bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncovering Information Linkages between Bitcoin, Sustainable Finance and the Impact of COVID-19: Fractal and Entropy Analysis
Authors: Lu Kuo-Chen , Chen Kuo-Shing
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to uncover the impact of COVID-19 on the leading cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) and on sustainable finance with specific attention to their potential long memory properties. In this article, the application of the selected methodologies is based on a fractal and entropy analysis of the econometric model in the financial market. To detect the regularity/irregularity property of a time series, approximate entropy is introduced to measure deterministic chaos. Using daily data for Bitcoin and sustainable finance, namely DJSW, Green Bond, Carbon, and Clean Energy, we examine long memory behaviour by employing a rescaled range statistic (R/S) methodology. The results of the research present that the returns of Bitcoin, the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index (DJSW), Green Bond, Carbon, and Clean Energy have a significant long memory. Contrastingly, an interdisciplinary approach, namely wavelet analysis, is also used to obtain complementary results. Wavelet analysis can provide warning information about turmoil phenomena and offer insights into co-movements in the time–frequency space. Our findings reveal that approximate entropy shows crisis (turmoil) conditions in the Bitcoin market, despite the nature of the pandemic’s origin. Crucially, compared to Bitcoin assets, sustainable financial assets may play a better safe haven role during a pandemic turmoil period. The policy implications of this study could improve trading strategies for the sake of portfolio managers and investors during crisis and non-crisis periods.
A Novel MBAS-RF Approach to Predict Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer-Based Compositions
Authors: Chen Shuzhao , Zhou Mengmeng , Shi Xuyang , Huang Jiandong
Published: May 2023

Using gels to replace a certain amount of cement in concrete is conducive to the green concrete industry, while testing the compressive strength (CS) of geopolymer concrete requires a substantial amount of substantial effort and expense. To solve the above issue, a hybrid machine learning model of a modified beetle antennae search (MBAS) algorithm and random forest (RF) algorithm was developed in this study to model the CS of geopolymer concrete, in which MBAS was employed to adjust the hyperparameters of the RF model. The performance of the MBAS was verified by the relationship between 10-fold cross-validation (10-fold CV) and root mean square error (RMSE) value, and the prediction performance of the MBAS and RF hybrid machine learning model was verified by evaluating the correlation coefficient (R) and RMSE values and comparing with other models. The results show that the MBAS can effectively tune the performance of the RF model; the hybrid machine learning model had high R values (training set R = 0.9162 and test set R = 0.9071) and low RMSE values (training set RMSE = 7.111 and test set RMSE = 7.4345) at the same time, which indicated that the prediction accuracy was high; NaOH molarity was confirmed as the most important parameter regarding the CS of geopolymer concrete, with the importance score of 3.7848, and grade 4/10 mm was confirmed as the least important parameter, with the importance score of 0.5667.
Fractal Analysis of Four Xerogels Based on TEGylated Phenothiazine and Chitosan
Authors: Paun Maria-Alexandra , Nichita Mihai-Virgil , Paun Vladimir-Alexandru , Paun Viorel-Puiu
Published: May 2023

The present article describes novel massive materials (in the solid phase) based on TEGylated phenothiazine and chitosan that possess great capability to recover mercury ions from constituent aqueous solutions. These were produced by chitosan hydrogelation accompanied by formyl subsidiary item of TEGylated phenothiazine, attended by lyophilization. The delineation and structure description of the obtained material or supramolecular assembly were realized by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and POM (Polarized Light Optical Microscopy). The morphology of their texture was kept under observation by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). The obtained SEM images were evaluated by fractal analysis. The fractal parameters of interest were calculated, including the fractal dimension and lacunarity.
JAK/STAT Signaling and Cervical Cancer: From the Cell Surface to the Nucleus
Authors: Valle-Mendiola Arturo , Gutiérrez-Hoya Adriana , Soto-Cruz Isabel
Published: May 2023

The Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway constitutes a rapid signaling module from the cell surface to the nucleus, and activates different cellular responses, such as proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, and inflammation. When the JAK/STAT pathway is altered, it contributes to cancer progression and metastasis. STAT proteins play a central role in developing cervical cancer, and inhibiting the JAK/STAT signaling may be necessary to induce tumor cell death. Several cancers show continuous activation of different STATs, including cervical cancer. The constitutive activation of STAT proteins is associated with a poor prognosis and overall survival. The human papillomavirus (HPV) oncoproteins E6 and E7 play an essential role in cervical cancer progression, and they activate the JAK/STAT pathway and other signals that induce proliferation, survival, and migration of cancer cells. Moreover, there is a crosstalk between the JAK/STAT signaling cascade with other signaling pathways, where a plethora of different proteins activate to induce gene transcription and cell responses that contribute to tumor growth. Therefore, inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway shows promise as a new target in cancer treatment. In this review, we discuss the role of the JAK/STAT pathway components and the role of the HPV oncoproteins associated with cellular malignancy through the JAK/STAT proteins and other signaling pathways to induce tumor growth.
Epigenetic Control of Cell Potency and Fate Determination during Mammalian Gastrulation
Authors: Sullivan Adrienne E.
Published: May 2023

Pluripotent embryonic stem cells have a unique and characteristic epigenetic profile, which is critical for differentiation to all embryonic germ lineages. When stem cells exit the pluripotent state and commit to lineage-specific identities during the process of gastrulation in early embryogenesis, extensive epigenetic remodelling mediates both the switch in cellular programme and the loss of potential to adopt alternative lineage programmes. However, it remains to be understood how the stem cell epigenetic profile encodes pluripotency, or how dynamic epigenetic regulation helps to direct cell fate specification. Recent advances in stem cell culture techniques, cellular reprogramming, and single-cell technologies that can quantitatively profile epigenetic marks have led to significant insights into these questions, which are important for understanding both embryonic development and cell fate engineering. This review provides an overview of key concepts and highlights exciting new advances in the field.
Combination Therapies with Kinase Inhibitors for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment
Authors: Takahashi Shinichiro
Published: May 2023

Targeting kinase activity is considered to be an attractive therapeutic strategy to overcome acute myeloid leukemia (AML) since aberrant activation of the kinase pathway plays a pivotal role in leukemogenesis through abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation block. Although clinical trials for kinase modulators as single agents remain scarce, combination therapies are an area of therapeutic interest. In this review, the author summarizes attractive kinase pathways for therapeutic targets and the combination strategies for these pathways. Specifically, the review focuses on combination therapies targeting the FLT3 pathways, as well as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, CDK and CHK1 pathways. From a literature review, combination therapies with the kinase inhibitors appear more promising than monotherapies with individual agents. Therefore, the development of efficient combination therapies with kinase inhibitors may result in effective therapeutic strategies for AML.
The Association between Adult Sport, Fitness, and Recreational Physical Activity and Number and Age of Children Present in the Household: A Secondary Analysis Using NHANES
Authors: Johnson Jerraco L. , Coleman Ailton , Kwarteng Jamila L. , Holmes Ahondju U. , Kermah Dulcie , Bruce Marino A. , Beech Bettina M.
Published: May 2023

Only one in three adults in the United States meets the weekly recommendation for physical activity (PA). The presence of children in the home may restrict adult PA. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adult moderate and vigorous sport, fitness, and recreational physical activities and the number and age (0–5 and 6–17) of children in their household. Secondary data were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007–2016. Adults with complete survey data for self-reported moderate (MPA) and vigorous physical activities (VPA), number of children in the home, and other sociodemographic variables were included. The final sample included 2034 adults from 22–65 years of age. Analyses included ANOVAs and separate multivariable regression analyses to determine if the number of children in the household aged 0–5 and 6–17 were significant predictors of weekly moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) after controlling for covariates. For MPA, no differences were found between adult PA regardless of the number and age of children in the home. For VPA, adults with two or more children aged 0–5 reported 80 fewer minutes of weekly VPA (p < 0.05) compared to those with no children or just one child in this age group after controlling for all covariates. Finally, adults with three or more children in the household aged 6–17 reported fifty fewer minutes of weekly VPA (p < 0.05) compared to those with no children, one, or just two in the household. These findings highlight a need to support the vigorous PA behaviors of this population, as the majority of the family-based PA intervention studies to date have primarily focused on family dyads.
The Professional Identity of Social Workers in Mental Health Services: A Scoping Review
Authors: Bark Harry , Dixon Jeremy , Laing Judy
Published: May 2023

Recent research into the role of mental health social work has identified a need for increased critical engagement with accounts of professional role and identity. Notably, a number of studies have found that social workers struggle to articulate their role within mental health teams and services. This study aimed to identify the ways in which social workers in mental health settings defined their professional identity and role. An international scoping review utilizing Arksey and O’Malley’s method was conducted, identifying 35 papers published between 1997 and 2022. A thematic analysis grouped the findings into three predominant themes: (i) distinct social work approaches to mental health, (ii) organizational negotiations for mental health social workers, and (iii) professional negotiations for mental health social workers. These thematic findings are discussed in relation to existing research and critical perspectives, with particular emphasis on accounts of the bureaucratic and ideological functioning of professionalism in mental health services, as well as the global direction of mental health policy. This review finds that mental health social work embodies a coherent identity that aligns with international mental health policy agendas but faces significant challenges in developing and expressing this identity within mental health services.
Experiences of Sex Workers in Chicago during COVID-19: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Singer Randi , Abboud Sarah , Johnson Amy K. , Zemlak Jessica L. , Crooks Natasha , Lee Sangeun , Wilson Johannes , Gorvine Della , Stamps Jahari , Bruce Douglas , Sherman Susan G. , Matthews Alicia K. , Patil Crystal L.
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 exacerbated health disparities, financial insecurity, and occupational safety for many within marginalized populations. This study, which took place between 2019 and 2022, aimed to explore the way in which sex workers (n = 36) in Chicago were impacted by COVID-19. We analyzed the transcripts of 36 individual interviews with a diverse group of sex workers using thematic analysis. Five general themes emerged regarding the detrimental impact of COVID-19 on sex workers: (1) the impact of COVID-19 on physical health; (2) the economic impact of COVID-19; (3) the impact of COVID-19 on safety; (4) the impact of COVID-19 on mental health; and (5) adaptive strategies for working during COVID-19. Participants reported that their physical and mental health, economic stability, and safety worsened due to COVID-19 and that adaptive strategies did not serve to improve working conditions. Findings highlight the ways in which sex workers are particularly vulnerable during a public health crisis, such as COVID-19. In response to these findings, targeted resources, an increased access to funding, community-empowered interventions and policy changes are needed to protect the health and safety of sex workers in Chicago.
One-Year Follow-Up of Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Anxiety among Health Workers of a French Cancer Center: The PRO-SERO-COV Study
Authors: Richez Brice , Cantarel Coralie , Durrieu Françoise , Soubeyran Isabelle , Blanchi Julie , Pernot Simon , Chakiba Brugère Camille , Roubaud Guilhem , Cousin Sophie , Etienne Gabriel , Floquet Anne , Babre Florence , Rivalan Julie , Lalet Caroline , Narbonne Marine , Belaroussi Yaniss , Bellera Carine , Mathoulin-Pélissier Simone
Published: May 2023

Infection of SARS-CoV-2 among health workers (HWs) in contact with cancer patients has been a major issue since the beginning of the pandemic. We aimed to assess the serological immune status of SARS-CoV-2 infection among these HWs. A prospective cohort study was initiated in the comprehensive cancer center of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region (NA, France). Volunteer HWs working on March 2020 without active infection or symptoms of COVID-19 completed a self-questionnaire and had a blood test at inclusion, at 3 and 12 months. Positive serological status of SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined by anti-nucleocapsid antibodies and/or IgG anti-spike antibodies, except at 12 months due to vaccine. Half of the HWs were included (N = 517) and 89% were followed for three months (N = 500) and one year (N = 462). Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 3.5% (95% CI: 1.9–5.1), 6.2% (95% CI: 4.1–8.3), and 10% (95% CI: 7.2–12.7) on June–September 2020, September 2020–January 2021, and June–October 2021, respectively. At 12 months, 93.3% had detectable antibodies with 80% vaccinated in the first three months of vaccine availability. The COVID-19-free policy of the institution, respect for barrier gestures, high and early vaccination of HWs, and low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in NA may explain the low rate of seropositivity among the HWs of the Institut Bergonié.
ATP2B3 Inhibition Alleviates Erastin–Induced Ferroptosis in HT-22 Cells through the P62–KEAP1–NRF2–HO-1 Pathway
Authors: Guo Shihui , Zhong Aiying , Zhang Dongxu , Gao Jiang , Ni Yingdong , Zhao Ruqian , Ma Wenqiang
Published: May 2023

Ferroptosis participates in the occurrence and development of neurological disorders. Modulating ferroptosis may have therapeutic potential in nervous system diseases. Therefore, TMTbased proteomic analysis in HT-22 cells was performed to identify erastin–induced differentially expressed proteins. The calcium-transporting ATP2B3 (ATP2B3) was screened as a target protein. ATP2B3 knockdown markedly alleviated the erastin–induced decrease in cell viability and elevated ROS (p < 0.01) and reversed the up-regulation of oxidative stress-related proteins polyubiquitin-binding protein p62 (P62), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) protein expression (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and the down−regulation of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(KEAP1) protein expression (p < 0.01). Moreover, NRF2 knockdown, P62 inhibition, or KEAP1 overexpression rescued the erastin–induced decrease in cell viability (p < 0.05) and increase in ROS production (p < 0.01) in HT-22 cells, while simultaneous overexpression of NRF2 and P62 and knockdown of KEAP1 partially offset the relief effect of ATP2B3 inhibition. In addition, knockdown of ATP2B3, NRF2, and P62 and overexpression of KEAP1 significantly down-regulated erastin–induced high expression of the HO-1 protein, while HO-1 overexpression reversed the alleviating effects of ATP2B3 inhibition on the erastin–induced decrease in cell viability (p < 0.01) and increase in ROS production (p < 0.01) in HT-22 cells. Taken together, ATP2B3 inhibition mediates the alleviation of erastin–induced ferroptosis in HT-22 cells through the P62–KEAP1–NRF2–HO-1 pathway.
Digested Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) Bark Extract Modulates Claudin-2 Gene Expression and Protein Levels under TNFα/IL-1β Inflammatory Stimulus
Authors: Lonati Elena , Sala Gessica , Corbetta Paolo , Pagliari Stefania , Cazzaniga Emanuela , Botto Laura , Rovellini Pierangela , Bruni Ilaria , Palestini Paola , Bulbarelli Alessandra
Published: May 2023

Epigenetic changes, host–gut microbiota interactions, and environmental factors contribute to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) onset and progression. A healthy lifestyle may help to slow down the chronic or remitting/relapsing intestinal tract inflammation characteristic of IBD. In this scenario, the employment of a nutritional strategy to prevent the onset or supplement disease therapies included functional food consumption. Its formulation consists of the addition of a phytoextract enriched in bioactive molecules. A good candidate as an ingredient is the Cinnamon verum aqueous extract. Indeed, this extract, subjected to a process of gastrointestinal digestion simulation (INFOGEST), exhibits beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in an in vitro model of the inflamed intestinal barrier. Here, we deepen the study of the mechanisms related to the effect of digested cinnamon extract pre-treatment, showing a correlation between transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) decrement and alterations in claudin-2 expression under Tumor necrosis factor-α/Interleukin-1β (TNF-α/IL-1) β cytokine administration. Our results show that pre-treatment with cinnamon extract prevents TEER loss by claudin-2 protein level regulation, influencing both gene transcription and autophagy-mediated degradation. Hence, cinnamon polyphenols and their metabolites probably work as mediators in gene regulation and receptor/pathway activation, leading to an adaptive response against renewed insults.
The Effect of Statins on Male Reproductive Parameters: A Mechanism Involving Dysregulation of Gonadal Hormone Receptors and TRPV1
Authors: Omolaoye Temidayo S. , Cyril Asha C. , Radhakrishnan Rajan , Rawat Surendra Singh , Karuvantevida Noushad , du Plessis Stefan S.
Published: May 2023

Statins have been shown to cause diverse male reproductive function impairment, and in some cases, orchialgia. Therefore, the current study investigated the possible mechanisms through which statins may alter male reproductive parameters. Thirty adult male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were divided into three groups. The animals were orally administered rosuvastatin (50 mg/kg), simvastatin (50 mg/kg), or 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose (control), for a 30-day period. Spermatozoa were retrieved from the caudal epididymis for sperm analysis. The testis was used for all biochemical assays and immunofluorescent localization of biomarkers of interest. Rosuvastatin-treated animals presented with a significant decrease in sperm concentration when compared to both the control and simvastatin groups (p < 0.005). While no significant difference was observed between the simvastatin and the control group. The Sertoli cells, Leydig cells and whole testicular tissue homogenate expressed transcripts of solute carrier organic anion transporters (SLCO1B1 and SLCO1B3). There was a significant decrease in the testicular protein expression of the luteinizing hormone receptor, follicle stimulating hormone receptor, and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in the rosuvastatin and simvastatin-treated animals compared to the control. The expression of SLCO1B1, SLCO1B2, and SLCO1B3 in the different spermatogenic cells portray that un-bio transformed statin can be transported into the testicular microenvironment, which can subsequently alter the regulation of the gonadal hormone receptors, dysregulate pain-inflammatory biomarkers, and consequently impair sperm concentration.
Current Drug Development Overview: Targeting Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels for the Treatment of Pain
Authors: Antunes Flavia Tasmin Techera , Campos Maria Martha , Carvalho Vanice de Paula Ricardo , da Silva Junior Claudio Antonio , Magno Luiz Alexandre Viana , de Souza Alessandra Hubner , Gomez Marcus Vinicius
Published: May 2023

Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are targeted to treat pain conditions. Since the discovery of their relation to pain processing control, they are investigated to find new strategies for better pain control. This review provides an overview of naturally based and synthetic VGCC blockers, highlighting new evidence on the development of drugs focusing on the VGCC subtypes as well as mixed targets with pre-clinical and clinical analgesic effects.
COVID-19: The Course, Vaccination and Immune Response in People with Multiple Sclerosis: Systematic Review
Authors: Bazylewicz Marcin , Gudowska-Sawczuk Monika , Mroczko Barbara , Kochanowicz Jan , Kułakowska Alina
Published: May 2023

When the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) appeared, it was unknown what impact it would have on the condition of patients with autoimmunological disorders. Attention was focused on the course of infection in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS), specially treated with disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) or glucocorticoids. The impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on the occurrence of MS relapses or pseudo-relapses was important. This review focuses on the risk, symptoms, course, and mortality of COVID-19 as well as immune response to vaccinations against COVID-19 in patients with MS (PwMS). We searched the PubMed database according to specific criteria. PwMS have the risk of infection, hospitalization, symptoms, and mortality due to COVID-19, mostly similar to the general population. The presence of comorbidities, male sex, a higher degree of disability, and older age increase the frequency and severity of the COVID-19 course in PwMS. For example, it was reported that anti-CD20 therapy is probably associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. After SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination, MS patients acquire humoral and cellular immunity, but the degree of immune response depends on applied DMTs. Additional studies are necessary to corroborate these findings. However, indisputably, some PwMS need special attention within the context of COVID-19.
Central-to-Helical-to-Axial Chirality Transfer in Chiroptical Sensing with Ferrocene Chromophore
Authors: Nuskol Marko , Šutalo Petar , Kovačević Monika , Kodrin Ivan , Čakić Semenčić Mojca
Published: May 2023

The effect of attaching the achiral, cyclic 1-aminocyclohexanecarboxylic acid (Ac6c) directly to the aminoferrocene unit (Ac6c−NH−Fc) appears to be a promising route for the development of a new chiroptical sensor based on a ferrocene chromophore. Three new compounds (Boc−AA−Ac6c−NH−Fc; AA = L-Ala, L-Val, L-Phe) were synthesized, spectroscopically characterized (IR, NMR, CD), and conformationally analyzed (DFT). The chiral information was transferred from the L-amino acid to the ferrocene chromophore by the predominant formation of P-helical structures with ten-membered hydrogen-bonded rings (β-turns). The perturbation of the ferrocene chromophore and the appearance of the negative CD signal near 470 nm originates from a relative orientation of the directly linked amide and cyclopentadienyl planes, described by the dihedral angle χ. The sterically demanding Ac6c amino acid makes trans-like configurations more favorable and thus restricts the dihedral angle χ, which then leads to the appearance of the negative peak near 470 nm in the CD curve.
Efficacy and Selectivity of Potassium Bicarbonate Salts against Cacopsylla pyri on Pears
Authors: Civolani Stefano , Boselli Mauro , Radicetti Emanuele , Bernacchia Giovanni
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the control of pear psyllid in northern Italy has not been particularly problematic, due to the presence of two insecticides (abamectin and spirotetramat) specifically for this pest, and due to the adoption of integrated pest management. However, the withdrawal of these two specific insecticides is imminent and, therefore, it has become necessary to find alternative control tools. More recently, potassium bicarbonate, known for its fungistatic activity against many phytopathogenic fungi, has also shown some activity against some insect pests. In the present study, the efficacy and possible phytotoxicity of potassium bicarbonate were tested in two field trials on second generation Cacopsylla pyri by spraying two different salt concentrations (5 and 7 kg ha−1), with or without polyethylene glycol as an adjuvant. Spirotetramat was used as a commercial reference. The results showed that potassium bicarbonate could positively control the number of juvenile forms (with a mortality percentage of up to 89% at the infestation peak), even though spirotetramat was still more effective. Therefore, potassium bicarbonate appears to be a sustainable integrated tool for psyllid control, especially in the wake of the imminent withdrawal of spirotetramat and other insecticides currently used on this pest.
Practical Guide to Interpreting Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in Patients with Cardiac Masses
Authors: Grazzini Giulia , Pradella Silvia , Rossi Alice , Basile Rocco Pio , Ruggieri Matteo , Galli Daniele , Palmisano Anna , Palumbo Pierpaolo , Esposito Antonio , Miele Vittorio
Published: May 2023

It is common for a cardiac mass to be discovered accidentally during an echocardiographic examination. Following the relief of a cardiac mass, being able to evaluate and characterize it using non-invasive imaging methods is critical. Echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), and positron emission tomography (PET) are the main imaging modalities used to evaluate cardiac masses. Although multimodal imaging often allows for a better assessment, CMR is the best technique for the non-invasive characterization of tissues, as the different MR sequences help in the diagnosis of cardiac masses. This article provides detailed descriptions of each CMR sequence employed in the evaluation of cardiac masses, underlining the potential information it can provide. The description in the individual sequences provides useful guidance to the radiologist in performing the examination.
Nanomaterials for Periodontal Tissue Regeneration: Progress, Challenges and Future Perspectives
Authors: Zong Chen , Bronckaers Annelies , Willems Guy , He Hong , Cadenas de Llano-Pérula Maria
Published: May 2023

Bioactive nanomaterials are increasingly being applied in oral health research. Specifically, they have shown great potential for periodontal tissue regeneration and have substantially improved oral health in translational and clinical applications. However, their limitations and side effects still need to be explored and elucidated. This article aims to review the recent advancements in nanomaterials applied for periodontal tissue regeneration and to discuss future research directions in this field, especially focusing on research using nanomaterials to improve oral health. The biomimetic and physiochemical properties of nanomaterials such as metals and polymer composites are described in detail, including their effects on the regeneration of alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum and gingiva. Finally, the biomedical safety issues of their application as regenerative materials are updated, with a discussion about their complications and future perspectives. Although the applications of bioactive nanomaterials in the oral cavity are still at an initial stage, and pose numerous challenges, recent research suggests that they are a promising alternative in periodontal tissue regeneration.
Modeling the Distribution of the Chytrid Fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis with Special Reference to Ukraine
Authors: Tytar Volodymyr , Nekrasova Oksana , Pupins Mihails , Skute Arturs , Kirjušina Muza , Gravele Evita , Mezaraupe Ligita , Marushchak Oleksii , Čeirāns Andris , Kozynenko Iryna , Kulikova Alena A.
Published: May 2023

Amphibians are the most threatened group of vertebrates. While habitat loss poses the greatest threat to amphibians, a spreading fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Longcore, Pessier & D.K. Nichols 1999 (Bd) is seriously affecting an increasing number of species. Although Bd is widely prevalent, there are identifiable heterogeneities in the pathogen’s distribution that are linked to environmental parameters. Our objective was to identify conditions that affect the geographic distribution of this pathogen using species distribution models (SDMs) with a special focus on Eastern Europe. SDMs can help identify hotspots for future outbreaks of Bd but perhaps more importantly identify locations that may be environmental refuges (“coldspots”) from infection. In general, climate is considered a major factor driving amphibian disease dynamics, but temperature in particular has received increased attention. Here, 42 environmental raster layers containing data on climate, soil, and human impact were used. The mean annual temperature range (or ‘continentality’) was found to have the strongest constraint on the geographic distribution of this pathogen. The modeling allowed to distinguish presumable locations that may be environmental refuges from infection and set up a framework to guide future search (sampling) of chytridiomycosis in Eastern Europe.
Using Radiomics-Based Machine Learning to Create Targeted Test Sets to Improve Specific Mammography Reader Cohort Performance: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Tao Xuetong , Gandomkar Ziba , Li Tong , Brennan Patrick C. , Reed Warren
Published: May 2023

Mammography interpretation is challenging with high error rates. This study aims to reduce the errors in mammography reading by mapping diagnostic errors against global mammographic characteristics using a radiomics-based machine learning approach. A total of 36 radiologists from cohort A (n = 20) and cohort B (n = 16) read 60 high-density mammographic cases. Radiomic features were extracted from three regions of interest (ROIs), and random forest models were trained to predict diagnostic errors for each cohort. Performance was evaluated using sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and AUC. The impact of ROI placement and normalization on prediction was investigated. Our approach successfully predicted both the false positive and false negative errors of both cohorts but did not consistently predict location errors. The errors produced by radiologists from cohort B were less predictable compared to those in cohort A. The performance of the models did not show significant improvement after feature normalization, despite the mammograms being produced by different vendors. Our novel radiomics-based machine learning pipeline focusing on global radiomic features could predict false positive and false negative errors. The proposed method can be used to develop group-tailored mammographic educational strategies to help improve future mammography reader performance.
How Efficient and Socially Sensitive Are Fiscal Incentives for Electric Cars in Europe?
Authors: Jurlin Krešimir
Published: May 2023

The main aim of the study was to analyse the impact of fiscal incentives on the share of electric passenger cars in total sales in 31 European countries in 2021 and 2022. Research methods included an assessment of the active fiscal incentives and passive financial gain on fuel of owning electric over petrol-powered vehicles, calculating the ratio of these variables to the net savings in emissions, and conducting regression analysis of the impact of these two variables, as well as indicators of national wealth and the distribution of population by urbanization, on the share of electric vehicles in total sales. The most important finding of the research is that, in the countries under review, incentives are not well designed. For a saving of 1 ton of CO2 for business-owned plug-in hybrid electric sports utility vehicles, tax incentives stood at EUR 3400, as compared to only EUR 106 for small battery powered electric vehicles, with very high differences between countries. Applied panel data regressions with random effects indicated that active tax incentives had a rather low impact on the share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in total passenger car sales in 31 European countries in 2021 and 2022, while the difference in electricity price over petrol price combined with the share of the population living in houses in towns and suburbs may be a rather strong stimulus for buying BEVs (R2 = 0.452 for the total sample and R2 = 0.579 for the reduced sample). However, national wealth between countries, measured by relative final consumption expenditure per capita, had the highest impact on the share of battery electric vehicles in total sales (R2 = 0.634). The study suggests that fiscal incentives for electricity powered vehicles in Europe were too large, and neither well designed nor directed towards less wealthy households.
Does Previous Experience with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Affect the Usage of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?
Authors: Gupta Munish , Taneja Sanjay , Sharma Vikas , Singh Amandeep , Rupeika-Apoga Ramona , Jangir Kshitiz
Published: May 2023

In this study, we examined the influence of users’ experiences with the unified payments interface (UPI) system on the usage behavior of central bank digital currency (CBDC) in India. Our research developed a novel conceptual framework that investigated the relationships between technology, cognitive factors, and behavioral intentions towards CBDC use. The framework integrated UPI usage experience as a moderator within existing models of behavioral intentions and use behaviors. We collected data through a survey conducted in major Indian cities during the pilot launch of CBDC. By utilizing a partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM), we analyzed the proposed model and the relationships between the constructs. Our findings revealed the significant impact of hedonic motivation and performance expectancy on users’ behavioral intentions towards CBDC. Social influence also played a significant role in CBDC usage. Furthermore, we identified that prior UPI usage negatively moderated the relationship between performance expectancy and behavioral intention, as well as the relationship between social influence and use behavior. However, prior UPI usage did not significantly moderate the relationships between perceived risk, hedonic motivation, behavioral intention, and use behavior. These findings contribute to our understanding of the factors influencing CBDC adoption and usage behavior in India.
Cryomilling of Isotope-Enriched Ti Powders for HIVIPP Deposition to Manufacture Targets for Nuclear Cross Section Measurement
Authors: Cisternino Sara , De Dominicis Lucia , Mou Liliana , Esposito Juan , Gennari Claudio , Calliari Irene , Pupillo Gaia
Published: May 2023

The realization of isotopically enriched Ti targets for nuclear cross-section measurements requires particular attention, from the starting material preparation up to the deposition technique. In this work, a cryomilling process was developed and optimized, aimed at reducing the size of 49,50Ti metal sponge as provided by the supplier (size up to 3 mm), to the optimal size of 10 µm, to fit the High Energy Vibrational Powder Plating technique used for target manufacturing. The optimization of the cryomilling protocol and the HIVIPP deposition using natTi material was thus performed. The scarce amount of the enriched material to be treated (about 150 mg), the need to obtain a non-contaminated final powder and a uniform target thickness of about 500 µg/cm2 were taken into account. The 49,50Ti materials were then processed and 20 targets of each isotope were manufactured. Both powders and the final Ti targets produced were characterized by SEM-EDS analysis. The amount of Ti deposited was measured by weighing, indicating reproducible and homogeneous targets, with an areal density of 468 ± 110 µg/cm2 for 49Ti (n = 20) and 638 ± 200 µg/cm2 for 50Ti (n = 20). The uniformity of the deposited layer was also confirmed by the metallurgical interface analysis. The final targets were used for the cross section measurements of the 49Ti(p,x)47Sc and 50Ti(p,x)47Sc nuclear reaction routes aimed at the production of the theranostic radionuclide 47Sc.
Research on Cutting Layer Characteristics of Superalloy under High-Pressure Cooling
Authors: Li Lubin , Chen Shuning , Li Tiankang , Wu Mingyang
Published: May 2023

Superalloys are widely used in the aerospace field and are a typical difficult-to-cut material. When the PCBN tool is used to cut superalloys, there will be problems such as a large cutting force, a high cutting temperature, and gradual tool wear. High-pressure cooling technology can effectively solve these problems. Therefore, this paper carried out an experimental study of a PCBN tool cutting superalloys under high-pressure cooling and analyzed the influence of high-pressure coolant on the characteristics of the cutting layer. The results show that the main cutting force can be reduced by 19~45% and 11~39% when cutting superalloys under high-pressure cooling compared with dry cutting and atmospheric pressure cutting, respectively, in the range of test parameters. The surface roughness of the machined workpiece is less affected by the high-pressure coolant, but the high-pressure coolant can help reduce the surface residual stress. The high-pressure coolant can effectively improve the chip’s breaking ability. In order to ensure the service life of PCBN tools, when cutting superalloys under high-pressure cooling the coolant pressure should not be too high, and 50 bar is more appropriate. This provides a certain technical basis for the efficient cutting of superalloys under high-pressure cooling conditions.
Performance Study of Diamond Powder-Filled Sodium Silicate-Based Thermal Conductive Adhesives
Authors: Chen Ming , Zhou Zhihao , Wang Xu , Zhao Yangchun , Zhou Yongmin
Published: May 2023

With the development of miniaturized, highly integrated, and multifunctional electronic devices, the heat flow per unit area has increased dramatically, making heat dissipation a bottleneck in the development of the electronics industry. The purpose of this study is to develop a new inorganic thermal conductive adhesive to overcome the contradiction between the thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of organic thermal conductive adhesives. In this study, an inorganic matrix material, sodium silicate, was used, and diamond powder was modified to become a thermal conductive filler. The influence of the content of diamond powder on the thermal conductive adhesive properties was studied through systematic characterization and testing. In the experiment, diamond powder modified by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane coupling agent was selected as the thermal conductive filler and filled into a sodium silicate matrix with a mass fraction of 34% to prepare a series of inorganic thermal conductive adhesives. The thermal conductivity of the diamond powder and its content on the thermal conductivity of the adhesive were studied by testing the thermal conductivity and taking SEM photos. In addition, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and EDS testing were used to analyze the composition of the modified diamond powder surface. Through the study of diamond content, it was found that as the diamond content gradually increases, the adhesive performance of the thermal conductive adhesive first increases and then decreases. The best adhesive performance was achieved when the diamond mass fraction was 60%, with a tensile shear strength of 1.83 MPa. As the diamond content increased, the thermal conductivity of the thermal conductive adhesive first increased and then decreased. The best thermal conductivity was achieved when the diamond mass fraction was 50%, with a thermal conductivity coefficient of 10.32 W/(m·K). The best adhesive performance and thermal conductivity were achieved when the diamond mass fraction was between 50% and 60%. The inorganic thermal conductive adhesive system based on sodium silicate and diamond proposed in this study has outstanding comprehensive performance and is a promising new thermal conductive material that can replace organic thermal conductive adhesives. The results of this study provide new ideas and methods for the development of inorganic thermal conductive adhesives and are expected to promote the application and development of inorganic thermal conductive materials.
Effect of Heat Treatment on Crevice Corrosion Behavior of 304 Stainless Steel Clad Plate in Seawater Environment
Authors: Hang Pengwei , Zhao Boshen , Zhou Jiaming , Ding Yi
Published: May 2023

With the application of stainless steel clad plate (SSCP)-enlarging in the marine engineering field, awareness of the consequences of heat treatment on ameliorating microstructure and mechanical properties in stainless steel (SS)/carbon steel (CS) joints is being raised. However, carbide diffusion from a CS substrate to SS cladding may damage the corrosion resistance during inappropriate heating. In this paper, the corrosion behavior of a hot rolling-produced stainless steel clad plate (SSCP) after quenching and tempering (Q-T) treatment, especially crevice corrosion, was studied by electrochemical and morphological methods, such as cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CPP), confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Q-T treatment led to more significance in carbon atoms diffusion and carbide precipitation, which made the passive film of the SS cladding surface on the SSCP unstable. Subsequently, a device for measuring the crevice corrosion performance of SS cladding was designed; the Q-T-treated cladding showed lower re-passivation potential (−585 mV) during CPP when compared to as-rolled (−522 mV), with the maximum corrosion depth ranging from 70.1 μm to 150.2 μm. In addition, the processing of crevice corrosion on SS cladding could be divided into three parts, including the initiation, propagation and development stages, which were driven by the interactions between corrosive media and carbides. The generation and growth mechanism of corrosive pits in crevices were revealed.
Evolution of the Concepts of Architecture and Supramolecular Dynamics of the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Campos Muñiz Carolina , Fernández Perrino Francisco José
Published: May 2023

The plasma membrane (PM) has undergone important conceptual changes during the history of scientific research, although it is undoubtedly a cellular organelle that constitutes the first defining characteristic of cellular life. Throughout history, the contributions of countless scientists have been published, each one of them with an enriching contribution to the knowledge of the structure-location and function of each structural component of this organelle, as well as the interaction between these and other structures. The first published contributions on the plasmatic membrane were the transport through it followed by the description of the structure: lipid bilayer, associated proteins, carbohydrates bound to both macromolecules, association with the cytoskeleton and dynamics of these components.. The data obtained experimentally from each researcher were represented in graphic configurations, as a language that facilitates the understanding of cellular structures and processes. This paper presents a review of some of the concepts and models proposed about the plasma membrane, emphasizing the components, the structure, the interaction between them and the dynamics. The work is illustrated with resignified 3D diagrams to visualize the changes that occurred during the history of the study of this organelle. Schemes were redrawn in 3D from the original articles...
Dynamic Characteristic Model of Giant Magnetostrictive Transducer with Double Terfenol-D Rods
Authors: Li Yafang , Dong Xia , Yu Xiaodong
Published: May 2023

Giant magnetostrictive transducer can be widely used in active vibration control, micro-positioning mechanism, energy harvesting system, and ultrasonic machining. Hysteresis and coupling effects are present in transducer behavior. The accurate prediction of output characteristics is critical for a transducer. A dynamic characteristic model of a transducer is proposed, by providing a modeling methodology capable of characterizing the nonlinearities. To attain this objective, the output displacement, acceleration, and force are discussed, the effects of operating conditions on the performance of Terfenol-D are studied, and a magneto-mechanical model for the behavior of transducer is proposed. A prototype of the transducer is fabricated and tested to verify the proposed model. The output displacement, acceleration, and force have been theoretically and experimentally studied at different working conditions. The results show that, the displacement amplitude, acceleration amplitude, and force amplitude are about 49 μm, 1943 m/s2, and 20 N. The error between the model and experimental results are 3 μm, 57 m/s2, and 0.2 N. Calculation results and experimental results show a good agreement.
Theoretical Enhancement of the Goos–Hänchen Shift with a Metasurface Based on Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Jiang Xiaowei , Fang Bin , Zhan Chunlian
Published: May 2023

The enhancement of the Goos–Hänchen (GH) shift has become a research hotspot due to its promoted application of the GH effect in various fields. However, currently, the maximum GH shift is located at the reflectance dip, making it difficult to detect GH shift signals in practical applications. This paper proposes a new metasurface to achieve reflection-type bound states in the continuum (BIC). The GH shift can be significantly enhanced by the quasi-BIC with a high quality factor. The maximum GH shift can reach more than 400 times the resonant wavelength, and the maximum GH shift is located exactly at the reflection peak with unity reflectance, which can be applied to detect the GH shift signal. Finally, the metasurface is used to detect the variation in the refractive index, and the sensitivity can reach 3.58 × 106 μm/RIU (refractive index unit) according to the simulation’s calculations. The findings provide a theoretical basis to prepare a metasurface with high refractive index sensitivity, a large GH shift, and high reflection.