bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Anticoagulant Therapy in Atrial Fibrillation—Focus on Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Scridon Alina , Balan Alkora Ioana
Published: April 2023

The rising prevalence and the complexity of atrial fibrillation (AF) pose major clinical challenges. Stroke prevention is accompanied by non-negligible risks, making anticoagulant treatment an ongoing challenge for the clinician. Current guidelines recommend direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) over warfarin for stroke prevention in most AF patients, mainly due to the ease of their use. However, assessing the bleeding risk in patients receiving oral anticoagulants remains—particularly in the case of DOACs—highly challenging. Using dose-adjusted warfarin increases threefold the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Although the overall bleeding risk appears to be lower, the use of DOACs has been associated with an increased risk of GIB compared to warfarin. Accurate bleeding (including GIB-specific) risk scores specific for DOACs remain to be developed. Until then, the assessment of bleeding risk factors remains the only available tool, although the extent to which each of these factors contributes to the risk of bleeding is unknown. In this paper, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the bleeding risk associated with oral anticoagulant therapy in AF patients, with a highlight on the latest insights into GIB associated with oral anticoagulation; we emphasize questions that remain to be answered; and we identify hotspots for future research.
Growth-Restricted Fetuses and Offspring Reveal Adverse Sex-Specific Metabolic Responses in Preeclamptic Mice Expressing Human sFLT1
Authors: Vogtmann Rebekka , Bao Mian , Dewan Monia Vanessa , Riedel Alina , Kimmig Rainer , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Bendix Ivo , Plösch Torsten , Gellhaus Alexandra
Published: April 2023

Fetal adaptations to harmful intrauterine environments due to pregnancy disorders such as preeclampsia (PE) can negatively program the offspring’s metabolism, resulting in long-term metabolic changes. PE is characterized by increased circulating levels of sFLT1, placental dysfunction and fetal growth restriction (FGR). Here we examine the consequences of systemic human sFLT1 overexpression in transgenic PE/FGR mice on the offspring’s metabolic phenotype. Histological and molecular analyses of fetal and offspring livers as well as examinations of offspring serum hormones were performed. At 18.5 dpc, sFLT1 overexpression resulted in growth-restricted fetuses with a reduced liver weight, combined with reduced hepatic glycogen storage and histological signs of hemorrhages and hepatocyte apoptosis. This was further associated with altered gene expression of the molecules involved in fatty acid and glucose/glycogen metabolism. In most analyzed features males were more affected than females. The postnatal follow-up revealed an increased weight gain of male PE offspring, and increased serum levels of Insulin and Leptin. This was associated with changes in hepatic gene expression regulating fatty acid and glucose metabolism in male PE offspring. To conclude, our results indicate that sFLT1-related PE/FGR in mice leads to altered fetal liver development, which might result in an adverse metabolic pre-programming of the offspring, specifically targeting males. This could be linked to the known sex differences seen in PE pregnancies in human.
Therapeutic Effectiveness of Interferon-α2b against COVID-19 with Community-Acquired Pneumonia: The Ukrainian Experience
Authors: Kamyshnyi Aleksandr , Koval Halyna , Kobevko Olha , Buchynskyi Mykhailo , Oksenych Valentyn , Kainov Denis , Lyubomirskaya Katerina , Kamyshna Iryna , Potters Geert , Moshynets Olena
Published: April 2023

Despite several targeted antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2 currently being available, the application of type I interferons (IFNs) still deserves attention as an alternative antiviral strategy. This study aimed to assess the therapeutic effectiveness of IFN-α in hospitalized patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia. The prospective cohort study included 130 adult patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A dose of 80,000 IU of IFN-α2b was administered daily intranasally for 10 days. Adding IFN-α2b to standard therapy reduces the length of the hospital stay by 3 days (p < 0.001). The level of CT-diagnosed lung injuries was reduced from 35% to 15% (p = 0.011) and CT injuries decreased from 50% to 15% (p = 0.017) by discharge. In the group of patients receiving IFN-α2b, the SpO2 index before and after treatment increased from 94 (92–96, Q1–Q3) to 96 (96–98, Q1–Q3) (p < 0.001), while the percentage of patients with normal saturation increased (from 33.9% to 74.6%, p < 0.05), but the level of SpO2 decreased in the low (from 52.5% to 16.9%) and very low (from 13.6% to 8.5%) categories. The addition of IFN-α2b to standard therapy has a positive effect on the course of severe COVID-19.
Young Shoots of Red Beet and the Root at Full Maturity Inhibit Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Piasna-Słupecka Ewelina , Leszczyńska Teresa , Drozdowska Mariola , Dziadek Kinga , Domagała Barbara , Domagała Dominik , Koronowicz Aneta
Published: April 2023

Modern medicine is struggling with the problem of fully effective treatment of neoplastic diseases despite deploying innovative chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, undertaking cancer-prevention measures, such as proper eating habits, should be strongly recommended. The present research aimed to compare the effects of juice from young shoots of beetroot compared to juice from root at full maturity on human breast cancer and normal cells. The juice from young shoots, both in the native and digested form, was most often a significantly stronger inhibitor of the proliferation of both analyzed breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231), compared to the native and digested juice from red beetroot. Regardless of juice type, a significantly greater reduction was most often shown in the proliferation of estrogen-dependent cells (MCF-7 line) than of estrogen-independent cells (MDA-MB-231 line). All analyzed types of beetroot juice and, in particular, the ones from young shoots and the root subjected to digestion and absorption, exerted an antiproliferative and apoptotic effect (pinpointing the internal apoptosis pathway) on the cells of both cancer lines studied. There is a need to continue the research to comprehensively investigate the factors responsible for both these effects.
Collateral Sensitivity to Fosfomycin of Tobramycin-Resistant Mutants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Is Contingent on Bacterial Genomic Background
Authors: Genova Roberta , Laborda Pablo , Cuesta Trinidad , Martínez José Luis , Sanz-García Fernando
Published: April 2023

Understanding the consequences in bacterial physiology of the acquisition of drug resistance is needed to identify and exploit the weaknesses derived from it. One of them is collateral sensitivity, a potentially exploitable phenotype that, unfortunately, is not always conserved among different isolates. The identification of robust, conserved collateral sensitivity patterns is then relevant for the translation of this knowledge into clinical practice. We have previously identified a robust fosfomycin collateral sensitivity pattern of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that emerged in different tobramycin-resistant clones. To go one step further, here, we studied if the acquisition of resistance to tobramycin is associated with robust collateral sensitivity to fosfomycin among P. aeruginosa isolates. To that aim, we analyzed, using adaptive laboratory evolution approaches, 23 different clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa presenting diverse mutational resistomes. Nine of them showed collateral sensitivity to fosfomycin, indicating that this phenotype is contingent on the genetic background. Interestingly, collateral sensitivity to fosfomycin was linked to a larger increase in tobramycin minimal inhibitory concentration. Further, we unveiled that fosA low expression, rendering a higher intracellular accumulation of fosfomycin, and a reduction in the expression of the P. aeruginosa alternative peptidoglycan-recycling pathway enzymes, might be on the basis of the collateral sensitivity phenotype.
Odontostomatological Traits in North-Eastern Italy’s Isolated Populations: An Epidemiological Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Luppieri Valentina , Pecori Alessandro , Spedicati Beatrice , Schito Riccardo , Pozzan Lucia , Santin Aurora , Girotto Giorgia , Cadenaro Milena , Concas Maria Pina
Published: April 2023

Malocclusions and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are oral health problems that are spread worldwide. To date, few studies focused on their prevalence and associated risk factors are available. This study aims to define the prevalence and distribution of odontostomatological traits and evaluate specific risk factors in isolated villages in north-eastern Italy, taking advantage of their environmental homogeneity. Nine hundred and forty-four participants aged six to eighty-nine years were enrolled. Thirty-one odontostomatological phenotypes, classified into five domains (airways, bad habits, extraoral and intraoral parameters, TMDs, and teeth), were evaluated. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed; mixed logistic models were used to test the relationships among the traits. According to the study’s findings, Angle’s class I was prevalent (65.3%) followed by class II malocclusion (24.3%); class III and reversed overjet were the least frequent malocclusions (10.4% and 1.8%, respectively). Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) click/noise was prevalent among TMDs (34.7%). The statistically significant (p-value < 0.05) risk factors were ankyloglossia for phonetic issues (OR 1.90) and bruxism for TMJ click/noise (OR 1.70) and pain (OR 2.20). Overall, this work provides a picture of the prevalence of malocclusions and TMDs in a large Italian sample and reveals risk factors to take into account in the development of preventive strategies and treatments.
Cognitive Stress Regulation in Schizophrenia Patients and Healthy Individuals: Brain and Behavior
Authors: Kogler Lydia , Regenbogen Christina , Müller Veronika , Kohn Nils , Schneider Frank , Gur Ruben , Derntl Birgit
Published: April 2023

Stress is an important factor in the development, triggering, and maintenance of psychotic symptoms. Still, little is known about the neural correlates of cognitively regulating stressful events in schizophrenia. The current study aimed at investigating the cognitive down-regulation of negative, stressful reactions during a neuroimaging psychosocial stress paradigm (non-regulated stress versus cognitively regulated stress). In a randomized, repeated-measures within-subject design, we assessed subjective reactions and neural activation in schizophrenia patients (SZP) and matched healthy controls in a neuroimaging psychosocial stress paradigm. In general, SZP exhibited an increased anticipation of stress compared to controls (p = 0.020). During non-regulated stress, SZP showed increased negative affect (p = 0.033) and stronger activation of the left parietal operculum/posterior insula (p < 0.001) and right inferior frontal gyrus/anterior insula (p = 0.005) than controls. Contrarily, stress regulation compared to non-regulated stress led to increased subjective reactions in controls (p = 0.003) but less deactivation in SZP in the ventral anterior cingulate cortex (p = 0.027). Our data demonstrate stronger reactions to and anticipation of stress in patients and difficulties with cognitive stress regulation in both groups. Considering the strong association between mental health and stress, the investigation of cognitive regulation in individuals vulnerable to stress, including SZP, has crucial implications for improving stress intervention trainings.
Evaluation of Different Contrast Agents for Regional Lung Perfusion Measurement Using Electrical Impedance Tomography: An Experimental Pilot Study
Authors: Muders Thomas , Hentze Benjamin , Leonhardt Steffen , Putensen Christian
Published: April 2023

Monitoring regional blood flow distribution in the lungs appears to be useful for individually optimizing ventilation therapy. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) can be used at the bedside for indicator-based regional lung perfusion measurement. Hypertonic saline is widely used as a contrast agent but could be problematic for clinical use due to potential side effects. In five ventilated healthy pigs, we investigated the suitability of five different injectable and clinically approved solutions as contrast agents for EIT-based lung perfusion measurement. Signal extraction success rate, signal strength, and image quality were analyzed after repeated 10 mL bolus injections during temporary apnea. The best results were obtained using NaCl 5.85% and sodium-bicarbonate 8.4% with optimal success rates (100%, each), the highest signal strengths (100 ± 25% and 64 ± 17%), and image qualities (r = 0.98 ± 0.02 and 0.95 ± 0.07). Iomeprol 400 mg/mL (non-ionic iodinated X-ray contrast medium) and Glucose 5% (non-ionic glucose solution) resulted in mostly well usable signals with above average success rates (87% and 89%), acceptable signal strength (32 ± 8% and 16 + 3%), and sufficient image qualities (r = 0.80 ± 0.19 and 0.72 ± 0.21). Isotonic balanced crystalloid solution failed due to a poor success rate (42%), low signal strength (10 ± 4%), and image quality (r = 0.43 ± 0.28). While Iomeprol might enable simultaneous EIT and X-ray measurements, glucose might help to avoid sodium and chloride overload. Further research should address optimal doses to balance reliability and potential side effects.
Effectiveness and Safety of a Mixture of Nobiletin and Tangeretin in Nocturia Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Crossover Study
Authors: Ito Haruki , Negoro Hiromitsu , Kono Jin , Hayata Naoki , Miura Takayoshi , Manabe Yumi , Miyazaki Yu , Mishina Mutsuki , Woo Je Tae , Sakane Naoki , Okuno Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

Nobiletin and tangeretin (NoT) are flavonoids derived from the peel of Citrus depressa, and they have been found to modulate circadian rhythms. Because nocturia can be considered a circadian rhythm disorder, we investigated the efficacy of NoT for treating nocturia. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study was conducted. The trial was registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCTs051180071). Nocturia patients aged ≥50 years who presented nocturia more than 2 times on a frequency–volume chart were recruited. Participants received NoT or a placebo (50 mg once daily for 6 weeks), followed by a washout period of ≥2 weeks. The placebo and NoT conditions were then switched. Changes in nocturnal bladder capacity (NBC) were the primary endpoint, and changes in nighttime frequency and nocturnal polyuria index (NPi) were secondary endpoints. Forty patients (13 women) with an average age of 73.5 years were recruited for the study. Thirty-six completed the study, while four withdrew. No adverse events directly related to NoT were observed. NoT had little effect on NBC compared with the placebo. In contrast, NoT significantly changed nighttime frequency by −0.5 voids compared with the placebo (p = 0.040). The change in NPi from baseline to the end of NoT was significant (−2.8%, p = 0.048). In conclusion, NoT showed little change in NBC but resulted in decreased nighttime frequency with a tendency toward reduced NPi.
Emotion Regulation and Mood during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Verster Joris , Hendriksen Pauline , Kiani Pantea , Merlo Agnese , Balikji Jessica , Garssen Johan , Bruce Gillian
Published: April 2023

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant negative impact on health, mood, and well-being [...]
Static and Fatigue Tensile Properties of Cross-Ply Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy-Matrix-Composite Laminates with Thin Plies
Authors: Naito Kimiyoshi , Seki Yuto , Inoue Ryo
Published: April 2023

Carbon-fiber-reinforced epoxy-matrix composite (CFRP) laminates with thin plies have strong damage-resistance properties compared with standard prepregs. The static and fatigue tensile fracture behavior of cross-ply CFRP laminates with thin plies should be further studied to establish the applicability of thin-ply prepregs for industrial structures. In this study, the static and fatigue tensile properties of cross-ply, high-strength polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon-fiber (T800SC)-reinforced epoxy-matrix composites with thin plies were investigated. The fiber orientations of the CFRP specimens were set to cross-ply with [0/90]10S (subscript S means symmetry), [(0)5/(90)5]2S, and [(0)10/(90)10]S. The static and fatigue tensile characteristics of the cross-ply CFRPs with thick plies with [0/90]2S and [(0)2/(90)2]S were also investigated for comparison. Under static loading, the tensile strength and failure strain of the thinnest 90°-ply-CFRP specimens were more than 5% higher than those of the other 90°-ply-thickness specimens. However, the tensile moduli and Poisson’s ratios were comparable between the cross-ply CFRPs with thin and thick plies. Under fatigue loading, the fatigue responses of the thinnest 90°-ply-CFRP specimens were 3% higher than those of the other 90°-ply-thickness specimens during lower-fatigue-cycle testing (<105 cycles). However, during higher-fatigue-cycle testing (>105 cycles), the fatigue responses decreased, with a decrease in the 90°-ply thickness, and the fatigue characteristics of the thinnest 90°-ply-CFRP specimen were 7% lower than those of the other cross-ply thin- and thick-ply-CFRP specimens.
Environmental, Social, and Governance Considerations in WTI Financialization through Energy Funds
Authors: Gormus Alper , Nazlioglu Saban , Beach Steven L.
Published: April 2023

This study investigates interactions between energy funds and the oil market and examines the influence of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in dynamic responses by fund managers and investors. We test for price and volatility transmission (also referred to as “spillover”) between energy funds and the oil market using recently developed econometric techniques. After identifying specific information flows, we investigate whether certain fund characteristics, including several ESG dimensions, are associated with the existence of information transmissions. Then, in logit regressions, we seek to identify if energy fund managers and their investors make decisions using information regarding ESG metrics, including fossil fuel involvement. The results confirm bidirectional price and volatility transmission between energy funds and the oil market, consistent with evidence of the financialization of energy markets that has been identified in recent studies. Several ESG dimensions are shown to influence investor sentiment and affect price and volatility interactions. Dynamic investor decisions in funds in reaction to oil prices do not appear to be strongly influenced by the fossil fuel involvement of the funds. Fund flows do appear to influence the oil market, with fund fossil fuel involvement being an important factor. This paper evaluates the impact of granular ESG characteristics on energy mutual fund flows, price, and volatility interactions with the oil market. While our results support the findings from previous studies, they also provide several new insights into the impacts of ESG criteria and investor behavior, particularly the dynamic response by fund managers and energy market investors related to the fossil fuel involvement of the funds.
The Link between Bitcoin Price Changes and the Exchange Rates in European Countries with Non-Euro Currencies
Authors: Dumitrescu Bogdan Andrei , Obreja Carmen , Leonida Ionel , Mihai Dănuț Georgian , Trifu Ludovic Cosmin
Published: April 2023

This paper contributes to the literature dedicated to the interlinkages between cryptocurrencies and currencies by investigating whether Bitcoin price movements affect the exchange rates of a sample of nine European countries with non-euro currencies. By resorting to the novel unconditional quantile regression, we show that there is a statistically significant link between Bitcoin price movements and changes in nominal exchange rates. In normal market conditions, an increase in the price of Bitcoin can be associated with an appreciation of the currencies from our sample, while during the COVID-19 pandemic, the relationship inversed. In addition, we find heterogeneities in this relationship, depending on the level of change in the nominal exchange rate. The results emphasize the relevance of Bitcoin price movements to the conduct of monetary policy through the exchange rate channel and that investors in cryptocurrencies and various financial assets denominated in the currencies from our sample can benefit from diversification by including both types of assets in their portfolios.
Influence of the Large-Span Pile-Beam-Arch Construction Method on the Surface Deformation of a Metro Station in the Silty Clay–Pebble Composite Stratum
Authors: Li Tao , Li Yue , Yang Tengyu , Hou Rui , Gao Yuan , Liu Bo , Qiao Guogang
Published: April 2023

The Pile-beam-arch (PBA) method is a new and effective construction method for the urban metro station. It is the key to ensuring the safe construction of the station to clarify the influence of PBA method construction on surface deformation under unfavorable geological and large span conditions. Based on a station of Beijing subway, this paper studies the surface deformation law of the large-span PBA method in different construction stages under silty clay–pebble composite stratum by means of FLAC 3D numerical analysis and field monitoring of level. Then the influence of the excavation scheme of the pilot tunnel and the construction scheme of the secondary lining of the arch on the surface deformation is simulated and analyzed. The results show that, through numerical simulation, the ratio of pilot tunnel excavation: pile-beam construction: vault initial support construction: vault secondary lining construction is about 5:1.1:3.3:0.6. The settlement deformation mainly occurs in the excavation stage of the pilot tunnel. Through the comparative analysis of the field monitoring results and the numerical simulation results, it can be seen that the two results are highly consistent, which verifies the accuracy of the numerical simulation results. The pilot tunnel excavation scheme of excavating the middle first and then excavating both sides, first through the upper layer and then through the lower layer, and the scheme of one-time construction of the secondary lining of the arch are better. The research results promote the further maturity and perfection of large-span PBA method construction under unfavorable geology and provide reference for similar projects.
IBIL Measurement and Optical Simulation of the DI Center in 4H-SiC
Authors: Jiang Wenli , Cheng Wei , Qiu Menglin , Wu Shuai , Ouyang Xiao , Chen Lin , Pang Pan , Ying Minju , Liao Bin
Published: April 2023

In this paper, DI defects are studied via experiments and calculations. The 2 MeV H+ is used to carry on an ion-beam-induced luminescence (IBIL) experiment to measure the in-situ luminescence of untreated and annealed 4H-SiC at 100 K. The results show that the luminescence intensity decreases rapidly with increasing H+ fluence, which means the losses of optical defect centers. In addition, the evident peak at 597 nm (2.07 eV) is the characteristic peak of 4H-SiC, and the weak peak between 400 nm and 450 nm is attributed to the DI optical center. Moreover, the first-principles calculation of 4H-SiC is adopted to discuss the origin of DI defects. The optical transition of the defect SiC(CSi)2 from q = 0 to q = 1 is considered the experimental value of the DI defect center.
Study on the Micro-Abrasion Wear Behavior of PVD Hard Coating under Different SiC Abrasive Particles/Distilled Water Ratios
Authors: Baptista Andresa , Pinto Gustavo F. , Sousa Vitor F. C. , Silva Francisco J. G. , Fernandes Filipe
Published: April 2023

Microscale abrasion has been intensively used to study the wear behavior o several hard coatings, enabling the observation of different wear mechanisms. Recently, a study arguing whether the surface texture of the ball could influence the dynamics of abrasive particles throughout the contact was presented. In this work, the influence of the abrasive particles concentration able to change the texture of the ball was studied to understand its influence on the wear modes—rolling or grooving. Thus, tests were carried out using samples with a thin coating of TiN, deposited using the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technique, and AISI 52100 steel balls etched over 60 s to induce a change in their texture and roughness were used. Three abrasive slurries were prepared with black silicon carbide (SiC) particles (average particle size of 4 μm) with different concentrations, 0.25, 0.35, and 0.45 g/cm3. The rotation speed used in the tests was 80 rpm and the normal loads applied in the study were 0.2 N and 0.5 N, and 1 N. After the wear tests, the coated samples and tracks on the surface of the balls were observed by SEM and 3D microscopy to understand the abrasive particle dynamics, evaluating the wear mode transition as well as the function of both applied load and slurry concentration. The tracks in the balls showed particles embedded on their surface. A lower concentration of abrasion was conducted to higher specific wear rate. Moreover, a predominant two-body wear mechanism was induced when the abrasive concentration was increased. There was an increase in the roughness of the scar and the surface of the balls with an increase in the abrasive particles’ concentration.
Threshold-Voltage Extraction Methods for Atomically Deposited Disordered ZnO Thin-Film Transistors
Authors: Yoon Minho
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we present a threshold-voltage extraction method for zinc oxide (ZnO) thin-film transistors (TFTs). Bottom-gate atomic-layer-deposited ZnO TFTs exhibit typical n-type enhancement-mode transfer characteristics but a gate-voltage-dependent, unreliable threshold voltage. We posit that this obscure threshold voltage is attributed to the localized trap states of ZnO TFTs, of which the field-effect mobility can be expressed as a gate-bias-dependent power law. Hence, we derived the current–voltage relationship by dividing the drain current with the transconductance to rule out the gate-bias-dependent factors and successfully extract the reliable threshold voltage. Furthermore, we investigated the temperature-dependent characteristics of the ZnO TFTs to validate that the observed threshold voltage was genuine. Notably, the required activation energies from the low-temperature measurements displayed an abrupt decrease at the threshold voltage, which was attributed to the conduction route change from diffusion to drift. Thus, we conclude that the reliable threshold voltage of accumulation-mode ZnO TFTs can be determined using a gate-bias-dependent factor-removed current–voltage relationship with a low-temperature analysis.
Influence of Flank Wear on the Microstructure Characteristics of the GH4169 Metamorphic Layer under High-Pressure Cooling
Authors: Wei Min , Wu Mingyang , Xu Jiamiao , Cheng Yaonan
Published: April 2023

Since the flank has an important influence on the surface of a workpiece, and as microstructure flaws of the surface metamorphic layer are a key factor that affects the service performance of a part, this work studied the influence of flank wear on the microstructure characteristics of the metamorphic layer under the conditions of high-pressure cooling. First, Third Wave AdvantEdge was used to create a simulation model of cutting GH4169 using tools with different flank wears under high-pressure cooling. The simulation findings emphasized the impact of flank wear width (VB) on the cutting force, cutting temperature, plastic strain, and strain rate. Second, an experimental platform was established for cutting GH4169 under high-pressure cooling, and the cutting force during the machining process was recorded in real time and compared with the simulation results. Finally, an optical microscope was used to observe the metallographic structure of the GH4169 workpiece section. The microstructure characteristics of the workpiece were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). It was discovered that, as the flank wear width increased, so did the cutting force, cutting temperature, plastic strain, strain rate, and plastic deformation depth. The relative error between the simulation results of the cutting force and the experimental results was within 15%. At the same time, near the surface of the workpiece, there was a metamorphic layer with fuzzy grain boundaries and refined grain. With an increase in flank wear width, the thickness of the metamorphic layer increased from 4.5 μm to 8.7 μm and the grain refinement intensified. The high strain rate promoted recrystallization, which caused an increase in the average grain boundary misorientation and high-angle grain boundaries, as well as a reduction in twin boundaries.
Texture and High Yield Strength of Rapidly Solidified AZ31 Magnesium Alloy Extruded at 250 °C
Authors: Ye Peiran , Yang Chao , Li Zhenshuai , Bao Shuai , Sun Yuchu , Ding Wucheng , Chen Yungui
Published: April 2023

In this study, commercial AZ31B magnesium alloy was used to compare the differences between the microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of conventional solidification (as homogenized AZ31) and rapid solidification (as RS AZ31). The results demonstrate that a rapidly solidified microstructure leads to better performance after hot extrusion with a medium extrusion rate (6 m/min) and extrusion temperature (250 °C). The average grain size of as-homogenized AZ31 extruded rod is 100 μm after annealing and 4.6 μm after extrusion, respectively, but that of the as-RS AZ31 extruded rod is only about 5 μm and 1.1 μm, correspondingly. The as-RS AZ31 extruded rod attains a high average yield strength of 289.6 MPa, which is superior to the as-homogenized AZ31 extruded rod, and is improved by 81.3% in comparison. The as-RS AZ31 extruded rod shows a more random crystallographic orientation and has an unconventional weak texture component in <112¯1>/<202¯1> direction, which has not been reported yet, while the as-homogenized AZ31 extruded rod has an expected texture with prismatic <101¯0>/<1¯21¯0>//ED.
Coupled Effect of Chloride Corrosion and Repeated Uniaxial Compressive Loading on Unsaturated Concrete
Authors: Han Bing , Song Ziwei , Zhang Jinquan , Xie Huibing , Yan Wutong , Liu Yun , Yu Jiaping
Published: April 2023

Concrete structure performance continuously deteriorates during operation, and the performance is simultaneously affected by chloride corrosion and repeated traffic loading. Repeated-loading-induced cracks have an impact on the rate of chloride corrosion. Chloride-induced concrete corrosion also affect the stress level of the structure under loading. Therefore, the coupled effect of repeated loading and chloride corrosion on the structural performance needs to be investigated. An upgraded test device was developed for chloride corrosion testing of unsaturated concrete structures under repeated loading. Based on the experimental results, considering the influence of repeated loading on the moisture diffusion coefficient and the chloride diffusion coefficient, a chloride transport model for unsaturated concrete under the coupled effect of repeated uniaxial compressive loading and corrosion was established. The chloride concentration under coupled loading was determined by the Crank–Nicolson finite difference method and the Thomas algorithm, and then chloride transport under the coupled effect of repeated loading and corrosion was analyzed. The results showed that the stress level and the repeated loading cycles directly affect the relative volumetric water content and chloride concentration in unsaturated concrete. The effect of chloride corrosion is more severe in unsaturated concrete compared to saturated concrete.
3t2FTS: A Novel Feature Transform Strategy to Classify 3D MRI Voxels and Its Application on HGG/LGG Classification
Authors: Hajmohamad Abdulsalam , Koyuncu Hasan
Published: April 2023

The distinction between high-grade glioma (HGG) and low-grade glioma (LGG) is generally performed with two-dimensional (2D) image analyses that constitute semi-automated tumor classification. However, a fully automated computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) can only be realized using an adaptive classification framework based on three-dimensional (3D) segmented tumors. In this paper, we handle the classification section of a fully automated CAD related to the aforementioned requirement. For this purpose, a 3D to 2D feature transform strategy (3t2FTS) is presented operating first-order statistics (FOS) in order to form the input data by considering every phase (T1, T2, T1c, and FLAIR) of information on 3D magnetic resonance imaging (3D MRI). Herein, the main aim is the transformation of 3D data analyses into 2D data analyses so as to applicate the information to be fed to the efficient deep learning methods. In other words, 2D identification (2D-ID) of 3D voxels is produced. In our experiments, eight transfer learning models (DenseNet201, InceptionResNetV2, InceptionV3, ResNet50, ResNet101, SqueezeNet, VGG19, and Xception) were evaluated to reveal the appropriate one for the output of 3t2FTS and to design the proposed framework categorizing the 210 HGG–75 LGG instances in the BraTS 2017/2018 challenge dataset. The hyperparameters of the models were examined in a comprehensive manner to reveal the highest performance of the models to be reached. In our trails, two-fold cross-validation was considered as the test method to assess system performance. Consequently, the highest performance was observed with the framework including the 3t2FTS and ResNet50 models by achieving 80% classification accuracy for the 3D-based classification of brain tumors.
Generalized Čebyšev and Grüss Type Results in Weighted Lebesgue Spaces
Authors: Butt Saad Ihsan , Pečarić Josip , Tipurić-Spužević Sanja
Published: April 2023

The classical Grüss and related inequalities have spurred a range of improvements, refinements, generalizations, and extensions. In the present article, we provide generalizations of Sokolov’s inequality in weighted Lebesgue LωΩ,A,μ spaces by employing the weighted Sonin’s identity and Čebyšev functional. As a result, we provide a generalized Grüss inequality in which the bounding constants are improved with bounding functions in LωpΩ,A,μ spaces. As an application, we provide several new bounds for Jensen–Grüss type differences.
Fuzzy Discretization on the Multinomial Naïve Bayes Method for Modeling Multiclass Classification of Corn Plant Diseases and Pests
Authors: Resti Yulia , Irsan Chandra , Neardiaty Adinda , Annabila Choirunnisa , Yani Irsyadi
Published: April 2023

As an agricultural commodity, corn functions as food, animal feed, and industrial raw material. Therefore, diseases and pests pose a major challenge to the production of corn plants. Modeling the classification of corn plant diseases and pests based on digital images is essential for developing an information technology-based early detection system. This plant’s early detection technology is beneficial for lowering farmers’ losses. The detection system based on digital images is also cost-effective. This paper aims to model the classification of corn plant diseases and pests based on digital images by implementing fuzzy discretization. Discretization is an essential technique to improve the knowledge extraction process of continuous-type data. It is also essential in some methods where continuous data must be processed or handled. Fuzzy discretization allows classes to have overlapping intervals so that they can handle information that is vague or unclear. We developed hypotheses and proved that different combinations of membership functions in fuzzy discretization affect classification performance. Empirical assessment using Monte Carlo resampling was carried out to obtain the generalizability of the performance of the best classification model of all proposed models. The best model is determined based on the number of metrics with the highest value and the highest metric on the Fscore and Kappa, a multiclass measure. The combination of digital image data preprocessing and classification methods also affects the performance of the classification model. We hope this work can provide an overview for experts in building early detection systems of corn plant diseases and pests using classification models based on fuzzy discretization.
Preparation and Characterization of a Janus Membrane with an “Integrated” Structure and Adjustable Hydrophilic Layer Thickness
Authors: Zhang Ruixian , Deng Chengyu , Hou Xueyi , Li Tiantian , Lu Yanyue , Liu Fu
Published: April 2023

Oil-water emulsions are types of wastewater that are difficult to treat. A polyvinylidene fluoride hydrophobic matrix membrane was modified using a hydrophilic polymer, poly(vinylpyrrolidone-vinyltriethoxysilane), to form a representative Janus membrane with asymmetric wettability. The performance parameters of the modified membrane, such as the morphological structure, the chemical composition, the wettability, the hydrophilic layer thickness, and the porosity, were characterized. The results showed that the hydrolysis, migration, and thermal crosslinking of the hydrophilic polymer in the hydrophobic matrix membrane contributed to an effective hydrophilic layer on the surface. Thus, a Janus membrane with unchanged membrane porosity, a hydrophilic layer with controllable thickness, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic layer “structural integration” was successfully prepared. The Janus membrane was used for the switchable separation of oil-water emulsions. The separation flux of the oil-in-water emulsions on the hydrophilic surface was 22.88 L·m−2·h−1 with a separation efficiency of up to 93.35%. The hydrophobic surface exhibited a separation flux of 17.45 L·m−2·h−1 with a separation efficiency of 91.47% for the water-in-oil emulsions. Compared to the lower flux and separation efficiency of purely hydrophobic and hydrophilic membranes, the Janus membrane exhibited better separation and purification effects for both oil-water emulsions.
New Meloxicam Derivatives—Synthesis and Interaction with Phospholipid Bilayers Measured by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Maniewska Jadwiga , Gąsiorowska Justyna , Czyżnikowska Żaneta , Michalak Krystyna , Szczęśniak-Sięga Berenika M.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the present paper was to assess the ability of five newly designed and synthesized meloxicam analogues to interact with phospholipid bilayers. Calorimetric and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements revealed that, depending on the details of the chemical structure, the studied compounds penetrated bilayers and affected mainly their polar/apolar regions, closer to the surface of the model membrane. The influence of meloxicam analogues on the thermotropic properties of DPPC bilayers was clearly visible because these compounds reduced the temperature and cooperativity of the main phospholipid phase transition. Additionally, the studied compounds quenched the fluorescence of prodan to a higher extent than laurdan, what pointed to a more pronounced interaction with membrane segments close to its surface. We presume that a more pronounced intercalation of the studied compounds into the phospholipid bilayer may be related to the presence of the molecule of a two-carbon aliphatic linker with a carbonyl group and fluorine substituent/trifluoromethyl group (compounds PR25 and PR49) or the three-carbon linker together with the trifluoromethyl group (PR50). Moreover, computational investigations of the ADMET properties have shown that the new meloxicam analogues are characterized by beneficial expected physicochemical parameters, so we may presume that they will have a good bioavailability after an oral administration.
Computational Analysis of the Influence of Residual Stress on the Strength of Composites with Different Aluminum Matrices and Carbide Particles
Authors: Balokhonov Ruslan , Zemlianov Aleksandr , Gatiyatullina Diana , Romanova Varvara
Published: April 2023

A numerical study of the mechanical behavior of aluminum matrix–carbide particle composites subjected to combined thermomechanical loading is carried out. The composite structure, corresponding to that observed experimentally, is explicitly taken into account in the calculations. The mechanical response of the aluminum matrix and carbide particles is described using the isotropic elastic–plastic and elastic–brittle models. A fracture criterion of the maximum equivalent stress acting in the local regions of volumetric tension is used to study the crack initiation and propagation in the particles. The dynamic plane stress boundary value problems of cooling and tension of the composites are solved by the finite element method ABAQUS/Explicit. The influence of the cooling-induced residual stress and thermomechanical properties of the matrix and particle materials on the strength of the composites is investigated. A positive or negative effect of the residual stress is found to depend on the ratio between the particle strength and the matrix yield stress. Compressive residual stress formed in the particle after the cooling increases the strength of composites with hard matrices and low-strength particles. A decrease in the matrix–particle interfacial curvature results in a change in the fracture mechanism from in-particle cracking to debonding, which increases the composite strength. Composite elongation upon the fracture onset decreases with the volume fraction of the particles.
In Vitro Preventive Effect and Mechanism of Action of Weissella cibaria CMU against Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation and Periodontal Pathogens
Authors: Kang Mi-Sun , Park Geun-Yeong , Lee A-Reum
Published: April 2023

In this study, we evaluated the in vitro anti-biofilm, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity of Weissella cibaria CMU (CMU), an oral probiotic, against periodontopathogens. Compared to other oral probiotics, CMU showed a superior inhibitory effect on the biofilm formation and growth of Streptococcus mutans on orthodontic wires and artificial teeth (p < 0.05). CMU exerted potent antibacterial effects against S. mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis according to a line test. In human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) stimulated by P. gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, or Prevotella intermedia, CMU suppressed the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α] in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). CMU restored the production of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 following its inhibition by P. gingivalis, and it suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -3 induced by periodontopathogens (p < 0.05). Moreover, CMU needed direct contact with HGFs to exert their anti-inflammatory function, indicating that they act directly on gingival cells to modulate local inflammation. Our preclinical study provides evidence for the potential benefits of topical CMU treatments in preventing the development of caries and periodontitis caused by the dysbiosis of the dental plaque microbiome.
Editorial of Special Issue “Human Pathogenic Fungi: Host–Pathogen Interactions and Virulence”
Authors: Jawhara Samir
Published: April 2023

Most individuals harbour several species of yeast of the genus Candida, which are considered true symbionts of the human gut microbiota [...]
Intrarater Reliability and Analysis of Learning Effects in the Y Balance Test
Authors: Kattilakoski Olli , Kauranen Noora , Leppänen Mari , Kannus Pekka , Pasanen Kati , Vasankari Tommi , Parkkari Jari
Published: April 2023

While the general reliability of the Y balance test has been previously found to be excellent, earlier reviews highlighted a need for a more consistent methodology between studies. The purpose of this test–retest intrarater reliability study was to assess the intrarater reliability of the YBT using different methodologies regarding normalisation for leg length, number of repetitions, and score calculation. Sixteen healthy adult novice recreational runners aged 18–55 years, both women and men, were reviewed in a laboratory environment. Mean calculated scores, intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change were calculated and analysed between different leg length normalisation and score calculation methods. The number of repetitions needed to reach a plateauing of results was analysed from the mean proportion of maximal reach per successful repetition. The intrarater reliability of the YBT was found to be good to excellent, and it was not affected by the method of score calculation or leg length measurement. The test results plateaued after the sixth successful repetition. Based on this study, it is suggested to use anterior superior iliac spine–medial malleolus length for leg length normalisation because this method was proposed in the original YBT protocol. At least seven successful repetitions should be performed to reach a result plateau. The average of the best three repetitions should be used to mitigate possible outliers and account for the learning effects seen in this study.
From Waste to Added-Value Product: Synthesis of Highly Crystalline LTA Zeolite from Ore Mining Tailings
Authors: Campoverde Jhuliana , Guaya Diana
Published: April 2023

The use of wastes is necessary to contribute to environmental sustainability. In this study, ore mining tailings were used as the raw material and precursor for the synthesis of LTA zeolite, a value-added product. Pre-treated mining tailings were submitted to the synthesis stages under specific established operational conditions. The physicochemical characterization of the synthesized products was performed with XRF, XRD, FTIR and SEM, to identify the most cost-effective synthesis condition. The LTA zeolite quantification and its crystallinity were determined as effects of the SiO2/Al2O3, Na2O/SiO2 and H2O/Na2O molar ratios used, as well as the influence of the synthesis conditions: mining tailing calcination temperature, homogenization, aging and hydrothermal treatment times. The zeolites obtained from the mining tailings were characterized by the LTA zeolite phase accompanied by sodalite. The calcination of mining tailings favored the production of LTA zeolite, and the influence of the molar ratios, aging and hydrothermal treatment times were determined. Highly crystalline LTA zeolite was obtained in the synthesized product at optimized conditions. Higher methylene blue adsorption capacity was associated with the highest crystallinity of synthesized LTA zeolite. The synthesized products were characterized by a well-defined cubic morphology of LTA zeolite and lepispheres of sodalite. The incorporation of lithium hydroxide nanoparticles over LTA zeolite synthesized (ZA-Li+) from mining tailings yielded a material with improved features. The adsorption capacity towards cationic dye was higher than for anionic dye, especially for methylene blue. The potential of using ZA-Li+ in environmental applications related to methylene blue deserves detailed study.