bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Paraoxonase-1 and Pentraxin-3 in the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Kozłowski Mateusz , Michalczyk Kaja , Witczak Grzegorz , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Mirecka Aneta , Nowak Katarzyna , Pius-Sadowska Ewa , Machaliński Bogusław , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: October 2022

It is relevant to find new prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers for endometrial cancer. The study group consisted of 94 cases of endometrial cancer, the control group of 65 cases of normal endometrium. We evaluated PON1 and PTX3 serum levels. The ROC curve was plotted. The area under the curve was calculated to characterize the sensitivity and specificity of the studied parameters. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed simultaneously using the Cox regression model. The Kaplan–Meier curve was used to assess survival. The cut-off level of PON1 was 142.6 ng/mL, with a sensitivity and specificity of 79 and 84% (p = 0.0321). The cut-off level of PTX3 was 4.2 ng/mL, with a sensitivity and specificity of 63 and 57% (p = 0.028). The favorable prognostic factor determined in serum was PON1 (for PFS: HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.86–1.03, p = 0.046; for OS: HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.89–1.08, p = 0.009). PON1 may be considered a potential biomarker in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer. Considering multivariate analysis, the PON1 serum level above the median is an independent favourable prognostic factor affecting PFS and OS. Considering Kaplan–Meier curves, longer recurrence-free survival and overall survival were found in patients with PON1 levels below the median. In view of the inconclusive results, we suggest that further studies should be conducted.
Special Issue on “Breeding Blanket: Design, Technology and Performance”
Authors: Ghidersa Bradut-Eugen , Boccaccini Lorenzo Virgilio
Published: October 2022

A prerequisite for establishing fusion power as one of the sources for low-carbon electricity generation is the demonstration of the capability of future fusion power plants in achieving tritium self-sufficiency and its capability of efficiently producing electricity; both these functions are related to breeding blanket systems, a key component in the transition from ITER to the first generation of nuclear reactors [...]
Analytical Analysis of the Groundwater Drawdown Difference Induced by Foundation Pit Dewatering with a Suspended Waterproof Curtain
Authors: Yang Kaifang , Xu Changjie , Chi Minliang , Wang Pei
Published: October 2022

The dewatering of foundation pits with a suspended waterproof curtain causes different groundwater drawdowns inside and outside the pit, resulting in the drawdown difference between the inside and outside the pit. Maintaining a groundwater drawdown difference between the inside and outside of a foundation pit can eliminate the adverse effects of dewatering on the surrounding environment. According to previous studies on unsteady flow, an analytical solution of the groundwater drawdown with a suspended waterproof curtain under unsteady flow has been proposed. The analytical solution of unsteady flow and the formula of groundwater drawdown difference with a suspended waterproof curtain were validated by comparing pumping tests and finite-element method (FEM), in which a good agreement was observed. The magnitude of the drawdown difference generally represents the extent of surrounding groundwater affected by groundwater drawdown inside the pit. This paper also investigated the effects of sensitivity parameters on the drawdown difference for minimizing the effect of surrounding environment. During the process of dewatering with a suspended waterproof curtain, the groundwater drawdown (Sh) should not exceed the length of the waterproof curtain (L), and the optimal radius of foundation pit (Rw) and length of waterproof curtain (L) were found, i.e., Rw/H0 = 0.781 and L/H0 = 0.813 (H0 is 32 m). Beyond these values, the drawdown difference tends to be stable. The drawdown difference is also significantly affected by the dewatering time. When t < 48 h, the groundwater drawdown difference decreases rapidly; when t > 48 h, the groundwater drawdown difference stabilizes.
Study on Profitability of Combining Wood and CFRP into Composite Based on Mechanical Performance of Bent Beams
Authors: Kawecki Bartosz , Sumorek Andrzej
Published: October 2022

The paper attempts to estimate the profitability of combining wood and CFRP into a composite (BSH-CFRP), intended to be used in load-bearing beams, including mechanical performance and prices of constituent materials. Prices of glue laminated timber (BSH) and CFRP tapes over the years were provided by ABIES Poland Ltd. and S&P Poland Ltd. companies. Referring to the uncertainty of wood prices on the market, two levels of BSH prices were adopted. A prediction of the beams’ mechanical behaviour was made based on the analytical model prepared by the author. The calculated members varied in width, height and length and included twelve types of CFRP tapes (different thickness, width and modulus of elasticity) glued between wooden lamellas. The total cost of each BSH-CFRP beam was compared to the total cost of the corresponding BSH beam in GL24h class, which led to calculating a cost multiplier. Consecutively, the multiplier was referred to the standard class improvement of BSH according to the bending stiffness and load-bearing capacity. A cloud of points got from many analyses resulted in obtaining exponential approximating functions. The averaged results led to general conclusions that at the assumed price level, improving the BSH standard class by using CFRP tapes was associated with a 1.86 BSH cost in the case of expensive wood or 2.81 in the case of cheap wood. Improving class by two was connected with the 3.55 BSH cost for expensive wood, and 6.79 for cheap wood. At present, the profits from composing wood with CFRP appear to be not very high in terms of their price. However, they can radically increase, especially when wood cutting limits are imposed on manufacturing companies, which significantly reduce the available timber for construction use.
Nonlinear Transmission Line Performance as a Combined Pulse Forming Line and High-Power Microwave Source as a Function of Line Impedance
Authors: Crawford Travis D. , Garner Allen L.
Published: October 2022

Nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs) offer compact, low-cost, all solid-state high-power microwave (HPM) generation. This article experimentally investigates the RF output power for composite-based 10, 25, and 50 Ω NLTLs used as a combined pulse forming line and HPM source. We manufactured coaxial NLTLs containing 10% barium strontium titanate and 15% nickel zinc ferrite encased in polydimethylsiloxane. The output voltage and power in the time and frequency domains, respectively, showed that the 10 Ω NLTL generated the greatest RF output. The 25 Ω NLTL generated greater output power from 500–1100 MHz than the 50 Ω NLTL. This occurs because reducing the NLTL impedance induces a larger transient current for a given charging voltage. This transient current corresponds to a stronger transient magnetic field, which facilitates magnetic moment alignment to allow for coherent magnetic moment rotation to occur. This setup eliminates the separate pulse forming network and magnetic field bias that typically occurs in other NLTL systems, which provides additional flexibility in tuning the NLTL impedance and reducing device footprint.
Effect of Moringa oleifera Seed Extract Administered through Drinking Water on Physiological Responses, Carcass and Meat Quality Traits, and Bone Parameters in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Egbu Chidozie Freedom , Motsei Lebogang Ezra , Yusuf Azeez Olanrewaju , Mnisi Caven Mguvane
Published: October 2022

The efficacy of Moringa oleifera seed extract (MSE) in broiler nutrition is unknown. Thus, this study evaluated the effect of administering MSE through drinking water on physiological responses, carcass and meat quality traits, and bone parameters in Cobb 500 broilers. One-day-old male chicks (n = 250, 58.1 ± 0.23 g live-weight) were randomly allotted into five treatments of five replicates. The treatments were: negative control with drinking water only (NC); a positive control with 5 g probiotic (containing Aspergillus oryzae, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactobacillus acidophilus; bacterial count of 5 × 108 CFU/g) added into 1 L of drinking water (PC), 60 mL MSE/L drinking water (MSE60); 90 mL MSE/L drinking water (MSE90); and 120 mL MSE/L drinking water (MSE120). The MSE groups promoted higher (p < 0.05) carcass weights than the PC and NC control groups. Spleen weights quadratically responded to MSE levels. Gizzard weight, duodenum length, acidic goblet cell count (GCC), and total duodenal and ileal GCC linearly increased with MSE levels. Tibia weight, bone breaking strength, and tibia calcium showed linear increases whereas tibia length and tibiotarsal index showed linear decreases with MSE levels. It can be concluded that the administration of MSE via drinking water improved carcass weights, intestinal morphology, and some meat and bone quality parameters of the birds.
Special Issue on New Frontiers in Diatom Nanotechnology
Authors: Rea Ilaria , De Stefano Luca
Published: October 2022

Diatoms are unicellular algae that live in aquatic environments [...]
Influence of Construction of the following Tunnel on the Preceding Tunnel in the Reinforced Soil Layer
Authors: Huang Changfu , Zhou Kun , Deng Bi , Li Dong , Song Qilong , Su Dong
Published: October 2022

In coastal cities, some paralleled twin tunnels must be constructed in soft soil layers, and stratum reinforcement is necessary to enhance the stability of the tunnel. However, the influence of construction of the following tunnel on the preceding tunnel in reinforced strata is not clear. This study focuses on four kinds of reinforcement strategies: ring reinforcement of the right tunnel (RR), ring reinforcement of the left tunnel (LR), ring reinforcement of twin tunnels (TR), and cement wall reinforcement between left and right tunnels (CR). The interaction mechanism of the twin tunnels during construction, in terms of surface settlement, tunnel deformation, convergence deformation of the tunnel lining, and internal force of the tunnel lining, is revealed by a series of three-dimensional numerical analyses. It was found that the LR offers an appropriate strategy in terms of both engineering safety and cost savings, and it can significantly reduce the disturbance of the following tunnel excavation on the preceding tunnel.
Energy Efficient Routing Protocol in Novel Schemes for Performance Evaluation
Authors: Pradeep S. , Sharma Yogesh Kumar , Verma Chaman , Dalal Surjeet , Prasad Cvpr
Published: October 2022

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a comparatively new revolutionary technology that has the potential to revolutionize how we live together with the present system. To enhance data archiving, WSNs are frequently used in scientific studies. Many applications have proved the value of wired sensors; however, they are prone to wire cutting or damage. While preventing wire tangles and damage, wireless sensor networks provide autonomous monitoring. The WS network suffers from a number of fundamental restrictions, including insufficient processing power, storage space, available bandwidth, and information exchange. Consequently, energy-efficient strategies are necessary for maximizing the performance and lifespan of WSNs. As a result, the special cluster head relay node and energy balancing techniques will be applied to deal with WSN energy consumptions. This extends the life of the network. In wireless sensor networks, clustering is a smart approach to reduce energy consumption. Energy scarcity and consumption are serious issues that must be addressed with effective and dependable solutions. The proposed MGSA considers the distance between each node and its corresponding CHs, as well as the residual energy and delay, as important factors in the relay node selection. The proposed approach outperforms the current methods, such as low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy, LEACH (in terms of data delivery rate), energy efficiency, and network longevity. The next level, which will boost the efficiency of wireless sensor networks, with two fitness functions, is proposed. The cluster head (CH) is in charge of collecting and transmitting data from all other cluster nodes. The flow of the consistency of the cluster head selection process will beat the improved data delivery rate, energy efficiency, recommended fuzzy clustering performance experiments, and assessments. As a result, energy-efficient operations are necessary to maximize the WSN performance and lifespan.
The Role of Cloud in the Transportation of Dust into Basin Area: A Case Study in Sichuan Basin, Southwesten China
Authors: Liu Yuelin , Shi Guangming , Du Yunsong , Lyu Mengyao , Zhang Wei , Yang Fumo
Published: October 2022

The existing knowledge illustrated the role of surrounding mountains in the transportation of dust into a basin, including the blocking of low-layer dust and the allowance of elevated dust intrusion. Taking the Sichuan Basin in southwestern China as an example, we found the impact of clouds on the transportation process of dust in the basin area. If there were low-level clouds on the basin edges, the dust particles could not penetrate the cloud layers, but settled down from upper air into the basin in the cloudless regions. They could be transported beneath clouds in the basin. Considering that the upslope airflow accompanied by dust transportation was conducive to the low-level clouds on the basin edge, this mechanism further reduced the dust intrusion besides the shelter of the surrounding mountains.
miR-381-3p Inhibits Intramuscular Fat Deposition through Targeting FABP3 by ceRNA Regulatory Network
Authors: Jiang Yao , Liu Jiali , Liu Huatao , Zhang Wei , Li Xiaojin , Liu Linqing , Zhou Mei , Wang Jieru , Su Shiguang , Ding Xiangdong , Wang Chonglong
Published: October 2022

Intramuscular fat (IMF) deposition is an important determinant of pork quality and a complex process facilitated by non-coding ceRNAs. In this study, 52 Berkshire × Anqing Sixwhite crossbred pigs were slaughtered to measure eight carcass and pork quality traits. Whole-transcriptome sequencing analysis was performed using longissimus dorsi samples of six low- and high-IMF samples; 34 ceRNA networks, based on 881, 394, 158 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs, were constructed. Following weighted gene co-expression network analysis between the low and high IMF, only one ceRNA, lncRNA4789/miR-381-3p/FABP3, that showed similar DE trend in longissimus dorsi tissue was retained. Dual-luciferase reporter assays further indicated that FABP3 was a direct, functional target of miR-381-3p, where miR-381-3p overexpression inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of FABP3. In addition, overexpressed lncRNA4789 attenuated the effect of miR-381-3p on FABP3 by sponging miR-381-3p. Cell function verification experiment demonstrated that miR-381-3p suppressed IMF deposition by inhibiting preadipocyte cell differentiation and lipid droplet deposition via the suppression of FABP3 expression in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signalling pathway, whereas lncRNA4789 rescued FABP3 expression by sponging miR-381-3p. Our study may aid in identifying novel molecular markers for its optimization in IMF which is of importance in breeding for improving pork quality.
High Ecophysiological Plasticity of Desmarestia aculeata (Phaeophyceae) Present in an Arctic Fjord under Varying Salinity and Irradiance Conditions
Authors: Marambio Johanna , Diehl Nora , Bischof Kai
Published: October 2022

The seaweed Desmarestia aculeata (Phaeophyceae) is distributed in the temperate zone of the North Atlantic up to the Arctic, where it is exposed to a high Arctic light regime and fluctuating salinity conditions resulting from glacial and terrestrial run-off. Information on how this species is able to thrive under current and future Arctic conditions is scarce. During the Arctic summer of 2019, D. aculeata was collected in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard (78.9° N, 11.9° E) to investigate its physiological and biochemical responses to variations in salinity (salinities: 34, 28 and 18) and daily cycles of irradiance (50–500 μmol photons m−2s−1) at 0 °C over 21 days. The species revealed effective short-term acclimation to both abiotic drivers. Maximal quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) fluctuated with the light cycle at a salinity of 34, while the maximum relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) significantly differed between salinities of 28 and 18. Chlorophyll a and β-Carotene remained at high concentrations in all treatments showing pronounced acclimation during the experiment. High mannitol concentrations were measured throughout the experiment, while phlorotannins were high at low salinity. Hyposalinity and light are interacting drivers of the physiological and biochemical acclimation process for D. aculeata. Our experiment highlights the high ecophysiological plasticity of D. aculeata, suggesting that the species will likely be capable of withstanding future habitat changes in the Arctic.
Sperm Adhesion Molecule 1 (SPAM1) Distribution in Selected Human Sperm by Hyaluronic Acid Test
Authors: Gómez-Torres María José , Sáez-Espinosa Paula , Manzano-Santiago Paula , Robles-Gómez Laura , Huerta-Retamal Natalia , Aizpurua Jon
Published: October 2022

The failures of binding to the oocyte zona pellucida are commonly attributed to defects in the sperm recognition, adhesion, and fusion molecules. SPAM1 (sperm adhesion molecule 1) is a hyaluronidase implicated in the dispersion of the cumulus-oocyte matrix. Therefore, the aim of this study was to characterize the SPAM1 distribution in the different physiological conditions of human sperm. Specifically, we evaluated the location of the SPAM1 protein in human sperm before capacitation, at one and four hours of capacitation and after hyaluronic acid (HA) selection test by fluorescence microscopy. Sperm bound to HA were considered mature and those that crossed it immature. Our results detected three SPAM1 fluorescent patterns: label throughout the head (P1), equatorial segment with acrosomal faith label (P2), and postacrosomal label (P3). The data obtained after recovering the mature sperm by the HA selection significantly (p < 0.05) highlighted the P1 in both capacitation times, being 79.74 and 81.48% after one hour and four hours, respectively. Thus, the HA test identified that human sperm require the presence of SPAM1 throughout the sperm head (P1) to properly contact the cumulus-oocyte matrix. Overall, our results provide novel insights into the physiological basis of sperm capacitation and could contribute to the improvement of selection techniques.
Ethanol Effects on Early Developmental Stages Studied Using the Zebrafish
Authors: Manikandan Priyadharshini , Sarmah Swapnalee , Marrs James A.
Published: October 2022

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) results from prenatal ethanol exposure. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an outstanding in vivo FASD model. Early development produced the three germ layers and embryonic axes patterning. A critical pluripotency transcriptional gene circuit of sox2, pou5f1 (oct4; recently renamed pou5f3), and nanog maintain potency and self-renewal. Ethanol affects sox2 expression, which functions with pou5f1 to control target gene transcription. Various genes, like elf3, may interact and regulate sox2, and elf3 knockdown affects early development. Downstream of the pluripotency transcriptional circuit, developmental signaling activities regulate morphogenetic cell movements and lineage specification. These activities are also affected by ethanol exposure. Hedgehog signaling is a critical developmental signaling pathway that controls numerous developmental events, including neural axis specification. Sonic hedgehog activities are affected by embryonic ethanol exposure. Activation of sonic hedgehog expression is controlled by TGF-ß family members, Nodal and Bmp, during dorsoventral (DV) embryonic axis establishment. Ethanol may perturb TGF-ß family receptors and signaling activities, including the sonic hedgehog pathway. Significantly, experiments show that activation of sonic hedgehog signaling rescues some embryonic ethanol exposure effects. More research is needed to understand how ethanol affects early developmental signaling and morphogenesis.
MicroRNAs Dysregulation as Potential Biomarkers for Early Diagnosis of Endometriosis
Authors: Ghasemi Fahimeh , Alemzadeh Effat , Allahqoli Leila , Alemzadeh Esmat , Mazidimoradi Afrooz , Salehiniya Hamid , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: October 2022

Endometriosis is a benign chronic disease in women that is characterized by the presence of active foci of the endometrium or endometrial tissue occurring outside of the uterus. The disease causes disabling symptoms such as pelvic pain and infertility, which negatively affect a patient’s quality of life. In addition, endometriosis imposes an immense financial burden on the healthcare system. At present, laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing the disease because other non-invasive diagnostic tests have less accuracy. In addition, other diagnostic tests have low accuracy. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of a highly sensitive, more specific, and non-invasive test for the early diagnosis of endometriosis. Numerous researchers have suggested miRNAs as potential biomarkers for endometriosis diagnosis due to their specificity and stability. However, the greatest prognostic force is the determination of several miRNAs, the expression of which varies in a given disease. Despite the identification of several miRNAs, the studies are investigatory in nature, and there is no consensus on them. In the present review, we first provide an introduction to the dysregulation of miRNAs in patients with endometriosis and the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers in the detection of endometriosis. Then we will describe the role of the mir-200 family in endometriosis. Several studies have shown that the expression of the mir-200 family changes in endometriosis patients, suggesting that they could be used as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for endometriosis.
A Review on Therapeutic Potential of Natural Phytocompounds for Stroke
Authors: Almutairi Farooq M. , Ullah Aman , Althobaiti Yusuf S. , Irfan Hafiz Muhammad , Shareef Usman , Usman Halima , Ahmed Sagheer
Published: October 2022

Stroke is a serious condition that results from an occlusion of blood vessels that leads to brain damage. Globally, it is the second highest cause of death, and deaths from strokes are higher in older people than in the young. There is a higher rate of cases in urban areas compared to rural due to lifestyle, food, and pollution. There is no effective single medicine for the treatment of stroke due to the multiple causes of strokes. Thrombolytic agents, such as alteplase, are the main treatment for thrombolysis, while multiple types of surgeries, such ascraniotomy, thrombectomy, carotid endarterectomy, and hydrocephalus, can be performed for various forms of stroke. In this review, we discuss some promising phytocompounds, such as flavone C-glycoside (apigenin-8-C-β-D-glucopyranoside), eriodictyol, rosamirinic acid, 6″-O-succinylapigenin, and allicin, that show effectiveness against stroke. Future study paths are given, as well as suggestions for expanding the use of medicinal plants and their formulations for stroke prevention.
Recent Progress in Spectroscopic Methods for the Detection of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Hussain Mubashir , Zou Jun , Zhang He , Zhang Ru , Chen Zhu , Tang Yongjun
Published: October 2022

Detection of foodborne pathogens at an early stage is very important to control food quality and improve medical response. Rapid detection of foodborne pathogens with high sensitivity and specificity is becoming an urgent requirement in health safety, medical diagnostics, environmental safety, and controlling food quality. Despite the existing bacterial detection methods being reliable and widely used, these methods are time-consuming, expensive, and cumbersome. Therefore, researchers are trying to find new methods by integrating spectroscopy techniques with artificial intelligence and advanced materials. Within this progress report, advances in the detection of foodborne pathogens using spectroscopy techniques are discussed. This paper presents an overview of the progress and application of spectroscopy techniques for the detection of foodborne pathogens, particularly new trends in the past few years, including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, fluorescence spectroscopy, multiangle laser light scattering, and imaging analysis. In addition, the applications of artificial intelligence, microfluidics, smartphone-based techniques, and advanced materials related to spectroscopy for the detection of bacterial pathogens are discussed. Finally, we conclude and discuss possible research prospects in aspects of spectroscopy techniques for the identification and classification of pathogens.
Macrostructural and Microstructural White Matter Alterations Are Associated with Apathy across the Clinical Alzheimer’s Disease Spectrum
Authors: Manca Riccardo , Jones Sarah A. , Venneri Annalena
Published: October 2022

Apathy is the commonest neuropsychiatric symptom in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous findings suggest that apathy is caused by a communication breakdown between functional neural networks involved in motivational–affective processing. This study investigated the relationship between white matter (WM) damage and apathy in AD. Sixty-one patients with apathy (AP-PT) and 61 without apathy (NA-PT) were identified from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database and matched for cognitive status, age and education. Sixty-one cognitively unimpaired (CU) participants were also included as controls. Data on cognitive performance, cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers, brain/WM hyperintensity volumes and diffusion tensor imaging indices were compared across groups. No neurocognitive differences were found between patient groups, but the AP-PT group had more severe neuropsychiatric symptoms. Compared with CU participants, only apathetic patients had deficits on the Clock Drawing Test. AP-PT had increased WM damage, both macrostructurally, i.e., larger WM hyperintensity volume, and microstructurally, i.e., increased radial/axial diffusivity and reduced fractional anisotropy in the fornix, cingulum, anterior thalamic radiations and superior longitudinal and uncinate fasciculi. AP-PT showed signs of extensive WM damage, especially in associative tracts in the frontal lobes, fornix and cingulum. Disruption in structural connectivity might affect crucial functional inter-network communication, resulting in motivational deficits and worse cognitive decline.
Correction: Machado et al. Cognitive Intervention Strategies Directed to Speech and Language Deficits in Primary Progressive Aphasia: Practice-Based Evidence from 18 Cases. Brain Sci. 2021, 11, 1268
Authors: Machado Thais Helena , Carthery-Goulart Maria Teresa , Campanha Aline Carvalho , Caramelli Paulo
Published: October 2022

We would like to have these issues corrected to our recent publication [...]
Analysis of the Effect of Mainshock-Aftershock Sequences on the Fragility of RC Bridge Columns
Authors: Wang Tongxing , Han Qiang , Wen Jianian , Wang Lihui
Published: October 2022

The mainshock (MS) is often accompanied by a number of aftershocks (AS). The existence of AS may cause the seismic demand to be greater than the MS. In order to better evaluate the impact of AS, this paper takes RC columns as the research object and performs incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) on the actual recorded mainshock-aftershocks (MS-AS). The Park–Ang model and incremental damage index are used to quantify the effect of the MS and AS, respectively. The damage and fragility analysis of the parameters such as reinforcement ratio, axial compression ratio and shear-span ratio are carried out respectively. The results show that the seismic demand of the MS-AS is greater than the MS. Besides, the damage of the column gradually increases with the increase of axial compression ratio and shear-span ratio, and gradually decreases with the increase of the reinforcement ratio. When the seismic design grade is 7, 8, and 9 degree, the maximum increase rate of additional damage caused by aftershocks is 7, 13, and 15% of the MS, respectively. When the column is in a medium damaged and a severely damaged state, the growth rate of additional damage can be estimated to be 12.7 and 11% of the MS, respectively. The fragility of columns in different damage states under the action of MS-AS is greater than that of MS. Reducing the axial pressure ratio can greatly reduce the damage probability of columns in different damage states. The effect of the MS-AS can be comprehensively considered to select appropriate design parameters in the design, and the additional damage caused by the AS can be estimated according to the damage condition of the column.
Electric Poling Effect on Piezocatalytic BaTiO3/Polymer Composites for Coatings
Authors: Alfryyan Nada , Kumar Sandeep , Ahmed Samia Ben , Kebaili Imen , Boukhris Imed , Azad Puneet , Al-Buriahi Mohammed Sultan , Vaish Rahul
Published: October 2022

BaTiO3-polymer paint composites were fabricated to examine piezocatalysis activities. Dye degradation and antibacterial activities were recorded under ultrasonication. The effect of polarization was also examined for the catalysis process. There were significant enhancements in catalysis performance in the poled sample; 80–90% dye degradation was recorded (240 min) in poled samples of BaTiO3-polymer paint composites. The above observations indicate that these composites can be utilized as coatings for self-cleaning applications.
The Relevance of DNA Methylation and Histone Modification in Periodontitis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Liaw Andrew , Liu Chun , Ivanovski Sašo , Han Pingping
Published: October 2022

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease involving an interplay between bacteria, inflammation, host response genes, and environmental factors. The manifestation of epigenetic factors during periodontitis pathogenesis and periodontal inflammation is still not well understood, with limited reviews on histone modification with periodontitis management. This scoping review aims to evaluate current evidence of global and specific DNA methylation and histone modification in periodontitis and discuss the gaps and implications for future research and clinical practice. Methods: A scoping literature search of three electronic databases was performed in SCOPUS, MEDLINE (PubMed) and EMBASE. As epigenetics in periodontitis is an emerging research field, a scoping review was conducted to identify the extent of studies available and describe the overall context and applicability of these results. Results: Overall, 30 studies were evaluated, and the findings confirmed that epigenetic changes in periodontitis comprise specific modifications to DNA methylation patterns and histone proteins modification, which can either dampen or promote the inflammatory response to bacterial challenge. Conclusions: The plasticity of epigenetic modifications has implications for the future development of targeted epi-drugs and diagnostic tools in periodontitis. Such advances could be invaluable for the early detection and monitoring of susceptible individuals.
A Study of the Wear Mechanism of Composites Modified with Silicate Filler
Authors: Danilova Sakhayana N. , Yarusova Sofia B. , Lazareva Nadezhda N. , Buravlev Igor Yu. , Shichalin Oleg O. , Papynov Evgeniy K. , Zhevtun Ivan G. , Gordienko Pavel S. , Okhlopkova Aitalina A.
Published: October 2022

The article considers the effect of a filler based on synthetic wollastonite (CaSiO3), which is introduced into a polymer matrix made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, on the tribotechnical parameters of the produced polymer composite material. Behavioral features of composites after friction were investigated by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the introduction of wollastonite into the polymer matrix contributed to a reduction in the friction coefficient by 23% and the wear rate by four times. In the micrographs of the friction surfaces of the obtained composite, the formation of new secondary structures oriented along the friction direction, different from the initial polymer matrix, was revealed. The presence of wear products (oxidized polymer groups) and CaSiO3 on the friction surfaces was recorded by infrared spectroscopy. It was established that the synthesized CaSiO3 particles were deformed under the action of shear forces and participated in tribochemical processes.
Acetylcholinesterase Immobilization on ZIF-8/Graphene Composite Engenders High Sensitivity Electrochemical Sensing for Organophosphorus Pesticides
Authors: Wen Long , Wang Ning , Liu Zhuoliang , Tao Cheng-an , Zou Xiaorong , Wang Fang , Wang Jianfang
Published: October 2022

A sensitive and flexible detection method for organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) detection is a crucial request to avoid their further expanded pollution. Herein, an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) electrochemical sensor, based on the co-modification of ZIF-8 and graphene (GR), was constructed for the detection of OPs. ZIF-8/GR composite can provide a stable and biocompatible environment for the loading of AChE and can accelerate the chemical reaction on the electrode surface. After optimization, the linear detection range of the constructed AChE-CS/GR/ZIF-8/GCE sensor for ICP was 0.5–100 ng/mL (1.73–345.7 nM), and the limit of detection was 0.18 ng/mL (0.62 nM). Moreover, high sensitivity and high specificity of the sensor were also achieved in actual cabbage and tap water samples. Therefore, it has great potential for the application of organophosphorus pesticide residue analysis.
MoS2/MWCNT-COOH-Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Nitrite Detection in Water Environment
Authors: Ren Shijie , Zhang Yahui , Qin Ruimiao , Xu Honggang , Ye Minger , Nie Pengcheng
Published: October 2022

Nitrite is harmful to people and animals when it is excessive in an environment. Traditional detection methods are time-consuming and are generally restricted by sensitivity. In this study, a simple and efficient electrochemical sensor made of a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), modified with MoS2 nanosheets/carboxylic multiwall carbon nanotubes (MoS2/MWCNT-COOH), was used to detect nitrite. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) was used for drawing the standard curve of nitrite. The properties of the modified materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The modified electrode presents a great response to nitrite, shows a wide sensing range (10–10,000 μM) and shows a low detection limit (3.6 μM). The characterization of nanomaterials indicates that MoS2/MWCNT-COOH has a big surface area (150.3 m2 g−1) and abundant pores (pore volume is 0.7085 cm3 g−1). In addition, the sensor shows high sensitivity (0.35 μA μM−1 cm−2), good reproducibility (RSD is 2.2%), and good stability (the responding current only decreased about 4% after 2 weeks). Therefore, the MoS2/MWCNT-COOH-modified electrode is a potential analytical method in nitrite determination.
Novel Pillar[5]arenes Show High Cross-Sensitivity in PVC-Plasticized Membrane Potentiometric Sensors
Authors: Dehabadi Monireh , Yemisci Elif , Kursunlu Ahmed Nuri , Kirsanov Dmitry
Published: October 2022

In this study a variety of novel symmetrically and asymmetrically functionalized pillar[5]arenes were synthesized, structurally characterized and applied as ionophores in PVC-plasticized membrane potentiometric sensors. During the sensitivity studies it was found that these novel sensors demonstrate pronounced cationic response towards different metal ions in aqueous solutions. A selectivity evaluation revealed that the developed sensors do not possess sharp preferences to particular ions, but offer a broad cross-sensitivity and can be employed in potentiometric multisensor systems.
Application of a Single-Type eNose to Discriminate the Brewed Aroma of One Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Encapsulated Espresso Coffee Type
Authors: Palacín Jordi , Rubies Elena , Clotet Eduard
Published: October 2022

This paper assesses a custom single-type electronic nose (eNose) applied to differentiate the complex aromas generated by the caffeinated and decaffeinated versions of one encapsulated espresso coffee mixture type. The eNose used is composed of 16 single-type (identical) metal–oxide semiconductor (MOX) gas sensors based on microelectromechanical system (MEMS). This eNose proposal takes advantage of the small but inherent sensing variability of MOX gas sensors in order to provide a multisensorial description of volatiles or aromas. Results have shown that the information provided with this eNose processed using LDA is able to successfully discriminate the complex aromas of one caffeinated and decaffeinated encapsulated espresso coffee type.
The Relative Importance of Age at Peak Height Velocity and Fat Mass Index in High-Intensity Interval Training Effect on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Domaradzki Jarosław , Koźlenia Dawid , Popowczak Marek
Published: October 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the role of biological age in the relationship between preintervention fat mass and cardiorespiratory fitness effects (CRF) after High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) intervention in adolescents. Methods: A total of 141 boys and girls (16 years) were examined as control (CG) and experimental (EG) groups that conducted a 10-week HIIT implemented in physical education. Measurements: body height, body weight, fat mass index (FMI), CRF (Harvard Step Test). Predicted age at peak height velocity (APHV) was calculated. Pathway analyses were conducted to identify the influences of the measured variables. Results: APHV harmed the level of ΔFI (fitness index) (β = −0.270; p = 0.035), while HIIT had a positive effect on changes in ΔFI (β = 0.246; p = 0.002). Sex affected the changes in CRF (β = 0.344; p = 0.011). Two models were designed respective to sex. The effect of the APHV on ΔFI in girls was close to significant (p = 0.053) but was non-significant in boys (p = 0.311). Changes in CRF in girls were positively and close to significance (p < 0.100) affected by FMIbaseline. Conclusion: HIIT is an effective way of exerting positive changes in CRF in adolescents, which is greater in boys than girls. APHV plays a role only in girls. The HIIT should be tailored to girls depending on their maturity status.
The Accelerated Progression of Atherosclerosis Correlates with Decreased miR-33a and miR-21 and Increased miR-122 and miR-3064-5p in Circulation and the Liver of ApoE-/- Mice with Streptozocin (STZ)-Induced Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Luo Hui-Yu , Li Gan , Liu Yu-Guo , Wei Yuan-Hao , Chen Jun-Bin , Gu Xiang-Fu , Tang Jia-Qi , Zhao Yue , Su Chu-Hong , Xiao Ling-Yu , Xiong Fei , Zheng Zhong-Daixi , Wang Shi-Ying , Zha Long-Ying
Published: October 2022

Atherosclerosis is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) mortality. We aim to investigate the changes in miR-21, miR-122, miR-33a and miR-3064-5p in circulation and the liver of ApoE-/- mice with streptozocin (STZ)-induced T2D. Twenty 5-week-old male ApoE-/- mice were randomly assigned to the control (n = 10) and T2D group (n = 10) and intraperitoneally injected with a citrate buffer and streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg BW) once a day for three consecutive days. The successfully STZ-induced T2D mice (n = 5) and control mice (n = 5) were then fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 34 weeks. Compared to the control mice, ApoE-/- mice with STZ-induced T2D had slower (p < 0.05) growth, increased (p < 0.05) total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), decreased (p < 0.05) high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in serum, reduced (p < 0.05) TC and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (Srebp-2), elevated (p < 0.05) ATP-binding-cassette-transporter-A1 (Abca1) in the liver, aggravated (p < 0.05) atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta, downregulated (p < 0.05) miR-21 and miR-33a, and upregulated (p < 0.05) miR-122 and miR-3064-5p in serum and the liver. In addition, the aortic lesions showed a positive correlation with miR-122 (r = 1.000, p = 0.001) and a negative correlation with miR-21 (r = −1.000, p = 0.001) in ApoE-/- mice with T2D. In conclusion, T2D-accelerated atherosclerosis correlates with a reduction in miR-21 and miR-33a and an elevation in miR-122 and miR-3064-5p in circulation and the liver of ApoE-/- mice.
Coatings 2021 Best PhD Thesis Award: Announcement and Interview with the Winner
Authors: Office Coatings Editorial
Published: October 2022

The Coatings Editorial Board and Editorial Team would like to congratulate the winner of the Coatings 2021 Best PhD Thesis Award [...]
Effect of Oxidation Time on the Structure and Corrosion Resistance of Micro-Arc Oxidation Coating of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy in (NH4)2ZrF6 Electrolyte System
Authors: Zhu Jincheng , Li Hongzhan , Li Zhengxian , Wang Yifei , Chen Yongnan , Geng Juanjuan
Published: October 2022

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coatings were obtained from an AZ91D magnesium alloy at different oxidation times (5, 10, 15, and 20 min), using a zirconium salt electrolyte system, with (NH4)2ZrF6 as the main salt. The morphology of the coatings was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to determine the type of element and the composition of its phase. The potentiodynamic polarization curve (PDP) was applied to illustrate the corrosion resistance of the coatings. We found the coatings had minor porosity and the best compactness when the MAO treatment time was 10 min. The coatings mainly comprised MgO, ZrO2, MgF2, and Zr3O2F8 phases and amorphous magnesium phosphate. Among the MAO coatings prepared in this experiment, the 10 min coating had the lowest corrosion current density (Icorr), and the Icorr was 4.864 × 10−8 A/cm2, which was three orders of magnitude lower than the uncoated AZ91D magnesium alloy.
Global Practical Output Tracking for a Class of Uncertain Inherently Time-Varying Delay Nonlinear Systems by Output Feedback
Authors: Alimhan Keylan , Mamyrbayev Orken , Adamov Abilmazhin , Alisheva Sandugash , Oralbekova Dina
Published: October 2022

This article addresses the problem of global practical output tracking by output feedback for a class of uncertain inherently time-varying delay nonlinear systems. Firstly, a homogeneous output-feedback controller is designed for the nominal uncertain inherently system by virtue of adding a power integrator technique. Then, with the help of an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and reduced-order observer, by using the homogeneous domination approach and adding a power integrator method, an output-feedback controller is successfully developed to guarantee all the states of the closed-loop system remain bounded and simultaneously making the tracking error arbitrarily small. The simulation results of an example verify the proposed approach.
Machine Learning Models for Classification of Human Emotions Using Multivariate Brain Signals
Authors: Kumar G. S. Shashi , Arun Ahalya , Sampathila Niranjana , Vinoth R.
Published: October 2022

Humans can portray different expressions contrary to their emotional state of mind. Therefore, it is difficult to judge humans’ real emotional state simply by judging their physical appearance. Although researchers are working on facial expressions analysis, voice recognition, and gesture recognition; the accuracy levels of such analysis are much less and the results are not reliable. Hence, it becomes vital to have realistic emotion detector. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals remain neutral to the external appearance and behavior of the human and help in ensuring accurate analysis of the state of mind. The EEG signals from various electrodes in different scalp regions are studied for performance. Hence, EEG has gained attention over time to obtain accurate results for the classification of emotional states in human beings for human–machine interaction as well as to design a program where an individual could perform a self-analysis of his emotional state. In the proposed scheme, we extract power spectral densities of multivariate EEG signals from different sections of the brain. From the extracted power spectral density (PSD), the features which provide a better feature for classification are selected and classified using long short-term memory (LSTM) and bi-directional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM). The 2-D emotion model considered for the classification of frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital is studied. The region-based classification is performed by considering positive and negative emotions. The performance accuracy of our previous model’s results of artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (K-NN), and LSTM was compared and 94.95% accuracy was received using Bi-LSTM considering four prefrontal electrodes.
Layered Hybrid iron Fluorides
Authors: Li Teng , Lightfoot Philip
Published: October 2022

The first examples of layered hybrid iron fluorides are reported. In the reactions carried out, the chain compound (H2pipz)FeF5·H2O always occurs as the major phase, with the layered compounds, (H2pipz)3Fe4F18·2H2O and (H2pipz)2Fe3F13·H2O, being isolated from some reactions as major impurities. The latter two compounds feature two-dimensional sheets of corner-and edge-shared FeIIIF6 octahedra, resulting in two distinct layer architectures. The compound (H2pipz)FeF5·H2O, isolated as the major phase, crystallises with a one-dimensional structure exhibiting zig-zag [FeF5]∞ chains. This work opens up the potential for a much wider family of layered hybrid transition-metal fluorides.
Atomic Simulations of Si@Ge and Ge@Si Nanowires for Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Zhao Dandan , Cui Yang , Li Jing , Zhang Lin
Published: October 2022

Molecular dynamics simulations using Tersoff potential were performed in order to study the evolution of the atomic packing structures, loading states on the atoms, and tensile tests, as well as the thermal properties of Si/Ge core–shell nanowires with different core–shell structures and ratios at different temperatures. Potential energy and pair distribution functions indicate the structural features of these nanowires at different temperatures. During uniaxial tensile testing along the wire axis at different temperatures, different stages including elasticity, plasticity, necking, and fractures are characterized through stress–strain curves, and Young’s modulus, as well as tensile strength, are obtained. The packing patterns and Lode–Nadai parameters reveal the deformation evolution and different distributions of loading states at different strains and temperatures. The simulation results indicate that as the temperature increases, elasticity during the stretching process becomes less apparent. Young’s modulus of the Si/Ge core–shell nanowires at room temperature show differences with changing core–shell ratios. In addition, the Lode–Nadai parameters and atomic level pressures show the differences of these atoms under compression or tension. Temperature and strain significantly affects the pressure distribution in these nanowires. The phonon density of states, when varying the composition and strain, suggest different vibration modes at room temperature. The heat capacities of these nanowires were also determined.