bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Thermal Exposure on Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of TC25G Alloy
Authors: Liu Zhuomeng , Xin Shewei , Zhao Yongqing , Zhu Peiliang , Dang Bohao , Zhang Siyuan , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2023

The microstructure and room temperature tensile properties of heat-treated TC25G alloy after thermal exposure were investigated. The results show that the α2 phase dispersed in the α phase, and silicide precipitated firstly at the α/β phase boundary and then at the dislocation of the αp phase and on the β phase. When thermal exposure was 0–10 h at 550 °C and 600 °C, the decrease of alloy strength was mainly due to the dominant effect of dislocations recovery. With the rise and extension of thermal exposure temperature and time, the increasing quantity and size of precipitates played an important role in the improvement of alloy strength. When thermal exposure temperature rose to 650 °C, the strength was always lower than that of heat-treated alloy. However, since the decreasing rate of solid solution strengthening was smaller than the increasing rate of dispersion strengthening, alloy still showed an increasing trend in the range of 5–100 h. When thermal exposure time was 100–500 h, the size of the α2 phase increased from the critical value of 3 nm to 6 nm, and the interaction between the moving dislocations and the α2 phase changed from the cutting mechanism to the by-pass mechanism (Orowan mechanism), and thus alloy strength decreased rapidly.
Methyl-Trimethoxy-Siloxane-Modified Mg-Al-Layered Hydroxide Filler for Thermal-Insulation Coatings
Authors: Zhao Yanhua , Shen Guanhua , Wang Yongli , Hao Xiangying , Li Huining
Published: June 2023

The development of high-performance insulation materials that facilitate the reduction in building energy consumption is of paramount significance. In this study, magnesium–aluminum-layered hydroxide (LDH) was prepared by the classical hydrothermal reaction. By implementing methyl trimethoxy siloxane (MTS), two different MTS-functionalized LDHs were prepared via a one-step in situ hydrothermal synthesis method and a two-step method. Furthermore, using techniques, such as X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, particle size analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, we evaluated and analyzed the composition, structure, and morphology of the various LDH samples. These LDHs were then employed as inorganic fillers in waterborne coatings, and their thermal-insulation capabilities were tested and compared. It was found that MTS-modified LDH via a one-step in situ hydrothermal synthesis method (M-LDH-2) exhibited the best thermal insulating properties by displaying a thermal-insulation-temperature difference (ΔT) of 25 °C compared with the blank panel. In contrast, the panels coated with unmodified LDH and the MTS-modified LDH via the two-step method exhibited thermal-insulation-temperature difference values of 13.5 °C and 9.5 °C, respectively. Our investigation involved a comprehensive characterization of LDH materials and coating films, unveiling the underlying mechanism of thermal insulation and establishing the correlation between LDH structure and the corresponding insulation performance of the coating. Our findings reveal that the particle size and distribution of LDHs are critical factors in dictating their thermal-insulation capabilities in the coatings. Specifically, we observed that the MTS-modified LDH, prepared via a one-step in situ hydrothermal approach, possessed a larger particle size and wider particle size distribution, resulting in superior thermal-insulation effectiveness. In contrast, the MTS-modified LDH via the two-step method exhibited a smaller particle size and narrow particle size distribution, causing a moderate thermal-insulation effect. This study has significant implications for opening up the potential for LDH-based thermal-insulation coatings. We believe the findings can promote the development of new products and help upgrade industries, while contributing to local economic growth.
The Relationship between the Structural Characteristics of α-Fe2O3 Catalysts and Their Lattice Oxygen Reactivity Regarding Hydrogen
Authors: Kirik Nadezhda , Krylov Alexander , Boronin Andrey , Koshcheev Sergey , Solovyov Leonid , Rabchevskii Evgenii , Shishkina Nina , Anshits Alexander
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the relationship between the structural features of hematite samples calcined in the interval of 800–1100 °C and their reactivity regarding hydrogen studied in the temperature-programmed reaction (TPR-H2) was studied. The oxygen reactivity of the samples decreases with the increasing calcination temperature. The study of calcined hematite samples used X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy, and their textural characteristics were studied also. According to XRD results, hematite samples calcined in the temperature range under study are monophase, represented by the α-Fe2O3 phase, in which crystal density increases with increasing calcination temperature. The Raman spectroscopy results also register only the α-Fe2O3 phase; the samples consist of large, well-crystallized particles with smaller particles on their surface, having a significantly lower degree of crystallinity, and their proportion decreases with increasing calcination temperature. XPS results show the α-Fe2O3 surface enriched with Fe2+ ions, whose proportion increases with increasing calcination temperature, which leads to an increase in the lattice oxygen binding energy and a decrease in the α-Fe2O3 reactivity regarding hydrogen.
Coefficients of Thermal Expansion in La3Ga5SiO14 and Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 Crystals
Authors: Roshchupkin Dmitry , Kovalev Dmitry
Published: June 2023

The ordered Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 and disordered La3Ga5SiO14 crystals of the lantangallium silicate family were grown via the Czochralski method. The independent coefficients of thermal expansion of crystals αc and αa were determined using X-ray powder diffraction based on the analysis of X-ray diffraction spectra measured in the temperature range of 25~1000 °C. It is shown that, in the temperature range of 25~800 °C, the thermal expansion coefficients are linear. At temperatures above 800 °C, there is a nonlinear character of the thermal expansion coefficients, associated with a decrease in the Ga content in the crystal lattice.
Microstructural Changes and Determination of a Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) Diagram Using Dilatometric Analysis of M398 High-Alloy Tool Steel Produced by Microclean Powder Metallurgy
Authors: Krbata Michal , Ciger Robert , Kohutiar Marcel , Eckert Maros , Barenyi Igor , Trembach Bohdan , Dubec Andrej , Escherova Jana , Gavalec Matúš , Beronská Naďa
Published: June 2023

The paper deals with the dilatometric study of high-alloy martensitic tool steel with the designation M398 (BÖHLER), which is produced by the powder metallurgy process. These materials are used to produce screws for injection molding machines in the plastic industry. Increasing the life cycle of these screws leads to significant economic savings. This contribution focuses on creating the CCT diagram of the investigated powder steel in the range of cooling rates from 100 to 0.01 °C/s. JMatPro® API v7.0 simulation software was used to compare the experimentally measured CCT diagram. The measured dilatation curves were confronted with a microstructural analysis, which was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The M398 material contains a large number of carbide particles that occur in the form of M7C3 and MC and are based on Cr and V. EDS analysis was used to evaluate the distribution of selected chemical elements. A comparison of the surface hardness of all samples in relation to the given cooling rates was also carried out. Subsequently, the nanoindentation properties of the formed individual phases as well as the carbides, where the nanohardness and reduced modulus of elasticity (carbides and matrix) were evaluated.
High Entropy Borides Synthesized by the Thermal Reduction of Metal Oxides in a Microwave Plasma
Authors: Storr Bria , Amezaga Carolina , Moore Luke , Iwan Seth , Vohra Yogesh K. , Chen Cheng-Chien , Catledge Shane A.
Published: June 2023

Metal oxide thermal reduction, enabled by microwave-induced plasma, was used to synthesize high entropy borides (HEBs). This approach capitalized on the ability of a microwave (MW) plasma source to efficiently transfer thermal energy to drive chemical reactions in an argon-rich plasma. A predominantly single-phase hexagonal AlB2-type structural characteristic of HEBs was obtained by boro/carbothermal reduction as well as by borothermal reduction. We compare the microstructural, mechanical, and oxidation resistance properties using the two different thermal reduction approaches (i.e., with and without carbon as a reducing agent). The plasma-annealed HEB (Hf0.2, Zr0.2, Ti0.2, Ta0.2, Mo0.2)B2 made via boro/carbothermal reduction resulted in a higher measured hardness (38 ± 4 GPa) compared to the same HEB made via borothermal reduction (28 ± 3 GPa). These hardness values were consistent with the theoretical value of ~33 GPa obtained by first-principles simulations using special quasi-random structures. Sample cross-sections were evaluated to examine the effects of the plasma on structural, compositional, and mechanical homogeneity throughout the HEB thickness. MW-plasma-produced HEBs synthesized with carbon exhibit a reduced porosity, higher density, and higher average hardness when compared to HEBs made without carbon.
Polyvinylpyrrolidone—Alginate—Carbonate Hydroxyapatite Porous Composites for Dental Applications
Authors: Forysenkova Anna A. , Fadeeva Inna V. , Deyneko Dina V. , Gosteva Alevtina N. , Mamin Georgy V. , Shurtakova Darya V. , Davydova Galina A. , Yankova Viktoriya G. , Antoniac Iulian V. , Rau Julietta V.
Published: June 2023

An alternative approach for the currently used replacement therapy in dentistry is to apply materials that restore tooth tissue. Among them, composites, based on biopolymers with calcium phosphates, and cells can be applied. In the present work, a composite based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and alginate (Alg) with carbonate hydroxyapatite (CHA) was prepared and characterized. The composite was investigated by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and scanning electron microscopy methods, and the microstructure, porosity, and swelling properties of the material were described. In vitro studies included the MTT test using mouse fibroblasts, and adhesion and survivability tests with human dental pulp stem cells (DPSC). The mineral component of the composite corresponded to CHA with an admixture of amorphous calcium phosphate. The presence of a bond between the polymer matrix and CHA particles was shown by EPR. The structure of the material was represented by micro- (30–190 μm) and nano-pores (average 8.71 ± 4.15 nm). The swelling measurements attested that CHA addition increased the polymer matrix hydrophilicity by 200%. In vitro studies demonstrated the biocompatibility of PVP-Alg-CHA (95 ± 5% cell viability), and DPSC located inside the pores. It was concluded that the PVP-Alg-CHA porous composite is promising for dentistry applications.
Performance Optimization of Pb0.97La0.03Sc0.45Ta0.45Ti0.1O3 Ceramics by Annealing Process
Authors: Su Zihan , Wan Lingyu , Mo Fenglai , Li Jiayu , Liu Boxun , Liang Chuangjian , Xu Jinsong , Talwar Devki N. , Li Hang , Yao Huilu
Published: June 2023

The annealing effects on Pb0.97La0.03Sc0.45Ta0.45Ti0.1O3 (PLSTT) ceramics prepared by the solid-state reaction method are systemically investigated using experimental and theoretical techniques. Comprehensive studies are performed on the PLSTT samples by varying annealing time (AT) from t (=0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60) h. The properties involving ferroelectric polarization (FP), electrocaloric (EC) effect, energy harvesting performance (EHP) and energy storage performance (ESP) are reported, compared and contrasted. All these features are seen to gradually improve with the increase in AT, and they all reach the climaxed-shaped values and then decrease by further increasing the AT. For t = 40 h, the maximum FP (23.2 µC/cm2) is attained at an electric field of 50 kV/cm, while the high EHP effects (0.297 J/cm3) and positive EC are achieved (for ΔT~0.92 K and ΔS~0.92 J/(K·kg)) at 45 kV/cm. The EHP value of the PLSTT ceramics increased by 21.7% while the polarization value was enhanced by 33.3%. At t = 30 h, the ceramics have attained the best ESP value of 0.468 J/cm3 with an energy loss of 0.05 J/cm3. We strongly believe that the AT plays a crucial role in the optimization of different traits of the PLSTT ceramics.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Scheme of Linear Controllers Tuned through Genetic Algorithms for BLDC Motor Used in Electric Scooter under Variable Operation Conditions
Authors: Moreno-Suarez Leonardo Esteban , Morales-Velazquez Luis , Jaen-Cuellar Arturo Yosimar , Osornio-Rios Roque Alfredo
Published: June 2023

Outrunner brushless DC motors (BLDC) are a type of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) widely used in electric micro-mobility vehicles, such as scooters, electric bicycles, wheelchairs, and segways, among others. Those vehicles have many operational constraints because they are driven directly by the user with light protective wearing. Therefore, to improve control strategies to make the drive safer, it is essential to model the traction system over a wide range of operating conditions in a street environment. In this work, we developed an electro-mechanical model based on the Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) structure for a two-wheeler electric scooter, using the BLDC motor to explore its response and to test linear controllers for speed and torque management under variable operating conditions. The proposed model includes motor parameters, power electronics component characteristics, mechanical structure, and external operating conditions. Meanwhile the linear controllers will be adjusted or tuned though a heuristic approach based on Genetic Algorithms (GAs) to optimize the system’s response. The HIL scheme will be able to simulate a wide range of conditions such as user weight, slopes, wind speed changes, and combined conditions. The designed model can be used to improve the design of the controller and estimate mechanical and electrical loads. Finally, the results of the controller tests show how the proposed cascade scheme, tuned through the GA, improves the system behavior and reduces the mean square error with respect to a classical tuning approach between 20% and 60%.
An Innovative Decision Model Utilizing Intuitionistic Hesitant Fuzzy Aczel-Alsina Aggregation Operators and Its Application
Authors: Ali Wajid , Shaheen Tanzeela , Toor Hamza Ghazanfar , Akram Faraz , Uddin Md. Zia , Hassan Mohammad Mehedi
Published: June 2023

The intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy set is a significant extension of the intuitionistic fuzzy set, specifically designed to address uncertain information in decision-making challenges. Aggregation operators play a fundamental role in combining intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy numbers into a unified component. This study aims to introduce two novel approaches. Firstly, we propose a three-way model for investors in the business domain, which utilizes interval-valued equivalence classes under the framework of intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy information. Secondly, we present a multiple-attribute decision-making (MADM) method using various aggregation operators for intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy sets (IHFSs). These operators include the IHF Aczel–Alsina average (IHFAAA) operator, the IHF Aczel–Alsina weighted average (IHFAAWAϣ) operator, and the IHF Aczel–Alsina ordered weighted average (IHFAAOWAϣ) operator and the IHF Aczel–Alsina hybrid average (IHFAAHAϣ) operators. We demonstrate the properties of idempotency, boundedness, and monotonicity for these newly established aggregation operators. Additionally, we provide a detailed technique for three-way decision-making using intuitionistic hesitant fuzzy Aczel–Alsina aggregation operators. Furthermore, we present a numerical case analysis to illustrate the pertinency and authority of the esteblished model for investment in business. In conclusion, we highlight that the developed approach is highly suitable for investment selection policies, and we anticipate its extension to other fuzzy information domains.
A Novel Data-Driven Feature Extraction Strategy and Its Application in Looseness Detection of Rotor-Bearing System
Authors: Zhao Yulai , Lin Junzhe , Wang Xiaowei , Han Qingkai , Liu Yang
Published: June 2023

During the service of rotating machinery, the pedestal bolts are prone to looseness due to the vibration environment, which affects the performance of rotating machinery and generate potential safety hazard. To monitor the occurrence and deterioration of the pedestal looseness in time, this paper proposes a data-driven diagnosis strategy for the rotor-bearing system. Firstly, the finite element model of a rotor-bearing system is established, which considers the piecewise nonlinear force caused by pedestal looseness. Taking the vibration response as output and periodic unbalanced force as input, the system’s NARX (Nonlinear Auto-Regressive with exogenous inputs) model is identified. Then GALEs (Generalized Associated Linear Equations) are used to evaluate NOFRFs (Nonlinear Output Frequency Response Functions) of the NARX model. Based on the first three-order NOFRFs, the analytical expression of the second-order optimal weighted contribution rate is derived and used as a new health indicator. The simulation results show that compared with the conventional NOFRFs-based health indicator, the new indicator is more sensitive to weak looseness. Finally, a rotor-bearing test rig was built, and the pedestal looseness was performed. The experiment results show that as the degree of looseness increases, the new indicator SRm shows a monotonous upward trend, increasing from 0.48 in no looseness to 0.90 in severe looseness, a rise of 89.7%. However, the traditional indicator Fe2 has no monotonicity, which further verifies the sensitivity of the first three-order NOFRFs-based second-order optimal weighted contribution rate and the effectiveness of the proposed data-driven feature extraction strategy.
Generalized Moment Method for Smoluchowski Coagulation Equation and Mass Conservation Property
Authors: Islam Md. Sahidul , Kimura Masato , Miyata Hisanori
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we develop a generalized moment method with a continuous weight function for the Smoluchowski coagulation equation in its continuous form to study the mass conservation property of this equation. We first establish some basic inequalities for the generalized moment and prove the mass conservation property under a sufficient condition on the kernel and an initial condition, utilizing these inequalities. Additionally, we provide some concrete examples of coagulation kernels that exhibit mass conservation properties and show that these kernels exhibit either polynomial or exponential growth along specific particular curves.
NSNet: An N-Shaped Convolutional Neural Network with Multi-Scale Information for Image Denoising
Authors: Li Yifen , Chen Yuanyang
Published: June 2023

Deep learning models with convolutional operators have received widespread attention for their good image denoising performance. However, since the convolutional operation prefers to extract local features, the extracted features may lose some global information, such as texture, structure, and color characteristics, when the object in the image is large. To address this issue, this paper proposes an N-shaped convolutional neural network with the ability to extract multi-scale features to capture more useful information and alleviate the problem of global information loss. The proposed network has two main parts: a multi-scale input layer and a multi-scale feature extraction layer. The former uses a two-dimensional Haar wavelet to create an image pyramid, which contains the corrupted image’s high- and low-frequency components at different scales. The latter uses a U-shaped convolutional network to extract features at different scales from this image pyramid. The method sets the mean-squared error as the loss function and uses the residual learning strategy to learn the image noise directly. Compared with some existing image denoising methods, the proposed method shows good performance in gray and color image denoising, especially in textures and contours.
Connections between Linear Complementary Dual Codes, Permanents and Geometry
Authors: Alahmadi Adel N. , Alhazmi Husain S. , Shoaib Hatoon , Glynn David G. , Rehman Saeed Ur , Solé Patrick
Published: June 2023

Linear codes with complementary duals, or LCD codes, have recently been applied to side-channel and fault injection attack-resistant cryptographic countermeasures. We explain that over characteristic two fields, they exist whenever the permanent of any generator matrix is non-zero. Alternatively, in the binary case, the matroid represented by the columns of the matrix has an odd number of bases. We explain how Grassmannian varieties as well as linear and quadratic complexes are connected with LCD codes. Accessing the classification of polarities, we relate the binary LCD codes of dimension k to the two kinds of symmetric non-singular binary matrices, to certain truncated Reed–Muller codes, and to the geometric codes of planes in finite projective space via the self-orthogonal codes of dimension k.
Special Issue “Statistical Data Modeling and Machine Learning with Applications II”
Authors: Gocheva-Ilieva Snezhana , Ivanov Atanas , Kulina Hristina
Published: June 2023

Currently, we are witnessing rapid progress and synergy between mathematics and computer science [...]
Evaluating Economy Hotel Website Service Quality: A Hybrid Bounded Rationality Behavioral Decision Support Model
Authors: Hou Zhiping , He Sangsang , Liang Ruxia , Li Junbo , Huang Ruilu , Wang Jianqiang
Published: June 2023

Hotel website service quality evaluation has gained extensive attention. However, previous studies have given little concern about human hesitance and uncertainty in judgments. Moreover, they do not consider hotel managers and customers’ psychological behaviors simultaneously. This study explores criteria for evaluating hotel performance and proposes a hybrid evaluation model for the hesitation and uncertainty in the service quality evaluation of economy hotel websites, and applied to the actual economy hotel websites. The model introduces the probabilistic linguistic term sets to describe customers and managers’ qualitative assessments and use analytical network process to prioritize hotel website features. Then, it develops an integrated TODIM-PROMETHEE II method to rank alternatives considering both hotel managers and customers’ psychological factors. Furthermore, we illustrate the effectiveness of the hybrid evaluation model through a case of economy hotel websites in China. Service competence and customer relationship are the two most important performance features for economy hotel websites. Finally, conclusions and implications are drawn from the results of case study.
Aspects of Quantum Statistical Mechanics: Fractional and Tsallis Approaches
Authors: Lenzi Ervin Kaminski , Evangelista Luiz Roberto , da Silva Luciano Rodrigues
Published: June 2023

We investigated two different approaches, which can be used to extend the standard quantum statistical mechanics. One is based on fractional calculus, and the other considers the extension of the concept of entropy, i.e., the Tsallis statistics. We reviewed and discussed some of the main properties of these approaches and used the thermal Green function formalism to perform the developments, simultaneously allowing us to analyze each case’s dynamics and thermodynamics aspects. In particular, the results allow us to understand how the extensions change the behavior of some quantities, particularly fluctuations related to the system.
Development of a Model Based on Delta-Radiomic Features for the Optimization of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patient Treatment
Authors: Šedienė Severina , Kulakienė Ilona , Urbonavičius Benas Gabrielis , Korobeinikova Erika , Rudžianskas Viktoras , Povilonis Paulius Algirdas , Jaselskė Evelina , Adlienė Diana , Juozaitytė Elona
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the prognostic value of radiomics features extracted from not only staging 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET/CT) images, but also post-induction chemotherapy (ICT) PET/CT images. This study aimed to construct a training model based on radiomics features obtained from PET/CT in a cohort of patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated with ICT, to predict locoregional recurrence, development of distant metastases, and the overall survival, and to extract the most significant radiomics features, which were included in the final model. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data of 55 patients. All patients underwent PET/CT at the initial staging and after ICT. Along the classical set of 13 parameters, the original 52 parameters were extracted from each PET/CT study and an additional 52 parameters were generated as a difference between radiomics parameters before and after the ICT. Five machine learning algorithms were tested. Results: The Random Forest algorithm demonstrated the best performance (R2 0.963–0.998) in the majority of datasets. The strongest correlation in the classical dataset was between the time to disease progression and time to death (r = 0.89). Another strong correlation (r ≥ 0.8) was between higher-order texture indices GLRLM_GLNU, GLRLM_SZLGE, and GLRLM_ZLNU and standard PET parameters MTV, TLG, and SUVmax. Patients with a higher numerical expression of GLCM_ContrastVariance, extracted from the delta dataset, had a longer survival and longer time until progression (p = 0.001). Good correlations were observed between Discretized_SUVstd or Discretized_SUVSkewness and time until progression (p = 0.007). Conclusions: Radiomics features extracted from the delta dataset produced the most robust data. Most of the parameters had a positive impact on the prediction of the overall survival and the time until progression. The strongest single parameter was GLCM_ContrastVariance. Discretized_SUVstd or Discretized_SUVSkewness demonstrated a strong correlation with the time until progression.
Lower Circulating Cytotoxic T-Cell Frequency and Higher Intragraft Granzyme-B Expression Are Associated with Inflammatory Interstitial Fibrosis and Tubular Atrophy in Renal Allograft Recipients
Authors: Yadav Brijesh , Prasad Narayan , Agrawal Vinita , Agarwal Vikas , Jain Manoj
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives: Inflammatory interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (i-IFTA) is an inflammation in the area of tubular atrophy and fibrosis. i-IFTA is poorly associated with graft outcome and associated with infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells. A cytotoxic T cell is a granzyme B+CD8+CD3+ T cell, mainly secret granzyme B. Granzyme B is a serine protease that may mediate allograft injury and inflammatory interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (i-IFTA). However, there is no report identifying the association of granzyme B with i-IFTA after a long post-transplant interval. Material and Methods: In this study, we have measured the cytotoxic T-cell frequency with flow cytometry, serum and PBMCs culture supernatants granzyme-B levels with ELISA and intragraft granzyme-B mRNA transcript expression with the RT-PCR in RTRs in 30 patients with biopsy-proven i-IFTA and 10 patients with stable graft function. Result: The frequency of cytotoxic T cells (CD3+CD8+ granzyme B+) in SGF vs. i-IFTA was (27.96 ± 4.86 vs. 23.19 ± 3.85%, p = 0.011), the serum granzyme-B level was (100.82 ± 22.41 vs. 130.32 ± 46.60, p = 0.038 pg/mL) and the intragraft granzyme-B mRNA transcript expression was (1.01 ± 0.048 vs. 2.10 ± 1.02, p < 0.001 fold). The frequency of CD3+ T cells in SGF vs. i-IFTA was (66.08 ± 6.8 vs. 65.18 ± 9.35%; p = 0.68) and that of CD3+CD8+ T cells was (37.29 ± 4.11 vs. 34.68 ± 5.43%; p = 0.28), which were similar between the 2 groups. CTLc frequency was negatively correlated with urine proteinuria (r = −0.51, p < 0.001), serum creatinine (r = −0.28, p = 0.007) and eGFR (r = −0.28, p = 0.037). Similarly, the PBMC culture supernatants granzyme-B level was negatively correlated with urine proteinuria (r = −0.37, p < 0.001) and serum creatinine (r = −0.31, p = 0.002), while the serum granzyme-B level (r = 0.343, p = 0.001) and intragraft granzyme-B mRNA transcript expression (r = 0.38, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with proteinuria. Conclusions: A decrease in the CTLc frequency in circulation and an increased serum granzyme-B level and intragraft granzyme-B mRNA expression shows that cytotoxic T cells may mediate the allograft injury in RTRs with i-IFTA by releasing granzyme B in serum and intragraft tissue.
The Paramagnetic Meissner Effect (PME) in Metallic Superconductors
Authors: Koblischka Michael Rudolf , Půst Ladislav , Chang Crosby-Soon , Hauet Thomas , Koblischka-Veneva Anjela
Published: June 2023

The experimental data in the literature concerning the Paramagnetic Meissner Effect (PME) or also called Wohlleben effect are reviewed with the emphasis on the PME exhibited by metallic, s-wave superconductors. The PME was observed in field-cool cooling (FC-C) and field-cool warming (FC-W) m(T)-measurements on Al, Nb, Pb, Ta, in compounds such as, e.g., NbSe2, In-Sn, ZrB12, and others, and also in MgB2, the metallic superconductor with the highest transition temperature. Furthermore, samples with different shapes such as crystals, polycrystals, thin films, bi- and multilayers, nanocomposites, nanowires, mesoscopic objects, and porous materials exhibited the PME. The characteristic features of the PME, found mainly in Nb disks, such as the characteristic temperatures T1 and Tp and the apparative details of the various magnetic measurement techniques applied to observe the PME, are discussed. We also show that PME can be observed with the magnetic field applied parallel and perpendicular to the sample surface, that PME can be removed by abrading the sample surface, and that PME can be introduced or enhanced by irradiation processes. The PME can be observed as well in magnetization loops (MHLs, m(H)) in a narrow temperature window Tp<Tc, which enables the construction of a phase diagram for a superconducting sample exhibiting the PME. We found that the Nb disks still exhibit the PME after more than 20 years, and we present the efforts of magnetic imaging techniques (scanning SQUID microscopy, magneto-optics, diamond nitrogen-vacancy (NV)-center magnetometry, and low-energy muon spin spectroscopy, (LE-μSR)). Various attempts to explain PME behavior are discussed in detail. In particular, magnetic measurements of mesoscopic Al disks brought out important details employing the models of a giant vortex state and flux compression. Thus, we consider these approaches and demagnetization effects as the base to understand the formation of the paramagnetic signals in most of the materials investigated. New developments and novel directions for further experimental and theoretical analysis are also outlined.
Ultra-Low Cycle Fatigue Life Prediction Model—A Review
Authors: Xu Yali , Li Xin , Zhang Yanjuan , Yang Jianwei
Published: June 2023

This article is a review of models for predicting ultra-low cycle fatigue life. In the article, the life prediction models are divided into three types: (1) microscopic ductile fracture models based on cavity growth and cavity merger; (2) fracture models based on porous plasticity; and (3) ductile fracture models based on continuum damage mechanics. Furthermore, the article provides a critical assessment of the current state of research on ultra-low cycle fatigue life prediction models, highlighting the limitations and challenges faced by each model type. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the different models available for predicting ultra-low cycle fatigue life and to guide future research in this important area of materials science and engineering.
Mathematical Modeling and Experimental Study of Cutting Force for Cutting Hard and Brittle Materials in Fixed Abrasive Trepanning Drill
Authors: Yu Ruijiang , Li Shujuan , Zou Zhengkang , Liang Lie
Published: June 2023

Hard and brittle materials have excellent physical and mechanical performance, which are widely applied in the fields of microelectronics and optoelectronics. However, deep-hole machining of hard and brittle materials is very difficult and inefficient due to the high hardness and brittleness of these materials. To improve the quality and efficiency of deep-hole machining of hard and brittle materials, according to the brittle crack fracture removal mechanism of hard and brittle materials and the cutting model of the trepanning cutter, an analytical cutting force prediction model of hard and brittle materials processed using a trepanning cutter is established. This experimental study of K9 optical glass machining shows that as the feeding rate increase, the cutting force increase, and as the spindle speed increase, the cutting force decrease. By comparing and verifying the theoretical and experimental values, the average errors of axial force and torque are 5.0% and 6.7%, respectively, and the maximum error is 14.9%. This paper analyzes the reasons for the errors. The results indicate that the cutting force theoretical model can be used to predict the axial force and torque of machining hard and brittle materials under the same conditions, which provides a theory for optimizing machining process parameters.
Identification of Potent Inhibitors Targeting EGFR and HER3 for Effective Treatment of Chemoresistance in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Dera Ayed A. , Zaib Sumera , Areeba  , Hussain Nadia , Rana Nehal , Javed Hira , Khan Imtiaz
Published: June 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer. Despite the existence of various therapeutic options, NSCLC is still a major health concern due to its aggressive nature and high mutation rate. Consequently, HER3 has been selected as a target protein along with EGFR because of its limited tyrosine kinase activity and ability to activate PI3/AKT pathway responsible for therapy failure. We herein used a BioSolveIT suite to identify potent inhibitors of EGFR and HER3. The schematic process involves screening of databases for constructing compound library comprising of 903 synthetic compounds (602 for EGFR and 301 for HER3) followed by pharmacophore modeling. The best docked poses of compounds with the druggable binding site of respective proteins were selected according to pharmacophore designed by SeeSAR version 12.1.0. Subsequently, preclinical analysis was performed via an online server SwissADME and potent inhibitors were selected. Compound 4k and 4m were the most potent inhibitors of EGFR while 7x effectively inhibited the binding site of HER3. The binding energies of 4k, 4m, and 7x were −7.7, −6.3 and −5.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Collectively, 4k, 4m and 7x showed favorable interactions with the most druggable binding sites of their respective proteins. Finally, in silico pre-clinical testing by SwissADME validated the non-toxic nature of compounds 4k, 4m and 7x providing a promising treatment option for chemoresistant NSCLC.
Comparative Study of Chemically Treated Sugarcane and Kevlar Fiber to Develop Brake Resistance Composites
Authors: Mehta Vikas , Kumar Naresh , Algahtani Ali , Tirth Vineet , Al-Mughanam Tawfiq , Chau Kwok-Wing
Published: June 2023

Recently, much research has revealed the increasing importance of natural fiber in modern applications. Natural fibers are used in many vital sectors like medicine, aerospace and agriculture. The cause of increasing the application of natural fiber in different fields is its eco-friendly behavior and excellent mechanical properties. The study’s primary goal is to increase the usage of environmentally friendly materials. The existing materials used in brake pads are detrimental to humans and the environment. Natural fiber composites have recently been studied and effectively employed in brake pads. However, there has yet to be a comparison investigation of natural fiber and Kevlar-based brake pad composites. Sugarcane, a natural fabric, is employed in the present study to substitute trendy materials like Kevlar and asbestos. The brake pads have been developed with 5–20 wt.% SCF and 5–10 wt.% Kevlar fiber (KF) to make the comparative study. SCF compounds at 5 wt.% outperformed the entire NF composite in coefficient of friction (µ), (%) fade and wear. However, the values of mechanical properties were found to be almost identical. Although it has been observed that, with an increase in the proportion of SCF, the performance also increased in terms of recovery. The thermal stability and wear rate are maximum for 20 wt.% SCF and 10 wt.% KF composites. The comparative study indicated that the Kevlar-based brake pad specimens provide superior outcomes compared to the SCF composite for fade (%), wear performance and coefficient of friction (Δμ). Finally, the worn composite surfaces were examined using a scanning electron microscopy technique to investigate probable wear mechanisms and to comprehend the nature of the generated contact patches/plateaus, which is critical for determining the tribological behavior of the composites.
Recent Progress in Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Ašmontas Steponas , Mujahid Muhammad
Published: June 2023

Tandem solar cells are widely considered the industry’s next step in photovoltaics because of their excellent power conversion efficiency. Since halide perovskite absorber material was developed, it has been feasible to develop tandem solar cells that are more efficient. The European Solar Test Installation has verified a 32.5% efficiency for perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells. There has been an increase in the perovskite/Si tandem devices’ power conversion efficiency, but it is still not as high as it might be. Their instability and difficulties in large-area realization are significant challenges in commercialization. In the first part of this overview, we set the stage by discussing the background of tandem solar cells and their development over time. Subsequently, a concise summary of recent advancements in perovskite tandem solar cells utilizing various device topologies is presented. In addition, we explore the many possible configurations of tandem module technology: the present work addresses the characteristics and efficacy of 2T monolithic and mechanically stacked four-terminal devices. Next, we explore ways to boost perovskite tandem solar cells’ power conversion efficiencies. Recent advancements in the efficiency of tandem cells are described, along with the limitations that are still restricting their efficiency. Stability is also a significant hurdle in commercializing such devices, so we proposed eliminating ion migration as a cornerstone strategy for solving intrinsic instability problems.
Metal-Ion-Doped Manganese Halide Hybrids with Tunable Emission for Advanced Anti-Counterfeiting
Authors: Sun Chun , Zhang Hu , Deng Zhihui , Fan Chao , Liu Xiaohui , Luo Mingming , Zhao Yiwei , Lian Kai
Published: June 2023

Stimuli-responsive luminescent materials have received great attention for their potential application in anti-counterfeiting and information encryption. Manganese halide hybrids have been considered an efficient stimuli-responsive luminescent material due to their low price and adjustable photoluminescence (PL). However, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of PEA2MnBr4 is relatively low. Herein, Zn2+- and Pb2+-doped PEA2MnBr4 samples are synthesized, and show an intense green emission and orange emission, respectively. After doping with Zn2+, the PLQY of PEA2MnBr4 is elevated from 9% to 40%. We have found that green emitting Zn2+-doped PEA2MnBr4 could transform to a pink color after being exposed to air for several seconds and the reversible transformation from pink to green was achieved by using heating treatment. Benefiting from this property, an anti-counterfeiting label is fabricated, which exhibits excellent “pink-green-pink” cycle capability. Pb2+-doped PEA2Mn0.88Zn0.12Br4 is acquired by cation exchange reaction, which shows intense orange emission with a high QY of 85%. The PL of Pb2+-doped PEA2Mn0.88Zn0.12Br4 decreases with increasing temperature. Hence, the encrypted multilayer composite film is fabricated relying on the different thermal responses of Zn2+- and Pb2+-doped PEA2MnBr4, whereby the encrypted information can be read out by thermal treatment.
Glutamine Supplementation Preserves Glutamatergic Neuronal Activity in the Infralimbic Cortex, Which Delays the Onset of Mild Cognitive Impairment in 3×Tg-AD Female Mice
Authors: Baek Ji Hyeong , Kang Jae Soon , Song Miyoung , Lee Dong Kun , Kim Hyun Joon
Published: June 2023

It was recently found that glutamine (Gln) supplementation activates glutamatergic neurotransmission and prevents chronic-stress-induced mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this study, we evaluated the effects of Gln on glutamatergic activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and the onset of cognitive impairment in a triple-transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mouse model (3×Tg-AD). Female 3×Tg-AD mice were fed a normal diet (3×Tg) or a Gln-supplemented diet (3×Tg+Gln) from 2 to 6 months of age. Glutamatergic neuronal activity was analyzed at 6 months, and cognitive function was examined at 2, 4, and 6 months. 3×Tg mice exhibited a decrease in glutamatergic neurotransmission in the infralimbic cortex, but 3×Tg+Gln mice did not. The 3×Tg group showed MCI at 6 months of age, but the 3×Tg+Gln group did not. The expressions of amyloid peptide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and IBA-1 were not elevated in the infralimbic cortex in the 3×Tg+Gln group. Therefore, a Gln-supplemented diet could delay the onset of MCI even in a mouse model predisposed to cognitive impairment and dementia through genetic modification.
Dietary Supplementation of Ancientino Ameliorates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis by Improving Intestinal Barrier Function and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Liu Meng , Wang Yuhui , Guan Guoqiang , Lu Xi , Zhu Yizhun , Duan Xiaoqun
Published: June 2023

Ancientino, a complex dietary fiber supplement mimicking the ancient diet, has improved chronic heart failure, kidney function, and constipation. However, its effect on ulcerative colitis is unknown. This study explores the impact of Ancientino on colitis caused by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) and its mechanisms. Data analyses showed that Ancientino alleviated bodyweight loss, colon shortening and injury, and disease activity index (DAI) score, regulated levels of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), reduced intestinal permeability (d-lactate and endotoxin), fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran (FITC-dextran), and diamine oxidase (DAO), repaired colonic function (ZO-1 and occludin), and suppressed oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA)) in vivo and in vitro. In short, this study demonstrated that Ancientino alleviates colitis and exerts an anticolitis effect by reducing inflammatory response, suppressing oxidative stress, and repairing intestinal barrier function. Thus, Ancientino may be an effective therapeutic dietary resource for ulcerative colitis.
A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of a Diabetic Diet Containing the Rare Sugar D-Allulose in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind, Crossover Study
Authors: Fukunaga Kensaku , Yoshimura Takafumi , Imachi Hitomi , Kobayashi Toshihiro , Saheki Takanobu , Sato Seisuke , Saheki Nao , Jiang Wenyi , Murao Koji
Published: June 2023

High sugar consumption increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Regarding the diet of patients with diabetes, artificial sweeteners are considered a safe alternative to sugar; however, there is also a risk that artificial sweeteners exacerbate glucose metabolism. D-allulose (C-3 isomer of d-fructose), which is a rare sugar, has been reported to have antidiabetic and antiobesity effects. In this study, the efficacy of a diabetic diet containing D-allulose was investigated in patients with type 2 diabetes using an intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring system (isCGM). This study was a validated, prospective, single-blind, randomized, crossover comparative study. Comparison of peak postprandial blood glucose (PPG) levels after consumption of a standard diabetic diet and a diabetic diet containing 8.5 g of D-allulose was the primary endpoint. A D-allulose-containing diabetic diet improved PPG levels in type two diabetes patients compared with a strictly energy-controlled diabetic diet. The results also showed a protective effect on endogenous pancreatic insulin secretory capacity owing to reduced insulin requirement. In patients with type two diabetes mellitus, diabetic diets containing 8.5 g D-allulose were effective in improving PPG levels.
Probiotic Formula Ameliorates Renal Dysfunction Indicators, Glycemic Levels, and Blood Pressure in a Diabetic Nephropathy Mouse Model
Authors: Kuo Yi-Wei , Huang Yen-Yu , Tsai Shin-Yu , Wang Jiu-Yao , Lin Jia-Hung , Syu Zun-Jie , Wang Hui-Shan , Hsu Yu-Chieh , Chen Jui-Fen , Hsia Ko-Chiang , Ho Hsieh-Hsun
Published: June 2023

One-third of patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience diabetic nephropathy (DN), which worsens the progression of renal dysfunction. However, preventive measures for DN are lacking. Lactobacillus acidophilus TYCA06, Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis BLI-02, and Bifidobacterium bifidum VDD088 probiotic strains have been demonstrated to delay CKD progression. This study evaluated their biological functions to stabilize blood-glucose fluctuations and delay the deterioration of renal function. The db/db mice were used to establish a DN animal model. This was supplemented with 5.125 × 109 CFU/kg/day (high dose) or 1.025 × 109 CFU/kg/day (low dose) mixed with probiotics containing TYCA06, BLI-02, and VDD088 for 8 weeks. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, blood glucose, and urine protein were analyzed. Possible mechanisms underlying the alleviation of DN symptoms by probiotic strains were evaluated through in vitro tests. Animal experiments revealed that BUN, serum creatinine, and blood glucose upon probiotic administration were significantly lower than in the control group. The rate of change of urine protein decreased significantly, and blood pressure, glucose tolerance, and renal fibrosis were improved. In vitro testing indicated that TYCA06 and BLI-02 significantly increased acetic acid concentration. TYCA06, BLI-02, and VDD088 were associated with better antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and glucose consumption activities relative to the control. A combination of the probiotics TYCA06, BLI-02, and VDD088 attenuated renal function deterioration and improved blood-glucose fluctuation in a diabetes-induced CKD mouse model.