bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Surface Modification on the Properties of Buckwheat Husk—High-Density Polyethylene Biocomposites
Authors: Vázquez-Fletes Roberto C. , Sadeghi Vahid , González-Núñez Rubén , Rodrigue Denis
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the production and characterization of biocomposites based on a thermoplastic polymer (high-density polyethylene, HDPE) and a biosourced filler (buckwheat husk, BHS) to develop more sustainable composites. Compounding was performed via twin-screw extrusion with three different types of BHS. In the first series, untreated BHS was directly mixed with the polymer matrix, while the second series used mercerized BHS and the third series used pretreated BHS with a coupling agent (polyethylene grafted with maleic anhydride, MAPE) in solution. The samples were prepared at different concentrations (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 wt.% of BHS) to compare with the neat matrix (0%). All the samples were finally produced by compression molding and then cut to get the specimens for characterization. The latter included morphological (scanning electron microscopy), physical (density and hardness) and mechanical (tension, flexural and impact strength) properties. Based on the results obtained, it was observed that most of the mechanical and physical properties were improved, especially when the BHS was pretreated in solution before its introduction into the polymer matrix. The results showed that 30 wt.% of BHS in HDPE was the optimum for most of the properties investigated.
Hst1/Gel-MA Scaffold Significantly Promotes the Quality of Osteochondral Regeneration in the Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Du Yiyang , Chen Menghan , Jiang Jing , Wang Lei , Wu Gang , Feng Jianying
Published: October 2023

Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the capacity of the human salivary histatin-1-functionalized methacrylic gelatin scaffold to control osteochondral tissue regeneration and repair in vivo in rabbits with major temporomandibular joint dimensional abnormalities. Materials and Methods: In order to compare human salivary histatin-1-functionalized methacrylic gelatin scaffolds to the Blank and Gel-MA hydrogel groups, scaffolds were implanted into osteochondral lesions of a critical size (3 × 3 mm) in the anterior region of the condyle of the temporomandibular joint in New Zealand white rabbits. At 4 weeks after implantation, the repair was evaluated using macroscopic examination, histology, and micro-CT analysis. Results: In the comparison of the composite scaffold group with the Blank and Gel-MA groups, analysis of the healed tissue revealed an improved macroscopic appearance in the composite scaffold group. Regeneration was induced by host cell migration in the Hst1/Gel-MA scaffold group. Conclusions: The current study offers a viable method for in vivo cartilage repair that does not require cell transplantation. Future clinical applications of this strategy’s optimization have many potential advantages.
Biomechanical Analysis of Titanium Dental Implants in the All-on-4 Treatment with Different Implant–Abutment Connections: A Three-Dimensional Finite Element Study
Authors: Wang Pei-Shuang , Tsai Ming-Hsu , Wu Yu-Ling , Chen Hung-Shyong , Lei Yao-Ning , Wu Aaron Yu-Jen
Published: October 2023

The type of implant-abutment connection is one of the factors influencing the distribution of occlusal forces. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical performance of the mandibular all-on-4 treatment with different implant–abutment connections. Two connection types with 30° abutments and 18-mm implant fixtures were chosen for the posterior implants of the all-on-4 assembly. For the external hexagon connection (EHC) group, the implants with 4 mm in diameter were used. For the internal hexagon connection (IHC) group, we selected implants with 4.3 mm in diameter. A vertical force of 190 N was applied to the cantilever region. The FEA results indicated that the most stressed region in the two groups was prosthetic screws, followed by multi-unit abutments (MUAs). The lowest values of von Mises stress were both observed on the bone. The peak stress value of the implant screw and implant fixture in the EHC group were 37.75% and 33.03% lower than the IHC group, respectively. For stress distribution patterns, the load force tended to be concentrated at locations where components were interconnected. The EHC and IHC are clinically durable under the tested loading conditions, but the prosthetic screws and MUAs can be the weak point on the posterior implant within the mandibular all-on-four assembly. The peak stress values of implant screw and implant fixture in the EHC groups were lower than the IHC group.
Exploring the Limitations of Hybrid Adiabatic Quantum Computing for Emission Tomography Reconstruction
Authors: Nau Merlin A. , Vija A. Hans , Gohn Wesley , Reymann Maximilian P. , Maier Andreas K.
Published: October 2023

Our study explores the feasibility of quantum computing in emission tomography reconstruction, addressing a noisy ill-conditioned inverse problem. In current clinical practice, this is typically solved by iterative methods minimizing a L2 norm. After reviewing quantum computing principles, we propose the use of a commercially available quantum annealer and employ corresponding hybrid solvers, which combine quantum and classical computing to handle more significant problems. We demonstrate how to frame image reconstruction as a combinatorial optimization problem suited for these quantum annealers and hybrid systems. Using a toy problem, we analyze reconstructions of binary and integer-valued images with respect to their image size and compare them to conventional methods. Additionally, we test our method’s performance under noise and data underdetermination. In summary, our method demonstrates competitive performance with traditional algorithms for binary images up to an image size of 32×32 on the toy problem, even under noisy and underdetermined conditions. However, scalability challenges emerge as image size and pixel bit range increase, restricting hybrid quantum computing as a practical tool for emission tomography reconstruction until significant advancements are made to address this issue.
Method for Defining Parameters of Electromechanical System Model as Part of Digital Twin of Rolling Mill
Authors: Gasiyarov Vadim R. , Radionov Andrey A. , Loginov Boris M. , Zinchenko Mark A. , Gasiyarova Olga A. , Karandaev Alexander S. , Khramshin Vadim R.
Published: October 2023

Creating digital twins of industrial equipment requires the development of adequate virtual models, and the calculation of their parameters is a complex scientific and practical problem. To configure and digitally commission automated drives, two-mass electromechanical system models are used. A promising area in which to implement such models is the development of digital shadows, namely drive position observers. Connecting virtual models for online data exchange predetermines the tightening of requirements for their parameter calculation accuracy. Therefore, developing accessible techniques for calculating electromechanical system coordinates is an urgent problem. These parameters are most accurately defined by experiments. The contribution of this paper is the proposition of a method for defining the two-mass system model parameters using the oscillograms obtained in the operating and emergency modes. The method is developed for the horizontal stand drives of a plate mill 5000 and is supported by numerical examples. The technique is universal and comprises calculating the rotating mass inertia torques, elastic stiffness and oscillation damping coefficients, and the time constants of the motor air gap torque control loop. The obtained results have been applied to the development of the elastic torque observer of the rolling stand’s electromechanical system. A satisfactory coordinate recovery accuracy has been approved for both open and closed angular gaps in mechanical joints. Recommendations are given for the use of the method in developing process parameter control algorithms based on automated drive position observers. This contributes to the development of the theory and practice of building digital control systems and the implementation of the Industry 4.0 concept in industrial companies.
The Expected Dynamics of the European Offshore Wind Sector in the Climate Change Context
Authors: Rusu Eugen , Onea Florin
Published: October 2023

The objective of this present work is to provide a more comprehensive picture of the wind conditions corresponding to some important European marine energy sites by considering both historical (1979–2020) and climatological data (2021–2100). As a first step, the wind energy profile of each site is assessed using some statistical methods (e.g., Weibull parameters) and some relevant indicators for the wind sector, such as the downtime period (<3 m/s). Since the offshore industry evolves very quickly, another objective of this work was to assess the performances of some large-scale wind turbines defined via capacity productions in the range of 15–25 MW. In terms of the capacity factor, the estimated values frequently exceed 60%, reaching a maximum of 76% in some cases, in line with the expected outputs of the new wind generators. In the final part of this work, several aspects are discussed, among them being the accuracy of the RCPs datasets or the current trends involving the wind sector. The offshore wind sector represents an important pillar of the European green market, which means that the future generation of wind turbines will play an important role in the consolidation of this sector and, eventually, in the expansion to new coastal areas.
The Impact of Pre-Existing Faults on Fault Geometry during Multiphase Rifts: The Jiyang Depression, Eastern China
Authors: Wang Di , Yang Linlong , Li Wei , Wang Xidong
Published: October 2023

The combination of multi-phase extension and pre-existing fault reactivation results in a complex fault pattern within hydrocarbon-bearing basins, affecting hydrocarbon exploration at different stages. We used high-resolution 3D seismic data and well data to reveal the impact of multi-phase extension and pre-existing fault reactivation on Cenozoic fault pattern changes over time in the Jiyang Depression of eastern China. The results show that during the Paleocene, a portion of NW-striking pre-existing faults reactivated under NS extension and controlled the basin structure (type 1). Other parts of the NW-striking pre-existing faults stopped activity and served as weak surfaces, and a series of NNE-striking faults were distributed in an en-echelon pattern along the NW direction at shallow depths (type 2). In areas unaffected by pre-existing faults, NE-striking faults formed perpendicular to regional stresses. During the Eocene, the regional stresses shifted clockwise to near-NS extension, and many EW-striking faults developed within the basin. The NE-striking faults and the EW-striking faults were hard-linked, forming the ENE-striking curved faults that controlled the structure in the basin (type 3). The NNE-striking faults were distinctly strike-slip at this time, with the ENE-striking faults forming a horsetail pattern at their tails. Many ENE-striking faults perpendicular to the extension direction were formed in areas where the basement was more stable and pre-existing faults were not developed (type 4). There were also developing NS-striking faults that were small in scale and appeared in positions overlapping different main faults (type 5). Additionally, different fault patterns can guide different phases of hydrocarbon exploration. Type 1, type 2, and type 3 faults are particularly suitable for early-stage exploration. In contrast, type 4 and type 5 faults are more appropriate for mature exploration areas, where they may reveal smaller hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Risk Analysis of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Operation in a Polar Environment Based on Fuzzy Fault Tree Analysis
Authors: Noh Hyonjeong , Kang Kwangu , Park Jin-Yeong
Published: October 2023

Autonomous underwater vehicles have long been used in marine explorations, and their application in recent polar expeditions is particularly noteworthy. However, the complexity and extreme conditions of the polar environment pose risks to the stable operation of autonomous underwater vehicles. This study adopted the methodology of fuzzy fault tree analysis to deeply analyze the operational risks of autonomous underwater vehicles in polar environments. While traditional fault tree analysis maps the causal relationships and probabilities between basic and intermediate events, fuzzy fault tree analysis models the uncertainty of data and determines the failure probability by integrating expert opinions. This study revealed that polar environment-induced failures play a more substantial role in autonomous underwater vehicle loss in polar regions than inherent system failures. The study identified ‘recovery failure’ and ‘poor communication’ as the major risk factors facing autonomous underwater vehicles in polar environments, exhibiting the highest failure probabilities. Specifically, among various polar environmental factors, ‘large ice concentration’, ‘ice thickness’, and ‘roughness of ice underside’ under ‘bad’ conditions were found to have a significant impact on the autonomous underwater vehicle’s failure probability. The fuzzy fault tree analysis method in this study successfully filled the gap created by the absence of historical data by effectively incorporating expert opinions, enabling a quantitative presentation of the impact of polar environments, which has been previously difficult to convey in qualitative terms.
Fungal Density in Lobomycosis in French Guiana: A Proposal for a New Clinico-Histological and Therapeutic Classification
Authors: Grotta Geoffrey , Couppie Pierre , Demar Magalie , Drak Alsibai Kinan , Blaizot Romain
Published: October 2023

Background: Lobomycosis is a rare cutaneous tropical neglected disease caused by the fungal agent Lacazia loboi, recently renamed Paracoccidioides lobogeorgii. Our objectives were to present all cases of lobomycosis diagnosed in French Guiana, to offer a precise description of their histopathological features and to propose a new clinico-histological prognostic classification. Methods: All cases of lobomycosis diagnosed in French Guiana between 1959 and 2022 were included. We looked for associations between the occurrence of relapses and the clinic-histological form. Results: 31 patients diagnosed with lobomycosis were included. An epidemiological shift was observed in the 2000s as Brazilian patients became the most important ethnic group. Gold mining, forestry and fishing/sailing were reported as professional exposures. New histological features, such as inflammatory “rosettes” formations were described. We describe two clinic-histological patterns: a major form (high fungal density and/or multifocal lesions) and a minor form (low fungal density, unifocal lesions, association with fewer relapses). Conclusions: The changing epidemiology of lobomycosis in French Guiana is characterized by a shift towards Brazilian patients, mostly gold miners. Minor forms should be treated with surgery, major forms with a combination of surgery followed by nultiple drug therapy (MDT) or posaconazole.
A Relationship Prediction Method for Magnaporthe oryzae–Rice Multi-Omics Data Based on WGCNA and Graph Autoencoder
Authors: Zhao Enshuang , Dong Liyan , Zhao Hengyi , Zhang Hao , Zhang Tianyue , Yuan Shuai , Jiao Jiao , Chen Kang , Sheng Jianhua , Yang Hongbo , Wang Pengyu , Li Guihua , Qin Qingming
Published: October 2023

Magnaporthe oryzae Oryzae (MoO) pathotype is a devastating fungal pathogen of rice; however, its pathogenic mechanism remains poorly understood. The current research is primarily focused on single-omics data, which is insufficient to capture the complex cross-kingdom regulatory interactions between MoO and rice. To address this limitation, we proposed a novel method called Weighted Gene Autoencoder Multi-Omics Relationship Prediction (WGAEMRP), which combines weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and graph autoencoder to predict the relationship between MoO–rice multi-omics data. We applied WGAEMRP to construct a MoO–rice multi-omics heterogeneous interaction network, which identified 18 MoO small RNAs (sRNAs), 17 rice genes, 26 rice mRNAs, and 28 rice proteins among the key biomolecules. Most of the mined functional modules and enriched pathways were related to gene expression, protein composition, transportation, and metabolic processes, reflecting the infection mechanism of MoO. Compared to previous studies, WGAEMRP significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of multi-omics data integration and analysis. This approach lays out a solid data foundation for studying the biological process of MoO infecting rice, refining the regulatory network of pathogenic markers, and providing new insights for developing disease-resistant rice varieties.
Effect of Pharmaceutical Intervention in Pharmacologically Treated Hypertensive Patients—A Cluster-Randomized Clinical Trial: AFPRES-CLM Study
Authors: Luque del Moral Raúl , Gastelurrutia Miguel A. , Martinez-Martinez Fernando , Jacomé Julio A. , Dago Ana , Suarez Blanca , Fikri-Benbrahim Narjis , Martí Mercé , Nuñez Cristina , Sierra-Alarcón Sandra , Fernandez-Gomez Francisco-José
Published: October 2023

Background: Evaluate the effect of a community pharmaceutical intervention on the control of blood pressure in hypertensive patients treated pharmacologically. Methods: A cluster-randomized clinical trial of 6 months was carried out. It was conducted in the Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). Sixty-three community pharmacies and 347 patients completed the study. Intervention patients received the community pharmaceutical intervention based on a protocol that addresses the individual needs of each patient related to the control of their blood pressure, which included Health Education, Pharmacotherapy Follow-up and 24 h Ambulatory Blood Pressure Measurement. Control patients received usual care in the community pharmacy. Results: The pharmaceutical intervention resulted in better control of blood pressure (85.8% vs. 66.3% p < 0.001), lower use of emergencies (p = 0.002) and improvement trends in the physical components of quality of life, measured by SF-36 questionnaire, after 6 months of pharmaceutical intervention. No significant changes were observed for any of these variables in the control group. There were also detected 354 negative medication-related outcomes that were satisfactorily resolved in a 74.9% of the cases and 330 healthcare education interventions and 29 Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitorings were performed in order to increase adherence to pharmacological treatment and minimize Negative Outcomes associated with Medication and prevent medication-related problems. Conclusions: Community pharmaceutical intervention can increase hypertensive patients with controlled blood pressure, after 6 months, compared with usual care.
Benzodiazepine Use and the Risk of Dementia in the Elderly Population: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses
Authors: Wu Chieh-Chen , Liao Mao-Hung , Su Chun-Hsien , Poly Tahmina Nasrin , Lin Ming-Chin
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of dementia among the elderly is high, and it is the leading cause of death globally. However, the relationship between benzodiazepine use and dementia risk has produced inconsistent results, necessitating an updated review of the evidence. To address this, we conducted an umbrella review of meta-analyses to summarize the available evidence on the association between benzodiazepine use and dementia risk and evaluate its credibility. We systematically evaluated the meta-analyses of observational studies that examined the connection between benzodiazepine use and dementia risk. For each meta-analysis, we collected the overall effect size, heterogeneity, risk of bias, and year of the most recent article and graded the evidence based on pre-specified criteria. We also used AMSTAR, a measurement tool to evaluate systematic reviews, to assess the methodological quality of each study. Our review included five meta-analyses encompassing 30 studies, and the effect size of the association between benzodiazepine use and dementia risk ranged from 1.38 to 1.78. Nonetheless, the evidence supporting this relationship was weak, and the methodological quality of the studies included was low. In conclusion, our findings revealed limited evidence of a link between benzodiazepine use and dementia risk, and more research is required to determine a causal connection. Physicians should only prescribe benzodiazepine for appropriate indications.
Multimodal Investigation of Deep Gray Matter Nucleus in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Their Clinical Correlations: A Multivariate Pattern Analysis Study
Authors: Yin Feiyue , Yan Zichun , Li Yongmei , Ding Shuang , Wang Xiaohua , Shi Zhuowei , Feng Jinzhou , Du Silin , Tan Zeyun , Zeng Chun
Published: October 2023

Deep gray matter (DGM) nucleus are involved in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and are strongly associated with clinical symptoms. We used machine learning approach to further explore microstructural alterations in DGM of MS patients. One hundred and fifteen MS patients and seventy-one healthy controls (HC) underwent brain MRI. The fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), quantitative susceptibility value (QSV) and volumes of the caudate nucleus (CN), putamen (PT), globus pallidus (GP), and thalamus (TH) were measured. Multivariate pattern analysis, based on a machine-learning algorithm, was applied to investigate the most damaged regions. Partial correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation between MRI quantitative metrics and clinical neurological scores. The area under the curve of FA-based classification model was 0.83, while they were 0.93 for MD and 0.81 for QSV. The Montreal cognitive assessment scores were correlated with the volume of the DGM and the expanded disability status scale scores were correlated with the MD of the GP and PT. The study results indicated that MS patients had involvement of DGM with the CN being the most affected. The atrophy of DGM in MS patients mainly affected cognitive function and the microstructural damage of DGM was mainly correlated with clinical disability.
The Market Reaction to Repurchase Announcements
Authors: Sodhi Adhiraj , Mateus Cesario , Mateus Irina , Stojanovic Aleksandar
Published: October 2023

This paper investigates the drivers of the market’s reaction to share repurchase announcements in the UK and the related abnormality in stock performance. It uniquely captures the impact of globalisation in tandem with a variety of firm-level and macro-level determinants. We undertake multivariate OLS regression to test the determinants of the market’s reaction and find a negative influence when repurchases are tax-friendlier than dividends if there is high debt exposure and economic globalisation is rising, with a positive influence when the company has a history of distributing above average dividends. To quantify the short-term price abnormality, we employ event study analysis, and the findings compute positive (insignificant) stock price abnormality for nonfinancial (financial) firms. For long-term stock price abnormality, we compare against the FTSE 100 by computing annual geometric stock performances. The findings indicate a negative (insignificant) stock price abnormality for nonfinancial (financial) firms. The results can aid corporate management in improving repurchase timing, aid in the decision making of financial practitioners when trading or investing in repurchasing firms, and assist policymakers in mapping more efficient fiscal and cross-market trade frameworks.
In Silico Exploration and Experimental Validation of Camellia sinensis Extract against Rhipicephalus microplus and Sarcoptes scabiei: An Integrated Approach
Authors: Hakami Mohammed Ageeli , Malak Nosheen , Khan Afshan , Ullah Hidayat , Cossío-Bayúgar Raquel , Nasreen Nasreen , Niaz Sadaf , Khan Adil , Chen Chien-Chin
Published: October 2023

Sarcoptes scabiei is an ectoparasite of humans and animals that causes scabies. The Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is a blood-sucking ectoparasite that transmits various pathogens. These two parasites have caused great losses to a country’s dairy and agriculture sectors. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro and in silico efficacy of Camellia sinensis plant extracts. Different concentrations of C. sinensis ethanolic plant extracts were prepared using the maceration method and were used against mites and ticks (in adult immersion test AIT and larval packet test LPT) to evaluate their in vitro acaricidal activity. Additionally, in silico molecular docking was performed to investigate the inhibitory interactions between the phytochemicals of the plant and S. scabiei and R. microplus glutathione transferase proteins (SsGST and RmGST). This study observed that the plant extract showed high efficacy in vitro against mites and different tick stages in adult immersion and larval packet tests. Additionally, the in silico study revealed a strong binding interaction between ellagic acid and SsGST protein, with a binding energy of −7.3 kcal/mol, with respect to permethrin (−6.7 kcal/mol), whereas quercetin and RmGST resulted in a docking score of −8.6 kcal/mol compared to deltamethrin (−8.2 kcal/mol). Overall, this study explored the potential of C. sinensis as a natural alternative for controlling tick and mite infestations and provided insights into the inhibitory mechanisms of its phytochemicals.
Anti-CD20 Antibody and Calcineurin Inhibitor Combination Therapy Effectively Suppresses Antibody-Mediated Rejection in Murine Orthotopic Lung Transplantation
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroki , Suzuki Hidemi , Yamanaka Takahiro , Kaiho Taisuke , Hata Atsushi , Inage Terunaga , Ito Takamasa , Kamata Toshiko , Tanaka Kazuhisa , Sakairi Yuichi , Motohashi Shinichiro , Yoshino Ichiro
Published: October 2023

Antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a risk factor for chronic lung allograft dysfunction, which impedes long-term survival after lung transplantation. There are no reports evaluating the efficacy of the single use of anti-CD20 antibodies (aCD20s) in addition to calcineurin inhibitors in preventing AMR. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of aCD20 treatment in a murine orthotopic lung transplantation model. Murine left lung transplantation was performed using a major alloantigen strain mismatch model (BALBc (H-2d) → C57BL/6 (BL/6) (H-2b)). There were four groups: isograft (BL/6→BL/6) (Iso control), no-medication (Allo control), cyclosporine A (CyA) treated, and CyA plus murine aCD20 (CyA+aCD20) treated groups. Severe neutrophil capillaritis, arteritis, and positive lung C4d staining were observed in the allograft model and CyA-only-treated groups. These findings were significantly improved in the CyA+aCD20 group compared with those in the Allo control and CyA groups. The B cell population in the spleen, lymph node, and graft lung as well as the levels of serum donor-specific IgM and interferon γ were significantly lower in the CyA+aCD20 group than in the CyA group. Calcineurin inhibitor-mediated immunosuppression combined with aCD20 therapy effectively suppressed AMR in lung transplantation by reducing donor-specific antibodies and complement activation.
Correlation between the Capillary Blood Flow Characteristics and Endothelium Function in Healthy Volunteers and Patients Suffering from Coronary Heart Disease and Atrial Fibrillation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ermolinskiy Petr , Gurfinkel Yury , Sovetnikov Egor , Lugovtsov Andrei , Priezzhev Alexander
Published: October 2023

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and atrial fibrillation (AF) pose significant health risks and require accurate diagnostic tools to assess the severity and progression of the diseases. Traditional diagnostic methods have limitations in providing detailed information about blood flow characteristics, particularly in the microcirculation. This study’s objective was to examine and compare the microcirculation in both healthy volunteers and patient groups with CHD and AF. Furthermore, this study aimed to identify a relationship between blood microcirculation parameters and endothelial function. Digital capillaroscopy was employed to assess the microcirculation parameters, for example, such as capillary blood flow velocity, the size of red blood cell aggregates, and the number of aggregates per min and per running mm. The results indicate significant alterations in blood flow characteristics among patients with CHD and AF compared to healthy volunteers. For example, capillary blood flow velocity is statistically significantly decreased in the case of CHD and AF compared to the healthy volunteers (p < 0.001). Additionally, the correlation between the measured parameters is different for the studied groups of patients and healthy volunteers. These findings highlight the potential of digital capillaroscopy as a non-invasive tool for evaluating blood flow abnormalities (red blood cell aggregates and decreased capillary blood flow velocity) in cardiovascular diseases, aiding in early diagnosis and disease management.
The Roots of the Reliability Polynomials of Circular Consecutive-k-out-of-n:F Systems
Authors: Jianu Marilena , Dăuş Leonard , Drăgoi Vlad-Florin , Beiu Valeriu
Published: October 2023

The zeros of the reliability polynomials of circular consecutive-k-out-of-n:F systems are studied. We prove that, for any fixed k≥2, the set of the roots of all the reliability polynomials (for all n≥k) is unbounded in the complex plane. In the particular case k=2, we show that all the nonzero roots are real, distinct numbers and find the closure of the set of roots. For every n≥k, the expressions of the minimum root and the maximum root are given, both for circular as well as for linear systems.
A Rényi-Type Limit Theorem on Random Sums and the Accuracy of Likelihood-Based Classification of Random Sequences with Application to Genomics
Authors: Hanin Leonid , Pavlova Lyudmila
Published: October 2023

We study classification of random sequences of characters selected from a given alphabet into two classes characterized by distinct character selection probabilities and length distributions. The classification is based on the sign of the log-likelihood score (LLS) consisting of a random sum and a random term depending on the length distributions for the two classes. For long sequences selected from a large alphabet, computing misclassification error rates is not feasible either theoretically or computationally. To mitigate this problem, we computed limiting distributions for two versions of the normalized LLS applicable to long sequences whose class-specific length follows a translated negative binomial distribution (TNBD). The two limiting distributions turned out to be plain or transformed Erlang distributions. This allowed us to establish the asymptotic accuracy of the likelihood-based classification of random sequences with TNBD length distributions. Our limit theorem generalizes a classic theorem on geometric random sums due to Rényi and is closely related to the published results of V. Korolev and coworkers on negative binomial random sums. As an illustration, we applied our limit theorem to the classification of DNA sequences contained in the genome of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis into two classes: protein-coding genes and standard noncoding open reading frames. We found that TNBDs provide an excellent fit to the length distributions for both classes and that the limiting distributions capture essential features of the normalized empirical LLS fairly well.
Convex Fault Diagnosis of a Three-Degree-of-Freedom Mechanical Crane
Authors: Guzmán-Rabasa Julio , Rodríguez Francisco , Valencia-Palomo Guillermo , Santos-Ruiz Ildeberto , Gómez-Peñate Samuel , López-Estrada Francisco-Ronay
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a fault detection and estimation method based on a proportional-integral observer applied to a three-degree-of-freedom mechanical crane. Faults are common in this system and can provoke oscillations that generate a loss of performance and stability. A convex linear parameter varying approach is proposed to stabilize the crane and detect and isolate actuator faults to guarantee the crane’s performance. The linear matrix inequalities obtained from candidate Lyapunov functions give sufficient conditions to guarantee the fault estimation method. Finally, numerical simulations are proposed to illustrate the method’s performance and applicability.
Resolvent Convergence for Differential–Difference Operators with Small Variable Translations
Authors: Borisov Denis Ivanovich , Polyakov Dmitry Mikhailovich
Published: October 2023

We consider general higher-order matrix elliptic differential–difference operators in arbitrary domains with small variable translations in lower-order terms. The operators are introduced by means of general higher-order quadratic forms on arbitrary domains. Each lower-order term depends on its own translation and all translations are governed by a small multi-dimensional parameter. The operators are considered either on the entire space or an arbitrary multi-dimensional domain with a regular boundary. The boundary conditions are also arbitrary and general and involve small variable translations. Our main results state that the considered operators converge in the norm resolvent sense to ones with zero translations in the best possible operator norm. Estimates for the convergence rates are established as well. We also prove the convergence of the spectra and pseudospectra.
Exploring Medicinal Herbs’ Therapeutic Potential and Molecular Docking Analysis for Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of Human Acetylcholinesterase in Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Authors: Farihi Ayoub , Bouhrim Mohamed , Chigr Fatiha , Elbouzidi Amine , Bencheikh Noureddine , Zrouri Hassan , Nasr Fahd A. , Parvez Mohammad Khalid , Alahdab Ahmad , Ahami Ahmed Omar Touhami
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) stands as a pervasive neurodegenerative ailment of global concern, necessitating a relentless pursuit of remedies. This study aims to furnish a comprehensive exposition, delving into the intricate mechanistic actions of medicinal herbs and phytochemicals. Furthermore, we assess the potential of these compounds in inhibiting human acetylcholinesterase through molecular docking, presenting encouraging avenues for AD therapeutics. Materials and Methods: Our approach entailed a systematic exploration of phytochemicals like curcumin, gedunin, quercetin, resveratrol, nobiletin, fisetin, and berberine, targeting their capability as human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, leveraging the PubChem database. Diverse bioinformatics techniques were harnessed to scrutinize molecular docking, ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity), and adherence to Lipinski’s rule of five. Results: Results notably underscored the substantial binding affinities of all ligands with specific amino acid residues within AChE. Remarkably, gedunin exhibited a superior binding affinity (−8.7 kcal/mol) compared to the reference standard. Conclusions: These outcomes accentuate the potential of these seven compounds as viable candidates for oral medication in AD treatment. Notably, both resveratrol and berberine demonstrated the capacity to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), signaling their aptitude for central nervous system targeting. Consequently, these seven molecules are considered orally druggable, potentially surpassing the efficacy of the conventional drug, donepezil, in managing neurodegenerative disorders.
Metabolic Analysis of DFO-Resistant Huh7 Cells and Identification of Targets for Combination Therapy
Authors: Fujisawa Koichi , Matsumoto Toshihiko , Yamamoto Naoki , Yamasaki Takahiro , Takami Taro
Published: October 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most refractory cancers with a high rate of recurrence. Iron is an essential trace element, and iron chelation has garnered attention as a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer. Since intracellular metabolism is significantly altered by inhibiting various proteins by iron chelation, we investigated combination anticancer therapy targeting metabolic changes that are forcibly modified by iron chelator administration. The deferoxamine (DFO)-resistant cell lines were established by gradually increasing the DFO concentration. Metabolomic analysis was conducted to evaluate the metabolic alterations induced by DFO administration, aiming to elucidate the resistance mechanism in DFO-resistant strains and identify potential novel therapeutic targets. Metabolom analysis of the DFO-resistant Huh7 cells revealed enhanced glycolysis and salvage cycle, alternations in glutamine metabolism, and accumulation of dipeptides. Huh7 cultured in the absence of glutamine showed enhanced sensitivity to DFO, and glutaminase inhibitor (CB839) showed a synergistic effect with DFO. Furthermore, the effect of DFO was enhanced by an autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine) in vitro. DFO-induced metabolic changes are specific targets for the development of efficient anticancer combinatorial therapies using DFO. These findings will be useful for the development of new cancer therapeutics in refractory liver cancer.
Characterization and Pathogenicity of Flavobacterium psychrophilum Isolated from Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Korea
Authors: Park Jiyeon , Roh HyeongJin , Lee Yoonhang , Lee Ju-Yeop , Kang Hyo-Young , Seong Min Ji , Kang Yura , Heo Young Ung , Kim Bo Seong , Park Chan-Il , Kim Do-Hyung
Published: October 2023

Flavobacterium psychrophilum is the causative agent of bacterial cold-water disease in salmonids and rainbow trout fry syndrome. This pathogen has attained a global presence and can spread both horizontally and vertically. However, it was not documented in Korea before September 2018. In this study, the objectives were to characterize Flavobacterium psychrophilum strain FPRT1, isolated from diseased rainbow trout genotypically and phenotypically. We also conducted various investigations to better understand its impact and assess potential control measures. We acquired fifty rainbow trout (approximately 70 g in weight) and transferred them to a laboratory aquarium. During the initial acclimation period, we observed mortality and examined affected fish for clinical signs. We isolated the bacterium from the spleen of infected rainbow trout using tryptone yeast extract salts agar supplemented with glucose, naming this FPRT1. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out, and from the result, we selected enrofloxacin to administer to the trout orally to reduce mortality. To evaluate pathogenicity, we exposed the trout to FPRT1 at different water temperatures (8, 15, and 22 °C). Genomic analysis was conducted to identify the serotype and relatedness of FPRT1 to European strains. Affected fish displayed clinical signs, such as ulcerative lesions in the mandible, anemia with pale gills, exophthalmia, and increased mucus secretion. Internal symptoms included pale liver and enlarged spleen. FPRT1 was susceptible to erythromycin, enrofloxacin, florfenicol, oxytetracycline, and gentamicin, but resistant to oxolinic acid and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Oral administration of enrofloxacin resulted in a decrease in mortality from 28% to 6%. Pathogenicity tests revealed varying mortality rates due to FPRT1 at different temperatures. The highest rates were observed at 8 °C (ranging from 43% to 100%) for both intraperitoneal and intramuscular injections, and lower rates occurred at 22 °C (ranging from 0% to 30%), with intramuscular injections displaying higher susceptibility. Genomic analysis identified FPRT1 as serotype 2 and indicated its close genetic relationship with European strains based on the core genome and dispensable genome. The substantial genomic similarity between our strain and European strains suggests the possibility of bacterial spread through the importation of fertilized eggs from Europe. In conclusion, this study highlights the introduction of the previously undocumented pathogen (F. psychrophilum) into Korean rainbow trout populations. The detection of this pathogen and its pathogenicity assessment is not only important for understanding its impact on local aquaculture but also for establishing surveillance and control measures to prevent further transmission and outbreaks in the region.
Authigenic Mineral Formation in Aquifers near the Uranium Sludge Storage Facility of Chepetsky Mechanical Plant during the Formation of a Biogeochemical Barrier in a Laboratory and Field Experiment
Authors: Artemiev Grigory , Safonov Alexey
Published: October 2023

In this work, authigenic microbial mineral formation in groundwater near the uranium sludge storage at SC Chepetsky Mechanical Plant (ChMP) (Glazov, Russia) was analysed in field and laboratory experiments using thermodynamic modelling when the microbial community was activated by a mixture of acetate, glucose and whey. It was found that the mineral basis of the barrier consisted of aggregated soil particles with freshly deposited phases of carbonate and sulphide minerals of different degrees of crystallinity. An important factor in the formation of calcium phases is microbial denitrification, which is accompanied by an increase in pH values of the medium. The main factors of uranium immobilisation in the biogeochemical barrier were revealed, including its reduction to insoluble forms of uranium dioxide, adsorption on ferrous and sulphide-ferrous minerals, as well as the formation of phosphate phases through the addition of phosphorus-containing whey and co-precipitation or co-crystallisation in calcite phases.
Nucleoside Analogs: A Review of Its Source and Separation Processes
Authors: Wang Pan , Cheng Tao , Pan Jianming
Published: October 2023

Nucleoside analogs play a crucial role in the production of high-value antitumor and antimicrobial drugs. Currently, nucleoside analogs are mainly obtained through nucleic acid degradation, chemical synthesis, and biotransformation. However, these methods face several challenges, such as low concentration of the main product, the presence of complex matrices, and the generation of numerous by-products that significantly limit the development of new drugs and their pharmacological studies. Therefore, this work aims to summarize the universal separation methods of nucleoside analogs, including crystallization, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), column chromatography, solvent extraction, and adsorption. The review also explores the application of molecular imprinting techniques (MITs) in enhancing the identification of the separation process. It compares existing studies reported on adsorbents of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for the separation of nucleoside analogs. The development of new methods for selective separation and purification of nucleosides is vital to improving the efficiency and quality of nucleoside production. It enables us to obtain nucleoside products that are essential for the development of antitumor and antiviral drugs. Additionally, these methods possess immense potential in the prevention and control of serious diseases, offering significant economic, social, and scientific benefits to the fields of environment, biomedical research, and clinical therapeutics.
Cytotoxic and Antitumor Effects of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of Tagetes erecta in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: González Alma Sarahi Cuellar , Valencia Marisol Galván , Cervantes-Villagrana Rodolfo Daniel , Zapata Alondra Bocanegra , Cervantes-Villagrana Alberto Rafael
Published: October 2023

Among all cancers, lung cancer is the one with the highest mortality rate, and it also has limited therapeutics. Antitumor agents based on medicinal plants have gained importance as a source of bioactive substances. Tagetes erecta is a plant of great cultural value, and recent reports have suggested its cytotoxic effects in tumor cells. Our objective was to evaluate the antitumor activity of Tagetes erecta extract in a lung carcinoma model. Hydroalcoholic extracts were obtained from fresh flowers and leaves of T. erecta; both extracts did not exert toxicity on Artemia salina. We observed cytotoxic effects induced by the floral extract in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) and breast tumor cell line (MCF7), but not by the leaf extract. In vivo, a xenograft lung carcinoma model was performed with LLC cells implanted on C57BL/6 mice, which showed that the floral extract reduced tumor growth and improved the effect of etoposide. Microscopic analysis of tumors showed a reduction in mitoses and an increase in necrotic areas with the extract and the etoposide. The main phytochemical compounds found are 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, octadecanoic acid, benzenacetic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and acetic acid. We conclude that the hydroalcoholic extract of T. erecta flowers has cytotoxic effects in lung carcinoma cells and enhances the effect of etoposide.
Impact of Dye Encapsulation in ZIF-8 on CO2, Water, and Wet CO2 Sorption
Authors: Škrjanc Aljaž , Opresnik Mojca , Gabrijelčič Matej , Šuligoj Andraž , Mali Gregor , Zabukovec Logar Nataša
Published: October 2023

The fast adsorption kinetics of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) enable a wide range of sorption applications. The most commonly used framework, ZIF-8, is relatively non-polar. Increasing the polarity of ZIF-8 through the encapsulation of different polar species shows promise for enhancing the sorption performance for pure CO2. Recently, the outlook has re-focused on gas mixtures, mostly in the context of post-combustion CO2 capture from wet flue gasses. While water is known to sometimes have a synergistic effect on CO2 sorption, we still face the potential problem of preferential water vapor adsorption. Herein, we report the preparation of three ZIF-8/organic dye (OD) composites using Congo red, Xylenol orange, and Bromothymol blue, and their impact on the sorption properties for CO2, water, and a model wet CO2 system at 50% RH. The results show that the preparation of OD composites can be a promising way to optimize adsorbents for single gasses, but further work is needed to find superior ZIF@OD for the selective sorption of CO2 from wet gas mixtures.
Optical Properties in Mid-Infrared Range of Silicon Oxide Thin Films with Different Stoichiometries
Authors: Herguedas Natalia , Carretero Enrique
Published: October 2023

SiOx thin films were prepared using magnetron sputtering with different O2 flow rates on a silicon substrate. The samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in transmission and reflection, covering a spectral range of 5 to 25 μm. By employing a multilayer model, the values of the complex refractive index that best fit the experimental transmission and reflection results were optimized using the Brendel–Bormann oscillator model. The results demonstrate the significance of selecting an appropriate range of O2 flow rates to modify the SiOx stoichiometry, as well as how the refractive index values can be altered between those of Si and SiO2 in the mid-infrared range.
The Role of Nutrition in Osteoarthritis Development
Authors: Sophocleous Antonia
Published: October 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) prevalence has increased 113% since 1990, and currently more than half a billion people worldwide are living with this slowly progressing, degenerative joint disease [...]