bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum microRNAs in Systemic Sclerosis, Associations with Digital Vasculopathy and Lung Involvement
Authors: Wajda Anna , Walczyk Marcela , Dudek Ewa , Stypińska Barbara , Lewandowska Aleksandra , Romanowska-Próchnicka Katarzyna , Chojnowski Marek , Olesińska Marzena , Paradowska-Gorycka Agnieszka
Published: September 2022

Background and aims: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune, rare multisystem chronic disease that is still not well-understood aetiologically and is challenging diagnostically. In the literature, there are ever-increasing assumptions regarding the epigenetic mechanisms involved in SSc development; one of them is circulating microRNAs. Many of them regulate TLR pathways and are significant in autoimmune balance. The aim of this study was to determine profile expression of selected microRNAs in SSc patients, including miR-126, -132, -143, -145, -155, -181a, -29a and -3148, in comparison to healthy controls. Methods: Serum microRNAs were isolated from 45 patients with SSc and 57 healthy donors (HC). Additionally, SSc patients were considered in the aspect of disease subtype, including diffuse systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) and limited systemic sclerosis (lcSSc). Results: miR-3148 was detected neither in the serum of HC nor in SSc patients. All of the rest of the analyzed microRNAs, excluding miR-126, miR-29a and miR-181a, were significantly upregulated in SSc patients in comparison to HC. However, miR-181a has been revealed only in the serum of patients with lcSSc but not dcSSc. Moderate positive correlations between the transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO) and miR-126 and miR-145 were observed. A significant correlation has been found between serum miR-143 level and forced vital capacity (FVC). SSc patients with FVC ≤ 70% were characterized by significantly lower levels of miR-143 compared to patients with normal FVC. Additionally, the expression of miR-132 was significantly higher in dcSSc subgroup with detected active lung lesions compared to dcSSc patients with fibrotic lesions. Patients with an early scleroderma pattern of microangiopathy seen on nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC) revealed higher expression of miR-155 in serum than those with a late pattern. Conclusions: The expression profile of circulating cell-free miRNAs is significantly changed in the serum of SSc patients compared to healthy individuals. Downregulation of miRNA-181a and overexpression of miR-132, miR-143, miR-145 and miR-155 in serum may be significant in SSc in the context of biomarkers.
Proton Pump Inhibitors and Bone Health: An Update Narrative Review
Authors: Lespessailles Eric , Toumi Hechmi
Published: September 2022

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are an antacid drug often used in acid-related disorders. They decrease acid secretion in the stomach by blocking an enzyme called H+/K+ ATPase which controls acid production. Introduced to the market in 1989, their use has increased rapidly worldwide and they are now among the top 10 most prescribed drugs in the United States. As of 2015, the FDA has already approved six drugs of this class (omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, dexlansoprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole). Recently, the risks and benefits of long-term PPI use were questioned and many studies indicated that their use should be carefully considered, especially in young patients, whose treatment with these drugs could last many years. Even greater concerns have been raised about a potential positive association between PPIs and osteoporotic fracture risk including the hip, spine and wrist. Although based on observational studies, there is substantial evidence associating the long-term use of PPIs and fracture. This relationship is only partially admitted due to the lack of consistent effects of PPIs on bone mineral density loss. Therefore, this narrative review aimed to discuss the recent findings pertaining to the risk of osteoporotic fracture associated with PPIs, in particular prolonged use, and to call for further research to elucidate the mechanisms associated with this bone fragility.
Comparison of Gene Expression Changes in Three Wheat Varieties with Different Susceptibilities to Heat Stress Using RNA-Seq Analysis
Authors: Lee Myoung Hui , Kim Kyeong-Min , Sang Wan-Gyu , Kang Chon-Sik , Choi Changhyun
Published: September 2022

Wheat is highly susceptible to heat stress, which significantly reduces grain yield. In this study, we used RNA-seq technology to analyze the transcript expression at three different time-points after heat treatment in three cultivars differing in their susceptibility to heat stress: Jopum, Keumkang, and Olgeuru. A total of 11,751, 8850, and 14,711; 10,959, 7946, and 14,205; and 22,895, 13,060, and 19,408 differentially-expressed genes (log2 fold-change > 1 and FDR (padj) < 0.05) were identified in Jopum, Keumkang, and Olgeuru in the control vs. 6-h, in the control vs. 12-h, and in the 6-h vs. 12-h heat treatment, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis showed that the biological processes for DEGs, such as the cellular response to heat and oxidative stress—and including the removal of superoxide radicals and the positive regulation of superoxide dismutase activity—were significantly enriched among the three comparisons in all three cultivars. Furthermore, we investigated the differential expression patterns of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging enzymes, heat shock proteins, and heat-stress transcription factors using qRT-PCR to confirm the differences in gene expression among the three varieties under heat stress. This study contributes to a better understanding of the wheat heat-stress response at the early growth stage and the varietal differences in heat tolerance.
Therapeutic Intervention with Anti-Complement Component 5 Antibody Does Not Reduce NASH but Does Attenuate Atherosclerosis and MIF Concentrations in Ldlr-/-.Leiden Mice
Authors: Seidel Florine , Kleemann Robert , van Duyvenvoorde Wim , van Trigt Nikki , Keijzer Nanda , van der Kooij Sandra , van Kooten Cees , Verschuren Lars , Menke Aswin , Kiliaan Amanda J. , Winter Johnathan , Hughes Timothy R. , Morgan B. Paul , Baas Frank , Fluiter Kees , Morrison Martine C.
Published: September 2022

Background: Chronic inflammation is an important driver in the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and atherosclerosis. The complement system, one of the first lines of defense in innate immunity, has been implicated in both diseases. However, the potential therapeutic value of complement inhibition in the ongoing disease remains unclear. Methods: After 20 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, obese Ldlr-/-.Leiden mice were treated twice a week with an established anti-C5 antibody (BB5.1) or vehicle control. A separate group of mice was kept on a chow diet as a healthy reference. After 12 weeks of treatment, NASH was analyzed histopathologically, and genome-wide hepatic gene expression was analyzed by next-generation sequencing and pathway analysis. Atherosclerotic lesion area and severity were quantified histopathologically in the aortic roots. Results: Anti-C5 treatment considerably reduced complement system activity in plasma and MAC deposition in the liver but did not affect NASH. Anti-C5 did, however, reduce the development of atherosclerosis, limiting the total lesion size and severity independently of an effect on plasma cholesterol but with reductions in oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Conclusion: We show, for the first time, that treatment with an anti-C5 antibody in advanced stages of NASH is not sufficient to reduce the disease, while therapeutic intervention against established atherosclerosis is beneficial to limit further progression.
Elevating Phospholipids Production Yarrowia lipolytica from Crude Glycerol
Authors: Szczepańska Patrycja , Rychlicka Magdalena , Moroz Paweł , Janek Tomasz , Gliszczyńska Anna , Lazar Zbigniew
Published: September 2022

Phospholipids (PLs) are a class of lipids with many proven biological functions. They are commonly used in lipid replacement therapy to enrich cell membranes damaged in chronic neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, or aging processes. Due to their amphipathic nature, PLs have been widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products as natural emulsifiers and components of liposomes. In Yarrowia lipolytica, PLs are synthesized through a similar pathway like in higher eukaryotes. However, PL biosynthesis in this yeast is still poorly understood. The key intermediate in this pathway is phosphatidic acid, which in Y. lipolytica is mostly directed to the production of triacylglycerols and, in a lower amount, to PL. This study aimed to deliver a strain with improved PL production, with a particular emphasis on increased biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PC). Several genetic modifications were performed: overexpression of genes from PL biosynthesis pathways as well as the deletion of genes responsible for PL degradation. The best performing strain (overexpressing CDP-diacylglycerol synthase (CDS) and phospholipid methyltransferase (OPI3)) reached 360% of PL improvement compared to the wild-type strain in glucose-based medium. With the substitution of glucose by glycerol, a preferred carbon source by Y. lipolytica, an almost 280% improvement of PL was obtained by transformant overexpressing CDS, OPI3, diacylglycerol kinase (DGK1), and glycerol kinase (GUT1) in comparison to the wild-type strain. To further increase the amount of PL, the optimization of culture conditions, followed by the upscaling to a 2 L bioreactor, were performed. Crude glycerol, being a cheap and renewable substrate, was used to reduce the costs of PL production. In this process 653.7 mg/L of PL, including 352.6 mg/L of PC, was obtained. This study proved that Y. lipolytica is an excellent potential producer of phospholipids, especially from waste substrates.
Cholinergic Modulation of Locomotor Circuits in Vertebrates
Authors: Le Ray Didier , Bertrand Sandrine S. , Dubuc Réjean
Published: September 2022

Locomotion is a basic motor act essential for survival. Amongst other things, it allows animals to move in their environment to seek food, escape predators, or seek mates for reproduction. The neural mechanisms involved in the control of locomotion have been examined in many vertebrate species and a clearer picture is progressively emerging. The basic muscle synergies responsible for propulsion are generated by neural networks located in the spinal cord. In turn, descending supraspinal inputs are responsible for starting, maintaining, and stopping locomotion as well as for steering and controlling speed. Several neurotransmitter systems play a crucial role in modulating the neural activity during locomotion. For instance, cholinergic inputs act both at the spinal and supraspinal levels and the underlying mechanisms are the focus of the present review. Much information gained on supraspinal cholinergic modulation of locomotion was obtained from the lamprey model. Nicotinic cholinergic inputs increase the level of excitation of brainstem descending command neurons, the reticulospinal neurons (RSNs), whereas muscarinic inputs activate a select group of hindbrain neurons that project to the RSNs to boost their level of excitation. Muscarinic inputs also reduce the transmission of sensory inputs in the brainstem, a phenomenon that could help in sustaining goal directed locomotion. In the spinal cord, intrinsic cholinergic inputs strongly modulate the activity of interneurons and motoneurons to control the locomotor output. Altogether, the present review underlines the importance of the cholinergic inputs in the modulation of locomotor activity in vertebrates.
Transcriptome Analysis of the Responses of Rice Leaves to Chilling and Subsequent Recovery
Authors: Li Zhong , Khan Muhammad Umar , Letuma Puleng , Xie Yuebin , Zhan Wenshan , Wang Wei , Jiang Yuhang , Lin Wenxiong , Zhang Zhixing
Published: September 2022

Improving chilling tolerance at the seedling stage in rice is essential for agricultural research. We combined a physiological analysis with transcriptomics in a variety Dular subjected to chilling followed by recovery at normal temperature to better understand the chilling tolerance mechanisms of rice. Chilling inhibited the synthesis of chlorophyll and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and disrupted the ion balance of the plant, resulting in the impaired function of rice leaves. The recovery treatment can effectively reverse the chilling-related injury. Transcriptome results displayed that 21,970 genes were identified at three different temperatures, and 11,732 genes were differentially expressed. According to KEGG analysis, functional categories for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) mainly included ribosome (8.72%), photosynthesis–antenna proteins (7.38%), phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (11.41%), and linoleic acid metabolism (10.07%). The subcellular localization demonstrated that most proteins were located in the chloroplasts (29.30%), cytosol (10.19%), and nucleus (10.19%). We proposed that some genes involved in photosynthesis, ribosome, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and linoleic acid metabolism may play key roles in enhancing rice adaptation to chilling stress and their recovery capacity. These findings provide a foundation for future research into rice chilling tolerance mechanisms.
Hygroscopicity of Gel-Forming Composite Materials: Thermodynamic Assessment and Technological Significance
Authors: Smagin Andrey V. , Sadovnikova Nadezhda B. , Belyaeva Elena A.
Published: September 2022

Hygroscopicity is an important technological property of composite materials for the conservation and treatment of water in modern technologies for sustainable green environment and agriculture. Using a thermodynamic approach, this study analyzes the hygroscopicity of composite gel-forming soil conditioners as a function of water activity and temperature. A simple and generally available method of water thermo-desorption is proposed for the quantitative assessment of hygroscopicity, dispersity and potential resistance of composite materials to osmotic collapse. It is based on the fundamental thermodynamic dependence of water potential and temperature of the dried material in a thermodynamic reservoir (laboratory) with constant relative humidity. The hygroscopicity of the studied composite materials in humid air (relative humidity over 90%) reaches a water content of 80–130% (wt); however, this water has too high retention energy and cannot be consumed by green plants, which calls into question the technology of obtaining water from the air using hygroscopic materials. The high hygroscopicity of hydrogels and its dynamics, depending on the controlling factors of temperature and air humidity, must necessarily be taken into account in the materials trade and in the technological calculation of doses for the use of these materials in sustainable agriculture and landscaping.
Thermally Conductive Styrene-Butadiene Rubber/Boron Nitride Nanotubes Composites
Authors: Torres-Castillo Cristina S. , Tavares Jason R.
Published: September 2022

The use of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) for fabrication of thermally conductive composites has been explored in the last years. Their elevated thermal conductivity and high mechanical properties make them ideal candidates for reinforcement in polymeric matrices. However, due to their high tendency to agglomerate, a physical or chemical treatment is typically required for their successful incorporation into polymer matrices. Our previous study about the dispersibility of BNNTs allowed determination of good solvents for dispersion. Here, we performed a similar characterization on styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) to determine its solubility parameters. Although these two materials possess different solubility parameters, it was possible to bridge this gap by employing a binary mixture. The solvent casting approach followed by hot pressing was chosen as a suitable method to obtain thermally conductive SBR/BNNT composites. The resulting nanocomposites showed up to 35% of improvement in thermal conductivity and a 235% increase in storage modulus in the frequency sweep, when a BNNT loading of 10 wt% was used. However, the viscoelastic properties in the amplitude sweep showed a negative effect with the increase in BNNT loading. A good balance in thermal conductivity and viscoelastic properties was obtained for the composite at a BNNT loading of 5 wt%.
Analysis and Experimental Research on Efficiency Characteristics of a Deep-Sea Hydraulic Power Source
Authors: Tian Yongqiang , Liu Shuo , Long Jingchang , Chen Wei , Leng Jianxing
Published: September 2022

The deep-sea environment has the characteristics of high pressure and low temperature. In addition to the extremely high requirements on the structural reliability, the ultra-high ambient pressure also has a great impact on the working characteristics of the hydraulic source. In this paper, the efficiency characteristics of a deep-sea hydraulic source are studied in the full-ocean-depth pressure range. According to the power transfer process, the efficiency of the deep-sea motor, gear pump and hydraulic circuit is analyzed. In so doing, the oil friction loss of the motor rotor, the internal leakage of the gear pump, the viscous friction loss of the hydraulic system, etc., are calculated. Then, simulating the deep-sea high-pressure environment by the pressure cylinder, the output characteristics and corresponding input power of the prototype are measured. By analyzing the experimental data, the efficiency characteristic curve of the hydraulic source prototype, changing with the ambient pressure, is obtained. The experimental and calculation results show that, with the increase of ambient pressure, the system efficiency of the hydraulic source prototype increases first and then decreases.
Volatility Spillovers between Stock Market and Hedge Funds: Evidence from Asia Pacific Region
Authors: Fatima Sameen , Gan Christopher , Hu Baiding
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the nature of volatility spillovers between stock returns and hedge funds returns in twelve Asia Pacific countries in the 1997–2018 period. The sample period encompasses sub periods, 1997 Asia financial crisis, 2008 Global financial crisis and 2010 Eurozone crisis; these sub periods were characterised by financial upheavals. We apply the EGARCH methodology to model volatility and volatility spillovers in and between the markets. Our results show that the volatility of stock returns does not affect the volatility of hedge funds returns; however, there are inconsistent evidence of unidirectional volatility spillover from hedge funds to stock market returns.
Effects of Mono-Vacancies and Co-Vacancies of Nitrogen and Boron on the Energetics and Electronic Properties of Heterobilayer h-BN/graphene
Authors: Jiménez Gladys Casiano , Morinson-Negrete Juan David , Blanquicett Franklin Peniche , Ortega-López César , Espitia-Rico Miguel J.
Published: September 2022

A study is carried out which investigates the effects of the mono-vacancies of boron (VB) and nitrogen (VN) and the co-vacancies of nitrogen (N), and boron (B) on the energetics and the structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of an h-BN/graphene heterobilayer using first-principles calculations within the framework of the density functional theory (DFT). The heterobilayer is modelled using the periodic slab scheme. In the present case, a 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer is coupled to a 4 × 4-graphene monolayer, with a mismatch of 1.40%. In this coupling, the surface of interest is the 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer; the 4 × 4-graphene only represents the substrate that supports the 4 × 4-(h-BN) monolayer. From the calculations of the energy of formation of the 4 × 4-(h-BN)/4 × 4-graphene heterobilayer, with and without defects, it is established that, in both cases, the heterobilayers are energetically stable, from which it is inferred that these heterobilayers can be grown in the experiment. The formation of a mono-vacancy of boron (1 VB), a mono-vacancy of nitrogen (1 VN), and co-vacancies of boron and nitrogen (VBN) induce, on the structural level: (a) for 1 VB, a contraction n of the B-N bond lengths of ~2.46% and a slight change in the interfacial distance D (~0.096%) with respect to the heterobilayer free of defects (FD) are observed; (b) for 1 VN, a slight contraction of the B-N of bond lengths of ~0.67% and an approach between the h-BN monolayer and the graphene of ~3.83% with respect to the FD heterobilayer are observed; (c) for VBN, it can be seen that the N-N and B-B bond lengths (in the 1 VB and 1 VN regions, respectively) undergo an increase of ~2.00% and a decrease of ~3.83%, respectively. The calculations of the Löwdin charge for the FD heterobilayer and for those with defects (1 VB, 1 VN, and VBN) show that the inclusion of this type of defect induces significant changes in the Löwdin charge redistribution of the neighboring atoms of VB and VN, causing chemically active regions that could favor the interaction of the heterobilayer with external atoms and/or molecules. On the basis of an analysis of the densities of states and the band structures, it is established that the heterobilayer with 1 VB and VBN take on a half-metallic and magnetic behavior. Due to all of these properties, the FD heterobilayer and those with 1 VB, 1 VN, and VBN are candidates for possible adsorbent materials and possible materials that could be used for different spintronic applications.
Monitoring Porcelain Insulator Condition Based on Leakage Current Characteristics
Authors: Salem Ali Ahmed , Lau Kwan Yiew , Ishak Mohd Taufiq , Abdul-Malek Zulkurnain , Al-Gailani Samir A. , Al-Ameri Salem Mgammal , Mohammed Ammar , Alashbi Abdulaziz Ali Saleh , Ghoneim Sherif S. M.
Published: September 2022

Insulator monitoring using leakage current characteristics is essential for predicting an insulator’s health. To evaluate the risk of flashover on the porcelain insulator using leakage current, experimental investigation of leakage current indices was carried out. In the first stage of the experiment, the effect of contamination, insoluble deposit density, wetting rate, and uneven distribution pollution were determined on the porcelain insulator under test. Then, based on the laboratory test results, leakage current information in time and frequency characteristics was extracted and employed as assessment indicators for the insulator’s health. Six indicators, namely, peak current indicator, phase shift indicator, slope indicator, crest factor indicator, total harmonic distortion indicator, and odd harmonics indicator, are introduced in this work. The obtained results indicated that the proposed indicators had a significant role in evaluating the insulator’s health. To evaluate the insulator’s health levels based on the extracted indicator values, this work presents the naïve Bayes technique for the classification and prediction of the insulator’s health. Finally, the confusion matrix for the experimental and prediction results for each indicator was established to determine the appropriateness of each indicator in determining the insulator’s health status.
Research on Mechanical Properties and Sensitivity of a Novel Modified Double-Base Rocket Propellant Plasticized by Bu-NENA
Authors: Sun Shixiong , Zhao Benbo , Cheng Yuan , Luo Yunjun
Published: September 2022

The research and development of rocket propellants with a high solid content and superior mechanical and security performance is urgently needed. In this paper, a novel extruded modified double-base (EMDB) rocket propellant plasticized by N-butyl-N-nitratoethyl nitramine (Bu-NENA) was prepared to overcome this challenge. The results indicated that Bu-NENA decreased the mechanical sensitivity successfully, contributing to the mechanical properties against traditional nitroglycerin (NG) based EMDB propellants, while hexogen (RDX), which is beneficial to propellant energy, was not conducive to the elongation and sensitivity of the propellants. By contrast with the blank group (NG-based EMDB propellant, R0), the elongation of the optimized propellant at −40 °C was promoted by 100% from 3.54% to 7.09%. Moreover, the β-transition temperature decreased from −33.8 °C to −38.1 °C due to superior plasticization by Bu-NENA, which represents a better toughness. The friction sensitivity dropped by 100% from 46% to 0%. Simultaneously, the height for 50% probability of explosion (H50) increased by 87.2% from 17.2 cm to 32.2 cm. The results of this research could be used to predict a potential prospect in tactical weapons.
Understanding the Stress Distribution on Anatomic Customized Root-Analog Dental Implant at Bone-Implant Interface for Different Bone Densities
Authors: Nimmawitt Pawhat , Aliyu Abdul Azeez Abdu , Lohwongwatana Boonrat , Arunjaroensuk Sirida , Puncreobutr Chedtha , Mattheos Nikos , Pimkhaokham Atiphan
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study is to assess the stress distribution on the bone tissue and bone-implant interface of a customized anatomic root-analog dental implant (RAI) by means of finite element analysis (FEA) for different types of bone density. A mandibular right second premolar was selected from the CBCT database. A DICOM file was converted to an STL file to create a CAD model in FEA software. The bone boundary model was created, while bone density types I–IV were determined. Von Mises stress was measured at bone tissues and bone-implant interfaces. To validate the models, the RAI was 3D printed through a laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF) approach. The results revealed that all RAI designs could not cause plastic deformation or fracture resulting in lower stress than the ultimate tensile stress of natural bone and implant. Compared to a conventional screw-type implant, RAIs possess a more favorable stress distribution pattern around the bone tissue and the bone-implant interface. The presence of a porous structure was found to reduce the stress at cancellous bone in type IV bone density.
Investigation of the Properties of Polyphenylene Sulfone Blends
Authors: Slonov Azamat , Musov Ismel , Zhansitov Azamat , Kurdanova Zhanna , Shakhmurzova Kamila , Khashirova Svetlana
Published: September 2022

Polyphenylene sulfones (PPSU) blends with different viscosities have been studied. It is shown that the blends have a single-phase structure, regardless of the viscosities of the mixed polymers. It was found that blends having close values of the melt flow index (MFR) are also characterized by a similar melt viscosity in a wide range of shear rates, regardless of the viscosities of its constituent components. It has been found that PPSU blends with smaller MFR differences exhibit higher heat resistance and stability of mechanical properties, while blends with similar viscosity containing oligomers exhibit a broader molecular weight distribution (MWD) and have lower thermal and mechanical properties.
Lignocellulosic Biomass of C3 and C4 Perennial Grasses as a Valuable Feedstock for Particleboard Manufacture
Authors: Janiszewska Dominika , Żurek Grzegorz , Martyniak Danuta , Bałęczny Wojciech
Published: September 2022

Looking for new alternative raw materials is one of the key issues in line with a bioeconomy approach, particularly for particleboard manufacturing. In this framework, this paper presents a comparison of some physico-mechanical properties and the formaldehyde contents of particleboards made with 30% substitution of grass biomass from six perennial grass species. Our studies indicate relatively high values of mechanical properties for particleboards made with the addition of biomass from grasses with the C4 photosynthetic pathway: Miscanthus x giganteus and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Boards made with the addition of biomass from grasses with the C3 photosynthetic pathway—tall wheatgrass (Elymus elongatus), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)—gave lower values of mechanical properties. The opposite results were obtained in the case of the formaldehyde content: the lowest value was measured for particleboards made with the addition of tall fescue biomass (0.1% less than the control), and the highest for switchgrass (0.9% greater than the control) and cordgrass (3.2% greater than the control). Future research should address the optimization of the manufacturing process of particleboards from perennial grasses, taking into account the needs and technical possibilities of the wood industry sector.
Deformation-Induced Martensitic Transformation in Laser Cladded 304 Stainless Steel Coatings
Authors: Zeuner André T. , Gerdt Leonid , Ostwald Andrea , Grün Peter , Barbosa Maria , Kaspar Jörg , Zimmermann Martina
Published: September 2022

There are only a few cost-effective solutions for coating applications in combined mechanical loading and corrosive environments. Stainless steel AISI 304 has the potential to fill this niche, showing excellent corrosion resistance while utilizing the deformation-induced phase transformation from γ-austenite to α’-martensite, which results in an increase in strength. However, it is not known whether this can occur in laser cladded material. Therefore, laser cladded AISI 304 coatings in as-cladded condition and after heat treatment at 1100 °C for 60 min were investigated before and after bending deformation, by means of light microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron backscatter diffraction. It was shown that due to the dendritic microstructure accompanied by an inhomogeneous distribution of the main alloying elements (Cr and Ni), no deformation-induced phase transformation occurred in the as-cladded coating. The applied approach with subsequent solution heat treatment at 1100 °C for 60 min resulted in a homogeneous γ-austenite microstructure, so that a deformation-induced martensitic transformation (DIMT) could occur in the coatings. However, the volume fraction of martensite that had been formed locally at individual shear bands was rather low, which can be possibly attributed to the high Ni content of the feedstock, stabilizing the γ-austenite microstructure. This study shows the possibility of exploiting the DIMT mechanism in heat-treated laser-cladded AISI 304 coatings.
Analysis of Tutoring in the Professional Development of STEM Teachers
Authors: Ricart Maria , Estrada Assumpta , Fortuny Josep Maria
Published: September 2022

The aim of this work is to explore the impact of the use of five lenses for the professional development of mathematics teachers in a Practicum environment of a master’s degree in Teaching in Secondary Schools in Spain, based on based on the video-related model and facilitated by a tutor. This qualitative ethnographic study is part of an action research and focuses on two cases of future secondary mathematics teachers who share a university tutor. The results indicate that the application of the lenses in the video-related model produces signs of changes in professional development, both in terms of the notable events noticed by the teachers and in their narrative, and, in addition, promotes self-regulation of training. It should be noted that, throughout this process, the intervention of the university tutor or facilitator is essential. It is concluded that this model can be replicated in other STEM teacher training specializations.
Double-Loop PID-Type Neural Network Sliding Mode Control of an Uncertain Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Model Based on a Nonlinear High-Order Observer with Unknown Disturbance
Authors: Liang Jiajian , Huang Wenkai , Zhou Fobao , Liang Jiaqiao , Lin Guojian , Xiao Endong , Li Hongquan , Zhang Xiaolin
Published: September 2022

An unknown nonlinear disturbance seriously affects the trajectory tracking of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Thus, it is critical to eliminate the influence of such disturbances on AUVs. To address this problem, this paper proposes a double-loop proportional–integral–differential (PID) neural network sliding mode control (DLNNSMC). First, a double-loop PID sliding mode surface is proposed, which has a faster convergence speed than other PID sliding mode surfaces. Second, a nonlinear high-order observer and a neural network are combined to observe and compensate for the nonlinear disturbance of the AUV system. Then, the bounded stability of an AUV closed-loop system is analyzed and demonstrated using the Lyapunov method, and the time-domain method is used to verify that the velocity- and position-tracking errors of AUVs converge to zero exponentially. Finally, the radial basis function (RBF) neural network PID sliding mode control (RBFPIDSMC) and the RBF neural network PID sliding mode control (RBFPDSMC) are compared with this method in two trajectory tracking control simulation experiments. In the first experiment, the average Euclidean distance of the position-tracking error for this method was reduced by approximately 73.6% and 75.3%, respectively, compared to those for RBFPDSMC and RBFPIDSMC. In the second experiment, the average Euclidean distance of the position tracking error for this method was reduced by approximately 86.8% and 88.8%, respectively. The two experiments showed that the proposed control method has a strong anti-jamming ability and tracking effect. The simulation results obtained in the Gazebo environment validated the superiority of this method.
A Linear-Active-Disturbance-Rejection-Based Vertical Takeoff and Acceleration Strategy with Simplified Vehicle Operations for Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicles
Authors: Mao Shengchen , Gong Zheng , Ye Zheng , Wang Zian , Guo Tongqing , Zhang Chengxi
Published: September 2022

A practical vertical takeoff and acceleration strategy is developed for manned electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, with a simple vehicle operation principle defined. Firstly, a 6-DOF model is established for 120 kg reduced-scale protype electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, with its physical control principles illustrated. Then, a simple vehicle operation method is defined for the vehicle, where the conventional operation method for fixed-wings and helicopters is considered for a friendly stick response definition for pilots with different backgrounds. The defined simple vehicle operation principles are realized by a control architecture with a linear-active-disturbance-rejection-control-based inner loop stability augmentation system and an airspeed-based mode selection outer loop. This system is then used to perform a four-stage vertical takeoff and acceleration strategy, which targets at a smooth and safe transition. The Monte Carlo simulation results and the strategy simulations prove that the proposed strategy, which achieves the design target perfectly, can be easily performed with the developed simple vehicle operation system, and that it has sufficient robustness performance to reject at least 20% of the model’s uncertainties.
Research on Dual-Technology Fusion Biosensor Chip Based on RNA Virus Medical Detection
Authors: Zhu Jin , Xie Yushan
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the emergence of COVID-19 and other epidemics caused by RNA(ribonucleic acid)-type genetic viruses has aroused the close attention of governments around the world on emergency response to public safety and health emergencies. In this paper, an electrodeless biosensing detection chip for RNA virus medical detection is designed using quartz crystal microbalance technology and local surface plasmon resonance technology. The plasmonic resonance characteristic in the nanostructures of gold nanorods-quartz substrates with different parameters and the surface potential distribution of the quartz crystal microbalance sensing chip were studied by COMSOL finite element simulation software. The results show that the arrangement structure and spacing of gold nanorod dimers greatly affect the local surface plasmon resonance of nanorods, which in turn affects the detection results of biomolecules. Moreover, high concentrations of “hot spots” are distributed between both ends and the gap of the gold nanorod dimer, which reflects the strong hybridization of the multiple resonance modes of the nanoparticles. In addition, by simulating and calculating the surface potential distribution of the electrode area and non-electrode area of the biosensor chip, it was found that the biosensor chip with these two areas can enhance the piezoelectric effect of the quartz chip. Under the same simulation conditions, the biochip with a completely electrodeless structure showed a better sensing performance. The sensor chip combining QCM and LSPR can reduce the influence of the metal electrode on the quartz wafer to improve the sensitivity and accuracy of detection. Considering the significant influence of the gold nanorod dimer plasma resonance mode and the significant advantages of the electrodeless biosensor chip, an electrodeless biosensor combining these two technologies is proposed for RNA virus detection and screening, which has potential applications in biomolecular measurement and other related fields.
An Investigation of the Effect of the Work-Function Variation of a Monolithic 3D Inverter Stacked with MOSFETs
Authors: Lee Geun Jae , Yu Yun Seop
Published: September 2022

The effect of the work-function variation (WFV) of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) gates on a monolithic 3D inverter (M3DINV) structure is investigated in the current paper. The M3DINV has a structure in which MOSFETs are sequentially stacked. The WFV effect of the top- and bottom-tier gates on the M3DINV is investigated using technology computer-aided design (TCAD) and a Monte-Carlo sampling simulation of TCAD. When the interlayer dielectric thickness (TILD) changes from 5 to 100 nm, electrical parameters, such as the threshold voltage, subthreshold swing, on-current, and off-current of the top-tier N-MOSFET and the parameter changes by the change in gate voltage of the bottom-tier P-MOSFET, are investigated. As TILD decreases below about 30 nm, the means and standard deviations of the electrical parameters rapidly increase. This means that the coupling and its distribution are relatively large in the regime and thus should be well considered for M3D circuit simulation. In addition, due to the increase in standard deviation, the WFV effect of both the top- and bottom-tier MOSFET gates was observed to be greater than those of only the top-tier MOSFET gates and only the bottom-tier MOSFET gates.
Bacillus velezensis QA2 Potentially Induced Salt Stress Tolerance and Enhanced Phosphate Uptake in Quinoa Plants
Authors: Mahdi Ismail , Allaoui Abdelmounaaim , Fahsi Nidal , Biskri Latefa
Published: September 2022

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) have attracted much attention in agriculture biotechnology as biological inputs to sustain crop production. The present study describes a halotolerant phosphate solubilizing bacterium associated with quinoa plant roots. Based on a metabolic screening, one bacterial isolate, named QA2, was selected and screened for PGPR traits. This isolate solubilized both inorganic phosphate and zinc, produced indole-3-acetic acid, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, cellulase, and (to be deleted) protease, and induced biofilm formation. We demonstrated that QA2 exhibited both antimicrobial and ion metabolism activities and tolerated high salt concentration at up to 11% NaCl. Genotyping analyses, using 16S rRNA and chaperonin cpn60 genes, revealed that QA2 belongs to the species of Bacillus velezensis. Using the quinoa model cultivated under a saline condition, we demonstrated that QA2 promoted plant growth and mitigated the saline irrigation effects. Analysis of harvested plants revealed that QA2 induced a significant increase of both leaf chlorophyll index by 120.86% (p < 0.05) and P uptake by 41.17% (p < 0.05), while the content of Na+ was drastically decreased. Lastly, a bibliometric data analysis highlighted the panoramic view of studies carried out so far on B. velezensis strains. Our investigation presents a holistic view of the potential application of B. velezensis as a biological inoculant to promote plant growth, control pathogen attacks, and mitigate the salinity effect of quinoa plants. Further investigations are still needed to demonstrate these effects in field conditions.
Interactive Scientific Visualization of Fluid Flow Simulation Data Using AR Technology-Open-Source Library OpenVisFlow
Authors: Teutscher Dennis , Weckerle Timo , Öz Ömer F. , Krause Mathias J.
Published: September 2022

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are being used more and more in the industry to understand and optimize processes such as fluid flows. At the same time, tools such as augmented reality (AR) are becoming increasingly important with the realization of Industry 5.0 to make data and processes more tangible. Placing the two together paves the way for a new method of active learning and also for an interesting and engaging way of presenting industry processes. It also enables students to reinforce their understanding of the fundamental concepts of fluid dynamics in an interactive way. However, this is not really being utilized yet. For this reason, in this paper, we aim to combine these two powerful tools. Furthermore, we present the framework of a modular open-source library for scientific visualization of fluid flow “OpenVisFlow” which simplifies the creation of such applications and enables seamless visualization without other software by allowing users to integrate the visualization step into the simulation code. Using this framework and the open-source extension AR-Core, we show how a new markerless visualization tool can be implemented.
How Do We Connect Brain Areas with Cognitive Functions? The Past, the Present and the Future
Authors: Verma Khushboo , Kumar Satwant
Published: September 2022

One of the central goals of cognitive neuroscience is to understand how structure relates to function. Over the past century, clinical studies on patients with lesions have provided key insights into the relationship between brain areas and behavior. Since the early efforts for characterization of cognitive functions focused on localization, we provide an account of cognitive function in terms of localization. Next, using body perception as an example, we summarize the contemporary techniques. Finally, we outline the trajectory of current progress into the future and discuss the implications for clinical and basic neuroscience.
Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors for the Incidence and Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease in the Healthy Young and Middle-Aged Population
Authors: Kuma Akihiro , Kato Akihiko
Published: September 2022

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) increased by 88% from 1990 to 2016. Age of onset of lifestyle-related diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia), which are risk factors for incident CKD, is lower now compared with the past. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the risk factors for the incidence and progression of CKD in the young and middle-aged population. There are differences in the risk for CKD among the young, middle-aged, and elderly populations. We aimed to assess obesity (which is basic component of metabolic syndrome), waist circumference, and abdominal adiposity, which are predictive factors of CKD in the younger population. Furthermore, we described the management and clinical evidence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia for young and middle-aged patients, along with diet management and nutrients associated with kidney function. Kidney function in the young and middle-aged population is mostly normal, and they are considered a low-risk group for incident CKD. Thus, we expect this review to be useful in reducing the prevalence of CKD.
Microfluidic Manufacture of Lipid-Based Nanomedicines
Authors: Osouli-Bostanabad Karim , Puliga Sara , Serrano Dolores R. , Bucchi Andrea , Halbert Gavin , Lalatsa Aikaterini
Published: September 2022

Nanoparticulate technologies have revolutionized drug delivery allowing for passive and active targeting, altered biodistribution, controlled drug release (temporospatial or triggered), enhanced stability, improved solubilization capacity, and a reduction in dose and adverse effects. However, their manufacture remains immature, and challenges exist on an industrial scale due to high batch-to-batch variability hindering their clinical translation. Lipid-based nanomedicines remain the most widely approved nanomedicines, and their current manufacturing methods remain discontinuous and face several problems such as high batch-to-batch variability affecting the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the product, laborious multistep processes, need for an expert workforce, and not being easily amenable to industrial scale-up involving typically a complex process control. Several techniques have emerged in recent years for nanomedicine manufacture, but a paradigm shift occurred when microfluidic strategies able to mix fluids in channels with dimensions of tens of micrometers and small volumes of liquid reagents in a highly controlled manner to form nanoparticles with tunable and reproducible structure were employed. In this review, we summarize the recent advancements in the manufacturing of lipid-based nanomedicines using microfluidics with particular emphasis on the parameters that govern the control of CQAs of final nanomedicines. The impact of microfluidic environments on formation dynamics of nanomaterials, and the application of microdevices as platforms for nanomaterial screening are also discussed.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction with CO2 of Curcuma longa L. in Comparison to Conventional Solvent Extraction
Authors: Widmann Ann-Kathrin , Wahl Martin A. , Kammerer Dietmar R. , Daniels Rolf
Published: September 2022

Curcuma longa L. is a traditional medicinal and spice plant containing a variety of lipophilic active substances with promising therapeutic properties. In this work, the solvent properties of supercritical carbon dioxide in a pressure and temperature range of 75–425 bar and 35–75 °C were investigated when Curcuma longa rhizomes were extracted. The three main curcuminoids, namely curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin, together with the three main constituents of the essential oil, i.e., ar-turmerone, α-turmerone, and β-turmerone, were analyzed in the resulting extracts. For statistical evaluation, experiments were performed employing a full factorial design, in which flow rate, extraction time, and drug load were kept constant. Within the given conditions, the experimental design revealed an optimum yield of all aforementioned substances, when supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was performed at 425 bar and 75 °C. For comparison, solvent extracts using methanol and n-hexane were prepared and their main components were characterized using LC-MS. The stability of the extracts was monitored upon storage for 6 months at 22 and 40 °C under protection from light. The decomposition of individual compounds was mainly observed in the presence of residual water in the extracts.
Design of High Peak Power Pulsed Laser Diode Driver
Authors: Liu Ching-Yao , Wu Chih-Chiang , Tang Li-Chuan , Chieng Wei-Hua , Chang Edward-Yi , Peng Chun-Yen , Kuo Hao-Chung
Published: September 2022

This paper attempts to describe a laser diode driver circuit using the depletion mode gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor (D-mode GaN HEMT) to generate nanosecond pulses at a repetition rate up to 10 MHz from the vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL). The feature of this driver circuit is a large instantaneous laser power output designed in the most efficient way. The design specifications include a pulse duration between 10 ns and 100 ns and a peak power up to above 100 W. The pulsed laser diode driver uses the D-mode GaN HEMT, which has very small Coss difference between turn-on and turn-off states. The analysis is according to a laser diode model that is adjusted to match the VCSEL, made in National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU). A design guide is summarized from the derivations and analysis of the proposed laser diode driver. According to the design guide, we selected the capacitor, resistor, and diode components to achieve 10 ns to 100 ns pulse duration for laser lighting. The experiment demonstrated that the maximum power-to-light efficiency can be as high as 86% and the maximum peak power can be 150 W, which matches the specifications of certain applications such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR).