bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tailored Prediction Model of Survival after Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Jamtani Indah , Lee Kwang-Woong , Choi Yunhee , Choi YoungRok , Lee Jeong-Moo , Han Eui-Soo , Hong Kwangpyo , Choi Gyu-Seong , Kim Jong Man , Yi Nam-Joon , Hong Suk Kyun , Byun Jeik , Hong Su Young , Suh Sanggyeun , Joh Jae-Won , Suh Kyung-Suk
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to create a tailored prediction model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-specific survival after transplantation based on pre-transplant parameters. Data collected from June 2006 to July 2018 were used as a derivation dataset and analyzed to create an HCC-specific survival prediction model by combining significant risk factors. Separate data were collected from January 2014 to June 2018 for validation. The prediction model was validated internally and externally. The data were divided into three groups based on risk scores derived from the hazard ratio. A combination of patient demographic, laboratory, radiological data, and tumor-specific characteristics that showed a good prediction of HCC-specific death at a specific time (t) were chosen. Internal and external validations with Uno’s C-index were 0.79 and 0.75 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.86), respectively. The predicted survival after liver transplantation for HCC (SALT) at a time “t” was calculated using the formula: [1 − (HCC-specific death(t’))] × 100. The 5-year HCC-specific death and recurrence rates in the low-risk group were 2% and 5%; the intermediate-risk group was 12% and 14%, and in the high-risk group were 71% and 82%. Our HCC-specific survival predictor named “SALT calculator” could provide accurate information about expected survival tailored for patients undergoing transplantation for HCC.
Association between Add-On Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Therapy and Diabetic Retinopathy Progression
Authors: Kang Eugene Yu-Chuan , Kang Chunya , Wu Wei-Chi , Sun Chi-Chin , Chen Kuan-Jen , Lai Chi-Chun , Chen Tien-Hsing , Hwang Yih-Shiou
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to investigate the association of add-on dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) therapy and the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this retrospective population-based cohort study, we examined Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes, preexisting DR, and aged ≥40 years from 2009 to 2013. Prescription of DPP4i was defined as a medication possession ratio of ≥80% during the first 6 months. The outcomes included vitreous hemorrhage (VH), tractional retinal detachment, macular edema, and interventions including retinal laser therapy, intravitreal injection (IVI), and vitrectomy. Of 1,767,640 patients, 62,824 were eligible for analysis. After matching, the DPP4i and non-DPP4i groups each contained 20,444 patients. The risks of VH (p = 0.013) and macular edema (p = 0.035) were higher in the DPP4i group. The DPP4i group also had higher risks of receiving surgical interventions (retinal laser therapy (p < 0.001), IVI (p = 0.049), vitrectomy (p < 0.001), and any surgical intervention (p < 0.001)). More patients in the DPP4i group received retinal laser therapy (p < 0.001) and IVI (p = 0.001) than in the non-DPP4i group. No between-group differences in cardiovascular outcomes were noted. In the real-world database study, add-on DPP4i therapy may be associated with the progression of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes. No additional cardiovascular risks were found. The early progression of DR in rapid glycemic control was inconclusive in our study. The possible effect of add-on DPP4i therapy in the progression of DR in patients with type 2 diabetes requires further research.
Association between Oral Hygiene and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Santoso Cornelia Melinda Adi , Ketti Fera , Bramantoro Taufan , Zsuga Judit , Nagy Attila
Published: June 2021

Emerging evidence has linked poor oral hygiene to metabolic syndrome (MetS), but previously, no summary of evidence has been conducted on the topic. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the associations of oral hygiene status and care with MetS. A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases from inception to 17 March 2021, and examination of reference lists was conducted to identify eligible observational studies. A random-effects model was applied to pool the effects of oral hygiene status and care on MetS. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and had sufficient methodological quality. Good oral hygiene status (OR = 0.30 (0.13–0.66); I2 = 91%), frequent tooth brushing (OR = 0.68 (0.58–0.80); I2 = 89%), and frequent interdental cleaning (OR = 0.89 (0.81–0.99); I2 = 27%) were associated with a lower risk of MetS. Only one study examined the association between dental visits and MetS (OR = 1.10 (0.77–1.55)). Our findings suggested that there might be inverse associations of oral hygiene status, tooth-brushing frequency, and interdental cleaning with MetS. However, substantial heterogeneity for tooth-brushing frequency and inconsistent results for oral hygiene status in subgroup analyses were observed. There was insufficient evidence for the association between dental visits and MetS. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate these associations.
The Effect of Pre-Bond Contamination by Thermal Degradation and De-Icing Fluid on the Tensile Strength of Scarf Composite Bonded Joints
Authors: Tserpes Konstantinos , Moutsompegka Elli
Published: June 2021

The synergistic effect of pre-bond contamination by thermal degradation and de-icing fluid on the tensile behavior of scarf composite bonded joints has been investigated experimentally. The contamination types considered are related to the repair process of composite aircraft structures. Three contamination scenarios have been considered: namely, thermal degradation (TD) and a combination of thermal degradation with two different levels of de-icing fluid (TD+DI1 and TD+DI2). DI2 is more severe than DI1. Contamination has been applied to one of the adherents while the other one has been intentionally left intact. Tension tests have been conducted on single-lap shear specimens. The experimental results were compared with the reference samples (REF) showing an increase in tensile strength for the TD specimens and a decrease in tensile strength for the TD+DI1 and TD+DI2 specimens. After the tension tests, the failure surfaces were evaluated to get a better insight of the failure mechanisms of the bondline and to assess the effect of contamination. The TD specimens presented an increased cohesive failure which is consistent with the increase of the failure load, while the combined contamination caused the failure of the composite adherents which again is consistent with the decrease of tensile strength of the scarf specimens.
Wnt-Dependent Activation of ERK Mediates Repression of Chondrocyte Fate during Calvarial Development
Authors: Ibarra Beatriz A , Machen Cody , Atit Radhika P.
Published: June 2021

Wnt signaling regulates cell fate decisions in diverse contexts during development, and loss of Wnt signaling in the cranial mesenchyme results in a robust and binary cell fate switch from cranial bone to ectopic cartilage. The Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) and Wnt signaling pathways are activated during calvarial osteoblast cell fate selection. Here, we test the hypothesis that ERK signaling is a mediator of Wnt-dependent cell fate decisions in the cranial mesenchyme. First, we show that loss of Erk1/2 in the cranial mesenchyme results in a diminished domain of osteoblast marker expression and increased expression of cartilage fate markers and ectopic cartilage formation in the frontal bone primordia. Second, we show that mesenchyme Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Wntless are required for ERK activation in calvarial osteoblasts. Third, we demonstrate that Wnt and ERK signaling pathways function together to repress SOX9 expression in mouse cranial mesenchyme. Our results demonstrate an interaction between the Wnt and ERK signaling pathways in regulating lineage selection in a subset of calvarial cells and provide new insights into Wnt-dependent cell fate decisions.
The Role of BMP Signaling in Osteoclast Regulation
Authors: Heubel Brian , Nohe Anja
Published: June 2021

The osteogenic effects of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) were delineated in 1965 when Urist et al. showed that BMPs could induce ectopic bone formation. In subsequent decades, the effects of BMPs on bone formation and maintenance were established. BMPs induce proliferation in osteoprogenitor cells and increase mineralization activity in osteoblasts. The role of BMPs in bone homeostasis and repair led to the approval of BMP2 by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) to increase the bone formation in the treated area. However, the use of BMP2 for treatment of degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis is still uncertain as patients treated with BMP2 results in the stimulation of not only osteoblast mineralization, but also osteoclast absorption, leading to early bone graft subsidence. The increase in absorption activity is the result of direct stimulation of osteoclasts by BMP2 working synergistically with the RANK signaling pathway. The dual effect of BMPs on bone resorption and mineralization highlights the essential role of BMP-signaling in bone homeostasis, making it a putative therapeutic target for diseases like osteoporosis. Before the BMP pathway can be utilized in the treatment of osteoporosis a better understanding of how BMP-signaling regulates osteoclasts must be established.
Passive Heave Compensator Design and Numerical Simulation for Strand Jack during Lift Operation in Deep Water
Authors: Zhan Yong , Yi Bailin , Wu Shaofei , Xu Jianan
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the passive heave compensator for the strand jack lifting system is studied. An analytical model is developed, which considers the nonlinear characteristic of the compensator stiffness thus as to predict its response under different parameters accurately. This analytical model helps to find the feasible gas volume of the compensator. The comparative analysis is carried out to analyze the influence of key design parameters on the dynamic response of the compensator. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the compensator, a coupling model of the strand jack lifting system is derived. The compensator efficiency is evaluated in terms of the lifted structure displacement and the strand dynamic tension. The numerical simulations are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the compensator. Numerical results show that the compensator is able to significantly decrease the tension variation in the strands and the motion of the lifted structure.
Individualized Health Care for Older Diabetes Patients from the Perspective of Health Professionals and Service Consumers
Authors: Bartkeviciute Birute , Lesauskaite Vita , Riklikiene Olga
Published: June 2021

Background: Individualized nursing care as a form of person-centered care delivery is a well-known approach in the health care context and is accepted as best practice by organizations and professionals, yet its implementation in everyday practice creates serious challenges. The aim was to assess and compare the perceptions of health professionals and older diabetes patients on their individual care in regard to the patient’s clinical situation, personal life situation, and decisional control. Methods: The quantitative study with a cross-sectional survey design was conducted from March 2019 until January 2021. The Individualized Care Scale was applied for the data collection. Health professionals (nurses and physicians, n = 70) and older diabetes patients (n = 145) participated in the study. The average duration of diabetes was 15.8 years (SD = 10.0) and type 2 diabetes was the most common (89.0%). The current glucose-lowering therapy for 51.0% of the patients was oral medications, 37.9% used injected insulin, and 11.1% were treated by combined therapy. Results: The highest-rated aspects of individualized care on both dimensions of the scale from the health professionals’ perspective related to the clinical situation, and the scores for provision were significantly higher than those for support. The highest means of patients’ ratings on the support dimension related to the clinical situation and the decisions over care sub-scale; for the care provision dimension, the highest individuality in care was assigned to the decisions over care sub-scale. The lowest ratings of individualized care, both in the health professionals’ and patients’ samples, related to the personal life situation sub-scale. Conclusions: Health professionals are more positive in regard to individualized care support and provisions for older diabetes patients than the patients themselves. Patient characteristics, such as the type of glucose-lowering therapy, education, and nutritional status, make a difference in patients’ understanding and experience of individuality in care.
Ultrasonography in the Differentiation of Endometriomas from Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cysts: The Role of Texture Analysis
Authors: Ștefan Roxana-Adelina , Ștefan Paul-Andrei , Mihu Carmen Mihaela , Csutak Csaba , Melincovici Carmen Stanca , Crivii Carmen Bianca , Maluțan Andrei Mihai , Hîțu Liviu , Lebovici Andrei
Published: June 2021

The ultrasonographic (US) features of endometriomas and hemorrhagic ovarian cysts (HOCs) are often overlapping. With the emergence of new computer-aided diagnosis techniques, this is the first study to investigate whether texture analysis (TA) could improve the discrimination between the two lesions in comparison with classic US evaluation. Fifty-six ovarian cysts (endometriomas, 30; HOCs, 26) were retrospectively included. Four classic US features of endometriomas (low-level internal echoes, perceptible walls, no solid components, and less than five locules) and 275 texture parameters were assessed for every lesion, and the ability to identify endometriomas was evaluated through univariate, multivariate, and receiver operating characteristics analyses. The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The texture model, consisting of seven independent predictors (five variations of difference of variance, image contrast, and the 10th percentile; 100% Se and 100% Sp), was able to outperform the ultrasound model composed of three independent features (low-level internal echoes, perceptible walls, and less than five locules; 74.19% Se and 84.62% Sp) in the diagnosis of endometriomas. The TA showed statistically significant differences between the groups and high diagnostic value, but it remains unclear if the textures reflect the intrinsic histological characteristics of the two lesions.
Modelling Systemically Important Banks vis-à-vis the Basel Prudential Guidelines
Authors: Salim M. Zulkifli , Daly Kevin
Published: June 2021

Our paper investigates Indonesia’s systemically important banks (SIBs) using theoretical approaches—CoVaR, marginal expected shortfall (MES), and SRISK—to compare with the Basel guidelines as benchmark. We use Indonesian banks’ market and supervisory data over the 2008–2019 period. The research aims to seek intertheoretical model interaction and SIB ranking in concordance with the Basel guidelines as applied by a bank supervisor. The findings show that SRISK produced a more consistent ranking compared with CoVaR and MES. CoVaR and MES had higher intermodel correlation converted to 59% similarity in rankings. Further, all theoretical models are in line with the Basel guidelines, where the closest approximation is at 47%. The results indicate that policy makers could use scholarly models as validation tools and help improve supervision decision to identify systemically important institutions.
Multispectral Cameras and Machine Learning Integrated into Portable Devices as Clay Prediction Technology
Authors: Helfer Gilson Augusto , Barbosa Jorge Luis Victória , Alves Douglas , da Costa Adilson Ben , Beko Marko , Leithardt Valderi Reis Quietinho
Published: June 2021

The present work proposed a low-cost portable device as an enabling technology for agriculture using multispectral imaging and machine learning in soil texture. Clay is an important factor for the verification and monitoring of soil use due to its fast reaction to chemical and surface changes. The system developed uses the analysis of reflectance in wavebands for clay prediction. The selection of each wavelength is performed through an LED lamp panel. A NoIR microcamera controlled by a Raspberry Pi device is employed to acquire the image and unfold it in RGB histograms. Results showed a good prediction performance with R2 of 0.96, RMSEC of 3.66% and RMSECV of 16.87%. The high portability allows the equipment to be used in a field providing strategic information related to soil sciences.
Identifying Startups Business Opportunities from UGC on Twitter Chatting: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Saura José Ramón , Reyes-Menéndez Ana , deMatos Nelson , Correia Marisol B.
Published: June 2021

The startup business ecosystem in India has experienced exponential growth. The amount of investment in Indian startups in the last decade demonstrates the strong interest of the technology industry to these business models based on innovation. In this context, the present study aims to identify investment opportunities for investors in Indian startups by identifying key indicators that characterize the startup ecosystem in India. To this end, a three steps data mining method is developed using data mining techniques. First, a sentiment analysis (SA), a machine learning approach that classifies the topics into groups expressing feelings, is applied to a dataset. Next, we develop a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model, a topic-modeling technique that divides the sample of n = 14.531 tweets from Twitter into topics, using user-generated content (UGC) as data. Finally, in order to identify the characteristics of each topic we apply textual analysis (TA) to identify key indicators. The originality of the present study lies in the methodological process used for data analysis. Our results also contribute to the literature on startups. The results demonstrate that the Indian startup ecosystem is influenced by areas such as fintech, innovation, crowdfunding, hardware, funds, competition, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and electronic commerce. Of note, in view of the exploratory approach of the present study, the results and implications should be taken as descriptive, rather than determining for future investments in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Current Social and Rangeland Access Trends among Pastoralists in the Western Algerian Steppe
Authors: Bencherif Slimane , Dahmani Mohamed Boumedienne , Burgas Daniel , Manzano Pablo
Published: June 2021

In the western Algerian steppe, the public authorities have carried out actions aimed at rural development (agricultural development programs) and combating desertification (grazing reserves) to counter the significant and rapid loss of vegetation cover of pastures by overgrazing, and the consequent impacts on local livelihoods. In the Rogassa area, these actions have impacted land tenure and the ancestral and collective way of land use and access. These changes have caused transformations in lifestyle and pasture management. This research aims to characterize how such changes are affecting local pastoralists and what their perceptions are about them. A selective sampling of 150 agropastoral households was carried out by interviewing their heads, analyzing socioeconomic, land tenure and government perception variables. Most agropastoralists access land under tribal tenure, conditioned by local social structures. Pastures are prevailingly perceived by pastoralists as insufficient, and the perception of grazing reserves is largely negative. Pastoralists are worried about land degradation and declining grazing lands, and are looking for solutions and alternatives. However, state interventions have been uncoordinated and have not considered their customary land rights. The generalized awareness of environmental deterioration points to the need for better communication and intervention strategies to be developed by authorities in the future that involve the inhabitants of these lands.
Surface Water Quality Differs between Functionally Similar Restored and Natural Wetlands of the Saint Lawrence River Valley in New York
Authors: Carberry Brendan , Langen Tom A. , Twiss Michael R.
Published: June 2021

We tested the hypothesis that upland wetland restorations provide the same quality of wetland, in terms of ecosystem services and biodiversity, as natural wetlands in the St. Lawrence River Valley. Water quality (pH, alkalinity, colored dissolved organic matter, phytoplankton community composition, chlorophyll-a, fecal coliform, total phosphorus, dissolved nitrate, turbidity, specific conductivity) in 17 natural and 45 restored wetlands was compared to determine whether wetland restoration provided similar physicochemical conditions as natural wetlands in the Saint Lawrence River Valley of northeastern New York State. Natural wetlands were more acidic, which was hypothesized to result from the avoidance of naturally acidic regions by farmers seeking to drain wetlands for crop and pasture use. Natural wetlands had significantly greater fecal coliform concentrations. Restored wetlands had significantly greater specific conductivity and related ions, and this is attributed to the creation of wetlands upon marine clay deposits. Other water quality indicators did not differ between restored and natural wetlands. These findings confirm other research at these same wetlands showing no substantial differences between restored and natural wetlands in major biotic indicators. Thus, we conclude that wetland restoration does result in wetlands that are functionally the same as the natural wetlands they were designed to replicate.
Mapping of Sicilian Pocket Beaches Land Use/Land Cover with Sentinel-2 Imagery: A Case Study of Messina Province
Authors: Randazzo Giovanni , Cascio Maria , Fontana Marco , Gregorio Francesco , Lanza Stefania , Muzirafuti Anselme
Published: June 2021

Pocket beaches (PBs) are among the most attractive tourist sites and economic development contributors in coastal areas; however, they are negatively impacted by the combined effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Generally, research on PBs is conducted from the beach towards offshore. Studies on the land use/land cover (LULC) of PBs are limited and currently lacking. Such studies deserve more investigation due to the importance of LULC in PBs’ functioning. In this study, supervised classification methods were investigated for LULC mapping of the PBs located in the province of Messina. Sentinel-2B satellite images were analyzed using maximum likelihood (MaL), minimum distance (MiD), mahalanobis distance (MaD) and spectral angle mapper (SAM) classification methods. The study was conducted mainly in order to determine which classification method would be adequate for small scale Sentinel-2 imagery analysis and provide accurate results for the LULC mapping of PBs. In addition, an occurrence-based filter algorithm in conjunction with OpenStreetMap data and Google Earth imagery was used to extract linear features within 500 m of the inland buffer zone of the PBs. The results demonstrate that information on the biophysical parameters, namely surface cover fractions, of the coastal area can be obtained by conducting LULC mapping on Sentinel-2 images.
A Comparative Analysis of Two Major Approaches for Mapping the Wildland-Urban Interface: A Case Study in California
Authors: Bar-Massada Avi
Published: June 2021

The Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) is where human settlements border or intermingle with undeveloped land, often with multiple detrimental consequences. Therefore, mapping the WUI is required in order to identify areas-at-risk. There are two main WUI mapping methods, the point-based approach and the zonal approach. Both differ in data requirements and may produce considerably different maps, yet they were never compared before. My objective was to systematically compare the point-based and the zonal-based WUI maps of California, and to test the efficacy of a new database of building locations in the context of WUI mapping. I assessed the spatial accuracy of the building database, and then compared the spatial patterns of WUI maps by estimating the effect of multiple ancillary variables on the amount of agreement between maps. I found that the building database is highly accurate and is suitable for WUI mapping. The point-based approach estimated a consistently larger WUI area across California compared to the zonal approach. The spatial correspondence between maps was low-to-moderate, and was significantly affected by building numbers and by their spatial arrangement. The discrepancy between WUI maps suggests that they are not directly comparable within and across landscapes, and that each WUI map should serve a distinct practical purpose.
Normalizing the Local Incidence Angle in Sentinel-1 Imagery to Improve Leaf Area Index, Vegetation Height, and Crop Coefficient Estimations
Authors: Kaplan Gregoriy , Fine Lior , Lukyanov Victor , Manivasagam V. S. , Tanny Josef , Rozenstein Offer
Published: June 2021

Public domain synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) imagery, particularly from Sentinel-1, has widened the scope of day and night vegetation monitoring, even when cloud cover limits optical Earth observation. Yet, it is challenging to combine SAR images acquired at different incidence angles and from ascending and descending orbits because of the backscatter dependence on the incidence angle. This study demonstrates two transformations that facilitate collective use of Sentinel-1 imagery, regardless of the acquisition geometry, for agricultural monitoring of several crops in Israel (wheat, processing tomatoes, and cotton). First, the radar backscattering coefficient (σ0) was multiplied by the local incidence angle (θ) of every pixel. This transformation improved the empirical prediction of the crop coefficient (Kc), leaf area index (LAI), and crop height in all three crops. The second method, which is based on the radar brightness coefficient (β0), proved useful for estimating Kc, LAI, and crop height in processing tomatoes and cotton. Following the suggested transformations, R2 increased by 0.0172 to 0.668, and RMSE improved by 5 to 52%. Additionally, the models based on the suggested transformations were found to be superior to the models based on the dual-polarization radar vegetation index (RVI). Consequently, vegetation monitoring using SAR imagery acquired at different viewing geometries became more effective.
Expression Status and Prognostic Value of m6A RNA Methylation Regulators in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Xiuhong , Feng Zian , Wang Rui , Hu Jie , He Xiaodong , Shen Zuojun
Published: June 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification is the most abundant modification method in mRNA, and it plays an important role in the occurrence and development of many cancers. This paper mainly discusses the role of m6A RNA methylation regulators in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) to identify novel prognostic biomarkers. The gene expression data of 19 m6A methylation regulators in LUAD patients and its relevant clinical parameters were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We selected three significantly differentially expressed m6A regulators in LUAD to construct the risk signature, and evaluated its prognostic prediction efficiency using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were used to identify the independent prognostic significance of the risk signature. The ROC curve indicated that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.659, which means that the risk signature had a good prediction efficiency. The results of the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis showed that the risk score can be used as an independent prognostic factor for LUAD. In addition, we explored the differential signaling pathways and cellular processes related to m6A methylation regulators in LUAD.
Characteristics of Pruritus in Various Clinical Variants of Psoriasis: Results of the Multinational, Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jaworecka Kamila , Kwiatkowska Dominika , Marek Luiza , Tamer Funda , Stefaniak Aleksandra , Szczegielniak Magdalena , Chojnacka-Purpurowicz Joanna , Matławska Monika , Gulekon Ayla , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Narbutt Joanna , Owczarczyk-Saczonek Agnieszka , Reich Adam
Published: June 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease present in about 3% of the world’s population. The clinical symptoms manifest diversely, therefore one can distinguish several subtypes of psoriasis. The majority of patients with psoriasis experience pruritus, which is an unpleasant sensation that decreases patients’ quality of life. The knowledge on pruritus in different subtypes of psoriasis is limited. We have performed a cross-sectional, prospective, and multicenter study to evaluate the relationship between clinical subtypes of psoriasis (large-plaque, nummular, guttate, palmoplantar, inverse, erythrodermic, palmoplantar pustular, generalized pustular psoriasis, and psoriasis of the scalp) and the prevalence, intensity, and clinical manifestation of itch. We introduced a questionnaire assessing various aspects of pruritus to a total of 254 patients. Out of these, 42 were excluded. Pruritus was present in 92.9% of the remaining patients and its prevalence did not depend on the clinical subtype. A correlation between the severity of psoriasis and the intensity of itch was explicitly noticeable in palmoplantar pustular psoriasis and scalp psoriasis (p < 0.05). The itch sensation was individual and differed among subtypes of psoriasis. In conclusion, pruritus is a frequent phenomenon, and its presentation is different in various subtypes of psoriasis.
Exercising in Hypoxia and Other Stimuli: Heart Rate Variability and Ventilatory Oscillations
Authors: Hermand Eric , Lhuissier François J. , Pichon Aurélien , Voituron Nicolas , Richalet Jean-Paul
Published: June 2021

Periodic breathing is a respiratory phenomenon frequently observed in patients with heart failure and in normal subjects sleeping at high altitude. However, until recently, periodic breathing has not been studied in wakefulness and during exercise. This review relates the latest findings describing this ventilatory disorder when a healthy subject is submitted to simultaneous physiological (exercise) and environmental (hypoxia, hyperoxia, hypercapnia) or pharmacological (acetazolamide) stimuli. Preliminary studies have unveiled fundamental physiological mechanisms related to the genesis of periodic breathing characterized by a shorter period than those observed in patients (11~12 vs. 30~60 s). A mathematical model of the respiratory system functioning under the aforementioned stressors corroborated these data and pointed out other parameters, such as dead space, later confirmed in further research protocols. Finally, a cardiorespiratory interdependence between ventilatory oscillations and heart rate variability in the low frequency band may partly explain the origin of the augmented sympathetic activation at exercise in hypoxia. These nonlinear instabilities highlight the intrinsic “homeodynamic” system that allows any living organism to adapt, to a certain extent, to permanent environmental and internal perturbations.
Model for Assessing Information Logistics Systems in Banks: Lithuanian Case Study
Authors: Valackiene Asta , Andrijauskaite Rasa
Published: June 2021

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the information logistics process and to ensure the effectiveness of its systems in the business environment by discussing the banking sector. In this regard, this study investigates the information logistics system of a bank’s IT service center. For this purpose, the instruments for transfer of the bank Z information logistics system were empirically tested in order to highlight the assessment factors; the various factors related to the bank Z information logistics management methodologies and the methods were examined. The key findings and contributions were achieved, i.e., we developed a systematic model for assessing information logistics systems in a bank. The model explains the adaptation of various methodologies and techniques of information logistics systems in the banking sector and justifies the platform of interaction of information logistics processes. The first part of the article introduces the concept of information logistics systems and unpacks its development and management methodologies and processes. The second part introduces the research methodology for assessing information logistics systems. The results highlight the system of management processes applied to the information logistics and discuss the areas and tools for improving this system. The main outcome of this research is presented in the third part, where the systematic model for assessing information logistics systems is developed. This model distinguishes the stages of information logistics cycles and the levels of the information logistics environments. It indicates the information logistics methodologies and techniques linking to the six types of management processes in the IT service center of a bank. The developed model helps to make the assessment of the information cycle more efficient and demonstrates a customizable result which can be adapted by other companies within their IT service centers.
2-((4-((E)-1-(Hydroxyimino)ethyl)phenyl)amino)-2-oxoethyl Cinnamate
Authors: Tsopka Ioanna-Chrysoula , Hadjipavlou-Litina Dimitra
Published: June 2021

Cinnamic acid-nitric oxide (NO) donor hybrids have attracted attention, in recent years, as new pharmacological agents to treat multifactorial diseases. In the present study, hybrid oxime 5 was synthesized and its anti-lipid peroxidation and anti-lipoxygenase activities were evaluated. The new compound showed remarkable anti-LOX activity, while its antioxidant activity was quite good in comparison to the appropriate reference compounds. The examined derivative seems to be orally active in accordance to Lipinski’s rule of five. Compound 5 can be considered as a leading structure for the design and synthesis of new hybrids.
Interface Driven Effects in Magnetization-Induced Optical Second Harmonic Generation in Layered Films Composed of Ferromagnetic and Heavy Metals
Authors: Mamonov Evgeniy , Kolmychek Irina , Radovskaya Victoria , Pashen’kin Igor , Gusev Nikita , Maydykovskiy Anton , Temiryazeva Marina , Temiryazev Alexei , Murzina Tatiana
Published: June 2021

Properties of nanolayers can substantially differ from those of bulky materials, in part due to pronounced interface effects. It is known that combinations of layers of heavy and ferromagnetic metals leads to the appearance of specific spin textures induced by interface-induced Dzyaloshinskyi–Moria interaction (DMI), which attracts much interest and requires further studies. In this paper, we study magneto-optical effects in two- and three-layer films composed of a few nanometer thick Co layer adjacent to nanofilms of non-magnetic materials (Pt, W, Cu, Ta, MgO). For experimental studies of the interface magnetization-induced effects, we used the optical second harmonic generation (SHG) technique known for its high sensitivity to the symmetry breaking. We found that the structural asymmetry leads to the increase of the averaged SHG intensity, as well as to the magnetic field-induced effects in SHG. Moreover, by choosing the proper geometry of the experiment, we excluded the most studied linear in magnetization SHG contributions and, thus, succeeded in studying higher order in magnetization and non-local magnetic effects. We revealed odd in magnetization SHG effects consistent with the phenomenological description involving inhomogeneous (gradient) magnetization distribution at interfaces and found them quite pronounced, so that they should be necessarily taken into account when analyzing the non-linear magneto-optical response of nanostructures.
Mechanical Properties of Bio-Composites Based on Epoxy Resin and Nanocellulose Fibres
Authors: Roszowska-Jarosz Martyna , Masiewicz Joanna , Kostrzewa Marcin , Kucharczyk Wojciech , Żurowski Wojciech , Kucińska-Lipka Justyna , Przybyłek Paweł
Published: June 2021

The aim of our research was to investigate the effect of a small nanocellulose (NC) addition on an improvement of the mechanical properties of epoxy composites. A procedure of chemical extraction from pressed lignin was used to obtain nanocellulose fibers. The presence of nanoparticles in the cellulose pulp was confirmed by FTIR/ATR spectra as well as measurement of nanocellulose particle size using a Zetasizer analyzer. Epoxy composites with NC contents from 0.5% to 1.5% w/w were prepared. The obtained composites were subjected to strength tests, such as impact strength (IS) and resistance to three-point bending with a determination of critical stress intensity factor (Kc). The impact strength of nanocellulose composites doubled in comparison to the unmodified epoxy resin (EP 0). Moreover, Kc was increased by approximately 50% and 70% for the 1.5 and 0.5% w/w NC, respectively. The maximum value of stress at break was achieved at 1% NC concentration in EP and it was 15% higher than that for unmodified epoxy resin. The highest value of destruction energy was characterized by the composition with 0.5% NC and corresponds to the increase of 102% in comparison with EP 0. Based on the analysis of the results it was noted that satisfactory improvement of the mechanical properties of the composite was achieved with a very small addition of nanofiller while other research indicates the need to add much more nanocellulose. It is also expected that this kind of use of raw materials will allow increasing the economic efficiency of the nanocomposite preparation process. Moreover, nanocomposites obtained in this way can be applied as elements of machines or as a modified epoxy matrix for sandwich composites, enabling production of the structure material with reduced weight but improved mechanical properties.
Inkjet Printing of Polypyrrole Electroconductive Layers Based on Direct Inks Freezing and Their Use in Textile Solid-State Supercapacitors
Authors: Stempien Zbigniew , Khalid Mohmmad , Kozanecki Marcin , Filipczak Paulina , Wrzesińska Angelika , Korzeniewska Ewa , Sąsiadek Elżbieta
Published: June 2021

In this work, we propose a novel method for the preparation of polypyrrole (PPy) layers on textile fabrics using a reactive inkjet printing technique with direct freezing of inks under varying temperature up to −16 °C. It was found that the surface resistance of PPy layers on polypropylene (PP) fabric, used as a standard support, linearly decreased from 6335 Ω/sq. to 792 Ω/sq. with the decrease of polymerization temperature from 23 °C to 0 °C. The lowest surface resistance (584 Ω/sq.) of PPy layer was obtained at −12 °C. The spectroscopic studies showed that the degree of the PPy oxidation as well as its conformation is practically independent of the polymerization temperature. Thus, observed tendences in electrical conductivity were assigned to change in PPy layer morphology, as it is significantly influenced by the reaction temperature: the lower the polymerization temperature the smoother the surface of PPy layer. The as-coated PPy layers on PP textile substrates were further assembled as the electrodes in symmetric all-solid-state supercapacitor devices to access their electrochemical performance. The electrochemical results demonstrate that the symmetric supercapacitor device made with the PPy prepared at −12 °C, showed the highest specific capacitance of 72.3 F/g at a current density of 0.6 A/g, and delivers an energy density of 6.12 Wh/kg with a corresponding power density of 139 W/kg.
Surface Characteristics, Fluoride Release and Bond Strength Evaluation of Four Orthodontic Adhesives
Authors: Pastrav Mihaela , Chisnoiu Andrea Maria , Pastrav Ovidiu , Sarosi Codruta , Pordan Doina , Petean Ioan , Muntean Alexandrina , Moldovan Marioara , Chisnoiu Radu Marcel
Published: June 2021

Orthodontic adhesives have similar properties in terms of fluoride release, roughness, shear bond strength or cement debris for specific clinical conditions. Three commercial consecrated orthodontic adhesives (Opal Seal®, Blugloo®, Light Bond®) were compared with an experimental orthodontic material (C1). Brackets were bonded to enamel using a self-etch technique followed by adhesive application and then de-bonded 60 days later. Share bond strength evaluation, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and fluoride release analysis were performed. The highest amount of daily and cumulative fluoride release was obtained for the experimental material, while the lowest value was observed for Opal Seal®. The materials evaluated in the current study presented adequate shear bond strength, with the experimental material having a mean value higher than Opal Seal and Blugloo. The atomic force microscopy measurements indicated that the smoothest initial sample is Opal Seal® followed by Light Bond®. Scanning electron microscopy evaluation indicated different aspects of cement debris on the enamel and/or bracket surface, according to the type of adhesive. The experimental material C1 presented adequate properties in terms of shear bond strength, fluoride release, roughness and enamel characteristics after de-bonding, compared to the commercial materials. Under these circumstances, it can be considered for clinical testing.
Hard Anodization Film on Carbon Steel Surface by Thermal Spray and Anodization Methods
Authors: Chiang Pao-Chang , Chen Chih-Wei , Tsai Fa-Ta , Lin Chung-Kwei , Chen Chien-Chon
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we used two mass-produced industrial technologies, namely, thermal spraying and anodization methods, to enhance the surface characteristics of AISI 1045 medium carbon steel for use in special environments or products. The anodic film can effectively improve the surface properties of carbon steel. A sequence of treatments of the carbon steel substrate surface that consist of sandblasting, spraying the aluminum film, annealing, hot rolling, cleaning, grinding, and polishing can increase the quality of the anodized film. This paper proposes an anodization process for the surface of carbon steel to increase the corrosion resistance, hardness, color diversification, and electrical resistance. The resulting surface improves the hardness (from 170 HV to 524 HV), surface roughness (from 1.26 to 0.15 μm), coloring (from metal color to various colors), and corrosion resistance (from rusty to corrosion resistant). The electrochemical corrosion studies showed that the AISI 1045 steel surface with a hard anodized film had a lower corrosion current density of 10−5.9 A/cm2 and a higher impedance of 9000 ohm than those of naked AISI 1045 steel (10−4.2 A/cm2 and 150 ohm) in HCl gas.
Transformed Shell Structures Determined by Regular Networks as a Complex Material for Roofing
Authors: Abramczyk Jacek
Published: June 2021

The article presents a comprehensive extension of the proprietary basic method for shaping innovative systems of corrugated shell roof structures by means of a specific complex material that comprises regular transformable shell units limited by spatial quadrangles. The units are made up of nominally plane folded sheets transformed into shell shapes. The similar shell units are regularly and effectively arranged in the three-dimensional space in an orderly manner with a universal regular reference surface, polyhedral network, and polygonal network. The extended method leads to the increase in the variety of the designed complex shell roof forms and plane-walled elevation forms of buildings. For this purpose, the rules governing the creation of the continuous roof shell structures of many shells arranged in different unconventional visually attractive patterns and their discontinuous regular modifications are sought. To obtain several novel groups of similar unconventional parametric roof forms, single division coefficients and double division coefficients are used. The easy and intuitive modifications of the positions of the vertices belonging to the polygonal network on the side edges of the polyhedral network accomplished by means of a parametric algorithm allow one to adjust the geometry of the complete shell units to the geometric and material constraints related to the orthotropic properties of the transformed sheeting by means of these coefficients. The innovative approach to the shaping of the diverse unconventional roof structures requires the solving of many interdisciplinary problems in the field of mathematics, civil engineering, construction, morphology, architecture, mechanics, computer visualization, and programming.
Coupling Raman, Brillouin and Nd3+ Photo Luminescence Spectroscopy to Distinguish the Effect of Uniaxial Stress from Cooling Rate on Soda–Lime Silicate Glass
Authors: Bergler Michael , Cvecek Kristian , Werr Ferdinand , Veber Alexander , Schreiner Julia , Eckstein Udo R. , Webber Kyle G. , Schmidt Michael , de Ligny Dominique
Published: June 2021

Evolution of spectroscopic properties of a soda–lime silicate glass with different thermal history and under applied uniaxial stress was investigated using Raman and Brillouin spectroscopies as well as Nd3+ photoluminescence techniques. Samples of soda–lime silicate with a cooling rate from 6 × 10−4 to 650 K/min were prepared either by controlled cooling from the melt using a differential scanning calorimeter or by a conventional annealing procedure. Uniaxial stress effects in a range from 0 to −1.3 GPa were investigated in situ by compression of the glass cylinders. The spectroscopic observations of rearrangements in the network structure were related to the set cooling rates or the applied uniaxial stress to calculate an interrelated set of calibrations. Comparing the results from Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy with Nd3+ photoluminescence analysis, we find a linear dependence that can be used to identify uniaxial stress and cooling rate in any given combination concurrently. The interrelated calibrations and linear dependence models are established and evaluated, and equations relating the change of glass network due to effects of cooling rate or uniaxial stress are given.
Novel Lithium-Ion Capacitor Based on a NiO-rGO Composite
Authors: An Qi , Zhao Xingru , Suo Shuangfu , Bai Yuzhu
Published: June 2021

Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) have been widely explored for energy storage. Nevertheless, achieving good energy density, satisfactory power density, and stable cycle life is still challenging. For this study, we fabricated a novel LIC with a NiO-rGO composite as a negative material and commercial activated carbon (AC) as a positive material for energy storage. The NiO-rGO//AC system utilizes NiO nanoparticles uniformly distributed in rGO to achieve a high specific capacity (with a current density of 0.5 A g−1 and a charge capacity of 945.8 mA h g−1) and uses AC to provide a large specific surface area and adjustable pore structure, thereby achieving excellent electrochemical performance. In detail, the NiO-rGO//AC system (with a mass ratio of 1:3) can achieve a high energy density (98.15 W h kg−1), a high power density (10.94 kW kg−1), and a long cycle life (with 72.1% capacity retention after 10,000 cycles). This study outlines a new option for the manufacture of LIC devices that feature both high energy and high power densities.