bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19-Associated Pulmonary Aspergillosis (CAPA) in Northern Greece during 2020–2022: A Comparative Study According to the Main Consensus Criteria and Definitions
Authors: Siasios Panagiotis , Arvaniti Kostoula , Zachrou Evangelia , Poulopoulou Aikaterini , Pisanidou Pinelopi , Vasileiadou Georgia , Kaimakamis Evangelos , Georgopoulou Athina , Renta Foteini , Lathyris Dimitrios , Veroniki Foteini , Geka Eleni , Soultati Ioanna , Argiriadou Eleni , Apostolidou Eleni , Amoiridou Pinelopi , Ioannou Konstantinos , Kouras Leonidas , Mimitou Ioanna , Stokkos Konstantinos , Flioni Elliniki , Pertsas Evangelos , Sileli Maria , Iasonidou Christina , Sourla Evdokia , Pitsiou Georgia , Vyzantiadis Timoleon-Achilleas
Published: January 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) has emerged as an important complication among patients with acute respiratory failure due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Almost 2.5 years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to raise concerns as an extra factor that contributes to increased mortality, which is mostly because its diagnosis and management remain challenging. The present study utilises the cases of forty-three patients hospitalised between August 2020 and February 2022 whose information was gathered from ten ICUs and special care units based in northern Greece. The main aim was to describe the gained experience in diagnosing CAPA, according to the implementation of the main existing diagnostic consensus criteria and definitions, and present the different classification of the clinical cases due to the alternative algorithms.
The Botrytis cinerea Gene Expression Browser
Authors: Pérez-Lara Gabriel , Moyano Tomás C. , Vega Andrea , Larrondo Luis F. , Polanco Rubén , Álvarez José M. , Aguayo Daniel , Canessa Paulo
Published: January 2023

For comprehensive gene expression analyses of the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea, which infects a number of plant taxa and is a cause of substantial agricultural losses worldwide, we developed BEB, a web-based B. cinerea gene Expression Browser. This computationally inexpensive web-based application and its associated database contain manually curated RNA-Seq data for B. cinerea. BEB enables expression analyses of genes of interest under different culture conditions by providing publication-ready heatmaps depicting transcript levels, without requiring advanced computational skills. BEB also provides details of each experiment and user-defined gene expression clustering and visualization options. If needed, tables of gene expression values can be downloaded for further exploration, including, for instance, the determination of differentially expressed genes. The BEB implementation is based on open-source computational technologies that can be deployed for other organisms. In this case, the new implementation will be limited only by the number of transcriptomic experiments that are incorporated into the platform. To demonstrate the usability and value of BEB, we analyzed gene expression patterns across different conditions, with a focus on secondary metabolite gene clusters, chromosome-wide gene expression, previously described virulence factors, and reference genes, providing the first comprehensive expression overview of these groups of genes in this relevant fungal phytopathogen. We expect this tool to be broadly useful in B. cinerea research, providing a basis for comparative transcriptomics and candidate gene identification for functional assays.
Invasive Fungal Infections in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Non-Intensive Care Single-Centre Experience during the First Pandemic Waves
Authors: Cattaneo Letizia , Buonomo Antonio , Iacovazzo Carmine , Giaccone Agnese , Scotto Riccardo , Viceconte Giulio , Mercinelli Simona , Vargas Maria , Roscetto Emanuela , Cacciatore Francesco , Salvatore Paola , Catania Maria , Villari Riccardo , Cittadini Antonio , Gentile Ivan ,   COVID Federico II Team
Published: January 2023

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) represent a severe complication of COVID-19, yet they are under-estimated. We conducted a retrospective analysis including all the COVID-19 patients admitted to the Infectious Diseases Unit of the Federico II University Hospital of Naples until the 1 July 2021. Among 409 patients, we reported seven cases of IFIs by Candida spp., seven of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, three of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and one of Trichosporon asahii. None of the cases presented underlying predisposing conditions, excluding one oncohematological patient treated with rituximab. Ten cases showed lymphopenia with high rates of CD4+ < 200/µL. All cases received high-dose steroid therapy (mean duration 33 days, mean cumulative dosage 1015 mg of prednisone equivalent), and seven cases had severe COVID-19 disease (OSCI ≥ 5) prior to IFI diagnosis. The cases showed a higher overall duration of hospitalization (63 vs 24 days) and higher mortality rate (23% vs. 7%) compared with the COVID-19 patients who did not developed IFIs. Cases showed a higher prevalence of high-dose steroid therapy and lymphopenia with CD4+ < 200/µL, primarily due to SARS-CoV-2 infection and not related to underlying comorbidities. IFIs strongly impact the overall length of hospitalization and mortality. Therefore, clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion of IFIs, especially in severe COVID-19 patients.
Variability in Nutrient Use by Orchid Mycorrhizal Fungi in Two Medium Types
Authors: Novotná Alžběta , Mennicken Sophie , de Paula Caio C. Pires , Vogt-Schilb Hélène , Kotilínek Milan , Těšitelová Tamara , Šmilauer Petr , Jersáková Jana
Published: January 2023

Orchid mycorrhizal fungi (OMF) from the rhizoctonia aggregate are generally considered to be soil saprotrophs, but their ability to utilize various nutrient sources has been studied in a limited number of isolates cultivated predominantly in liquid media, although rhizoctonia typically grow on the surface of solid substrates. Nine isolates representing the key OMF families (Ceratobasidiaceae, Tulasnellaceae and Serendipitaceae), sampled in Southern France and the Czech Republic, were tested for their ability to utilize carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) sources in vitro in both liquid and solid media. The isolates showed significant inter- and intra-familiar variability in nutrient utilization, most notably in N sources. Isolates produced generally larger amounts of dry biomass on solid medium than in liquid one, but some isolates showed no or limited biomass production on solid medium with particular nutrient sources. The largest amount of biomass was produced by isolates from the family Ceratobasidiaceae on most sources in both medium types. The biomass production of Tulasnellaceae isolates was affected by their phylogenetic relatedness on all sources and medium types. The ability of isolates to utilize particular nutrients in a liquid medium but not a solid one should be considered when optimizing solid media for symbiotic orchid seed germination and in understanding of OMF functional traits under in situ conditions.
Clinical Relevance of a Vancomycin 24 h Area under the Concentration—Time Curve Values Using Different Renal Function Equations in Bayesian Dosing Software
Authors: Kim Hyun-Ki , Jeong Tae-Dong
Published: January 2023

With the updated 2020 vancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) guidelines suggesting a ratio of area under the curve over 24 h to a minimum inhibitory concentration (AUC24/MIC) as a target from the Infectious Diseases Society of America, an accurate estimation of AUC24 has become more critical. We aim to compare the AUC24 using Bayesian dosing software according to various estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) equations in order to analyze the clinical impact of eGFR in vancomycin TDM. We reviewed the TDM dataset of 214 adult patients and analyzed the AUC24 values from various renal function equations, including the Cockcroft-Gault (C-G), the modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD), the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI), and the revised Lund–Malmö. The AUC24/MIC results (assuming a MIC of 1 mg/L) were divided into three groups as follows: <400, 400–600, and >600. Additionally, we compared the group agreement between the C-G and the three eGFR formulas. Although there was a statistically significant difference in the AUC24 of the MDRD and the CKD-EPI formulas compared to the C-G, the group concordance rate of the eGFR formula was 95.2–100%, which indicates no clinical significance. The clinical impact of the eGFR formula type on drug dosing recommendations in vancomycin TDM using Bayesian software was insignificant in clinical practice.
Oral Health and Risk of Retinal Vascular Occlusions: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Chang Yoonkyung , Kim Sung-Hee , Jeon Jimin , Song Tae-Jin , Kim Jinkwon
Published: January 2023

Retinal vascular occlusions are a common cause of visual loss. The association between oral health and the risk of retinal vascular occlusions remains unknown. We investigated whether oral health was associated with the risk of retinal vascular occlusions. We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 138,484 participants who completed a national health screening program with an oral health examination from the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening Cohort (NHIS-HEALS) 2002–2015. Oral health markers, such as the presence of periodontitis, tooth loss, and dental caries, and the frequency of daily tooth brushing, were evaluated. The primary outcome was the occurrence of retinal vascular occlusions up to December 2015. In total, 2533 participants developed retinal vascular occlusions (215 with retinal artery occlusion, 1686 with retinal vein occlusion, 632 with unspecified retinal vascular occlusion). In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, periodontitis was an independent risk factor for retinal vascular occlusions (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.02–1.36; p = 0.024). Frequent tooth brushing was negatively associated with the risk of retinal vascular occlusions (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.80–0.98; p = 0.022). Improving oral hygiene may contribute to the attenuation of the risk of retinal vascular occlusions.
Predictive Scenarios of LULC Changes Supporting Public Policies: The Case of Chapecó River Ecological Corridor, Santa Catarina/Brazil
Authors: Souza Juliana Mio de , Morgado Paulo , Costa Eduarda Marques da , Vianna Luiz Fernando de Novaes
Published: January 2023

The studies of spatial-temporal land use and land cover (LULC) change patterns, supported by future scenarios and simulation methods based on the assumption of natural socio-economic and territorial driving forces, allow us to go beyond an accurate diagnosis of the dynamics that have occurred so far, providing a picture of possible alternative futures, and are fundamental in assisting with the planning and policy-making in the territory. In this paper, we use LULC maps and explanatory variables aggregated in five dimensions (physical/natural, economic, sociocultural, technological, and demographic) to identify which are the main drinving forces in the evolution process and the simulation of LULC dynamics for 2036, using as a case study the Chapecó River ecological corridor (Chapecó EC) area. The Chapecó EC was created by the state government in 2010 with the goal of combining nature conservation with local and regional development. In this region, in the last two decades, the loss of areas of natural grassland and forest was on average five times higher than the average recorded in the state. Based on scenario-building methods using artificial neural networks, six predictive scenarios were elaborated, based on three socioeconomic scenarios (current conditions, growth, and socioeconomic recession) and two territorial intervention options (actions). This includes an action based on maintaining the current LULC, and another action of a conservationist nature with the recovery of forest and natural grassland areas to the proportions of areas found in 1990. The results indicate that if the current LULC is maintained, forest, pasture and agriculture areas tend to increase, while silviculture and natural grassland areas decrease, driven by economic and physical/natural driving forces. If there is a conservationist action, natural grassland and pasture areas tend to increase and silviculture and agriculture tend to lose area due to economic, technological, and physical/natural driving forces. These trends have revealed that the natural grassland preservation/restoration, the encouragement of conservationist agricultural practices combined with economic strategies, and the technological development of the rural sector seem to form the basis of economic development combined with biodiversity conservation.
Multi-Temporal Assessment of Remotely Sensed Autumn Grass Senescence across Climatic and Topographic Gradients
Authors: Royimani Lwando , Mutanga Onisimo , Odindi John , Slotow Rob
Published: January 2023

Climate and topography are influential variables in the autumn senescence of grassland ecosystems. For instance, extreme weather can lead to earlier or later senescence than normal, while higher altitudes often favor early grass senescence. However, to date, there is no comprehensive understanding of key remote-sensing-derived environmental variables that influence the occurrence of autumn grassland senescence, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Meanwhile, knowledge of the relationship between autumn grass senescence and environmental variables is required to aid the formulation of optimal rangeland management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the spatial autocorrelations between remotely sensed autumn grass senescence vis-a-vis climatic and topographic variables in the subtropical grasslands. Sentinel 2′s Normalized Difference NIR/Rededge Normalized Difference Red-Edge (NDRE) and the Chlorophyll Red-Edge (Chlred-edge) indices were used as best proxies to explain the occurrence of autumn grassland senescence, while monthly (i.e., March to June) estimates of the remotely sensed autumn grass senescence were examined against their corresponding climatic and topographic factors using the Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR), the Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), the Classification and Regression Trees (CART), and the Random Forest Regression (RFR) models. The RFR model displayed a superior performance on both proxies (i.e., RMSEs of 0.017, 0.012, 0.056, and 0.013, as well as R2s of 0.69, 0.71, 0.56, and 0.71 for the NDRE, with RMSEs and R2s 0.023, 0.018, 0.014 and 0.056, as well as 0.59, 0.60, 0.69, and 0.72 for the Chlred-edge in March, April, May, and June, respectively). Next, the mean monthly values of the remotely sensed autumn grass senescence were separately tested for significance against the average monthly climatic (i.e., minimum (Tmin) and maximum (Tmax) air temperatures, rainfall, soil moisture, and solar radiation) and topographic (i.e., slope, aspect, and elevation) factors to define the environmental drivers of autumn grassland senescence. Overall, the results indicated that Tmax (p = 0.000 and 0.005 for the NDRE and the Chlred-edge, respectively), Tmin (p = 0.021 and 0.041 for the NDRE and the Chlred-edge, respectively), and the soil moisture (p = 0.031 and 0.040 for the NDRE and the Chlred-edge, respectively) were the most influential autumn grass senescence drivers. Overall, these results have shown the role of remote sensing techniques in assessing autumn grassland senescence along climatic and topographic gradients as well as in determining key environmental drivers of this senescence in the study area
Effects of Grassland Afforestation on Water Yield in Basins of Uruguay: A Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Historical Trends Using Remote Sensing and Field Measurements
Authors: Cano Deyvis , Cacciuttolo Carlos , Custodio Maria , Nosetto Marcelo
Published: January 2023

The afforestation of grasslands can alter different ecosystems’ functional processes; it affects the water balance due to the high water demand, caused by the increased productivity of the plantations, increase evapotranspiration, and reduces base flow of the basins. In Uruguay, there are two scenarios; the headwaters of the Tacuarembó River, where the area of plantations has increased for more than 30 years, and the headwaters of the Río Negro, where mainly grasslands are preserved without significant changes. This article evaluates the dynamics of grassland afforestation in the two basins, through the spatial and temporal analysis of historical trends with the use of remote sensors and considering the effect on water yield through field measurements, in the period 1984–2014. The spatial analysis shows an increase in the area of the forested basin, and the temporal analysis shows a reduction in the runoff coefficient due to the effect of the afforestation of pastures. Therefore, the movement from grassland to forest plantations reduces water flow considerably; this was identified through base flow measurements in the field with the integration of remote sensors. This allowed the observation of the relevant changes in the two basins studied, which may be related to climate change and human activities.
Circular RNA ame_circ_2015 Function as microRNA Sponges in Regulating Egg-Laying of Honeybees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Chen Xiao , Wang Deqian , An Jiandong
Published: January 2023

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are critical to maintaining ecological balance and are important pollinators. The oviposition behavior in honeybees is important and complex. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are found to form circRNA-miRNA crosstalk and play important roles in reproduction processes. Here, dual luciferase reporter was used to confirm the crosstalk between ame_circ_2015 and ame_miR-14-3p. Functional experiments in vitro and in vivo were performed to investigate the biological functions of ame_circ_2015 in egg-laying of queens. The results showed that ame_circ_2015 directly target ame_miR-14-3p, and the expression of ame_circ_2015 was negatively correlated with ame_miR-14-3p expression. Overexpression results showed that ame_circ_2015 promoted the number of eggs laid and knockdown of ame_circ_2015 suppressed the number of eggs laid. It demonstrates that up-regulated ame_circ_2015 promotes the number of eggs laid by sponging ame_miR-14-3p. The study will provide information towards a better understanding of circRNA-miRNA crosstalk in egg-laying in honeybees.
An In Vitro Study of the Effect of CO2 Laser Power Output on Ablative Properties in Porcine Tongue
Authors: Mungmee Amontep , Sattayut Sajee
Published: January 2023

CO2 lasers have been generally used in oral soft-tissue surgery. Although an increase in power enhances the depth of ablation, the specific correlation between units of power and ablative depth has not been stated. This study aimed to explore ablative depth and width affected by a power unit of 10,600-nm CO2 laser continuous wave at 3 to 10 W in tissue blocks of the swine tongue. The 112 samples were randomly allocated into eight groups according to the power settings. The depth and width of the incision were measured by using the ImageJ program. The 3 W group showed the minimal depth of ablation [0.527 mm (0.474 and 0.817)] and width of ablation [0.147 mm (0.110 to 0.184)]. The maximal depth [3.750 mm (3.362 and 4.118)] and width [0.700 mm (0.541 to 0.860)] were in the 9 W group. The correlation between the ablative depth and power unit was 0.81 (p < 0.001). Based on the regression equation (p < 0.001), the ablative depth (mm) = (the power unit of laser in W × 0.491) − 0.731. In conclusion, the ablative depth of the CO2 laser on soft tissue was strongly correlated to power units enabling the prediction equation.
Transcriptomic Analysis Provides Novel Insights into the Heat Stress-Induced Response in Codonopsis tangshen
Authors: Jiang Xiaogang , Wassie Misganaw , Zhou Wuxian , Wang Hua , You Jinwen , Ma Guangjing , Zhang Meide
Published: January 2023

Codonopsis tangshen Oliv (C. tangshen) is a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb with tremendous health benefits. However, the growth and development of C. tangshen are seriously affected by high temperatures. Therefore, understanding the molecular responses of C. tangshen to high-temperature stress is imperative to improve its thermotolerance. Here, RNA-Seq analysis was performed to investigate the genome-wide transcriptional changes in C. tangshen in response to short-term heat stress. Heat stress significantly damages membrane stability and chlorophyll biosynthesis in C. tangshen, as evidenced by pronounced malonaldehyde (MDA), electrolyte leakage (EL), and reduced chlorophyll content. Transcriptome analysis showed that 2691 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 1809 upregulated and 882 downregulated. Functional annotations revealed that the DEGs were mainly related to heat shock proteins (HSPs), ROS-scavenging enzymes, calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK), HSP-HSP network, hormone signaling transduction pathway, and transcription factors such as bHLHs, bZIPs, MYBs, WRKYs, and NACs. These heat-responsive candidate genes and TFs could significantly regulate heat stress tolerance in C. tangshen. Overall, this study could provide new insights for understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of thermotolerance in C. tangshen.
Investigation of Microflow Effects in Textures on Hydrodynamic Performance of Journal Bearings Using CFD Simulations
Authors: Wang Yujun , Jacobs Georg , König Florian , Zhang Shuo , von Goeldel Stephan
Published: January 2023

Adequately designed and positioned surface textures are recognized as a promising way to increase load-carrying capacity and reduce frictional losses of journal bearings. The aim of this work is to analyze the local lubrication mechanisms of textures in journal bearings from microflow perspective, while considering the interactions between textures and the film formation in the whole bearing. For this purpose, hydrodynamic lubrication models of textured journal bearings are built. The results show that placing textures downstream of the high-pressure region leads to a reduced friction force, with a less severe loss of load-carrying capacity. The effects of textures on the load-carrying capacity include the positive micro-hydrodynamic pressure effect and the negative effect caused by the discontinuity of the high-pressure region. The micro-hydrodynamic pressure of textures can be generated on one hand by limiting pressure drop (cavitation) in the divergent gap and on the other hand by the inertia effect. For the friction, the vortex inside textures affects the friction force by influencing the maximum shear stress at the minimum oil film. In turn the vortex is influenced by the bearing lubrication film. The research provides the fundamental reference and theoretical basis for the design and optimization of textured journal bearings.
Manganese Luminescent Centers of Different Valence in Yttrium Aluminum Borate Crystals
Authors: Molchanova Anastasiia , Boldyrev Kirill , Kuzmin Nikolai , Veligzhanin Alexey , Khaydukov Kirill , Khaydukov Evgeniy , Kondratev Oleg , Gudim Irina , Mikliaeva Elizaveta , Popova Marina
Published: January 2023

We present an extensive study of the luminescence characteristics of Mn impurity ions in a YAl3(BO3)4:Mn crystal, in combination with X-ray fluorescence analysis and determination of the valence state of Mn by XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) spectroscopy. The valences of manganese Mn2+(d5) and Mn3+(d4) were determined by the XANES and high-resolution optical spectroscopy methods shown to be complementary. We observe the R1 and R2 luminescence and absorption lines characteristic of the 2E ↔ 4A2 transitions in d3 ions (such as Mn4+ and Cr3+) and show that they arise due to uncontrolled admixture of Cr3+ ions. A broad luminescent band in the green part of the spectrum is attributed to transitions in Mn2+. Narrow zero-phonon infrared luminescence lines near 1060 nm (9400 cm−1) and 760 nm (13,160 cm−1) are associated with spin-forbidden transitions in Mn3+: 1T2 → 3T1 (between excited triplets) and 1T2 → 5E (to the ground state). Spin-allowed 5T2 → 5E Mn3+ transitions show up as a broad band in the orange region of the spectrum. Using the data of optical spectroscopy and Tanabe–Sugano diagrams we estimated the crystal-field parameter Dq and Racah parameter B for Mn3+ in YAB:Mn as Dq = 1785 cm−1 and B = 800 cm−1. Our work can serve as a basis for further study of YAB:Mn for the purposes of luminescent thermometry, as well as other applications.
Environmentally Oriented Analysis of Benefits and Expenditures in the Life Cycle of a Wind Power Plant
Authors: Sobaszek Łukasz , Piasecka Izabela , Flizikowski Józef , Tomporowski Andrzej , Sokolovskij Edgar , Bałdowska-Witos Patrycja
Published: January 2023

The motivation for this study was the need to extend and supplement the previously conducted research on technical objects in the renewable energy sector with analyses of the environmental impact of the production, operation and post-operational development stages of the wind power plant. The main purpose of the work was to investigate, analyze and assess the ecological effects of a real facility, which is a 2 MW Vestas V90/105 m wind farm, throughout its life cycle. The life cycle assessment analysis of the 2 MW wind power plant was performed using Impact 2002+ modeling. The results are presented for all impact levels and categories. The production stage was characterized by the highest total level of harmful effect. The use of recycling reduces the negative impacts of the life cycle by 6.5%. The investigated technical facility has the greatest negative impact during the production stage, especially in the area of depletion of fossil resources and human health.
Smart PEG-Block-PLA/PLA Nanosystems: Impact of the Characteristics of the Polymer Blend on the Redox Responsiveness
Authors: Van Gheluwe Louise , David Stephanie , Buchy Eric , Chourpa Igor , Munnier Emilie
Published: January 2023

Nanocarriers (NCs) were designed from three polymer blends (B1, B2 and B3) and investigated as smart drug delivery systems (SDDS). The blends are composed of a “smart” copolymer, where methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(lactic acid) are connected via a redox-responsive disulfide bond (mPEG-SS-PLA), and of a “conventional” polymer, poly(lactic acid) (PLA). They differ by mPEG-SS-PLA/PLA ratio and PLA molecular weight. Nanoprecipitation was used to prepare NCs. Three concentrations were tested, and fluorescent dye Nile red (NR) was used as a model payload. The results show that the characteristics of the NCs, such as size and drug release kinetics, are influenced by the type of blend and the concentration used during the nanoprecipitation process. The more redox-responsive blend was B2 (ratio 1:3, PLA 5 kDa) at 16 mg/mL: the quantity of NR released was tripled upon 24 h of incubation in a reducing medium. This study reveals that the amount of disulfide bonds present in a NC is not the only parameter to be considered to design an SDDS. The stability of the SDDS in a presumably non-stimulating environment is also important to limit uncontrolled release during storage or in the body before the biological target is reached.
Electrochemical Impedance Analysis for Corrosion Rate Monitoring of Sol–Gel Protective Coatings in Contact with Nitrate Molten Salts for CSP Applications
Authors: Encinas-Sánchez V. , Macías-García A. , de Miguel M. T. , Pérez F. J. , Rodríguez-Rego J. M.
Published: January 2023

The protective behaviour of ZrO2-3%molY2O3 sol–gel coatings, deposited with an immersion coating technique on 9Cr-1Mo P91 steel, was evaluated with corrosion monitoring sensors using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique. The tests were carried out in contact with solar salt at 500 °C for a maximum of 2000 h. The results showed the highly protective behaviour of the coating, with the corrosion process in the coated system being controlled by the diffusion of charged particles through the protective layer. The coating acts by limiting the transport of ions and slowing down the corrosive process. The system allowed a reduction in the corrosion rate of uncoated P91 steel. The estimated corrosion rate of 22.62 μm·year−1 is lower than that accepted for in-service operations. The proposed ZrO2-3%molY2O3 sol–gel coatings are an option to mitigate the corrosion processes caused by the molten salts in concentrated solar power plants.
Characterization of Microstructural Evolution in Heat-Affected Zone of Cu-Bearing Ultra-High-Strength Steel with Lamellar Microstructure
Authors: Fang Chao , Li Chengning , Ji Fengqin , Fu Wen , Hu Wenyi , Di Xinjie
Published: January 2023

The advanced lamellar microstructure significantly improves the toughness of Cu-bearing ultra-high strength steel by delamination toughening (yield strength: 1370 MPa, impact toughness at −40 °C: 60 J). The lamellar microstructure affects the microstructure evolution of heat-affected zone (HAZ), resulting in separate distributions of lath martensite and granular bainite in the complete austenitizing zone and the formation of cluster fresh martensite in the partial austenitizing zone. The grain refinement and decrease in dislocation density are predominant features, especially for the complete austenitizing zone, where the grain is refined to 4.33 μm, and dislocation density is decreased by 27%. With the degree of austenitizing increase, the dissolution of Cu-rich precipitates (CRPs) aggravates during welding. A small fraction of CRPs in the complete austenitizing zone implies the onset of reprecipitation of CRPs. The reason for softening in HAZ is attributed to a combined effect of granular bainite forming, dislocation density decreasing, and CRPs dissolving. After PWTH, large numbered reprecipitation of coherent CRPs occurs, contributing to the hardness recovery of HAZ. Meanwhile, due to the high density of dislocation of lamellar microstructure inherited by partial austenitizing zone, coarsening of coherent CRPs is easy to occur, and various incoherent structures are observed.
Influence of the Coordinated Ligand on the Optical and Electrical Properties in Titanium Phthalocyanine-Based Active Films for Photovoltaics
Authors: Sánchez Vergara María Elena , Villanueva Heredia Luisa Fernanda , Hamui Leon
Published: January 2023

Tetravalent titanyl phthalocyanine (TiOPc) and titanium phthalocyanine dichloride (TiCl2Pc) films were deposited via the high-vacuum thermal evaporation technique and subsequently structurally and morphologically characterized, to be later evaluated in terms of their optoelectronic behavior. The IR and UV-vis spectroscopy of the films displayed α- and β-phase signals in TiOPc and TiCl2Pc. Additionally, the UV-vis spectra displayed the B and Q bands in the near-UV region of 270–390 nm and in the visible region between 600 and 880 nm, respectively. The films presented the onset gap (~1.30 eV) and the optical gap (~2.85 eV). Photoluminescence emission bands at 400–600 nm and 800–950 nm are present for the films. One-layer ITO/TiCl2Pc or TiOPc/Ag and two-layer ITO/PEDOT:PSS/TiCl2Pc or TiOPc/Ag planar heterojunction devices with poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) deposited by the spin-coating technique were constructed. In these devices, an electrical activation energy between 0.18 and 0.21 eV and a refractive index between 1.14 and 1.44 were obtained. The devices presented a change in the J–V curves for the illuminated and darkness conditions, as much as 1.5 × 102 A/cm2, related to the device architecture and phthalocyanine ligand. The latter indicates that the films should be used for optoelectronic applications.
Reactive HiTUS TiNbVTaZrHf-Nx Coatings: Structure, Composition and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Lofaj František , Kvetková Lenka , Roch Tomáš , Dobrovodský Jozef , Girman Vladimír , Kabátová Margita , Beňo Matúš
Published: January 2023

High entropy metal sub-lattice stabilized nitride coatings based on multicomponent refractory transition metals (TM = Ti, Nb, V, Ta, Zr, Hf) are promising candidates for extreme conditions due to their high thermal, mechanical, and corrosion properties. The aims of the current work included the investigations of the possibilities of the novel High Target Utilization Sputtering (HiTUS) technique applied to reactive sputtering of TiNbVTaZrHf–xN coatings from the viewpoints of hysteresis behavior during reactive sputtering as well as the structure, composition, stoichiometry, and mechanical properties of the resulting coatings. With increasing nitrogen content, coating structures varied from amorphous in metallic alloy coatings to textured nano-columnar fcc structures. Despite certain deviations of TM from equiatomic concentrations, homogeneous solid solutions corresponding to single-phase multicomponent nitride analogous to high entropy stabilized compounds were obtained. Mechanical properties were found to be proportional to nitrogen content. The highest hardness HIT ~ 33 GPa and indentation modulus EIT ~ 400 GPa were found in a slightly sub-stoichiometric (~42 at% nitrogen) composition. HIT/EIT and limited pillar split measurements suggested that these coatings exhibit low fracture toughness (around 1 MPa.m1/2). The work confirmed that reactive HiTUS is suitable for the preparation of multicomponent nitrides with the control of their stoichiometry and mechanical properties only via nitrogen additions.
Recent Approaches in Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Biosensors of miRNA Detection
Authors: Balaban Hanoglu Simge , Harmanci Duygu , Ucar Nursima , Evran Serap , Timur Suna
Published: January 2023

In recent years, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been widely used in many fields due to their advantageous properties, such as biocompatibility, easy modifiability, and high chemical stability. One of these areas is the detection of cancer. It is essential to use existing biomarkers, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), for the early diagnosis of this disease. miRNAs are challenging to distinguish and detect in biological samples because they are small, circulating molecules. It is necessary to use more sensitive and feature-rich systems. Thanks to their large surface areas and magnetic moments, MNPs allow easy separation of miRNA at low concentrations from complex samples (urine and blood) and rapid and specific detection in biosensing systems. Here, we discussed the synthesis and characterization methods of MNPs, their stabilization, and MNP-based biosensors in terms of miRNA detection. We considered the challenges and prospects of these biosensor systems in evaluating the development stages, sensitivity, and selectivity.
IPPT4KRL: Iterative Post-Processing Transfer for Knowledge Representation Learning
Authors: Zhang Weihang , Șerban Ovidiu , Sun Jiahao , Guo Yike
Published: January 2023

Knowledge Graphs (KGs), a structural way to model human knowledge, have been a critical component of many artificial intelligence applications. Many KG-based tasks are built using knowledge representation learning, which embeds KG entities and relations into a low-dimensional semantic space. However, the quality of representation learning is often limited by the heterogeneity and sparsity of real-world KGs. Multi-KG representation learning, which utilizes KGs from different sources collaboratively, presents one promising solution. In this paper, we propose a simple, but effective iterative method that post-processes pre-trained knowledge graph embedding (IPPT4KRL) on individual KGs to maximize the knowledge transfer from another KG when a small portion of alignment information is introduced. Specifically, additional triples are iteratively included in the post-processing based on their adjacencies to the cross-KG alignments to refine the pre-trained embedding space of individual KGs. We also provide the benchmarking results of existing multi-KG representation learning methods on several generated and well-known datasets. The empirical results of the link prediction task on these datasets show that the proposed IPPT4KRL method achieved comparable and even superior results when compared against more complex methods in multi-KG representation learning.
An Optimized Control Method of Soft-Switching and No Backflow Power for LLC Resonant-Type Dual-Active-Bridge DC-DC Converters
Authors: Li Zimeng , Li Mingxue , Zhao Yushun , Wang Zixiang , Yu Dongsheng , Xu Ruidong
Published: January 2023

The LLC-type resonant dual-active-bridge (LLC-DAB) DC-DC converter with a high voltage gain, high power density, and low backflow power has attracted increasing attention in recent years. However, its soft-switching and backflow power problems are still not solved, so the improvements to these problems are studied in this paper. Based on the dual phase shift (DPS) modulation method, the operating characteristics are analyzed, and a soft-switching and no backflow power modulation curve is established based on the voltage-current time-domain characteristics. On this basis, a soft-switching and no backflow power optimized control method based on DPS modulation is proposed to achieve soft-switching operation and eliminate backflow power. Due to the complex time-domain characteristics of the resonant tank voltage and current, the relationship between the phase shift ratios is fitted and optimized with this method based on the soft-switching and no backflow power characteristic curve, and the optimized results of the phase shift ratio under different operating conditions are obtained. The simulation results indicate that the soft-switching operation of the LLC-DAB converter can be achieved with the optimized control method proposed in this paper, and the backflow power is effectively eliminated.
Combining Computational Modelling and Machine Learning to Identify COVID-19 Patients with a High Thromboembolism Risk
Authors: Bouchnita Anass , Mozokhina Anastasia , Nony Patrice , Llored Jean-Pierre , Volpert Vitaly
Published: January 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a respiratory virus that disrupts the functioning of several organ systems. The cardiovascular system represents one of the systems targeted by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Indeed, a hypercoagulable state was observed in some critically ill COVID-19 patients. The timely prediction of thrombosis risk in COVID-19 patients would help prevent the incidence of thromboembolic events and reduce the disease burden. This work proposes a methodology that identifies COVID-19 patients with a high thromboembolism risk using computational modelling and machine learning. We begin by studying the dynamics of thrombus formation in COVID-19 patients by using a mathematical model fitted to the experimental findings of in vivo clot growth. We use numerical simulations to quantify the upregulation in the size of the formed thrombi in COVID-19 patients. Next, we show that COVID-19 upregulates the peak concentration of thrombin generation (TG) and its endogenous thrombin potential. Finally, we use a simplified 1D version of the clot growth model to generate a dataset containing the hemostatic responses of virtual COVID-19 patients and healthy subjects. We use this dataset to train machine learning algorithms that can be readily deployed to predict the risk of thrombosis in COVID-19 patients.
Improving Data Sparsity in Recommender Systems Using Matrix Regeneration with Item Features
Authors: Choi Sang-Min , Lee Dongwoo , Jang Kiyoung , Park Chihyun , Lee Suwon
Published: January 2023

With the development of the Web, users spend more time accessing information that they seek. As a result, recommendation systems have emerged to provide users with preferred contents by filtering abundant information, along with providing means of exposing search results to users more effectively. These recommendation systems operate based on the user reactions to items or on the various user or item features. It is known that recommendation results based on sparse datasets are less reliable because recommender systems operate according to user responses. Thus, we propose a method to improve the dataset sparsity and increase the accuracy of the prediction results by using item features with user responses. A method based on the content-based filtering concept is proposed to extract category rates from the user–item matrix according to the user preferences and to organize these into vectors. Thereafter, we present a method to filter the user–item matrix using the extracted vectors and to regenerate the input matrix for collaborative filtering (CF). We compare the prediction results of our approach and conventional CF using the mean absolute error and root mean square error. Moreover, we calculate the sparsity of the regenerated matrix and the existing input matrix, and demonstrate that the regenerated matrix is more dense than the existing one. By computing the Jaccard similarity between the item sets in the regenerated and existing matrices, we verify the matrix distinctions. The results of the proposed methods confirm that if the regenerated matrix is used as the CF input, a denser matrix with higher predictive accuracy can be constructed than when using conventional methods. The validity of the proposed method was verified by analyzing the effect of the input matrix composed of high average ratings on the CF prediction performance. The low sparsity and high prediction accuracy of the proposed method are verified by comparisons with the results by conventional methods. Improvements of approximately 16% based on K-nearest neighbor and 15% based on singular value decomposition, and a three times improvement in the sparsity based on regenerated and original matrices are obtained. We propose a matrix reconstruction method that can improve the performance of recommendations.
Constructions of Goethals–Seidel Sequences by Using k-Partition
Authors: Shen Shuhui , Zhang Xiaojun
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we are devoted to finding Goethals–Seidel sequences by using k-partition, and based on the finite Parseval relation, the construction of Goethals–Seidel sequences could be transformed to the construction of the associated polynomials. Three different structures of Goethals–Seidel sequences will be presented. We first propose a method based on T-matrices directly to obtain a quad of Goethals–Seidel sequences. Next, by introducing the k-partition, we utilize two classes of 8-partitions to obtain a new class of polynomials still remaining the same (anti)symmetrical properties, with which a quad of Goethals–Seidel sequences could be constructed. Moreover, an adoption of the 4-partition together with a quad of four symmetrical sequences can also lead to a quad of Goethals–Seidel sequences.
Topological Indices of Graphs from Vector Spaces
Authors: Mageshwaran Krishnamoorthy , Alessa Nazeek , Gopinath Singaravelu , Loganathan Karuppusamy
Published: January 2023

Topological indices are numbers that are applied to a graph and can be used to describe specific graph properties through algebraic structures. Algebraic graph theory is a helpful tool in a range of chemistry domains. Because it helps explain how the different symmetries of molecules and crystals affect their structure and dynamics, it is a powerful theoretical approach for forecasting both the common and uncommon characteristics of molecules. A topological index converts the chemical structure into a number and contributes a lot in chemical graph theory. In this article, we compute the Wiener index, Zagreb indexes, Wiener polynomial, Hyper-Wiener index, ABC index and eccentricity-based topological index of a nonzero component union graph from vector space.
Multi-Shell Models of Celestial Bodies with an Intermediate Layer of Fluid: Dynamics in the Case of the Large Values of the Ekman Number
Authors: Sidorenko Vladislav , Ramodanov Sergey
Published: January 2023

We consider a mechanical system that is comprised of three parts: a rigid outer shell with a spherical cavity, a spherical core inside this cavity, and an intermediate layer of liquid between the core and the shell. Such a model provides an adequate description of the behavior of a wide variety of celestial bodies. The centers of the inner and outer liquid’s spherical boundaries are assumed to coincide. Assuming that the viscosity of the liquid is high, we obtained an approximate solution to the Navier–Stokes equations that describes a so called creeping flow of the liquid, which sets on after all transient processes die out. We note that the effect of the liquid on the rotational motion of the system can be modeled as a special torque acting upon the system with “solidified” fluid.
A Review of Combinatorial Optimization Problems in Reverse Logistics and Remanufacturing for End-of-Life Products
Authors: Ren Yaping , Lu Xinyu , Guo Hongfei , Xie Zhaokang , Zhang Haoyang , Zhang Chaoyong
Published: January 2023

During the end-of-life (EOL) product recovery process, there are a series of combinatorial optimization problems (COPs) that should be efficiently solved. These COPs generally result from reverse logistics (RL) and remanufacturing, such as facility location and vehicle routing in RL, and scheduling, planning, and line balancing in remanufacturing. Each of the COPs in RL and remanufacturing has been reviewed; however, no review comprehensively discusses and summarizes the COPs in both. To fill the gap, a comprehensive review of the COPs in both RL and remanufacturing is given in this paper, in which typical COPs arising at the end of the product life cycle are discussed and analyzed for the first time. To better summarize these COPs, 160 papers published since 1992 are selected and categorized into three modules: facility location and vehicle routing in RL, scheduling in remanufacturing, and disassembly in remanufacturing. Finally, the existing research gaps are identified and some possible directions are described.
Application of Marine Natural Products against Alzheimer’s Disease: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Hu Di , Jin Yating , Hou Xiangqi , Zhu Yinlong , Chen Danting , Tai Jingjing , Chen Qianqian , Shi Cui , Ye Jing , Wu Mengxu , Zhang Hong , Lu Yanbin
Published: January 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease, is one of the most intractable illnesses which affects the elderly. Clinically manifested as various impairments in memory, language, cognition, visuospatial skills, executive function, etc., the symptoms gradually aggravated over time. The drugs currently used clinically can slow down the deterioration of AD and relieve symptoms but cannot completely cure them. The drugs are mainly acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) and non-competitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NDMAR) antagonists. The pathogenesis of AD is inconclusive, but it is often associated with the expression of beta-amyloid. Abnormal deposition of amyloid and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein in the brain have been key targets for past, current, and future drug development for the disease. At present, researchers are paying more and more attention to excavate natural compounds which can be effective against Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative pathologies. Marine natural products have been demonstrated to be the most prospective candidates of these compounds, and some have presented significant neuroprotection functions. Consequently, we intend to describe the potential effect of bioactive compounds derived from marine organisms, including polysaccharides, carotenoids, polyphenols, sterols and alkaloids as drug candidates, to further discover novel and efficacious drug compounds which are effective against AD.