bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Antibiotic Resistance Genes Identified by Functional Gene Library Screening in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Chryseobacterium spp. Bacteria of Soil Origin
Authors: Klimkaitė Laurita , Ragaišis Ignas , Krasauskas Renatas , Ružauskas Modestas , Sužiedėlienė Edita , Armalytė Julija
Published: March 2023

As one of the most diverse habitats of microorganisms, soil has been recognised as a reservoir of both antibiotics and the antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Bacteria naturally inhabiting soil or water often possess innate ARGs to counteract the chemical compounds produced by competitors living in the same environment. When such bacteria are able to cause infections in immunocompromised patients, their strong innate antibiotic resistance mechanisms make treatment difficult. We generated functional gene libraries using antibiotic-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Chryseobacterium spp. bacteria isolated from agricultural soils in Lithuania to select for the genetic determinants responsible for their resistance. We were able to find novel variants of aminoglycoside and β-lactam resistance genes, with β-lactamases isolated from the Chryseobacterium spp. functional gene library, one of which is a variant of IND-like metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) IND-17 and the other of which is a previously uncharacterised MBL we named CHM (Chryseobacterium metallo β-lactamase). Our results indicate that soil microorganisms possess a diversity of ARG variants, which could potentially be transferred to the clinical setting.
Hypoxia Promotes Cartilage Regeneration in Cell-Seeded 3D-Printed Bioscaffolds Cultured with a Bespoke 3D Culture Device
Authors: Theodoridis Konstantinos , Aggelidou Eleni , Manthou Maria-Eleni , Kritis Aristeidis
Published: March 2023

In this study, we investigated the effect of oxygen tension on the expansion of ADMSCs and on their differentiation toward their chondrocytic phenotype, regenerating a lab-based cartilaginous tissue with superior characteristics. Controversial results with reference to MSCs that were cultured under different hypoxic levels, mainly in 2D culturing settings combined with or without other biochemical stimulus factors, prompted our team to study the role of hypoxia on MSCs chondrogenic differentiation within an absolute 3D environment. Specifically, we used 3D-printed honeycomb-like PCL matrices seeded with ADMSCs in the presence or absence of TGF and cultured with a prototype 3D cell culture device, which was previously shown to favor nutrient/oxygen supply, cell adhesion, and infiltration within scaffolds. These conditions resulted in high-quality hyaline cartilage that was distributed uniformly within scaffolds. The presence of the TGF medium was necessary to successfully produce cartilaginous tissues with superior molecular and increased biomechanical properties. Despite hypoxia’s beneficial effect, it was overall not enough to fully differentiate ADMSCs or even promote cell expansion within 3D scaffolds alone.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Leucine-Rich α-2-Glycoprotein 1 as a Non-Invasive Salivary Biomarker in Pediatric Appendicitis
Authors: Tintor Goran , Jukić Miro , Šupe-Domić Daniela , Jerončić Ana , Pogorelić Zenon
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) in saliva as a novel biomarker for acute appendicitis in the pediatric population. From October 2021 to June 2022, 92 children aged 5 to 17 years who presented with acute abdomen and suspected acute appendicitis were enrolled in this prospective study. The parameters documented included demographic and clinical information, as well as operative and postoperative data. Patients were divided into two groups: those with acute appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (n = 46) and those without appendicitis (n = 46). The total white blood cell (WBC) count, percent of neutrophils, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and salivary LRG1 were compared between groups. A commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) LRG kit was used to measure the LRG levels. The median salivary LRG1 level was significantly higher in the group of children with pathohistologically confirmed acute appendicitis compared to the control group: 233.45 ng/mL (IQR 114.9, 531.2) vs. 55.95 ng/mL (IQR 51.5, 117.9), p < 0.001. LRG1 had an overall good receiver-operator characteristic area under the curve of 0.85 (95% CI 0.76–0.92; p < 0.001). The optimal LRG1 cutoff with best separation between acute appendicitis and the controls was >352.6 ng/mL (95% CI from >270.7 to >352.6). Although the specificity was 100% at this cutoff, the sensitivity for identifying appendicitis was 36%. In addition, a significant difference was found between groups in the laboratory values of all inflammatory markers tested: WBC, absolute neutrophil count, and CRP (p < 0.001 for all). Although LRG1 in saliva showed a good AUC parameter and significantly higher values in patients with acute appendicitis compared to the controls, its usefulness in the patient population who present at emergency departments with abdominal pain is debatable. Future studies should focus on investigating its diagnostic potential.
Enhanced Performance of WO3/SnO2 Nanocomposite Electrodes with Redox-Active Electrolytes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Morka Tamiru Deressa , Ujihara Masaki
Published: March 2023

For effective supercapacitors, we developed a process involving chemical bath deposition, followed by electrochemical deposition and calcination, to produce WO3/SnO2 nanocomposite electrodes. In aqueous solutions, the hexagonal WO3 microspheres were first chemically deposited on a carbon cloth, and then tin oxides were uniformly electrodeposited. The synthesized WO3/SnO2 nanocomposite was characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, and EDX techniques. Electrochemical properties of the WO3/SnO2 nanocomposite were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in an aqueous solution of Na2SO4 with/without the redox-active electrolyte K3Fe(CN)6. K3Fe(CN)6 exhibited a synergetic effect on the electrochemical performance of the WO3/SnO2 nanocomposite electrode, with a specific capacitance of 640 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s, while that without K3Fe(CN)6 was 530 F/g. The WO3/SnO2 nanocomposite catalyzed the redox reactions of [Fe(CN)6]3/[Fe(CN)6]4− ions, and the [Fe(CN)6]3−/[Fe(CN)6]4− ions also promoted redox reactions of the WO3/SnO2 nanocomposite. A symmetrical configuration of the nanocomposite electrodes provided good cycling stability (coulombic efficiency of 99.6% over 2000 cycles) and satisfied both energy density (60 Whkg−1) and power density (540 Wkg−1) requirements. Thus, the WO3/SnO2 nanocomposite prepared by this simple process is a promising component for a hybrid pseudocapacitor system with a redox-flow battery mechanism.
Peripheral Biomarkers in Manifest and Premanifest Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Morena Emanuele , Romano Carmela , Marconi Martina , Diamant Selene , Buscarinu Maria Chiara , Bellucci Gianmarco , Romano Silvia , Scarabino Daniela , Salvetti Marco , Ristori Giovanni
Published: March 2023

Huntington’s disease (HD) is characterized by clinical motor impairment (e.g., involuntary movements, poor coordination, parkinsonism), cognitive deficits, and psychiatric symptoms. An inhered expansion of the CAG triplet in the huntingtin gene causing a pathogenic gain-of-function of the mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein has been identified. In this review, we focus on known biomarkers (e.g., mHTT, neurofilament light chains) and on new biofluid biomarkers that can be quantified in plasma or peripheral blood mononuclear cells from mHTT carriers. Circulating biomarkers may fill current unmet needs in HD management: better stratification of patients amenable to etiologic treatment; the initiation of preventive treatment in premanifest HD; and the identification of peripheral pathogenic central nervous system cascades.
Anthracycline Therapy Modifies Immune Checkpoint Signaling in the Heart
Authors: Korste Sebastian , Settelmeier Stephan , Michel Lars , Odersky Andrea , Stock Pia , Reyes Fabrice , Haj-Yehia Elias , Anker Markus S. , Grüneboom Anika , Hendgen-Cotta Ulrike B. , Rassaf Tienush , Totzeck Matthias
Published: March 2023

Cancer survival rates have increased significantly because of improvements in therapy regimes and novel immunomodulatory drugs. Recently, combination therapies of anthracyclines and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been proposed to maximize neoplastic cell removal. However, it has been speculated that a priori anthracycline exposure may prone the heart vulnerable to increased toxicity from subsequent ICI therapy, such as an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) inhibitor. Here, we used a high-dose anthracycline mouse model to characterize the role of the PD1 immune checkpoint signaling pathway in cardiac tissue using flow cytometry and immunostaining. Anthracycline treatment led to decreased heart function, increased concentration of markers of cell death after six days and a change in heart cell population composition with fewer cardiomyocytes. At the same time point, the number of PD1 ligand (PDL1)-positive immune cells and endothelial cells in the heart decreased significantly. The results suggest that PD1/PDL1 signaling is affected after anthracycline treatment, which may contribute to an increased susceptibility to immune-related adverse events of subsequent anti-PD1/PDL1 cancer therapy.
A Positive Newborn Screen for Congenital Hypothyroidism in a Clinically Euthyroid Neonate—Avoiding Unnecessary Treatment
Authors: Brown Ashleigh , Hofman Paul , Li Bobby , Heron Campbell , Heather Natasha
Published: March 2023

Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) has dramatically improved the neurocognitive outcomes for newborns with a confirmed positive screening test result. However, screening yields a small number of false positive and false negative results. This report describes the first known case of familial dysalbuminaemic hyperthyroxinaemia presenting with a positive newborn thyroid stimulating hormone screen. This condition is characterized by artefactually elevated free tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels due to increased albumin binding and subsequent dissociation during laboratory assays but normal true free thyroid hormone and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in a clinically euthyroid subject. This highlights the need to take care when attributing clinical significance to discordant results.
Study on Deflection-Span Ratio of Cable-Stayed Suspension Cooperative System with Single-Tower Space Cable
Authors: Xiao Lin , Huang Yaxi , Wei Xing
Published: March 2023

This study uses the wind–vehicle–bridge coupling vibration analysis method to investigate the bridge stiffness problem of a large-span cable-stayed-suspension cooperative system. On the basis of the particle-damping-spring vehicle model, the TMeasy surface contact tire model is introduced, and a set of universal wind–vehicle–bridge coupling analysis algorithm is built in the framework of the whole process iterative method. Based on the Latin supercube sampling principle, random traffic flow is generated and loaded onto bridge structures with different stiffness conditions to analyze the driving comfort and safety under each stiffness condition. Combining the specification requirements, engineering experience, and research results, the vertical stiffness limit applicable to the bridge of the highway cable-stayed-suspension collaborative system is proposed. Existing engineering experience shows that the vertical deflection-to-span ratio of a cable-stayed bridge under live load is distributed between 1/400 and 1/1600, and the vertical deflection span ratio under the action of lane load is recommended based on numerical analysis.
Simultaneous Quantification of Fullerenes C60 and C70 in Organic Solvents by Excitation–Emission Matrix Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Mikheev Ivan V. , Verkhovskii Viktor A. , Byvsheva Sofiya M. , Volkov Dmitry S. , Proskurnin Mikhail A. , Ivanov Vladimir K.
Published: March 2023

Excitation–emission matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectroscopy of unmodified (pristine) fullerenes C60 and C70 in benzene, toluene, and n-hexane at room temperature was used for their quantification by their solvent-dependent EEM bands specific to each fullerene. The intensity and parameters of fluorescence depend on both the fullerene and solvent and provide the conditions for the quantification of both fullerenes in their mixtures without separation. The detection limits for C60 in n-hexane and C70 in benzene under the selected conditions are 7 and 2 nmol/L, respectively. The approach was tested for model and real mixtures of fullerenes C60 and C70.
Dibromo–Isonitrile and N-acyclic Carbene Complexes of Platinum(II): Synthesis and Reactivity
Authors: Farasat Anna , Nerli Francesca , Labella Luca , Taddei Marco , Samaritani Simona
Published: March 2023

A series of dibromo-N-acyclic (NAC) carbene complexes of platinum(II) were synthesized, starting from trans-[Pt(μ-Br)Br(PPh3)]2 and according to a protocol previously optimized for the preparation of analogous chlorinated compounds. In the first step of the synthesis, the ring opening of the dinuclear precursor was carried out using suitable isonitrile ligands, while the following step consisted of the addition of N,N-diethylamine to the products obtained in the first step. The two reactions were separately investigated, and attention was given to the differences between brominated and chlorinated systems.
What Is the Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome?
Authors: Anderson Robert H. , Crucean Adrian , Spicer Diane E.
Published: March 2023

As yet, there is no agreed definition for the so-called “hypoplastic left heart syndrome”. Even its origin remains contentious. Noonan and Nadas, who as far as we can establish first grouped together patients as belonging to a “syndrome” in 1958, suggested that Lev had named the entity. Lev, however, when writing in 1952, had described “hypoplasia of the aortic outflow tract complex”. In his initial description, as with Noonan and Nadas, he included cases with ventricular septal defects. In a subsequent account, he suggested that only those with an intact ventricular septum be included within the syndrome. There is much to commend this later approach. When assessed on the basis of the integrity of the ventricular septum, the hearts to be included can be interpreted as showing an acquired disease of fetal life. Recognition of this fact is important to those seeking to establish the genetic background of left ventricular hypoplasia. Flow is also of importance, with septal integrity then influencing its effect on the structure of the hypoplastic ventricle. In our review, we summarise the evidence supporting the notion that an intact ventricular septum should now be part of the definition of the hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Efficacy and Safety of Roxadustat in Chinese Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Qichen , Li Xu , Niu Qingyu , Zhao Huiping , Zuo Li
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: Recently more and more Chinese clinical studies have been conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of roxadustat with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of roxadustat in Chinese HD patients. (2) Methods: The PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, WanFang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), SinoMed, and VIP databases were searched from their inception to July 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy and safety of roxadustat to those of ESAs in treating anemia in Chinese HD patients. (3) Results: Twenty-one RCTs involving 1408 patients were enrolled. Our study showed that the improvement of hemoglobin (Hb) levels and iron metabolism were significantly higher in the roxadustat group than in the ESA group. Additionally, the total adverse events risk was significantly lower in the roxadustat group. (4) Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, we found that roxadustat was more effective and safer than ESAs in treating anemia in Chinese HD patients.
Why Does Obesity as an Inflammatory Condition Predispose to Colorectal Cancer?
Authors: Rychter Anna Maria , Łykowska-Szuber Liliana , Zawada Agnieszka , Szymczak-Tomczak Aleksandra , Ratajczak Alicja Ewa , Skoracka Kinga , Kolan Michalina , Dobrowolska Agnieszka , Krela-Kaźmierczak Iwona
Published: March 2023

Obesity is a complex and multifactorial problem of global importance. Additionally, obesity causes chronic inflammation, upregulates cell growth, disturbs the immune system, and causes genomic instability, increasing the risk of carcinogenesis. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers, and it has become a global problem. In 2018, there were around 1.8 million new cases and around 881,000 deaths worldwide. Another risk factor of colorectal cancer associated with obesity is poor diet. A Western diet, including a high intake of red and processed meat and a low consumption of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fiber, may increase the risk of both colorectal cancer and obesity. Moreover, the Western diet is associated with a proinflammatory profile diet, which may also affect chronic low-grade inflammation. In fact, people with obesity often present gut dysbiosis, increased inflammation, and risk of colorectal cancer. In this article, the association between obesity and colorectal cancer is discussed, including the most important mechanisms, such as low-grade chronic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and poor diet.
Application of the XBeach-Gravel Model for the Case of East Adriatic Sea-Wave Conditions
Authors: Bogovac Tonko , Carević Dalibor , Bujak Damjan , Miličević Hanna
Published: March 2023

Croatia’s coast located on the eastern Adriatic is rich with small gravel beaches with limited fetch. This leads to a specific low-energetic wave climate compared to most other beaches, while their gravel composition makes them unique. Most management of these beaches is performed without understanding the sediment transport occurring on the beaches. XBeach-Gravel is a numerical model capable of simulating bed-level change on gravel beaches, but lacks validation in the case of low significant wave height (under 2.5 m) and low peak periods (under 6 s), conditions that are present on the eastern Adriatic. Based on measurements performed in both laboratory conditions in a water canal in Hannover and actual storm wave conditions on Ploče beach, calibration of the model is performed. Model results are compared between laboratory conditions and field conditions for comparable wave conditions. XBeach-Gravel can simulate low-energetic events resulting in berm formation and berm buildup with a high Brier skill score if calibrated. Simulation of laboratory conditions requires high transport coefficient values and shows more sediment transport than similar wave conditions in the field. Calibration for field conditions is dependent on geodetic survey data capable of isolating wave events with dominant cross-shore transport, but once calibrated, XBeach-Gravel can achieve good to excellent Brier skill score values in simulating sediment change in low-energetic wave conditions on the eastern Adriatic.
Underwater Positioning System Based on Drifting Buoys and Acoustic Modems
Authors: Otero Pablo , Hernández-Romero Álvaro , Luque-Nieto Miguel-Ángel , Ariza Alfonso
Published: March 2023

GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning is not available underwater due to the very short range of electromagnetic waves in the sea water medium. In this article a LBL (Long Base Line) acoustic repeater system of the GNSS positioning is presented. The system is hyperbolic, i.e., based on time differences and it does not need very accurate atomic clocks to synchronize repeaters. The system architecture and system calculations that demonstrate the feasibility of the solution are presented. The system uses four buoys that sequentially transmit their position and the time of the instant of transmission, for which they are equipped with GNSS receivers and acoustic modems. The buoys can be fixed or even drifting, but they are inexpensive devices, which pose no hazard to navigation and can be easily and quickly deployed for a specific underwater mission. The multilateration algorithm used in the receiver is presented. To simplify the algorithm, the depth of the receiver, measured by a depth sensor, is used. Results are presented for the position error of an underwater vehicle due to its displacement during the transmission frame of the four buoys.
Hybrid De Novo Whole-Genome Assembly, Annotation, and Identification of Secondary Metabolite Gene Clusters in the Ex-Type Strain of Chrysosporium keratinophilum
Authors: Granados-Casas Alan Omar , Sastoque Angie Paola , Stchigel Alberto Miguel , Fernández-Bravo Ana , Cano-Lira José Francisco
Published: March 2023

Chrysosporium is a polyphyletic genus belonging (mostly) to different families of the order Onygenales (Eurotiomycetes, Ascomycota). Certain species, such as Chrysosporium keratinophilum, are pathogenic for animals, including humans, but are also a source of proteolytic enzymes (mainly keratinases) potentially useful in bioremediation. However, only a few studies have been published regarding bioactive compounds, of which the production is mostly unpredictable due to the absence of high-quality genomic sequences. During the development of our study, the genome of the ex-type strain of Chrysosporium keratinophilum, CBS 104.66, was sequenced and assembled using a hybrid method. The results showed a high-quality genome of 25.4 Mbp in size spread across 25 contigs, with an N50 of 2.0 Mb, 34,824 coding sequences, 8002 protein sequences, 166 tRNAs, and 24 rRNAs. The functional annotation of the predicted proteins was performed using InterProScan, and the KEGG pathway mapping using BlastKOALA. The results identified a total of 3529 protein families and 856 superfamilies, which were classified into six levels and 23 KEGG categories. Subsequently, using DIAMOND, we identified 83 pathogen–host interactions (PHI) and 421 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes). Finally, the analysis using AntiSMASH showed that this strain has a total of 27 biosynthesis gene clusters (BGCs), suggesting that it has a great potential to produce a wide variety of secondary metabolites. This genomic information provides new knowledge that allows for a deeper understanding of the biology of C. keratinophilum, and offers valuable new information for further investigations of the Chrysosporium species and the order Onygenales.
Effects of Carbon, Nitrogen, Ambient pH and Light on Mycelial Growth, Sporulation, Sorbicillinoid Biosynthesis and Related Gene Expression in Ustilaginoidea virens
Authors: Zhang Xuping , Hou Xuwen , Xu Dan , Xue Mengyao , Zhang Jiayin , Wang Jiacheng , Yang Yonglin , Lai Daowan , Zhou Ligang
Published: March 2023

Sorbicillinoids are a class of hexaketide metabolites produced by Ustilaginoidea virens (teleomorph: Villosiclava virens), an important fungal pathogen that causes a devastating rice disease. In this study, we investigated the effects of environmental factors, including carbon and nitrogen sources, ambient pH and light exposure, on mycelial growth, sporulation, as well as the accumulation of sorbicillinoids, and the expression of related genes involved in sorbicillinoid biosynthesis. It was found that the environmental factors had great influences on mycelial growth and sporulation of U. virens. Fructose and glucose, complex nitrogen sources, acidic conditions and light exposure were favorable for sorbicillinoid production. The relative transcript levels of sorbicillinoid biosynthesis genes were up-regulated when U. virens was separately treated with those environmental factors that favored sorbicillinoid production, indicating that sorbicillinoid biosynthesis was mainly regulated at the transcriptional level by different environmental factors. Two pathway-specific transcription factor genes, UvSorR1 and UvSorR2, were found to participate in the regulation of sorbicillinoid biosynthesis. These results will provide useful information to better understand the regulation mechanisms of sorbicillinoid biosynthesis, and be conducive to develop effective means for controlling sorbicillinoid production in U. virens.
Population Genetic Analysis of Phytophthora colocasiae from Taro in Japan Using SSR Markers
Authors: Zhang Jing , Hieno Ayaka , Otsubo Kayoko , Feng Wenzhuo , Kageyama Koji
Published: March 2023

Phytophthora colocasiae is an important pathogen that causes great economic losses in taro production in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in Japan. Understanding the genetic variations in P. colocasiae populations and their transmission patterns in Japan is essential for effective disease control. Here, the genetic diversity of 358 P. colocasiae isolates, including 348 from Japan, 7 from China, and 3 from Indonesia, was assessed using 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs with high polymorphism. The phylogenetic tree of the SSR locus showed that the isolates from Japan could be divided into 14 groups, with group A being the dominant group. Among foreign isolates, only six from mainland China were similar to those from Japan and clustered in groups B and E. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), principal components analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis (K = 3) results revealed a moderate level of genetic diversity, mainly within individuals. Populations showed high heterozygosity, a lack of regional differentiation, and frequent gene flow. Analysis of mating types and ploidy levels revealed that A2 and self-fertile (SF) A2 types and tetraploids were dominant across populations. Explanations and hypotheses for the results can provide more effective strategies for disease management of taro leaf blight.
The Immune Landscape and Molecular Subtypes of Pediatric Crohn’s Disease: Results from In Silico Analysis
Authors: Xiao Shiyu , Xie Wenhui , Zhang Yinghui , Pan Yan , Lei Lei
Published: March 2023

Pediatric Crohn’s disease (CD) presents a distinct phenotype from adult-onset disease. A dysregulated immune response is critical in CD pathogenesis; thus, it is clinically important to describe immune cell alterations and to identify a new molecular classification for pediatric CD. To this end, in this study, a RNA-seq derived dataset GSE101794—which contains the expression profiles of 254 treatment-naïve pediatric CD samples, including CIBERSORTx and weighted gene-co-expression network analysis (WGCNA)—were performed to estimate the ratio of immune cells and to identify modules and genes related to specific immune cell infiltration, respectively. Hub genes derived from WGCNA were further employed to create a molecular classification using unsupervised K-means clustering. In the pediatric CD samples, it was found that M2 macrophages, CD4+ memory resting T cells, CD8+ T cells, and resting mast cells were the most prominent immune cells in intestinal tissues. Then, 985 up-regulated genes and 860 down-regulated genes were identified in samples with high immune cell infiltration. Of these differential genes, 10 hub genes (APOA1, CYB5A, XPNPEP2, SLC1A7, SLC4A6, LIPE, G6PC, AGXT2, SLC13A1, and SOAT2) were associated with CD8+T cell infiltration. Clinically, the higher expression of these 10 hub genes was strongly associated with an earlier age of CD onset and colonic-type CD. Furthermore, based on these key genes, pediatric CD could be classified into three molecular subtypes, displaying a different immune landscape. Altogether, this in silico analysis provides a novel insight into the immune signature of pediatric CD, and a new classification of pediatric CD is presented, which may help us develop more personalized disease management and treatments for pediatric CD.
An Evaluation System to Optimize the Management of Interventions in the Historic Center of Florence World Heritage Site: From Building Preservation to Block Refurbishment
Authors: Acampa Giovanna , Battisti Fabrizio , Grasso Mariolina
Published: March 2023

The goal of this paper is to present a methodology for setting priorities among interventions in the old city center of Florence, going from the conservation to the regeneration of its heritage. The proposed methodology is based on specific methods of analysis of degradation and parameters for the optimization of construction costs. The methodology can be considered an additional part of the Management Plan of the site of the Historic Center of Florence (adopted for the first time in 2016 and now updated with the inclusion of a buffer zone) that “represents an important tool for the conservation and enhancement of the Heritage and is also a source of address for the choices that the Administration is called to adopt regarding the use of the city and its spaces”. The application of the method, in addition to being in harmony with some of the action projects of the second macro-area of the new Management Plan, also has points of contact with the provisions of the Municipal Operational Plan that provides for a reinterpretation of the existing building heritage. From the monitoring of individual buildings, aimed at their preservation, we will move to study the relationships that promote the creation of joint construction sites, thus optimizing costs.
Microvariation in the Distribution of Resumptive Pronouns in the Left Dislocation Construction in Two Tyrolean Dialects of Northern Italy
Authors: Cognola Federica , Casalicchio Jan
Published: March 2023

In this paper we document a so-far neglected case of microvariation involving resumptive pronouns in the left-dislocation construction in Meranese, spoken in South Tyrol, and Mòcheno, spoken in the Fersina valley (Trentino). While in standard German resumptive elements in this construction belong to the class of D-pronouns, the two Tyrolean dialects considered in the paper exhibit, as resumptive pronouns, both (i) D-pronouns and (ii) pronominal usages of the distal demonstrative formed by the definite article (D) and sèll corresponding to ‘that one’. We show that in both languages D+sèll forms overlap with German D-pronouns in most contexts, whereas D-pronouns only superficially, but not functionally, correspond to German D-pronouns, and have undergone a weakening process. While the weakening process is in nuce in Meranese, it seems to be nearly completed in Mòcheno, where D-pronouns appear to have acquired a status close to that of subject clitics of Northern Italian varieties.
Can HRV Predict Prolonged Hospitalization and Favorable or Unfavorable Short-Term Outcome in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke?
Authors: Aftyka Joanna , Staszewski Jacek , Dębiec Aleksander , Pogoda-Wesołowska Aleksandra , Żebrowski Jan
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to assess whether the heart rate variability (HRV) could predict a favorable or unfavorable stroke outcome. The endpoint was based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The patient’s health condition was assessed upon discharge from the hospital. An unfavorable stroke outcome was defined as death or NIHSS ≥ 9, while NIHSS < 9 meant a favorable stroke outcome. The studied group consisted of 59 patients with acute ischemic stroke AIS (mean age of 65.6 ± 13.2; 58% were females). An original and innovative non-linear measure was used to analyze HRV. It was based on symbolic dynamics consisting of comparing the “length of the longest words” in the night recording of HRV. “The length of the longest word” meant the longest sequence of identical adjacent symbols possible for a patient. An unfavorable stroke outcome occurred in 22 patients, whereas the majority of patients (37) had a favorable stroke outcome. The average hospitalization time of patients with clinical progression was 29 ± 14 days, and with favorable outcomes was 10 ± 3 days. Patients with long words (more than 150 adjacent RR intervals having the same symbol) were hospitalized no longer than 14 days and they had no clinical progression. The patients with a favorable stroke outcome were characterized by longer words. Our pilot study may be the beginning of work on the development of a non-linear, symbolic method as a predictor of prolonged hospitalization and increased risk of clinical progression in patients with AIS.
Bionic Ring Grooves Design and Experiment of the Suction Cup Applied in Oil-Immersed Substrate
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Lin , Zhang Dexue , Shi Xiaojie , Chen Tingkun , Cong Qian , Liu Chaozong
Published: March 2023

The vacuum suction cup is often used as an end effector and widely used in wall-climbing operations. However, there are few vacuum suction cup designs and applications for oil-immersed substrates. Inspired by the surface morphology of the octopus sucker, bionic suction cups with different numbers, diameters, and spacings of the ring grooves were designed. Their normal adsorption force was evaluated on the untreated and polished steel plate in oil. The test results showed that ring grooves positively affected the adsorption force. The bionic suction cup with a groove number of 3, a diameter of 0.5 mm, and a spacing of 3 mm was the most excellent in the test. It achieved normal adsorption forces of 54.83 ± 0.48 N and 43.89 ± 0.69 N on the untreated and polished steel plate. Compared with the standard suction cup, it increased by 32.31% and 12.28% on the untreated and polished steel plate. The regression model between the normal adsorption force and design factors was established based on the adsorption force test results, and the influence law of the ring groove structure parameters on the adsorption force of suction cups on oil-immersed substrates was analyzed. The order of significant effects of groove design parameters on normal adsorption forces was groove diameters, spacings, and numbers. The finite element analysis (FEA) results show that the ring grooves could significantly increase the contact pressure, frictional stress, and sliding distance between the suction cup and the substrate. The ring groove structure effectively improves the adsorption force of the suction cup on the oil-immersed surface by forming a more effective seal and increasing the friction force and adsorption area. This study could provide a reference for developing the actuator of the oil-immersed or lubricated climbing machine.
Structure and Mechanical Properties of the NiTi Wire Joined by Laser Welding
Authors: Goryczka Tomasz , Gryń Karol , Barylski Adrian , Szaraniec Barbara
Published: March 2023

Joining wires made of NiTi alloys with shape memory effect and pseudoelasticity causes many technical and structural problems. They result from unwanted phase interactions that occur in high temperatures and negatively affect the characteristics of these materials. Such obstacles are challenging in terms of welding. Hence, an attempt was made to join NiTi wires via an economical and reliable basic laser welding technique which does not require complicated equipment and gas protection. The parameters such as spot diameter and pulse time were constant and only the laser power, calculated as a percentage of the total power, was optimized. The wires were parallelly connected with overlapping seam welds 10 mm long. The welds were examined regarding their microstructure, chemical and phase composition, reversible martensitic transformation, microhardness, and pseudoelasticity. The obtained results showed that the joint was completed at the 12–14% power. The weld revealed good quality with no voids or pores. As the laser power increased, the microhardness rose from 282 (for 4%) to 321 (for 14%). The joint withstood the stress-inducing reversible martensitic transformation. As the transformation was repeated cyclically, the stress value decreased from 587 MPa (initial wire) to 507 MPa (for the 14% power welded wire).
Effect of Acoustic Oscillations on Non-Equilibrium State of Magnetic Domain Structure in Cubic Ni2MnGa Single Crystal
Authors: Fernández González Anxo , Sapozhnikov Konstantin , Pal-Val Pavel , Kustov Sergey
Published: March 2023

Magnetic hysteresis is a manifestation of non-equilibrium state of magnetic domain walls trapped in local energy minima. Using two types of experiments we show that, after application of a magnetic field to a ferromagnet, acoustic oscillations excited in the latter can “equilibrate” metastable magnetic domain structure by triggering the motion of domain walls into more stable configurations. Single crystals of archetypal Ni2MnGa magnetic shape memory alloy in the cubic phase were used in the experiments. The magnetomechanical absorption of ultrasound versus strain amplitude was studied after step-like changes of a polarizing magnetic field. One-time hysteresis was observed in strain amplitude dependences of magnetomechanical internal friction after step-like variations of a polarizing field. We distinguish two ingredients of the strain amplitude hysteresis that are found in the ranges of linear and non-linear internal friction and show qualitatively different behavior for increasing and decreasing applied polarizing fields. The uncovered effect is interpreted in terms of three canonical magnetomechanical internal friction terms (microeddy, macroeddy and hysteretic) and attributed to “triggering” by acoustic oscillations of the irreversible motion of domain walls trapped in the metastable states. To confirm the suggested interpretation we determine the coercive field of magnetization hysteresis through the measurements of the reversible Villari effect. We show that the width of the hysteresis loops decreases when acoustic oscillations in the non-linear range of domain wall motion are excited in the crystal. The observed “equilibration” of the magnetic domain structure by acoustic oscillations is attributed to the periodic stress anisotropy field induced by oscillatory mechanical stress.
Structural and Thermoelectric Properties of Gd2−2xSr1+2xMn2O7 Double-Layered Manganites
Authors: Qin Nailing , Pang Yehai , Xu Zhengbing , Chen Xiyong , Yan Jialin
Published: March 2023

Double-layered manganites are natural superlattices with low thermal conductivity, which is of importance for potential thermoelectric applications. The Gd2−2xSr1+2xMn2O7 (x = 0.5; 0.625; 0.75) were prepared by the solid-state reaction method. All the samples crystallize in the tetragonal I4/mmm Sr3Ti2O7 type structure. The unit cell volume and the distortion in the MnO6 octahedra increase with increasing Gd content. Their thermoelectric properties were investigated between 300 and 1200 K. All exhibit an n-type semiconducting behavior. The electrical conductivity (σ) increases while the absolute value of the Seebeck coefficient (|S|) decreases with increasing Gd content. Simultaneous increases in σ and |S| with increasing temperature are observed at temperatures approximately higher than 600 K, and the power factor reaches a maximum value of 18.36 μW/(m K²) for x = 0.75 at 1200 K. The thermal conductivity (κ) is lower than 2 W/(m K) over the temperature range of 300–1000 K for all the samples and a maximum dimensionless figure of merit ZT of 0.01 is obtained for x = 0.75 at 1000 K.
Study on the Influence of Weld Spacing on the Tensile Strength of Laser Double-Pass Reciprocating Welding of DP780/6061-T6 Dissimilar Metals
Authors: Zhao Yaowu , Qin Xueqian , Long Yuhong , Zhou Jia , Jiao Hui
Published: March 2023

The welding of steel–aluminum dissimilar metals plays a vital role in promoting automobile lightweight. However, it is tricky to obtain good mechanical properties of steel–aluminum laser weldments. Based on the principle of preheating welding, the laser double-pass reciprocating welding method of steel–aluminum dissimilar metals was proposed. In the experiment, different weld spacing such as 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm were set, and numerical calculations of the temperature field of the molten pool were carried out. The results show that the tensile strength of weldment depends on the mechanical properties of the second weld seam in the optimal welding parameters. Compared with other weld spacing, when the weld spacing is 1.5 mm, the preheating temperature, peak temperature, and pool width on the steel side of the second weld are lower. In contrast, the weld penetration’s peak value and molten pool center’s temperature reach the maximum on the aluminum side. The thickness of the steel/aluminum transition layer changed from 14 to 11 to 8 μm with increased weld spacing. Moreover, the fracture mode of the second weld is a ductile fracture. Furthermore, the average tensile strength can reach 76.84 MPa. The results show that appropriate weld spacing and preheating temperature can effectively improve the tensile strength of the welding joint.
Localization of Mobile Manipulator in Vineyards for Autonomous Task Execution
Authors: Hrabar Ivan , Kovačić Zdenko
Published: March 2023

Although robotic systems have found their place in agriculture, there are still many challenges, especially in the area of localization in semi-structured environments. A robotic system has been developed and tested to perform various tasks in the steep vineyards of the Mediterranean region. In this paper, we describe a method for vine trunk localization, based solely on the visual recognition of vine trunks by neural networks fed by an RGB camera. Assuming that the height of the first wire in the vineyard is known, the proposed method is used to determine the location of vines in the immediate vicinity of the all-terrain mobile manipulator—ATMM-VIV—needed for spraying and bud suckering. The experiment was conducted in a slightly inclined vineyard to evaluate the proposed localization method.
Class of Crosscap Two Graphs Arising from Lattices–I
Authors: Asir T. , Mano K. , Al-Bar Jehan A. , Fakieh Wafaa M.
Published: March 2023

Let L be a lattice. The annihilating-ideal graph of L is a simple graph whose vertex set is the set of all nontrivial ideals of L and whose two distinct vertices I and J are adjacent if and only if I∧J=0. In this paper, crosscap two annihilating-ideal graphs of lattices with at most four atoms are characterized. These characterizations provide the classes of multipartite graphs, which are embedded in the Klein bottle.
An Inventory Model with Advertisement- and Customer-Relationship-Management-Sensitive Demand for a Product’s Life Cycle
Authors: Cheng Mei-Chuan , Chang Chun-Tao , Hsieh Tsu-Pang
Published: March 2023

Advertisements play an important role in communicating with target customers. A higher advertisement frequency increases costs but may increase the chances of acquiring new customers. Moreover, faced with a wide-ranging array of products that might fit specific needs, customers usually buy according to expectations about value and satisfaction. When customers are satisfied with a purchasing experience, they are more likely to buy again and share their experiences with others. Hence, companies are concerned about increasing customer value and service satisfaction to develop and manage customer relationships. This maintains a company’s competitive edge and can improve its market share. In this article, we incorporate the frequency of advertisements and the cost of customer relationship management (CRM) into the demand function under a product life cycle (PLC). Customers can return products in the appreciation period offered by a retailer. A profit-maximizing model is developed to analyze the joint marketing and ordering policy of each stage of a product’s life cycle with a product return guarantee. We construct an algorithm to identify the optimal decisions. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the proposed model, and managerial insights are obtained from a sensitivity analysis, followed by conclusions and future research.
A New Approach to Artificial Intelligent Based Three-Way Decision Making and Analyzing S-Box Image Encryption Using TOPSIS Method
Authors: Abdullah Saleem , Almagrabi Alaa O. , Ullah Ihsan
Published: March 2023

In fuzzy artificial intelligent decision support systems, three-way intelligent-decision making (TWIDM) has played a very important role in ranking objects under the double hierarchy linguistic variable (DHLV). The 8 × 8 S-boxes are very important for image encryption in secure communication. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to develop a new approach to artificial intelligent three-way decision making via DHLV and apply it to S-box image encryption. Artificial intelligent based three-way decision-making problems with double hierarchy hesitant linguistic terms are developed. The first and second hierarchy hesitant linguistic term sets make up the double hierarchy hesitant linguistic term set, which allows for more flexible expressions of doubt and fuzziness. First, we define the Einstein operational laws, score function, and Einstein aggregation operators; i.e., double hierarchy hesitant linguistic Einstein weighted averaging and weighted geometric operators. First, the unknown weight vector for decision experts is determined by using aggregation operators and entropy measures for DHLV. Then, we find the weight vector for our criteria by using the distance measure. In TWIDM, conditional probability is determined by using the extended TOPSIS method for evaluating the S-boxes for image encryption. The expected losses are then computed by aggregating the loss functions with the help of Einstein-weighted averaging aggregation operators. Finally, we apply the minimum-loss decision rules for the selection of S-box to image encryption. The proposed decision technique has been compared with existing three-way decisions and the result of proposed three-way decision making for analyzing and ranking the S-box is very good and reliable for decision making.
Some Extensions of the Asymmetric Exponentiated Bimodal Normal Model for Modeling Data with Positive Support
Authors: Tovar-Falón Roger , Martínez-Flórez Guillermo , Ceña-Tapia Isaías
Published: March 2023

It is common in many fields of knowledge to assume that the data under study have a normal distribution, which often generates mistakes in the results, since this assumption does not always coincide with the characteristics of the observations under analysis. In some cases, the data may have degrees of skewness and/or kurtosis greater than what the normal model can capture, and in others, they may present two or more modes. In this work, two new families of skewed distributions are presented that fit bimodal data with positive support. The new families were obtained from the extension of the bimodal normal distribution to the alpha-power family class. The proposed distributions were studied for their main properties, such as their probability density function, cumulative distribution function, survival function, and hazard function. The parameter estimation process was performed from a classical perspective using the maximum likelihood method. The non-singularity of Fisher’s information was demonstrated, which made it possible to find the stochastic convergence of the vector of the maximum likelihood estimators and, based on the latter, perform statistical inference via the likelihood ratio. The applicability of the proposed distributions was exemplified using real data sets.