bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationale and Design of Heart Failure Prevalence and Evolution of Heart Failure in Diabetes Mellitus Type II Patients at High Risk (HF-LanDMark Study)
Authors: Parissis John , Georgiou Christos , Bistola Vasiliki , Karavidas Apostolos , Vassilikos Vassilios P. , Kanakakis John , Davlouros Periklis , Tziakas Dimitrios N. , Alexanian Ioannis P. , Kochiadakis George , Triposkiadis Filippos , Karvounis Haralambos , Gourlis Dimitrios , Papoutsidakis Nikolaos , Polyzogopoulou Effie , Vlachopoulos Charalambos
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at increased risk for heart failure (HF). Accurate data regarding the prevalence of HF stages among diabetics in Greece are scarce. (2) Aim: The present study will examine the prevalence and evolution of HF stages among patients with type II DM (T2DM) diagnosed in the past 10 years, with no previous history of HF and at high CV risk, in Greece, as well as will explore the potential determinants of the development of symptomatic HF in these patients. (3) Methods: Through a non-interventional, epidemiological, single-country, multi-center, prospective cohort study design, a sample of 300 consecutive patients will be enrolled in 11 cardiology departments that are HF centers of excellence. Patients will be either self-referred or referred by primary or secondary care physicians and will be followed for up to 24 months. Demographic, clinical, echocardiography, electrocardiography, cardiac biomarkers (troponin, NT-proBNP) and health-related quality of life questionnaire data will be recorded as well as clinical events, including mortality, HF hospitalizations and HF-related healthcare resource utilization. The primary outcomes are the proportion of patients diagnosed with symptomatic HF (ACC/AHA Stage C) at enrolment in the overall study population and the proportions of patients with HF stages A, B and C, as well as by NYHA functional classification in the overall study population. (4) Conclusions: The HF-LanDMark study is the first epidemiological study that will assess the prevalence of HF among T2DM patients in Greece that could potentially enhance prompt therapeutic interventions shown to delay the development of HF in the T2DM patient population (HF-LanDMark, Clinical Trials.gov number, NCT04482283).
Cyclic Neutropenia Mimicking Crohn’s Disease: Two Case Reports and a Narrative Review
Authors: Guarino Alessia Dalila , Luglio Gaetano , Imperatore Nicola , Cerciello Giuseppe , Pugliese Novella , Castiglione Fabiana , Tropeano Francesca Paola , Testa Anna , Olmo Oriana , Rispo Antonio
Published: October 2023

Cyclic neutropenia is a rare hematological condition characterized by periodic fluctuations in neutrophil counts, with a 21-day periodicity. Clinical presentation varies from mild to severe forms of the disease, with the onset of recurrent fever, painful oral ulcers, recurrent bacterial infections, peritonitis, and septic shock. The availability of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has revolutionized the management and natural history of this disease, regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of the progenitor cells, and reducing the duration of neutropenia. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a group of chronic pathologies that affect the gastrointestinal tract. The onset of both diseases may be at a young age (even during childhood or adolescence), and clinical manifestations may lead to misdiagnosis, due to similar characteristics such as recurrent infections, oral ulcers, perianal abscesses, and infertility. Moreover, the two pathologies are rarely associated, with different management and therapeutic options. Here, we describe two case reports of patients who underwent surgery because of diagnosis of complicated CD. After surgery, due to persistent neutropenia, the hematologist consultant confirmed suspicions of cyclic neutropenia, and G-CSF therapy was started with benefits, underlining the crucial importance of proper differential diagnosis.
Nanostructured Porous Silicon for Bone Tissue Engineering: Kinetics of Particle Degradation and Si-Controlled Release
Authors: Fatima Naveen , Salehi Hamideh , Cueto-Díaz Eduardo J. , Desoutter Alban , Cuisinier Frédéric , Cunin Frédérique , Collart-Dutilleul Pierre-Yves
Published: October 2023

Nanostructured porous silicon (pSi) is a synthetic silicon-based material. Its biocompatibility and bioresorbability in body fluids make pSi an appealing biomaterial for tissue engineering, with surfaces characteristics facilitating human cell adhesion and differentiation. The resorption kinetics of such porous biomaterials is crucial for in vivo bone regeneration, in order to adapt biomaterial resorption to tissue formation, and to control the release of loaded bioactive molecules. We investigated pSi as a bioactive scaffold for bone tissue engineering, with an emphasis on kinetics of pSi resorption and silicon release. PSi particles and chips were fabricated from crystalline silicon, and functionalized by oxidation and chemical grafting of amine groups to mimic biological structures. Materials resorption over time was investigated with Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy. Silicon release was followed by mass spectrometry. Particle degradation and inclusion in newly formed bone were studied in vivo. The in vitro experiments revealed that non-oxidized pSi had an accelerated initial dissolution in ddH2O and an inhibition of initial Si release in SBF. This high reactivity also led to transformation towards amorphous non-resorbable silica when incubated in SBF. PSi resorption started immediately with a maximal dissolution in the first 24 h. Later, the dissolution rate decreased over time. In comparison, the resorption process of oxidized pSi seemed delayed, but more continuous. This delayed dissolution increased the bioactivity and stability, leading to enhanced bone formation in vivo. Delayed pSi degradation provided a constant surge of silicic acid over time and promoted bone regeneration, demonstrating the high potential of pSi for bone tissue engineering: Oxidized pSi were almost completely resorbed after 2 months of healing, with remaining partially dissolved particles surrounded by newly formed bone. On the contrary, non-oxidized particles were still obviously present after 2 months with limited bone regeneration. This delayed resorption is consistent with the in vitro observations in SBF, and particles’ transformation towards silica.
Enhancing Antibody Exposure in the Central Nervous System: Mechanisms of Uptake, Clearance, and Strategies for Improved Brain Delivery
Authors: Schwinghamer Kelly , Siahaan Teruna J.
Published: October 2023

Antibodies (mAbs) are attractive molecules for their application as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). mAbs can be generated to have high affinity and specificity to target molecules in the CNS. Unfortunately, only a very small number of mAbs have been specifically developed and approved for neurological indications. This is primarily attributed to their low exposure within the CNS, hindering their ability to reach and effectively engage their potential targets in the brain. This review discusses aspects of various barriers such as the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier (BCSFB) that regulate the entry and clearance of mAbs into and from the brain. The roles of the glymphatic system on brain exposure and clearance are being described. We also discuss the proposed mechanisms of the uptake of mAbs into the brain and for clearance. Finally, several methods of enhancing the exposure of mAbs in the CNS were discussed, including receptor-mediated transcytosis, osmotic BBB opening, focused ultrasound (FUS), BBB-modulating peptides, and enhancement of mAb brain retention.
Research on an Improved Auxiliary Classifier Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty Fault Diagnosis Method for Tilting Pad Bearing of Rotating Equipment
Authors: Zhou Chunlei , Wang Qingfeng , Xiao Yang , Xiao Wang , Shu Yue
Published: October 2023

The research on fault diagnosis methods based on generative adversarial networks has achieved fruitful results, but most of the research objects are rolling bearings or gears, and the model test data are almost all derived from laboratory bench test data. In the industrial Internet environment, equipment-fault diagnosis is faced with the characteristics of large amounts of data, unbalanced data samples, and inconsistent data file lengths. Moreover, there are few research results on the fault diagnosis of rotor systems composed of shafts, impellers or blades, couplings, and tilting pad bearings. There are still shortcomings in the operational risk evaluation of rotor systems. In order to ensure the reliability and safety of rotor systems, an Improved Auxiliary Classifier Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Network with Gradient Penalty (IACWGAN-GP) model is constructed, a fault diagnosis method based on IACWGAN-GP for tilting pad bearings is proposed, and an intelligent fault diagnosis system platform for equipment in an industrial Internet environment is built. The verification results of engineering case data show that the fault diagnosis model based on IACWGAN-GP can adapt to any length of sequential data files, and the automatic identification accuracy of early faults in tilting pad bearings reaches 98.7%.
The Impact of Milled Wood Waste Bottom Ash (WWBA) on the Properties of Conventional Concrete and Cement Hydration
Authors: Vaičienė Marija , Malaiškienė Jurgita , Maqbool Qaisar
Published: October 2023

Wood waste bottom ash (WWBA) is a waste generated in power plants during the burning of forest residues to produce energy and heat. In 2019, approximately 19,800 tons of WWBA was generated only in Lithuania. WWBA is rarely recycled or reused and is mostly landfilled, which is both costly for the industry and unsustainable. This study presents a sustainable solution to replace a part of cement with WWBA at 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% by weight. Problems are also associated with the use of this material, as WWBA could have a relatively large surface area and a high water demand. For the evaluation of the possibilities of WWBA use for cementitious materials, the calorimetry test for the cement paste as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermography (TG, DTG), and porosity (MIP) for hardened cement paste with the results of physical and mechanical properties, and the freeze–thaw resistance of the concrete was measured and compared. It was found that WWBA with a large quantity of CO2 could be used as a microfiller with weak pozzolanic properties in the manufacture of cementitious materials. As a result, concrete containing 6% WWBA used to substitute cement has higher density, compressive strength at 28 days, and ultrasonic pulse velocity values. In terms of durability, it was verified that concrete modified with 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% WWBA had a freeze–thaw resistance level of F150. The results show that the use of WWBA to replace cement is a valuable sustainable option for the production of conventional concrete and has a positive effect on durability.
Influence of the Chemical Composition of Ceria Conversion Coatings, Sealed in Solution of NaH2PO4 and Ca(NO3)2, on the Corrosion Behavior of Aluminum
Authors: Tsanev Aleksandar , Andreeva Reni , Stoychev Dimitar
Published: October 2023

The corrosion-protective influence of eco-friendly ceria conversion coatings deposited on Al-1050 alloy, additionally treated in mixed NaH2PO4 and Ca(NO3)2 solution, was studied. The main aim of this work was to investigate how the obtained mixed systems of coatings eliminates the negative role of cracks and pores on the surface formed after deposition only of ceria coating. For this purpose, the growth structure, main components and corrosion resistance of the so formed protective systems were investigated by SEM, EDS, XRD, XPS and electrochemical (PDP, Rp, etc.) methods. The results obtained show that the basic components of the conversion layers (before and after exposure in model corrosion media) are characterized by Al2O3, Al(OH)3, CePO4 and Ca5(PO4)3(OH). Based on these results, the optimal conditions of immersion treatment(s) of Al substrate are established. At these regimes, the relationship of co-deposited Ce3+, PO43+ and Ca2+-containing components of the conversion layers determine the maximum values of their polarization resistance—a basic criterion for corrosion protection of Al. This effect is related to the formation of fill out of the defects of the conversion coatings and additional Ca5(PO4)3(OH), CePO4 AlPO4 and Al(OH)3 deposits, leading to the decrease of the corrosion rate.
Bisphenols—A Threat to the Natural Environment
Authors: Zaborowska Magdalena , Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Borowik Agata , Kucharski Jan
Published: October 2023

Negative public sentiment built up around bisphenol A (BPA) follows growing awareness of the frequency of this chemical compound in the environment. The increase in air, water, and soil contamination by BPA has also generated the need to replace it with less toxic analogs, such as Bisphenol F (BPF) and Bisphenol S (BPS). However, due to the structural similarity of BPF and BPS to BPA, questions arise about the safety of their usage. The toxicity of BPA, BPF, and BPS towards humans and animals has been fairly well understood. The biodegradability potential of microorganisms towards each of these bisphenols is also widely recognized. However, the scale of their inhibitory pressure on soil microbiomes and soil enzyme activity has not been estimated. These parameters are extremely important in determining soil health, which in turn also influences plant growth and development. Therefore, in this manuscript, knowledge has been expanded and systematized regarding the differences in toxicity between BPA and its two analogs. In the context of the synthetic characterization of the effects of bisphenol permeation into the environment, the toxic impact of BPA, BPF, and BPS on the microbiological and biochemical parameters of soils was traced. The response of cultivated plants to their influence was also analyzed.
The Recovery of Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) from Spent Catalyst Utilized in a Sulfuric Acid Production Plant in Jordan
Authors: Al Amayreh Hiba H. , Khalaf Aya , Hawwari Majd I. , Hourani Mohammed K. , Al Bawab Abeer
Published: October 2023

Vanadium is a significant metal, and its derivatives are widely employed in industry. One of the essential vanadium compounds is vanadium pentoxide (V2O5), which is mostly recovered from titanomagnetite, uranium–vanadium deposits, phosphate rocks, and spent catalysts. A smart method for the characterization and recovery of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) was investigated and implemented as a small-scale benchtop model. Several nondestructive analytical techniques, such as particle size analysis, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled plasma (ICP), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to determine the physical and chemical properties, such as the particle size and composition, of the samples before and after the recovery process of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5). After sample preparation, several acid and alkali leaching techniques were investigated. A noncorrosive, environmentally friendly extraction method based on the use of less harmful acids was applied in batch and column experiments for the extraction of V2O5 as vanadium ions from a spent vanadium catalyst. In batching experiments, different acids and bases were examined as leaching solution agents; oxalic acid showed the best percent recovery for vanadium ions compared with the other acids used. The effects of the contact time, acid concentration, solid-to-liquid ratio, stirring rate, and temperature were studied to optimize the leaching conditions. Oxalic acid with a 6% (w/w) to a 1/10 solid-to-liquid ratio at 300 rpm and 50 °C was the optimal condition for extraction (67.43% recovery). On the other hand, the column experiment with a 150 cm long and 5 cm i.d. and 144 h contact time using the same leaching reagent, 6% oxalic acid, showed a 94.42% recovery. The results of the present work indicate the possibility of the recovery of vanadium pentoxide from the spent vanadium catalyst used in the sulfuric acid industry in Jordan.
Luminescent Hybrid BPA.DA-NVP@Eu2L3 Materials: In Situ Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Thermal, and Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Vlasyuk Dmytro , Łyszczek Renata , Podkościelna Beata , Puszka Andrzej , Hnatejko Zbigniew , Stankevič Marek , Głuchowska Halina
Published: October 2023

A series of homogeneous hybrid BPA.DA-NVP@Eu2L3 materials were obtained through an in situ approach where the luminescent dopant was formed at the molecular level with different contents (0.1; 0.2; 0.5; 1; and 2% by weight). A Europium(III) complex (Eu2L3) with quinoline-2,4-dicarboxylic acid was applied as a luminescence additive while a polymer matrix consisted of a combination of bisphenol A diacrylate (BPA.DA) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) monomers. Synthesis steps and the final materials were monitored by NMR and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The emission, excitation spectra, lifetime, and quantum yield measurements were applied for the determination of the photophysical characteristics. The thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained materials were tested via thermal analysis methods (TG/DTG/DSC and TG-FTIR) in air and nitrogen atmospheres, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and hardness and bending measurements. Generally, even a small addition of the metal complex component causes changes in the thermal, mechanical, and luminescent properties. Hybrid materials with a greater europium complex content are characterized by a lower stiffness and hardness while the heterogeneity and the flexibility of the samples increase. A very small amount of an Eu2L3 admixture (0.1% wt.) in a hybrid material causes an emission in the red spectral range and the luminescence intensity was reached for the BPA-DA-NVP@1%Eu2L3 material. These materials may be potentially used in chemical sensing, security systems, and protective coatings against UV.
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Welded Joint of the Hastelloy N Alloy
Authors: Wang Sai , Ma Baoyun , Feng Daochen , Chen Shuangjian , Ma Yinghe , Li Huaxin , Lv Chuanyang , Zheng Wenjian , Yang Jianguo
Published: October 2023

Hastelloy N alloy is an excellent oxidation and corrosion-resistant material, which is selected as the shell material for the main vessel of molten salt reactors (MSRs). In this work, we conducted double-sided gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) on 4 mm thick Hastelloy N alloy plates to examine the microstructure and mechanical properties of the welded joints. The S−N curve was obtained by fatigue test. The experimental results show that fatigue cracks initiate along the weld toe and propagate inward in a fan-shaped pattern. The hardness is highest in the heat-affected zone (HAZ). The fracture mode observed was trans-granular. The plastic zone in the initial stages of crack propagation remained relatively minimal. However, it gradually expanded during subsequent stages of the process. It is noteworthy that the crack propagation process often involves the development of secondary cracks, accompanied by profound plasticity-induced closure effects. The results of our investigation demonstrate that the welded joint exhibits excellent fatigue performance.
Rapid Pathogen Purge by Photosensitive Arginine–Riboflavin Carbon Dots without Toxicity
Authors: Suner Selin S. , Bhethanabotla Venkat R. , Ayyala Ramesh S. , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: October 2023

Photo-activatable antipathogenic carbon dots (CDs) were prepared by carbonization of citric acid and arginine (Arg) via 3 min microwave treatment for use in the eradication of common microorganisms. Nitrogen-doped Arg CDs were spherical in shape with a size range of 0.5 to 5 nm. The Arg CDs were modified with fluorescent dyes, such as fluorescein sodium salt (FSS, as Arg-FSS) and riboflavin (RBF, as Arg-RBF), to improve antimicrobial potency by enhancing their application in photodynamic therapy. The modified Arg CDs afforded fluorescence emission properties at 520 nm in the green region in addition to excellent blue fluorescence intensity at 420 nm under 345 nm excitation upon their FSS and RBF conjugation, respectively. Although the cytotoxicity of Arg CDs was decreased for Arg-RBF CDs to 91.2 ± 0.7% cell viability for fibroblasts, the Arg-based CDs could be safely used for intravenous applications at 1000 μg/mL concentration. The Arg CDs showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against common pathogens and the minimum inhibitory concentration of Arg CDs was almost two-fold decreased for the modified forms without UV light. However, faster and more effective antibacterial activity was determined for photosensitive Arg-RBF CDs, with total bacterial eradication upon UV-A light exposure for 30 min.
Selected Properties of the Surface Layer of C45 Steel Samples after Slide Burnishing
Authors: Skoczylas Agnieszka , Kłonica Mariusz
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the experimental results of a study investigating the impact of the machining fluid type, the variable factor, used in slide burnishing on 2D and 3D surface roughness; surface topography; Abbott–Firestone curve shape; microhardness; and SFE (surface free energy). In the experiment, pre-ground, ringed samples of C45 steel were used. The results showed an over eight-fold decrease in the value of the Ra (arithmetical mean deviation) parameter and over a five-fold decrease in the Rt (total height of profile) parameter in relation to their values after grinding. The parameters Rpk (reduced peak height), Rk (core roughness depth), and Rvk (reduced valley depth) were also reduced. The Abbott–Firestone curve after slide burnishing changed its angle of inclination (it was more flattened), and the material ratio Smr increased. The reduction in the Rpk and Rk parameters and increased material ratio will most likely contribute to restoring the functionality of these surfaces (increased resistance to abrasive wear). After slide burnishing, the maximum 25% increase in microhardness was obtained compared to the value after grinding, while the layer thickness was 20 μm. The surface energy of elements subjected to slide burnishing using various machining fluids slightly increased, or its value was close to that of the ground surface. The most favourable properties of the surface layer in terms of mating between two elements were obtained for a part that was slide-burnished with a mixture of oil + polymethyl methacrylate (PMM) + molybdenum disulphide (MoS2).
Lumped Plasticity Model and Hysteretic Performance of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Rocking Pier
Authors: He Haifang , Zhou Yulong , Cheng Shoushan , Liu Hongyi
Published: October 2023

Rocking piers using ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) have high damage-control capacity and self-centering characteristics that can limit the post-earthquake recovery time of bridges. To study the hysteretic behavior of UHPC rocking piers, a lumped plasticity model is proposed that comprises two parallel rotational springs and which can accurately calculate their force-displacement hysteretic behavior. Three states of the rocking piers, decompression, yield, and large deformation, are considered in this study. The model is verified based on existing experimental results, and the hysteretic characteristics of the UHPC rocking piers, such as strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation, are further analyzed. The research results show that the lumped plasticity analysis model proposed in this study can predict the force-displacement hysteretic behavior of the rocking piers accurately. Moreover, the hysteretic performance of the UHPC rocking piers is better than that of rocking piers using normal-strength concrete. An increase in the energy dissipation reinforcement ratio, pre-stressed tendon ratio, and initial pre-stress improves the lateral stiffness and strength of the UHPC rocking piers. However, the increase in the pre-stressed tendon ratio and initial pre-stress reduces their energy-dissipation capacity.
Constitutive Modeling of Annealed OFHC with Wide Strain-Rate and Temperature Effects: Incorporating Dislocation Dynamics and Normalized Microstructural Size Evolution
Authors: Xu Mengwen , Xiao Qiangqiang , Zu Xudong , Tan Yaping , Huang Zhengxiang
Published: October 2023

The flow stress of face-centered cubic (FCC) metals exhibits a rapid increase near a strain rate of 104 s−1 under fixed-strain conditions. However, many existing constitutive models either fail to capture the mechanical characteristics of this plastic deformation or use piecewise strain-rate hardening models to describe this phenomenon. Unfortunately, these piecewise models may suffer from issues such as discontinuity of physical quantities and difficulties in determining segment markers, and struggle to reflect the underlying physical mechanisms that give rise to this mutation phenomenon. In light of this, this paper proposes that the abrupt change in flow stress sensitivity to strain rate in FCC metals can be attributed to microstructural evolution characteristics. To address this, a continuous semiempirical physical constitutive model for FCC metals is established based on the microstructural size evolution proposed by Molinari and Ravichandran and the dislocation motion slip mechanism. This model effectively describes the mutation behavior of strain-rate sensitivity under fixed strain, particularly evident in an annealed OFHC. The predicted results of the model across a wide range of strain rates (10−4–106 s−1) and temperatures (77–1096 K) demonstrate relative errors generally within ±10% of the experimental values. Furthermore, the model is compared with five other models, including the mechanical threshold stress (MTS), Nemat-Nasser–Li (NNL), Preston–Tonks–Wallace (PTW), Johnson–Cook (JC), and Molinari–Ravichandran (MR) models. A comprehensive illustration of errors reveals that the proposed model outperforms the other five models in describing the plastic deformation behavior of OFHC. The error results offer valuable insights for selecting appropriate models for engineering applications and provide significant contributions to the field.
The Effects of a Novel Nanohydroxyapatite Gel and Er: YAG Laser Treatment on Dentin Hypersensitivity
Authors: Sahin Demet , Deger Ceren , Oglakci Burcu , Demirkol Metehan , Kucukyildirim Bedri Onur , Gursel Mehtikar , Eliguzeloglu Dalkilic Evrim
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This study evaluates the effects of a novel nanohydroxyapatite gel and Er: YAG laser on the surface roughness, surface morphology, and elemental content after dentin hypersensitivity treatments. Methods: Dentin discs (2 × 3 × 3 mm3) were prepared from 75 human molars. Out of 75 human molars, 50 were used to evaluate surface roughness and randomly divided into five groups: Group ID (intact dentin), Group DD (demineralized dentin), Group BF (fluoride varnish/Bifluorid 10), Group Lsr (Er: YAG laser-50 mJ, 0.50 W, 10 Hz), and Group NHA (nanohydroxyapatite-containing gel). Dentin hypersensitivity was stimulated by 35% phosphoric acid for 1 min (except Group ID). The surface roughness (Ra, μm) was measured via contact profilometry (n = 10). Out of the 75 sound human molars, 25 were used to evaluate the surface morphology and elemental content using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (n = 5). The data were statistically analyzed using Welsch ANOVA, Games–Howell, Kruskal–Wallis, and Dunn tests (p < 0.05). Results: Group Lsr showed significantly lower surface roughness than Group NHA and Group BF (p < 0.05). The SEM analysis indicated that most of the dentinal tubules were obliterated for Group NHA. Precipitant plugs with partially occluded dentinal tubules were observed for Group BF, while partially or completely occluded tubules with a melting appearance were detected for Group Lsr. The EDS analysis revealed that Group NHA and Group Lsr presented similar calcium and phosphorus amounts to Group ID. All dentin hypersensitivity treatment methods could provide promising results in terms of tubular occlusion efficiency. However, laser treatment resulted in smoother surfaces, which could help prevent dental plaque accumulation.
Blood Compatibility of Drug–Inorganic Hybrid in Human Blood: Red Blood Cell Hitchhiking and Soft Protein Corona
Authors: Xie Jing , Kim Hyoung-Mi , Kamada Kai , Oh Jae-Min
Published: October 2023

A drug-delivery system consisting of an inorganic host—layered double hydroxide (LDH)—and an anticancer drug—methotrexate (MTX)—was prepared via the intercalation route (MTX-LDH), and its hematocompatibility was investigated. Hemolysis, a red blood cell counting assay, and optical microscopy revealed that the MTX-LDH had no harmful toxic effect on blood cells. Both scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy exhibited that the MTX-LDH particles softly landed on the concave part inred blood cells without serious morphological changes of the cells. The time-dependent change in the surface charge and hydrodynamic radius of MTX-LDH in the plasma condition demonstrated that the proteins can be gently adsorbed on the MTX-LDH particles, possibly through protein corona, giving rise to good colloidal stability. The fluorescence quenching assay was carried out to monitor the interaction between MTX-LDH and plasma protein, and the result showed that the MTX-LDH had less dynamic interaction with protein compared with MTX alone, due to the capsule moiety of the LDH host. It was verified by a quartz crystal microbalance assay that the surface interaction between MTX-LDH and protein was reversible and reproducible, and the type of protein corona was a soft one, having flexibility toward the biological environment.
Influence of Rheological and Morphological Characteristics of Polyhydroxybutyrate on Its Meltblown Process Behavior
Authors: Höhnemann Tim , Windschiegl Ingo
Published: October 2023

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a promising biopolymer. However, processing PHB in pure form in thermoplastic processes is limited due to its rapid degradation, very low initial crystallization rate, strong post-crystallization, and its low final stretchability. In this article, we screened commercial PHBs for morphological characteristics, rheological properties, and “performance” in the meltblown process in order to reveal process-relevant properties and overcome the shortcoming of PHB in thermoplastic processes for fiber formation. An evaluation of degradation (extruded (meltblown) material vs. granules) was performed via rheological and SEC analysis. The study revealed large differences in the minimum melt temperature (175 up to 200 °C) and the grade-dependent limitation of accessible throughput on a 500 mm plant. The average fiber diameter could be lowered from around 10 μm to 2.4 μm in median, which are the finest reported values in the literature so far. It was found that the determination of the necessary process temperature can be predicted well from the complex shear viscosity. Different to expectations, it became apparent that a broader initial molar mass distribution (>8) is suitable to overcome the state-of-the art limitations of PHAs in order to stabilize fiber formation, increase the productivity, and obtain better resistance towards thermal degradation in process. Accordingly, longer polymer chain fractions could be more affected by degradation than medium and short polymer chains in the distribution. Further, a low initial narrow distributed molar mass resulted in too brittle fabrics.
Effect of Multiple Reverse Transformation Treatments on Grain Refinement and Mechanical Properties of Biomedical Co–Cr–Mo–N Alloys Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Wang Hao , Miyagi Toshimi , Chiba Akihiko
Published: October 2023

We investigated the improvement of mechanical properties of biograde Co–28Cr–6Mo–0.11N alloy prepared by electron beam melting through grain refinement via multiple reverse transformations. While the effects of single and double reverse transformation treatments on the microstructure have been investigated in previous studies, we investigated the effects of multiple reverse transformation heat treatments. The particle size was refined to 1/4, and the yield strength, tensile silence strength, and elongation were enhanced to 655 MPa, 1234 MPa, and 45%, respectively, satisfying ASTM F75 standards. Moreover, a mixed phase of ε and γ was observed to provide higher yield strength than a single γ structure. The dominant behavior in the γ → ε phase transformation at 1073 K was obvious. Grain growth was suppressed by the grain-boundary pinning effect of the Cr2N phase during reverse transformation to the γ phase. Because no fracture was caused by precipitates such as σ, η, and Cr2N phases, the influence of the precipitates on the tensile properties was small.
Synthesis and Characterization of Boron Carbide Nanoparticles as Potential Boron-Rich Therapeutic Carriers
Authors: Kozień Dawid , Żeliszewska Paulina , Szermer-Olearnik Bożena , Adamczyk Zbigniew , Wróblewska Anna , Szczygieł Agnieszka , Węgierek-Ciura Katarzyna , Mierzejewska Jagoda , Pajtasz-Piasecka Elżbieta , Tokarski Tomasz , Cios Grzegorz , Cudziło Stanisław , Pędzich Zbigniew
Published: October 2023

Boron carbide is one of the hardest materials in the world which can be synthesized by various methods. The most common one is a carbothermic or magnesiothermic reduction of B2O3 performed at high temperatures, where the obtained powder still requires grinding and purification. The goal of this research is to present the possibility of synthesizing B4C nanoparticles from elements via vapor deposition and modifying the morphology of the obtained powders, particularly those synthesized at high temperatures. B4C nanoparticles were synthesized in the process of direct synthesis from boron and carbon powders heated at the temperature of 1650 °C for 2 h under argon and characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and dynamic light scattering measurements. The physicochemical characteristics of B4C nanoparticles were determined, including the diffusion coefficients, hydrodynamic diameter, electrophoretic mobilities, and zeta potentials. An evaluation of the obtained B4C nanoparticles was performed on several human and mouse cell lines, showing the relation between the cytotoxicity effect and the size of the synthesized nanoparticles. Assessing the suitability of the synthesized B4C for further modifications in terms of its applicability in boron neutron capture therapy was the overarching goal of this research.
Unveiling the Role of Donor Impurity Position on the Electronic Properties in Strained Type I and Type II Core/Shell Quantum Dots under Magnetic Field
Authors: Pérez Laura M. , Aghoutane Noreddine , Laroze David , Díaz Pablo , El-Yadri Mohamed , Feddi El Mustapha
Published: October 2023

In this theoretical investigation, we delve into the significant effects of donor impurity position within core/shell quantum dot structures: type I (CdTe/ZnS) and type II (CdTe/CdS). The donor impurity’s precise location within both the core and the shell regions is explored to unveil its profound influence on the electronic properties of these nanostructures. Our study investigates the diamagnetic susceptibility and binding energy of the donor impurity while considering the presence of an external magnetic field. Moreover, the lattice mismatch-induced strain between the core and shell materials is carefully examined as it profoundly influences the electronic structure of the quantum dot system. Through detailed calculations, we analyze the strain effects on the conduction and valence bands, as well as the electron and hole energy spectrum within the core/shell quantum dots. The results highlight the significance of donor impurity position as a key factor in shaping the behaviors of impurity binding energy and diamagnetic susceptibility. Furthermore, our findings shed light on the potential for tuning the electronic properties of core/shell quantum dots through precise impurity positioning and strain engineering.
Research on the Mechanism and Characteristics of Ultrasonically Coupled Mechanical Rock-Breaking Pre-Fracturing Technology
Authors: Liu Chengwen , Duan Mingyu , Huang Yizhe , Huang Qibai , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Zhicheng , Zhang Zhifu
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we propose an ultrasonically coupled mechanical rock-breaking technology, creatively design an ultrasonically coupled mechanical rock-breaking drum, concurrently develop an ultrasonic cracking simulation method based on test coordination, and study the cracking mechanism and characteristics of ultrasonically pre-broken rock in order to increase the rock-breaking efficiency of shearer drums and lengthen pickaxe service life. To further understand the theory behind ultrasonic-coupled mechanical rock breaking, the operation of a fusion drum and the implications of ultrasonic field theory in a solid medium are first examined. Second, the impact and mechanism of the ultrasonic pre-crushing of the target red sandstone are investigated in conjunction with conducting a rock uniaxial compression test and RFPA2D modeling. Furthermore, an ultrasonic pre-crushing fracturing mechanism test of the target red sandstone further reveals the effect and mechanism of ultrasonic fracturing. The efficacy of ultrasonic-coupled mechanical single-cutter cutting is then investigated using the discrete element cutting model (PFC2D) of red sandstone. The results show that under the action of ultrasonic waves with an excitation frequency of 41 kHz, cracks can effectively be produced inside the rock mass of the target red sandstone, and the cumulative amount of acoustic emission is as high as 513, which reduces the strength of the rock mass and disintegrates its internal structure; the average cut-off force of the purely mechanical rock-breaking mode is 6374 N, and that of ultrasonically coupled rock breaking is 4185 N, which is a reduction of 34.34%, and can be attributed to the fact that ultrasonic waves can loosen the structure of the rock mass. This is explained by the ability of ultrasonic vibrations to weaken the structure of rock. The coupled rock-breaking technology not only simplifies mechanical cutting and rock breaking but the lower force can also reduce a pick-shaped trunnion’s wear failure cycle. This improves the environment for subsequent pick-shaped trunnion cutting and rock breaking and prevents the pick-shaped trunnion from being subjected to high-stress loads for an extended period of time so as to prolong its working life.
Predicting the Long-Term Dependencies in Time Series Using Recurrent Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Ubal Cristian , Di-Giorgi Gustavo , Contreras-Reyes Javier E. , Salas Rodrigo
Published: October 2023

Long-term dependence is an essential feature for the predictability of time series. Estimating the parameter that describes long memory is essential to describing the behavior of time series models. However, most long memory estimation methods assume that this parameter has a constant value throughout the time series, and do not consider that the parameter may change over time. In this work, we propose an automated methodology that combines the estimation methodologies of the fractional differentiation parameter (and/or Hurst parameter) with its application to Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) in order for said networks to learn and predict long memory dependencies from information obtained in nonlinear time series. The proposal combines three methods that allow for better approximation in the prediction of the values of the parameters for each one of the windows obtained, using Recurrent Neural Networks as an adaptive method to learn and predict the dependencies of long memory in Time Series. For the RNNs, we have evaluated four different architectures: the Simple RNN, LSTM, the BiLSTM, and the GRU. These models are built from blocks with gates controlling the cell state and memory. We have evaluated the proposed approach using both synthetic and real-world data sets. We have simulated ARFIMA models for the synthetic data to generate several time series by varying the fractional differentiation parameter. We have evaluated the proposed approach using synthetic and real datasets using Whittle’s estimates of the Hurst parameter classically obtained in each window. We have simulated ARFIMA models in such a way that the synthetic data generate several time series by varying the fractional differentiation parameter. The real-world IPSA stock option index and Tree Ringtime series datasets were evaluated. All of the results show that the proposed approach can predict the Hurst exponent with good performance by selecting the optimal window size and overlap change.
Characterizing Manipulation via Machiavellianism
Authors: Sanchez-Rabaza Jacqueline , Rocha-Martinez Jose Maria , Clempner Julio B.
Published: October 2023

Machiavellianism refers to the propensity of taking advantage of people within a society. Machiavellians have reputations for being cunning and competitive. They are also skilled long-term strategists and planners. Other than their “victories,” there are no other successful conclusions for them. The belief component of Machiavellianism includes cynical views of human nature (e.g., manipulated and manipulating individuals), interpersonal exploitation as a technique (e.g., strategic thinking), and a lack of traditional morality that would forbid their behaviors (e.g., immoral behaviors). This paper focuses on a game that involves manipulation. The game was conceptualized using the best and worst Nash equilibrium points as part of our contribution. We constrained the problem to homogeneous, finite, ergodic, and controllable Bayesian–Markov games. Machiavellian players pretended to be in one state when they were actually in another. Moreover, they pretended to perform one action while actually playing another. All Machiavellian individuals engaged in some form of interpersonal manipulation. Manipulating players exhibited a higher preference compared to manipulated participants. The Pareto frontier is defined as the line where manipulating players play the best Nash equilibrium and manipulated players play the worst Nash equilibrium. It is also considered a sequential Bayesian–Markov manipulation game involving multiple manipulating players and manipulated players. Finally, a tractable characterization of the manipulation equilibrium results is provided. To guarantee that the game’s solution converged into a singular solution, we used Tikhonov’s penalty regularization method. A numerical example describes the results of our model.
Predicting PM10 Concentrations Using Evolutionary Deep Neural Network and Satellite-Derived Aerosol Optical Depth
Authors: Ghajari Yasser Ebrahimian , Kaveh Mehrdad , Martín Diego
Published: October 2023

Predicting particulate matter with a diameter of 10 μm (PM10) is crucial due to its impact on human health and the environment. Today, aerosol optical depth (AOD) offers high resolution and wide coverage, making it a viable way to estimate PM concentrations. Recent years have also witnessed in-creasing promise in refining air quality predictions via deep neural network (DNN) models, out-performing other techniques. However, learning the weights and biases of the DNN is a task classified as an NP-hard problem. Current approaches such as gradient-based methods exhibit significant limitations, such as the risk of becoming ensnared in local minimal within multi-objective loss functions, substantial computational requirements, and the requirement for continuous objective functions. To tackle these challenges, this paper introduces a novel approach that combines the binary gray wolf optimizer (BGWO) with DNN to improve the optimization of models for air pollution prediction. The BGWO algorithm, inspired by the behavior of gray wolves, is used to optimize both the weight and bias of the DNN. In the proposed BGWO, a novel sigmoid function is proposed as a transfer function to adjust the position of the wolves. This study gathers meteorological data, topographic information, PM10 pollution data, and satellite images. Data preparation includes tasks such as noise removal and handling missing data. The proposed approach is evaluated through cross-validation using metrics such as correlation rate, R square, root-mean-square error (RMSE), and accuracy. The effectiveness of the BGWO-DNN framework is compared to seven other machine learning (ML) models. The experimental evaluation of the BGWO-DNN method using air pollution data shows its superior performance compared with traditional ML techniques. The BGWO-DNN, CapSA-DNN, and BBO-DNN models achieved the lowest RMSE values of 16.28, 19.26, and 20.74, respectively. Conversely, the SVM-Linear and GBM algorithms displayed the highest levels of error, yielding RMSE values of 36.82 and 32.50, respectively. The BGWO-DNN algorithm secured the highest R2 (88.21%) and accuracy (93.17%) values, signifying its superior performance compared with other models. Additionally, the correlation between predicted and actual values shows that the proposed model surpasses the performance of other ML techniques. This paper also observes relatively stable pollution levels during spring and summer, contrasting with significant fluctuations during autumn and winter.
Biochemical Insights into a Novel Family 2 Glycoside Hydrolase with Both β-1,3-Galactosidase and β-1,4-Galactosidase Activity from the Arctic
Authors: Li Dianyi , Wang Zheng , Yu Yong , Li Huirong , Luo Wei , Chen Bo , Niu Guoqing , Ding Haitao
Published: October 2023

A novel GH2 (glycoside hydrolase family 2) β-galactosidase from Marinomonas sp. BSi20584 was successfully expressed in E. coli with a stable soluble form. The recombinant enzyme (rMaBGA) was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity and characterized extensively. The specific activity of purified rMaBGA was determined as 96.827 U mg−1 at 30 °C using ONPG (o-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactopyranoside) as a substrate. The optimum pH and temperature of rMaBGA was measured as 7.0 and 50 °C, respectively. The activity of rMaBGA was significantly enhanced by some divalent cations including Zn2+, Mg2+ and Ni2+, but inhibited by EDTA, suggesting that some divalent cations might play important roles in the catalytic process of rMaBGA. Although the enzyme was derived from a cold-adapted strain, it still showed considerable stability against various physical and chemical elements. Moreover, rMaBGA exhibited activity both toward Galβ-(1,3)-GlcNAc and Galβ-(1,4)-GlcNAc, which is a relatively rare occurrence in GH2 β-galactosidase. The results showed that two domains in the C-terminal region might be contributed to the β-1,3-galactosidase activity of rMaBGA. On account of its fine features, this enzyme is a promising candidate for the industrial application of β-galactosidase.