bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of Visual Quality and Contrast Sensitivity between Patients with Scleral-Fixated and In-Bag Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Chen Yueh-Ling , Pu Christy , Lin Ken-Kuo , Lee Jiahn-Shing , Liu Laura , Hou Chiun-Ho
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To analyze visual quality and contrast sensitivity in patients after intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with sutured scleral fixation. Setting: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan. Design: Retrospective observational study. Methods: Data on the refractive outcome, visual acuity, and subjective visual symptoms in patients with scleral-fixated or in-bag IOL implantation were collected from September 2019 to March 2020. We also investigated patients’ postoperative higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and dysphotopsia using a wavefront aberrometer and glaretester, respectively. The following values were compared: corrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent, root mean square values for aberrations, and contrast sensitivity. Results: A total of 23 eyes implanted with scleral-fixated IOL and 74 eyes with in-bag IOL were studied. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent and logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution after scleral fixation were −1.09 ± 3.32 D and 0.20 ± 0.17, respectively. The ocular HOAs were higher in the scleral-fixation group than in the in-bag group (p = 0.001). Contrast sensitivity was negatively associated with age, and it was similar between the two groups after controlling for the age effect. Conclusions: Ocular HOAs and refractive errors were higher in the scleral-fixation group than in the in-bag group. However, no significant difference was noted in contrast sensitivity between advanced scleral fixation and in-bag IOL implantation.
Double Lateral Sliding Bridge Flap versus Laterally Closed Tunnel for the Treatment of Single Recessions in the Mandibular Anterior Teeth: A Pseudorandomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Quispe-López Norberto , Sánchez-Santos Juan , Delgado-Gregori Joaquín , López-Malla Matute Joaquín , López-Valverde Nansi , Zubizarreta-Macho Álvaro , Flores-Fraile Javier , Gómez-Polo Cristina , Montero Javier
Published: May 2022

(1) Background: This study compared the clinical and esthetic results of the double lateral sliding bridge flap (DLSBF) and the laterally closed tunnel (LCT) techniques, with a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG), for the treatment of single Miller class II-III recessions in the mandibular anterior teeth. (2) Methods: This pseudorandomized clinical trial evaluated 14 patients, 7 of whom were part of the DLSBF + SCTG group, with an average follow-up of 58.7 ± 24.0 months, and 7 of whom were in the LCT + SCTG group, with an average follow-up of 16.7 ± 3.3 months. Clinical and esthetic evaluations of the following parameters were performed and the results for the two groups were compared: gingival recession depth, probing depth, keratinized tissue width, gingival thickness, percentage of root coverage and root coverage esthetic score. (3) Results: After the follow-up period, each technique provided evidence of a reduction in recession depth and clinical attachment level, as well as increased keratinized tissue width and gingival thickness, with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). The analysis showed that gingival recession depth decreased less in the DLSBF group (4.3 ± 1.2 mm to 0.6 ± 1.1 mm) than it did in the LCT group (4.9 ± 1.1 mm to 0.1 ± 0.4 mm), but no significant difference was found between the two groups. Similarly, a greater reduction in the clinical attachment level parameter was observed in the LCT group, while a greater increase in gingival thickness was observed in the DLSBF group. The presence of scars was the only parameter for which statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the two study groups were found. (4) Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, it indicates that the LCT + SCTG technique may be considered an optimal technique in terms of reducing gingival recession depth, complete root coverage and esthetic results for the treatment of single gingival recessions in the mandibular anterior teeth.
Tegafur–Uracil/Leucovorin Plus Oxaliplatin (TEGAFOX) as Consolidation Regimen after Short-Course Radiotherapy Is Effective for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Liao Chun-Kai , Kuo Ya-Ting , Chern Yih-Jong , Hsu Yu-Jen , Lin Yueh-Chen , Yu Yen-Lin , Hsieh Pao-Shiu , Chiang Jy-Ming , Yeh Chien-Yuh , You Jeng-Fu
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to explore the safety and efficacy of neoadjuvant SCRT and tegafur–uracil/leucovorin plus oxaliplatin (TEGAFOX) for LARC in comparison to those of the modified 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFOX-6) regimen. We retrospectively evaluated 15 and 22 patients with LARC who underwent SCRT, followed by consolidation chemotherapy with TEGAFOX and mFOLFOX-6 before surgery, respectively, between January 2015 and December 2019. The primary endpoint was the tumor response rate. The secondary endpoints were compliance, toxicity, complications, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). The dose reduction rate was lower in the TEGAFOX group (0 vs. 9.1% (n = 2)). No grade III-IV toxicities occurred in the TEGAFOX group. Two and four patients in the TEGAFOX and mFOLFOX-6 groups, respectively, achieved clinical complete responses. The pathologic complete response rate was lower in the TEGAFOX group (7.7% vs. 17.6%). Overall, 11 (73.3%) and 17 (81.0%) patients had a neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score of <16 in the TEGAFOX and mFOLFOX-6 groups, respectively. All patients in this study received sphincter-preservation surgery. One patient in each group developed Clavien–Dindo grade III complications. There were no significant between-group differences in the 3-year OS (81.8% vs. 84.8%, p = 0.884) and 3-year DFS (72% vs. 71.6%, p = 0.824) rates. TEGAFOX, as consolidation chemotherapy after SCRT, achieves good tumor downstaging and patient compliance in LARC. The toxicity, complications, and surgical outcomes are similar to those of mFOLFOX-6. Thus, TEGAFOX can be considered a chemotherapy option for rectal cancer treatment.
Transcatheter Treatment of Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: McInerney Angela , Marroquin-Donday Luis , Tirado-Conte Gabriela , Hennessey Breda , Espejo Carolina , Pozo Eduardo , de Agustín Alberto , Gonzalo Nieves , Salinas Pablo , Núñez-Gil Iván , Fernández-Ortiz Antonio , Mejía-Rentería Hernan , Macaya Fernando , Escaned Javier , Nombela-Franco Luis , Jiménez-Quevedo Pilar
Published: May 2022

Mitral valve disease, and in particular mitral regurgitation, is a common clinical entity. Until recently, surgical repair and replacement were the only therapeutic options available, leaving many patients untreated mostly due to excessive surgical risk. Over the last number of years, huge strides have been made regarding percutaneous, catheter-based solutions for mitral valve disease. Transcatheter repair procedures have most commonly been used, and in recent years there has been exponential growth in the number of devices available for transcatheter mitral valve replacement. Furthermore, the evolution of these devices has resulted in both smaller delivery systems and a shift towards transeptal access, negating the need for surgical incisions. In line with these advancements, and clinical trials demonstrating promising outcomes in carefully selected cases, recent guidelines have strengthened their recommendations for these devices. It is appropriate, therefore, to now review the current transcatheter repair and replacement devices available and the evidence for their use.
Methylphenidate Use for Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents with ADHD and ADHD and ASD: A Naturalistic Study
Authors: Ventura Patrizia , de Giambattista Concetta , Trerotoli Paolo , Cavone Maddalena , Di Gioia Alessandra , Margari Lucia
Published: May 2022

Emotional dysregulation (ED) is common in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nonetheless, research on ADHD in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD is still ongoing. Several studies suggest that methylphenidate (MPH) may be effective for ED in ADHD, while there is not enough evidence about its use in ASD with comorbid ADHD. This naturalistic study aims to investigate the effectiveness of immediate- and extended-release MPH in the treatment of ED in 70 children and adolescents (6–18 years), with a diagnosis of ADHD (n = 41) and of ASD with comorbid ADHD (n = 29), using the Child Behavior Checklist—Attention/Aggressive/Anxious (CBCL-AAA). Their parents completed the CBCL twice—first during the summer medication-free period, that is, at least one month after drug interruption; and again after three months of treatment restart. Results demonstrate that MPH is associated with a statistically significant reduction in ED in ADHD and ASD, without substantial adverse events, supporting the use of psychostimulants for the treatment of ED in these neurodevelopmental disorders.
Current Status and Future Perspectives of Artificial Intelligence in Colonoscopy
Authors: Kamitani Yu , Nonaka Kouichi , Isomoto Hajime
Published: May 2022

The early endoscopic identification, resection, and treatment of precancerous adenoma and early-stage cancer has been shown to reduce not only the prevalence of colorectal cancer but also its mortality rate. Recent advances in endoscopic devices and imaging technology have dramatically improved our ability to detect colorectal lesions and predict their pathological diagnosis. In addition to this, rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology mean that AI-related research and development is now progressing in the diagnostic imaging field, particularly colonoscopy, and AIs (i.e., devices that mimic cognitive abilities, such as learning and problem-solving) already approved as medical devices are now being introduced into everyday clinical practice. Today, there is an increasing expectation that sophisticated AIs will be able to provide high-level diagnostic performance irrespective of the level of skill of the endoscopist. In this paper, we review colonoscopy-related AI research and the AIs that have already been approved and discuss the future prospects of this technology.
Let’s Play the fMRI—Advantages of Gamified Paradigm in Examining the Motor Cortex of Young Children
Authors: Podgórski Michał , Matera Katarzyna , Olewnik Łukasz , Puzio Tomasz , Barańska Dobromiła , Grzelak Piotr
Published: May 2022

Background: Performing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) examination is difficult when a child needs to stay awake and cooperate. Many techniques help to prepare them for the study but without modification of the examination protocol. The objective of this research was to prepare a gamified motor paradigm (“computer game”) that will improve the fMRI examination of young children. Methods: After preparing a dedicated application the fMRI examination was performed on 60 healthy children (10 girls and 10 boys in each age group of 4, 5, and 6 years old). Each child performed the gamified and a standard motor paradigm, both based on squeezing a rubber bulb. The effectiveness of squeezing were compared. Results: With the application of the gamified paradigm children completed significantly more active blocks (3.3 ± 1.4) than for the standard paradigm (2.2 ± 1.6) (p < 0.0001). In mixed-effects Poisson regression, age (IRR = 1.9; 95%CI: 1.5–2.5) and application of gamified paradigm (IRR = 5.6; 95%CI: 1.1–28.0) were significantly associated with more completed blocks. Conclusions: The gamified motor paradigm performed better than a standard paradigm in the fMRI examination of children between 4 and 6 years old. It allowed a significant increase in the number of completed active blocks and also better squeezing effectiveness in each block.
Dental MRI of Oral Soft-Tissue Tumors—Optimized Use of Black Bone MRI Sequences and a 15-Channel Mandibular Coil
Authors: Al-Haj Husain Adib , Sekerci Esra , Schönegg Daphne , Bosshard Fabienne A. , Stadlinger Bernd , Winklhofer Sebastian , Piccirelli Marco , Valdec Silvio
Published: May 2022

Soft-tissue lesions in the oral cavity, one of the most common sites for tumors and tumor-like lesions, can be challenging to diagnose and treat due to the wide spectrum from benign indolent to invasive malignant lesions. We report an abnormally large, rapidly growing hyperplastic lesion originating from the buccal mucosa in a 28-year-old male patient. Clinical examination revealed a well-circumscribed, smooth-surfaced, pinkish nodular lesion measuring 2.3 × 2 cm, which suggested the differential diagnosis of irritation fibroma, pyogenic granuloma, oral lipoma, and other benign or malignant neoplasms such as hemangioma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or metastases to the oral cavity. Dental MRI using a 15-channel mandibular coil was performed to improve perioperative radiological and surgical management, avoiding adverse intraoperative events and misdiagnosis of vascular malformations, especially hemangiomas. Black bone MRI protocols such as STIR (short-tau inversion recovery) and DESS (double-echo steady-state) were used for high-resolution radiation-free imaging. Radiologic findings supported the suspected diagnosis of an irritation fibroma and ruled out any further head and neck lesions, therefore complete surgical resection was performed. Histology confirmed the tentative diagnosis. This article evaluates the use of this novel technique for MR diagnosis in the perioperative management of soft-tissue tumors in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Oxidative Stress in Far Eastern Mussel Mytilus trossulus (Gould, 1850) Exposed to Combined Polystyrene Microspheres (µPSs) and CuO-Nanoparticles (CuO-NPs)
Authors: Dovzhenko Nadezda Vladimirovna , Chelomin Victor Pavlovich , Mazur Andrey Alexandrovich , Kukla Sergey Petrovich , Slobodskova Valentina Vladimirovna , Istomina Aleksandra Anatolievna , Zhukovskaya Avianna Fayazovna
Published: May 2022

The ingress of nanoparticles of metal oxides and microfragments of synthetic polymers (microplastics) into a marine environment causes unpredictable consequences. The effects of such particles cannot be predicted due to a lack of ecotoxicological information. In this research, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted on the combined effects of CuO-nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) and polystyrene microspheres (µPSs) on the development of oxidative stress processes in the marine filter-feeder mollusk Mytilus trossulus. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, including the lysosome membrane stability of hematocytes (LMS), the index of antioxidant activity (IAA), the levels of malonaldehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PCs), and DNA damage in digestive gland cells, were measured after 5 days of exposure. Based on a battery of biochemical markers, it was shown that oxidative stress was induced at varying degrees in the experimental mollusks when exposed to CuO-NPs and µPSs both separately and in combination. In contrast, the single-treatment effect on the lysosomal membrane was enhanced by the combined CuO-NPs and µPSs (from 77.14 ± 8.56 to 42 ± 4.26 min). In addition, exposure to both the compounds alone and in combination decreased the IAA (from 22.87 ± 1.25, to 19.55 ± 0.21, 10.73 ± 0.53, and 12.06 ± 1.62 nM/mg protein, respectively). The PC level significantly increased only after CuO-NP exposure (from 0.496 ± 0.02 to 0.838 ± 0.03 μM/mg protein). Furthermore, the results showed that the investigated particles, both alone and in combination, promoted DNA damage in digestive gland cells (from 2.02 ± 0.52 to 5.15 ± 0.37, 18.29 ± 2.14, and 10.72 ± 2.53%, respectively), indicating that these compounds are genotoxic. Overall, the results obtained suggest that oxidative stress is the leading factor in the negative effects of CuO-NPs and µPSs. Considering the exceptional role of genome integrity in the functioning of biological systems, the revealed damages in the DNA molecule structure should be attributed to the most important manifestations of the toxicity of these two forms of marine pollution.
Saprolegniosis in Amphibians: An Integrated Overview of a Fluffy Killer Disease
Authors: Costa Sara , Lopes Isabel
Published: May 2022

Amphibians constitute the class of vertebrates with the highest proportion of threatened species, with infectious diseases being considered among the greatest causes for their worldwide decline. Aquatic oomycetes, known as “water molds”, are fungus-like microorganisms that are ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems and are capable of causing disease in a broad range of amphibian hosts. Various species of Achlya sp., Leptolegnia sp., Aphanomyces sp., and mainly, Saprolegnia sp., are responsible for mass die-offs in the early developmental stages of a wide range of amphibian populations through a disease known as saprolegniosis, aka, molding or a “Saprolegnia-like infection”. In this context, the main objective of the present review was to bring together updated information about saprolegniosis in amphibians to integrate existing knowledge, identify current knowledge gaps, and suggest future directions within the saprolegniosis–amphibian research field. Based on the available literature and data, an integrated and critical interpretation of the results is discussed. Furthermore, the occurrence of saprolegniosis in natural and laboratory contexts and the factors that influence both pathogen incidence and host susceptibility are also addressed. The focus of this work was the species Saprolegnia sp., due to its ecological importance on amphibian population dynamics and due to the fact that this is the most reported genera to be associated with saprolegniosis in amphibians. In addition, integrated emerging therapies, and their potential application to treat saprolegniosis in amphibians, were evaluated, and future actions are suggested.
Spontaneous Suppressors against Debilitating Transmembrane Mutants of CaMdr1 Disclose Novel Interdomain Communication via Signature Motifs of the Major Facilitator Superfamily
Authors: Sharma Suman , Banerjee Atanu , Moreno Alexis , Redhu Archana Kumari , Falson Pierre , Prasad Rajendra
Published: May 2022

The Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) drug:H+ antiporter CaMdr1, from Candida albicans, is responsible for the efflux of structurally diverse antifungals. MFS members share a common fold of 12–14 transmembrane helices (TMHs) forming two N- and C-domains. Each domain is arranged in a pseudo-symmetric fold of two tandems of 3-TMHs that alternatively expose the drug-binding site towards the inside or the outside of the yeast to promote drug binding and release. MFS proteins show great diversity in primary structure and few conserved signature motifs, each thought to have a common function in the superfamily, although not yet clearly established. Here, we provide new information on these motifs by having screened a library of 64 drug transport-deficient mutants and their corresponding suppressors spontaneously addressing the deficiency. We found that five strains recovered the drug-resistance capacity by expressing CaMdr1 with a secondary mutation. The pairs of debilitating/rescuing residues are distributed either in the same TMH (T127ATMH1- > G140DTMH1) or 3-TMHs repeat (F216ATMH4- > G260ATMH5), at the hinge of 3-TMHs repeats tandems (R184ATMH3- > D235HTMH4, L480ATMH10- > A435TTMH9), and finally between the N- and C-domains (G230ATMH4- > P528HTMH12). Remarkably, most of these mutants belong to the different signature motifs, highlighting a mechanistic role and interplay thought to be conserved among MFS proteins. Results also point to the specific role of TMH11 in the interplay between the N- and C-domains in the inward- to outward-open conformational transition.
Physiological Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Silver Stress
Authors: Robinson Janelle R. , Isikhuemhen Omoanghe S. , Anike Felicia N. , Subedi Kiran
Published: May 2022

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) production and their use as antimicrobial agents is a current area of active research. Biosynthesis is the most sustainable production method, and fungi have become candidates of interest in AgNP production. However, investigations into the physiological responses of fungi due to silver exposure are scanty. This present work utilized two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (one used in commercial fermentation and a naturally occurring strain) to determine the physiological consequences of their transient exposure to AgNO3. The assessments were based on studies involving growth curves, minimal inhibitory concentration assays, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Results indicated (a) the capability of S. cerevisiae to produce silver nanoparticles, even at elevated levels of exposure; (b) strain origin had no significant impact on S. cerevisiae physiological response to AgNO3; and (c) coexposure to copper and silver significantly increased intracellular copper, silver, and calcium in treated yeast cells. In addition, electron microscopy and ICP-OES results revealed that both strains internalized silver after exposure, resulting in the shrunken and distorted physical appearance visible on SEM micrographs of treated cells. Though a promising candidate for AgNPs biosynthesis, this study analyzed the effects of transient silver exposure on S. cerevisiae growth physiology and morphology.
TMS Database Registry Consortium Research Project in Japan (TReC-J) for Future Personalized Psychiatry
Authors: Noda Yoshihiro , Kizaki Junichiro , Takahashi Shun , Mimura Masaru
Published: May 2022

The registry project led by the Japanese Society for Clinical Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) Research aims to establish a centralized database of epidemiological, clinical, and biological data on TMS therapy for refractory psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression, as well as to contribute to the elucidation of the therapeutic mechanism of TMS therapy and to the validation of its efficacy by analyzing and evaluating these data in a systematic approach. The objective of this registry project is to collect a wide range of complex data linked to patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders who received TMS therapy throughout Japan, and to make effective use of these data to promote cross-sectional and longitudinal exploratory observational studies. Research utilizing this registry project will be conducted in a multicenter, non-invasive, retrospective, and prospective observational research study design, regardless of the framework of insurance medical care, private practice, or clinical research. Through the establishment of the registry, which aims to make use of data, we will advance the elucidation of treatment mechanisms and identification of predictors of therapeutic response to TMS therapy for refractory psychiatric disorders on a more real-world research basis. Furthermore, as a future vision, we aim to develop novel neuromodulation medical devices, algorithms for predicting treatment efficacy, and digital therapeutics based on the knowledge generated from this TMS registry database.
Characteristics of Changes in Urban Land Use and Efficiency Evaluation in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau from 1990 to 2020
Authors: Fu Shujing , Zhang Xuexia , Kuang Wenhui , Guo Changqing
Published: May 2022

The Qinghai–Tibet Plateau has seen decades of changes in land use/cover as a result of urbanization and regional planning policy. Research on the efficiency of social development aids in the pursuit of social and environmental sustainability. Based on CLUD and socioeconomic statistical data, this study systematically analyses the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of urban land use in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and evaluates its social development efficiency from three perspectives—the holistic, the municipal, and urban hierarchy—by using indicators such as the Moran index, land use efficiency, and urban expansion speed and proportion. Results show that the urbanization rate climbed from 21.26% to 54.95%, and the area of urban lands increased from 201.93 km2 to 796.59 km2 from 1990 to 2020, with urban lands expanding from the Lanzhou–Xining City Area to the central and south of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. The holistic urban land use efficiency grew from 1.14 to 1.53, while the UPD decreased slightly from 1.44 to 1.31, and the UED increased steadily from 1.40 to 12.97 per decade. Moreover, we should pay attention to the rational allocation of land in human, social and ecosystem terms to comprehensively improve the quality of urbanization across the plateau.
Consistency and Accuracy of Four High-Resolution LULC Datasets—Indochina Peninsula Case Study
Authors: Wang Hao , Yan Huimin , Hu Yunfeng , Xi Yue , Yang Yichen
Published: May 2022

Open and high-temporal- and spatial-resolution global land use/land cover (LULC) mapping data form the foundation of global change research and cross-scale land management planning. However, the consistency and reliability of the use of multisource LULC datasets in specific regions need to be quantitatively assessed. In this study, we selected the Indochina Peninsula as the research area; considered four datasets: LSV10, GLC_FCS30, ESRI10, and Globeland30; and analyzed them from four dimensions: the similarity of composition type, the degree of category confusion, spatial consistency, and data accuracy. The results show that: (1) the land composition descriptions of the different datasets are consistent. The study area is dominated by forest and cropland, supplemented by grassland, shrubland, and other land types. (2) The correlation coefficient between datasets is between 0.905 and 0.972; the spatial consistency of datasets is good; and the high-consistency area accounts for 77.87% of the total. (3) The overall accuracy of LSV10 is the highest (83.25%), and that of GLC_FCS30 is the lowest (72.27%). The accuracy of cropland, forest, water area, and built-up land is generally high (above 85%); the accuracy of grassland, shrubland, and bare land is low (below 60%). Therefore, researchers must conduct validation for specific regions and specific land types before using the above datasets. Our findings provide a basis for selecting LULC datasets in related research on the Indochina Peninsula and a reference method for assessing the reliability of multisource LULC datasets in other regions.
Data-Driven Sliding Bearing Temperature Model for Condition Monitoring in Internal Combustion Engines
Authors: Laubichler Christian , Kiesling Constantin , Marques da Silva Matheus , Wimmer Andreas , Hager Gunther
Published: May 2022

Condition monitoring of components in internal combustion engines is an essential tool for increasing engine durability and avoiding critical engine operation. If lubrication at the crankshaft main bearings is insufficient, metal-to-metal contacts become likely and thus wear can occur. Bearing temperature measurements with thermocouples serve as a reliable, fast responding, individual bearing-oriented method that is comparatively simple to apply. In combination with a corresponding reference model, such measurements could serve to monitor the bearing condition. Based on experimental data from an MAN D2676 LF51 heavy-duty diesel engine, the derivation of a data-driven model for the crankshaft main bearing temperatures under steady-state engine operation is discussed. A total of 313 temperature measurements per bearing are available for this task. Readily accessible engine operating data that represent the corresponding engine operating points serve as model inputs. Different machine learning methods are thoroughly tested in terms of their prediction error with the help of a repeated nested cross-validation. The methods include different linear regression approaches (i.e., with and without lasso regularization), gradient boosting regression and support vector regression. As the results show, support vector regression is best suited for the problem. In the final evaluation on unseen test data, this method yields a prediction error of less than 0.4 °C (root mean squared error). Considering the temperature range from approximately 76 °C to 112 °C, the results demonstrate that it is possible to reliably predict the bearing temperatures with the chosen approach. Therefore, the combination of a data-driven bearing temperature model and thermocouple-based temperature measurements forms a powerful tool for monitoring the condition of sliding bearings in internal combustion engines.
Nano-Hybrid Au@LCCs Systems Displaying Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Condorelli Marcello , Speciale Antonio , Cimino Francesco , Muscarà Claudia , Fazio Enza , D’Urso Luisa , Corsaro Carmelo , Neri Giulia , Mezzasalma Angela Maria , Compagnini Giuseppe , Neri Fortunato , Saija Antonina
Published: May 2022

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) have received great attention owing to their biocompatible nature, environmental, and widespread biomedical applications. Au NPs are known as capable to regulate inflammatory responses in several tissues and organs; interestingly, lower toxicity in conjunction with anti-inflammatory effects was reported to occur with Au NPs treatment. Several variables drive this benefit-risk balance, including Au NPs physicochemical properties such as their morphology, surface chemistry, and charge. In our research we prepared hybrid Au@LCC nanocolloids by the Pulsed Laser Ablation, which emerged as a suitable chemically clean technique to produce ligand-free or functionalized nanomaterials, with tight control on their properties (product purity, crystal structure selectivity, particle size distribution). Here, for the first time to our knowledge, we have investigated the bioproperties of Au@LCCs. When tested in vitro on intestinal epithelial cells exposed to TNF-α, Au@LCCs sample at the ratio of 2.6:1 showed a significantly reduced TNF gene expression and induced antioxidant heme oxygenase-1 gene expression better than the 1:1 dispersion. Although deeper investigations are needed, these findings indicate that the functionalization with LCCs allows a better interaction of Au NPs with targets involved in the cell redox status and inflammatory signaling.
The Use of Brewer’s Spent Grain after Beer Production for Energy Purposes
Authors: Głowacki Szymon , Salamon Agnieszka , Sojak Mariusz , Tulej Weronika , Bryś Andrzej , Hutsol Taras , Salamon Marek , Kukharets Savelii , Janaszek-Mańkowska Monika
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to assess the possibilities to use brewer’s spent grains (BSGs) left over from beer production for energy purposes, and to determine its calorific value and chemical composition. The research materials were samples of wet spent grain from a brewery in Poland. Three samples, that are different in ingredient composition, were examined. The examined samples of BSGs were characterised by humidity that is typical for this product (approx. 77–80%). Convective drying of the spent grain contributed to a reduction in the water content in the biomass to below 10%. Samples of dry spent grain that were examined contained a similar amount of ash (3.8–4.1% d.m.) and organic matter (91.0–91.9% d.m.). All the examined spent grain samples demonstrated similar volatile matter content—approx. 77.8–78.7% d.m. and calorific value—approx. 15.6–15.9 MJ/kg. The estimated calorific value for wet samples (approx. 1.4–2.0 MJ/kg) indicated that it is necessary to lower water content in the biomass in order to improve its energy properties.
Mortars for Conservation of Late 19th and Early 20th Century Buildings—Combination of Natural Cements with Air Lime
Authors: Andrejkovičová Slavka , Maljaee Hamid , Rocha Diana , Rocha Fernando , Soares Maria R. , Velosa Ana
Published: May 2022

With the availability of commercial Natural cements (NC) for the conservation purposes raises a fundamental question about the compatibility between historic and repair mortars. The properties of Natural cements are dependent on the geological location of the raw material extraction and also on the production parameters, both having an impact on the final properties of the mortars produced from each distinct. Therefore, the significance of preservation of 19th and 20th century heritage and selection of the proper binder compatible with the original materials necessitate the study of existing NCs, that nowadays are produced by several manufacturers. This work provides a complex study of the mortars prepared from three NCs available in the market: Groupe Prompt Vicat, France (NCPV); Cemento Collet Marfil (NCM) and Cemento Natural Tigre (NCT), both from Spain. Various mortar sets based on individual NC containing different binder/aggregate ratios and air lime additions were analyzed after 28, 60, and 90 days of curing with the focus on their mineralogical composition (XRD), morphology (SEM), mechanical (flexural and compressive strength), and physical properties such as water absorption by capillarity, water vapor permeability, and water vapor diffusion resistance. Mortars prepared from NCPV, NCM, and NCT show distinct physical-mechanical properties with varying binder/aggregate ratio and air lime addition. This study shows that the NC variability should be taken into consideration when selecting materials for the conservation and rehabilitation of historic renders and plasters. Based on the comparison with original NC mortars, several NC mortars developed in this study show adequate properties for conservation of the buildings from late 19th and early 20th century in terms of compressive strength (>12 MPa), water absorption by capillarity (<20 kg·m−2·h−0.5), water vapor permeability (<4 × 10−10 kg·s−1·m−1·Pa−1), and water vapor diffusion resistance (<28) values.
Study of the Influence of Zirconium, Titanium and Strontium on the Properties and Microstructure of AlSi7Mg0.3Cu0.5 Alloy
Authors: Bolibruchová Dana , Kuriš Michal , Matejka Marek , Kasińska Justyna
Published: May 2022

The aim of the paper is to describe and specify the properties and microstructure of Al-Si alloy using Zr, a combination of Zr with elements used in the grafting of Al (Ti) alloys, and modification (Sr). Al-Si alloys with a combination of Zr and Ti and Sr elements represent an opportunity for the development of new aluminum alloys with a specific use. The experiment focused on the analysis of the synergistic effects of Zr with Ti and Zr with Sr on a AlSi7Mg0.3Cu0.5 alloy. The experimental alloys contained a constant Zr content of 0.15 wt. % and were alloyed with a gradual addition of Ti and Sr in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 wt. % for Ti, and 0.1 to 0.3 wt. % for Sr. The experimental samples were cast by meltable model casting technology. In variants with a constant addition of Zr 0.15 wt. % and a gradual addition of Ti, we observed an increase in the values of mechanical characteristics, with a significant decrease in ductility. When evaluating the structure of experimental alloys, Ti affected it by increasing the number of precipitated Zr phases. Experimental alloys with Zr and Sr addition were characterized by nucleation of Zr phases in angular morphology. It can be concluded that the investigated elements are expected to have a positive (strengthening) effect even at higher operating temperatures.
Does Backgrounds Color Influence the Appearance of Gingiva-Colored Resin-Based Composites?
Authors: Pérez María M. , Benavides-Reyes Cristina , Tejada-Casado Maria , Ruiz-López Javier , Lucena Cristina
Published: May 2022

Dental materials are mainly tested in vitro, so laboratory conditions must reproduce the oral environment to ensure the validity of their results. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of backgrounds on the color of gingiva-colored resin-based composites (GCRBC). Three discs of each of 20 shades of GCRBCs and each thickness (1 and 2 mm) were prepared. Diffuse reflectance was measured on-air and over three natural teeth (0M3/B1, 3M3/B3, and 5M3/B4 shades of Vita 3D Master/Vita Classical guides, respectively) using a calibrated spectroradiometer, CIE D65 illuminant and the CIE 45°/0° geometry. CIEDE2000 color difference formula and its 50:50% perceptibility and acceptability thresholds have been used to calculate and interpret the results. It can be stated that the background influences the color of all GCRBCs tested, although the effect is more pronounced for 1 mm thick samples. L*, a* and b* coordinates values of GCRBCs on air were significantly different from those obtained on natural teeth backgrounds, and the total color differences were greater than the acceptability thresholds. Since GCRBCs are placed on a dental substrate in clinical conditions, it is not advisable to perform color measurements of GCRBCs on-air because of the high color differences found. This recommendation is especially relevant for thin specimens.
Size Effect of Hydrated Lime on the Mechanical Performance of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Albayati Amjad , Wang Yu , Haynes Jonathan
Published: May 2022

Despite widespread agreement on the beneficial nature of hydrated lime (HL) addition to asphalt concrete mixes, understanding of the effect of HL particle size is still limited. Previous investigations have focused mainly on two different size comparisons, and so certain guidance for a practical application cannot yet be produced. This study investigates three distinct sizes of HL, in the range of regular, nano, and sub-nano scales, for their effects on the properties of modified asphalt concretes. Five different percentages of HL as a partial replacement of ordinary limestone filler in asphalt concrete mixes were studied for wearing course application purposes. Experimental tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties, including resistance to plastic flow, volumetric properties, moisture susceptibility, resilient modulus, and permanent deformation. The results revealed that a positive correlation exists between the mechanical properties and the fineness of HL particle sizes.
TiO2 Thickness-Dependent Charge Transfer in an Ordered Ag/TiO2/Ni Nanopillar Arrays Based on Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Wang Cai , Guo Xufeng , Fu Qun
Published: May 2022

In this study, an ordered Ag/TiO2/Ni nanopillar arrays hybrid substrate was designed, and the charge transfer (CT) process at the metal–semiconductor and substrate–molecule interface was investigated based on the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 4-Aminothiophenol (PATP) absorbed on the composite system. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption of Ag changes due to the regulation of TiO2 thickness, which leads to different degrees of CT enhancement in the system. The CT degree of SERS spectra obtained at different excitation wavelengths was calculated to study the contribution of CT enhancement to SERS, and a TiO2 thickness-dependent CT enhancement mechanism was proposed. Furthermore, Ag/TiO2/Ni nanopillar arrays possessed favorable detection ability and uniformity, which has potential as a SERS-active substrate.
Optimal H2 Moment Matching-Based Model Reduction for Linear Systems through (Non)convex Optimization
Authors: Necoara Ion , Ionescu Tudor-Corneliu
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we compute a (local) optimal reduced order model that matches a prescribed set of moments of a stable linear time-invariant system of high dimension. We fix the interpolation points and parametrize the models achieving moment-matching in a set of free parameters. Based on the parametrization and using the H2-norm of the approximation error as the objective function, we derive a nonconvex optimization problem, i.e., we search for the optimal free parameters to determine the model yielding the minimal H2-norm of the approximation error. Furthermore, we provide the necessary first-order optimality conditions in terms of the controllability and the observability Gramians of a minimal realization of the error system. We then propose two gradient-type algorithms to compute the (local) optimal models, with mathematical guarantees on the convergence. We also derive convex semidefinite programming relaxations for the nonconvex Problem, under the assumption that the error system admits block-diagonal Gramians, and derive sufficient conditions to guarantee the block diagonalization. The solutions resulting at each step of the proposed algorithms guarantee the achievement of the imposed moment matching conditions. The second gradient-based algorithm exhibits the additional property that, when stopped, yields a stable approximation with a reduced H2-error norm. We illustrate the theory on a CD-player and on a discretized heat equation.
State and Control Path-Dependent Stochastic Zero-Sum Differential Games: Viscosity Solutions of Path-Dependent Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs Equations
Authors: Moon Jun
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we consider the two-player state and control path-dependent stochastic zero-sum differential game. In our problem setup, the state process, which is controlled by the players, is dependent on (current and past) paths of state and control processes of the players. Furthermore, the running cost of the objective functional depends on both state and control paths of the players. We use the notion of non-anticipative strategies to define lower and upper value functionals of the game, where unlike the existing literature, these value functions are dependent on the initial states and control paths of the players. In the first main result of this paper, we prove that the (lower and upper) value functionals satisfy the dynamic programming principle (DPP), for which unlike the existing literature, the Skorohod metric is necessary to maintain the separability of càdlàg (state and control) spaces. We introduce the lower and upper Hamilton–Jacobi–Isaacs (HJI) equations from the DPP, which correspond to the state and control path-dependent nonlinear second-order partial differential equations. In the second main result of this paper, we show that by using the functional Itô calculus, the lower and upper value functionals are viscosity solutions of (lower and upper) state and control path-dependent HJI equations, where the notion of viscosity solutions is defined on a compact κ-Hölder space to use several important estimates and to guarantee the existence of minimum and maximum points between the (lower and upper) value functionals and the test functions. Based on these two main results, we also show that the Isaacs condition and the uniqueness of viscosity solutions imply the existence of the game value. Finally, we prove the uniqueness of classical solutions for the (state path-dependent) HJI equations in the state path-dependent case, where its proof requires establishing an equivalent classical solution structure as well as an appropriate contradiction argument.
An Approach to Assessing Spatial Coherence of Current and Voltage Signals in Electrical Networks
Authors: Ilyushin Pavel , Kulikov Aleksandr , Suslov Konstantin , Filippov Sergey
Published: May 2022

In the context of energy industry decentralization, electrical networks encounter deviations of power quality indices (PQI), including violations of the sinusoidality of current and voltage signals, which increase errors in the joint digital processing of spatially separated signals in digital devices. This paper addresses specific features of using the concept of spatial coherence in the measurement and digital processing of current and voltage signals. Methods for assessing the coherence of current and voltage signals during synchronized measurements are considered for the case of PQI deviation. The example of a double-ended transmission line fault location (hereafter, DTLFL) demonstrates that the lower the cross-correlation coefficient, the higher the error and the lower the accuracy of calculating the distance to the fault site. The nature of the influence of spatial coherence violations on errors in DTLFL depends on the expression used to calculate the distance to the fault point. The application of a normalized cross-correlation coefficient for finding errors in the digital processing of current and voltage signals, in the case of spatial coherence violation, was substantiated. The influence of interharmonics and noise on errors in DTLFL, in the case of violations of spatial coherence of signals, was investigated. The magnitude of distortions and error in estimating the current and voltage amplitude depends on the ratio between the amplitudes and phases of the fundamental and distorting interharmonics. Filtration of the original and decimated signals based on the discrete Fourier transform eliminates the noise components of the power frequency harmonics.
The Best Ulam Constant of the Fréchet Functional Equation
Authors: Opraie Irina , Popa Dorian , Timboş Liana
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we prove the Ulam stability of the Fréchet functional equation f(x+y+z)+f(x)+f(y)+f(z)=f(x+y)+f(y+z)+f(z+x) arising from the characterization of inner product spaces and we determine its best Ulam constant. Using this result, we give a stability result for a pexiderized version of the Fréchet functional equation.
Small Area Estimation of Zone-Level Malnutrition among Children under Five in Ethiopia
Authors: Muchie Kindie Fentahun , Wanjoya Anthony Kibira , Mwalili Samuel Musili
Published: May 2022

Child undernutrition is one of the 10 most significant public health problems worldwide. There is a rapidly growing demand to produce reliable estimates at the micro administrative level with small sample sizes. In this research, the authors employed small area estimation techniques to estimate the prevalence of malnutrition at the zonal level among children under five in Ethiopia. The small area estimation concept was sought for by linking the most recent possible survey data and census data in Ethiopia. The results show that there is spatial variation of stunting, wasting and being underweight across the zone level, showing different locations facing different challenges or different extents.
Lung Fluid Volume during Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
Authors: Imamura Teruhiko , Hori Masakazu , Narang Nikhil , Kinugawa Koichiro
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing can be used to quantify exercise capacity in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HfrEF). Lung fluid levels as measured non-invasively by remote dielectric sensing (ReDSTM), often correlate with intracardiac filling pressures. The change in lung fluid levels in patients with HfrEF during cardiopulmonary exercise testing is unknown. Materials and Methods: Patients with chronic HfrEF who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing between October 2021 and March 2022 were prospectively included in this proof-of-concept study, with ReDS values measured before and after testing. Results: Thirteen patients (median age 41 (37, 52) years, 69% men, plasma B-type natriuretic peptide 141 (57, 368) pg/mL) were included. Median peak oxygen consumption was 11.4 (10.7, 14.0) mL/kg/min. During the test, ReDS values increased from 25% to 32% only in one patient on inotropic support, whereas ReDS values remained unchanged in the other 12 patients. The former patient remained hospitalized, whereas the other patients were dischargeable without any new incidence of clinical events during the observational period (median duration 69 (33, 112] days). Conclusions: The ReDS system may be a feasible complementary tool to noninvasively assess the changes in lung fluid levels during cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The clinical implications of ReDS values during exercise needs further investigation.