bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Spatiotemporal Evolution and Sustainable Driving Factors of Information Flow Network: A Public Search Attention Perspective
Authors: Ma Fei , Zhu Yujie , Yuen Kum Fai , Sun Qipeng , He Haonan , Xu Xiaobo , Shang Zhen , Xu Yan
Published: January 2022

The promotion of information flow reinforces the interactive cooperation and evolutionary process among cities. In the information age, public online search is a typical behavior of Internet society, which is the key to information flow generation and agglomeration. In this study, we attempt to explore the evolutionary characteristics of intercity networks driven by public online social behavior in the information age and construct an information flow network (IFN) from the perspective of public search attention. We also explore the evolution of the IFN in terms of the whole network, node hierarchy, and subgroup aggregation. Meanwhile, we also discuss the impact of the sustainable driving factors on the IFN. Finally, an empirical study was conducted in Guanzhong Plain Urban Agglomeration (GPUA). Our results show that: (1) the information flow in GPUA fluctuating upward in the early study period and gradually decreasing in the later study period. However, the agglomeration degree of information flow in the urban agglomeration continues to increase. (2) The hierarchical structure of urban nodes in GPUA presents a trend of “high in the middle and low on both sides”, and the formation of subgroups is closely related to geographic location. (3) The driving factors all impacting the IFN include public ecology, resource investment, information infrastructure, and economic foundation. This study provides theoretical and practical support for exploring the intercity network and promotes the sustainable urban development.
The Complicated Relationship between Dieting, Dietary Restraint, Caloric Restriction, and Eating Disorders: Is a Shift in Public Health Messaging Warranted?
Authors: Stewart Tiffany M. , Martin Corby K. , Williamson Donald A.
Published: January 2022

The origins of theories specifying dietary restraint as a cause of eating disorders can be traced to the 1970s. This paper will present an overview of the origins of dietary restraint theories and a brief historical review of evidence will be summarized. Recent research will be presented, including the results from the CALERIE Phase 1 study, as well as CALERIE Phase 2, which were NIH-sponsored randomized controlled trials. CALERIE 2 provided a test of the effect of two years of caloric restriction (CR) on the development of eating disorder syndromes and symptoms in comparison to a control group that did not alter eating behavior or body weight. The intervention was effective for inducing a chronic (two-year) reduction in total energy expenditure and increased dietary restraint but did not increase symptoms of eating disorders. The results of this recent investigation and other studies have not provided experimental support for conventional dietary restraint theories of eating disorders. These findings are discussed in terms of potential revisions of dietary restraint theory, as well as the implications for a paradigm shift in public health messaging related to dieting.
Short-Term Joint Effects of PM10, NO2 and SO2 on Cardio-Respiratory Disease Hospital Admissions in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Adebayo-Ojo Temitope Christina , Wichmann Janine , Arowosegbe Oluwaseyi Olalekan , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Schindler Christian , Künzli Nino
Published: January 2022

Background/Aim: In sub-Sahara Africa, few studies have investigated the short-term association between hospital admissions and ambient air pollution. Therefore, this study explored the association between multiple air pollutants and hospital admissions in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods: Generalized additive quasi-Poisson models were used within a distributed lag linear modelling framework to estimate the cumulative effects of PM10, NO2, and SO2 up to a lag of 21 days. We further conducted multi-pollutant models and stratified our analysis by age group, sex, and season. Results: The overall relative risk (95% confidence interval (CI)) for PM10, NO2, and SO2 at lag 0–1 for hospital admissions due to respiratory disease (RD) were 1.9% (0.5–3.2%), 2.3% (0.6–4%), and 1.1% (−0.2–2.4%), respectively. For cardiovascular disease (CVD), these values were 2.1% (0.6–3.5%), 1% (−0.8–2.8%), and −0.3% (−1.6–1.1%), respectively, per inter-quartile range increase of 12 µg/m3 for PM10, 7.3 µg/m3 for NO2, and 3.6 µg/m3 for SO2. The overall cumulative risks for RD per IQR increase in PM10 and NO2 for children were 2% (0.2–3.9%) and 3.1% (0.7–5.6%), respectively. Conclusion: We found robust associations of daily respiratory disease hospital admissions with daily PM10 and NO2 concentrations. Associations were strongest among children and warm season for RD.
A Time Series Investigation to Assess Climate Change and Anthropogenic Impacts on Quantitative Land Degradation in the North Delta, Egypt
Authors: AbdelRahman Mohamed A. E. , Afifi Ahmed A. , Scopa Antonio
Published: January 2022

In the current study the processes of soil deterioration over the past five decades was evaluated. Land degradation risk, status, and rate were assessed in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, in 2016 using OLI and ETM (2002) remote sensing data, and soil data from 1961.A quantitative deterioration was produced based on the comparative study approach in the integrated weighted sum, weighted overlay, and fuzzy model. The parameters used were soil depth, texture, pH, EC, OM, SAR, ESP, CEC, CaCO3, BD, N, P, K. The variables were based on the measurements derived from the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE). The results of the implemented USLE in the GIS model-builder revealed the prevalence of severe soil deterioration processes in the region, and include four main deterioration risks: water-logging, soil compaction, salinization, and alkalization. During 2002–2016, soil sealing took place on 36,297.87 ha of the study area (9.7% of the total area). Urban sprawl was one of the most noticed problems that became apparent during the fieldwork during the inventory of land resources in the investigation area. Soil sealing is one of the hidden manifestations of desertification, and it is the implicit explanation for the lost land for the agricultural production process. The study showed that the investigated soil, as a part of north Nile Delta, is a very fragile system that needs to be protected, especially under the effect of climate change in areas overloaded with population, and because of their negative effects on soil properties. According to the results of this study, it is recommended that the same approach be applied to similar agricultural semi-arid regions to help in building a database of land resources for agricultural use that will be very useful for the decision-maker to monitor changes on agricultural lands.
Autophagy and Polyphenols in Osteoarthritis: A Focus on Epigenetic Regulation
Authors: Arias Consuelo , Salazar Luis A.
Published: January 2022

Autophagy is an intracellular mechanism that maintains cellular homeostasis in different tissues. This process declines in cartilage due to aging, which is correlated with osteoarthritis (OA), a multifactorial and degenerative joint disease. Several studies show that microRNAs regulate different steps of autophagy but only a few of them participate in OA. Therefore, epigenetic modifications could represent a therapeutic opportunity during the development of OA. Besides, polyphenols are bioactive components with great potential to counteract diseases, which could reverse altered epigenetic regulation and modify autophagy in cartilage. This review aims to analyze epigenetic mechanisms that are currently associated with autophagy in OA, and to evaluate whether polyphenols are used to reverse the epigenetic alterations generated by aging in the autophagy pathway.
Epigenetics of Cutaneous Sarcoma
Authors: Mashima Emi , Sawada Yu
Published: January 2022

Epigenetic changes influence various physiological and pathological conditions in the human body. Recent advances in epigenetic studies of the skin have led to an appreciation of the importance of epigenetic modifications in skin diseases. Cutaneous sarcomas are intractable skin cancers, and there are no curative therapeutic options for the advanced forms of cutaneous sarcomas. In this review, we discuss the detailed molecular effects of epigenetic modifications on skin sarcomas, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, angiosarcoma, Kaposi’s sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and liposarcoma. We also discuss the application of epigenetic-targeted therapy for skin sarcomas.
Role of Microbiota-Derived Metabolites in Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases
Authors: Park Ji-Won , Kim Sung-Eun , Lee Na Young , Kim Jung-Hee , Jung Jang-Han , Jang Myoung-Kuk , Park Sang-Hoon , Lee Myung-Seok , Kim Dong-Joon , Kim Hyoung-Su , Suk Ki Tae
Published: January 2022

Chronic liver disease encompasses diseases that have various causes, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Gut microbiota dysregulation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of ALD and NAFLD through the gut–liver axis. The gut microbiota consists of various microorganisms that play a role in maintaining the homeostasis of the host and release a wide number of metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), peptides, and hormones, continually shaping the host’s immunity and metabolism. The integrity of the intestinal mucosal and vascular barriers is crucial to protect liver cells from exposure to harmful metabolites and pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecules. Dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability may allow the liver to be exposed to abundant harmful metabolites that promote liver inflammation and fibrosis. In this review, we introduce the metabolites and components derived from the gut microbiota and discuss their pathologic effect in the liver alongside recent advances in molecular-based therapeutics and novel mechanistic findings associated with the gut–liver axis in ALD and NAFLD.
New Proteins Contributing to Immune Cell Infiltration and Pannus Formation of Synovial Membrane from Arthritis Diseases
Authors: de Seny Dominique , Baiwir Dominique , Bianchi Elettra , Cobraiville Gaël , Deroyer Céline , Poulet Christophe , Malaise Olivier , Paulissen Geneviève , Kaiser Marie-Joëlle , Hauzeur Jean-Philippe , Mazzucchelli Gabriel , Delvenne Philippe , Malaise Michel
Published: January 2022

An inflamed synovial membrane plays a major role in joint destruction and is characterized by immune cells infiltration and fibroblast proliferation. This proteomic study considers the inflammatory process at the molecular level by analyzing synovial biopsies presenting a histological inflammatory continuum throughout different arthritis joint diseases. Knee synovial biopsies were obtained from osteoarthritis (OA; n = 9), chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy (CPPA; n = 7) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA; n = 8) patients. The histological inflammatory score was determined using a semi-quantitative scale based on synovial hyperplasia, lymphocytes, plasmocytes, neutrophils and macrophages infiltration. Proteomic analysis was performed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Differentially expressed proteins were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Out of the 1871 proteins identified and quantified by LC-MS/MS, 10 proteins (LAP3, MANF, LCP1, CTSZ, PTPRC, DNAJB11, EML4, SCARA5, EIF3K, C1orf123) were differentially expressed in the synovial membrane of at least one of the three disease groups (RA, OA and CPPA). Significant increased expression of the seven first proteins was detected in RA and correlated to the histological inflammatory score. Proteomics is therefore a powerful tool that provides a molecular pattern to the classical histology usually applied for synovitis characterization. Except for LCP1, CTSZ and PTPRC, all proteins have never been described in human synovitis.
Attenuation of Adverse Postinfarction Left Ventricular Remodeling with Empagliflozin Enhances Mitochondria-Linked Cellular Energetics and Mitochondrial Biogenesis
Authors: Song Yang , Huang Chengqun , Sin Jon , Germano Juliana de F. , Taylor David J. R. , Thakur Reetu , Gottlieb Roberta A. , Mentzer Robert M. , Andres Allen M.
Published: January 2022

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors such as empagliflozin are known to reduce the risk of hospitalizations related to heart failure irrespective of diabetic state. Meanwhile, adverse cardiac remodeling remains the leading cause of heart failure and death in the USA. Thus, understanding the mechanisms that are responsible for the beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors is of the utmost relevance and importance. Our previous work illustrated a connection between adverse cardiac remodeling and the regulation of mitochondrial turnover and cellular energetics using a short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1Ra). Here, we sought to determine if the mechanism of the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin (EMPA) in ameliorating adverse remodeling was similar and/or to identify what differences exist, if any. To this end, we administered permanent coronary artery ligation to induce adverse remodeling in wild-type and Parkin knockout mice and examined the progression of adverse cardiac remodeling with or without EMPA treatment over time. Like GLP1Ra, we found that EMPA affords a robust attenuation of PCAL-induced adverse remodeling. Interestingly, unlike the GLP1Ra, EMPA does not require Parkin to improve/maintain mitochondria-related cellular energetics and afford its benefits against developing adverse remodeling. These findings suggests that further investigation of EMPA is warranted as a potential path for developing therapy against adverse cardiac remodeling for patients that may have Parkin and/or mitophagy-related deficiencies.
A Fiber-Rich Diet and Radiation-Induced Injury in the Murine Intestinal Mucosa
Authors: Malipatlolla Dilip Kumar , Devarakonda Sravani , Patel Piyush , Sjöberg Fei , Rascón Ana , Grandér Rita , Skokic Viktor , Kalm Marie , Danial Jolie , Mehdin Eva , Warholm Malin , Norling Henrietta , Stringer Andrea , Johansson Malin E. V. , Nyman Margareta , Steineck Gunnar , Bull Cecilia
Published: January 2022

Dietary fiber is considered a strong intestinal protector, but we do not know whether dietary fiber protects against the long-lasting mucosal damage caused by ionizing radiation. To evaluate whether a fiber-rich diet can ameliorate the long-lasting pathophysiological hallmarks of the irradiated mucosa, C57BL/6J mice on a fiber-rich bioprocessed oat bran diet or a fiber-free diet received 32 Gray in four fractions to the distal colorectum using a linear accelerator and continued on the diets for one, six or 18 weeks. We quantified degenerating crypts, crypt fission, cell proliferation, crypt survival, macrophage density and bacterial infiltration. Crypt loss through crypt degeneration only occurred in the irradiated mice. Initially, it was most frequent in the fiber-deprived group but declined to levels similar to the fiber-consuming group by 18 weeks. The fiber-consuming group had a fast response to irradiation, with crypt fission for growth or healing peaking already at one week post-irradiation, while crypt fission in the fiber-deprived group peaked at six weeks. A fiber-rich diet allowed for a more intense crypt cell proliferation, but the recovery of crypts was eventually lost by 18 weeks. Bacterial infiltration was a late phenomenon, evident in the fiber-deprived animals and intensified manyfold after irradiation. Bacterial infiltration also coincided with a specific pro-inflammatory serum cytokine profile. In contrast, mice on a fiber-rich diet were completely protected from irradiation-induced bacterial infiltration and exhibited a similar serum cytokine profile as sham-irradiated mice on a fiber-rich diet. Our findings provide ample evidence that dietary fiber consumption modifies the onset, timing and intensity of radiation-induced pathophysiological processes in the intestinal mucosa. However, we need more knowledge, not least from clinical studies, before this finding can be introduced to a new and refined clinical practice.
Cancer Therapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity—A Metabolic Perspective on Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Choksey Anurag , Timm Kerstin N.
Published: January 2022

Long-term cardiovascular complications of cancer therapy are becoming ever more prevalent due to increased numbers of cancer survivors. Cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity (CTIC) is an incompletely understood consequence of various chemotherapies, targeted anti-cancer agents and radiation therapy. It is typically detected clinically by a reduction in cardiac left ventricular ejection fraction, assessed by echocardiography. However, once cardiac functional decline is apparent, this indicates irreversible cardiac damage, highlighting a need for the development of diagnostics which can detect CTIC prior to the onset of functional decline. There is increasing evidence to suggest that pathological alterations to cardiac metabolism play a crucial role in the development of CTIC. This review discusses the metabolic alterations and mechanisms which occur in the development of CTIC, with a focus on doxorubicin, trastuzumab, imatinib, ponatinib, sunitinib and radiotherapy. Potential methods to diagnose and predict CTIC prior to functional cardiac decline in the clinic are evaluated, with a view to both biomarker and imaging-based approaches. Finally, the therapeutic potential of therapies which manipulate cardiac metabolism in the context of adjuvant cardioprotection against CTIC is examined. Together, an integrated view of the role of metabolism in pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment is presented.
A Necessary Role for Increased Biglycan Expression during L1-Mediated Colon Cancer Progression
Authors: Saha Arka , Cheriyamundath Sanith , Kumar Anmol , Gavert Nancy , Brabletz Thomas , Ben-Ze’ev Avri
Published: January 2022

Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and downstream β-catenin-TCF target genes is a hallmark of colorectal cancer (CRC) development. We identified the immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion receptor L1CAM (L1) as a target of β-catenin-TCF transactivation in CRC cells. Overexpression of L1 in CRC cells confers enhanced proliferation, motility, tumorigenesis, and liver metastasis, and L1 is exclusively localized at invasive areas of human CRC tissue. Several genes are induced after L1 transfection into CRC cells by a mechanism involving the L1-ezrin-NF-κB pathway. We conducted a secretomic analysis of the proteins in the culture medium of L1-overexpressing CRC cells. We detected a highly increased level of biglycan, a small leucine-rich ECM component, and a signaling molecule. We found that induction of biglycan is required for the cellular processes conferred by L1, including enhanced proliferation, motility, tumorigenesis, and liver metastasis. The suppression of endogenous biglycan levels or a point mutation in the L1 ectodomain that regulates cell–cell adhesion mediated by L1 blocked the enhanced tumorigenic properties conferred by L1. The mechanism of biglycan induction by L1 involves the L1-NF-κB pathway. Blocking NF-κB signaling in L1 expressing cells suppressed the induction of biglycan and the tumorigenic properties conferred by L1. Biglycan expression was undetectable in the normal colonic mucosa, but expressed at highly increased levels in the tumor tissue, especially in the stroma. The therapeutic strategies to target biglycan expression might provide a useful approach for CRC treatment in L1-overexpressing tumors.
Development of a Questionnaire to Assess Knowledge and Perceptions about Edible Insects
Authors: Guiné Raquel P. F. , Florença Sofia G. , Costa Cristina A. , Correia Paula M. R. , Ferreira Manuela , Duarte João , Cardoso Ana P. , Campos Sofia , Anjos Ofélia
Published: January 2022

Edible insects (EI) have been consumed as traditional foods in many parts of the globe, but in other regions, they are not readily accepted, particularly in Western countries. However, because EI are suggested to constitute a more sustainable protein food as compared with other sources of animal protein, they can be considered a future food that could help mitigate hunger and malnutrition. Additionally, new gastronomic trends are already targeting this area for exploring new potentialities. The objective of this work was to develop and validate a questionnaire to assess consumers’ perceptions and knowledge about EI in seven different domains: D1. Culture and Tradition, D2. Gastronomic Innovation and Gourmet Kitchen, D3. Environment and Sustainability, D4. Economic and Social Aspects, D5. Commercialization and Marketing, D6. Nutritional Aspects and D7. Health Effects. The 64 items were subjected to item analysis and reliability analysis for validation, and factor analysis was also conducted to identify a grouping structure. The results validated all the items of the seven subscales with high values of Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.732 for D1, α = 0.795 for D2, α = 0.882 for D3, α = 0.742 for D4, α = 0.675 for D5, α = 0.799 for D6 and α = 0.788 for D7). However, by eliminating 17 items, the final values of the alpha increased in all subscales. Factor analysis with extraction by principal component analysis with varimax rotation extracted 14 factors that explained, in total, 65% of the variance, although the first two factors were the most important (35.7% variance explained). In conclusion, the confirmed usefulness of the questionnaire has been hereby validated for assessing consumer perceptions of and knowledge about EI.
Reliability of a Trapezium Miniplate with Endoscope-Assisted Internal Fixation in Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures: A Three-Dimensional Analysis
Authors: Jung Seungwook , Nam Ok Hyung , Fang Yi-Qin , Dusmukhamedov Shavkat , Lee Chunui
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of a trapezium plate for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular subcondylar fractures with the simultaneous use of an endoscope. We selected and retrospectively studied 18 patients (12 males and 6 females) with unilateral mandibular subcondylar fractures who visited the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital. The mean age of the patients was 43.43 ± 15.76 years. Patients underwent ORIF with trapezium miniplate application through an intraoral incision under general anesthesia. The clinical and radiographic findings of the fractured side were compared with those of the non-operated side at 6 months follow-up. All occlusions became stable, and transient functional disturbances disappeared within 6 months of periodic follow-up. Functional mandibular movement recovered within the normal range, with an average mouth opening of 41.5 mm, protrusion of 7.5 mm, and lateral excursion of 7 mm at 6 months. Radiographic controls and statistical analysis confirmed a decent anatomical reduction in all 18 cases. In conclusion, the use of a trapezium miniplate with endoscope-assisted ORIF in mandibular subcondylar fractures can be useful for fixation and functional recovery.
ICU-Acquired Pneumonia Is Associated with Poor Health Post-COVID-19 Syndrome
Authors: Martin-Loeches Ignacio , Motos Anna , Menéndez Rosario , Gabarrús Albert , González Jessica , Fernández-Barat Laia , Ceccato Adrián , Pérez-Arnal Raquel , García-Gasulla Dario , Ferrer Ricard , Riera Jordi , Lorente José , Peñuelas Óscar , Bermejo-Martin Jesús , de Gonzalo-Calvo David , Rodríguez Alejandro , Barbé Ferran , Aguilera Luciano , Amaya-Villar Rosario , Barberà Carme , Barberán José , Blandino Ortiz Aaron , Bustamante-Munguira Elena , Caballero Jesús , Carbajales Cristina , Carbonell Nieves , Catalán-González Mercedes , Galbán Cristóbal , Gumucio-Sanguino Víctor , de la Torre Maria , Díaz Emili , Gallego Elena , García Garmendia José , Garnacho-Montero José , Gómez José , Jorge García Ruth , Loza-Vázquez Ana , Marín-Corral Judith , Martínez de la Gándara Amalia , Martínez Varela Ignacio , Lopez Messa Juan , Albaiceta Guillermo , Novo Mariana , Peñasco Yhivian , Ricart Pilar , Urrelo-Cerrón Luis , Sánchez-Miralles Angel , Sancho Chinesta Susana , Socias Lorenzo , Solé-Violan Jordi , Tamayo Lomas Luis , Vidal Pablo , Torres Antoni
Published: January 2022

Background. Some patients previously presenting with COVID-19 have been reported to develop persistent COVID-19 symptoms. While this information has been adequately recognised and extensively published with respect to non-critically ill patients, less is known about the incidence and factors associated with the characteristics of persistent COVID-19. On the other hand, these patients very often have intensive care unit-acquired pneumonia (ICUAP). A second infectious hit after COVID increases the length of ICU stay and mechanical ventilation and could have an influence on poor health post-COVID 19 syndrome in ICU-discharged patients. Methods: This prospective, multicentre, and observational study was carrid out across 40 selected ICUs in Spain. Consecutive patients with COVID-19 requiring ICU admission were recruited and evaluated three months after hospital discharge. Results: A total of 1255 ICU patients were scheduled to be followed up at 3 months; however, the final cohort comprised 991 (78.9%) patients. A total of 315 patients developed ICUAP (97% of them had ventilated ICUAP). Patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation had more persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms than those who did not require mechanical ventilation. Female sex, duration of ICU stay, development of ICUAP, and ARDS were independent factors for persistent poor health post-COVID-19. Conclusions: Persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms occurred in more than two-thirds of patients. Female sex, duration of ICU stay, development of ICUAP, and ARDS all comprised independent factors for persistent poor health post-COVID-19. Prevention of ICUAP could have beneficial effects in poor health post-COVID-19.
An Effective Strategy to Maintain the CALPHAD Atomic Mobility Database of Multicomponent Systems and Its Application to Hcp Mg–Al–Zn–Sn Alloys
Authors: Cheng Ting , Zhong Jing , Zhang Lijun
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a general and effective strategy was first developed to maintain the CALPHAD atomic mobility database of multicomponent systems, based on the pragmatic numerical method and freely accessible HitDIC software, and then applied to update the atomic mobility descriptions of the hcp Mg–Al–Zn, Mg–Al–Sn, and Mg–Al–Zn–Sn systems. A set of the self-consistent atomic mobility database of the hcp Mg–Al–Zn–Sn system was established following the new strategy presented. A comprehensive comparison between the model-predicted composition–distance profiles/inter-diffusivities in the hcp Mg–Al–Zn, Mg–Al–Sn, and Mg–Al–Zn–Sn systems from the presently updated atomic mobilities and those from the previous ones that used the traditional method indicated that significant improvement can be achieved utilizing the new strategy, especially in the cases with sufficient experimental composition–distance profiles and/or in higher-order systems. Furthermore, it is anticipated that the proposed strategy can serve as a standard for maintaining the CALPHAD atomic mobility database in different multicomponent systems.
The Effect of Vanadium Content Coupling with Heat Treatment Process on the Properties of Low-Vanadium Wear-Resistant Alloy
Authors: Jiang Tao , Wei Shizhong , Xu Liujie , Zhang Cheng , Wang Xiaodong , Xiong Mei , Mao Feng , Chen Chong
Published: January 2022

The development of wear-resistant materials with excellent properties is of great research value in the manufacturing industry. In this paper, a new kind of low-vanadium wear-resistant alloy was designed and characterized to unveil the influence of vanadium content coupling with heat treatment on the microstructure, hardness, and abrasive wear property. The performances of commercial high chromium cast iron (HCCI) and the new low-vanadium wear-resistant alloy are compared. The alloy with 3 wt.% vanadium quenched at 900 °C and tempered at 250 °C, possessing VC, Mo2C, and M7C3 distributed in the martensite matrix, displayed a wear resistance two times better than the HCCI. The results showed that the increase of vanadium content from 0.98 wt.% to 3.00 wt.% resulted in a decrease in the size of M7C3 and a more homogeneous distribution of M7C3. VC with a bimodal distribution is effective for impeding grooving or indenting by abrasives because of their high hardness, which plays a vital role in improving the wear resistance of low-vanadium wear-resistant alloy.
Increasing the Efficiency of Food Material Cutting during Inclined and Shear Movements of Knife
Authors: Ageev Oleg V. , Dowgiałło Andrzej , Sterczyńska Monika , Piepiórka-Stepuk Joanna , Samojlova Natalia V. , Jakubowski Marek
Published: January 2022

Mathematical models for predicting the resistance forces that are developed during the inclined and sliding cutting of food materials have been developed. The dependence of the actual cutting angle on the angle of inclination and sliding speed of the cutting edge at various sharpening angles have been investigated. For the inclined cutting mode, the dependence of the useful resistance force on the cutting speed has been determined at various angles of inclination of the cutting edge and designed sharpening angles. For the sliding cutting mode, the dependence of the useful resistance force on the feeding speed has been demonstrated at various sliding speed values and designed knife sharpening angles. The dependence of the transformed dimensionless sharpness of the knife on the angle of inclination of the cutting edge and the sliding speed has been established for different constructional sharpness values of the knife. The results of the study indicate that the useful resistance force is significantly reduced during the inclined and sliding cutting processes when compared with the normal cutting process, and a change in the pattern of fiber destruction, which significantly increases the cutting efficiency of cutting tools, is obtained.
Stochastic Computing Emulation of Memristor Cellular Nonlinear Networks
Authors: Camps Oscar , Al Chawa Mohamad Moner , Stavrinides Stavros G. , Picos Rodrigo
Published: January 2022

Cellular Nonlinear Networks (CNN) are a concept introduced in 1988 by Leon Chua and Lin Yang as a bio-inspired architecture capable of massively parallel computation. Since then, CNN have been enhanced by incorporating designs that incorporate memristors to profit from their processing and memory capabilities. In addition, Stochastic Computing (SC) can be used to optimize the quantity of required processing elements; thus it provides a lightweight approximate computing framework, quite accurate and effective, however. In this work, we propose utilization of SC in designing and implementing a memristor-based CNN. As a proof of the proposed concept, an example of application is presented. This application combines Matlab and a FPGA in order to create the CNN. The implemented CNN was then used to perform three different real-time applications on a 512 × 512 gray-scale and a 768 × 512 color image: storage of the image, edge detection, and image sharpening. It has to be pointed out that the same CNN was used for the three different tasks, with the sole change of some programmable parameters. Results show an excellent capability with significant accompanying advantages, such as the low number of needed elements further allowing for a low cost FPGA-based system implementation, something confirming the system’s capacity for real time operation.
Study on the Effect of Bond Strength on the Failure Mode of Coarse-Grained Sandstone in Weakly Cemented Stratum
Authors: Yang Xianda , Sun Lihui , Song Jiale , Yang Bensheng , Lan Chengren , He Qingfeng
Published: January 2022

Bond strength is one of the most important parameters and can affect the macroscopic mechanical properties and the damage state of rock to some degree. Coarse-grained sandstone was studied using the controlled variable method. The influence of parallel bond strength on the peak strength and failure mode of coarse-grained sandstone was simulated, and the evolution law of peak strength and the failure mode of bond strength were comprehensively analyzed. The results show that the peak strength of the rock was positively correlated with the bond strength; the difference in quantity between the tensile and shear cracks was negatively correlated with tensile bond strength and positively correlated with shear bond strength. With a tensile-shear bond strength ratio of less than 0.5, the peak strength of the rock was usually stable at the certain extreme value under a constant tensile bond strength. The tensile cracks were negatively correlated with the tensile-shear bond strength ratio, and the shear cracks were positively correlated with the tensile-shear bond strength ratio. The main failure mode of the coarse-grained sandstone in the weakly cemented stratum of the Hongqinghe coal mine is shear failure. The research results can be used to guide the ground control of other mine stopes or roadways with weak cementation lithology.
Antimicrobial Polyketide Metabolites from Penicillium bissettii and P. glabrum
Authors: Cadelis Melissa M. , Nipper Natasha S. L. , Grey Alex , Geese Soeren , van de Pas Shara J. , Weir Bevan S. , Copp Brent R. , Wiles Siouxsie
Published: January 2022

Screening of several fungi from the New Zealand International Collection of Microorganisms from Plants identified two strains of Penicillium, P. bissettii and P. glabrum, which exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli,Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. Further investigation into the natural products of the fungi, through extraction and fractionation, led to the isolation of five known polyketide metabolites, penicillic acid (1), citromycetin (2), penialdin A (3), penialdin F (4), and myxotrichin B (5). Semi-synthetic derivatization of 1 led to the discovery of a novel dihydro (1a) derivative that provided evidence for the existence of the much-speculated open-chained form of 1. Upon investigation of the antimicrobial activities of the natural products and derivatives, both penicillic acid (1) and penialdin F (4) were found to inhibit the growth of Methicillin-resistant S. aureus. Penialdin F (4) was also found to have some inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium abscessus and M. marinum along with citromycetin (2).
Editorial for the Special Issue on “Nanoalloy Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Devices”
Authors: Sequeira César A. C.
Published: January 2022

Nanoscale science and technology dealing with materials synthesis, nanofabrication, nanoprobes, nanostructures, nanoelectronics, nano-optics, nanomechanics, nanodevices, nanobiotechnology, and nanomedicine is an exciting field of research and development in Europe, the United States, and other countries around the world [...]
Effect of Nano-Sized Energetic Materials (nEMs) on the Performance of Solid Propellants: A Review
Authors: Pang Weiqiang , Deng Chongqing , Li Huan , DeLuca Luigi T. , Ouyang Dihua , Xu Huixiang , Fan Xuezhong
Published: January 2022

As a hot research topic, nano-scale energetic materials have recently attracted much attention in the fields of propellants and explosives. The preparation of different types of nano-sized energetic materials were carried out, and the effects of nano-sized energetic materials (nEMs) on the properties of solid propellants and explosives were investigated and compared with those of micro-sized ones, placing emphasis on the investigation of the hazardous properties, which could be useable for solid rocket nozzle motor applications. It was found that the nano-sized energetic materials can decrease the impact sensitivity and friction sensitivity of solid propellants and explosives compared with the corresponding micro-sized ones, and the mechanical sensitivities are lower than that of micro-sized particles formulation. Seventy-nine references were enclosed.
On-Surface Synthesis of sp-Carbon Nanostructures
Authors: Shang Lina , Kang Faming , Gao Wenze , Zhou Zheng , Xu Wei
Published: January 2022

The on-surface synthesis of carbon nanostructures has attracted tremendous attention owing to their unique properties and numerous applications in various fields. With the extensive development of scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and noncontact atomic force microscope (nc-AFM), the on-surface fabricated nanostructures so far can be characterized on atomic and even single-bond level. Therefore, various novel low-dimensional carbon nanostructures, challenging to traditional solution chemistry, have been widely studied on surfaces, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, graphene nanoribbons, nanoporous graphene, and graphyne/graphdiyne-like nanostructures. In particular, nanostructures containing sp-hybridized carbons are of great advantage for their structural linearity and small steric demands as well as intriguing electronic and mechanical properties. Herein, the recent developments of low-dimensional sp-carbon nanostructures fabricated on surfaces will be summarized and discussed.
Broadband Optical Constants and Nonlinear Properties of SnS2 and SnSe2
Authors: Ermolaev Georgy A. , Yakubovsky Dmitry I. , El-Sayed Marwa A. , Tatmyshevskiy Mikhail K. , Mazitov Arslan B. , Popkova Anna A. , Antropov Ilya M. , Bessonov Vladimir O. , Slavich Aleksandr S. , Tselikov Gleb I. , Kruglov Ivan A. , Novikov Sergey M. , Vyshnevyy Andrey A. , Fedyanin Andrey A. , Arsenin Aleksey V. , Volkov Valentyn S.
Published: January 2022

SnS2 and SnSe2 have recently been shown to have a wide range of applications in photonic and optoelectronic devices. However, because of incomplete knowledge about their optical characteristics, the use of SnS2 and SnSe2 in optical engineering remains challenging. Here, we addressed this problem by establishing SnS2 and SnSe2 linear and nonlinear optical properties in the broad (300–3300 nm) spectral range. Coupled with the first-principle calculations, our experimental study unveiled the full dielectric tensor of SnS2 and SnSe2. Furthermore, we established that SnS2 is a promising material for visible high refractive index nanophotonics. Meanwhile, SnSe2 demonstrates a stronger nonlinear response compared with SnS2. Our results create a solid ground for current and next-generation SnS2- and SnSe2-based devices.
Assessment of Maternal Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD) as a Potential Marker for Dietary Carotenoid Intake during Lactation in Humans
Authors: Al-Hassan Ateka , Vyas Rutvi , Zhang Yue , Sisitsky Michaela , Gagoski Borjan , Litt Jonathan S. , Larsen Ryan J. , Kuchan Matthew J. , Lasekan John B. , Sutton Brad P. , Grant Patricia Ellen , Ou Yangming , Morton Sarah U.
Published: January 2022

Pregnancy and lactation can change the maternal nutrient reserve. Non-invasive, quantitative markers of maternal nutrient intake could enable personalized dietary recommendations that improve health outcomes in mothers and infants. Macular pigment optical density (MPOD) is a candidate marker, as MPOD values generally reflect carotenoid intake. We evaluated the association of MPOD with dietary and breastmilk carotenoids in postpartum women. MPOD measurements and dietary intake of five carotenoids were obtained from 80 mothers in the first three months postpartum. Breastmilk samples from a subset of mothers were analyzed to determine their nutrient composition. The association between MPOD and dietary or breastmilk carotenoids was quantitatively assessed to better understand the availability and mobilization of carotenoids. Our results showed that dietary α-carotene was positively correlated with MPOD. Of the breastmilk carotenoids, 13-cis-lutein and trans-lutein were correlated with MPOD when controlled for the total lutein in breastmilk. Other carotenoids in breastmilk were not associated with MPOD. Maternal MPOD is positively correlated with dietary intake of α-carotene in the early postpartum period, as well as with the breastmilk content of lutein. MPOD may serve as a potential marker for the intake of carotenoids, especially α-carotene, in mothers in the early postpartum period.
DXA-Derived Indices in the Characterisation of Sarcopenia
Authors: Schweighofer Natascha , Colantonio Caterina , Haudum Christoph W. , Hutz Barbara , Kolesnik Ewald , Mursic Ines , Pilz Stefan , Schmidt Albrecht , Stadlbauer Vanessa , Zirlik Andreas , Pieber Thomas R. , Verheyen Nicolas , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara
Published: January 2022

Sarcopenia is linked with increased risk of falls, osteoporosis and mortality. No consensus exists about a gold standard “dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) index for muscle mass determination” in sarcopenia diagnosis. Thus, many indices exist, but data on sarcopenia diagnosis agreement are scarce. Regarding sarcopenia diagnosis reliability, the impact of influencing factors on sarcopenia prevalence, diagnosis agreement and reliability are almost completely missing. For nine DXA-derived muscle mass indices, we aimed to evaluate sarcopenia prevalence, diagnosis agreement and diagnosis reliability, and investigate the effects of underlying parameters, presence or type of adjustment and cut-off values on all three outcomes. The indices were analysed in the BioPersMed cohort (58 ± 9 years), including 1022 asymptomatic subjects at moderate cardiovascular risk. DXA data from 792 baselines and 684 follow-up measurements (for diagnosis agreement and reliability determination) were available. Depending on the index and cut-off values, sarcopenia prevalence varied from 0.6 to 36.3%. Height-adjusted parameters, independent of underlying parameters, showed a relatively high level of diagnosis agreement, whereas unadjusted and adjusted indices showed low diagnosis agreement. The adjustment type defines which individuals are recognised as sarcopenic in terms of BMI and sex. The investigated indices showed comparable diagnosis reliability in follow-up examinations
Comparison of Food-Based and Music-Based Regulatory Strategies for (Un)Healthy Eating, Depression, Anxiety and Stress
Authors: Czepczor-Bernat Kamila , Modrzejewska Adriana , Modrzejewska Justyna , Majzner Rafał
Published: January 2022

There are many ways to regulate emotions. People use both adaptive (e.g., regulation by music) and maladaptive (e.g., regulation by food) strategies to do this. We hypothesized that participants with a high level of food-based regulatory strategies and a low level of music-based regulatory strategies (a group with the least adaptive form of emotion regulation) would have significantly greater levels of unhealthy eating behaviours, depression, anxiety and stress, as well as a significantly lower level of healthy eating behaviours than those with a low level of food-based regulatory strategies and a high level of music-based regulatory strategies (a group with the greatest adaptive form of emotion regulation). Participants (N = 410; Mage = 31.77, SD = 13.53) completed: the Brief Music in Mood Regulation Scale, the Emotional Overeating Questionnaire, the Healthy and Unhealthy Eating Behavior Scale, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and a socio-demographic survey. The four clusters were identified: (a) Cluster 1 (N = 148): low food-based regulatory strategies and high music-based regulatory strategies; (b) Cluster 2 (N = 42): high food-based regulatory strategies and high music-based regulatory strategies; (c) Cluster 3 (N = 70): high food-based regulatory strategies and low music-based regulatory strategies; (d) Cluster 4 (N = 150): low food-based regulatory strategies and low music-based regulatory strategies. Overall, our outcomes partially support our hypothesis, as higher levels of unhealthy eating behaviours, depression, anxiety and stress were observed in participants with high food-based and low music-based regulatory strategies as compared with adults with low food-based and high music-based regulatory strategies. To sum up, the results obtained indicate that during the COVID-19 pandemic the group of people regulating their emotional state and unhealthy eating predominantly with food is potentially characterized by worse functioning than the group of people regulating with music. Therefore, it can be concluded that people who regulate their functioning using food should be included in preventive measures by specialists. During the visit, psychologists and primary care physicians can ask patients about their daily strategies and based on this information specialists can estimate the potential risk of developing high levels of stress and anxiety, depressive disorders and unhealthy eating habits and provide specific (match) intervention.
Feasibility and Acceptability of ‘VitaVillage’: A Serious Game for Nutrition Education
Authors: de Vlieger Nienke M. , Sainsbury Lachlan , Smith Shamus P. , Riley Nicholas , Miller Andrew , Collins Clare E. , Bucher Tamara
Published: January 2022

Computer games have previously been used to improve nutrition knowledge in children. This paper describes the acceptability and feasibility of a serious game, “VitaVillage”, for improving child nutrition knowledge. VitaVillage is a farming-style game in which the player undertakes quests and completes questions aimed at increasing several aspects of nutrition and healthy eating knowledge. Children aged 9–12 years in two primary schools (control vs. intervention) completed a nutrition knowledge questionnaire at baseline (T1) and after 1 week (T2). Participants at the intervention school (n = 75) played VitaVillage for 20 minutes on two occasions. Control participants (n = 94) received no nutrition education. Likeability question scores and written feedback from intervention participants was reported qualitatively. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare T1 and T2 nutrition knowledge changes between control and intervention participants. Engagement with VitaVillage improved children’s overall nutrition knowledge (Mean increase of 2.25 points between T1 and T2, Standard Deviation (SD) 6.31, p = 0.035) compared to controls. The game was liked overall (mean score 77 (SD 24.6) on scale of 0–100) and positive feedback was given. Results indicate that VitaVillage has the potential to be successful as a nutrition education tool. In the future, VitaVillage’s content and gameplay will be revised, extended and evaluated for its long-term impact on eating behaviour and knowledge changes.
HIV-1 trans-Infection Mediated by DCs: The Tip of the Iceberg of Cell-to-Cell Viral Transmission
Authors: Perez-Zsolt Daniel , Raïch-Regué Dàlia , Muñoz-Basagoiti Jordana , Aguilar-Gurrieri Carmen , Clotet Bonaventura , Blanco Julià , Izquierdo-Useros Nuria
Published: January 2022

HIV-1 cell-to-cell transmission is key for an effective viral replication that evades immunity. This highly infectious mechanism is orchestrated by different cellular targets that utilize a wide variety of processes to efficiently transfer HIV-1 particles. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen presenting cells that initiate antiviral immune responses, but are also the cells with highest capacity to transfer HIV-1. This mechanism, known as trans-infection, relies on the capacity of DCs to capture HIV-1 particles via lectin receptors such as the sialic acid-binding I-type lectin Siglec-1/CD169. The discovery of the molecular interaction of Siglec-1 with sialylated lipids exposed on HIV-1 membranes has enlightened how this receptor can bind to several enveloped viruses. The outcome of these interactions can either mount effective immune responses, boost the productive infection of DCs and favour innate sensing, or fuel viral transmission via trans-infection. Here we review these scenarios focusing on HIV-1 and other enveloped viruses such as Ebola virus or SARS-CoV-2.