bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of MicroRNAs in Myocarditis—What Can We Learn from Clinical Trials?
Authors: Grodzka Olga , Procyk Grzegorz , Gąsecka Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the heart with a viral infection as the most common cause. It affects most commonly young adults. Although endomyocardial biopsy and cardiac magnetic resonance are used in the diagnosis, neither of them demonstrates all the required qualities. There is a clear need for a non-invasive, generally available diagnostic tool that will still remain highly specific and sensitive. These requirements could be possibly met by microribonucleic acids (miRNAs), which are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate many fundamental cell functions. They can be isolated from cells, tissues, or body fluids. Recently, several clinical studies have shown the deregulation of different miRNAs in myocarditis. The phase of the disease has also been evidenced to influence miRNA levels. These changes have been observed both in adult and pediatric patients. Some studies have revealed a correlation between the change in particular miRNA concentration and the degree of cardiac damage and inflammation. All of this indicates miRNAs as potential novel biomarkers in the diagnosis of myocarditis, as well as a prognostic tool for this condition. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the role of miRNAs in myocarditis based on the results of clinical studies.
Beyond the Primary Infarction: Focus on Mechanisms Related to Secondary Neurodegeneration after Stroke
Authors: Ong Lin Kooi
Published: December 2022

Recently, a growing body of evidence has indicated that secondary neurodegeneration after stroke occurs at remote regions of the brain that are connected to the primary infarction site [...]
Wavelet-Based Classification of Enhanced Melanoma Skin Lesions through Deep Neural Architectures
Authors: Jayaraman Premaladha , Veeramani Nirmala , Krishankumar Raghunathan , Ravichandran Kattur Soundarapandian , Cavallaro Fausto , Rani Pratibha , Mardani Abbas
Published: December 2022

In recent years, skin cancer diagnosis has been aided by the most sophisticated and advanced machine learning algorithms, primarily implemented in the spatial domain. In this research work, we concentrated on two crucial phases of a computer-aided diagnosis system: (i) image enhancement through enhanced median filtering algorithms based on the range method, fuzzy relational method, and similarity coefficient, and (ii) wavelet decomposition using DB4, Symlet, RBIO, and extracting seven unique entropy features and eight statistical features from the segmented image. The extracted features were then normalized and provided for classification based on supervised and deep-learning algorithms. The proposed system is comprised of enhanced filtering algorithms, Normalized Otsu’s Segmentation, and wavelet-based entropy. Statistical feature extraction led to a classification accuracy of 93.6%, 0.71% higher than the spatial domain-based classification. With better classification accuracy, the proposed system will assist clinicians and dermatology specialists in identifying skin cancer early in its stages.
HIL Flight Simulator for VTOL-UAV Pilot Training Using X-Plane
Authors: Aláez Daniel , Olaz Xabier , Prieto Manuel , Porcellinis Pablo , Villadangos Jesús
Published: December 2022

With the increasing popularity of vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (VTOL UAVs), a new problem arises: pilot training. Most conventional pilot training simulators are designed for full-scale aircrafts, while most UAV simulators are just focused on conceptual testing and design validation. The X-Plane flight simulator was extended to include new functionalities such as complex wind dynamics, ground effect, and accurate real-time weather. A commercial HIL flight controller was coupled with a VTOL convertiplane UAV model to provide realistic flight control. A real flight case scenario was tested in simulation to show the importance of including an accurate wind model. The result is a complete simulation environment that has been successfully deployed for pilot training of the Marvin aircraft manufactured by FuVeX.
Polymeric Copper(II) Complexes with a Newly Synthesized Biphenyldicarboxylic Acid Schiff Base Ligand—Synthesis, Structural and Thermal Characterization
Authors: Bogdanović Milica G. , Radnović Nikola D. , Barta Holló Berta , Radanović Mirjana M. , Kordić Branko B. , Raičević Vidak N. , Vojinović-Ješić Ljiljana S. , Rodić Marko V.
Published: December 2022

The newly synthesized biphenyldicarboxylic acid Schiff base and its complexes with Cu(II) were synthesized, and their spectroscopic and structural analysis was performed. The reaction of the ligand and copper(II) acetate in different solvents resulted in the formation of two solvatomorphic complexes, one with MeOH, and the other with DMF molecules, in the crystal lattice. The differences in the results of the thermal analysis could be explained by the different polarities of the solvents present. SC-XRD analysis revealed that the ligand is coordinated as a dianion, in a pentadentate manner, through two phenoxide oxygen atoms, two azomethine nitrogen atoms, and with the oxygen atom of one carboxylate functioning as a bridge that connects the monomeric units. The coordination polyhedron was described with several parameters obtained from different methods of calculation. The presence of different solvents in the crystal structure results in differences in the H-bond networks, and an overall different crystal packing of the structural units in the obtained complexes.
Rickettsia Infection Benefits Its Whitefly Hosts by Manipulating Their Nutrition and Defense
Authors: Fan Ze-Yun , Liu Yuan , He Zi-Qi , Wen Qin , Chen Xin-Yi , Khan Muhammad Musa , Osman Mohamed , Mandour Nasser Said , Qiu Bao-Li
Published: December 2022

Endosymbionts play an essential role in the biology, physiology and immunity of insects. Many insects, including the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, are infected with the facultative endosymbiont Rickettsia. However, the mutualism between Rickettsia and its whitefly host remains unclear. This study investigated the biological and physiological benefits of Rickettsia infection to B. tabaci. Results revealed that infection of Rickettsia increased the fertility, the survival rate from nymph to adult and the number of female whiteflies. In addition, this facilitation caused a significant reduction in nymphal developmental duration but did not affect percentage rate of egg hatching. Rickettsia infected B. tabaci had significantly higher glycogen, soluble sugar and trehalose contents than Rickettsia negative B. tabaci individuals. Rickettsia also improved the immunity of its whitefly hosts. Rickettsia infested B. tabaci had lower mortality rates and higher semi-lethal concentrations (LC50) when exposed to the fungus Akanthomyces attenuatus and the insecticides imidacloprid and spirotetramat. The percentage of parasitism by Encarsia formosa was also reduced by Rickettsia infection. Overall, Rickettsia infection benefits B. tabaci by improving the nutritional composition of its host, and also protects B. tabaci by enhancing its resistance towards insecticides (imidacloprid and spirotetramat), entomopathogenic fungi (A. attenuatus) and its main parasitoid (E. formosa); all of which could significantly impact on current management strategies.
Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: A Retrospective Case-Control Study Matched Patients without Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Li Songlin , Chen Xi , Ma Ruichen , Li Shanni , Xu Hongjun , Lin Jin , Weng Xisheng , Qian Wenwei
Published: December 2022

Background: The number of patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) who require total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is expected to increase, and there are few studies describing their outcomes. This research was focused on the evaluation of a TKA cohort in pSS patients and to compare outcomes with those of matched individuals from the general population. Methods: From 2004 to 2020, we found 36 TKAs in 30 patients with pSS from the single-institution arthroplasty registry, and they were matched for age, gender, bilateral or unilateral surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, and year of surgery with 72 TKAs in 60 osteoarthritis patients without rheumatic diseases (1:2 ratio). Perioperative outcomes were obtained, and clinical evaluations were performed at the last follow-up. Results: After a mean six-year follow-up, both cohorts had similar knee function and health-related quality of life outcomes. The pSS group had more patients with post-operative anemia and hypoalbuminemia and more patients needing platelet transfusion. There were no significant differences in other complications, the rates of 90-day readmission, or overall revision. By multivariate analysis, the influencing factor for anemia in pSS patients was lower preoperative hemoglobin (OR = 0.334, 95% CI (0.125–0.889), p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that pSS patients who received TKA could achieve comparable clinical outcomes to the general population. However, more attention should be paid to the perioperative hematological management of pSS patients who underwent TKA.
3D Printing Technique Assisted Autologous Costal Cartilage Augmentation Rhinoplasty for Patients with Radix Augmentation Needs and Nasal Deformity after Cleft Lip Repair
Authors: Li Haidong , Wang Jingyi , Song Tao
Published: December 2022

Objective: to better reconstruct the nasal shape after cleft lip repair with 3D printing assisted autologous costal cartilage augmentation rhinoplasty, especially for patients with radix augmentation needs. Method: 20 patients with nasal deformity secondary to cleft lip repair and radix augmentation needs had received surgical treatment from July 2016 to November 2021. A total of 10 cases were treated with autologous costal cartilage augmentation rhinoplasty for nasal deformity after cleft lip repair, and 10 cases were treated with the help of 3D printing. According to the characteristics of nasal deformity, autologous costal cartilage was carved and implanted into the nose back. Results: 3D printing assisted autologous costal cartilage augmentation in the treatment of nasal deformity after cleft lip repair, the incision healed well, and there were no complications in the thoracic cartilage donor area. The shape of the nose is satisfactory, the height and shape of the nose tip and the size of both nostrils are mostly symmetrical, the nasal columella is elongated, the original nose tip is flat, the collapse of the nose wing is satisfactory, and the nose lip angle is close to normal. Conclusions: 3D printing assisted autologous costal cartilage augmentation is an ideal treatment for nasal deformity after cleft lip repair.
Differences in Subjective and Objective Cognitive Decline Outcomes Are Associated with Modifiable Protective Factors: A 4-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Katayama Osamu , Lee Sangyoon , Bae Seongryu , Makino Keitaro , Chiba Ippei , Harada Kenji , Morikawa Masanori , Tomida Kouki , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2022

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in older adults has been identified as a risk factor for dementia. However, the literature is inconsistent, and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We aimed to determine whether older adults with SCD had more modifiable protective factors against the risk of dementia and a lower risk of developing objective cognitive decline (OCD). We included 4363 older adults (71.7 ± 5.3 [mean ± standard deviation] years of age; 2239 women) from the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Study of Geriatric Syndromes. SCD, OCD, and protective factors against dementia, such as lifestyle and activity, were assessed using interviews and objective cognitive-assessment tools. Based on initial cognitive status, participants were categorized into normal cognition, SCD-only, OCD-only, and both SCD and OCD groups. After 4 years, participants were classified as having either no impairment or mild or global cognitive impairment (i.e., OCD). Binomial logistic regression analyses were performed with the cognitive statuses of the groups at follow-up and baseline as the dependent and independent variables, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we found that the SCD-only group had more modifiable protective factors against the risk of dementia than the OCD-only group. Community-dwelling older adults with normal cognition or those part of the SCD-only group had a lower risk of developing OCD during the 4-year follow-up, which may have been due to having more modifiable protective factors against the risk of dementia. Additionally, these factors may contribute to the inconsistencies in the literature on SCD outcomes.
Factors Associated with Dual-Fluency Walk Speed Improvement after Rehabilitation in Older Patients
Authors: Cubillé Marion , Couturier Catherine , Rincé Guy , Deschamps Thibault , Derkinderen Pascal , de Decker Laure , Berrut Gilles , Chapelet Guillaume
Published: December 2022

Walk speed measured under dual-task conditions (neurocognitive tasks) could reflect patient performance in real-life. Rehabilitation programs are effective in increasing walk speed, but few studies have evaluated the associations between geriatric factors and rehabilitation efficacy under dual-task conditions. Our objective was to investigate the association between geriatric factors and an increase in dual-task walk speed (threshold of 0.1 m/s), after a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. We performed a retrospective cohort study that included patients aged 75 years and over, who underwent a complete rehabilitation program and who had a neurocognitive assessment at baseline. The primary outcome was the increase in the dual-task (fluency verbal task) walking speed between pre- and post-rehabilitation assessments. In this study, 145 patients were included, with a mean age of 83.6 years old. After rehabilitation, dual-task walk speed increase in 62 (43%) patients. In multivariate analysis, the following factors were associated with an increase in dual-task walk speed: IADL (OR 2.50, 95% CI [1.26; 4.94], p = 0.009), vitamin D level (OR 0.83, 95% CI [0.72; 0.95], p = 0.008), severe sarcopenia (OR 0.00, 95% CI [0.00; 0.32], p = 0.016), depression (OR 15.85, 95% CI [1.32; 190.40], p = 0.029), number of drugs (OR 1.41, 95% CI [1.04; 1.92], p = 0.027), initial dual-fluency walk speed (OR 0.92, 95% CI [0.86; 0.98], p = 0.014) and time interval between initial and final assessments (OR 0.98, 95% CI [0.96; 1.00], p = 0.06). Identifying patients that are less resilient to rehabilitation may promote a centered-patient approach for an individualized and optimized rehabilitation care.
Motor Skills and Visual Deficits in Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Narrative Review
Authors: Pinero-Pinto Elena , Romero-Galisteo Rita Pilar , Sánchez-González María Carmen , Escobio-Prieto Isabel , Luque-Moreno Carlos , Palomo-Carrión Rocío
Published: December 2022

Background: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a developmental disorder in which numerous comorbidities seem to coexist, such as motor and visual impairment and some executive functions; Methods: A narrative review on motor and visual deficits in children with DCD was carried out; Results and Discussion: Fine and gross motor skills are affected in children with DCD. In addition, they seem to be related to visual deficits, such as difficulty in visual perception, sensory processing and visual memory. Limitations have also been found in accommodation. Interventions in children with DCD should be aimed at improving both aspects, since vision affects motor skills and vice versa; Conclusions: In children with DCD, who present a marked deficit in global shape processing, it causes an association between deficiencies in visual perception and motor skills.
Immunogenetic Role of IL17A Polymorphism in the Pathogenesis of Recurrent Miscarriage
Authors: Ali Shafat , Majid Sabhiya , Ali Md. Niamat , Banday Mujeeb Zafar , Taing Shahnaz , Wani Saima , Almuqbil Mansour , Alshehri Sultan , Shamim Kashif , Rehman Muneeb U.
Published: December 2022

Interleukin-17A (IL17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine and is assumed to play an important role in fetal rejection. In order to evaluate the potential role of IL17A polymorphism in the pathogenesis of recurrent miscarriage (RM), serum IL17A levels were estimated by ELISA. Single-nucleotide polymorphism was assessed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using gene-specific primers and the EcoNI restriction enzyme. Serum IL17A levels were nonsignificantly (p > 0.5) low in RM patients compared with the control group. IL17A gene amplification by PCR yielded the undigested product of 815 bp, and its digestion with EcoNI enzyme produced 815, 529, 286, and 270 bp fragments for the GG genotype; 529, 286, and 270 bp fragments for the GA genotype; and 529 and 286 bp fragments for the AA genotype. The genotype frequency between the RM and control groups exhibited a significant difference (p = 0.001), whereas no significant difference was observed between allele frequencies in the two groups (p = 0.0954). These data suggest that the IL17A gene polymorphism exhibits no significant effect on IL17A gene expression. However, it significantly decreases and increases RM risk in the homozygous and recessive models, suggesting its potential pregnancy-protecting and -harming roles in the AA and GA + GG genotypes, respectively.
Diagnosing Sport-Related Flow Limitations in the Iliac Arteries Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: van Hooff Martijn , Arnold Jem , Meijer Eduard , Schreuder Paul , Regis Marta , Xu Lin , Scheltinga Marc , Savelberg Hans , Schep Goof
Published: December 2022

Background: A flow limitation in the iliac arteries (FLIA) in endurance athletes is notoriously difficult to diagnose with the currently available diagnostic tools. At present, a commonly used diagnostic measure is a decrease in ankle brachial index with flex hips (ABIFlexed) following a maximal effort exercise test. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive technique that measures skeletal muscle oxygenation as reflected by the balance of O2 delivery from microvascular blood flow and O2 uptake by metabolic activity. Therefore, NIRS potentially serves as a novel technique for diagnosing FLIA. The purpose of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy of NIRS-derived absolute, amplitude, and kinetic variables in legs during and after a maximal exercise test with ABIFlexed. Methods: ABIFlexed and NIRS were studied in 33 healthy subjects and 201 patients with FLIA diagnosed with echo-Doppler. Results: After maximal exercise, NIRS kinetic variables, such as the half value time and mean response time, resulted in a range of 0.921 to 0.939 AUC for the diagnosis of FLIA when combined with ABIFlexed. Conversely, ABIFlexed measurements alone conferred significantly worse test characteristics (AUC 0.717, p < 0.001). Conclusions: NIRS may serve as a diagnostic adjunct in patients with possible FLIA.
Degradable Pure Magnesium Used as a Barrier Film for Oral Bone Regeneration
Authors: Shan Xianfeng , Xu Yu , Kolawole Sharafadeen Kunle , Wen Ling , Qi Zhenwei , Xu Weiwei , Chen Junxiu
Published: December 2022

The barrier membrane plays an extremely critical role in guided bone regeneration (GBR), which determines the success or failure of GBR technology. In order to obtain barrier membranes with high mechanical strength and degradability, some researchers have focused on degradable magnesium alloys. However, the degradation rate of pure Mg-based materials in body fluids is rather fast, thus posing an urgent problem to be solved in oral clinics. In this study, a novel micro-arc oxidation (MAO) surface-treated pure Mg membrane was prepared. Electrochemical tests, immersion experiments and in vivo experiments were carried out to investigate its potential use as a barrier membrane. The experimental results showed that the corrosion resistance of a pure Mg membrane treated by MAO is better than that of the uncoated pure Mg. The results of cell experiments showed no obvious cytotoxicity, which suggests the enhanced differentiation of osteoblasts. At the same time, the MAO-Mg membrane showed better biological activity than the pure Ti membrane in the early stage of implantation, exhibiting relatively good bone regeneration ability. Consequently, the MAO membrane has been proven to possess good application prospects for guided bone regeneration.
Energy Sustainability in Wireless Sensor Networks: An Analytical Survey
Authors: Evangelakos Emmanouil Andreas , Kandris Dionisis , Rountos Dimitris , Tselikis George , Anastasiadis Eleftherios
Published: December 2022

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) are considered to be among the most important scientific domains. Yet, the exploitation of WSNs suffers from the severe energy restrictions of their electronic components. For this reason there are numerous scientific methods that have been proposed aiming to achieve the extension of the lifetime of WSNs, either by energy saving or energy harvesting or through energy transfer. This study aims to analytically examine all of the existing hardware-based and algorithm-based mechanisms of this kind. The operating principles of 48 approaches are studied, their relative advantages and weaknesses are highlighted, open research issues are discussed, and resultant concluding remarks are drawn.
A Network DEA Approach for Performance Evaluation of Safety Supervision and Rescue Capability in the Port Waters of Changjiang MSA
Authors: Gan Guo-Ya , Wang Qin , Wang Qian-Feng
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the global economic situation and the development of the international shipping industry have been deeply affected by COVID-19. Since 2021, China has gradually recovered its international shipping supply chain industry with the help of government policy support, and its GDP has grown by 8.1% year by year. Under this favorable macroeconomic background, the Yangtze River waterway transportation, with its good waterway conditions, has led to the continuous increase in transportation demands. However, while pursuing rapid economic growth, ensuring the navigation safety and rescue of ships in the waterway has been one of the key issues of concern for maritime divisions along the Yangtze River. Therefore, combined with the network date envelopment data (DEA) model, this study intends to construct a new set of performance evaluation models in line with their safety supervision and rescue capability based on the daily work characteristics of the Changjiang Maritime Safety Administration (MSA). The occurrence of disasters in their port areas has been taken into consideration as the key undesirable variable. This study hopes to screen out worthy pacesetter representatives, and further suggests more targeted improvement options for inefficient maritime authorities to facilitate more effective safety supervision in the future.
A New Leader–Follower Public-Opinion Evolution Model for Maritime Transport Incidents: A Case from Suez Canal Blockage
Authors: Wu Jian , Chen Yan , Gai Tiantian , Liu Yujia , Li Yan , Cao Mingshuo
Published: December 2022

The Suez Canal blockage (SCB) event, one of the world’s major transportation arteries, has attracted significant public attention. This article proposes a new leader–follower public-opinion evolution model on the SCB under online social media, which considers two aspects: (1) obtaining public opinion and attitudes about the SCB; and (2) grasping the evolutionary trend in public opinion on the SCB. To identify the sentiment tendency contained in the collected data, a hybrid sentiment analysis algorithm is presented to analyze Chinese and English data, which captures and analyzes public attitudes on the SCB. In addition, then, the opinion leader-identification mechanism algorithm is proposed, which divides leaders into three categories: positive, neutral and negative leaders. Moreover, the Hegselmann–Krause-based opinion leaders–followers opinion evolution model for the SCB event is established, which not only reflects the interaction of opinions among the online public, but also updates the opinions of the online public until it reaches a stable state. Finally, results and analysis for the SCB are discussed.
Design of a Full-Ocean-Depth Macroorganism Pressure-Retaining Sampler and Fluid Simulation of the Sampling Process
Authors: Liu Guangping , Jin Yongping , Peng Youduo , Liu Deshun , Wan Buyan
Published: December 2022

Hadal seafloor organisms live under ultra-high pressure, in low temperatures, and other environments for a long time, which puts higher requirements on the structural design of deep-sea biological samplers. In this paper, we present a full-ocean-depth hydraulic suction macroorganism pressure-retaining sampling method, which actively samples seafloor macroorganisms by pumping and stabilizing the pressure inside the sampler using a pressure compensator. Firstly, the structure and working principle of the hydraulic suction macroorganism pressure-retaining sampler (HSMPS) were introduced. Then the flow field of the HSMPS sampling process was analyzed, and the velocity and pressure distribution of the flow field at different locations of the HSMPS were obtained. In response to the problem of the low viability of samples collected by deep-sea biological samplers, the changes in radial velocity and pressure at different positions of the sampler under different pumping flows were analyzed. Finally, the appropriate suction flow rate was selected based on the analysis results, and HSMPS suction tests and simulated sampling tests, under a 110 MPa high-pressure environment, were carried out using the developed HSMPS engineering prototype. The test results verify the feasibility of the HSMPS design, which will provide strong support for the deep abyssal seafloor sampling operation of the full-ocean-depth manned submersible.
A Critical Examination for Widespread Usage of Shipping Big Data Analytics in China
Authors: Chen Jinhai , Chang Siheng , Zhang Pengfei , Chen Qiong , Peng Peng , Claramunt Christophe
Published: December 2022

Big Data Analytics (BDA) provides valuable opportunities for the optimization of maritime shipping management and operations. This might have a significant and beneficial impact on the Chinese maritime industry, which has recently emerged as a prominent player on the global stage due to the fast development of its maritime infrastructures and economical opportunities. This paper introduces two-field research conducted by a web-based questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews with a large number of stakeholders in the maritime sector. The analyses show the impact of the development of big data technologies as well as current obstacles which constrain their deployment in the global maritime sector. The paper finally suggests several directions for promoting the wide-scale utilization of BDA in the maritime industry.
Cloning and Molecular Characterization of CmOxdc3 Coding for Oxalate Decarboxylase in the Mycoparasite Coniothyrium minitans
Authors: Xu Yuping , Wu Mingde , Zhang Jing , Li Guoqing , Yang Long
Published: December 2022

Coniothyrium minitans (Cm) is a mycoparasitic fungus of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Ss), the causal agent of Sclerotinia stem rot of oilseed rape. Ss can produce oxalic acid (OA) as a phytotoxin, whereas Cm can degrade OA, thereby nullifying the toxic effect of OA. Two oxalate decarboxylase (OxDC)-coding genes, CmOxdc1 and CmOxdc2, were cloned, and only CmOxdc1 was found to be partially responsible for OA degradation, implying that other OA-degrading genes may exist in Cm. This study cloned a novel OxDC gene (CmOxdc3) in Cm and its OA-degrading function was characterized by disruption and complementation of CmOxdc3. Sequence analysis indicated that, unlike CmOxdc1, CmOxdc3 does not have the signal peptide sequence, implying that CmOxDC3 may have no secretory capability. Quantitative RT-PCR showed that CmOxdc3 was up-regulated in the presence of OA, malonic acid and hydrochloric acid. Deletion of CmOxdc3 resulted in reduced capability to parasitize sclerotia of Ss. The polypeptide (CmOxDC3) encoded by CmOxdc3 was localized in cytoplasm and gathered in vacuoles in response to the extracellular OA. Taken together, our results demonstrated that CmOxdc3 is a novel gene responsible for OA degradation, which may work in a synergistic manner with CmOxdc1.
Corporate Investment Decision: A Review of Literature
Authors: Farooq Umar , Tabash Mosab I. , Al-Naimi Ahmad A. , Drachal Krzysztof
Published: December 2022

This study is an attempt to review relevant literature on the theme of corporate real investment decisions. We have conducted a comprehensive survey of literature on the studies published in well-reputed journals of finance, i.e., The Journal of Finance, The Review of Financial Studies, and The Journal of Financial Economics, during the years 2010 to 2022. The theoretical analysis reveals that information asymmetry, cash holdings, policy uncertainty, idiosyncratic risk, governance quality, financing diversification, financial development, managerial network, investor protection, tax policy, etc., are prominent factors influencing investment decisions. The current review analysis is useful and has certain policy implications for investment managers regarding investment decisions. It guides on the factors that can impede or boost investment volume. Our study has a novel contribution to the literature by summarizing the voluminous empirical literature arranged on physical investment decisions.
Selection and Application of Quantitative Indicators of Paths Based on Graph Theory: A Case Study of Traditional Private and Antique Gardens in Beijing
Authors: Wang Yunda , Shu Qiguan , Chen Ming , Chen Xudounan , Takeda Shiro , Zhang Junhua
Published: December 2022

Chinese Traditional Gardens (CTGs) are an important part of China’s cultural inheritance from the past. Today’s China has experienced rapid urbanization, raising the need for a new form of contemporary gardens intended to satisfy peoples’ need for traditional culture. Garden paths are important in CTGs; they are designed to show visitors changing views with each step, and to lead them to secluded, quiet places via winding paths. This enhances the ornamental interest of the gardens. Based on plane graphics, this study evaluates the characteristics of three types of garden paths in fourteen traditional gardens and a contemporary antique garden, the Daguan Garden in Beijing. The analysis uses correlation and factor analysis to integrate 28 quantitative path indicators into five aspects of average, scale, network, wide, and aggregation. The 28 indicators can be expressed by six simple indicators: average connection length, number of path sections, alpha index, average width, average tortuous angle, and concentration degree. The results show small variations of garden paths between traditional gardens, but a considerable difference between the contemporary garden and traditional gardens. The research proposes a framework for the quantification and comparison of garden path features that can be applied before and after garden path construction, for both ancient and modern garden styles. This framework generates garden path feature values and theoretical values of six indicators, and is not constrained by the garden scale. Therefore, it provides an accurate and efficient design tool for garden designers.
Estimation and Dynamic Analysis of Soil Salinity Based on UAV and Sentinel-2A Multispectral Imagery in the Coastal Area, China
Authors: Zhang Zixuan , Niu Beibei , Li Xinju , Kang Xingjian , Hu Zhenqi
Published: December 2022

An efficient, convenient, and accurate method for monitoring the distribution characteristics of soil salinity is required to effectively control the damage of saline soil to the land environment and maintain a virtuous cycle of the ecological environment. There are still problems with single-monitoring data that cannot meet the requirements of different regional scales and accuracy, including inconsistent band reflectance between multi-source sensor data. This article proposes a monitoring method based on the multi-source data fusion of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral remote sensing, Sentinel-2A satellite remote sensing, and ground-measured salinity data. The research area and two experimental fields were located in the Yellow River Delta (YRD). The results show that the back-propagation neural network model (BPNN) in the comprehensive estimation model is the best prediction model for soil salinity (modeling accuracy R2 reaches 0.769, verification accuracy R2 reaches 0.774). There is a strong correlation between the satellite and UAV imagery, while the Sentinel-2A imagery after reflectivity correction has a superior estimation effect. In addition, the results of dynamic analysis show that the area of non-saline soil and mild-saline soil decreased, while the area of moderately and heavily saline soils and solonchak increased. Additionally, the average area share of different classes of saline soils distributed over the land use types varied in order, from unused land > grassland > forest land > arable land, where the area share of severe-saline soil distributed on unused land changed the most (89.142%). In this study, the results of estimation are close to the true values, which supports the feasibility of the multi-source data fusion method of UAV remote sensing satellite ground measurements. It not only achieves the estimation of soil salinity and monitoring of change patterns at different scales, but also achieve high accuracy of soil salinity prediction in ascending scale regions. It provides a theoretical scientific basis for the remediation of soil salinization, land use, and environmental protection policies in coastal areas.
Is There an Effect of Diglossia on Executive Functions? An Investigation among Adult Diglossic Speakers of Arabic
Authors: Alrwaita Najla , Meteyard Lotte , Houston-Price Carmel , Pliatsikas Christos
Published: December 2022

Recent studies investigating whether bilingualism has effects on cognitive abilities beyond language have produced mixed results, with evidence from young adults typically showing no effects. These inconclusive patterns have been attributed to many uncontrolled factors, including linguistic similarity and the conversational contexts the bilinguals find themselves in, including the opportunities they get to switch between their languages. In this study, we focus on the effects on cognition of diglossia, a linguistic situation where two varieties of the same language are spoken in different and clearly separable contexts. We used linear mixed models to compare 32 Arabic diglossic young adults and 38 English monolinguals on cognitive tasks assessing the executive function domains of inhibition, and switching. Results revealed that, despite both groups performing as expected on all tasks, there were no effects of diglossia in any of these domains. These results are discussed in relation to the Adaptive Control Hypothesis. We propose that any effects on executive functions that could be attributed to the use of more than one language or language variety may not be readily expected in contexts with limited opportunities for switching between them, especially in younger adults.
Mechanical Properties and Failure Behavior of Dry and Water-Saturated Foliated Phyllite under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Wen Guanping , Hu Jianhua , Wu Yabin , Zhang Zong-Xian , Xu Xiao , Xiang Rui
Published: December 2022

Phyllite is widely distributed in nature, and it deserves to be studied considering rock engineering applications. In this study, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on foliated phyllite with different foliation angles under dry and water-saturated conditions. The impacts of water content and foliation angle on the stress–strain curves and basic mechanical properties of the Phyllite were analyzed. The experimental results indicate that the peak stress and peak strain decrease first and then increase with increasing foliation angle as a U-shape or V-shape, and the phyllite specimens are weakened significantly by the presence of water. Moreover, an approach with acoustic emission, digital image correlation, and scanning electron microscopic is employed to observe and analyze the macroscopic and mesoscopic failure process. The results show that tensile microcracks dominate during the progressive failure of phyllite, and their initiation, propagation, and coalescence are the main reasons for the failure of the phyllite specimens. The water acts on biotite and clay minerals that are main components of phyllite, and it contributes to the initiation, propagation, and coalescence of numerous microcracks. Finally, four failure modes are classified as followed: (a) for the specimens with small foliation angles α = 0° or 30° (Saturated), both shear sliding and tensile-split across the foliation planes; (b) for the specimens with low to medium foliation angles α = 30° (Dry) or 45°(Saturated), shear sliding dominates the foliation planes; (c) for the specimens with medium to high foliation angles α = 45° (Dry) or 60°, shear sliding dominates the foliation planes; (d) for the specimens with high foliation angles α = 90°, tensile-split dominates the foliation planes.
Study on Residual Stress and Optimization of Welding Parameters in Linear Friction Welding of TC17 Titanium Alloy
Authors: Gong Hai , Liu Meiqin , Zhang Tao , He Yongbiao , Wu Yunxin , Yu Zhouxiang
Published: December 2022

Linear friction welding (LFW) is a kind of advanced manufacturing technology and used mainly in the manufacturing of aircraft engine bladed disks (blisks) currently. However, the residual stress evolution of TC17 titanium alloy during LFW is complex and its distribution is difficult to characterize. In this study, the residual stress of welding was studied using numerical simulation and experimental methods. The results showed that the maximum temperature on the welded surface was up to 1000 °C and the cooling rates in the lengthwise, widthwise, and normal direction with the same distance from the center of the weld were 456 °C/s, 448 °C/s, and 232 °C/s, respectively. The lengthwise stress on the welding surface was the largest, followed by the widthwise stress and normal stress. Among the three factors affecting welding stress, the upsetting force played a leading role, followed by the vibration amplitude and frequency of the welded parts. By optimizing the process parameters: upsetting force 18.2 kN, vibration amplitude 2.5 mm, vibration frequency 40 Hz, a 30% decrease of the maximum residual stress could be achieved compared to that without optimization. The residual stress before and after welding parameter optimization was measured by the contour method, and the measured results were in good agreement with the simulation results, which verified the effectiveness of parameter optimization on residual stress controlling.
AACVD of Cu3N on Al2O3 Using CuCl2 and NH3
Authors: Zervos Matthew
Published: December 2022

Cu3N has been grown on m-Al2O3 by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition using 0.1 M CuCl2 in CH3CH2OH under an excess of NH3 at 600 °C, which led to the deposition of Cu that was subsequently converted into Cu3N under NH3: O2 at 400 °C in a two-step process without exposure to the ambient. The reaction of CuCl2 with an excess of NH3 did not lead to the growth of Cu3N, which is different to the case of halide vapor phase epitaxy of III-V semiconductors. The Cu3N layers obtained in this way had an anti-ReO3 cubic crystal structure with a lattice constant of 3.8 Å and were found to be persistently n-type, with a room temperature carrier density of n = 2 × 1016 cm−3 and mobility of µn = 32 cm2/Vs. The surface depletion, calculated in the effective mass approximation, was found to extend over ~0.15 µm by considering a surface barrier height of ϕB = 0.4 eV related to the formation of native Cu2O.
High-Temperature Resistance of Modified Potassium Magnesium Phosphate Cement
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Liu Yan , Yan Zizhuo , Chen Zhuoyi
Published: December 2022

To study the high-temperature mechanical properties of potassium magnesium phosphate cement mortar and the high-temperature resistance of its laminates. Potassium magnesium phosphate cement (MKPC) was prepared by using heavy-burning magnesium oxide and potassium dihydrogen phosphate as the main raw materials, borax as the retarder, and compounded with a certain amount of fly ash and silica fume. The effect of the mass ratio of magnesium to phosphorus (M:P), compounded fly ash and silica fume on the setting time and mechanical properties of MKPC was investigated. Furthermore, based on the better M:P, the compressive strength of MKPC mortar was studied after 3 h of constant temperature at 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C, and the effect of fly ash and silica fume on the high-temperature resistance of MKPC was analyzed. The high-temperature resistance of MKPC was further evaluated by analyzing the temperature variation of potassium magnesium phosphate cement laminate during a constant temperature of 650 °C for 3 h. The results showed that the mechanical properties of potassium magnesium phosphate cement were influenced by different raw material ratios, and the mechanical properties of potassium magnesium phosphate cement were optimal when M:P was 2:1, fly ash was 5% and silica fume was 15%. The internal temperature of MKPC laminate increased slowly with time, and its high-temperature resistance was better.
Effects of Thermal Stress on the Formation and Cracking Behavior of Nickel-Based Superalloys by Selective Laser Melting Based on a Coupled Thermo-Mechanical Model
Authors: Nie Shijin , Li Lin , Wang Qin , Zhao Rongxia , Lin Xin , Liu Furong
Published: December 2022

Complex thermal cycles and stress fields commonly occur in the selective laser melting process for nickel-based superalloys, which are prone to generating cracks and decreasing the performance of forming parts. In this paper, the reasons for cracking were analyzed by combining the experiment with the evolution behavior of the temperature field/stress field during the solidification process of a nickel-based superalloy (FGH96) via a three-dimensional finite element thermo-mechanical coupling model. It showed that a radial temperature distribution of the melting pool led to a similar distributed stress; as a result, the value declined slowly along the scanning direction but declined quickly along the direction perpendicular to the scanning direction. A stress concentration with maximum stress up to 339 MPa was found at the center of the molten pool, easily causing a crack in SLM. It was found that both the initiation and propagation of the cracks were along the grain growth direction and were affected by the epitaxial growth of columnar crystals. For the case of process parameters with relatively high power or low scanning speed, the stress value of the molten pool during solidification was more than 370 MPa so as to form a large area of cracks. The adjustment of the rotation angle between the adjacent layers was effective at avoiding stress accumulation in the building direction and prevent the formation of long grain boundaries, thus avoiding crack propagation. The present study lays a foundation for the wide applications of selective laser melting technologies in nickel-based superalloys.
Critical Current Density in d-Wave Hubbard Superconductors
Authors: Millán José Samuel , Millán Jorge , Pérez Luis A. , Ruiz Harold S.
Published: December 2022

In this work, the Generalized Hubbard Model on a square lattice is applied to evaluate the electrical current density of high critical temperature d-wave superconductors with a set of Hamiltonian parameters allowing them to reach critical temperatures close to 100 K. The appropriate set of Hamiltonian parameters permits us to apply our model to real materials, finding a good quantitative fit with important macroscopic superconducting properties such as the critical superconducting temperature (Tc) and the critical current density (Jc). We propose that much as in a dispersive medium, in which the velocity of electrons can be estimated by the gradient of the dispersion relation ∇ε(k), the electron velocity is proportional to ∇E(k) in the superconducting state (where E(k)=(ε(k)−μ)2+Δ2(k) is the dispersion relation of the quasiparticles, and k is the electron wave vector). This considers the change of ε(k) with respect to the chemical potential (μ) and the formation of pairs that gives rise to an excitation energy gap Δ(k) in the electron density of states across the Fermi level. When ε(k)=μ at the Fermi surface (FS), only the term for the energy gap remains, whose magnitude reflects the strength of the pairing interaction. Under these conditions, we have found that the d-wave symmetry of the pairing interaction leads to a maximum critical current density in the vicinity of the antinodal k-space direction (π,0) of approximately 1.407236×108 A/cm2, with a much greater current density along the nodal direction (π2,π2) of 2.214702×109 A/cm2. These results allow for the establishment of a maximum limit for the critical current density that could be attained by a d-wave superconductor.
Vanadium (V) Adsorption from Aqueous Solutions Using Xerogel on the Basis of Silica and Iron Oxide Matrix
Authors: Matusoiu Florin , Negrea Adina , Ciopec Mihaela , Duteanu Narcis , Negrea Petru , Ianasi Paula , Ianasi Cătălin
Published: December 2022

Vanadium is considered a strategic metal with wide applications in various industries due to its unique chemical and physical properties. On the basis of these considerations, the recovery of vanadium (V) is mandatory because of the lack of raw materials. Various methods are used to recover vanadium (V) from used aqueous solutions. This study develops a clean and effective process for the recovery of vanadium (V) by using the adsorption method. At the same time, this study synthesizes a material starting from silica matrices and iron oxides, which is used as an adsorbent material. To show the phase composition, the obtained material is characterized by X-ray diffraction showing that the material is present in the amorphous phase, with a crystal size of 20 nm. However, the morphological texture of the material is determined by the N2 adsorption–desorption method, proving that the adsorbent material has a high surface area of 305 m2/g with a total pore volume of 1.55 cm3/g. To determine the efficiency of the SiO2FexOy material for the recovery of vanadium through the adsorption process, the role of specific parameters, such as the L-to-V ratio, pH, contact time, temperature, and initial vanadium concentration, must be evaluated. The adsorption process mechanism was established through kinetic, thermodynamic, and equilibrium studies. In our case, the process is physical, endothermic, spontaneous, and takes place at the interface of SiO2FexOy with V2O5. Following equilibrium studies, the maximum adsorption capacity of the SiO2FexOy material was 58.8 mg (V)/g of material.