bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Magnetoelastic Anisotropy on the Magnetization Processes in Rapidly Quenched Amorphous Nanowires
Authors: Rotarescu Cristian , Corodeanu Sorin , Hlenschi Costică , Stoian George , Chiriac Horia , Lupu Nicoleta , Óvári Tibor-Adrian
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we report for the first time on the theoretical and experimental investigation of Fe77.5Si7.5B15 amorphous glass-coated nanowires by analyzing samples with the same diameters in both cases. The hysteresis curves, the dependence of the switching field values on nanowire dimensions, and the effect of the magnetoelastic anisotropy on the magnetization processes were analyzed and interpreted to explain the magnetization reversal in highly magnetostrictive amorphous nanowires prepared in cylindrical shape by rapid quenching from the melt. All the measured samples were found to be magnetically bistable, being characterized by rectangular hysteresis loops. The most important feature of the study is the inclusion of the magnetoelastic anisotropy term that originates in the specific production process of these amorphous nanowires. The results show that the switching field decreases when the nanowire diameter increases and this effect is due to the reduction in anisotropy and in the intrinsic mechanical stresses. Moreover, the obtained results reveal the importance of factors such as geometry and magnetoelastic anisotropy for the experimental design of cylindrical amorphous nanowires for multiple applications in miniaturized devices, like micro and nanosensors.
Flexural Strength and Morphological Study of Different Multilayer Zirconia Dental Materials
Authors: Labetić Andrea , Klaser Teodoro , Skoko Željko , Jakovac Marko , Žic Mark
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, yttria (Y3+)-stabilized ZrO2 (Y-TZP) is the most commonly used material in dental prosthetics. Y-TZP dental ceramics are mainly stabilized via the addition of 3 mol% yttrium oxide (Y2O3). These ceramics exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including high flexural strength, fracture toughness, elastic modulus, etc. Some manufacturers have recently introduced a new class of dental materials with multilayer composition with the aim of combining the advantages of adding more or less Y2O3 to the ceramic composition in one Y-TZP material. The flexural strength values of multilayer Y-TZP may vary depending on the dimensions of the specimen, layer distributions, and especially the layer exposed on the maximum tension side, i.e., loading configuration. Although previous studies have examined the flexural strength of separate Y-TZP layers, capturing the flexural strength of multilayer Y-TZP is still challenging. However, one should keep in mind that multilayer flexural strength is important for clinical indications. The objective of this study is to compare the flexural strength of three distinct multilayer translucent Y-TZP materials made up of layers with different Y3+ contents. Rectangular samples (2 mm × 2 mm × 16 mm) were prepared from CAD/CAM discs using the milling machine Programill PM7 (Ivoclar Vivadent AG). Milled bars were tested for flexural strength in a three-point bending test (ISO 6872:2015) using a universal testing machine (Inspekt Duo 5kN; Hegewald & Peschke, Nossen, Germany) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Representative samples of each type of material were selected for quantitative and qualitative analysis of the microstructure. Representative samples of each type of material were selected for structural, mechanical, and microstructural analyses.
Pulsed Optical Vortex Array Generation in a Self-Q-Switched Tm:YALO3 Laser
Authors: Tong Luyang , Chen Changdong , Cai Yangjian , Zhao Lina
Published: March 2024

Optical vortex arrays are characterized by specific orbital angular momentums, and they have important applications in optical trapping and manipulation, optical communications, secure communications, and high-security information processing. Despite widespread research on optical vortex arrays, the 2 μm wavelength range remains underexplored. Pulsed lasers at 2 μm are vital in laser medicine, sensing, communications, and nonlinear optic applications. The need for 2 μm-pulsed structured optical vortices, combining the advantages of this wavelength range and optical vortex arrays, is evident. Therefore, using just three elements in the cavity, we demonstrate a compact self-Q-switched Tm:YALO3 vortex laser by utilizing the self-modulation effect of a laser crystal and a defect spot mirror. By tuning the position of the defect spot and the output coupler, the resonator delivers optical vortex arrays with phase singularities ranging from 1 to 4. The narrowest pulse widths of the TEM00 LG0,−1, two-, three-, and four-vortex arrays are 543, 1266, 1281, 2379, and 1615 ns, respectively. All the vortex arrays in our study have relatively high-power outputs, slope efficiencies, and single-pulse energies. This work paves the way for a 2 μm-pulsed structured light source that has potential applications in optical trapping and manipulation, free-space optical communications, and laser medicine.
Dislocation Hardening in a New Manufacturing Route of Ferritic Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened Fe-14Cr Cladding Tube
Authors: Salliot Freddy , Borbély András , Sornin Denis , Logé Roland , Spartacus Gabriel , Leguy Hadrien , Baudin Thierry , de Carlan Yann
Published: March 2024

The microstructure evolution associated with the cold forming sequence of an Fe-14Cr-1W-0.3Ti-0.3Y2O3 grade ferritic stainless steel strengthened by dispersion of nano oxides (ODS) was investigated. The material, initially hot extruded at 1100 °C and then shaped into cladding tube geometry via HPTR cold pilgering, shows a high microstructure stability that affects stress release heat treatment efficiency. Each step of the process was analyzed to better understand the microstructure stability of the material. Despite high levels of stored energy, heat treatments, up to 1350 °C, do not allow for recrystallization of the material. The Vickers hardness shows significant variations along the manufacturing steps. Thanks to a combination of EBSD and X-ray diffraction measurements, this study gives a new insight into the contribution of statistically stored dislocation (SSD) recovery on the hardness evolution during an ODS steel cold forming sequence. SSD density, close to 4.1015 m−2 after cold rolling, drops by only an order of magnitude during heat treatment, while geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) density, close to 1.1015 m−2, remains stable. Hardness decrease during heat treatments appears to be controlled only by the evolution of SSD.
Wide-Bandgap Semiconductors for Radiation Detection: A Review
Authors: Capan Ivana
Published: March 2024

In this paper, an overview of wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors for radiation detection applications is given. The recent advancements in the fabrication of high-quality wafers have enabled remarkable WBG semiconductor device applications. The most common 4H-SiC, GaN, and β-Ga2O3 devices used for radiation detection are described. The 4H-SiC and GaN devices have already achieved exceptional results in the detection of alpha particles and neutrons, thermal neutrons in particular. While β-Ga2O3 devices have not yet reached the same level of technological maturity (compared to 4H-SiC and GaN), their current achievements for X-ray detection indicate great potential and promising prospects for future applications.
Gas-Phase Fabrication and Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 and TiO2–CuO Nanoparticulate Thin Films
Authors: Hudandini Meditha , Kusdianto Kusdianto , Kubo Masaru , Shimada Manabu
Published: March 2024

CuO-loaded TiO2 nanomaterials have applications in pollutant degradation via photocatalysis. However, the existing methods of fabricating these nanomaterials involve liquid-phase processes, which require several steps and typically generate liquid waste. In this study, TiO2 and TiO2–CuO nanoparticulate thin films were successfully fabricated through a one-step gas-phase approach involving a combination of plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition. The resulting films consisted of small, spherical TiO2 nanoparticles with observable CuO on the TiO2 surface. Upon annealing in air, the TiO2 nanoparticles were crystallized, and CuO was completely oxidized. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2–CuO/H2O2, when introduced into the rhodamine 6G degradation system, was substantially enhanced under both ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. Moreover, this study highlights the influence of pH on the photocatalytic activity; TiO2–CuO/H2O2 exhibited the highest photocatalytic activity at pH 13, with a reaction rate constant of 0.99 h−1 cm−2 after 180 min of visible light irradiation. These findings could facilitate the development of nanoparticulate thin films for enhanced pollutant degradation in wastewater treatment.
Microstructure and Property Evolution of Diamond/GaInSn Composites under Thermal Load and High Humidity
Authors: Du Shijie , Guo Hong , Zhang Jie , Xie Zhongnan , Yang Hui , Wu Nan , Liu Yulin
Published: March 2024

As a thermal interface material, diamond/GaInSn composites have wide-ranging application prospects in the thermal management of chips. However, studies on systematic reliability that can guide the practical application of diamond/GaInSn in the high-temperature, high-temperature impact, or high-humidity service environments that are faced by chips remain lacking. In this study, the performance evolution of diamond/GaInSn was studied under high-temperature storage (150 °C), high- and low-temperature cycling (−50 °C to 125 °C), and high temperature and high humidity (85 °C and 85% humidity). The experimental results reveal the failure mechanism of semi-solid composites during high temperature oxidation. It is revealed that core oxidation is the key to the degradation of liquid metal composites’ properties under high-temperature storage and high- and low-temperature cycling conditions. Under the conditions of high temperature and high humidity, the failure of Ga-based liquid metal and its composite materials is significant. Therefore, the material should avoid high-temperature and high-humidity environments.
Designing Gold Nanoparticles for Precise Glioma Treatment: Challenges and Alternatives
Authors: Lansangan Cedric , Khoobchandani Menka , Jain Ruchit , Rudensky Serge , Perry Christopher C. , Patil Rameshwar
Published: March 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a glioma and the most aggressive type of brain tumor with a dismal average survival time, despite the standard of care. One promising alternative therapy is boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), which is a noninvasive therapy for treating locally invasive malignant tumors, such as glioma. BNCT involves boron-10 isotope capturing neutrons to form boron-11, which then releases radiation directly into tumor cells with minimal damage to healthy tissues. This therapy lacks clinically approved targeted blood–brain-barrier-permeating delivery vehicles for the central nervous system (CNS) entry of therapeutic boron-10. Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are selective and effective drug-delivery vehicles because of their desirable properties, facile synthesis, and biocompatibility. This review discusses biomedical/therapeutic applications of GNPs as a drug delivery vehicle, with an emphasis on their potential for carrying therapeutic drugs, imaging agents, and GBM-targeting antibodies/peptides for treating glioma. The constraints of GNP therapeutic efficacy and biosafety are discussed.
Removing Heavy Metals: Cutting-Edge Strategies and Advancements in Biosorption Technology
Authors: Staszak Katarzyna , Regel-Rosocka Magdalena
Published: March 2024

This article explores recent advancements and innovative strategies in biosorption technology, with a particular focus on the removal of heavy metals, such as Cu(II), Pb(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI), Zn(II), and Ni(II), and a metalloid, As(V), from various sources. Detailed information on biosorbents, including their composition, structure, and performance metrics in heavy metal sorption, is presented. Specific attention is given to the numerical values of the adsorption capacities for each metal, showcasing the efficacy of biosorbents in removing Cu (up to 96.4%), Pb (up to 95%), Cr (up to 99.9%), Zn (up to 99%), Ni (up to 93.8%), and As (up to 92.9%) from wastewater and industrial effluents. In addition, the issue of biosorbent deactivation and failure over time is highlighted as it is crucial for the successful implementation of adsorption in practical applications. Such phenomena as blockage by other cations or chemical decomposition are reported, and chemical, thermal, and microwave treatments are indicated as effective regeneration techniques. Ongoing research should focus on the development of more resilient biosorbent materials, optimizing regeneration techniques, and exploring innovative approaches to improve the long-term performance and sustainability of biosorption technologies. The analysis showed that biosorption emerges as a promising strategy for alleviating pollutants in wastewater and industrial effluents, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to addressing water pollution challenges.
Ultra-Thin and Broadband P-Band Metamaterial Absorber Based on Carbonyl Iron Powder Composites
Authors: Zhou Mengyu , Chen Yubin , He Yuguang , Yang Cheng
Published: March 2024

The field of P-band (0.3–1 GHz) absorption has witnessed rapid development in metamaterial absorbers due to their exceptional designability and the absence of restrictions imposed by the one-fourth wavelength rule. In this study, we combined carbonyl iron powder (CIP) composites with a periodic structure composed of metal capacitive patterns and employed a genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the electromagnetic parameters of the CIP substrate. By selecting the appropriate shape and material for the units of pattern based on transmission line theory, as well as regulating relevant structural parameters, we successfully designed an ultra-thin broadband metamaterial absorber for the P-band. Experimental results demonstrate that within the range of 0.3–0.85 GHz, the reflection loss of our absorber remains below −5 dB, with a maximum value of −9.54 dB occurring at 0.45 GHz. Remarkably, this absorber possesses a thickness equivalent to only 1/293 of its working wavelength. Then, we conducted analyses on electric field distribution, magnetic field distribution, and energy loss density. Our findings suggest that high-performance absorption in metamaterials can be attributed to λ/4 resonant or coupling effects between structural units or diffraction phenomena. This absorber offers several advantages, including broad low-frequency absorption capability, ultra-thin profile, and convenient fabrication process, thus providing valuable theoretical insights for designing metamaterial structures.
FRCM Confinement of Masonry: Strain Model Assessment and New Proposals
Authors: Napoli Annalisa , Realfonzo Roberto
Published: March 2024

One of the main limitations to the use of fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites for the external confinement of masonry is the lack of accurate formulas for estimating the compressive strength and ultimate strain of confined members. With the aim of providing a contribution on the topic, the authors have been carrying out studies on the FRCM-confined masonry for some time and, in a recent study, they proposed some formulations for the prediction of compressive strength. In continuity to that work, an analytical study on the ultimate strain of FRCM-confined masonry is presented in this paper, and preliminary models were derived by considering a wide experimental database compiled from the technical literature. The accuracy of the found relationships was examined based on a comparison with the few formulas published in the literature or reported in international guidelines. To this purpose, it is worth highlighting that the current Italian Guidelines CNR-DT 215/2018 do not provide indications about the estimation of the ultimate strain of FRCM-confined masonry, and the study proposed here attempts to provide a contribution to the mentioned document.
Temperature Prediction for 3 MW Wind-Turbine Gearbox Based on Thermal Network Model
Authors: Cui Yi-Fan , Zhang Ying-Hui , He Wei-Dong , Dong Lian-Jun
Published: March 2024

Focusing on the investigation of a 3 MW wind-turbine gearbox, this paper’s aim is to address the challenge of turbine shutdown due to the internal oil temperature exceeding its limits. Additionally, there is the difficulty in measuring the internal temperature. To tackle these issues, a thermal network model for the entire gearbox was developed. This model is based on an analysis of the thermodynamic behavior of the three-stage transmission in the wind-turbine gearbox and internal oil-spray lubrication. Through this model, thermal balance equations were established to predict the steady-state temperatures under different operating conditions. This study delved into the calculation methods for the power loss of heat sources in thermodynamic balance equations and the calculation methods for different types of thermal resistance between nodes, forming an adapted computational process. Applying this model, simulated analyses yielded temperatures at various nodes and bearing temperatures under different operating conditions. These results were compared with actual SCADA data, and steady-state thermal simulations of the high-speed stages were conducted, demonstrating the model’s effectiveness in predicting steady-state temperatures for a large-megawatt wind-turbine gearbox. Furthermore, the model-based analysis explored the impact of the oil spray parameters on the gearbox temperature, providing a theoretical foundation for further anticipating overheating malfunctions and optimizing the internal cooling systems.
A Family of New Generating Functions for the Chebyshev Polynomials, Based on Works by Laplace, Lagrange and Euler
Authors: Brezinski Claude , Redivo-Zaglia Michela
Published: March 2024

Analyzing, developing and exploiting results obtained by Laplace in 1785 on the Fourier-series expansion of the function (1−2αcosθ+α2)−s, we obtain a family of new expansions and generating functions for the Chebyshev polynomials. A relation between the generating functions of the Chebyshev polynomials Tn and the Gegenbauer polynomials Cn(2) is given.
Deep Graph Learning-Based Surrogate Model for Inverse Modeling of Fractured Reservoirs
Authors: Ma Xiaopeng , Zhao Jinsheng , Zhou Desheng , Zhang Kai , Tian Yapeng
Published: March 2024

Inverse modeling can estimate uncertain parameters in subsurface reservoirs and provide reliable numerical models for reservoir development and management. The traditional simulation-based inversion method usually requires numerous numerical simulations, which is time-consuming. Recently, deep learning-based surrogate models have been widely studied as an alternative to numerical simulation, which can significantly improve the solving efficiency of inversion. However, for reservoirs with complex fracture distribution, constructing the surrogate model of numerical simulation presents a significant challenge. In this work, we present a deep graph learning-based surrogate model for inverse modeling of fractured reservoirs. Specifically, the proposed surrogate model integrates the graph attention mechanisms to extract features of fracture network in reservoirs. The graph learning can retain the discrete characteristics and structural information of the fracture network. The extracted features are subsequently integrated with a multi-layer recurrent neural network model to predict the production dynamics of wells. A surrogate-based inverse modeling workflow is then developed by combining the surrogate model with the differential evolutionary algorithm. Numerical studies performed on a synthetic naturally fractured reservoir model with multi-scale fractures illustrate the performance of the proposed methods. The results demonstrate that the proposed surrogate model exhibits promising generalization performance of production prediction. Compared with tens of thousands of numerical simulations required by the simulation-based inverse modeling method, the proposed surrogate-based method only requires 1000 to 1500 numerical simulations, and the solution efficiency can be improved by ten times.
Generalized Boussinesq System with Energy Dissipation: Existence of Stationary Solutions
Authors: Baranovskii Evgenii S. , Shishkina Olga Yu.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we investigate the solvability of a boundary value problem for a heat and mass transfer model with the spatially averaged Rayleigh function. The considered model describes the 3D steady-state non-isothermal flow of a generalized Newtonian fluid (with shear-dependent viscosity) in a bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary. The main novelty of our work is that we do not neglect the viscous dissipation effect in contrast to the classical Boussinesq approximation, and hence, deal with a system of strongly nonlinear partial differential equations. Using the properties of the averaging operation and d-monotone operators as well as the Leray–Schauder alternative for completely continuous mappings, we prove the existence of weak solutions without any smallness assumptions for model data. Moreover, it is shown that the set of all weak solutions is compact, and each solution from this set satisfies some energy equalities.
Inferencing Space Travel Pricing from Mathematics of General Relativity Theory, Accounting Equation, and Economic Functions
Authors: Peng Kang-Lin , Xue Xunyue , Yu Liqiong , Ren Yixin
Published: March 2024

This study derives space travel pricing by Walrasian Equilibrium, which is logical reasoning from the general relativity theory (GRT), the accounting equation, and economic supply and demand functions. The Cobb–Douglas functions embed the endogenous space factor as new capital to form the space travel firm’s production function, which is also transformed into the consumer’s utility function. Thus, the market equilibrium occurs at the equivalence of supply and demand functions, like the GRT, which presents the equivalence between the spatial geometric tensor and the energy–momentum tensor, explaining the principles of gravity and the motion of space matter in the spacetime framework. The mathematical axiomatic set theory of the accounting equation explains the equity premium effect that causes a short-term accounting equation inequality, then reaches the equivalence by suppliers’ incremental equity through the closing accounts process of the accounting cycle. On the demand side, the consumption of space travel can be assumed as a value at risk (VaR) investment to attain the specific spacetime curvature in an expected orbit. Spacetime market equilibrium is then achieved to construct the space travel pricing model. The methodology of econophysics and the analogy method was applied to infer space travel pricing with the model of profit maximization, single-mindedness, and envy-free pricing in unit-demand markets. A case study with simulation was conducted for empirical verification of the mathematical models and algorithm. The results showed that space travel pricing remains associated with the principle of market equilibrium, but needs to be extended to the spacetime tensor of GRT.
Consequential Advancements of Self-Supervised Learning (SSL) in Deep Learning Contexts
Authors: Abdulrazzaq Mohammed Majid , Ramaha Nehad T. A. , Hameed Alaa Ali , Salman Mohammad , Yon Dong Keon , Fitriyani Norma Latif , Syafrudin Muhammad , Lee Seung Won
Published: March 2024

Self-supervised learning (SSL) is a potential deep learning (DL) technique that uses massive volumes of unlabeled data to train neural networks. SSL techniques have evolved in response to the poor classification performance of conventional and even modern machine learning (ML) and DL models of enormous unlabeled data produced periodically in different disciplines. However, the literature does not fully address SSL’s practicalities and workabilities necessary for industrial engineering and medicine. Accordingly, this thorough review is administered to identify these prominent possibilities for prediction, focusing on industrial and medical fields. This extensive survey, with its pivotal outcomes, could support industrial engineers and medical personnel in efficiently predicting machinery faults and patients’ ailments without referring to traditional numerical models that require massive computational budgets, time, storage, and effort for data annotation. Additionally, the review’s numerous addressed ideas could encourage industry and healthcare actors to take SSL principles into an agile application to achieve precise maintenance prognostics and illness diagnosis with remarkable levels of accuracy and feasibility, simulating functional human thinking and cognition without compromising prediction efficacy.
Improved Swarm Intelligence-Based Logistics Distribution Optimizer: Decision Support for Multimodal Transportation of Cross-Border E-Commerce
Authors: Xu Jiayi , Di Nardo Mario , Yin Shi
Published: March 2024

Cross-border e-commerce logistics activities increasingly use multimodal transportation modes. In this transportation mode, the use of high-performance optimizers to provide decision support for multimodal transportation for cross-border e-commerce needs to be given attention. This study constructs a logistics distribution optimization model for cross-border e-commerce multimodal transportation. The mathematical model aims to minimize distribution costs, minimize carbon emissions during the distribution process, and maximize customer satisfaction as objective functions. It also considers constraints from multiple dimensions, such as cargo aircraft and vehicle load limitations. Meanwhile, corresponding improvement strategies were designed based on the Sand Cat Swarm Optimization (SCSO) algorithm. An improved swarm intelligence algorithm was proposed to develop an optimizer based on the improved swarm intelligence algorithm for model solving. The effectiveness of the proposed mathematical model and improved swarm intelligence algorithm was verified through a real-world case of cross-border e-commerce logistics transportation. The results indicate that using the proposed solution in this study, the cost of delivery and carbon emissions can be reduced, while customer satisfaction can be improved.
Using Constellation Pharmacology to Characterize a Novel α-Conotoxin from Conus ateralbus
Authors: Neves Jorge L. B. , Urcino Cristoval , Chase Kevin , Dowell Cheryl , Hone Arik J. , Morgenstern David , Chua Victor M. , Ramiro Iris Bea L. , Imperial Julita S. , Leavitt Lee S. , Phan Jasmine , Fisher Fernando A. , Watkins Maren , Raghuraman Shrinivasan , Tun Jortan O. , Ueberheide Beatrix M. , McIntosh J. Michael , Vasconcelos Vitor , Olivera Baldomero M. , Gajewiak Joanna
Published: March 2024

The venom of cone snails has been proven to be a rich source of bioactive peptides that target a variety of ion channels and receptors. α-Conotoxins (αCtx) interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and are powerful tools for investigating the structure and function of the various nAChR subtypes. By studying how conotoxins interact with nAChRs, we can improve our understanding of these receptors, leading to new insights into neurological diseases associated with nAChRs. Here, we describe the discovery and characterization of a novel conotoxin from Conus ateralbus, αCtx-AtIA, which has an amino acid sequence homologous to the well-described αCtx-PeIA, but with a different selectivity profile towards nAChRs. We tested the synthetic αCtx-AtIA using the calcium imaging-based Constellation Pharmacology assay on mouse DRG neurons and found that αCtx-AtIA significantly inhibited ACh-induced calcium influx in the presence of an α7 positive allosteric modulator, PNU-120596 (PNU). However, αCtx-AtIA did not display any activity in the absence of PNU. These findings were further validated using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology performed on oocytes overexpressing mouse α3β4, α6/α3β4 and α7 nAChRs subtypes. We observed that αCtx-AtIA displayed no or low potency in blocking α3β4 and α6/α3β4 receptors, respectively, but improved potency and selectivity to block α7 nAChRs when compared with αCtx-PeIA. Through the synthesis of two additional analogs of αCtx-AtIA and subsequent characterization using Constellation Pharmacology, we were able to identify residue Trp18 as a major contributor to the activity of the peptide.
Infraocclusion in the Primary and Permanent Dentition—A Narrative Review
Authors: Adamska Paulina , Sobczak-Zagalska Hanna , Stasiak Marcin , Adamski Łukasz Jan , Pylińska-Dąbrowska Dorota , Barkowska Sandra , Zedler Adam , Studniarek Michał
Published: March 2024

The gradual movement of a tooth away from the occlusal plane is called infraocclusion or reinclusion. Reincluded teeth are most often deciduous molars, and permanent teeth are less frequently affected. Depending on the level of the infraocclusion, the severity of the disorder is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. The etiology of the phenomenon is not fully known. Tooth submerging can lead to serious complications, such as abnormal position of adjacent teeth, displacement of the bud of the permanent successor, shortening of the dental arch, or developmental disturbances of alveolar process. Early diagnosis of the tooth infraocclusion and regular monitoring of its progression help to avoid serious permanent sequelae. The treatment of reinclusion often involves only observation. However, in some cases, the therapeutic procedure requires interdisciplinary treatment by specialists from various fields of dentistry. This study presents current methods of diagnosis and treatment of patients with submerged teeth.
The Relationships between Caregiver Burden, Physical Frailty, Race, Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms (BPSD), and Other Associated Variables: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Cohen Carl I. , Hashem Saeed , Kyaw Kay Thwe , Brangman Sharon A. , Fields Suzanne , Troen Bruce R. , Reinhardt Michael
Published: March 2024

Background and Objectives: For persons with dementia, the relationships between caregiver burden, physical frailty, race, behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD), and other associated variables are poorly understood. Only one prior study examined the relationships among these variables but did not include race, which is an important social determinant of health outcomes in the United States. To examine these interactions, we conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study based on a model by Sugimoto and colleagues. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised 85 patient–caregiver dyads (58% White) seen in four centers in diverse regions of New York State. All patients met DSM5 criteria for a major neurocognitive disorder, had a Clinical Dementia Rating sum score of ≥3, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 10 to 26. Other measures included the SHARE-Frailty Instrument(FI), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) to assess BPSD, Zarit’s Caregiver Burden Interview (CBI), Lawton’s Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, the MMSE, the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRSG), age, and gender. Results: In our sample, 59% met the criteria for prefrail/subsyndromal or frail/syndromal (SSF) on the SHARE-FI. SSF had significant direct effects on the NPI and significant indirect effects on the CBI mediated through the NPI; the NPI had significant direct effects on the CBI. Race (White) had significant direct effects on the CBI (higher) and SSF (lower) but did not have significant indirect effects on the CBI. MMSE, ADL, and CIRSG were not significantly associated with the NPI or the CBI. Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrated that frailty, race, BPSD, and caregiver burden may directly or indirectly influence one another, and therefore should be considered essential elements of dementia assessment, care, and research. These results must be viewed as provisional and should be replicated longitudinally with larger samples.
How Cracks Induced by Straining Influence the Tribological Properties of Mo Films Deposited on Polyimide Substrates
Authors: Kobierska Edyta , Cordill Megan J. , Franz Robert , de Figueiredo Marisa Rebelo
Published: March 2024

Thin film materials used in flexible electronics are deposited on polymer substrates and must withstand a variety of static and dynamic mechanical loading conditions to ensure adequate reliability of the device. Tribological loads are also among these loading conditions, and suitable characterization methods and strategies are required for analyzing friction and wear for a variety of tribological contact situations. In the present work, Mo films were deposited on polyimide substrates by high-power impulse magnetron sputtering and then pre-conditioned by straining to several strain levels, including crack onset strain and strains within the crack saturation regime. Subsequently, ball-on-disk tests against different counterpart materials, namely glass, steel, and polymer, were performed to evaluate different tribological contact situations. The comparison of the results of morphologies and characteristics of the films using surface images for strained and unstrained samples provide insight into how increasing straining of the films and crack formation affect the enhanced fracture of the deposited Mo films, which served as a model system in these investigations.
Material Modeling in Multiphysics Simulation
Authors: De Bona Francesco , Mocera Francesco , Srnec Novak Jelena
Published: March 2024

Virtual prototyping techniques, generally based on numerical methods, are widely used in the process of designing an industrial product [...]
Development and Performance Evaluation of a Mechanical Connection for Steel and Shape Memory Alloy Bars
Authors: Song Min-Kyu , Choi Eunsoo , Lee Jong-Han
Published: March 2024

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) demonstrate a shape memory effect and superelasticity that can provide recovery performance to structural members. In this study, a round SMA bar was designed to replace the conventional deformed steel bar, particularly within the plastic hinge section of structural members. To integrate the SMA bar and the existing steel bar, a mechanical coupler was proposed by utilizing the advantages of both one-touch and threaded couplers. Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted to analyze the performance of the proposed coupler and the mechanical properties of the SMA–steel connected bar. Stress and strain relationships were examined for steel bars mechanically connected with the SMA bar and for SMA bars before and after exhibiting the shape memory effect. To induce the shape memory effect, SMA should be heated above the finished austenite temperature. Due to the difficulty of accurately measuring strain on the heated bar using traditional contact methods, we employed digital image correlation technology for precise strain measurement of the heated SMA bar. The experimental results indicate the effective application of SMA bars within the plastic hinge region of structural members using the proposed mechanical coupler.
Suppression of Inhomogeneous Plastic Deformation in Medium-Carbon Tempered Martensite Steel
Authors: Qiu Hai , Ueji Rintaro , Inoue Tadanobu
Published: March 2024

The Lüders phenomenon is one type of inhomogeneous plastic deformation occurring in the elastic-to-plastic transition region, and it is an undesirable plastic deformation behavior. Although conventional measures based on the chemical composition design, plasticity processing principle, or utilization of composited microstructures are used to suppress this phenomenon in engineering, demerits are present, such as high cost and low fracture behavior. The Lüders phenomenon begins with the formation of plastic bands (inhomogeneous yielding) at one or several local sites. If yielding simultaneously occurs everywhere rather than at several local sites, the formation of local plastic bands will be inhibited; as a result, the Lüders deformation will be suppressed. Based on this idea, a new approach was proposed in which the number of local yield sites was increased by heat treatments. A medium-carbon tempered martensite steel (Fe-0.3C-1.5Mn, in wt%) was used to verify the validity of the new approach, and the optimum heat-treatment conditions for the balance of mechanical property and deformation behavior were determined.
Comparing the Performance of Rolled Steel and 3D-Printed 316L Stainless Steel
Authors: Lin Yao-Tsung , Tsai Ming-Yi , Yen Shih-Yu , Lung Guan-Hua , Yei Jin-Ting , Hsu Kuo-Jen , Chen Kai-Jung
Published: March 2024

Three-dimensional printing is a non-conventional additive manufacturing process. It is different from the conventional subtractive manufacturing process. It offers exceptional rapid prototyping capabilities and results that conventional subtractive manufacturing methods cannot attain, especially in applications involving curved or intricately shaped components. Despite its advantages, metal 3D printing will face porosity, warpage, and surface roughness issues. These issues will affect the future practical application of the parts indirectly, for example, by affecting the structural strength and the parts’ assembly capability. Therefore, this study compares the qualities of the warpage, weight, and surface roughness after milling and grinding processes for the same material (316L stainless steel) between rolled steel and 3D-printed steel. The experimental results show that 3D-printed parts are approximately 13% to 14% lighter than rolled steel. The surface roughness performance of 3D-printed steel is better than that of rolled steel for the same material after milling or grinding processing. The hardness of the 3D-printed steel is better than that of the rolled steel. This research verifies that 3D additive manufacturing can use surface processing to optimize surface performance and achieve the functions of lightness and hardness.
Synthesis of a Non-Symmetrical Disorazole C1-Analogue and Its Biological Activity
Authors: Lizzadro Luca , Spieß Oliver , Reinecke Silke , Stadler Marc , Schinzer Dieter
Published: March 2024

The synthesis of a novel disorazole C1 analogue is described, and its biological activity as a cytotoxic compound is reported. Based on our convergent and flexible route to the disorazole core, we wish to report a robust strategy to synthesize a non-symmetrical disorazole in which we couple one half of the molecule containing the naturally occurring oxazole heterocycle and the second half of the disorazole macrocycle containing a thiazole heterocycle. This resulted in a very unusual non-symmetrical disorazole C1 analogue containing two different heterocycles, and its biological activity was studied. This provided exciting information about SAR (structure-activity-relationship) for this highly potent class of antitumor compounds.
Agave angustifolia Haw. Leaves as a Potential Source of Bioactive Compounds: Extraction Optimization and Extract Characterization
Authors: Bermúdez-Bazán Misael , Estarrón-Espinosa Mirna , Castillo-Herrera Gustavo Adolfo , Escobedo-Reyes Antonio , Urias-Silvas Judith Esmeralda , Lugo-Cervantes Eugenia , Gschaedler-Mathis Anne
Published: March 2024

The leaves of Agave angustifolia Haw. are the main agro-waste generated by the mezcal industry and are becoming an important source of bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds, that could be used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, the extraction and identification of these phytochemicals would revalorize these leaf by-products. Herein, maceration and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) extractions were optimized to maximize the phenolic and flavonoid contents and the antioxidant capacity of vegetal extracts of A. angustifolia Haw. In the maceration process, the optimal extraction condition was a water–ethanol mixture (63:37% v/v), which yielded a total phenolic and flavonoid content of 27.92 ± 0.90 mg EAG/g DL and 12.85 ± 0.53 µg QE/g DL, respectively, and an antioxidant capacity of 32.67 ± 0.91 (ABTS assay), 17.30 ± 0.36 (DPPH assay), and 13.92 ± 0.78 (FRAP assay) µM TE/g DL. Using supercritical extraction, the optimal conditions for polyphenol recovery were 60 °C, 320 bar, and 10% v/v. It was also observed that lower proportions of cosolvent decreased the polyphenol extraction more than pressure and temperature. In both optimized extracts, a total of 29 glycosylated flavonoid derivatives were identified using LC-ESI-QTof/MS. In addition, another eight novel compounds were identified in the supercritical extracts, showing the efficiency of the cosolvent for recovering new flavonoid derivatives.
A Comparative Study of New Fluorescent Anthraquinone and Benzanthrone α-Aminophosphonates: Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Toxicology, X-ray Crystallography, and Microscopy of Opisthorchis felineus
Authors: Maļeckis Armands , Cvetinska Marija , Kirjušina Muza , Mežaraupe Ligita , Kecko Sanita , Gavarāne Inese , Kiyan Vladimir , Lider Lyudmila , Pavlova Veronika , Savicka Marina , Belyakov Sergey , Kirilova Elena
Published: March 2024

In this research, we explore the synthesis of and characterize α-aminophosphonates derived from anthraquinone and benzanthrone, focusing on their fluorescence properties and potential applications in confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The synthesized compounds exhibit notable solvatochromic behavior, emitting fluorescence from green to red across various solvents. Spectroscopic analysis, including 1H-, 13C-, and 31P-NMR, FTIR, and mass spectrometry, confirms the chemical structures. The compounds’ toxicity is evaluated using etiolated wheat sprouts, revealing varying degrees of impact on growth and oxidative damage. Furthermore, the study introduces these α-aminophosphonates for CLSM imaging of the parasitic flatworm Opisthorchis felineus, demonstrating their potential in visualizing biological specimens. Additionally, an X-ray crystallographic study of an anthraquinone α-aminophosphonate provides valuable structural insights.
Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of BCAAs Metabolism during Chronic Liver Disease in Humans: Crosstalk between Skeletal Muscle and Liver
Authors: Trillos-Almanza Maria Camila , Martinez-Aguilar Magnolia , Arroyave-Ospina Johanna C. , van Vilsteren Frederike , Blokzijl Hans , Moshage Han
Published: March 2024

This comprehensive review focuses on the dynamics of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) metabolism and its clinical implications in chronic liver disease, with emphasis on the emerging concept of muscle–liver crosstalk. BCAAs, indispensable for protein synthesis and metabolic pathways, undergo unique tissue-specific processing in skeletal muscle and liver. The liver, responsible for amino acid metabolism, plays a distinctive role in sensing BCAAs catabolism, influencing glucose regulation and contributing to the systemic metabolism of BCAAs. Within the context of chronic liver disease, compromised liver metabolism becomes evident through amino acid abnormalities, particularly in the decrease of the Fischer ratio (BCAAs/aromatic amino acids concentrations in plasma). This reduction becomes important in assessing the severity of liver dysfunction due to its associations with adverse outcomes, including increased mortality and complications related to the liver disease. BCAAs supplementation, as explored in this review, emerges as a promising avenue, displaying positive effects on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and overall nutritional status in cirrhosis management. Understanding this interplay offers insights into therapeutic strategies for chronic liver diseases, exploring the way for precision interventions in clinical practice.
Correlation of Fabrication Methods and Enhanced Wear Performance in Nanoporous Anodic Aluminum Oxide with Incorporated Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) Nanomaterials
Authors: Hatfield Kendrich O’Donaghue , Brown Nathan , Dervishi Enkeleda , Carpenter Bradley , Janusz Jordyn N. , Hooks Daniel E.
Published: March 2024

Wear performance is integral to component longevity, minimizing industrial waste and excess energy costs in a wide variety of applications. Anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) has many beneficial properties leading to its wide use across industries as a surface treatment for many aluminum components, but the wear properties of the coating could be improved significantly. Here, we used an electrochemical method to incorporate molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a nanomaterial used as a dry lubricant, to modify alloys of aluminum during AAO preparation. Using Raman spectroscopy and tribological scratch measurements, we thoroughly characterized the structure and wear behavior of the films. The MoS2 deposition procedure was optimal on aluminum 5052 anodized in higher acid concentrations, with friction coefficients at around 0.05 (~10× better than unmodified AAO). Changing anodization conditions to produce harder films with smaller pores led to worsened wear properties, likely because of lower MoS2 content. Studying a commercial MoS2/AAO film of a different Al alloy (7075) showed that a heat treatment step intended to fully convert all deposited MoSx species to MoS2 can adversely affect wear in some alloys. While Al 6061 and 1100 produced films with worse wear performance compared to Al 5052 or 7075, our results show evidence that acid cleaning after initial anodization likely removes residual alloying elements, affecting MoS2 incorporation. This study demonstrates a nanomaterial modified AAO film with superior wear characteristics to unmodified AAO and relates fabrication procedure, film structure, and practical performance.
Improvement of Electrical Conductivity of In Situ Iodine-Doped Polypyrrole Film Using Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Reactor with Capillary Electrodes
Authors: Jung Eun Young , Khalil Salman , Jang Hyojun , Suleiman Habeeb Olaitan , Kim Jae Young , Shin Bhum Jae , Tae Heung-Sik , Park Choon-Sang
Published: March 2024

To improve the electrical conductivity of polypyrrole (PPy) nanostructure film through in situ iodine (I2) doping, this study proposes an atmospheric pressure plasma reactor (APPR) where heated I2 dopant vapor is fed through capillary electrodes that serve as electrodes for discharge ignition. A large amount of the heated I2 vapor introduced into the reactor separately from a monomer gas can be effectively activated by an intense plasma via capillary electrodes. In particular, intensive plasma is obtained by properly adjusting the bluff body position in the APPR. Based on the ICCD and OES results, the I2 vapor injected through the capillary nozzle electrode is observed to form I2 charge species. The formed I2 species could directly participate in growing in situ I2-doped PPy films. Thus, in situ I2-doped PPy nanostructure films grown using the proposed APPR exhibit higher thicknesses of 15.3 μm and good electrical conductivities, compared to the corresponding non-doped films.