bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Biochemical Markers of Neurovascular Complications in Type 1 Diabetes Patients
Authors: Falkowski Bogusz , Rogowicz-Frontczak Anita , Szczepanek-Parulska Ewelina , Krygier Aleksandra , Wrotkowska Elzbieta , Uruska Aleksandra , Araszkiewicz Aleksandra , Ruchala Marek , Zozulinska-Ziolkiewicz Dorota
Published: January 2020

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with chronic complications, which are the result of neurovascular changes. There is still a lack of universal biochemical markers of microvascular damage. The present study aimed to investigate whether selected inflammatory proteins are related to the prevalence of microvascular complications in adult T1DM patients. The following markers were determined in a group of 100 T1DM participants: epidermal growth factor (EGF), metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and interleukin 29 (IL-29). Screening for microvascular complications, such as autonomic and peripheral neuropathy, diabetic kidney disease, and retinopathy, was conducted. The group was divided according to the occurrence of microvascular complications. At least one complication was required for the patient to be included in the microangiopathy group. The median EGF concentration in the microangiopathy group was higher than in the group without microangiopathy (p = 0.03). Increasing EGF concentration was a statistically significant predictor of the presence of microangiopathy in multivariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.0001). Additionally, a higher GDF-15 level was associated with diabetic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, and proliferative retinopathy vs. nonproliferative retinopathy. GDF-15 concentration correlated negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r = −0.28; p = 0.02). To conclude, higher EGF concentration is an independent predictor of the presence of microvascular complications in T1DM patients. Besides the relation between GDF-15 and diabetic kidney disease, it may be also associated with peripheral neuropathy and retinopathy.
Alternative Applications of Trans-Oral Robotic Surgery (TORS): A Systematic Review
Authors: Cammaroto Giovanni , Stringa Luigi Marco , Zhang Henry , Capaccio Pasquale , Galletti Francesco , Galletti Bruno , Meccariello Giuseppe , Iannella Giannicola , Pelucchi Stefano , Baghat Ahmed , Vicini Claudio
Published: January 2020

Background: The role of robotic surgery in the field of oncology has been widely described, in particular for the tumours of the oropharynx and larynx, but its efficacy for benign pathology is inconsistent. Methods: An exhaustive review of the English literature on trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) for benign conditions was performed using PubMed electronic database. Results: The research was performed in March 2019 and yielded more than eight hundred articles, with 103 meeting the inclusion criteria and considered in the present study. Conclusions: The application of TORS for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome seems to be particularly well documented. Additionally, there exists a special interest in its use where high precision in limited anatomic space is required. There are still different structural and economic limitations for the application of TORS, however, the progressive technologic innovations and the increasing adoption of robotic surgery seem to encourage the uptake of this technique.
Isolated Anti-HBc: Significance and Management
Authors: MORETTO Florian , CATHERINE François-Xavier , ESTEVE Clémentine , BLOT Mathieu , PIROTH Lionel
Published: January 2020

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is prevalent worldwide and is associated with dramatic levels of morbidity and mortality. Isolated anti-HBc (IAHBc) is a particular serological pattern that is commonly found in immunocompromised patients. There is ongoing debate regarding the management of patients with IAHBc. Herein, we summarize the current guidelines and the newest evidence. The frequency of IAHBc is variable, with a higher prevalence in some populations, such as persons living with HIV and others immunocompromised patients. The risk of HBV reactivation depends on host factors (including immunosuppression) and viral factors. It is now well established that immunocompromised patients can be classified into three groups for risk according to the type of immunosuppression and/or treatment. In patients at high risk, HBV therapy has to be considered systematically. In patients at moderate risk, the decision is based on the level of HBV DNA (preemptive treatment or monitoring and vaccination). In patients with low risk, HBV vaccination is another possible approach, although further studies are needed to assess the type of preemptive strategy.
Unravelling the Pathogenetic Mechanisms in Congenital Aortopathies: Need for an Integrative Translational Approach
Authors: Girdauskas Evaldas , Kaemmerer Harald , von Kodolitsch Yskert
Published: January 2020

Congenital heart disease (CHD)-associated aortopathy is a very heterogeneous entity with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations. The pathogenesis of aortopathy is still incompletely understood, and, therefore, the best prevention and management strategy is currently unknown. The most common entity of CHD-associated aortopathies is bicuspid aortic valve (BAV)-associated aortic disease (so called bicuspid aortopathy) that is found in 50%–60% of BAV individuals. BAV aortopathy has been reported in association with an increased risk of aortic events, especially aortic dissection and sudden cardiac death. Risk stratification of adverse aortic events is still very rudimentary and considers only the maximal aortic diameter, which makes it unsuitable for an individual risk prediction. This introductory Editorial highlights the unmet clinical need for more integrative and translational research to unravel pathogenetic pathways in the development of CHD-associated aortopathies, integrating recently identified genetic lesions and knowledge on circulating biomarkers and microstructural changes in the diseased aorta.
Relationship between the Thickness of the Coracoid Process and Latarjet Graft Positioning—An Anatomical Study on 70 Embalmed Scapulae
Authors: Gregori Markus , Eichelberger Lukas , Gahleitner Claudia , Hajdu Stefan , Pretterklieber Michael
Published: January 2020

Background: The Latarjet procedure is a popular technique with the aim of the reconstruction of glenoid cavity bone defects in patients with chronic anterior shoulder instability. Studies have shown that the Congruent arc Latarjet procedure is better able to reconstruct larger defects than the Classic Latarjet, but there is a lack of information on the limitations of both methods. Methods: The dimensions of the glenoid width and the native coracoid process of two groups with 35 Formol-Carbol embalmed scapulae each were measured using a digital caliper. The relationship between the coracoid graft and the anterior-posterior diameter of the glenoid cavity was calculated to determine the maximum defect size of the glenoid cavity width, which can be treated by both Latarjet techniques. Results: The average restorable defect size of the anterior segment of the glenoid cavity was 28.4% ± 4.6% (range 19.2%–38.8%) in the Classic Latarjet group, and 45.6% ± 5.2% (range 35.7%–57.1%) in the Congruent arc Latarjet group. Based on our results, the feasibility of the Classic Latarjet procedure to reconstitute the anatomical width of the glenoid cavity was 86% in a 25% bone loss scenario, and only 40% in a 30% bone loss scenario. Conclusion: Based on our results we are unable to define a clear threshold for the optimal Latarjet graft position. In glenoid cavity defects <20%, the Classic Latarjet technique usually provides enough bone stock for anatomical reconstruction. Defects ≥35% of the glenoid cavity width should only be treated with a coracoid graft in the Congruent arc position. In the critical area between 20% and 35% of bone loss, we suggest the preoperative assessment of coracoid dimensions, based on which the graft position can be planned to restore the anatomical anterior-posterior diameter of the glenoid cavity.
Continuous Fentanyl Background Infusion Regimen Optimised by Patient-Controlled Analgesia for Acute Postoperative Pain Management: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Hwang Jihoon , Min Sang Kee , Chae Yun Jeong , Lim Gang Mee , Joe Han Bum
Published: January 2020

Owing to a lack of studies investigating the effect of adjustments in fentanyl background infusion (BI) with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) on postoperative analgesia, we evaluated three BI regimens with fentanyl PCA for acute postoperative pain management. This randomised controlled trial enrolled 105 patients, who were assigned to three parallel groups: constant rate BI of 2 mL/h (CRBI group); time-scheduled decremental BI of 6, 2 and 1 mL/h (TDBI group); and BI rates optimised to the demand of PCA (POBI group). The incidence of insufficient analgesia, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score and side effects were evaluated. The incidence of insufficient analgesia in the post-anaesthesia care unit was lower in the TDBI and POBI groups than the CRBI group. Incidence of insufficient analgesia in the ward was lower in the POBI group than the CRBI group. Postoperative VAS scores were significantly lower in the TDBI and POBI groups for up to 4 h and 24 h, respectively, compared with the CRBI group. Side effects and infused fentanyl dose were highest in the CRBI group. Adjusting BI rate based on time or patient demands could improve postoperative analgesia and reduce side effects. Compared to a constant BI rate, PCA-optimised BI achieved higher patient satisfaction.
Reliability Analysis of Different Configurations of Master and Back-Up Systems Used in Maritime Navigation
Authors: Blokus Agnieszka , Dziula Przemysław
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a comparison of the reliability of various configurations of electronic navigation appliances, from a single system not duplicated (without back-up) to complex systems built of a master system and different numbers of reserve (back-up) systems. For reliability analysis, we created a model of an electronic navigation system reflecting the influence of the number of reserve systems on the entire system reliability. Navigation systems were analyzed as multistate systems. Assuming that they degrade from the state of full reliability to entire failure, their basic reliability characteristics were determined. We also conducted a comparison of system lifetimes in certain reliability state subsets, for different system configurations depending on the number of back-up systems. Additionally, the relationship between the costs associated with setting up a system with a certain configuration and its mean lifetime in reliability state subsets is shown. We also propose procedures for determining the moment of exceeding the allowed limit of system safety, with the use of reliability functions determined for different configurations of the system. One of the major conclusions arising from the reliability analysis is that setting a navigation system with a certain number of back-up solutions is of key importance to improve the system’s reliability in the initial period of operation, while the number of back-up systems has a minor influence on the overall system lifetime.
Coastal Management Software to Support the Decision-Makers to Mitigate Coastal Erosion
Authors: Coelho Carlos , Narra Pedro , Marinho Bárbara , Lima Márcia
Published: January 2020

There are no sequential and integrated approaches that include the steps needed to perform an adequate management and planning of the coastal zones to mitigate coastal erosion problems and climate change effects. Important numerical model packs are available for users, but often looking deeply to the physical processes, demanding big computational efforts and focusing on specific problems. Thus, it is important to provide adequate tools to the decision-makers, which can be easily interpreted by populations, promoting discussions of optimal intervention scenarios in medium to long-term horizons. COMASO (coastal management software) intends to fill this gap, presenting a group of tools that can be applied in standalone mode, or in a sequential order. The first tool should map the coastal erosion vulnerability and risk, also including the climate change effects, defining a hierarchy of priorities where coastal defense interventions should be performed, or limiting/constraining some land uses or activities. In the locations identified as priorities, a more detailed analysis should consider the application of shoreline and cross-shore evolution models (second tool), allowing discussing intervention scenarios, in medium to long-term horizons. After the defined scenarios, the design of the intervention should be discussed, both in case of being a hard coastal structure or an artificial nourishment (third type of tools). Finally, a cost-benefit assessment tool should optimize the decisions, forecasting costs and benefits for each different scenario, through definition of economic values to the interventions and to the land/services/ecosystems, weighting all the environmental, cultural, social and historical aspects. It is considered that COMASO tools can help giving answers to the major problems of the coastal planning and management entities, integrating transversal knowledge in risk assessment, physical processes, engineering and economic evaluations. The integrated coastal zone management needs these tools to ensure sustainable coastal zones, mitigating erosion and climate change effects.
The Role of Vegetation in the Morphological Decoding of Lisbon (Portugal)
Authors: Justo Rui , Matos Silva Maria
Published: January 2020

In the academic context, especially in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, and urbanism, urban form studies are assumed to be a vehicle for reflection on the built and unbuilt city. This essay aims to challenge the most common and stabilized morphological approaches in the city reading process, invoking vegetation and its role as an element of urban composition that is recurrently left out of it. Methodologically, this work uses the city of Lisbon to carry out a morphological characterization of different homogeneous areas based on a decomposition process of urban systems and elements. The article focuses on the reading of the public component of three homogeneous areas in Lisbon—Alfama, Avenidas and Alvalade—and specifically on the role of urban greenery as a systemic element of the formal or informal composition of the city. Through an initial systematization process reflects upon the formal attributes of vegetation and trees in particular, this research may contribute not only to the development of the discipline of urban morphology applied to the city of Lisbon but also to the acknowledgment of urban greenery as a contributor to the creation of specific, unique, and unrepeatable spaces within urban landscapes.
2-(Bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-3-yl)-adamantan-2-ol
Authors: Levchenko Konstantin S. , Chudov Konstantin A. , Demin Dmitri Yu. , Lyssenko Konstantin A. , Shmelin Pavel S.
Published: January 2020

A new adamantan-2-ol with a 2-bicyclo[4.2.0]octa-1,3,5-trien-3-yl substituent in the position 2 was synthesized via two stage synthesis starting from benzocyclobutene and adamatan-2-one. The structure of the title compound was determined using 1H-and 13C-NMR, HRMS and XRD.
The Significance and Utilisation of Biomimetic and Bioinspired Strategies in the Field of Biomedical Material Engineering: The Case of Calcium Phosphat—Protein Template Constructs
Authors: Šupová Monika
Published: January 2020

This review provides a summary of recent research on biomimetic and bioinspired strategies applied in the field of biomedical material engineering and focusing particularly on calcium phosphate—protein template constructs inspired by biomineralisation. A description of and discussion on the biomineralisation process is followed by a general summary of the application of the biomimetic and bioinspired strategies in the fields of biomedical material engineering and regenerative medicine. Particular attention is devoted to the description of individual peptides and proteins that serve as templates for the biomimetic mineralisation of calcium phosphate. Moreover, the review also presents a description of smart devices including delivery systems and constructs with specific functions. The paper concludes with a summary of and discussion on potential future developments in this field.
Synthesis and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Performance of Ti3SiC2-Based Ceramics Fabricated by Liquid Silicon Infiltration
Authors: Fan Xiaomeng , Ma Yuzhao , Dang Xiaolin , Cai Yanzhi
Published: January 2020

In this work, Ti3SiC2-based ceramics were fabricated by the infiltration of liquid silicon into TiC preform by incorporating a small amount of Al. Al can play a catalytic role to promote the formation of TiC twins before liquid silicon infiltration (LSI), which leads to the increase of transformation efficiency from TiC to Ti3SiC2 in the LSI process. When the Al content in the TiC preform increases to 9 wt.%, the volume content of Ti3SiC2 reaches 85 vol.%, revealing the high electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of 39 dB in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz. The results indicate that it is an effective way to synthesize Ti3SiC2-based ceramics with excellent electromagnetic shielding performance.
Alginate-Based Aerogel Particles as Drug Delivery Systems: Investigation of the Supercritical Adsorption and In Vitro Evaluations
Authors: Lovskaya Daria , Menshutina Natalia
Published: January 2020

The present work focuses on the preparation of alginate-based aerogels in the form of particles for their further study as potential drug delivery systems (solid dosage forms). The dripping method was used to prepare certain gel particles, and supercritical drying was used to obtain final alginate-based aerogel particles. Three model active substances (ketoprofen, nimesulide, loratadine) were impregnated into the obtained aerogels using the supercritical adsorption process. Using the method of X-ray analysis, it was shown that the in the obtained drug-loaded aerogels the corresponding active substances are in an amorphous state, and the stability of this state after six months of storage is confirmed. In vitro dissolution tests for obtained drug-loaded aerogels was performed. For each sample, an appropriate dissolution medium (with certain pH) was determined. In vitro investigations showed the increasing of the release rate for all model active substances. Time was required to release and dissolve 50% of the active drug from drug-loaded aerogels (T1/2), reduced in comparison with pure active drugs in crystalline form. Obtained results provide insight into the application of alginate-based aerogel particles as a drug delivery system to improve pharmacokinetic properties of certain active drugs.
Increasing Wear Resistance of UHMWPE by Loading Enforcing Carbon Fibers: Effect of Irreversible and Elastic Deformation, Friction Heating, and Filler Size
Authors: Panin Sergey V. , Kornienko Lyudmila A. , Alexenko Vladislav O. , Buslovich Dmitry G. , Bochkareva Svetlana A. , Lyukshin Boris A.
Published: January 2020

The aim of the study was to develop a design methodology for the UltraHigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composites used in friction units. To achieve this, stress–strain analysis was done using computer simulation of the triboloading processes. In addition, the effects of carbon fiber size used as reinforcing fillers on formation of the subsurface layer structures at the tribological contacts as well as composite wear resistance were evaluated. A structural analysis of the friction surfaces and the subsurface layers of UHMWPE as well as the UHMWPE-based composites loaded with the carbon fibers of various (nano-, micro-, millimeter) sizes in a wide range of tribological loading conditions was performed. It was shown that, under the “moderate” tribological loading conditions (60 N, 0.3 m/s), the carbon nanofibers (with a loading degree up to 0.5 wt.%) were the most efficient filler. The latter acted as a solid lubricant. As a result, wear resistance increased by 2.7 times. Under the “heavy” test conditions (140 N, 0.5 m/s), the chopped carbon fibers with a length of 2 mm and the optimal loading degree of 10 wt.% were more efficient. The mechanism is underlined by perceiving the action of compressive and shear loads from the counterpart and protecting the tribological contact surface from intense wear. In doing so, wear resistance had doubled, and other mechanical properties had also improved. It was found that simultaneous loading of UHMWPE with Carbon Nano Fibers (CNF) as a solid lubricant and Long Carbon Fibers (LCF) as reinforcing carbon fibers, provided the prescribed mechanical and tribological properties in the entire investigated range of the “load–sliding speed” conditions of tribological loading.
Nanowire Ring Embedded in a Flexible Substrate for Local Strain Detection
Authors: Li Shengkun , Qin Yue , Li Xin , Zhao Yuejin
Published: January 2020

Optical sensing has attracted more and more attention in recent years with the advance in planar waveguide fabrication processes. The photon, as a carrier of information in sensing areas, could have a better performance than electrons. We propose a novel end-to-end ring cavity to fabricate sensitive units of a strain sensor. We then propose a method of combining a flexible substrate with an end-to-end semiconductor nanowire ring cavity to fabricate novel strain sensors. We used a tuning resonant wavelength detected by a homebuilt excitation and detection system to measure applied strain. The resonant wavelength of the strain gauge was red-shift and linear tuned with increasing strain. The gauge factor was about 50, calculated through experiments and theory, and Q was 1938, with structural parameters L = 70 µm and d = 1 µm. The high sensitivity makes it possible to measure micro deformation more accurately. End-to-end coupling active nanowire waveguides eliminate the shortcomings of side by side coupling structures, which have the phasing shift with no minor optical density loss. This resonator in flexible substrates could be used not only as on-chip strain sensors for micro or nano deformation detecting but also as tunable light sources for photonic integrated circuits.
Nanocrystallization in FINEMET-Type Fe73.5Nb3Cu1Si13.5B9 and Fe72.5Nb1.5Mo2Cu1.1Si14.2B8.7 Thin Films
Authors: Mikhalitsyna Evgeniya A. , Kataev Vasiliy A. , Larrañaga Aitor , Lepalovskij Vladimir N. , Kurlyandskaya Galina V.
Published: January 2020

A growing variety of microelectronic devices and magnetic field sensors as well as a trend of miniaturization demands the development of low-dimensional magnetic materials and nanostructures. Among them, soft magnetic thin films of Finemet alloys are appropriate materials for sensor and actuator devices. Therefore, one of the important directions of the research is the optimization of thin film magnetic properties. In this study, the structural transformations of the Fe73.5Nb3Cu1Si13.5B9 and Fe72.5Nb1.5Mo2Cu1.1Si14.2B8.7 films of 100, 150 and 200 nm thicknesses were comparatively analyzed together with their magnetic properties and magnetic anisotropy. The thin films were prepared using the ion-plasma sputtering technique. The crystallization process was studied by certified X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The kinetics of crystallization was observed due to the temperature X-ray diffraction (TDX) analysis. Magnetic properties of the films were studied by the magneto-optical Kerr microscopy. Based on the TDX data the delay of the onset crystallization of the films with its thickness decreasing was shown. Furthermore, the onset crystallization of the 150 and 200 nm films began at the temperature of about 400–420 °C showing rapid grain growth up to the size of 16–20 nm. The best magnetic properties of the films were formed after crystallization after the heat treatment at 350–400 °C when the stress relaxation took place.
Post-Process Effects of Isothermal Annealing and Initially Applied Static Uniaxial Loading on the Ultimate Tensile Strength of Fused Filament Fabrication Parts
Authors: Rane Rhugdhrivya , Kulkarni Akhilesh , Prajapati Hardikkumar , Taylor Robert , Jain Ankur , Chen Victoria
Published: January 2020

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is one of the most popular additive manufacturing (AM) techniques used to fabricate polymeric structures. However, these polymeric structures suffer from an inherent deficiency of weak inter-laminar tensile strength. Because of this weak inter-laminar strength, these parts fail prematurely and exhibit only a fraction of the mechanical properties of those fabricated using conventional means. In this paper, we study the effect of thermal annealing in the presence of an initially applied static uniaxial load on the ultimate tensile strength of parts fabricated using FFF. Tensile specimens or dogbones were fabricated from an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 105 °C; these specimens were then isothermally annealed, post manufacture, in a fixture across a given range of temperatures and static loads. Tensile testing was then performed on these specimens to gauge the effect of the thermal annealing and static loading on inter-laminar tensile strength by measuring the ultimate tensile strength of the specimens. A design of experiments (DOE) approach was followed to calculate the main and interaction effects of the two factors (temperature and static loading) on the ultimate tensile strength, and an analysis of variance was conducted. Cross-sectional images of the specimens were studied to observe the changes in the mesostructure of the specimens that led to the increase in inter-laminar strength of the parts. The results show that temperature plays a dominant role in increasing the ultimate tensile strength and an 89% increase in the average ultimate tensile strength was seen corresponding to an annealing temperature of 160 °C. A change in the mesostructure of the parts is seen, which is characterized by an increase in bond length and void coalescence. These results can be helpful in studying the structural strength of 3D printed parts, and thus could eventually guide the fabrication of components with strength comparable to those of conventional manufacturing techniques.
Comparison of Time-of-Flight and Phase-Shift TLS Intensity Data for the Diagnostics Measurements of Buildings
Authors: Suchocki Czesław
Published: January 2020

In recent years, the terrestrial laser scanning system (TLS) has become one of the most popular remote and nondestructive testing (NDT) methods for diagnostic measurements of buildings and structures as well as for the assessment of architectural heritage. Apart from 3D coordinates, the power of a laser beam backscattered from the scanned object can be captured by TLS. The radiometric information of the point cloud, called “intensity”, can provide information about changes in the physio–chemical properties of the scanned surface. This intensity can be effectively used to detect defects in the surfaces of walls, such as cracks and cavities, moisture, biodeterioration (mosses and lichens) or weathered parts of the wall. Manufacturers of TLS mainly use two different principles for distance measurement, time-of-flight (TOF) and phase-shift (PS). The power of energy in both types of rangefinders might be absorbed or reflected in a slightly different way and provide more or less detailed radiometric point cloud information. The main aim of this investigation is to compare TOF and PS scanners in the context of using TLS intensity data for the diagnostics of buildings and other structures. The potential of TLS intensity data for detecting defects in building walls has been tested on multiple samples by two TOF (Riegl VZ400i, Leica ScanStation C10) and two PS (Z + F 5016 IMAGER, Faro Focus3D) scanners.
Study of the Simultaneous Utilization of Mechanical Water Foaming and Zeolites and Their Effects on the Properties of Warm Mix Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Chomicz-Kowalska Anna , Maciejewski Krzysztof , Iwański Mateusz M.
Published: January 2020

The paper aimed at assessing the feasibility of using natural zeolites as a mineral filler substitute for asphalt mixtures produced at around 120 °C temperatures with a water foamed binder and compacted at 100 °C. The tests utilized the AC 16 asphalt concrete mixture intended for the binder and base course with the mineral filler fraction amounting to 4% by wt. comprising limestone dust and zeolites (when added). A reference hot mix and warm mix with foamed bitumen were compared to two mixes with zeolites, with one containing 0.4% of a water-modified (20% moisture content) zeolite and the second containing 1.0% of natural air-dried zeolite. The investigations included: assessment of campactability using a gyratory compactor, air void content, indirect tensile strength before and after conditioning with one freeze-thaw cycle, and the resulting resistance to moisture and frost damage. The mixtures with zeolites exhibited decreased compactability when compared to reference mixes, which the Marshall samples confirmed. The mechanical properties have also deteriorated in zeolite-bearing mixtures, which was partially accounted to the decreased compaction level. It was concluded that the temperature of the mixture production was too low for the zeolite water to significantly improve the compactablity of the asphalt mixture and its mechanical parameters.
Comparative Evaluation of Organic Acid Pretreatment of Eucalyptus for Kraft Dissolving Pulp Production
Authors: Chen Yuanhang , Yan Zhenyun , Liang Long , Ran Miao , Wu Ting , Wang Baobin , Zou Xiuxiu , Zhao Mengke , Fang Guigan , Shen Kuizhong
Published: January 2020

Pretreatment is an essential process for the extensive utilization of lignocellulose materials. The effect of four common organic acid pretreatments for Kraft dissolving pulp production was comparatively investigated. It was found that under acidic conditions, hemicellulose can be effectively removed and more reducing sugars can be recovered. During acetic acid pretreatment, lignin that was dissolved in acetic acid could form a lignin-related film which would alleviate cellulose hydrolysis, while other organic acids caused severe cellulose degradation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) were used to characterize the pretreated chips in the process. Lignin droplets were attached to the surface of the treated wood chips according to the SEM results. The FTIR spectrum showed that the lignin peak signal becomes stronger, and the hemicellulose peak signal becomes weaker with acid pretreatment. The XRD spectrum demonstrated that the crystallinity index of the wood chips increased. The acetic acid pretreatment process-assisted Kraft process achieved higher yield (31.66%) and higher α-cellulose (98.28%) than any other organic acid pretreatment. Furthermore, extensive utilization of biomass was evaluated with the acetic acid pretreatment-assisted Kraft process. 43.8% polysaccharide (12.14% reducing sugar and 31.66% dissolving pulp) and 22.24% lignin (0.29% acetic acid lignin and 21.95% sulfate lignin) were recovered during the process. Biomass utilization could reach 66.04%. Acetic acid pretreatment is a promising process for extensive biomass utilization.
Efficient System Reliability-Based Design Optimization Study for Replaced Hip Prosthesis Using New Optimized Anisotropic Bone Formulations
Authors: Kharmanda Ghais , Gowid Samer , Mahdi Elsadig , Shokry Abdallah
Published: January 2020

An efficient reliability algorithm is developed to transfer the system reliability problem to a single-component reliability problem, considering the uncertainty of loading cases and the material properties. The main difficulty is that femoral bone densities change after hip arthroplasty and, thus, the mechanical properties of the distinctive bone tissues and, therefore, the corresponding elasticity modulus and yield stress values change. Therefore, taking these changes into account during the hip prosthesis design process is strongly needed. As the bone possesses anisotropic behaviors, as the material properties in both radial and tangential directions in long bone (femur, tibia) are almost similar, the bone anisotropy is represented in this study by transversal isotropy. Two optimized formulations for yield stress against the elasticity modulus relationship are first developed and then integrated into an efficient reliability algorithm. Thus, a coupling between reliability and optimization, so-called reliability-based design optimization (RBDO), is introduced in order to control the reliability level. The proposed RBDO algorithm using optimum safety factors (OSF) takes into account the material uncertainties and leads to new stem dimensions. An in-depth numerical analysis on a cementless hip prosthesis is implemented to demonstrate the appropriateness of the proposed algorithm with the consideration of many different loading cases. The results show that the studied model can be effectively used when compared to previous works, which concerns the changes in both geometry and material properties.
The Effects of Bituminous Binder on the Performance of Gussasphalt Concrete for Bridge Deck Pavement
Authors: Zou Guilian , Xu Xiaoyan , Li Jianxin , Yu Huayang , Wang Changjun , Sun Jie
Published: January 2020

As bituminous binders greatly influence the engineering performance of gussasphalt concrete for bridge deck pavement, selecting appropriate bitumen is a critical procedure for mixture design. In this study, five different combinations of bituminous binder for potential use in the “Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge” project were prepared and tested. To meet the strict requirements of quality control, a new Guss-Mastic Asphalt (GMA) system was developed. Three key indices, Lueer fluidity, impact toughness, and dynamic stability, were used for GMA design and construction quality control. The test results show that the fluidity of the GMA mixtures was affected by the shear thinning phenomenon. After mixing for three hours, the Lueer value of all GMA mixtures met the requirements of pouring construction. Moreover, it was found that the influence of mixing time on GMA with styrene butadiene styrene (SBS) modified bitumen was different to other prepared mixtures. This difference is ascribed to the degradation of SBS during the blending process at an elevated temperature. Finally, the blended bitumen (30% Pen60/70 + 70% Trinidad lake asphalt (TLA)) was applied to the project of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge.
Bounds of Generalized Proportional Fractional Integrals in General Form via Convex Functions and Their Applications
Authors: Rahman Gauhar , Abdeljawad Thabet , Jarad Fahd , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: January 2020

In this paper, our objective is to apply a new approach to establish bounds of sums of left and right proportional fractional integrals of a general type and obtain some related inequalities. From the obtained results, we deduce some new inequalities for classical generalized proportional fractional integrals as corollaries. These inequalities have a connection with some known and existing inequalities which are mentioned in the literature. In addition, some applications of the main results are presented.
From Ni–P Metastable Alloy Nanoparticles to Bulk Submicrometer Grain-Sized MMCs with Tunable Mechanical and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Bousnina Mohamed Ali , Schoenstein Frédéric , Mercone Silvana , Jouini Noureddine
Published: January 2020

In this study, submicrometer grain-sized metal matrix composites (MMCs) based on nickel were elaborated via a bottom-up strategy combining the polyol process and a non-conventional heat treatment route. First, four sets of nano-sized Ni–P metastable alloy nanopowders with an average particle size centered at 50, 100, 130, and 220 nm were prepared by the polyol process modified by the addition of hypophosphite (strong reducing agent) and heterogeneous nucleation using silver nitrate and platinum salt (nucleating agents). The heat treatment step was realized by reactive spark plasma sintering (R-SPS) at identical heat treatment conditions (600 °C, 53 MPa, and 10 min as holding time). R-SPS transformed the Ni–P metastable alloys into bulk submicrometer grain-sized MMCs with Ni as the matrix and Ni3P as the reinforcement. Mechanical and magnetic properties of the four MMC samples were found to be closely related to the grain size of the Ni matrix, which varied from 247 to 638 nm. Yield stress, maximum stress, and coercive field increased when the grain size decreased, while plastic strain and magnetization saturation decreased. The reinforcement Ni3P phase enhanced the mechanical characteristics of the composite. Crossover behavior was observed at around 350 nm Ni grain size, where a ductile and soft magnetic composite was tuned into a hard mechanical and semi-hard magnetic one.
A New Electron Backscatter Diffraction-Based Method to Study the Role of Crystallographic Orientation in Ductile Damage Initiation
Authors: Shakerifard Behnam , Galan Lopez Jesus , Kestens Leo A. I.
Published: January 2020

The third generation of advanced high strength steels shows promising properties for automotive applications. The macroscopic mechanical response of this generation can be further improved by a better understanding of failure mechanisms on the microstructural level and micro-mechanical behavior under various loading conditions. In the current study, the microstructure of a multiphase low silicon bainitic steel is characterized with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an electron backscatter diffraction detector. A uniaxial tensile test is carried out on the bainitic steel with martensite and carbides as second phase constituents. An extensive image processing on SEM micrographs is conducted in order to quantify the void evolution during plastic deformation. Later, a new post-mortem electron backscatter diffraction-based method is introduced to address the correlation between crystallographic orientation and damage initiation. In this multiphase steel, particular crystallographic orientation components were observed to be highly susceptible to micro-void formation. It is shown that stress concentration around voids is rather relaxed by void growth than local plasticity. Therefore, this post-mortem method can be used as a validation tool together with a crystal plasticity-based hardening model in order to predict the susceptible crystallographic orientations to damage nucleation.
Testicular Caspase-3 and β-Catenin Regulators Predicted via Comparative Metabolomics and Docking Studies
Authors: Hifnawy Mohammed S. , Aboseada Mahmoud A. , Hassan Hossam M. , AboulMagd Asmaa M. , Tohamy Adel F. , Abdel-Kawi Samraa H. , Rateb Mostafa E. , El Naggar El Moataz Bellah , Liu Miaomiao , Quinn Ronald J. , Alhadrami Hani A. , Abdelmohsen Usama Ramadan
Published: January 2020

Many routes have been explored to search for effective, safe, and affordable alternatives to hazardous female contraceptives. Herbal extracts and their secondary metabolites are some of the interesting research areas to address this growing issue. This study aims to investigate the effects of ten different plant extracts on testicular spermatogenesis. The correlation between the chemical profile of these extracts and their in vivo effect on male reproductive system was evaluated using various techniques. Approximately 10% of LD50 of hydro-methanolic extracts were orally administrated to rats for 60 days. Semen parameters, sexual organ weights, and serum levels of male sex hormones in addition to testes histopathology, were evaluated. Moreover, metabolomic analysis using (LC-HRESIMS), multivariate analysis (PCA), immunohistochemistry (caspase-3 and β-catenin), and a docking study were performed. Results indicated that three plant extracts significantly decreased epididymal sperm density and motility. Moreover, their effects on testicular cells were also assured by histopathological evaluations. Metabolomic profiling of the bioactive plant extracts showed the presence of diverse phytochemicals, mostly oleanane saponins, phenolic diterpenes, and lupane triterpenes. A docking study on caspase-3 enzyme showed that oleanane saponins possessed the highest binding affinity. An immunohistochemistry assay on β-catenin and caspase-3 indicated that Albizzia lebbeck was the most active extract for decreasing immunoexpression of β-catenin, while Rosmarinus officinalis showed the highest activity for increasing immunoexpression of caspase-3. The spermatogenesis decreasing the activity of A. lebbeck, Anagallis arvensis, and R. officinalis can be mediated via up-regulation of caspase-3 and down-regulation of β-catenin existing in testis cells.
Adipokines and Adipose Tissue-Related Metabolites, Nuts and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Weschenfelder Camila , Schaan de Quadros Alexandre , Lorenzon dos Santos Julia , Bueno Garofallo Silvia , Marcadenti Aline
Published: January 2020

Adipose tissue is a complex structure responsible for fat storage and releasing polypeptides (adipokines) and metabolites, with systemic actions including body weight balance, appetite regulation, glucose homeostasis, and blood pressure control. Signals sent from different tissues are generated and integrated in adipose tissue; thus, there is a close connection between this endocrine organ and different organs and systems such as the gut and the cardiovascular system. It is known that functional foods, especially different nuts, may be related to a net of molecular mechanisms contributing to cardiometabolic health. Despite being energy-dense foods, nut consumption has been associated with no weight gain, weight loss, and lower risk of becoming overweight or obese. Several studies have reported beneficial effects after nut consumption on glucose control, appetite suppression, metabolites related to adipose tissue and gut microbiota, and on adipokines due to their fatty acid profile, vegetable proteins, l-arginine, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and phytosterols. The aim of this review is to briefly describe possible mechanisms implicated in weight homeostasis related to different nuts, as well as studies that have evaluated the effects of nut consumption on adipokines and metabolites related to adipose tissue and gut microbiota in animal models, healthy individuals, and primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention.
Single-Neuron Adaptive Hysteresis Compensation of Piezoelectric Actuator Based on Hebb Learning Rules
Authors: Qin Yanding , Duan Heng
Published: January 2020

This paper presents an adaptive hysteresis compensation approach for a piezoelectric actuator (PEA) using single-neuron adaptive control. For a given desired trajectory, the control input to the PEA is dynamically adjusted by the error between the actual and desired trajectories using Hebb learning rules. A single neuron with self-learning and self-adaptive capabilities is a non-linear processing unit, which is ideal for time-variant systems. Based on the single-neuron control, the compensation of the PEA’s hysteresis can be regarded as a process of transmitting biological neuron information. Through the error information between the actual and desired trajectories, the control input is adjusted via the weight adjustment method of neuron learning. In addition, this paper also integrates the combination of Hebb learning rules and supervised learning as teacher signals, which can quickly respond to control signals. The weights of the single-neuron controller can be constantly adjusted online to improve the control performance of the system. Experimental results show that the proposed single-neuron adaptive hysteresis compensation method can track continuous and discontinuous trajectories well. The single-neuron adaptive controller has better adaptive and self-learning performance against the rate-dependence of the PEA’s hysteresis.
Simulating Extracellular Glucose Signals Enhances Xylose Metabolism in Recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wu Meiling , Li Hongxing , Wei Shan , Wu Hongyu , Wu Xianwei , Bao Xiaoming , Hou Jin , Liu Weifeng , Shen Yu
Published: January 2020

Efficient utilization of both glucose and xylose from lignocellulosic biomass would be economically beneficial for biofuel production. Recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with essential genes and metabolic networks for xylose metabolism can ferment xylose; however, the efficiency of xylose fermentation is much lower than that of glucose, the preferred carbon source of yeast. Implications from our previous work suggest that activation of the glucose sensing system may benefit xylose metabolism. Here, we show that deleting cAMP phosphodiesterase genes PDE1 and PDE2 increased PKA activity of strains, and consequently, increased xylose utilization. Compared to the wild type strain, the specific xylose consumption rate (rxylose) of the pde1Δ pde2Δ mutant strains increased by 50%; the specific ethanol-producing rate (rethanol) of the strain increased by 70%. We also show that HXT1 and HXT2 transcription levels slightly increased when xylose was present. We also show that HXT1 and HXT2 transcription levels slightly increased when xylose was present. Deletion of either RGT2 or SNF3 reduced expression of HXT1 in strains cultured in 1 g L−1 xylose, which suggests that xylose can bind both Snf3 and Rgt2 and slightly alter their conformations. Deletion of SNF3 significantly weakened the expression of HXT2 in the yeast cultured in 40 g L−1 xylose, while deletion of RGT2 did not weaken expression of HXT2, suggesting that S. cerevisiae mainly depends on Snf3 to sense a high concentration of xylose (40 g L−1). Finally, we show that deletion of Rgt1, increased rxylose by 24% from that of the control. Our findings indicate how S. cerevisiae may respond to xylose and this study provides novel targets for further engineering of xylose-fermenting strains.
Isolation and Identification of Microvirga thermotolerans HR1, a Novel Thermo-Tolerant Bacterium, and Comparative Genomics among Microvirga Species
Authors: Li Jiang , Gao Ruyu , Chen Yun , Xue Dong , Han Jiahui , Wang Jin , Dai Qilin , Lin Min , Ke Xiubin , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2020

Members of the Microvirga genus are metabolically versatile and widely distributed in Nature. However, knowledge of the bacteria that belong to this genus is currently limited to biochemical characteristics. Herein, a novel thermo-tolerant bacterium named Microvirga thermotolerans HR1 was isolated and identified. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the strain HR1 belonged to the genus Microvirga and was highly similar to Microvirga sp. 17 mud 1-3. The strain could grow at temperatures ranging from 15 to 50 °C with a growth optimum at 40 °C. It exhibited tolerance to pH range of 6.0–8.0 and salt concentrations up to 0.5% (w/v). It contained ubiquinone 10 as the predominant quinone and added group 8 as the main fatty acids. Analysis of 11 whole genomes of Microvirga species revealed that Microvirga segregated into two main distinct clades (soil and root nodule) as affected by the isolation source. Members of the soil clade had a high ratio of heat- or radiation-resistant genes, whereas members of the root nodule clade were characterized by a significantly higher abundance of genes involved in symbiotic nitrogen fixation or nodule formation. The taxonomic clustering of Microvirga strains indicated strong functional differentiation and niche-specific adaption.