bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Outcomes of Hemorrhagic Stroke among Adults in Spain (2016–2018) According to Sex: A Retrospective, Cohort, Observational, Propensity Score Matched Study
Authors: de Miguel-Yanes Jose M. , Lopez-de-Andres Ana , Jimenez-Garcia Rodrigo , Hernandez-Barrera Valentin , de Miguel-Diez Javier , Méndez-Bailón Manuel , Pérez-Farinós Napoleón , Muñoz-Rivas Nuria , Carabantes-Alarcon David , López-Herranz Marta
Published: August 2021

(1) Background: We aim to analyze sex differences in the incidence, clinical characteristics and in-hospital outcomes of hemorrhagic stroke (HS) in Spain (2016–2018) using the National Hospital Discharge Database. (2) Methods: Retrospective, cohort, observational study. We estimated the incidence of HS in men and women. We analyzed comorbidity, treatments, procedures, and hospital outcomes. We matched each woman with a man by age, type of HS and medical conditions using propensity score matching. (3) Results: HS was coded in 57,227 patients aged ≥18 years (44.3% women). Overall, men showed higher incidence rates (57.3/105 vs. 43.0/105; p < 0.001; IRR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.38–1.83). Women suffered more subarachnoid hemorrhages (25.2% vs. 14.6%), whereas men more often had intracerebral hemorrhages (55.7% vs. 54.1%). In-hospital mortality (IHM) was higher for intracerebral hemorrhage in both men and women. Women underwent decompressive craniectomy less often than men (5.0% vs. 6.2%; p < 0.001). After matching, IHM among women was higher (29.0% vs. 23.7%; p < 0.001). Increments in age, comorbidity and use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents prior to hospitalization were associated were higher IHM, and decompressive craniectomy was associated with lower IHM in both sexes. After multivariable adjustment, women had higher IHM (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.18–1.28). (4) Conclusion: Men had higher incidence rates of HS than women. Women less often underwent decompressive craniectomy. IHM was higher among women admitted for HS than among men.
Role of the Immune System Elements in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Tomaszewski Michał , Bębnowska Dominika , Hrynkiewicz Rafał , Dworzyński Jakub , Niedźwiedzka-Rystwej Paulina , Kopeć Grzegorz , Grywalska Ewelina
Published: August 2021

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a relatively rare disease, but, today, its incidence tends to increase. The severe course of the disease and poor patient survival rate make PAH a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. For this reason, a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease is essential to facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic targets. Research shows that the development of PAH is characterized by a number of abnormalities within the immune system that greatly affect the progression of the disease. In this review, we present key data on the regulated function of immune cells, released cytokines and immunoregulatory molecules in the development of PAH, to help improve diagnosis and targeted immunotherapy.
Ship Target Detection Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOv5
Authors: Zhou Junchi , Jiang Ping , Zou Airu , Chen Xinglin , Hu Wenwu
Published: August 2021

In order to realize the real-time detection of an unmanned fishing speedboat near a ship ahead, a perception platform based on a target visual detection system was established. By controlling the depth and width of the model to analyze and compare training, it was found that the 5S model had a fast detection speed but low accuracy, which was judged to be insufficient for detecting small targets. In this regard, this study improved the YOLOv5s algorithm, in which the initial frame of the target is re-clustered by K-means at the data input end, the receptive field area is expanded at the output end, and the loss function is optimized. The results show that the precision of the improved model’s detection for ship images was 98.0%, and the recall rate was 96.2%. Mean average precision (mAP) reached 98.6%, an increase of 4.4% compared to before the improvements, which shows that the improved model can realize the detection and identification of multiple types of ships, laying the foundation for subsequent path planning and automatic obstacle avoidance of unmanned ships.
Physcomitrium patens Infection by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides: Understanding the Fungal–Bryophyte Interaction by Microscopy, Phenomics and RNA Sequencing
Authors: Otero-Blanca Adriana , Pérez-Llano Yordanis , Reboledo-Blanco Guillermo , Lira-Ruan Verónica , Padilla-Chacon Daniel , Folch-Mallol Jorge Luis , Sánchez-Carbente María del Rayo , Ponce De León Inés , Batista-García Ramón Alberto
Published: August 2021

Anthracnose caused by the hemibiotroph fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is a devastating plant disease with an extensive impact on plant productivity. The process of colonization and disease progression of C. gloeosporioides has been studied in a number of angiosperm crops. To better understand the evolution of the plant response to pathogens, the study of this complex interaction has been extended to bryophytes. The model moss Physcomitrium patens Hedw. B&S (former Physcomitrella patens) is sensitive to known bacterial and fungal phytopathogens, including C. gloeosporioides, which cause infection and cell death. P. patens responses to these microorganisms resemble that of the angiosperms. However, the molecular events during the interaction of P. patens and C. gloeosporioides have not been explored. In this work, we present a comprehensive approach using microscopy, phenomics and RNA-seq analysis to explore the defense response of P. patens to C. gloeosporioides. Microscopy analysis showed that appressoria are already formed at 24 h after inoculation (hai) and tissue colonization and cell death occur at 24 hai and is massive at 48 hai. Consequently, the phenomics analysis showed progressing browning of moss tissues and impaired photosynthesis from 24 to 48 hai. The transcriptomic analysis revealed that more than 1200 P. patens genes were differentially expressed in response to Colletotrichum infection. The analysis of differentially expressed gene function showed that the C. gloeosporioides infection led to a transcription reprogramming in P. patens that upregulated the genes related to pathogen recognition, secondary metabolism, cell wall reinforcement and regulation of gene expression. In accordance with the observed phenomics results, some photosynthesis and chloroplast-related genes were repressed, indicating that, under attack, P. patens changes its transcription from primary metabolism to defend itself from the pathogen.
Lebanon’s Native Oenological Saccharomyces cerevisiae Flora: Assessment of Different Aspects of Genetic Diversity and Evaluation of Winemaking Potential
Authors: Ayoub Marie-José , Legras Jean-Luc , Abi-Nakhoul Pierre , Nguyen Huu-Vang , Saliba Rachad , Gaillardin Claude
Published: August 2021

A total of 296 isolates of Saccharomyces cerevisiae sampled from naturally fermenting grape musts from various locations in Lebanon were typed by interdelta fingerprinting. Of these, 88 isolates were compared with oenological strains originating from various countries, using microsatellite characterization at six polymorphic loci. These approaches evidenced a large diversity of the natural oenological Lebanese flora over the territory as well as in individual spontaneous fermentations. Several cases of dominance and perenniality of isolates were observed in the same wineries, where fermentations appeared to involve lineages of sibling isolates. Our work thus evidenced a “winery effect” on strains’ relatedness. Similarly, related or identical strains were also detected in vicinal wineries, suggesting strain circulation within small geographical areas and a further “vicinity effect”. Moreover, and despite its diversity, the Lebanese flora seemed interrelated, on the basis of microsatellite loci analysis, in comparison to worldwide communities. We finally tested the ability of 21 indigenous strains to act as potential starters for winemaking. Seven of them passed our pre-selection scheme and two of them at least may be good candidates for use provided pilot-scale assays confirm their suitability.
Significant Reduction in Vertebral Artery Dose by Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy: A Pilot Study for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Yun-Hsuan , Cheng Jen-Yu , Huang Bing-Shen , Luo Sheng-Dean , Lin Wei-Che , Chou Shang-Yu , Juang Pei-Jiuan , Li Shen-Hao , Huang Eng-Yen , Wang Yu-Ming
Published: August 2021

Intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) with the vertebral artery (VA)-sparing technique has been initially proposed in our institution. This pilot study was conducted to compare the dose to VAs between IMPT and volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). A total of six patients with NPC treated by IMPT were enrolled in the study. Target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) were delineated, including 12 samples of right and left VAs, respectively, for each patient. Treatment planning by IMPT and dual-arc VMAT was carried out for comparison. The IMPT plan significantly reduced VA mean dose, V10, V20, V30, V40, and V50, compared to the VMAT plan in all 12 samples (p < 0.001). The average mean dose to VAs for IMPT was 35.2% (23.4–46.9%), which was less compared to VMAT (p < 0.001). Adequate dose coverage was achieved with both IMPT and VMAT plans for three different dose levels of target volumes for all patients. IMPT significantly reduces VA dose while maintaining adequate dose coverage of all target volumes. For patients with head and neck cancer who seek to preserve their blood flow to the brain in order to decrease late vascular and neurologic sequelae, IMPT should be considered. A prospective study with longer follow-up is ongoing to confirm our preliminary results.
Preliminary Forecasting of Rainfall-Induced Shallow Landslides in the Wildfire Burned Areas of Western Greece
Authors: Lainas Spyridon , Depountis Nikolaos , Sabatakakis Nikolaos
Published: August 2021

A new methodology for shallow landslide forecasting in wildfire burned areas is proposed by estimating the annual probability of rainfall threshold exceedance. For this purpose, extensive geological fieldwork was carried out in 122 landslides, which have been periodically activated in Western Greece, after the devastating wildfires that occurred in August 2007 and burned large areas in several parts of Western Greece. In addition, daily rainfall data covering more than 40 years has been collected and statistically processed to estimate the exceedance probability of the rainfall threshold above which these landslides are activated. The objectives of this study are to quantify the magnitude and duration of rainfall above which landslides in burned areas are activated, as well as to introduce a novel methodology on rainfall-induced landslide forecasting. It has been concluded that rainfall-induced landslide annual exceedance probability in the burned areas is higher when cumulative rainfall duration ranges from 6 to 9 days with local differences due to the prevailing geological conditions and landscape characteristics. The proposed methodology can be used as a basis for landslide forecasting in wildfire-affected areas, especially when triggered by rainfall, and can be further developed as a tool for preliminary landslide hazard assessment.
Micro-Analysis of Price Spillover Effect among Regional Housing Submarkets in Korea: Evidence from the Seoul Metropolitan Area
Authors: Kim Leeyoung , Seo Wonseok
Published: August 2021

This study examined the price spillover effect of housing submarkets in cities in the Seoul metropolitan area in South Korea by using the Granger causality test and vector autoregressive model (VAR). We found that housing prices showed a higher spillover effect within regions with similar housing market characteristics. Additionally, the spatial spillover of housing prices revealed a difference between sales price and jeonse price. The spillover of jeonse price was characterized by mutual influence among neighboring cities, while that of sales price was characterized by the influence being transferred in one direction hierarchically. Furthermore, the effects of housing price indicated a slight difference between sales price and jeonse price. Although jeonse price was mainly affected by a neighboring area (geographic boundary), sales price was more influenced by the city with the highest housing prices. Lastly, the housing price spillover tended to be expansive around the city with the highest price. These results suggest that housing price policies targeting specific regions or areas in Korea must be differentiated according to the type of occupancy (jeonse or sales), and it is essential to consider the externalities when promoting policies in the housing market wherein externalities may be significant.
We Cannot Return to “Normal”: A Post-COVID Call for a Systems Approach to Implementing Restorative Justice in Education (RJE)
Authors: Brown Martha A.
Published: August 2021

Given the collective trauma caused by COVID-19 global pandemic, it is more important than ever that schools look for ways to create safe, trauma-sensitive, and restorative learning environments. This article presents implementation science, readiness assessments, and ongoing evaluation as central and integral to all efforts that seek to transform punitive schools into restorative schools. The author first presents five elements of a school’s relational ecology as a framework for comparing a punitive school to a restorative school: structure, leadership, staff, students, and response to behavioral incidents. Then, the author calls upon school administrators, as well as restorative justice trainers who work with schools, to utilize a systems change approach that supports whole-school change. Without a full commitment to systems change, restorative justice in education (RJE) will continue to fall short of expectations and the educational system itself will continue to cause the same harm to marginalized students as it did prior to the pandemic.
The Role of Gut Microbiota in Aging and Aging Related Neurodegenerative Disorders: Insights from Drosophila Model
Authors: Kong Yan , Wang Liyuan , Jiang Baichun
Published: August 2021

Aging is characterized by a time dependent impairment of physiological function and increased susceptibility to death. It is the major risk factor for neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the main causes of dementia in the old population. Gut microbiota is a community of microorganisms colonized in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The alteration of gut microbiota has been proved to be associated with aging and aging related neurodegeneration. Drosophila is a powerful tool to study microbiota-mediated physiological and pathological functions. Here, we summarize the recent advances using Drosophila as model organisms to clarify the molecular mechanisms and develop a therapeutic method targeting microbiota in aging and aging-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Modifications of FLC Physical Properties through Doping with Fe2O3 Nanoparticles (Part I)
Authors: Lalik Sebastian , Stefańczyk Olaf , Dardas Dorota , Górska Natalia , Ohkoshi Shin-ichi , Marzec Monika
Published: August 2021

The aim of this paper is to show, by systematic studies, the influence of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles on the physical parameters of the liquid crystalline matrix, exhibiting a ferroelectric phase in a wide temperature range. The detailed research was carried out by using diffraction (PXRD), microscopic (OM, SEM, FCPM, POM), thermal (DSC), optical (TLI), electric and spectroscopic (FTIR) methods. We show that even the smallest concentration of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles largely modifies the parameters of the ferroelectric SmC* phase, such as spontaneous polarization, switching time, tilt angle, rotational viscosity, dispersion anchoring energy coefficient and helix pitch. The admixture also causes a significant reduction in the temperature of phase transitions, broadening the SmA* phase at the expense of the SmC* phase and strong streaking of the texture. We present and explain the non-monotonic modification of these parameters with an increase in the nanoparticle concentration. The influence of oleic acid admixture on these parameters is also widely discussed. We have shown that certain parameters of organic-metal nanocomposites can be controlled by the appropriate amount of metal admixture.
In Situ Formation of Laser-Cladded Layer on Thin-Walled Tube of Aluminum Alloy in Underwater Environment
Authors: Liu Cheng , Guo Ning , Cheng Qi , Fu Yunlong , Zhang Xin
Published: August 2021

The first study of thin-walled aluminum-alloy tubes with underwater-laser-nozzle in situ melting technology was carried out. The study mainly covered the influence of the water environment on the laser melting process, melting appearance, geometric characteristics, microstructure, regional segregation and microhardness. During the transfer of the cladding environment from air to water, the uniformity of the cladding layer became poor, but excellent metallurgical bonding was still obtained. The dilution rate (D) decreased from 0.46 to 0.33, while the shape factor (S) increased from 4.38 to 5.98. For the in-air and underwater samples, the microstructure of the melting zone (MZ) and the cladding zone (CZ) were columnar dendrites and equiaxed grains, respectively. In addition, the microstructure of the overlapping zone (OZ) was composed of columnar dendrites and equiaxed grains. The underwater average grain size was smaller than that of in-air. In addition, the water environment was beneficial for reducing the positive segregation in the columnar dendrite region. Compared with the in-air cladding sample, the precipitated phases in the OZ of the underwater cladding sample reduced. Under the combined action of grain refinement and precipitated phase reduction, the microhardness value of the underwater OZ was higher than that of the in-air OZ.
Dependence of Modified Butterworth Van-Dyke Model Parameters and Magnetoimpedance on DC Magnetic Field for Magnetoelectric Composites
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Yao
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the impedance curve of magnetoelectric (ME) composites (i.e., Fe80Si9B11/Pb(Zr0.3Ti0.7)O3 laminate) and extracts the modified Butterworth–Van Dyke (MBVD) model’s parameters at various direct current (DC) bias magnetic fields Hdc. It is interesting to find that both the magnetoimpedance and MBVD model’s parameters of ME composite depend on Hdc, which is primarily attributed to the dependence of FeSiB’s and neighboring PZT’s material properties on Hdc. On one hand, the delta E effect and magnetostriction of FeSiB result in the change in PZT’s dielectric permittivity, leading to the variation in impedance with Hdc. On the other hand, the magnetostriction and mechanical energy dissipation of FeSiB as a function of Hdc result in the field dependences of the MBVD model’s parameters and mechanical quality factor. Furthermore, the influences of piezoelectric and electrode materials properties on the MBVD model’s parameters are analyzed. This study plays a guiding role for ME sensor design and its application.
Densification of a NASICON-Type LATP Electrolyte Sheet by a Cold-Sintering Process
Authors: Hamao Naoki , Yamaguchi Yuki , Hamamoto Koichi
Published: August 2021

A NASICON-type Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3 (LATP) electrolyte sheet for all-solid-state batteries was fabricated by a cold sintering process (CSP). The microstructure of the LATP sheet was controlled to improve the wettability which is an essential factor in CSP. The porous sheets of LATP were prepared by calcination the green sheets to remove the organic components and form the porous structure. By the CSP using the porous sheets, the densification of grain boundary was observed and further densified with increasing reaction time. The total conductivity of the prepared LATP sheet was improved from 3.0 × 10−6 S/cm to 3.0 × 10−4 S/cm due to the formation of necks between the particles at the grain boundary.
Printing Parameter Requirements for 3D Printable Geopolymer Materials Prepared from Industrial Side Streams
Authors: Munir Qaisar , Peltonen Riku , Kärki Timo
Published: August 2021

The objective of this investigation is to study the printing parameter requirements for sustainable 3D printable geopolymer materials. Side streams of the paper, mining, and construction industries were applied as geopolymer raw materials. The effect of printing parameters in terms of buildability, mixability, extrudability, curing, Al-to-Si ratio, and waste materials utilisation on the fresh and hardened state of the materials was studied. The material performance of a fresh geopolymer was measured using setting time and shape stability tests. Standardised test techniques were applied in the testing of the hardened material properties of compressive and flexural strength. The majority of developed suitable 3D printable geopolymers comprised 56–58% recycled material. Heating was used to improve the buildability and setting of the material significantly. A reactive recyclable material content of greater than 20% caused the strength and material workability to decrease. A curing time of 7–28 days increased the compressive strength but decreased the flexural strength. The layers in the test samples exhibited decreased and increased strength, respectively, in compressive and flexural strength tests. Geopolymer development was found to be a compromise between different strength values and recyclable material contents. By focusing on specialised and complex-shape products, 3D printing of geopolymers can compete with traditional manufacturing in limited markets.
Electrochemically Synthesized Poly(3-hexylthiophene) Nanowires as Photosensitive Neuronal Interfaces
Authors: Gáspár Szilveszter , Ravasenga Tiziana , Munteanu Raluca-Elena , David Sorin , Benfenati Fabio , Colombo Elisabetta
Published: August 2021

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) is a hole-conducting polymer that has been intensively used to develop organic optoelectronic devices (e.g., organic solar cells). Recently, P3HT films and nanoparticles have also been used to restore the photosensitivity of retinal neurons. The template-assisted electrochemical synthesis of polymer nanowires advantageously combines polymerization and polymer nanostructuring into one, relatively simple, procedure. However, obtaining P3HT nanowires through this procedure was rarely investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the template-assisted electrochemical synthesis of P3HT nanowires doped with tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBAHFP) and their biocompatibility with primary neurons. We show that template-assisted electrochemical synthesis can relatively easily turn 3-hexylthiophene (3HT) into longer (e.g., 17 ± 3 µm) or shorter (e.g., 1.5 ± 0.4 µm) P3HT nanowires with an average diameter of 196 ± 55 nm (determined by the used template). The nanowires produce measurable photocurrents following illumination. Finally, we show that primary cortical neurons can be grown onto P3HT nanowires drop-casted on a glass substrate without relevant changes in their viability and electrophysiological properties, indicating that P3HT nanowires obtained by template-assisted electrochemical synthesis represent a promising neuronal interface for photostimulation.
Influence of Aerodynamic Preloads and Clearance on the Dynamic Performance and Stability Characteristic of the Bump-Type Foil Air Bearing
Authors: Walter Fabian , Sinapius Michael
Published: August 2021

The dry lubricated bump-type foil air bearing enables a carrying load capacity due to a pressure build up in a convergent air film. Since the air bearing provides low power dissipation above the lift-off speed and the flexible foil provides an adaptivity against high temperatures, manufacturing errors or rotor growth, the bump-type foil air bearing is in particular suitable for high speed rotating machineries. The corresponding dynamic behavior depends on the operational parameters, the behavior of the flexible foil structure, and in particular on the circumferential clearance. In order to avoid or suppress the critical subsynchronous motion at high rotational speeds, many researchers recommend adding an aerodynamic preload to the bore shape, representing a transition from a circular to a lobed bearing bore shape. In addition to positive effects on the stability, preliminary studies demonstrated degrading effects on the stiffness and damping due to increasing preload values. This observation leads to the assumption, that the preload value meets an optimum with respect to stability, load-capacity, and lift-off speed. With the aim of deriving an appropriate lobe configuration for the design of the bump-type foil air bearing, this work performs comprehensive numerical investigations on the dynamic performance and the stability characteristic as a function of preload and minimum clearance. To this end, this work uses steady-state and transient stability analysis methods to recommend optimal aeroydnamic preload values with respect to the corresponding minimum clearance.
A New Nonlinear Ninth-Order Root-Finding Method with Error Analysis and Basins of Attraction
Authors: Qureshi Sania , Ramos Higinio , Soomro Abdul Karim
Published: August 2021

Nonlinear phenomena occur in various fields of science, business, and engineering. Research in the area of computational science is constantly growing, with the development of new numerical schemes or with the modification of existing ones. However, such numerical schemes, objectively need to be computationally inexpensive with a higher order of convergence. Taking into account these demanding features, this article attempted to develop a new three-step numerical scheme to solve nonlinear scalar and vector equations. The scheme was shown to have ninth order convergence and requires six function evaluations per iteration. The efficiency index is approximately 1.4422, which is higher than the Newton’s scheme and several other known optimal schemes. Its dependence on the initial estimates was studied by using real multidimensional dynamical schemes, showing its stable behavior when tested upon some nonlinear models. Based on absolute errors, the number of iterations, the number of function evaluations, preassigned tolerance, convergence speed, and CPU time (sec), comparisons with well-known optimal schemes available in the literature showed a better performance of the proposed scheme. Practical models under consideration include open-channel flow in civil engineering, Planck’s radiation law in physics, the van der Waals equation in chemistry, and the steady-state of the Lorenz system in meteorology.
New Applications of Sălăgean and Ruscheweyh Operators for Obtaining Fuzzy Differential Subordinations
Authors: Lupaş Alina Alb , Oros Georgia Irina
Published: August 2021

The present paper deals with notions from the field of complex analysis which have been adapted to fuzzy sets theory, namely, the part dealing with geometric function theory. Several fuzzy differential subordinations are established regarding the operator Lαm, given by Lαm:An→An, Lαmf(z)=(1−α)Rmf(z)+αSmf(z), where An={f∈H(U),f(z)=z+an+1zn+1+…,z∈U} is the subclass of normalized holomorphic functions and the operators Rmf(z) and Smf(z) are Ruscheweyh and Sălăgean differential operator, respectively. Using the operator Lαm, a certain fuzzy class of analytic functions denoted by SLFmδ,α is defined in the open unit disc. Interesting results related to this class are obtained using the concept of fuzzy differential subordination. Examples are also given for pointing out applications of the theoretical results contained in the original theorems and corollaries.
Comprehensive Interval-Induced Weights Allocation with Bipolar Preference in Multi-Criteria Evaluation
Authors: Jin Xu , Yager Ronald R. , Mesiar Radko , Borkotokey Surajit , Jin Lesheng
Published: August 2021

Preferences-involved evaluation and decision making are the main research subjects in Yager’s decision theory. When the involved bipolar preferences are concerned with interval information, some induced weights allocation and aggregation methods should be reanalyzed and redesigned. This work considers the multi-criteria evaluation situation in which originally only the interval-valued absolute importance of each criterion is available. Firstly, based on interval-valued importance, upper bounds, lower bounds, and the mean points of each, we used the basic unit monotonic function-based bipolar preference weights allocation method four times to generate weight vectors. A comprehensive weighting mechanism is proposed after considering the normalization of the given absolute importance information. The bipolar optimism–pessimism preference-based weights allocation will also be applied according to the magnitudes of entries of any given interval input vector. A similar comprehensive weighting mechanism is still performed. With the obtained weight vector for criteria, we adopt the weighted ordered weighted averaging allocation on a convex poset to organically consider both two types of interval-inducing information and propose a further comprehensive weights allocation mechanism. The detailed comprehensive evaluation procedures with a numerical example for education are presented to show that the proposed models are feasible and useful in interval, multi-criteria, and bipolar preferences-involved decisional environments.
Group Analysis of the Plane Steady Vortex Submodel of Ideal Gas with Varying Entropy
Authors: Khabirov Salavat
Published: August 2021

The submodel of ideal gas motion being invariant with respect to the time translation and the space translation by one direct has 4 integrals in the case of vortex flows with the varying entropy. The system of nonlinear differential equations of the third order with one arbitrary element was obtained for a stream function and a specific volume. This element contains from the state equation and arbitrary functions of the integrals. The equivalent transformations were found for arbitrary element. The problem of the group classification was solved when admitted algebra was expanded for 8 cases of arbitrary element. The optimal systems of dissimilar subalgebras were obtained for the Lie algebras from the group classification. The example of the invariant vortex motion from the point source or sink was done. The regular partial invariant submodel was considered for the 2-dimensional subalgebra. It describes the turn of a vortex flow in the strip and on the plane with asymptotes for the stream line.
Applications to Boundary Value Problems and Homotopy Theory via Tripled Fixed Point Techniques in Partially Metric Spaces
Authors: Hammad Hasanen A. , Agarwal Praveen , Guirao Juan L. G.
Published: August 2021

In this manuscript, some tripled fixed point results were derived under (φ,ρ,ℓ)-contraction in the framework of ordered partially metric spaces. Moreover, we furnish an example which supports our theorem. Furthermore, some results about a homotopy results are obtained. Finally, theoretical results are involved in some applications, such as finding the unique solution to the boundary value problems and homotopy theory.
The Effect of Immersion Corrosion Time on Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior and the Corrosion Mechanism of EH47 Ship Steel in Seawater
Authors: Zhang Hongmei , Yan Ling , Zhu Yangyang , Ai Fangfang , Li Hongnan , Li Yan , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: August 2021

In this paper, electrochemical corrosion tests and full immersion corrosion experiments were conducted in seawater at room temperature to investigate the electrochemical corrosion behavior and the corrosion mechanism of high-strength EH47. The polarization curve, EIS (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscope), and EDS analyses were employed to analyze the results of the electrochemical corrosion process. The electrochemical corrosion experiments showed that the open circuit potential of EH47 decreases and then increases with an increase in total immersion time, with the minimum value obtained at 28 days. With an increase in immersion time, the corrosion current density (Icorr) of EH47 steel first decreases and then increases, with the minimum at about 28 days. This 28-day sample also showed the maximum capacitance arc radius, the maximum impedance and the minimum corrosion rate. In the seawater immersion test in the laboratory, the corrosion mechanism of EH47 steel in the initial stage of corrosion is mainly pitting corrosion, accompanied by a small amount of crevice corrosion with increased corrosion time. The corrosion products of EH47 steel after immersion in seawater for 30 days are mainly composed of FeOOH, Fe3O4 and Fe2O3.
Self-Powered Sensors: New Opportunities and Challenges from Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials
Authors: Lee Eunkwang , Yoo Hocheon
Published: August 2021

Nanomaterials have gained considerable attention over the last decade, finding applications in emerging fields such as wearable sensors, biomedical care, and implantable electronics. However, these applications require miniaturization operating with extremely low power levels to conveniently sense various signals anytime, anywhere, and show the information in various ways. From this perspective, a crucial field is technologies that can harvest energy from the environment as sustainable, self-sufficient, self-powered sensors. Here we revisit recent advances in various self-powered sensors: optical, chemical, biological, medical, and gas. A timely overview is provided of unconventional nanomaterial sensors operated by self-sufficient energy, focusing on the energy source classification and comparisons of studies including self-powered photovoltaic, piezoelectric, triboelectric, and thermoelectric technology. Integration of these self-operating systems and new applications for neuromorphic sensors are also reviewed. Furthermore, this review discusses opportunities and challenges from self-powered nanomaterial sensors with respect to their energy harvesting principles and sensing applications.
Mono-6-Substituted Cyclodextrins—Synthesis and Applications
Authors: Kasal Petr , Jindřich Jindřich
Published: August 2021

Cyclodextrins are well known supramolecular hosts used in a wide range of applications. Monosubstitution of native cyclodextrins in the position C-6 of a glucose unit represents the simplest method how to achieve covalent binding of a well-defined host unit into the more complicated systems. These derivatives are relatively easy to prepare; that is why the number of publications describing their preparations exceeds 1400, and the reported synthetic methods are often very similar. Nevertheless, it might be very demanding to decide which of the published methods is the best one for the intended purpose. In the review, we aim to present only the most useful and well-described methods for preparing different types of mono-6-substituted derivatives. We also discuss the common problems encountered during their syntheses and suggest their optimal solutions.
Pathways for Oral and Rectal Delivery of Gold Nanoparticles (1.7 nm) and Gold Nanoclusters into the Colon: Enteric-Coated Capsules and Suppositories
Authors: Hosseini Shabnam , Wetzel Oliver , Kostka Kathrin , Heggen Marc , Loza Kateryna , Epple Matthias
Published: August 2021

Two ways to deliver ultrasmall gold nanoparticles and gold-bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoclusters to the colon were developed. First, oral administration is possible by incorporation into gelatin capsules that were coated with an enteric polymer. These permit the transfer across the stomach whose acidic environment damages many drugs. The enteric coating dissolves due to the neutral pH of the colon and releases the capsule’s cargo. Second, rectal administration is possible by incorporation into hard-fat suppositories that melt in the colon and then release the nanocarriers. The feasibility of the two concepts was demonstrated by in-vitro release studies and cell culture studies that showed the easy redispersibility after dissolution of the respective transport system. This clears a pathway for therapeutic applications of drug-loaded nanoparticles to address colon diseases, such as chronic inflammation and cancer.
Studies of Interaction Mechanism between Pyrido [3,4-d] Pyrimidine Inhibitors and Mps1
Authors: Xing Cheng , Zhou Xiaoping , Chen Chengjuan , Sun Wei , Zheng Qingchuan , Liang Di
Published: August 2021

Monopolar spindle 1 (Mps1), a dual-specific kinase, is related to the proper execution of chromosome biorientation and mitotic checkpoint signaling. The overexpression of Mps1 promotes the occurrence of cancer or the survival of aneuploid cancer cells, in other words, the reduction of Mps1 will severely reduce the viability of human cancer cells. Therefore, Mps1 is a potential target for cancer treatment. Recently, a series of novel pyrido [3,4-d] pyrimidine derivatives targeting Mps1 with high biological activity were synthesized. The crystal structure of Mps1 in complex with pyrido [3,4-d] pyrimidine derivatives was also reported, but there were no specific mechanism studies for this series of small molecule inhibitors. In this study, complexes binding modes were probed by molecular docking and further validated by molecular dynamics simulations and the molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA) method. The results indicated that the van der Waals interactions and the nonpolar solvation energies were responsible to the basis for favorable binding free energies, all inhibitors interacted with residues I531, V539, M602, C604, N606, I607, L654, I663, and P673 of Mps1. By analyzing the hydrogen bonds, we found the residues G605 and K529 in Mps1 formed stable hydrogen bonds with compounds, it was more conducive to activities of Mps1 inhibitors. According to the above analysis, we further designed five new compounds. We found that compounds IV and V were better potential Mps1 inhibitors through docking and ADMET prediction. The obtained new insights not only were helpful in understanding the binding mode of inhibitors in Mps1, but also provided important references for further rational design of Mps1 inhibitors.
Recent Progress Concerning the N-Arylation of Indoles
Authors: Oeser Petr , Koudelka Jakub , Petrenko Artem , Tobrman Tomáš
Published: August 2021

This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art procedures in terms of the preparation of N-arylindoles. After a short introduction, the transition-metal-free procedures available for the N-arylation of indoles are briefly discussed. Then, the nickel-catalyzed and palladium-catalyzed N-arylation of indoles are both discussed. In the next section, copper-catalyzed procedures for the N-arylation of indoles are described. The final section focuses on recent findings in the field of biologically active N-arylindoles.
Synthesis of 3,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-Substituted Pyrazole Derivatives as Potent Growth Inhibitors of Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Alkhaibari Ibrahim S. , KC Hansa Raj , Roy Subrata , Abu-gazleh Mohd. K. , Gilmore David F. , Alam Mohammad A.
Published: August 2021

Enterococci and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are among the menacing bacterial pathogens. Novel antibiotics are urgently needed to tackle these antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. This article reports the design, synthesis, and antimicrobial studies of 30 novel pyrazole derivatives. Most of the synthesized compounds are potent growth inhibitors of planktonic Gram-positive bacteria with minimum inhibitory concertation (MIC) values as low as 0.25 µg/mL. Further studies led to the discovery of several lead compounds, which are bactericidal and potent against MRSA persisters. Compounds 11, 28, and 29 are potent against S. aureus biofilms with minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) values as low as 1 µg/mL.
Donkey Milk Fermentation by Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris and Lactobacillus rhamnosus Affects the Antiviral and Antibacterial Milk Properties
Authors: Cirrincione Simona , Luganini Anna , Lamberti Cristina , Manfredi Marcello , Cavallarin Laura , Giuffrida Maria Gabriella , Pessione Enrica
Published: August 2021

Background: Milk is considered an important source of bioactive peptides, which can be produced by endogenous or starter bacteria, such as lactic acid bacteria, that are considered effective and safe producers of food-grade bioactive peptides. Among the various types of milk, donkey milk has been gaining more and more attention for its nutraceutical properties. Methods: Lactobacillus rhamnosus 17D10 and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris 40FEL3 were selected for their ability to produce peptides from donkey milk. The endogenous peptides and those obtained after bacterial fermentation were assayed for their antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral activities. The peptide mixtures were characterized by means of LC-MS/MS and then analyzed in silico using the Milk Bioactive Peptide DataBase. Results: The peptides produced by the two selected bacteria enhanced the antioxidant activity and reduced E. coli growth. Only the peptides produced by L. rhamnosus 17D10 were able to reduce S. aureus growth. All the peptide mixtures were able to inhibit the replication of HSV-1 by more than 50%. Seventeen peptides were found to have 60% sequence similarity with already known bioactive peptides. Conclusions: A lactic acid bacterium fermentation process is able to enhance the value of donkey milk through bioactivities that are important for human health.
Guiding Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Design by Pharmacophore Modeling
Authors: Derz Wiebke , Fleischmann Melita , Elsinghorst Paul W.
Published: August 2021

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) combine the selectivity of immunoaffinity chromatography with the robustness of common solid-phase extraction in what is referred to as molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE). This contribution shows how MIP design may be guided by pharmacophore modeling for the example of citrinin, which is an emerging mycotoxin from cereals. The obtained pharmacophore model allowed searching public databases for a set of citrinin-mimicking molecular surrogates. Imprinted and non-imprinted polymers were subsequently obtained through bulk and core-shell polymerization in the presence of these surrogates. Evaluation of their binding ability for citrinin and structurally related ochratoxin A revealed a promising MIP derived from rhodizonic acid. A protocol for MISPE of citrinin from cereals was subsequently developed and compared to immunoaffinity chromatography with respect to clean-up efficiency and recovery.
Acute Inflammatory Mediators in Young Adult Patients with COVID-19 in Mexico
Authors: Maldonado-Cabrera Anahí , Angulo-Molina Aracely , Haque Ubydul , Velazquez Carlos , Álvarez-Villaseñor Andrea S. , Santacruz-Gómez Karla J. , Gallego-Hernández Ana L.
Published: August 2021

Young adults (18–40 years old) are an active population with high risk of infection and transmission of COVID-19. They are considered a low-risk population due to its low 1.0% case fatality rate (CFR). Despite their high clinical usefulness to prevent fatal cases, inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers studies are limited. For this reason, we performed a retrospective cohort study with COVID-19 patients in Hermosillo, Mexico, to assess inflammation, coagulopathy profile, and severity outcomes in young adults. We analyzed blood samples to determine the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil/monocyte ratio (NMR), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and C-reactive protein (C-RP). We included epidemiological features and comorbidities, and compared them to the severity status. Only 359 COVID-19-confirmed young adults were included in the ambulatory (44.8%), hospitalized (42.9%), and death (12%) severity groups. Laboratory results showed an increase in NMR, LMR, and C-RP associated with the aggravated patients. Additionally, obesity, arterial hypertension, and type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were associated with the COVID-19 severity outcome. We found that 9.1% and 30.3% of young adults presented the novel COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (CAC) and the risk of CAC, respectively. These parameters can be considered independent biomarkers reflecting an enhanced inflammatory process related to the COVID-19 prognosis.
General Characteristics of Children with Single- and Co-Infections and Febrile Seizures with a Main Focus on Respiratory Pathogens: Preliminary Results
Authors: Rudolph Henriette , Gress Katharina , Weiss Christel , Schroten Horst , Adams Ortwin , Tenenbaum Tobias
Published: August 2021

Febrile seizures (FS) affect up to 5% of children. The pathogen etiology in regard of viral loads has never been investigated. In a prospective cohort study we investigated the correlation between virus type and quantity in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) and the clinical characteristics in pediatric patients with a FS. From January 2014 to April 2016, 184 children with a FS were prospectively enrolled. The mean age of all included children was 26.7 ± 18.3 months with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. Males with an acute disease and a short duration or absence of prior symptoms had a higher risk for complex FS. The majority of patients with FS presented with a generalized convulsion (180; 98%) and was admitted to hospital (178; 97%). Overall, 79 (43%) single and in 59 (32%) co-infections were detected. Human herpes virus 6 (HHV6), influenza, adenovirus (AV) and rhinovirus (RV) were the dominant pathogens, all detected with clinically significant high viral loads. HHV6 positive cases were significantly younger and less likely to have a positive family/personal history for FS. Influenza positives showed a higher rate of complex seizures, lower leukocyte and higher monocyte counts. AV positive cases were more likely to have a positive family history for FS and showed higher C-reactive protein values. In conclusion, a high viral load may contribute to the development of a FS in respiratory tract infections.
Intracellular S. aureus in Osteoblasts in a Clinical Sample from a Patient with Chronic Osteomyelitis—A Case Report
Authors: Walter Nike , Mendelsohn Daniel , Brochhausen Christoph , Rupp Markus , Alt Volker
Published: August 2021

The pathophysiological role of intracellular bacteria in osteomyelitis is still a matter of debate. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the presence of Staphylococcus aureus internalized into osteoblasts in human tissue samples of a case with a chronic osteomyelitis using ultrastructural transmission electron microscope analysis.
Comparison of Chicken Cecal Microbiota after Metaphylactic Treatment or Following Administration of Feed Additives in a Broiler Farm with Enterococcal Spondylitis History
Authors: Hankel Julia , Bodmann Björn , Todte Matthias , Galvez Eric , Strowig Till , Radko Dimitri , Antakli Ali , Visscher Christian
Published: August 2021

Minimizing the clinical signs of Enterococcus cecorum infections causing enterococcal spondylitis in broiler herds is successful when initiated as metaphylaxis in the first week of life. Mechanistically, either the Enterococcus species present at that time are reduced by antibiotic treatment or antibiotic treatment might induce changes in intestinal microbiota composition with an indirect and subsequent influence. The aim of the present study was to examine the cecal microbiota of chickens after administering lincospectin or different additives to evaluate whether these additives have lincospectin-like effects on microbiota. Therefore, 157,400 broiler chickens were reared in four chicken houses (~40,000 birds each) on a broiler farm with history of enterococcal spondylitis. Each flock was treated either with lincospectin or water soluble esterified butyrins, Bacillus (B.) licheniformis or palm oil was added via drinking water during the first days of life. Ten birds per house were dissected at days 11, 20 and 33 of life and cecal microbiota were analyzed (16S rRNA gene sequencing). Lincospectin treatment elicited significant changes in the cecal microbiota composition until slaughter age. Among the tested additives, effects of B. licheniformis on cecal microbiota composition were most similar to those seen after the treatment with lincospectin at day 11.