bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Ceramic Composite in Total Hip Replacement Bearings: A Single-Center Series
Authors: Solarino Giuseppe , Spinarelli Antonio , Virgilio Antonio , Simone Filippo , Baglioni Marco , Moretti Biagio
Published: December 2021

Despite the fact that total hip replacement is one of the most successful surgical procedures for treatment of a variety of end-stage hip diseases, the process of osteolysis and implant loosening remains a significant problem, especially in young and high-demand patients. More than 40 years ago, ceramic bearings were introduced due to their mechanical advantage in order to obtain a reduction in wear debris, and due to the conviction that it was possible to minimize friction and wear owing to their mechanical hardness, high chemical stability, surface lubrication by fluids and low friction coefficient. Together with excellent mechanical properties, ceramics have a biological inertness: eventual ceramic debris will lead to a reactive response with a high predominance of fibrocystic cells, rather than macrophagic cells, and absence of giant cells, which is ideal from a biological perspective. As a consequence, they will not trigger the granulomatous reaction necessary to induce periprosthetic osteolysis, and this clearly appears to be of great clinical relevance. In recent years, tribology in manufacturing ceramic components has progressed with significant improvements, owing to the development of the latest generation of ceramic composites that allow for an increased material density and reduced grain size. Currently, ceramic-on-ceramic bearings are considered the attractive counterparts of ceramic- or metal-on-polyethylene ones for patients with a long life expectancy. The aim of this paper is to report the results of total hip replacements performed with a ceramic-on-ceramic articulation made from a ceramic composite in a single center, focusing on its usefulness in specific preoperative diagnosis.
A Model of How Shifting Intelligence Drives Social Movements
Authors: Evers Noah F. G. , Greenfield Patricia M.
Published: December 2021

Based on the theory of social change, cultural evolution, and human development, we propose a mechanism whereby increased danger in society causes predictable shifts in valued forms of intelligence: 1. Practical intelligence rises in value relative to abstract intelligence; and 2. social intelligence shifts from measuring how well individuals can negotiate the social world to achieve their personal aims to measuring how well they can do so to achieve group aims. We document these shifts during the COVID-19 pandemic and argue that they led to an increase in the size and strength of social movements.
Conformal Mapping-Based Discrete Vortex Method for Simulating 2-D Flows around Arbitrary Cylinders
Authors: Jin Guoqing , Sun Zhe , Zong Zhi , Zou Li , Hu Yingjie
Published: December 2021

A novel technique based on conformal mapping and the circle theorem has been developed to tackle the boundary penetration issue, in which vortex blobs leak into structures in two-dimensional discrete vortex simulations, as an alternative to the traditional method in which the blobs crossing the boundary are simply removed from the fluid field or reflected back to their mirror-image positions outside the structure. The present algorithm introduces an identical vortex blob outside the body using the mapping method to avoid circulation loss caused by the vortex blob penetrating the body. This can keep the body surface streamlined and guarantees that the total circulation will be constant at any time step. The model was validated using cases of viscous incompressible flow passing elliptic cylinders with various thickness-to-chord ratios at Reynolds numbers greater than Re = 1 × 105. The force and velocity fields revealed that this boundary scheme converged, and the resultant time-averaged surface pressure distributions were all in excellent agreement with wind tunnel tests. Furthermore, a flow around a symmetrical Joukowski foil at Reynolds number Re = 4.62 × 104, without considering the trailing cusp, was investigated, and a close agreement with the experimental data was obtained.
Long-Term Evolution and Monitoring at High Temporal Resolution of a Rapidly Retreating Cliff in a Cold Temperate Climate Affected by Cryogenic Processes, North Shore of the St. Lawrence Gulf, Quebec (Canada)
Authors: Bernatchez Pascal , Boucher-Brossard Geneviève , Corriveau Maude , Caulet Charles , Barnett Robert L.
Published: December 2021

This article focuses on the quantification of retreat rates, geomorphological processes, and hydroclimatic and environmental drivers responsible for the erosion of an unconsolidated fine-sediment cliff along the north shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence (Quebec, Canada). Annual monitoring using field markers over a period of twenty years, coupled with photo interpretation and historical archive analysis, indicates an average annual erosion rate of 2.2 m per year between 1948 and 2017. An acceleration in retreat occurred during the last 70 years, leading to a maximum between 1997 and 2017 (3.4 m per year) and 2000–2020 (3.3 m per year). Daily observations based on six monitoring cameras installed along the cliff between 2008 and 2012 allowed the identification of mechanisms and geomorphological processes responsible for cliff retreat. Data analysis reveals seasonal activity peaks during winter and spring, which account for 75% of total erosional events. On an annual basis, cryogenic processes represent 68% of the erosion events observed and subaerial and hydrogeological processes account for 73%. Small-scale processes, such as gelifraction, solifluction, suffosion, debris collapse, and thermoabrasion, as well as mass movement events, such as slides and mudflows, induced rapid cliff retreat. Lithostratigraphy and cliff height exert an important control on erosion rates and retreat modes, which are described by three main drivers (hydrogeologic, cryogenic, and hydrodynamic processes). Critical conditions promoting high erosion rates include the absence of an ice-foot in winter, the absence of snow cover on the cliff face allowing unrestricted solar radiation, the repetition of winter warm spells, snow melting and sediment thawing, and high rainfall conditions (>30 mm or SPI > 2). The relationships between hydroclimatic forcing and retreat rates are difficult to establish without taking into account the quantification of the geomorphological processes involved. The absence of quantitative data on the relative contribution of geomorphological processes can constitute a major obstacle in modeling the retreat of cliffs with regard to climate change.
Empathy Cultivation through (Pro)Social Media: A Counter to Compassion Fatigue
Authors: Roberts Jessica
Published: December 2021

While a sizable body of literature suggests that repeated exposure to images of suffering may provoke compassion fatigue and news avoidance in audiences, this paper examines whether a different kind of representation can allow viewers to connect with the subjects of media coverage, cultivating empathy for them. The hope is that understanding the emotional impact of the way people are represented in news stories will help journalists better serve the public’s need for what Schudson called “social empathy”, “stories that—often in a human-interest vein—inform citizens about neighbors and groups they may not know or understand” and create a space where audiences can express positive emotions about their fellow citizens. This paper considers the reactions of followers of the “Humans of New York” (HONY) social media feed to the subjects of the feed’s posts, who are not portrayed as tragic victims, but humanized through portrayals of commonplace concerns, such as family, career, and romantic relationships. Comments on more than 8000 HONY posts over a year were analyzed using the Linguistic Inquiry Word Count program. Results indicate that comments on HONY are overwhelmingly positive and socially oriented, suggesting that this type of representation may be effective in countering compassion fatigue and allowing for better social connection.
Perception of Consumers’ Awareness about Sustainability of Fashion Brands
Authors: Mandarić Doroteja , Hunjet Anica , Kozina Goran
Published: December 2021

Consumers’ perception, awareness, and behavior toward sustainable fashion were surveyed with a questionnaire in which 263 respondents participated, and obtained data were primarily analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test. The focus of this research was consumer attitudes toward sustainable business practices of fashion brands. Based on the conducted research, differences were found between sexes in the perception of their own awareness of sustainability in fashion, where women consider their own awareness to be higher than men’s. The perception of fashion sustainability awareness in women younger than 35 and those over 36 was also examined. The research showed a gap between consumers’ awareness, their positive attitude toward sustainable fashion, and a lack of action in that direction when making purchasing decisions. The results of these studies provide a better understanding of one’s own perception of awareness in terms of fashion sustainability and various connected factors, as well as difference in both sexes’ awareness of these factors, which may influence consumer behavior related to sustainable fashion products. Thus they can facilitate the implementation of relevant strategies in the fashion industry.
Deploying Big Data Enablers to Strengthen Supply Chain Agility to Mitigate Bullwhip Effect: An Empirical Study of China’s Electronic Manufacturers
Authors: Hsu Chih-Hung , Yang Xue-Hua , Zhang Ting-Yi , Chang An-Yuan , Zheng Qing-Wen
Published: December 2021

With the development of economic globalization, the uncertainty of supply chains is also increasing, and alleviating the bullwhip effect has become an important issue. From previous discussions on alleviating the bullwhip effect, there was no research on alleviating it by enhancing supply chain agility through improving big data. Moreover, it has not been found that quality function deployment is used to analyze the interdependence between big data and supply chain agility, as well as between supply chain agility and the bullwhip effect. In particular, the interaction of bullwhip effect factors are not considered. In this study, the multicriteria decision-making integrated framework is proposed and the largest relay manufacturer in China is taken to identify key big data enablers to enhance supply chain agility and mitigate the bullwhip effect, thus providing an effective method for electronic equipment manufacturing enterprises to develop a supply chain that can quickly respond to changes and uncertainties. These big data enablers can enhance supply chain agility and reduce the bullwhip effect. This framework provides an effective method for electronic manufacturers to formulate supply chain agility indicators and big data enablers to mitigate the bullwhip effect and also provides a reference for other manufacturing enterprises in supply chain management.
Farmers’ Satisfaction with Land Expropriation System Reform: A Case Study in China
Authors: Li Chenxi , Wu Jingyao , Xi Zenglei , Zhang Weiqiang
Published: December 2021

Farmers’ satisfaction with reform of the land expropriation system has not been fully examined, so it is difficult to comprehensively and successfully judge the effectiveness of the reforms. Traditional statistical methods cannot accurately explain the relationship between the variables. In order to fully understand the implementation, progress, and applicability of land expropriation system reform, this paper analyzes the factors influencing farmers’ satisfaction, presents the shortcomings of land expropriation system reform, and puts forward improvement suggestions. Taking the land expropriation system reform pilot in Dingzhou city as an example, this paper investigates the satisfaction of the farmers who have had their land expropriated by establishing a structural equation model (SEM) to obtain feedback on the implementation effect of the pilot work. The results show that the factors affecting farmers’ satisfaction with the reform of land expropriation systems can be summarized into four variables: land expropriation compensation standard, land income distribution, land expropriation security mode, and land expropriation procedure. The parameter estimation between these four potential variables and their corresponding observation variables shows that, in the process of land expropriation, the comparison of land expropriation compensation standards and observation variables with market entry projects is an important factor affecting the satisfaction of farmers with regard to land expropriation. The income of municipal and county governments and village collective incomes have a great impact on farmers, indicating that the satisfaction of farmers is not only related to the absolute level of compensation and income, but is also affected by the relative level. In addition, providing farmers with a variety of reasonable security methods is an important element to enable the smooth progress of land expropriation. Furthermore, attention should also be paid to the formulation of land expropriation schemes and emergency plans to solve land expropriation conflicts.
The Spatial and Temporal Evolution and Drivers of Habitat Quality in the Hung River Valley
Authors: Fan Xin , Gu Xinchen , Yu Haoran , Long Aihua , Tiando Damien Sinonmatohou , Ou Shengya , Li Jiangfeng , Rong Yuejing , Tang Guiling , Zheng Yanjun , Shi Mingjie , Wang Mengwen , Wang Xiong , Huang Chunbo
Published: December 2021

The survival and sustainability of regional species is constrained by habitat quality. In recent decades, the intensification of human activities on a global scale has had a profound impact on regional ecosystems and poses a serious threat to regional sustainable development. Scientific measurement of the drivers of habitat quality can provide important support for the development of effective biodiversity conservation and sustainable land-use policies. Taking the Hung River Valley as an example, the InVEST model was used to assess the habitat quality of the study area in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020 and to explore its spatial and temporal variation and distribution characteristics in combination with the spatial autocorrelation model, and the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was used to explore the drivers of habitat quality change. The results show the following: (1) The overall habitat quality shows an increasing trend during 2000–2020, but the expansion of construction land in the central region plays a dominant role in the degradation of regional habitat quality. (2) The “Guide-Ledu” line is the dividing line of habitat quality in the Hung River Valley, with a general distribution of “south is good, north is bad” and “south is hot, north is cold”. (3) Natural factors such as slope and elevation basically shape the overall distribution pattern of habitat quality, while urbanisation factors such as population density, gross domestic product, and the night-time lighting index are generally negatively correlated with habitat quality. The results of the study can reveal the linkage between ecosystems and land-use change in the context of urbanisation.
Comment on Samulewski et al. Magnetite Synthesis in the Presence of Cyanide or Thiocyanate under Prebiotic Chemistry Conditions. Life 2020, 10, 34
Authors: Nayak Pranaba K.
Published: December 2021

Samulewski et al. (2020) [...]
Everolimus-Induced Immune Effects after Heart Transplantation: A Possible Tool for Clinicians to Monitor Patients at Risk for Transplant Rejection
Authors: Klaeske Kristin , Lehmann Sven , Palitzsch Robert , Büttner Petra , Barten Markus J. , Jawad Khalil , Eifert Sandra , Saeed Diyar , Borger Michael A. , Dieterlen Maja-Theresa
Published: December 2021

Background: Patients treated with an inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTORI) in a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-free immunosuppressive regimen after heart transplantation (HTx) show a higher risk for transplant rejection. We developed an immunological monitoring tool that may improve the identification of mTORI-treated patients at risk for rejection. Methods: Circulating dendritic cells (DCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) were analysed in 19 mTORI- and 20 CNI-treated HTx patients by flow cytometry. Principal component and cluster analysis were used to identify patients at risk for transplant rejection. Results: The percentages of total Tregs (p = 0.02) and CD39+ Tregs (p = 0.05) were higher in mTORI-treated patients than in CNI-treated patients. The principal component analysis revealed that BDCA1+, BDCA2+ and BDCA4+ DCs as well as total Tregs could distinguish between non-rejecting and rejecting mTORI-treated patients. Most mTORI-treated rejectors showed higher levels of BDCA2+ and BDCA4+ plasmacytoid DCs and lower levels of BDCA1+ myeloid DCs and Tregs than mTORI non-rejectors. Conclusion: An mTORI-based immunosuppressive regimen induced a sufficient, tolerance-promoting reaction in Tregs, but an insufficient, adverse effect in DCs. On the basis of patient-specific immunological profiles, we established a flow cytometry-based monitoring tool that may be helpful in identifying patients at risk for rejection.
A Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Using Multi-Branch Deep Neural Network
Authors: Nguyen Van-Cuong , Hoang Duy-Tang , Tran Xuan-Toa , Van Mien , Kang Hee-Jun
Published: December 2021

Feature extraction from a signal is the most important step in signal-based fault diagnosis. Deep learning or deep neural network (DNN) is an effective method to extract features from signals. In this paper, a novel vibration signal-based bearing fault diagnosis method using DNN is proposed. First, the measured vibration signals are transformed into a new data form called multiple-domain image-representation. By this transformation, the task of signal-based fault diagnosis is transferred into the task of image classification. After that, a DNN with a multi-branch structure is proposed to handle the multiple-domain image representation data. The multi-branch structure of the proposed DNN helps to extract features in multiple domains simultaneously, and to lead to better feature extraction. Better feature extraction leads to a better performance of fault diagnosis. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified via the experiments conducted with actual bearing fault signals and its comparisons with well-established published methods.
Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Ce14Fe78Co2B6 Nanopowders Prepared by Ball Milling at Low Temperature
Authors: Grigoras Marian , Lostun Mihaela , Borza Firuta , Porcescu Marieta , Stoian George , Lupu Nicoleta
Published: December 2021

Ce14Fe78Co2B6 nanopowders with hard-magnetic properties have been successfully prepared by ball milling at low temperatures in liquid nitrogen. The morphology, structure, and magnetic properties of Ce14Fe78Co2B6 powders have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and vibrating sample magnetometry, respectively. It was found that powder ball milling at low temperature in liquid nitrogen, has the advantage that the oxidation of powders is inhibited and the particles rapidly reach nanometric dimensions. In comparison to the Ce14Fe78Co2B6 powders prepared by ball milling at room temperature, the powders milled at low temperature present a more uniform particle size and no rare-earth oxides, which leads thus to remarkable magnetic properties. The nanocrystalline Ce14Fe78Co2B6 powders with optimum characteristics, prepared at low temperature, have the size of 153 nm or less, present a coercivity of 5.1 kOe, and a saturation magnetization of 113 emu/g after milling for 6 h at low temperature. Low temperature milling may become a promising technique for the fabrication of high performance powders used for permanent magnets preparation.
Pre-Service Primary School Teachers’ Knowledge and Their Interpretation of Students’ Answers to a Measurement Division Problem with Fractions
Authors: Márquez Maximina , Fernández Ceneida , Callejo Maria
Published: December 2021

During the last decades, research in teacher noticing has increased since its development is considered important in teacher training programs. An issue that needs more research is the relationship between teachers’ mathematical knowledge for teaching in a specific mathematical domain and their ability to notice. This study focuses on how pre-service primary school teachers (PPTs) solve a measurement division problem with fractions and interpret (score and justify) students’ answers to this problem. The participants were 84 PPTs who answered two tasks. Task 1 consisted of solving a measurement division problem with fractions. Task 2 involved interpreting (scoring and justifying) the answers of four primary school students to the problem. Responses to Task 1 were classified based on their accuracy and the procedure used. For Task 2, the scores given along with their justifications were analyzed. The results show that PPTs’ knowledge of division with fractions is limited and that they had difficulties in identifying conceptual errors in students’ answers. This study provides information on the relationships between PPTs’ knowledge of these types of problems and how PPTs interpret students’ answers. This information could aid in adjusting mathematical teaching knowledge in training programs.
Hybrid Nanofluid Flow and Heat Transfer Past an Inclined Surface
Authors: Alabdulhadi Sumayyah , Waini Iskandar , Ahmed Sameh E. , Ishak Anuar
Published: December 2021

This paper examines the hybrid nanoparticles and the magnetic field impacts on the mixed convection boundary layer flow and heat transfer caused by an inclined shrinking–stretching surface in a hybrid nanofluid. Silver (Ag) is added into a MgO–water nanofluid to form Ag-MgO–water hybrid nanofluid. By making use of proper similarity transformations, the governing equations are transformed to ordinary differential equations. The problem is numerically solved with the help of the MATLAB function bvp4c. The influences of the chosen parameters on the temperature, velocity, heat transfer rate and the skin friction coefficient are addressed and graphically illustrated. The results show that increasing the magnetic parameter substantially improves the heat transfer rate and increases the skin friction coefficient. The findings also suggest that increasing the nanoparticle volume fraction φ2 (Ag) improves the skin friction coefficient while decreasing the heat transfer rate. For both stretching and shrinking instances, non-unique (dual) solutions are discovered. Only the first solution is stable, according to the temporal stability analysis of the dual solutions.
An Econometric Approach on Performance, Assets, and Liabilities in a Sample of Banks from Europe, Israel, United States of America, and Canada
Authors: Batrancea Larissa M.
Published: December 2021

The 2008 financial crisis had a major impact on financial markets, especially on the banking system. Mortgage-backed security investments were among the causes that determined the tremendous shortage of cash. Before the crisis, American banks were considered important investors on these markets, as indicated by the structure of their assets and liabilities. How grounded were their investment decisions? To answer this question, the study examined the influence of financial performance on bank assets and liabilities of the most important 45 banks from Europe and Israel, United States of America, and Canada during the period 2006–2020. Through a panel generalized method of moments approach, empirical results indicated a strong impact of bank assets and liabilities ratios on financial performance indicators. The study emphasizes that bank managers, researchers, regulators, and supervisors should consider investment policies, especially for bank assets and liabilities. Therefore, a high level of interest income is an important tool for increasing assets and liabilities. At the same time, fees are other levers that could improve bank benefits and ultimately develop the lending activity when interest income enters a descending trend.
Bounds for Two New Subclasses of Bi-Univalent Functions Associated with Legendre Polynomials
Authors: Lashin Abdel Moneim Y. , Badghaish Abeer O. , Bajamal Amani Z.
Published: December 2021

In this article, two new subclasses of the bi-univalent function class σ related with Legendre polynomials are presented. Additionally, the first two Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients a2 and a3 for the functions belonging to these new subclasses are estimated.
Global Value Chains of COVID-19 Materials: A Weighted Directed Network Analysis
Authors: Angelidis Georgios , Bratsas Charalambos , Makris Georgios , Ioannidis Evangelos , Varsakelis Nikos C. , Antoniou Ioannis E.
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a boom in demand for personal protective equipment, or so-called “COVID-19 goods”, around the world. We investigate three key sectoral global value chain networks, namely, “chemicals”, “rubber and plastics”, and “textiles”, involved in the production of these goods. First, we identify the countries that export a higher value added share than import, resulting in a “value added surplus”. Then, we assess their value added flow diversification using entropy. Finally, we analyze their egonets in order to identify their key affiliates. The relevant networks were constructed from the World Input-Output Database. The empirical results reveal that the USA had the highest surplus in “chemicals”, Japan in “rubber and plastics”, and China in “textiles”. Concerning value added flows, the USA was highly diversified in “chemicals”, Germany in “rubber and plastics”, and Italy in “textiles”. From the analysis of egonets, we found that the USA was the key supplier in all sectoral networks under consideration. Our work provides meaningful conclusions about trade outperformance due to the fact of surplus, trade flow robustness due to the fact of diversification, and trade partnerships due to the egonets analysis.
Comprehensible Visualization of Multidimensional Data: Sum of Ranking Differences-Based Parallel Coordinates
Authors: Ipkovich Ádám , Héberger Károly , Abonyi János
Published: December 2021

A novel visualization technique is proposed for the sum of ranking differences method (SRD) based on parallel coordinates. An axis is defined for each variable, on which the data are depicted row-wise. By connecting data, the lines may intersect. The fewer intersections between the variables, the more similar they are and the clearer the figure becomes. Therefore, the visualization depends on what techniques are used to order the variables. The key idea is to employ the SRD method to measure the degree of similarity of the variables, establishing a distance-based order. The distances between the axes are not uniformly distributed in the proposed visualization; their closeness reflects similarity, according to their SRD value. The proposed algorithm identifies false similarities through an iterative approach, where the angles between the SRD values determine which side a variable is plotted. Visualization of the algorithm is provided by MATLAB/Octave source codes. The proposed tool is applied to study how the sources of greenhouse gas emissions can be grouped based on the statistical data of the countries. A comparison to multidimensional scaling (MDS)-based ordering is also given. The use case demonstrates the applicability of the method and the synergies of the incorporation of the SRD method into parallel coordinates.
Competing Risks Step-Stress Model with Lagged Effect under Gompertz Distribution
Authors: Ma Yuan , Gui Wenhao
Published: December 2021

In many survival analysis studies, the failure of a product may be attributed to one of several competing risks. In addition, if survival time is long, researchers can adopt accelerated life tests, causing devices to fail more quickly. One popular type of accelerated life tests is the step-stress test, and in this test, the stress level changes at a predetermined point time. The manner that stress levels change abruptly and increase discontinuously has been studied extensively. This paper considers a more realistic situation where the effect of stress increases cannot be achieved all at once, but with a lag time, and we propose a step-stress model consisting of two independent competing risks with a lag period in which the failure time caused by different risks at different stress levels obey Gompertz distribution, and the range of lag period is predetermined. The unknown parameters are estimated by maximum likelihood estimation and least squares estimation. For comparison, asymptotic confidence intervals and percentile bootstrap confidence intervals are constructed. By using Monte-Carlo simulations, we obtain the means and mean square errors of the maximum likelihood estimates and the least squares estimates, as well as the mean lengths and coverage rates of the two confidence intervals, which show the performance of various methods. Finally, in order to illustrate the model and proposed methods, we analyze a dataset from a solar energy experiment.
Evaluation and Comparison of the STIMUL Extended and Simplified Risk Scores for Predicting Two-Year Death in Patients Following ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Korol Svitlana , Wsol Agnieszka , Reshetnik Alexander , Krasyuk Alexander , Marushchenko Kateryna , Puchalska Liana
Published: December 2021

Background and Objectives: The management of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) requires a patient’s long-term risk to be estimated. The objective of this study was to develop extended and simplified models of two-year death risk estimation following STEMI that include and exclude cardiac troponins as prognostic factors and to compare their performance with each other. Materials and Methods: Extended and simplified multivariable logistic regression models were elaborated using 1103 patients with STEMI enrolled and followed up in the STIMUL (ST-segment elevation Myocardial Infarctions in Ukraine and their Lethality) registry. Results: The extended STIMUL risk score includes seven independent risk factors: age; Killip class ≥ II at admission; resuscitated cardiac arrest; non-reperfused infarct-related artery; troponin I ≥ 150.0 ng/L; diabetes mellitus; and history of congestive heart failure. The exclusion of cardiac troponin in the simplified model did not influence the predictive value of each factor. Both models divide patients into low, moderate, and high risk groups with a C-statistic of 0.89 (95% CI 0.84–0.93; p < 0.001) for the extended STIMUL model and a C-statistic of 0.86 (95% CI 0.83–0.99; p < 0.001) for the simplified model. However, the addition of the level of troponin I to the model increased its prognostic value by 10.7%. Conclusions: The STIMUL extended and simplified risk estimation models perform well in the prediction of two-year death risk following STEMI. The simplified version may be useful when clinicians do not know the value of cardiac troponins among the population of STEMI patients.
Genetic Pattern, Orthodontic and Surgical Management of Multiple Supplementary Impacted Teeth in a Rare, Cleidocranial Dysplasia Patient: A Case Report
Authors: Inchingolo Alessio Danilo , Patano Assunta , Coloccia Giovanni , Ceci Sabino , Inchingolo Angelo Michele , Marinelli Grazia , Malcangi Giuseppina , Montenegro Valentina , Laudadio Claudia , Palmieri Giulia , Bordea Ioana Roxana , Ponzi Emanuela , Orsini Paola , Ficarella Romina , Scarano Antonio , Lorusso Felice , Dipalma Gianna , Corsalini Massimo , Gentile Mattia , Venere Daniela Di , Inchingolo Francesco
Published: December 2021

Background: Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is a rare, autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia with a prevalence of one per million births. The main causes of CCD are mutations in the core-binding factor alpha-1 (CBFA1) or runt-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), located at the 6p21 chromosomal region. RUNX2 plays important roles in osteoblast differentiation, chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, and tooth formation. The disease is characterized by clavicular aplasia or hypoplasia, Wormian bones, delayed closure of cranial suture, brachycephalic head, maxillary deficiency, retention of primary teeth, inclusion of permanent teeth, and multiple supernumerary teeth. Materials and Methods: A 22-year-old girl suffering from cleidocranial dysplasia with short stature, narrow shoulders, craniofacial manifestations (short face, broad forehead, etc.) and dental anomalies (different lower dental elements under eruption, supernumerary and impacted multiple teeth, etc.) was examined at our service (Complex Operative Unit of Odontostomatology of Policlinico of Bari). RX Orthopantomography (OPG) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) were requested to better assess the position of the supernumerary teeth and their relationships with others and to evaluate the bone tissue. Results: Under eruption was probably caused by dental interferences with supernumerary teeth; hence, extractions of supernumerary upper canines and lower premolars were performed under general anaesthesia. Surgery outcome was excellent with good tissue healing and improvements in the therapeutic possibilities with future orthodontics. Conclusions: The objective of this article is to give an update about radiological, clinical, and molecular features of CCD and to alert the health team about the importance of establishing an early diagnosis and an appropriate treatment in these patients to prevent impacted teeth complications and to offer them a better quality of life.
3D Modeling of the Solidification Structure Evolution of Superalloys in Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing Processes
Authors: Nastac Laurentiu
Published: December 2021

Recently, a few computational methodologies and algorithms have been developed to simulate the microstructure evolution in powder bed fusion (PBF) additive manufacturing (AM) processes. However, none of these have attempted to simulate the grain structure evolution in multitrack, multilayer AM components in a fully 3D transient mode and for the entire AM geometry. In this work, a multiscale model, which consists of coupling a transient, discrete-source 3D AM process model with a 3D stochastic solidification structure model, was applied to quickly, efficiently, and accurately predict the grain structure evolution of IN625 alloys during Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF). The capabilities of this model include studying the effects of process parameters and part geometry on solidification conditions and their impact on the grain structure formation within multicomponent alloy parts processed via AM. Validation was accomplished based on single-layer LPBF IN625 benchmark experiments, previously performed and analyzed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), USA. This modeling approach can also be used to quantitatively predict the solidification structure of Ti-6Al-4V alloys in electron beam AM processes.
Microbial Response to Phytostabilization in Mining Impacted Soils Using Maize in Conjunction with Biochar and Compost
Authors: Ducey Thomas F. , Sigua Gilbert C. , Novak Jeffrey M. , Ippolito James A. , Spokas Kurt A. , Johnson Mark G.
Published: December 2021

Even after remediation, mining impacted soils can leave behind a landscape inhospitable to plant growth and containing residual heavy metals. While phytostabilization can be used to restore such sites by limiting heavy metal spread, it is reliant on soil capable of supporting plant growth. Manure-based biochars, coupled with compost, have demonstrated the ability to improve soil growth conditions in mine impacted soils, however there is a paucity of information regarding their influence on resident microbial populations. The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of these soil amendments on microbial community structure and function in mine impacted soils placed under phytostabilization management with maize. To this aim, a combination of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and enzymatic analyses were performed. Results indicate that microbial biomass is significantly increased upon addition of biochar and compost, with maximal microbial biomass achieved with 5% poultry litter biochar and compost (62.82 nmol g−1 dry soil). Microbial community structure was impacted by biochar type, rate of application, and compost addition, and influenced by pH (r2 = 0.778), EC (r2 = 0.467), and Mg soil concentrations (r2 = 0.453). In three of the four enzymes analyzed, poultry litter biochar treatments were observed with increased activity rates that were often significantly greater than the unamended control. Overall, enzyme activities rates were influenced by biochar type and rate, and addition of compost. These results suggest that using a combination of biochar and compost can be utilized as a management tool to support phytostabilization strategies in mining impacted soils.
Parasites of Free-Ranging and Captive American Primates: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rondón Silvia , Cavallero Serena , Renzi Erika , Link Andrés , González Camila , D’Amelio Stefano
Published: December 2021

The diversity, spread, and evolution of parasites in non-human primates (NHPs) is a relevant issue for human public health as well as for NHPs conservation. Although previous reviews have recorded information on parasites in NHPs (Platyrrhines) in the Americas, the increasing number of recent studies has made these inventories far from complete. Here, we summarize information about parasites recently reported in Platyrrhines, attempting to build on earlier reviews and identify information gaps. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Ninety-three studies were included after the screening process. Records for 20 genera of NHPs, including 90 species were found. Most of the studies were conducted on captive individuals (54.1%), and morphological approaches were the most used for parasite identification. The most commonly collected biological samples were blood and stool, and Protozoa was the most frequent parasite group found. There is still scarce (if any) information on the parasites associated to several Platyrrhine species, especially for free-ranging populations. The use of molecular identification methods can provide important contributions to the field of NHPs parasitology in the near future. Finally, the identification of parasites in NHPs populations will continue to provide relevant information in the context of pervasive habitat loss and fragmentation that should influence both human public health and wildlife conservation strategies.
Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction: Is There a Connection with Gut Microbiota?
Authors: Radocchia Giulia , Neroni Bruna , Marazzato Massimiliano , Capuzzo Elena , Zuccari Simone , Pantanella Fabrizio , Zenzeri Letizia , Evangelisti Melania , Vassallo Francesca , Parisi Pasquale , Di Nardo Giovanni , Schippa Serena
Published: December 2021

Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare clinical syndrome characterized by severe impairment of gastrointestinal (GI) motility, and its symptoms are suggestive of partial or complete intestinal obstruction in the absence of any lesion restricting the intestinal lumen. Diagnosis and therapy of CIPO patients still represent a significant challenge for clinicians, despite their efforts to improve diagnostic workup and treatment strategies for this disease. The purpose of this review is to better understand what is currently known about the relationship between CIPO patients and intestinal microbiota, with a focus on the role of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the intestinal endocrine system (IES) in intestinal motility, underling the importance of further studies to deeply understand the causes of gut motility dysfunction in these patients.
The Unusual Lipid A Structure and Immunoinhibitory Activity of LPS from Marine Bacteria Echinicola pacifica KMM 6172T and Echinicola vietnamensis KMM 6221T
Authors: Pither Molly Dorothy , Mantova Giuseppe , Scaglione Elena , Pagliuca Chiara , Colicchio Roberta , Vitiello Mariateresa , Chernikov Oleg V. , Hua Kuo-Feng , Kokoulin Maxim S. , Silipo Alba , Salvatore Paola , Molinaro Antonio , Di Lorenzo Flaviana
Published: December 2021

Gram-negative bacteria experiencing marine habitats are constantly exposed to stressful conditions dictating their survival and proliferation. In response to these selective pressures, marine microorganisms adapt their membrane system to ensure protection and dynamicity in order to face the highly mutable sea environments. As an integral part of the Gram-negative outer membrane, structural modifications are commonly observed in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecule; these mainly involve its glycolipid portion, i.e., the lipid A, mostly with regard to fatty acid content, to counterbalance the alterations caused by chemical and physical agents. As a consequence, unusual structural chemical features are frequently encountered in the lipid A of marine bacteria. By a combination of data attained from chemical, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS), and MS/MS analyses, here, we describe the structural characterization of the lipid A isolated from two marine bacteria of the Echinicola genus, i.e., E. pacifica KMM 6172T and E. vietnamensis KMM 6221T. This study showed for both strains a complex blend of mono-phosphorylated tri- and tetra-acylated lipid A species carrying an additional sugar moiety, a d-galacturonic acid, on the glucosamine backbone. The unusual chemical structures are reflected in a molecule that only scantly activates the immune response upon its binding to the LPS innate immunity receptor, the TLR4-MD-2 complex. Strikingly, both LPS potently inhibited the toxic effects of proinflammatory Salmonella LPS on human TLR4/MD-2.
Comparison of Diplodia Tip Blight Pathogens in Spanish and North American Pine Ecosystems
Authors: Aragonés Ana , Manzanos Tania , Stanosz Glen , Munck Isabel A. , Raposo Rosa , Elvira-Recuenco Margarita , Berbegal Mónica , Mesanza Nebai , Smith Denise R. , Simmons Michael , Wyka Stephen , Iturritxa Eugenia
Published: December 2021

Diplodia tip blight is the most ubiquitous and abundant disease in Spanish Pinus radiata plantations. The economic losses in forest stands can be very severe because of its abundance in cones and seeds together with the low genetic diversity of the host. Pinus resinosa is not genetically diverse in North America either, and Diplodia shoot blight is a common disease. Disease control may require management designs to be adapted for each region. The genetic diversity of the pathogen could be an indicator of its virulence and spreading capacity. Our objective was to understand the diversity of Diplodia spp. in Spanish plantations and to compare it with the structure of American populations to collaborate in future management guidelines. Genotypic diversity was investigated using microsatellite markers. Eight loci (SS9–SS16) were polymorphic for the 322 isolates genotyped. The results indicate that Diplodia sapinea is the most frequent Diplodia species present in plantations of the north of Spain and has high genetic diversity. The higher genetic diversity recorded in Spain in comparison to previous studies could be influenced by the intensity of the sampling and the evidence about the remarkable influence of the sample type.
Reprogrammed Pteropus Bat Stem Cells as A Model to Study Host-Pathogen Interaction during Henipavirus Infection
Authors: Aurine Noémie , Baquerre Camille , Gaudino Maria , Jean Christian , Dumont Claire , Rival-Gervier Sylvie , Kress Clémence , Horvat Branka , Pain Bertrand
Published: December 2021

Bats are natural hosts for numerous zoonotic viruses, including henipaviruses, which are highly pathogenic for humans, livestock, and other mammals but do not induce clinical disease in bats. Pteropus bats are identified as a reservoir of henipaviruses and the source of transmission of the infection to humans over the past 20 years. A better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms allowing bats to control viral infections requires the development of relevant, stable, and permissive cellular experimental models. By applying a somatic reprogramming protocol to Pteropus bat primary cells, using a combination of ESRRB (Estrogen Related Receptor Beta), CDX2 (Caudal type Homeobox 2), and c-MYC (MYC proto-oncogene) transcription factors, we generated bat reprogrammed cells. These cells exhibit stem cell-like characteristics and neural stem cell molecular signature. In contrast to primary fibroblastic cells, these reprogrammed stem cells are highly permissive to henipaviruses and exhibit specific transcriptomic profiles with the particular expression of certain susceptibility factors such as interferon-stimulated genes (ISG), which may be related to viral infection. These Pteropus bat reprogrammed stem cells should represent an important experimental tool to decipher interactions during henipaviruses infection in Pteropus bats, facilitate isolation and production of bat-borne viruses, and to better understand the bat biology.
Recent Advances in Unveiling the Role of Beta-Herpesviruses in Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Arcangeletti Maria Cristina , Caselli Elisabetta
Published: December 2021

A dysregulated immune response can lead to recognition of self-antigens as non-self-antigens, leading to failure of the immune tolerance toward normal cells and tissues, and the consequent development of a variety of autoimmune diseases [...]
Thiolated Chitosan as an Intestinal Absorption Carrier with Hesperidin Encapsulation for Obesity Treatment
Authors: Chen Tzu-Chien , Ho Yu-Yu , Tang Rui-Chian , Ke Yong-Chen , Lin Jhih-Ni , Yang I-Hsuan , Lin Feng-Huei
Published: December 2021

Obesity is characterized as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation harmful to one’s health, linked to hormonal imbalances, cardiovascular illness, and coronary artery disease. Since the disease stems mainly from overconsumption, studies have aimed to control intestinal absorption as a route for treatment. In this study, chitosan-thioglycolic acid (CT) was developed as a physical barrier in the gastrointestinal tracts to inhibit nutrient uptake. CT exhibits a superior mucoadhesive property compared to chitosan both in vitro and in vivo for the ability to form disulfide bonds with the intestinal mucosa. For CT as a potential drug delivery platform, hesperidin, a herb for bodyweight control in traditional Chinese medication, is encapsulated in CT and can be released consistently from this absorption barrier. In animal studies, CT encapsulated with hesperidin (CTH) not only results in a weight-controlling effect but limits adipose accumulation by hindering absorption, suggesting a potential role in obesity treatment. Neither CT nor CTH exhibit cytotoxicity or produce adverse immunological reactions in vivo.