bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease as a Risk Factor for the Development of Central Nervous System Disorders
Authors: Yoshikawa Sayuri , Taniguchi Kurumi , Sawamura Haruka , Ikeda Yuka , Asai Tomoko , Tsuji Ai , Matsuda Satoru
Published: January 2023

MAFLD/NAFLD is the most ordinary liver disease categorized by hepatic steatosis with the increase of surplus fat in the liver and metabolic liver dysfunction, which is associated with bigger mortality and a high medical burden. An association between MAFLD/NAFLD and central nervous system disorders including psychological disorders has been demonstrated. Additionally, MAFLD/NAFLD has been correlated with various types of neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Contrasted to healthy controls, patients with MAFLD/NAFLD have a greater prevalence risk of extrahepatic complications within multiple organs. Dietary interventions have emerged as effective strategies for MAFLD/NAFLD. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway involved in the regulation of Th17/Treg balance might promote the pathogenesis of several diseases including MAFLD/NAFLD. As extrahepatic complications may happen across various organs including CNS, cooperative care with individual experts is also necessary for managing patients with MAFLD/NAFLD.
Study on Surface Integrity and Fatigue Properties of TC4 Titanium Alloy by Surface Ultrasonic Rolling
Authors: Zhu Xiaotong , Liu Pengtao , Zhang Chi , Liang Hao , Hua Jun
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the influence of a surface ultrasonic rolling process on the surface integrity of TC4 titanium alloy and its influence on the fatigue properties were studied. By comparing and analyzing the surface roughness, microhardness, residual stress, microstructure, and fatigue fracture, the surface strengthening and modification mechanism of TC4 titanium alloy is discussed. The results show that the surface roughness of titanium alloy is observably decreased after the suitable surface ultrasonic rolling process, and the maximum Ra value can be reduced to 0.052 μm. The axial residual stress on the specimen surface can be increased to −685 MPa. The hardening rate of the surface hardness of the sample was 35%. The residual compressive stress and hardness of the sample surface increased with the increase of static pressure. However, the increase of feed rate and rational speed was less. After surface ultrasonic rolling, the sample surface exhibited obvious grain refinement, the number of high-angle boundaries increased to include the formation of nano-equiaxed grains. The fatigue strength increased by 52% from 280 MPa to 425 MPa. Under 450 MPa, the fatigue life of samples with SUR 2 was the highest, at about 7.7 times that of the original samples. The surface integrity of titanium alloy samples after surface ultrasonic rolling treatment is greatly improved, which is the reason for the significant increase in fatigue life of the samples.
Acid Leaching Extraction Mechanism of Aluminum and Iron Ions from Coal Gangue Based on CaF2 Assistance and Process Optimization
Authors: Kong Deshun , Zhou Zihan , Song Shuojiang , Jiang Rongli
Published: January 2023

To reveal how CaF2 improves the dissolution ratios of aluminum and iron ions in coal gangue, CaF2 and hydrochloric acid are used to extract Al3+ and Fe3+ from the coal gangue calcined powder. The leaching ratios of Al3+ and Fe3+ are measured, and the filter residues are analyzed by BET, XRD, and SEM. The results show that adding 3% CaF2 could increase the extraction ratio of Al3+ from 62.96% to 92.10% under optimized conditions, and that of Fe3+ is increased from 85.12% to 95.73%. The mechanism of CaF2 as an auxiliary to improve the leaching ratio of Fe3+ is that HF reacts with the thin layers of gangue calcined powder containing silica to form soluble SiF4, thus forming pores that promote the diffusion of H+ and inner ions, improving the leaching ratios of Al3+ and Fe3+. Finally, the CaF2-assisted acid leaching process is optimized. The results showed that it is efficient and feasible to extract Al3+ and Fe3+ with the assistance of CaF2 and that HF has a catalytic effect in the reaction system. This work provides a reference for the next step of actual production.
Energy in Construction and Building Materials
Authors: Caggiano Antonio
Published: January 2023

Energy efficiency in buildings has become a major challenge in both science and industry [...]
Enhanced Room-Temperature Thermoelectric Performance of 2D-SnSe Alloys via Electric-Current-Assisted Sintering
Authors: Manibalan Kesavan , Ho Meng-Yuan , Du You-Cheng , Chen Hung-Wei , Wu Hsin-Jay
Published: January 2023

Single-crystalline tin-selenide (SnSe) has emerged as a high-performance and eco-friendly alternative to the lead-chalcogens often used in mid-temperature thermoelectric (TE) generators. At high temperature >800 K, the phase transition from Pnma to Cmcm causes a significant rise in the TE figure-of-merit (zT) curve. Conversely, the SnSe TE requires a booster at low temperatures, which allows broader applicability from a device perspective. Herein, a synergy of Cu alloy and Ag-coating is realized through a sequential multi-step synthesis, designed to combine different metal deposition effects. Single-crystalline (Cu2Se)x(SnSe)1−x alloys grown by the Bridgman method were then coated with a thin Ag layer by radio frequency (RF) sputtering, and the interlayer epitaxial film was observed via electric-current assisted sintering (ECAS). Consequently, the thin Ag-coating improves the electrical conductivity (σ) and reduces the thermal conductivity (κ) for (Cu2Se)0.005(SnSe)0.995+Ag alloy, increasing the zT curve at close to room temperature (373 K). The incorporation of multistep addition by ECAS enables tuning of the overall solubility of the alloy, which opens a new avenue to optimize TE performance in anisotropic 2D materials.
Characteristics of Ancient Shipwreck Wood from Huaguang Jiao No. 1 after Desalination
Authors: Liu Xinyou , Zhu Lulu , Tu Xinwei , Zhang Changjun , Huang Houyi , Varodi Anca Maria
Published: January 2023

Huaguangjiao I refers to the ancient Chinese wooden shipwreck of the South Song Dynasty (1127–1279 AD) discovered in the South China Sea in 1996. From 2008 to 2017, the archaeological waterlogged wood was desalted using deionized water combined with ultrasonic treatment, and desalted using EDTA-2Na, EDTAHO, and NaH2PO4·2H2O solutions. In this paper, the degree of degradation of the modified waterlogged archaeological wood and the moisture and content of the main components were determined. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nanoindentation (NI), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to investigate the state of wood degradation after desalination and desulfurization. The results showed that the water content of the wood was as high as 532~1149%, while the basic density was only 0.14~0.18 g/cm3, indicating that the wood had been seriously degraded. The holocellulose content was only 36–40%. Based on the XRD patterns, the degree of cellulose crystallinity in the modified wood was 14.08%. The elastic modulus and hardness of the ancient shipwreck wood after desalination and desulfurization were 1.28–4.31 and 0.10–0.28 GPa, respectively, according to nanoindentation. In addition, the FTIR spectra revealed that the biological deterioration of the modified wood caused cellulose and hemicellulose degradation, but no apparent lignin alteration occurred. The results could provide knowledge for appropriate dewatering, strengthening, and restoration strategies.
Evolution of Structure and Properties of Nickel-Enriched NiTi Shape Memory Alloy Subjected to Bi-Axial Deformation
Authors: Komarov Victor , Karelin Roman , Khmelevskaya Irina , Cherkasov Vladimir , Yusupov Vladimir , Korpala Grzegorz , Kawalla Rudolf , Prahl Ulrich , Prokoshkin Sergey
Published: January 2023

The effect of a promising method of performing a thermomechanical treatment which provides the nanocrystalline structure formation in bulk NiTi shape memory alloy samples and a corresponding improvement to their properties was studied in the present work. The bi-axial severe plastic deformation of Ti-50.7at.%Ni alloy was carried out on the MaxStrain module of the Gleeble system at 350 and 330 °C with accumulated true strains of e = 6.6–9.5. The obtained structure and its mechanical and functional properties and martensitic transformations were studied using DSC, X-ray diffractometry, and TEM. A nanocrystalline structure with a grain/subgrain size of below 80 nm was formed in bulk nickel-enriched NiTi alloy after the MaxStrain deformation at 330 °C with e = 9.5. The application of MaxStrain leads to the formation of a nanocrystalline structure that is characterized by the appearance of a nano-sized grains and subgrains with equiaxed and elongated shapes and a high free dislocation density. After the MaxStrain deformation at 330 °C with e = 9.5 was performed, the completely nanocrystalline structure with the grain/subgrain size of below 80 nm was formed in bulk nickel-enriched NiTi alloy for the first time. The resulting structure provides a total recoverable strain of 12%, which exceeds the highest values that have been reported for bulk nickel-enriched NiTi samples.
Effects of Fines Content on Durability of High-Strength Manufactured Sand Concrete
Authors: Zheng Sunbo , Chen Jiajian , Wang Wenxue
Published: January 2023

Manufactured sand is one of the effective ways to alleviate the extreme shortage of natural sand in the construction industry. This paper uses granite and limestone manufactured sand to study the effect of high fines content on the durability of high-strength manufactured sand concrete, and analyzes its influence mechanism by combining macro and micro test methods. The results show that the carbonation depth of manufactured sand concrete is the smallest when the fines content is 10%. When the fines content is less than 15%, the chloride and sulfate impermeability of concrete are improved effectively. Through macroscopic and microscopic tests, it is found that the main reason why fines can improve the durability of concrete is the filling effect. Too much fines will inhibit the hydration of cement and adversely affect the durability of concrete. Therefore, the fines content of high-strength manufactured sand concrete should be controlled within 5~15%, and the durability is the best when the fines content is 10%.
An Evaluation of Pumping Stations for Pressure Sewers System Made from Concrete Coils, Polymer Concrete, and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Authors: Sionkowski Tomasz , Halecki Wiktor , Chmielowski Krzysztof
Published: January 2023

A deficiency in accurate and current regulations, along with a lack of experience in sanitary construction, makes the installation of sewers challenging. Using models, it was determined that if the pumps were operated simultaneously, the service would last for a long time over the entire sewer system. With a daily sewage inflow of 468 dm3, the system was found to run 14.4–14.7% longer than expected at 100 pumping stations. Each month, the pressure-sensitive sewer system receives more than 51 min of extended service from the city’s central sewer system. Increasing wastewater inflow and the number of pumps decrease centrifugal pump capacity. In the study, the main findings were related to the number of pumps. With 100 centrifugal pumps simultaneously, the pressure-based system was most effective. An increase in operation time of 18.4–19.1% was observed over a period of 30 days and an average sewage inflow of 705 dm3 for each. In place of gravity sewerage, sewerage can be used. Pressure sewer systems should be designed in a way that addresses technical as well as economic concerns. Accordingly, this study indicates that pressure sewerage is a viable alternative to gravity sewerage in villages with scattered drinking water supplies.
The Problem of Selecting the Parameters of the Numerical Model of the Heating Process with a Point Heat Source and Its Experimental Verification
Authors: Sobiepański Michał , Wróbel Joanna , Kulawik Adam
Published: January 2023

The paper presents an analysis of the problem of selecting the parameters of the model describing the heating process. Heating is treated as a part of the process of heat treatment of elements such as axles and shafts using a heat source in the form of an electric arc. For this purpose, an experimental stand was made and research was carried out to analyse the temperature in the control node. Cylindrical specimens with a constant cross-section made of medium carbon steel AISI 1045 were used as the test objects. A device using TIG technology was used as the heat source. Due to the heating of the element—its rotational movement—it was necessary to use a non-contact measuring device. The construction of the research stand is a representation of the developed industrial stand. In addition, calibrations of the non-contact measuring system were performed using a thermocouple system. Comparing the results obtained from the experiment and the numerical model showed a fairly high convergence of the adopted numerical parameters (the difference between the experiment and the numerical model did not exceed 6.5%). In addition, an analysis of the surface of the samples was performed for the occurrence of remelting by determining its roughness and waviness.
Subthreshold Laser Ablation Measurements by Langmuir Probe Method for ns Irradiation of HfO2 and ZrO2
Authors: Udrea Radu , Irimiciuc Stefan Andrei , Craciun Valentin
Published: January 2023

The unbiased Langmuir probe (LP) method was used to perform measurements on HfO2 and ZrO2 samples around the laser ablation threshold on a wide range of irradiation conditions. Important changes in the lifetime (from ms to μs) and the shape of the charge particle current were seen with the increase of the laser fluence. The ablation threshold was estimated by evaluating the overall average ablated charge as a function of the laser fluence. Above the ablation threshold, the generation of high kinetic species is seen, which can reach several keV. An important jump in ion acceleration potential is observed for values above 1 J/cm2, which coincides with the dominant presence of negative ions in the plasma. The evolution of several plasma parameters (ion density, expansion velocity, electron temperature, Debye length) was investigated and correlated with the fundamental ablation mechanism involved in various irradiation regimes. The LP data were correlated with COMSOL simulations on the maximum surface temperature reached during irradiation. Important correlations between the evaporation and melting processes and ablation threshold fluence and ion acceleration phenomena are also reported.
Advances of Machine Design in Italy 2022
Authors: Ceccarelli Marco , Carbone Giuseppe , Gasparetto Alessandro
Published: January 2023

This Special Issue is aimed to promote and circulate recent developments and achievements in the field of Mechanism and Machine Science coming from the Italian community with international collaborations and ranging from theoretical contributions to experimental and practical applications [...]
Multi-Model In-Plant Logistics Using Milkruns for Flexible Assembly Systems under Disturbances: An Industry Study Case
Authors: Miqueo Adrian , Gracia-Cadarso Marcos , Torralba Marta , Gil-Vilda Francisco , Yagüe-Fabra José Antonio
Published: January 2023

Mass customisation demand requires increasingly flexible assembly operations. For the in-plant logistics of such systems, milkrun trains could present advantages under high variability conditions. This article uses an industrial study case from a global white-goods manufacturing company. A discrete events simulation model was developed to explore the performance of multi-model assembly lines using a set of operational and logistics Key Performance Indicators. Four simulation scenarios analyse the separate effects of an increased number of product models and three different sources of variability. The results show that milkruns can protect the assembly lines from upstream process disturbances.
Numerical Examination of the Dynamic Evolution of Fluctuations in Cavitation and Pressure in a Centrifugal Pump during Startup
Authors: Liu Shaofeng , Cao Haifeng , Chen Yuxuan , Ni Shiwei , Zhao Guofeng , Jiang Chenxing
Published: January 2023

Rapid changes in the performance-related parameters of a pump during its startup operation lead to large pressure fluctuations and structural vibrations in it. In view of these problems, this study investigates the evolution of cavitation and the characteristics of fluctuations under pressure in a centrifugal pump during startup. We use the finite volume method to simulate this dynamic process. To characterize the acceleration, we assume that the rotational speed and rate of flow of the pump are not constant but vary with time. A steady-state numerical simulation is performed to examine the external characteristics of the pump to verify the accuracy of the numerical procedure. The evolution of fluctuations in the cavity and pressure over time is then analyzed in detail. We use the short-term Fourier transform for post-processing in light of its advantage in treating non-stationary signals. The results indicate that both the frequency and the amplitude of the fluctuations in pressure increase with the speed of the impeller. The transient operation causes the average pressure at the inlet of the impeller to decrease to the evaporation pressure, and this leads to an increase in the volume fraction of vapor. Moreover, both the impeller–tongue interaction and the impeller–diffuser interaction influence the fluctuations in cavitation.
Flow and Performance of the Disk Cavity of a Marine Gas Turbine at Varying Nozzle Pressure and Low Rotation Speeds: A Numerical Investigation
Authors: Hu Bo , Yao Yulong , Wang Minfeng , Wang Chuan , Liu Yanming
Published: January 2023

In marine gas turbines, variations in rotational speed occur all the time. To ensure adequate cooling effects on the turbine blades, the valves need to be adjusted to change the pressure upstream of the pre-swirl nozzle. Changing such pressure will have significant effects on the local or overall parameters, such as core swirl ratio, temperature, flow rate coefficient, moment coefficient, axial thrust coefficient, etc. In this paper, we studied the flow characteristics within the pre-swirl system of a marine gas turbine at low rotational speed by varying the pressure at the pre-swirl nozzle. The corresponding global Reynolds number ranged from Re = 2.3793 × 105 to 9.5172 × 105. The flow in the rotor-stator cavities was analyzed to find the effects of nozzle pressure on the radial velocity, core swirl ratio, and pressure. According to the simulation results, we introduced a new leakage flow term into the formulary in the references to calculate the values of K between the inner seal and the pre-swirl nozzle. The matching characteristics between the pre-swirl nozzle and the inclined receiving hole was predicted. Performance of the pre-swirl system was also analyzed, such as the pressure drop, through-flow capacity, and cooling effects. After that, the moment coefficient and the axial thrust coefficient were predicted. This study provides some reference for designers to better design the pre-swirl system.
Role of Metaheuristic Approaches for Implementation of Integrated MPPT-PV Systems: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Sharma Amit Kumar , Pachauri Rupendra Kumar , Choudhury Sushabhan , Minai Ahmad Faiz , Alotaibi Majed A. , Malik Hasmat , Márquez Fausto Pedro García
Published: January 2023

An effective MPPT approach plays a significant role in increasing the efficiency of a PV system. Solar energy is a rich renewable energy source that is supplied to the earth in surplus by the sun. Solar PV systems are designed to utilize sunlight in order to meet the energy needs of the user. Due to unreliable climatic conditions, these PV frames have a non-linear characteristic that has a significant impact on their yield. Moreover, PSCs also affect the performance of PV systems in yielding maximum power. A significant progression in solar PV installations has resulted in rapid growth of MPPT techniques. As a result, a variety of MPPT approaches have been used to enhance the power yield of PV systems along with their advantages and disadvantages. Thus, it is essential for researchers to appraise developed MPPT strategies appropriately on regular basis. This study is novel because it provides an in-depth assessment of the current state of MPPT strategies for PV systems. On account of novelty, the authors analyzed the successive growth in MPPT strategies along with working principles, mathematical modeling, and simplified flow charts for better understanding by new learners. Moreover, the taxonomy and pro and cons of conventional and AI-based MPPT techniques are explored comprehensively. In addition, a comparative study based on key characteristics of PV system of all MPPT algorithms is depicted in a table, which can be used as a reference by various researchers while designing PV systems.
Hopf Quasigroup Galois Extensions and a Morita Equivalence
Authors: Guo Huaiwen , Wang Shuanhong
Published: January 2023

For H, a Hopf coquasigroup, and A, a left quasi-H-module algebra, we show that the smash product A#H is linked to the algebra of H invariants AH by a Morita context. We use the Morita setting to prove that for finite dimensional H, there are equivalent conditions for A/AH to be Galois parallel in the case of H finite dimensional Hopf algebra.
Robust Estimation for Semi-Functional Linear Model with Autoregressive Errors
Authors: Yang Bin , Chen Min , Su Tong , Zhou Jianjun
Published: January 2023

It is well-known that the traditional functional regression model is mainly based on the least square or likelihood method. These methods usually rely on some strong assumptions, such as error independence and normality, that are not always satisfied. For example, the response variable may contain outliers, and the error term is serially correlated. Violation of assumptions can result in unfavorable influences on model estimation. Therefore, a robust estimation procedure of a semi-functional linear model with autoregressive error is developed to solve this problem. We compare the efficiency of our procedure to the least square method through a simulation study and two real data analyses. The conclusion illustrates that the proposed method outperforms the least square method, providing random errors follow the heavy-tail distribution.
Categorical Variable Mapping Considerations in Classification Problems: Protein Application
Authors: Alfonso Perez Gerardo , Castillo Raquel
Published: January 2023

The mapping of categorical variables into numerical values is common in machine learning classification problems. This type of mapping is frequently performed in a relatively arbitrary manner. We present a series of four assumptions (tested numerically) regarding these mappings in the context of protein classification using amino acid information. This assumption involves the mapping of categorical variables into protein classification problems without the need to use approaches such as natural language process (NLP). The first three assumptions relate to equivalent mappings, and the fourth involves a comparable mapping using a proposed eigenvalue-based matrix representation of the amino acid chain. These assumptions were tested across a range of 23 different machine learning algorithms. It is shown that the numerical simulations are consistent with the presented assumptions, such as translation and permutations, and that the eigenvalue approach generates classifications that are statistically not different from the base case or that have higher mean values while at the same time providing some advantages such as having a fixed predetermined dimensions regardless of the size of the analyzed protein. This approach generated an accuracy of 83.25%. An optimization algorithm is also presented that selects an appropriate number of neurons in an artificial neural network applied to the above-mentioned protein classification problem, achieving an accuracy of 85.02%. The model includes a quadratic penalty function to decrease the chances of overfitting.
Design and Analysis of a Novel 2-DOF Rotation–Translation Precision Positioning Stage
Authors: Huang Weiqing , Lei Yinfeng , An Dawei , Su Yuncong , Liang Zhongwei
Published: January 2023

This paper presents the design, modeling, simulation, and experimental testing of a novel 2-DOF precision micro-positioning stage. A compact parallel structure is proposed and the rotation stroke of the stage is improved by reducing the rotation radius. Compared with other positioning stages, the developed stage has the advantage of large rotation stroke, compact structure, and high resonant frequency, and it can realize various positioning functions with fewer piezoelectric actuators. The simplified flexibility equation of the composite bridge mechanism was obtained through the equivalent replacement of the composite hinge, and then the transmission ratio and input stiffness analysis model of the stage are further established. Then, the simulation and experiment verify the accuracy of the model. The significant size parameters of the stage are determined according to the sensitivity analysis and verified by FEA. To decouple the rotation and translation, we establish the scale factor. The experimental results reveal that the workspace of the stage is 22.90 mrad × 95.03 μm. The step response time is 80 ms and the rotation resolution is 5 μrad under open-loop control.
SEIOR Rumor Propagation Model Considering Hesitating Mechanism and Different Rumor-Refuting Ways in Complex Networks
Authors: Chen Jianhong , Ma Hongcai , Yang Shan
Published: January 2023

Considering that the state transfer rules between nodes in existing rumor propagation models are mostly based on a single propagation mechanism, and most of the models have a single way of refuting rumors, in this paper, a new SEIOR rumor propagation model (ignorant (S), hesitators (E), spreaders (I), rumor debunkers (O), immunizers (R)) is proposed by introducing hesitators and rumor debunkers and combining different rumor-refuting ways of rumor debunkers. Firstly, the dynamics process of the propagation model is described by using the mean-field equations. Secondly, the equilibrium point and the basic regeneration number of the model are solved, and the existence and stability of the equilibrium point are discussed. Then, numerical simulations are used to analyze the effects of different factors on rumor propagation patterns. The results show that the rumor-spreading rate α2 has the greatest effect on rumor propagation. With the increase in α2, the degree of influence of the hesitator-converting rate α1 on the scale of rumor propagation first increases and then decreases. Different rumor-refuting ways have different inhibiting effects on the spread of rumors. Finally, based on the results of the theoretical proving and numerical analysis, some targeted measures to control the spread of rumors are proposed.
Optimal Decision-Making of Retailer-Led Dual-Channel Green Supply Chain with Fairness Concerns under Government Subsidies
Authors: Song Lei , Xin Qi , Chen Huilin , Liao Lutao , Chen Zheyi
Published: January 2023

Green innovation is the inevitable trend in the development of the supply chain, and thus the government adopts subsidy policies for the relevant enterprises to enhance their enthusiasm for green development. In view of the manufacturers’ fairness concerns in the dual-channel green supply chain that is composed of manufacturers and retailers, we propose a novel Stackelberg game model led by retailers and analyze the impact of manufacturers’ fairness concerns on the decision-making of manufacturers and retailers in the dual-channel green supply chain under government subsidies. The results show that only the wholesale price of products, manufacturers’ profits, and retailers’ profits are affected by manufacturer’s fair concerns. When manufacturer has fair concerns, product greenness and profits of supply chain members rise with the increase in government subsidies. The results can offer an effective reference for the dual-channel supply chain members with fairness concerns to make optimal decisions under government subsidies.
The Polysaccharidic Nature of the Skeleton of Marennine as Determined by NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Zebiri Ilhem , Jacquette Boris , Francezon Nellie , Herbaut Mickaël , Latigui Amina , Bricaud Sullivan , Tremblay Réjean , Pasetto Pamela , Mouget Jean-Luc , Dittmer Jens
Published: January 2023

The water-soluble blue–green pigment marennine, produced and partly excreted by the diatom Haslea ostrearia, and known for a long time for its role in the greening of oysters, was isolated from the culture medium, purified, and analyzed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) in order to gain insight into its chemical structure. The spectra show mainly carbohydrates of a complex composition, apparently highly branched, and with a mass in the order of 10 kDa. There are, in addition, some signals of aliphatic and, much weaker, aromatic groups that present aglycons. The latter might be responsible for the color. These carbohydrates are always associated with the blue–green color and cannot be separated from it by most treatments; they are interpreted as constituting the frame of the pigment. NMR after hydrolysis identifies the most abundant monosaccharides in marennine as galactose, xylose, mannose, rhamnose, and fucose.
Management of Primary Female Urethral Adenocarcinoma: Two Rare Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Tian Junjie , Zhu Ting , Xu Zhijie , Chen Xiaoyi , Wu Yunfei , Fu Guanghou , Jin Baiye
Published: January 2023

Primary urethral adenocarcinoma in females is an extremely rare malignancy with unclear origin and only a few retrospective cases have been reported. The controversy continues to exist over the origin of primary urethral adenocarcinoma from periurethral glands (which include the Skene’s glands), urethritis glandularis or intestinal metaplasia. Herein, we report one case of a 49-year-old female with distal urethral adenocarcinoma who presented with obstructive voiding. Abdominal and pelvic CT scans and chest radiology were unremarkable. Biopsy of the mass confirmed urethral adenocarcinoma. The patient underwent partial ureterectomy and was disease-free at the 2-years follow-up period. We also present another extremely rare case of primary urethral adenocarcinoma with mucinous features in a 58-year-old female who initially complained of external urethral orifice itching with painless urethral bleeding and was treated with local excision. The patient has not received any neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy, and experienced tumor recurrence, inguinal lymph nodes metastasis, and even local iliopsoas metastasis during over 10-years follow-up. In conclusion, our current study emphasizes the importance of imaging studies and biopsy in making an accurate preoperative diagnosis of this rare disease, and further highlights the role of multimodal therapy. A combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery is recommended for the optimal local and distant disease control. Moreover, better medical compliance and regular follow-up are required in these patients.
Microstructure Evolution and Precipitation Behavior in Nb and Nb-Mo Microalloyed Fire-Resistant Steels
Authors: Zhang Zhengyan , Wang Zhenqiang , Li Zhaodong , Sun Xinjun
Published: January 2023

Microstructure evolution and precipitation behaviors before and after tension at elevated temperature of Nb and Nb-Mo microalloyed fire-resistant steels were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, physical–chemical phase analysis and small-angle X-ray scattering. Results showed that the martensite and austenite (M/A) islands in a rolled state disappeared after tempering, and cementite and a large number of nanometer-sized carbide precipitated. Those nanosized particles were identified as NbC in Nb steel and (Nb, Mo)C in Nb-Mo steel. The precipitation amount of Nb is nearly equal for the two steels in a rolled state. However, after tempering treatment at 600 °C, the precipitation of Nb increased in Nb-Mo steel more obviously than that in Nb steel, indicating that Mo promotes the precipitation of Nb. Correspondingly, the amount of dissolved Nb was reduced, which results in decreased coarsening kinetics of (Nb, Mo)C in Nb-Mo steel as compared with that of NbC in Nb steel.
Links between Metabolic Syndrome and Hypertension: The Relationship with the Current Antidiabetic Drugs
Authors: Stanciu Silviu , Rusu Emilia , Miricescu Daniela , Radu Ana Cristina , Axinia Bianca , Vrabie Ana Maria , Ionescu Ruxandra , Jinga Mariana , Sirbu Carmen Adella
Published: January 2023

Hypertension poses a significant burden in the general population, being responsible for increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, leading to adverse outcomes. Moreover, the association of hypertension with dyslipidaemia, obesity, and insulin resistance, also known as metabolic syndrome, further increases the overall cardiovascular risk of an individual. The complex pathophysiological overlap between the components of the metabolic syndrome may in part explain how novel antidiabetic drugs express pleiotropic effects. Taking into consideration that a significant proportion of patients do not achieve target blood pressure values or glucose levels, more efforts need to be undertaken to increase awareness among patients and physicians. Novel drugs, such as incretin-based therapies and renal glucose reuptake inhibitors, show promising results in decreasing cardiovascular events in patients with metabolic syndrome. The effects of sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors are expressed at different levels, including renoprotection through glucosuria, natriuresis and decreased intraglomerular pressure, metabolic effects such as enhanced insulin sensitivity, cardiac protection through decreased myocardial oxidative stress and, to a lesser extent, decreased blood pressure values. These pleiotropic effects are also observed after treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, positively influencing the cardiovascular outcomes of patients with metabolic syndrome. The initial combination of the two classes may be the best choice in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and multiple cardiovascular risk factors because of their complementary mechanisms of action. In addition, the novel mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists show significant cardio-renal benefits, as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Overall, the key to better control of hypertension in patients with metabolic syndrome is to consider targeting multiple pathogenic mechanisms, using a combination of the different therapeutic agents, as well as drastic lifestyle changes. This article will briefly summarize the association of hypertension with metabolic syndrome, as well as take into account the influence of antidiabetic drugs on blood pressure control.
Distinct Microbiotas Are Associated with Different Production Lines in the Cutting Room of a Swine Slaughterhouse
Authors: Shedleur-Bourguignon Fanie , Duchemin Tom , P. Thériault William , Longpré Jessie , Thibodeau Alexandre , Hocine Mounia N. , Fravalo Philippe
Published: January 2023

The microorganisms found on fresh, raw meat cuts at a slaughterhouse can influence the meat’s safety and spoilage patterns along further stages of processing. However, little is known about the general microbial ecology of the production environment of slaughterhouses. We used 16s rRNA sequencing and diversity analysis to characterize the microbiota heterogeneity on conveyor belt surfaces in the cutting room of a swine slaughterhouse from different production lines (each associated with a particular piece/cut of meat). Variation of the microbiota over a period of time (six visits) was also evaluated. Significant differences of alpha and beta diversity were found between the different visits and between the different production lines. Bacterial genera indicative of each visit and production line were also identified. We then created random forest models that, based on the microbiota of each sample, allowed us to predict with 94% accuracy to which visit a sample belonged and to predict with 88% accuracy from which production line it was taken. Our results suggest a possible influence of meat cut on processing surface microbiotas, which could lead to better prevention, surveillance, and control of microbial contamination of meat during processing.
Human Fecal Bile Acid Analysis after Investigational Microbiota-Based Live Biotherapeutic Delivery for Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection
Authors: Papazyan Romeo , Ferdyan Nicky , Srinivasan Karthik , Gonzalez Carlos , Shannon William D. , Blount Ken , Fuchs Bryan C.
Published: January 2023

Microbiome-based therapeutics are increasingly evaluated as a strategy to reduce recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection (rCDI), with proposed mechanisms including restoration of the microbiota and microbiota-mediated functions, such as bile acid (BA) metabolism. This study reports a quantitative and sensitive assay for targeted metabolomic assessment, and the application of the assay to profile BA composition in a Phase 2 trial of the investigational microbiota-based live biotherapeutic RBX2660 for reduction of rCDI. A liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed to extract and quantify 35 BAs from 113 participant stool samples from 27 RBX2660-treated rCDI participants in the double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The results demonstrate a high-confidence assay as represented by sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision. Furthermore, the assay enabled the observation of primary BAs as the dominant BA species at baseline in stool samples from clinical trial participants, consistent with the expected loss of commensals after broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment. After RBX2660 administration, there was a significant drop in primary BAs concurrent with increased secondary BAs that sustained through 24 months post-RBX2660. Taken together, we describe a robust assay that demonstrates altered BA metabolism in rCDI patients treated with RBX2660 administration.
Characterization of the Gut Microbiota in Urban Thai Individuals Reveals Enterotype-Specific Signature
Authors: Sinsuebchuea Jiramaetha , Paenkaew Prasobsook , Wutthiin Montree , Nantanaranon Thatchawanon , Laeman Kiattiyot , Kittichotirat Weerayuth , Wattanachaisaereekul Songsak , Dulsawat Sudarat , Nopharatana Montira , Vorapreeda Namol , Bhumiratana Sakarindr , Cheevadhanarak Supapon , Sutheeworapong Sawannee
Published: January 2023

Gut microbiota play vital roles in human health, utilizing indigestible nutrients, producing essential substances, regulating the immune system, and inhibiting pathogen growth. Gut microbial profiles are dependent on populations, geographical locations, and long-term dietary patterns resulting in individual uniqueness. Gut microbiota can be classified into enterotypes based on their patterns. Understanding gut enterotype enables us to interpret the capability in macronutrient digestion, essential substance production, and microbial co-occurrence. However, there is still no detailed characterization of gut microbiota enterotype in urban Thai people. In this study, we characterized the gut microbiota of urban Thai individuals by amplicon sequencing and classified their profiles into enterotypes, including Prevotella (EnP) and Bacteroides (EnB) enterotypes. Enterotypes were associated with lifestyle, dietary habits, bacterial diversity, differential taxa, and microbial pathways. Microbe–microbe interactions have been studied via co-occurrence networks. EnP had lower α-diversities than those in EnB. A correlation analysis revealed that the Prevotella genus, the predominant taxa of EnP, has a negative correlation with α-diversities. Microbial function enrichment analysis revealed that the biosynthesis pathways of B vitamins and fatty acids were significantly enriched in EnP and EnB, respectively. Interestingly, Ruminococcaceae, resistant starch degraders, were the hubs of both enterotypes, and strongly correlated with microbial diversity, suggesting that traditional Thai food, consisting of rice and vegetables, might be the important drivers contributing to the gut microbiota uniqueness in urban Thai individuals. Overall findings revealed the biological uniqueness of gut enterotype in urban Thai people, which will be advantageous for developing gut microbiome-based diagnostic tools.
Compositional Changes in the Vaginal Bacterial Microbiome of Healthy Pregnant Women across the Three Gestational Trimesters in Ismailia, Egypt
Authors: Amin Mariam E. , Azab Marwa , Hanora Amro , Atwa Khaled , Shabayek Sarah
Published: January 2023

The composition of the vaginal microbiome may lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Normal pregnancy is associated with changes in the vaginal bacterial community composition, which tend to be more enriched with one or two Lactobacillus species promoting a healthy vagina and favorable birth outcomes. The aim of the current study was to determine compositional changes in the healthy vaginal microbiome composition during the three trimesters of pregnancy in Ismailia, Egypt using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA. The phylum Firmicutes and the genus Lactobacillus dominated across the three trimesters of pregnancy. L. iners was the most abundant species. However, L. coleohominis and L. reuteri represented the least dominant vaginal lactobacilli. Core microbiome analyses showed the Lactobacillus genus and L. iners species to have the highest prevalence in all the samples of our study groups. The phylum Firmicutes was found to be negatively correlated with almost all other vaginal phyla during pregnancy. Likewise, a negative correlation between Lactobacillus and almost all other genera was detected, including significant negative correlations with Dialister and Prevotella. Furthermore, negative correlations of L. iners were detected with almost all other species, including a significant negative correlation with L. helveticus, G. vaginalis, S. anginosus, and S. agalactiae.
Diagenetic Evolution Mechanism of the Jurassic Tuffaceous Sandstone Reservoir in Qikou Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, East China
Authors: Song Xiuzhang , Lv Zhengxiang , Zang Chunyan , Hao Peng , He Yinjun , Zhao Wei , Qing Yuanhua , Ren Jie
Published: January 2023

Exploring for hydrocarbons in a pyroclastic-affected reservoir is an important research topic. Previous studies have mainly focused on laminated pyroclastic. A large number of dispersed pyroclastic is present in sedimentary rocks, and dispersed volcanic ash strongly influences the diagenetic evolution of sandstone reservoirs. However, these aspects remain understudied. We studied the mechanism of the diagenetic evolution of the Jurassic tuffaceous sandstone reservoir in Qikou Sag of the Bohai Bay Basin by performing inclusion temperature measurements, rock slice identification, and scanning electron microscopy, and using electron microprobes and microzone isotopes. We determined the mechanism of water-rock interaction. Based on microscopic observations, we determined that the main diagenesis included two-stage dolomite cementation, two-stage calcite cementation, quartz cementation, and transformation and dissolution of clay minerals. The hydrolysis and chemical transformation of pyroclastic during burial not only provided an alkaline environment in the early stage of diagenesis but also supplied ions for the formation of microcrystalline quartz and early dolomite and the transformation of clay minerals. Leaching and denudation generated early dissolution caused by a tectonic uplift. Following the epigenetic stage, microbial activity stimulated the formation of early calcite during the shallow burial stage. When the burial temperature of the stratum was 80 °C, the acidic fluid discharged from the thermal evolution of organic matter was neutralized by the soluble components in the pyroclastic, which prevented the formation of a large-scale acidic environment. When the burial temperature exceeded 100 °C, the acidic fluid generated by thermal catalytic decarboxylation of organic matter formed a large quantity of dissolution. The dissolution of plagioclase promoted the overgrowth of quartz and the growth of kaolinite.
Remarkable Thermal Performance Enhancement of Micro Heat Pipes with Graphene-Nanoplatelet Nano-Wicks
Authors: Gan Jie Sheng , Hung Yew Mun
Published: January 2023

The ultrafast water permeation property of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) synergically enhances the evaporation and water circulation processes in a micro heat pipe (MHP). An MHP is a promising phase-change heat-transfer device capable of transferring large amounts of heat energy efficiently. The hydrophobic, atomically smooth carbon walls of GNPs nanostructures provide a network of nanocapillaries that allows water molecules to intercalate frictionlessly among the graphene layers. Together with the attraction force of the oxygenated functional groups, a series of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces are formed that significantly improve the water circulation rate. The intercalation of water molecules encourages the formation of water-thin film for film-wise evaporation. The effect of nano-wick thickness on the thermal performance of the MHP is investigated. A thinner GNP nano-wick is more favorable to film-wise evaporation while a thicker nano-wick promotes a higher water circulation rate from the condenser to the evaporator, leading to the existence of an optimal thickness. By benchmarking with the uncoated MHP, the thermal conductance of an MHP with a 46.9-µm GNP nano-wick manifests a maximum enhancement of 128%. This study provides insights on the feasible implementation of GNP nano-wicks into a highly efficient micro-scale electronics cooling device for environmental sustainability.
Nanopatterning of Bionic Materials
Authors: Heitz Johannes
Published: January 2023

The nanopatterning of bionic materials, performed by means of laser processes that utilize pulsed laser sources with short and ultrashort pulse durations, is a rapidly growing field [...]
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Analysis of Damage and Expansion Process of Nanoindentation Single-Crystal 3C-SiC Carbide Specimens at Different Temperature
Authors: Ning Xiang , Wu Nanxing , Zhong Mengjuan , Wen Yuwei , Li Bin , Jiang Yi
Published: January 2023

The molecular dynamics method was used to analyze the influence of simulated temperature on the damage expansion process of the 3C-SiC sample under nano-indentation loading in order to study the influence of temperature on the internal damage and expansion mechanism of the 3C-SiC single crystal sample further during the nano-indentation loading process. A simulation test platform for diamond indenter indentation was established. The process of stress and strain distribution, dislocation evolution, dislocation expansion and potential energy change were analyzed, combined with the radial distribution function and load displacement curve. The influence of temperature on the 3C-SiC material was discussed. The variation trend of the potential energy-step curve is basically the same at the temperatures of 0 K, 300 K, 600 K and 900 K. The difference in strain distribution was characterized by the influence of temperature on stress intensity, expansion direction and type. The microcosmic manifestation is the significant difference in the dislocation slip at low temperature. In the process of dislocation evolution and expansion, dislocation climbs at room temperature and increases at high temperature, which is closely related to energy release. This study has certain guiding significance for investigating the internal damage difference and temperature effect of the 3C-SiC sample.