive coupling. A low-power prototype was implemented with the following specifications: input voltage Vin = 27.5 V, output power Po = 10 W, switching frequency f = 500 kHz, output voltage Vo = 12 V, transmission distance d = 1.5 mm. Experimental results varying the distance “d” with several values of the compensation inductor demonstrate the feasibility of the proposal. An efficiency of 75.10% under nominal conditions was achieved. This proposal is a simple compensation topology for wireless chargers of cellular phones presenting small distances between the transmitter and receiver.
Bending Deformation Behavior of Eggshell and Eggshell–Polymer Composites
Authors: Panfilov Peter , Zaytsev Dmitry , Mezhenov Maxim , Grigoriev Sergei
Published: August 2023

Deformation behavior of the composite “eggshell–polymer plomb” was examined under bending. Hen eggs were taken as a biological material for experiments. It was shown that a viscoelastic polymer coating does not change the type of deformation behavior of the composite, given that the eggshell continued to be brittle despite its mechanical characteristics varying widely for a brittle solid. Joint “polymer plomb–eggshell” never cracked under bending and hence exhibited a high cohesion strength under the stresses applied in these experiments. It seems that the composite “eggshell—polymer plomb” could substitute for the composite “tooth enamel–polymer plomb” under elaboration of novel restorative materials for dentistry, namely, for examination of their mechanical properties, including cohesive strength.
Polyether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) and Its 3D-Printed Quantitate Assessment in Cranial Reconstruction
Authors: Moiduddin Khaja , Mian Syed Hammad , Elseufy Sherif Mohammed , Alkhalefah Hisham , Ramalingam Sundar , Sayeed Abdul
Published: August 2023

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, medical imaging, and implant design have all advanced significantly in recent years, and these developments may change how modern craniomaxillofacial surgeons use patient data to create tailored treatments. Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is often seen as an attractive option over metal biomaterials in medical uses, but a solid PEEK implant often leads to poor osseointegration and clinical failure. Therefore, the objective of this study is to demonstrate the quantitative assessment of a custom porous PEEK implant for cranial reconstruction and to evaluate its fitting accuracy. The research proposes an efficient process for designing, fabricating, simulating, and inspecting a customized porous PEEK implant. In this study, a CT scan is utilized in conjunction with a mirrored reconstruction technique to produce a skull implant. In order to foster cell proliferation, the implant is modified into a porous structure. The implant’s strength and stability are examined using finite element analysis. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is utilized to fabricate the porous PEEK implants, and 3D scanning is used to test its fitting accuracy. The results of the biomechanical analysis indicate that the highest stress observed was approximately 61.92 MPa, which is comparatively low when compared with the yield strength and tensile strength of the material. The implant fitting analysis demonstrates that the implant’s variance from the normal skull is less than 0.4436 mm, which is rather low given the delicate anatomy of the area. The results of the study demonstrate the implant’s endurance while also increasing the patient’s cosmetic value.
Clinical Applications and Mechanical Properties of CAD-CAM Materials in Restorative and Prosthetic Dentistry: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rexhepi Imena , Santilli Manlio , D’Addazio Gianmaria , Tafuri Giuseppe , Manciocchi Eugenio , Caputi Sergio , Sinjari Bruna
Published: August 2023

Clinical outcomes of dental restorations depend primarily on the choice of materials used, and nowadays, dental CAD-CAM (Computer-Aided Design Computer-Aided Manufacturing) materials have strongly changed daily clinical practice. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze CAD-CAM dental materials according to their mechanical properties and in relation to their clinical applications. A literature review was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and the Cochrane Library. Articles addressing at least one of the following topics regarding dental materials for CAD-CAM systems: manufacturers, mechanical features, materials’ composition, optical properties, clinical indications, and/or outcomes were included in the review. A flowchart was performed as described in the PRISMA guidelines. Among the 564 articles found, 63 were analyzed and evaluated. Within the limitations of this systematic review, it can be concluded that CAD-CAM materials present a wide range of clinical applications due to their improved mechanical properties. Specifically, in addition to materials that have been in use for a long time (such as feldspathic ceramics), resin block composites can also be used for permanent restorations.
Efficacy of Personalized Foot Orthoses in Children with Flexible Flat Foot: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Molina-García Cristina , Reinoso-Cobo Andrés , Cortés-Martín Jonathan , Lopezosa-Reca Eva , Marchena-Rodriguez Ana , Banwell George , Ramos-Petersen Laura
Published: August 2023

Pediatric flat foot (PFF) is a very frequent entity and a common concern for parents and health professionals. There is no established definition, diagnostic method, or clear treatment approach. There are multiple conservative and surgical treatments, the implantation of foot orthoses (FO) being the most used treatment. The evidence supporting FO is very thin. It is not clearly known what the effect of these is, nor when it is convenient to recommend them. The main objective of this protocol is to design a randomized controlled trial to determine if personalized FO, together with a specific exercise regimen, produce the same or better results regarding the signs and symptoms of PFF, compared to only specific exercises. In order to respond to the stated objectives, we have proposed a randomized controlled clinical trial, in which we intend to evaluate the efficacy of FO together with strengthening exercises, compared to a control group in which placebos will be implanted as FO treatment along with the same exercises as the experimental group. For this, four measurements will be taken throughout 18 months (pre-treatment, two during treatment and finally another post-treatment measurement). The combination of FO plus exercise is expected to improve the signs and symptoms (if present) of PFF compared to exercise alone and the placebo FO group. In addition, it is expected that in both conditions the biomechanics of the foot will improve compared to the initial measurements.
Effects of MEA Type and Curing Temperature on the Autogenous Deformation, Mechanical Properties, and Microstructure of Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Li Hua , Zhou Zecong , Wang Yang , Wang Yujiang , Tian Qian
Published: August 2023

MgO expansive agent (MEA) has the potential to meet the shrinkage compensation demands for concrete in different types of structures due to its designable reactivity and expansion properties. This study investigated the impact of three types of MEAs with different reactivities as well as curing temperature on the autogenous deformation, mechanical properties, and the microstructure of cement-based materials. The results showed that MEA type R exhibits a faster and larger hydration degree and expansion in cement mortars than MEA type M or type S in early ages under 20 °C, while when the curing temperature increases to 40 °C and 60 °C, MEA type M and type S present with significant accelerations in the hydration degree, leading to accelerated expansion rates and significantly increased expansion values compared to MEA type R. Under 40 °C, 5% MEA type M and type S present with 2.2 times and 1.1 times higher expansion in mortars than 5% MEA type R, respectively, and 8% MEA type M and type S present with 7.1 times and 5.6 times higher expansion in mortars than 8% MEA type R, respectively. Under 60 °C, 5% MEA type M and type S present 4.0 times and 3.1 times higher expansion in mortars than 5% MEA type R, respectively, and 8% MEA type M and type S present 7.0 times and 6.6 times higher expansion in mortars than 8% MEA type R, respectively. However, the increase in porosity, especially for large pores with pore size greater than 50 nm as well as the microcracks induced by the 8% dosage of MEA type M, type S, and high curing temperature of 60 °C, result in a decrease in strength of about 30% for the cement mortars. The results indicate that MEA type R is more suitable for shrinkage compensation of cement-based materials with lower temperatures, while MEA type M and type S are more suitable for shrinkage compensation of cement-based materials with higher temperatures. Under high-temperature and low-constraint conditions, the dosage of MEA needs to be strictly controlled to prevent negative effects on the microstructure and strength of cement-based materials.
Shade, Aging and Spatial-Dependent Variation of Elastoplastic and Viscoelastic Characteristics in a Dental, Submicron Hybrid CAD/CAM Composite
Authors: Ilie Nicoleta
Published: August 2023

This article reports the elastoplastic and viscoelastic response of an industrially cured CAD/CAM resin-based composite (Brilliant Crios, Coltene) at different scales, spatial locations, aging conditions, and shading. Mechanical tests were performed at the macroscopic scale to investigate material strength, elastic modulus, fracture mechanisms and reliability. An instrumented indentation test (IIT) was performed at the microscopic level in a quasi-static mode to assess the elastic and plastic deformation upon indentation, either by mapping transverse areas of the CAD/CAM block or at randomly selected locations. A dynamic-mechanical analysis was then carried out, in which chewing-relevant frequencies were included (0.5 to 5 Hz). Characteristics measured at the nano- and micro-scale were more discriminative in identifying the impact of variables as those measured at macro scale. Anisotropy as a function of the spatial location was identified in all shades, with gradual variation in properties from the center of the block to peripheral locations. Depending on the scale of observation, differences in shade and translucency are very small or not statistically significant. The aging effect is classified as low, but measurable on all scales, with the same pattern of variation occurring in all shades. Aging affects plastic deformation more than elastic deformation and affects elastic deformation more than viscous deformation.
Environment-Induced Degradation of Shape Memory Alloys: Role of Alloying and Nature of Environment
Authors: Santosh S. , Harris W. B. Jefrin , Srivatsan T. S.
Published: August 2023

Shape memory effects coupled with superelasticity are the distinctive characteristics of shape memory alloys (SMAs), a type of metal. When these alloys are subject to thermomechanical processing, they have the inherent ability to react to stimuli, such as heat. As a result, these alloys have established their usefulness in a variety of fields and have in recent years been chosen for use in stents, sensors, actuators, and several other forms of life-saving medical equipment. When it comes to the shape memory materials, nickel–titanium (Ni-Ti) alloys are in the forefront and have been chosen for use in a spectrum of demanding applications. As shape memory alloys (SMAs) are chosen for use in critical environments, such as blood streams (arteries and veins), orthodontic applications, orthopedic implants, and high temperature surroundings, such as actuators in aircraft engines, the phenomenon of environment-induced degradation is of both interest and concern. Hence, the environment-induced degradation behavior of the shape memory alloys (SMAs) needs to be studied to find viable ways to improve their resistance to an aggressive environment. The degradation that occurs upon exposure to an aggressive environment is often referred to as corrosion. Environment-induced degradation, or corrosion, being an unavoidable factor, certain techniques can be used for the purpose of enhancing the degradation resistance of shape memory alloys (SMAs). In this paper, we present and discuss the specific role of microstructure and contribution of environment to the degradation behavior of shape memory alloys (SMAs) while concurrently providing methods to resist both the development and growth of the degradation caused by the environment.
Discrete and Continuous Operational Calculus in N-Critical Shocks Reliability Systems with Aging under Delayed Information
Authors: Dshalalow Jewgeni H. , Aljahani Hend
Published: August 2023

We study a reliability system subject to occasional random shocks of random magnitudes W0,W1,W2,… occurring at times τ0,τ1,τ2,…. Any such shock is harmless or critical dependent on Wk≤H or Wk>H, given a fixed threshold H. It takes a total of N critical shocks to knock the system down. In addition, the system ages in accordance with a monotone increasing continuous function δ, so that when δT crosses some sustainability threshold D at time T, the system becomes essentially inoperational. However, it can still function for a while undetected. The most common way to do the checking is at one of the moments τ1,τ2,… when the shocks are registered. Thus, if crossing of D by δ occurs at time T∈τk,τk+1, only at time τk+1, can one identify the system’s failure. The age-related failure is detected with some random delay. The objective is to predict when the system fails, through the Nth critical shock or by the observed aging moment, whichever of the two events comes first. We use and embellish tools of discrete and continuous operational calculus (D-operator and Laplace–Carson transform), combined with first-passage time analysis of random walk processes, to arrive at fully explicit functionals of joint distributions for the observed lifetime of the system and cumulative damage to the system. We discuss various special cases and modifications including the assumption that D is random (and so is T). A number of examples and numerically drawn figures demonstrate the analytic tractability of the results.
Treatment of Fabry Nephropathy: A Literature Review
Authors: Shimohata Homare , Yamashita Marina , Yamada Kota , Hirayama Kouichi , Kobayashi Masaki
Published: August 2023

Fabry disease is an X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disorder with a deficiency of α-galactosidase A activity, which results in the intracellular accumulation of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and related glycosphingolipids in various organs. Fabry nephropathy is one of the major complications of Fabry disease, and kidney damage is often related to cardiovascular disease and mortality. The treatment of Fabry nephropathy thus helps prolong life expectancy. Two treatment options for Fabry nephropathy and cardiopathy are now commercially available: enzyme replacement therapy (agalsidase α agalsidase β, and a biosimilar of agalsidase β) and pharmacological chaperone therapy (migalastat). In this review, we summarize the efficacy of these treatment options for Fabry nephropathy with respect to renal function, proteinuria, and renal pathological findings. We also describe the importance of adjunctive therapy for Fabry nephropathy.
Membranes for Energy Conversion
Authors: Barragán V. María
Published: August 2023

In the modern world, the level of global energy consumption continues to increase, with current methods of energy generation still greatly dependent on fossil fuels, which will become less accessible in the not-so-distant future [...]
Microstructure and Properties of Fine-Grained WC-10Co-0.5Cr3C2-1TaC-0.5Ru Prepared by Rolling Ball Milling and Low-Pressure Sintering
Authors: Huang Yijing , Xiong Ke , Qin Qin , Yu Lin , Huang Lin , Feng Wei
Published: August 2023

This study focuses on the preparation of fine-grained WC/Co composite powder using rolling ball milling and spray drying techniques. The cemented carbide composition achieved through low-pressure sintering technology was WC-10Co-0.5Cr3C2-1TaC-0.5Ru (wt.%). To study the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-10 wt.% cemented carbide, the microstructure and phase constituents of the material were analyzed using X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the physical and mechanical properties of the material were examined. The results indicate that as the sintering temperature increased from 1390 °C to 1450 °C, the grain size of WC in the alloy increased, resulting in a slight decrease in hardness, an increase in fracture toughness, and the transverse fracture strength increasing first and then decreasing. The sintered hard alloy prepared at 1410 °C exhibited fewer pores and a uniform and fine grain size, reaching a density of 99.98%, a hardness of 91.8 HRA, a fracture strength of 3962 MPa, and a fracture toughness of 14.7 MPa⋅m1/2
Regioselective Claisen–Schmidt Adduct of 2-Undecanone from Houttuynia cordata Thunb as Insecticide/Repellent against Solenopsis invicta and Repositioning Plant Fungicides against Colletotrichum fragariae
Authors: Kurmanbayeva Aigerim , Ospanov Meirambek , Tamang Prabin , Shah Farhan Mahmood , Ali Abbas , Ibrahim Zeyad M. A. , Cantrell Charles L. , Dinara Satmbekova , Datkhayev Ubaidilla , Khan Ikhlas A. , Ibrahim Mohamed A.
Published: August 2023

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established research programs to fight the phytopathogen Colletotrichum fragariae and the invasive red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. C. fragariae is known to cause anthracnose disease in fruits and vegetables, while S. invicta is known for its aggressive behavior and painful stings and for being the cause of significant damage to crops, as well as harm to humans and animals. Many plants have been studied for potential activity against C. fragariae and S. invicta. Among the studied plants, Houttuynia cordata Thunb has been shown to contain 2-undecanone, which h is known for its antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloesporioides. Based on the mean amount of sand removed, 2-undecanone showed significant repellency at 62.5 µg/g, similar to DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), against S. invicta. The 2-Undecanone with an LC50 of 44.59 µg/g showed toxicity against S. invicta workers. However, neither H. cordata extract nor 2-undecanone had shown activity against C. fragariae despite their known activity against C. gloesporioides, which in turn motivates us in repositioning 2-undecanone as a selected candidate for a Claisen–Schmidt condensation that enables access to several analogs (2a–f). Among the prepared analogs, (E)-1-(3-methylbenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)dodec-1-en-3-one (2b) and (E)-1-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)dodec-1-en-3-one (2f) showed promising activity against C. fragariae, revealing a distinctive structural activity relationship (SAR). The generated analogs revealed a clear regioselectivity pattern through forming the C=C alkene bond at position C-1. These data open the window for further lead optimization and product development in the context of managing C. fragariae and S. invicta.
Multi-Scale X-ray Imaging of the Pigment Discoloration Processes Triggered by Chlorine Compounds in the Upper Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
Authors: Avranovich Clerici Ermanno , de Meyer Steven , Vanmeert Frederik , Legrand Stijn , Monico Letizia , Miliani Costanza , Janssens Koen
Published: August 2023

In this paper, the chromatic alteration of various types of paints, present on mural painting fragments derived from the vaults of The Upper Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy (12th–13th century), is studied using synchrotron radiation. Six painted mural fragments, several square centimeters in size, were available for analysis, originating from the ceiling paintings attributed to Cimabue and Giotto; they correspond to originally white, blue/green, and brown/yellow/orange areas showing discoloration. As well as collecting macroscopic X-ray fluorescence and diffraction maps from the entire fragments in the laboratory and at the SOLEIL synchrotron, corresponding paint cross-sections were also analyzed using microscopic X-ray fluorescence and powder diffraction mapping at the PETRA-III synchrotron. Numerous secondary products were observed on the painted surfaces, such as (a) copper tri-hydroxychloride in green/blue areas; (b) corderoite and calomel in vermillion red/cinnabar-rich paints; (c) plattnerite and/or scrutinyite assumed to be oxidation products of (hydro)cerussite (2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2) in the white areas, and (d) the calcium oxalates whewellite and weddellite. An extensive presence of chlorinated metal salts points to the central role of chlorine-containing compounds during the degradation of the 800-year-old paint, leading to, among other things, the formation of the rare mineral cumengeite (21PbCl2·20Cu(OH)2·6H2O).
Effective Vowel Stimuli for Measuring Occlusion Effect in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Shetty Hemanth Narayan , Narasimhan Srirangam Vijayakumar , Mahanthesh Sharath
Published: August 2023

Past studies have reported that there are higher sound-pressure levels for each vowel in a child’s ear canal than those in adults due to reduced volume and a shorter ear canal. Furthermore, longer vocal tracts are associated with lower formant frequencies, and vice versa. The structural differences in this regard may reflect the difference in the occlusion effect. Thus, the present study compares the sound pressure levels (SPLs) and first formant frequencies of children and adults with normal hearing and determines the best vowel stimulus to assess the occlusion effect. A repeated measures research design was utilized to investigate the best stimulus with which to measure the occlusion effect among children and adults. Group 1 included ten children, and Group 2 comprised ten adults with normal hearing. The SPLs at frequencies between 200 Hz and 1000 Hz for three uttered vowels, with steps of 100 Hz, were measured using a hearing aid analyzer. The recorded vowels were saved in a ‘.wav’ format for formant frequency analysis. Furthermore, a paired comparison method was used to identify the vowel stimulus that most effectively induced the occlusion effect. A significantly higher SPL was observed for children compared to adults for each vowel. The formant frequency F1 value was higher for children than adults for each vowel, constituting a significant finding. In the paired comparison, the occlusion effect was reported to be significantly greater with respect to the vowel /u/ among adults, while it was reported to be greater in relation to the vowel /i/ among children. The vowel /u/ was the best stimulus with which to assess the occlusion effect among adults. The vowel /i/ was the best stimulus with which to assess the occlusion effect among children.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of the Mechanical Properties of a Fiber-Reinforced Geopolymer Mortar Blast Resistant Panel
Authors: Chen Chien-Chin , Tsai Ying-Kuan , Lin Yu-Kai , Ho Pin-Hsuan , Kuo Chang-Yu
Published: August 2023

Geopolymer materials have excellent properties such as high strength, low thermal conductivity, fire resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and low carbon emissions. They can be used as protective engineering materials in places with explosion risks. At present, the common composite blast resistant panel is in the form of a sandwich: the outer layer isgalvanized steel plate, and fiber cement board or calcium carbonate board is used as the inner layer material, as these boards have the advantages of easy installation, good fire resistance, and explosion resistance. This study investigates the effect of adding different types of fibers to geopolymer mortar on the mortar’s basic mechanical properties, such as compression strength, bending strength, and impact resistance. The explosive resistance of the fiber-reinforced geopolymer mortar blast resistant panels was evaluated through free-air explosion. In this paper, experimental procedures and numerical simulation have been performed to study the failure modes, maximum deflection, and dynamic response of the fiber-reinforced geopolymer mortar blast resistant panel under free-air explosion. The research results can provide a reference for the design and production of blast resistant panels.