bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Performance of a Dual-Speed Tool When Friction Stir Welding Cast Mg AZ91 with Wrought Al 6082
Authors: Mroczka Krzysztof , Hamilton Carter , Węglowska Aleksandra , Kopyściański Mateusz , Dymek Stanisław , Pietras Adam
Published: July 2024

A novel dual-speed tool for which the shoulder and pin rotation speeds are separately established was utilized to friction stir weld cast magnesium AZ91 with wrought aluminum 6082-T6. To assess the performance and efficacy of the dual-speed tool, baseline dissimilar welds were also fabricated using a conventional FSW tool. Optical microscopy characterized the weld microstructures, and a numerical simulation enhanced the understanding of the temperature and material flow behaviors. For both tool types, regions of the welds contained significant amounts of the AZ91 primary eutectic phase, Al12Mg17, indicating that weld zone temperatures exceeded the solidus temperature of α-Mg (470 °C). Liquation, therefore, occurred during processing with subsequent eutectic formation upon cooling below the primary eutectic temperature (437 °C). The brittle character of the eutectic phase promoted cracking in the fusion zone, and the “process window” for quality welds was narrow. For the conventional tool, offsetting to the aluminum side (advancing side) mitigated eutectic formation and improved weld quality. For the dual-speed tool, experimental trials demonstrated that separate rotation speeds for the shoulder and pin could mitigate eutectic formation and produce quality welds without an offset at relatively higher weld speeds than the conventional tool. Exploration of various weld parameters coupled with the simulation identified the bounds of a process window based on the percentage of weld cross-section exceeding the eutectic temperature and on the material flow rate at the tool trailing edge. For the dual-speed tool, a minimum flow rate of 26.0 cm3/s and a maximum percentage of the weld cross-section above the eutectic temperature of 35% produced a defect-free weld.
The Effect of Heat Aging on the Microstructure and Properties of Spray-Deposited AlZnMgCu Alloy Extruded Plates
Authors: Chen Chen , Feng Di , He Zhiping , Zhu Yichao , Tao Zhiyuan , Xu Yinhui , Wang Haoran , Wang Jingtao , Liu Ying
Published: July 2024

The heat-aging process, a practical aging technology that not only improves the comprehensive performance of Al alloys but also reflects the requirements of short processes, has an extremely practical significance. The effects of the heating rate and termination temperature on the “heat-aging” behavior of a spray-deposited AlZnMgCu alloy hot-extruded plate were investigated using hardness, electrical conductivity, room-temperature tensile strength, exfoliation corrosion experiments, and transmission electron microscopy microstructure (TEM) observation. The results show that as the termination temperature increases, the hardness of the spray-deposited AlZnMgCu alloy first increases to a peak and then rapidly decreases, while the electrical conductivity continues to increase. The increase in the heating rate improves the peak hardness corresponding to the termination temperature. The heat treatment process of heating at a speed of 20 °C/h to 200 °C after the spray deposition has similar mechanical and corrosion resistance properties to the RRA process and can effectively reduce the heating time from 40 h to 8 h, thus establishing a heat treatment process for spray-deposited AlZnMgCu alloy extruded plate with high aging efficiency.
Suitability of Direct Resin Composites in Restoring Endodontically Treated Teeth (ETT)
Authors: Heyder Markus , Kranz Stefan , Wehle Bruno , Schulze-Späte Ulrike , Beck Julius , Hennig Christoph-Ludwig , Sigusch Bernd W. , Reise Markus
Published: July 2024

(1) Background: The in vitro study aimed to investigate mechanical characteristics of resin composites and their suitability in direct restauration of endodontically treated teeth (ETT). (2) Methods: 38 endodontically treated premolars with occlusal access cavities were directly restored using the following resin composites and adhesives: Tetric Evo Ceram® + Syntac classic® (n = 10), Venus Diamond® + iBond Total-Etch® (n = 10), Grandio® + Solobond M® (n = 9), Estelite® Sigma Quick + Bond Force® (n = 9). After thermocycling, the elastic modulus, shear-bond-strength, fracture load (Fmax) and fracture mode distribution were evaluated. Statistical analysis: one-way ANOVA, t-test, Kruskal–Wallis test; p < 0.05. (3) Results: Grandio® showed the highest E-modulus (15,857.9 MPa) which was significant to Venus Diamond® (13,058.83 MPa), Tetric Evo Ceram® (8636.0 MPa) and Estelite® Sigma Quick (7004.58 MPa). The highest shear-bond-strength was observed for Solobond M® (17.28 MPa), followed by iBond® (16.61 MPa), Syntac classic® (16.41 MPa) and Bond Force® (8.37 MPa, p < 0.05). The highest fracture load (Fmax) was estimated for ETT restored with Venus Diamond® (1106.83 N), followed by Estelite® Sigma Quick (1030.1 N), Tetric Evo Ceram® (1029 N) and Grandio® (921 N). Fracture-mode distribution did not show any significant differences. (4) Conclusions: The observed resin composites and adhesives show reliable mechanical characteristics and seem to be suitable for direct restoration of endodontically treated teeth.
Study on the Tribological Properties of Multilayer Concentric Hexagonal Laser Texturing on Rubber Surfaces of Screw Pumps
Authors: Liu Xinfu , Niu Xinglong , Liu Chunhua , Shi Xiangzhi , Sun Yi , Hao Zhongxian , Huang Shouzhi , Wang Yuan , Tao Hua
Published: July 2024

Given the friction and drag reduction effects observed in various biological hexagonal structures in nature, a new design was implemented on the rubber surface of the stator of a submersible screw pump. This design featured a multilayer concentric hexagonal groove structure. Furthermore, a composite multilayer hexagonal structure integrating grooves and pits was also developed and applied. This study investigated the influence of groove layer number, groove depth, pit depth, and multilayer hexagonal groove texture arrangement on the rubber surface flow characteristics. Additionally, the pressure field state, the degree of influence on the oil film-bearing capacity, and the biomimetic and hydrodynamic lubrication theories were tested using the finite element analysis method. Tribological experiments were conducted on nanosecond laser-processed rubber textures under simulated liquid lubrication conditions, reflecting actual shale oil well experiments. These experiments aimed to investigate the influence of multilayer hexagonal shape parameters on the tribological characteristics of the stator-rotor friction pair of a submersible screw pump. The results indicated that with a constant overall size, a multilayer hexagonal structure with ~0.1 mm groove depth enhanced the oil film-bearing capacity, providing significant friction and drag reduction. For composite textures, a deeper pit depth within the study area enhanced the oil film-bearing capacity. Furthermore, a gradient arrangement of groove textures featuring wider outer grooves and shallower depth exhibited superior performance in terms of bearing capacity.
Study on the Migration Patterns of Oxygen Elements during the Refining Process of Ti-48Al Scrap under Electromagnetic Levitation
Authors: Pang Xinchen , Zhang Guifang , Yan Peng , Xiao Zhixiang , Wang Xiaoliang
Published: July 2024

This study investigated the migration patterns of oxygen in the deoxidation process of Ti-48Al alloy scrap using electromagnetic levitation (EML) technology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to analyze the oxygen distribution patterns and migration path during EML. The refining process resulted in three types of oxygen migration: (1) escape from the lattice and evaporation in the form of AlO, Al2O; (2) formation of metal oxides and remaining in the alloy melt; (3) attachment to the quartz tube wall in the form of metal oxides such as Al2O3 and Cr2O3. The oxygen content of the scrap was dropped with a deoxidation ratio of 62%. It indicated that EML can greatly promote the migration and removal of oxygen elements in Ti-Al alloy scrap.
RETRACTED: Cr–Diamond/Cu Composites with High Thermal Conductivity Fabricated by Vacuum Hot Pressing
Authors: Xu Qiang , Cao Xiaodie , Liu Yibo , Xu Yanjun , Wu Jiajun
Published: July 2024

Chromium-plated diamond/copper composite materials, with Cr layer thicknesses of 150 nm and 200 nm, were synthesized using a vacuum hot-press sintering process. Comparative analysis revealed that the thermal conductivity of the composite material with a Cr layer thickness of 150 nm increased by 266%, while that with a Cr layer thickness of 200 nm increased by 242%, relative to the diamond/copper composite materials without Cr plating. This indicates that the introduction of the Cr layer significantly enhanced the thermal conductivity of the composite material. The thermal properties of the composite material initially increased and subsequently decreased with rising sintering temperature. At a sintering temperature of 1050 °C and a diamond particle size of 210 μm, the thermal conductivity of the chromium-plated diamond/copper composite material reached a maximum value of 593.67 W∙m−1∙K−1. This high thermal conductivity is attributed to the formation of chromium carbide at the interface. Additionally, the surface of the diamond particles in contact with the carbide layer exhibited a continuous serrated morphology due to the interface reaction. This “pinning effect” at the interface strengthened the bonding between the diamond particles and the copper matrix, thereby enhancing the overall thermal conductivity of the composite material.
Protection of Tight Junctional Complexes between hCMEC/D3 Cells by Deep-Sea Fibrinolytic Compound FGFC1
Authors: Diao Xiaozhen , Han Hui , Sun Haoyu , Zhang Haixing , Wu Wenhui
Published: July 2024

Tight junctional complexes (TJCs) between cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) are essential parts of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), whose regulation closely correlates to the BBB’s integrity and function. hCMEC/D3 is the typical cell line used to imitate and investigate the barrier function of the BBB via the construction of an in vitro model. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of the deep-sea-derived fibrinolytic compound FGFC1 against H2O2-induced dysfunction of TJCs and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. The barrier function was shown to decline following exposure to 1 mM H2O2 in an in vitro model of hCMEC/D3 cells, with a decreasing temperature-corrected transendothelial electrical resistance (tcTEER) value. The decrease in the tcTEER value was significantly inhibited by 80 or 100 µM FGFC1, which suggested it efficiently protected the barrier integrity, allowing it to maintain its function against the H2O2-induced dysfunction. According to immunofluorescence microscopy (IFM) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), compared to the H2O2-treated group, 80~100 µM FGFC1 enhanced the expression of claudin-5 (CLDN-5) and VE-cadherin (VE-cad). And this enhancement was indicated to be mainly achieved by both up-regulation of CLDN-5 and inhibition of the down-regulation by H2O2 of VE-cad at the transcriptional level. Supported by FGFC1’s molecular docking to these proteins with reasonable binding energy, FGFC1 was proved to exert a positive effect on TJCs’ barrier function in hCMEC/D3 cells via targeting CLDN-5 and VE-cad. This is the first report on the protection against H2O2-induced barrier dysfunction by FGFC1 in addition to its thrombolytic effect. With CLDN-5 and VE-cad as the potential target proteins of FGFC1, this study provides evidence at the cellular and molecular levels for FGFC1’s reducing the risk of bleeding transformation following its application in thrombolytic therapy for cerebral thrombosis.
Correction: Meianu et al. Diagnosis and Medical Treatment of Acute and Chronic Idiopathic Pouchitis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Medicina 2024, 60, 979
Authors: Meianu Corina , Stroie Tudor , Istratescu Doina , Preda Carmen Monica , Diculescu Mihai Mircea
Published: July 2024

In the original publication [...]
Research on Molten Iron Quality Prediction Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Ran , Gao Zi-Yang , Li Hong-Yang , Liu Xiao-Jie , Lv Qing
Published: July 2024

The quality of molten iron not only has a significant impact on the strength, toughness, smelting cost and service life of cast iron but also directly affects the satisfaction of users. The establishment of timely and accurate blast furnace molten iron quality prediction models is of great significance for the improvement of the production efficiency of blast furnace. In this paper, Si, S and P content in molten iron is taken as the important index to measure the quality of molten iron, and the 989 sets of production data from a No.1 blast furnace from August to October 2020 are selected as the experimental data source, predicting the quality of molten iron by the I-GWO-CNN-BiLSTM model. First of all, on the basis of the traditional data processing method, the missing data values are classified into correlation data, temporal data, periodic data and manual input data, and random forest, the Lagrangian interpolation method, the KNN algorithm and the SVD algorithm are used to complete them, so as to obtain a more practical data set. Secondly, CNN and BiLSTM models are integrated and I-GWO optimized hyperparameters are used to form the I-GWO-CNN-BiLSTM model, which is used to predict Si, S and P content in molten iron. Then, it is concluded that using the I-GWO-CNN-BiLSTM model to predict the molten iron quality can obtain high prediction accuracy, which can provide data support for the regulation of blast furnace parameters. Finally, the MCMC algorithm is used to analyze the influence of the input variables on the Si, S and P content in molten iron, which helps the steel staff control the quality of molten iron in a timely manner, which is conducive to the smooth running of blast furnace production.
Research Progress in Corrosion Behavior and Anti-Corrosion Methods of Steel Rebar in Concrete
Authors: Wang Qiuyue , Wang Zilong , Li Chengtao , Qiao Xinglong , Guan Hao , Zhou Zhou , Song Dan
Published: July 2024

The corrosion of steel rebars is a prevalent factor leading to the diminished durability of reinforced concrete structures, posing a significant challenge to the safety of structural engineering. To tackle this issue, extensive research has been conducted, yielding a variety of theoretical insights and remedial measures. This review paper offers an exhaustive analysis of the passivation processes and corrosion mechanisms affecting steel rebars in reinforced concrete. It identifies key factors such as chloride ion penetration and concrete carbonization that primarily influence rebar corrosion. Furthermore, this paper discusses a suite of strategies designed to enhance the longevity of reinforced concrete structures. These include improving the concrete protective layer’s quality and bolstering the rebars’ corrosion resistance. As corrosion testing is essential for evaluating steel rebars’ resistance, this paper also details natural and accelerated corrosion testing methods applicable to rebars in concrete environments. Additionally, this paper deeply presents an exploration of the use of X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) technology for analyzing the corrosion byproducts and the interface characteristics of steel bars. Recognizing the close relationship between steel bar corrosion research and microstructural properties, this paper highlights the pivotal role of X-CT in advancing this field of study. In conclusion, this paper synthesizes the current state of knowledge and provides a prospective outlook on future research directions on the corrosion of steel rebars within reinforced concrete structures.
Combination of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics Analyses Provides Insights into the Mechanisms of Growth Differences in Spotted Seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) Fed a Low-Phosphorus Diet
Authors: Jin Nan , Wang Ling , Song Kai , Lu Kangle , Li Xueshan , Zhang Chunxiao
Published: July 2024

To analyze the potential mechanisms of growth differences in spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus) fed a low-phosphorus diet, a total of 150 spotted seabass with an initial body weight of 4.49 ± 0.01 g were used (50 fish per tank) and fed a low-phosphorus diet for eight weeks. At the end of the experiment, five of the heaviest and five of the lightest fish were selected from each tank as fast-growing spotted seabass (FG) and slow-growing spotted seabass (SG), respectively, and their livers were analyzed by metabolomics and transcriptomics. The hepatic antioxidant capacity of the FG fed a low-phosphorus diet was significantly higher than that of the SG. A total of 431 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined in the two groups, and most of the DEGs were involved in metabolism-related pathways such as steroid biosynthesis, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and protein digestion and absorption. Substance transport-related regulators and transporters were predominantly up-regulated. Furthermore, a large number of metabolites in the liver of FG were significantly up-regulated, especially amino acids, decanoyl-L-carnitine and dehydroepiandrosterone. The integration analysis of differential metabolites and genes further revealed that the interaction between protein digestion and absorption, as well as phenylalanine metabolism pathways were significantly increased in the liver of FG compared to those of the SG. In general, FG fed a low-phosphorus diet induced an enhancement in hepatic immune response, substance transport, and amino acid metabolism. This study provides new information on genetic mechanisms and regulatory pathways underlying differential growth rate and provides a basis for the foundation of efficient utilization of low-phosphorus diets and selective breeding programs for spotted seabass.
Electromigration in Nano-Interconnects: Determining Reliability Margins in Redundant Mesh Networks Using a Scalable Physical–Statistical Hybrid Paradigm
Authors: Zahedmanesh Houman
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a hybrid modelling approach that combines physics-based electromigration modelling (PEM) and statistical methods to evaluate the electromigration (EM) limits of nano-interconnects in mesh networks. The approach, which is also compatible with standard Place and Route (P&R) tools and practises, takes into account the positive impact of network redundancy on EM current limits. The numerical simulations conducted in this study show that conventional methods underestimate the EM current limits of a power delivery network (PDN) unit-cell by 80% due to their lack of consideration for redundancy. Additionally, the time-to-failure (TTF) distributions of a PDN unit-cell obtained by the developed modelling framework adhered to a lognormal distribution, where the lognormal sigma, σlogn, exhibits a 55% reduction compared to that of the single constituent interconnects. The study also found the negative voltage (i.e., ground or Vss) grid to be more susceptible to EM than the positive voltage, i.e., Vdd grid. In the examined grid unit-cell design, both the number of interconnect sites prone to voiding and also the magnitude of the peak tensile stress within the nano-interconnects were found to be two times as high in the Vss case compared to Vdd. The lognormal sigma of TFF for the grid unit-cells, σlogn−tile, show a marked reduction compared to the lognormal sigma of the constituent single interconnects, σlogn, with a 50% and 66% decrease compared to single interconnects, for downstream (Vss) and upstream (Vdd), respectively. In addition, σlogn−tile was three times higher for downstream (Vss) compared to upstream (Vdd), whilst, in contrast, this difference was only 2-fold at the single interconnect level. TTF50% was predicted to be 4.13-fold higher at the grid unit-cell level for the upstream compared to downstream operation, which was also more pronounced than in the single interconnect level where the difference was only 2-fold. This research provides valuable insights into the EM ageing of nano-interconnects in mesh networks and could pragmatically enhance the accuracy of EM compliance evaluation methods.
Understanding the Processing Quality Problem for Cutting Ceramic Materials Using the Thermal-Controlled Fracture Method Induced by a Single-Surface Heat Source
Authors: Cheng Xiaoliang , Cui Zhenzhen , Chen Junwen , Wang Yang , Yang Lijun
Published: July 2024

The thermal-controlled fracture method has been increasingly focused upon in the high-quality cutting of advanced ceramic materials due to its excellent characteristics. The successful application of this method in cutting ceramics mainly depends on the volumetric heating effect. However, most ceramics are treated using the surface heating mode. For the surface heating mode, the processing quality, including fracture trajectory and fracture quality, is far lower than the industrial application standards. This work was conducted to reveal the mechanism of this processing quality. Experiments involving cutting ceramics in single-surface heating mode indicate that the fracture trajectories of the upper and lower surfaces display a significant inconsistency, and the fracture quality is worse than that using the dual-surface heating mode. A cutting model was established to calculate the thermal stress distribution and to simulate the crack-propagation behaviors. The simulation results show good agreement with the experiment and provide the stress distribution, and are used to understand the reason for the processing quality problem. The mechanism of the trajectory deviation and uneven distribution of the fracture quality is revealed based on the simulation and calculation results. This study helps provide a deep understanding of the processing problems arising from this method and thus helps to innovate high-quality processing methods in this field.
Editorial for Special Issue “Using Geophysical Inversion for Mineral Exploration: Methods and Applications”
Authors: Yang Dikun , Baranwal Vikas Chand , Heincke Bjørn Henning
Published: July 2024

Today, minerals are playing a critical role in the transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewable and sustainable energy sources (Owen et al [...]
Derivation of Predictive Layers Using Regional Till Geochemistry Data for Mineral Potential Mapping of the REE Line of Bergslagen, Central Sweden
Authors: Casey Patrick , Morris George , Sadeghi Martiya
Published: July 2024

With the increasing need for rare-earth elements (REEs) to reach the goals of the ongoing green energy transition, new and innovative methods are needed to identify new primary resources of these critical metals. This study explores the potential to use a non-biased, uniform till dataset to generate evidentiary layers that describe these critical factors and geochemical anomalies to aid mineral potential mapping (MPM) for REEs using machine-assisted methods. The till samples used in this study were collected from the “REE Line”, a sub-region within the Bergslagen lithotectonic province, Sweden, where numerous REE mineralizations occur. Multiple approaches were used in this study to isolate geochemical anomalies using multivariate methods, namely principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering. Additional factors for classifying till samples were also tested, including alteration indices. Using known REE occurrences in Bergslagen as validation points, the results demonstrated the usefulness of multivariate methods applied to till geochemistry for predictive bedrock mapping, and to identify potential areas of REE mineralization within the REE line. The results of the alteration indices showed that the till geochemistry demonstrated similar levels of alteration when compared to the underlying bedrock, allowing for a regional alteration map to be generated. These results show that regional-scale till sampling can provide low-cost data for mineral exploration at the regional scale and generate usable evidentiary layers for GIS-based MPM.
Photochemical Generation and Characterization of C-Aminophenyl-Nitrilimines: Insights on Their Bond-Shift Isomers by Matrix-Isolation IR Spectroscopy and Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Lopes Jesus A. J. , Nunes Cláudio M. , Ferreira Gil A. , Keyvan Kiarash , Fausto R.
Published: July 2024

The intriguing ability of C-phenyl-nitrilimine to co-exist as allenic and propargylic bond-shift isomers motivated us to investigate how substituents in the phenyl ring influence this behavior. Building on our previous work on the meta- and para-OH substitution, here we extended this investigation to explore the effect of the NH2 substitution. For this purpose, C-(4-aminophenyl)- and C-(3-aminophenyl)-nitrilimines were photogenerated in an argon matrix at 15 K by narrowband UV-light irradiation (λ = 230 nm) of 5-(4-aminophenyl)- and 5-(3-aminophenyl)-tetrazole, respectively. The produced nitrilimines were further photoisomerized to carbodiimides via 1H-diazirines by irradiations at longer wavelengths (λ = 380 or 330 nm). Combining IR spectroscopic measurements and DFT calculations, it was found that the para-NH2-substituted nitrilimine exists as a single isomeric structure with a predominant allenic character. In contrast, the meta-NH2-substituted nitrilimine co-exists as two bond-shift isomers characterized by propargylic and allenic structures. To gain further understanding of the effects of phenyl substitution on the bond-shift isomerism of the nitrilimine fragment, we compared geometric and charge distribution data derived from theoretical calculations performed for C-phenyl-nitrilimine with those performed for the derivatives resulting from NH2 (electron-donating group) and NO2 (electron-withdrawing group) phenyl substitutions.
Enhancement of Gaseous o-Xylene Elimination by Chlorosulfonic Acid-Modified H-Zeolite Socony Mobil-5
Authors: Wang Yaxu , Ma Xiaolong , Wang Hongmei , Zhao Dandan , Liu Yuheng , Ma Zichuan
Published: July 2024

It is important to develop effective strategies for enhancing the removal capacity of aromatic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by modifying conventional porous adsorbents. In this study, a novel HZSM-5 zeolite-supported sulfonic acid (ZSM−OSO3H) was prepared through ClSO3H modification in dichloromethane and employed for the elimination of gaseous o-xylene. The ClSO3H modification enables the bonding of −OSO3H groups onto the HZSM-5 support, achieving a loading of 8.25 mmol·g−1 and leading to a degradation in both crystallinity and textural structure. Within an active temperature range of 110–145 °C, ZSM−OSO3H can efficiently remove o-xylene through a novel reactive adsorption mechanism, exhibiting a removal rate exceeding 98% and reaching a maximum breakthrough adsorption capacity of 264.7 mg. The adsorbed o-xylene derivative is identified as 3,4-dimethylbenzenesulfonic acid. ZSM−OSO3H demonstrates superior adsorption performance for o-xylene along with excellent recyclability. These findings suggest that ClSO3H sulfonation offers a promising approach for modifying various types of zeolites to enhance both the elimination and resource conversion of aromatic VOCs.
Bis(Dicarbollide) Complexes of Transition Metals: How Substituents in Dicarbollide Ligands Affect the Geometry and Properties of the Complexes
Authors: Sivaev Igor B.
Published: July 2024

The interaction between different types of substituents in dicarbollide ligands and their influence on the stabilization of various rotational conformers (rotamers) of transition metal bis(dicarbollide) complexes [3,3′-M(1,2-C2B9H11)2]− are considered. It has been shown that the formation of intramolecular CH···X hydrogen bonds between dicarbollide ligands is determined by the size of the proton acceptor atom X rather than its electronegativity. Due to the stabilization of rotamers with different dipole moments, intramolecular hydrogen bonds between ligands in transition metal bis(dicarbollide) complexes can have a significant impact on the biological properties of their derivatives. In the presence of external complexing metals, weak intramolecular CH···X hydrogen bonds can be broken to form stronger X—>M donor-acceptor bonds. This process is accompanied by the mutual rotation of dicarbollide ligands and can be used in sensors and molecular switches based on transition metal bis(dicarbollide) complexes.
Naturally Inspired Coumarin Derivatives in Alzheimer’s Disease Drug Discovery: Latest Advances and Current Challenges
Authors: Orioli Rebecca , Belluti Federica , Gobbi Silvia , Rampa Angela , Bisi Alessandra
Published: July 2024

The main feature of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, is the network of complex and not fully recognized neuronal pathways and targets involved in their onset and progression. The therapeutic treatment, at present mainly symptomatic, could benefit from a polypharmacological approach based on the development of a single molecular entity designed to simultaneously modulate different validated biological targets. This strategy is principally based on molecular hybridization, obtained by linking or merging different chemical moieties acting with synergistic and/or complementary mechanisms. The coumarin core, widely found in nature, endowed with a recognized broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, large synthetic accessibility and favourable pharmacokinetic properties, appears as a valuable, privileged scaffold to be properly modified in order to obtain compounds able to engage different selected targets. The scientific literature has long been interested in the multifaceted profiles of coumarin derivatives, and in this review, a survey of the most important results of the last four years, on both natural and synthetic coumarin-based compounds, regarding the development of anti-Alzheimer’s compounds is reported.
Recent Advances in the Research on Luotonins A, B, and E
Authors: Gettler Ján , Markovič Martin , Koóš Peter , Gracza Tibor
Published: July 2024

This digest review summarises the most recent progress in the study on luotonins A, B and E. The literature covered in this overview spans from January 2012 to April 2024 and presents synthetic methodologies for the assembly of the quinolinopyrrolo-quinazoline scaffold, the structural motifs present in luotonins A, B, and E, and the evaluation of the biological activities of their derivatives and structural analogues.
Impact of Thyme Essential Oil on the Aroma Profile and Shelf Life of Vacuum-Packed Minced Turkey Meat
Authors: Satora Paweł , Michalczyk Magdalena , Banaś Joanna
Published: July 2024

There is considerable interest in the use of essential oils for food preservation, but their effect on the aroma profile of a product is poorly understood. This study investigated the effect of thyme essential oil (EO) addition at increasing concentrations (0.005, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.03% v/w) on the volatile compound composition of vacuum-packed minced turkey meat after storage for 8 days at 1–2 °C. The aroma profile of the meat was determined using the HS-SPME/GCMS (headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) method. The results were also analysed by PCA (principal component analysis). The addition of thyme EO had a modifying effect on the aroma profile of meat-derived components, e.g., the formation of benzeneacetaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, 4,7-dimethylbenzofuran, hexathiane, hexanal, and 1-hexanol was reduced and the appearance of 9-hexadecenoic acid was observed in the stored samples. The increase in EO concentration affected the levels of its individual components in the meat headspace in different ways. In terms of fat rancidity indices, even a 0.005% addition of this essential oil significantly reduced the peroxide value. Quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) showed that the addition of thyme EO reduced or masked the intensity of unpleasant odours associated with meat spoilage. In the aroma analysis, the turkey with 0.02% v/w EO scored highest, and pleasant citrus notes were found.
Enhancing the Stability and Mobility of TFTs via Indium–Tungsten Oxide and Zinc Oxide Engineered Heterojunction Channels Annealed in Oxygen Ambient
Authors: Lim Seong-Hwan , Mah Dong-Gyun , Cho Won-Ju
Published: July 2024

This study demonstrates a significant enhancement in the performance of thin-film transistors (TFTs) in terms of stability and mobility by combining indium–tungsten oxide (IWO) and zinc oxide (ZnO). IWO/ZnO heterojunction structures were fabricated with different channel thickness ratios and annealing environments. The IWO (5 nm)/ZnO (45 nm) TFT, annealed in O2 ambient, exhibited a high mobility of 26.28 cm2/V·s and a maximum drain current of 1.54 μA at a drain voltage of 10 V, outperforming the single-channel ZnO TFT, with values of 3.8 cm2/V·s and 28.08 nA. This mobility enhancement is attributed to the formation of potential wells at the IWO/ZnO junction, resulting in charge accumulation and improved percolation conduction. The engineered heterojunction channel demonstrated superior stability under positive and negative gate bias stresses compared to the single ZnO channel. The analysis of O 1s spectra showed OI, OII, and OIII peaks, confirming the theoretical mechanism. A bias temperature stress test revealed superior charge-trapping time characteristics at temperatures of 25, 55, and 85 °C compared with the single ZnO channel. The proposed IWO/ZnO heterojunction channel overcomes the limitations of the single ZnO channel and presents an attractive approach for developing TFT-based devices having excellent stability and enhanced mobility.
Reply to Lee, S.Y. Comment on “Matsuo et al. Impact of Olfactory Change on Postoperative Body Weight Loss in Patients with Gastric Cancer after Gastrectomy. Nutrients 2024, 16, 851”
Authors: Matsuo Hiromi , Matsui Ryota , Kumagai Koshi , Ida Satoshi , Saino Yoko , Fujiwara Aya , Takagi Kumi , Itami Yukiko , Ishii Misuzu , Moriya Naoki , Izumi-Mishima Yuna , Nomura Kazuhiro , Tsutsumi Yasuo M. , Nunobe Souya , Tsutsumi Rie , Sakaue Hiroshi
Published: July 2024

Dr [...]
Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Risk Factors among the Lebanese Population: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Post Hoc Study
Authors: Zeenny Rony M. , Haddad Chadia , Hajj Aline , Zeidan Rouba K. , Salameh Pascale , Ferrières Jean
Published: July 2024

Objective: This study aims to identify the association between adherence to healthy eating, using the Lebanese Mediterranean Diet Scale (LMDS), and cardiovascular risk factors in the Lebanese population. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using a multistage cluster sample was conducted in Lebanon. Sociodemographic characteristics were collected through structured interviews and self-administered questionnaires. The LMDS assessed dietary habits. The associations between diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease were investigated using stratification analysis. Results: The study included 2048 people (mean age: 41.54 ± 17.09 years). Higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with older age (Beta = 0.175, p < 0.001), being female (Beta = 0.085, p = 0.001), being married (Beta = 0.054, p = 0.047), participating in regular physical activity (Beta = 0.142, p < 0.001), and having cardiovascular disease (Beta = 0.115, p < 0.001) and diabetes (Beta = 0.055, p = 0.043). Adherence was, however, negatively associated with being a smoker (Beta = −0.083, p = 0.002), a previous smoker (Beta = −0.059, p = 0.026), and having higher distress levels (Beta = −0.079, p = 0.002). Stratification analysis by diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) consistently demonstrated these associations. Conclusions: These findings suggest that demographic and health factors influence the Lebanese population’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Older age, female gender, married status, physical activity, CVD, and diabetes were all found to be associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet in the Lebanese population. In contrast, smoking and distress were inversely associated with it.
“I Haven’t Had Moose Meat in a Long Time”: Exploring Urban Indigenous Perspectives on Traditional Foods in Saskatchewan
Authors: Shafiee Mojtaba , Al-Bazz Samer , Szafron Michael , Lane Ginny , Vatanparast Hassan
Published: July 2024

This qualitative study investigates the perspectives of urban Indigenous individuals in Saskatchewan, Canada, regarding their consumption of traditional foods. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 participants across Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert, the research aimed to uncover the benefits, risks, and barriers associated with acquiring and consuming traditional foods. Participants emphasized the nutritional advantages of traditional foods, such as higher nutrient density and absence of industrial additives, which they linked to improved health outcomes and alignment with Indigenous biology. The study also highlighted the vital role of traditional foods in maintaining cultural identity and fostering community connections through practices of food sharing and intergenerational knowledge transfer. However, significant challenges were identified, including economic and physical barriers to access, environmental degradation, and regulatory issues that restrict the availability of traditional foods in urban settings. The findings suggest a complex landscape where cultural practices are both preserved and challenged within the urban environment. This study contributes to the broader understanding of how Indigenous populations navigate the preservation of their culinary heritage in the face of modern economic and environmental pressures, providing insights for policy and community-based interventions aimed at supporting Indigenous food sovereignty.
Causal Relationship between Meat Intake and Biological Aging: Evidence from Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Liu Shupeng , Deng Yinyun , Liu Hui , Fu Zhengzheng , Wang Yinghui , Zhou Meijuan , Feng Zhijun
Published: July 2024

Existing research indicates that different types of meat have varying effects on health and aging, but the specific causal relationships remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the causal relationship between different types of meat intake and aging-related phenotypes. This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to select genetic variants associated with meat intake from large genomic databases, ensuring the independence and pleiotropy-free nature of these instrumental variables (IVs), and calculated the F-statistic to evaluate the strength of the IVs. The validity of causal estimates was assessed through sensitivity analyses and various MR methods (MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse-variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode), with the MR-Egger regression intercept used to test for pleiotropy bias and Cochran’s Q test employed to evaluate the heterogeneity of the results. The findings reveal a positive causal relationship between meat consumers and DNA methylation PhenoAge acceleration, suggesting that increased meat intake may accelerate the biological aging process. Specifically, lamb intake is found to have a positive causal effect on mitochondrial DNA copy number, while processed meat consumption shows a negative causal effect on telomere length. No significant causal relationships were observed for other types of meat intake. This study highlights the significant impact that processing and cooking methods have on meat’s role in health and aging, enhancing our understanding of how specific types of meat and their preparation affect the aging process, providing a theoretical basis for dietary strategies aimed at delaying aging and enhancing quality of life.
Usefulness of the ECORE-BF Scale to Determine Atherogenic Risk in 386,924 Spanish Workers
Authors: Marina Arroyo Marta , Ramírez Gallegos Ignacio , López-González Ángel Arturo , Vicente-Herrero María Teófila , Vallejos Daniela , Sastre-Alzamora Tomás , Ramírez Manent José Ignacio
Published: July 2024

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Obesity and atherosclerosis are considered risk factors for this pathology. There are multiple methods to evaluate obesity, in the same way as there are different formulas to determine atherogenic risk. Since both pathologies are closely related, the objective of our work was to evaluate whether the ECORE-BF scale is capable of predicting atherogenic risk. Methods: Observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study in which 386,924 workers from several autonomous communities in Spain participated. The association between the ECORE-BF scale and five atherogenic risk indices was evaluated. The relationship between variables was assessed using the chi-square test and Student’s t test in independent samples. Multivariate analysis was performed with the multinomial logistic regression test, calculating the odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals, with the Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. ROC curves established the cut-off points for moderate and high vascular age and determined the Youden index. Results: The mean values of the ECORE-BF scale were higher in individuals with atherogenic dyslipidemia and the lipid triad, as well as in those with elevated values of the three atherogenic indices studied, with p <0.001 in all cases. As atherogenic risk increased across the five evaluated scales, the prevalence of obesity also significantly increased, with p <0.001 in all cases. In the ROC curve analysis, the AUCs for atherogenic dyslipidemia and the lipid triad were above 0.75, indicating a good association between these scales and the ECORE-BF. Although the Youden indices were not exceedingly high, they were around 0.5. Conclusions: There is a good association between atherogenic risk scales, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and lipid triad, and the ECORE-BF scale. The ECORE-BF scale can be a useful and quick tool to evaluate atherogenic risk in primary care and occupational medicine consultations without the need for blood tests.
Association of Handgrip Strength and Nutritional Status in Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease Patients: Results from the KNOW-CKD Study
Authors: Kim Minsang , Park Yeong-Won , Im Dha Woon , Jeong Yujin , Noh Hyo Jin , Yang Soo Jin , Kang Eunjeong , Ryu Hyunjin , Kim Jayoun , Koo Ja-Ryong , Na Ki Ryang , Seong Eun Young , Oh Kook-Hwan
Published: July 2024

Handgrip strength (HGS) is suggested as an indirect assessment of nutritional status in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, but evidence is limited for non-dialysis-dependent CKD (NDD-CKD) patients. This cross-sectional study included 404 patients from the Phase II KoreaN Cohort Study for Outcome in Patients With CKD. HGS, measured twice in each hand, was the exposure, and malnutrition status was defined by a malnutrition–inflammation score (MIS) of 6 or higher. A logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, CKD stages, smoking, overhydration, education, and income status was used to assess malnutrition risk. The predictability of HGS for malnutrition was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC). Patients with lower HGS were older, had a higher prevalence of DM, and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate. Higher HGS was significantly associated with lower malnutrition risk after adjustment (per 1 standard deviation increase, adjusted odds ratio, 0.47 [0.30–0.75]). Subgroup analyses showed no significant interaction between HGS and malnutrition risk across age, sex, DM, and CKD stage. HGS showed fair predictability for malnutrition in men (AUC 0.64 [0.46–0.83]) and women (AUC 0.71 [0.55–0.86]). In conclusion, HGS is a useful diagnostic indicator of malnutrition in NDD-CKD patients.
Head Nurse Leadership: Facilitators and Barriers to Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control Programs—A Qualitative Study Protocol
Authors: Cappelli Eva , Fiorini Jacopo , Zaghini Francesco , Canzan Federica , Sili Alessandro
Published: July 2024

Background: The effective management of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) relies on the implementation of good practice across the entire multidisciplinary team. The organizational context and the role of head nurses influence the team’s performance and behavior. Understanding how decision-making processes influence healthcare professionals’ behavior in the management of HAIs could help identify alternative interventions for reducing the risk of infection in healthcare organizations. This study aims to explore how the behaviors promoted and actions implemented by the head nurse can influence healthcare professionals’ adherence to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs. Methods: A multi-center qualitative study will be conducted using a Grounded Theory approach. Observations will be conducted, followed by individual interviews and/or focus groups. A constructive and representative sample of healthcare professionals who care directly for patients will be enrolled in the study. The COnsolidated criteria for REporting Qualitative research (COREQ) checklist will be followed to ensure the quality of this study protocol. A multistep inductive process will be used to analyze the data. Conclusions: The study results will provide an understanding of how nurses perceive the influence of leadership and how they modify their behaviors and activities toward patients according to IPC programs. The study will identify barriers and facilitators to IPC compliance and suggest strategies to minimize negative patient outcomes, such as the development of an HAI.
HIV Care in Ukrainian Migrants in Two European Countries: All the Same?
Authors: van Bremen Kathrin , Parczewski Miłosz , Monin Malte , Leszczyszyn-Pynka Magdalena , Schlabe Stefan , Lenkiewicz Franciszek , Karasińska-Cieślak Malwina , Wasmuth Jan-Christian , Witak-Jędra Magdalena , Breitschwerdt Sven , Rockstroh Jürgen K. , Zhyvytsia Dmytro , Boesecke Christoph , Chober Daniel , Aksak-Wąs Bogusz
Published: July 2024

Introduction: War in Ukraine prompted an enormous refugee influx into Europe, including approximately 4200 people with HIV. The unique healthcare features of Ukrainian refugees living with HIV were compared between two infectious disease departments in Bonn, Germany, and Szczecin, Poland. Methods: This is a retrospective study on 161 people living with HIV (PLWH) refugees from Ukraine seeking care in Bonn (n = 30) and Szczecin (n = 131) between April 2022 and May 2023. Demographic, virologic, immunologic, and coinfection data were analyzed. Results: The majority of the studied individuals were female: 64% (n = 84) in Szczecin and 60% (n = 18) in Bonn. The main HIV transmission mode was heterosexual sex in 73.5% (n = 114). All were on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) on arrival, primarily on the TLD regimen (TDF/3TC/DTG) (68.4%, n = 106). In Germany, cART was most frequently switched to BIC/TAF/FTC in 83.4% (n = 25); in Poland, the most common combination was TDF/FTC + DTG (58%, n = 76). A prevalence of replicating hepatitis C was in 11.7% (n = 15), and that for chronic hepatitis B (HBV) was in 4.7% (n = 4). History of past tuberculosis was reported in 16.9% (n = 14, Poland, and n = 7, Germany). Follow-up after 6 months showed immunological reconstitution with a mean increase of CD4+ of 10 (IQR: −69.5–120.5) cells/µL in Poland and 51.5 (IQR: −22.5–135.5) cells/µL in Germany; p = 0.04. Virologic suppression (<40 HIV-RNA/mL) was high in care entry (n = 62; 98%) for Poland, and n = 26 (92.6%) for Germany, and suppression was achieved in the majority of patients in the 6-month control (89.7% in Poland vs. 95.7% in Germany). Conclusions: Health challenges posed by war migration extend beyond HIV to coinfections as HBV, HCV, and tuberculosis give an indication for a broader search for coinfections, often less common in the new country.