bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Interstitial Lung Diseases Associated with Connective Tissue Disease (CTD-ILD): Genetics, Cellular Pathophysiology, and Biologic Drivers
Authors: Cerro Chiang Giuliana , Parimon Tanyalak
Published: January 2023

Connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD) is a collection of systemic autoimmune disorders resulting in lung interstitial abnormalities or lung fibrosis. CTD-ILD pathogenesis is not well characterized because of disease heterogeneity and lack of pre-clinical models. Some common risk factors are inter-related with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an extensively studied fibrotic lung disease, which includes genetic abnormalities and environmental risk factors. The primary pathogenic mechanism is that these risk factors promote alveolar type II cell dysfunction triggering many downstream profibrotic pathways, including inflammatory cascades, leading to lung fibroblast proliferation and activation, causing abnormal lung remodeling and repairs that result in interstitial pathology and lung fibrosis. In CTD-ILD, dysregulation of regulator pathways in inflammation is a primary culprit. However, confirmatory studies are required. Understanding these pathogenetic mechanisms is necessary for developing and tailoring more targeted therapy and provides newly discovered disease biomarkers for early diagnosis, clinical monitoring, and disease prognostication. This review highlights the central CTD-ILD pathogenesis and biological drivers that facilitate the discovery of disease biomarkers.
NeuralMinimizer: A Novel Method for Global Optimization
Authors: Tsoulos Ioannis G. , Tzallas Alexandros , Karvounis Evangelos , Tsalikakis Dimitrios
Published: January 2023

The problem of finding the global minimum of multidimensional functions is often applied to a wide range of problems. An innovative method of finding the global minimum of multidimensional functions is presented here. This method first generates an approximation of the objective function using only a few real samples from it. These samples construct the approach using a machine learning model. Next, the required sampling is performed by the approximation function. Furthermore, the approach is improved on each sample by using found local minima as samples for the training set of the machine learning model. In addition, as a termination criterion, the proposed technique uses a widely used criterion from the relevant literature which in fact evaluates it after each execution of the local minimization. The proposed technique was applied to a number of well-known problems from the relevant literature, and the comparative results with respect to modern global minimization techniques are shown to be extremely promising.
Fabrication and Luminescent Properties of Er-Doped Sr5(PO4)3F Ceramics
Authors: Permin Dmitry , Nazmutdinov Marsel , Kurashkin Sergey , Balabanov Stanislav , Belyaev Alexander , Novikova Anastasia , Koshkin Vitaliy
Published: January 2023

Nanopowders of strontium fluoroapatite Sr5(PO4)3F (SFAP) were synthesized using a co-precipitation method with different starting strontium compounds. Based on the data of XRD, BET and SEM measurements, the nitrate-derived powders were chosen as the least agglomerated. The SFAP powders were hot pressed at 1000 °C to ceramic samples with a transmittance up to 82% in a mid-IR region. The designed approach was adopted to prepare 2 mol % of Er-doped SFAP powders and ceramics. It was established that Er:SFAP ceramics have luminescence in the range of 1.5–1.7 μm, the intensity of which increases with the calcination temperature of the initial powders.
Integrative Taxonomy Approach Reveals Cryptic Diversity within the Phoretic Pseudoscorpion Genus Lamprochernes (Pseudoscorpiones: Chernetidae)
Authors: Christophoryová Jana , Krajčovičová Katarína , Šťáhlavský František , Španiel Stanislav , Opatova Vera
Published: January 2023

Pseudoscorpions represent an ancient, but homogeneous group of arachnids. The genus Lamprochernes comprises several morphologically similar species with wide and overlapping distributions. We implemented an integrative approach combining molecular barcoding (cox1), with cytogenetic and morphological analyses in order to assess species boundaries in European Lamprochernes populations. The results suggest ancient origins of Lamprochernes species accompanied by morphological stasis within the genus. Our integrative approach delimited three nominal Lamprochernes species and one cryptic lineage Lamprochernes abditus sp. nov. Despite its Oligocene origin, L. abditus sp. nov. can be distinguished from its closest relative only by molecular and cytogenetic differences, or alternatively, by a complex multivariate morphometric analysis involving other Lamprochernes species. The population structure and common haplotype sharing across geographically distant populations in most Lamprochernes species suggest that a phoretic manner of dispersal is efficient in this group.
Efficacy of Kairomone Lures to Attract Parasitoids of Halyomorpha halys
Authors: Richardson Kate V. , Alston Diane G. , Spears Lori R.
Published: January 2023

In its native range, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) is suppressed by parasitoids in the genus Trissolcus (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae). Trissolcus native to Utah have demonstrated low parasitism of H. halys, while adventive Trissolcus japonicus (Ashmead) have shown parasitism of up to 20%. Custom rubber septa lures containing stink bug kairomones, n-tridecane (attractant), and (E)-2-decenal (repellent), at 100%, 90%, and 80% levels of attractant (10 mg load rate), were placed adjacent to sentinel H. halys egg masses in northern Utah field trials. Egg masses were evaluated for the presence and intensity (proportion of parasitized eggs) of parasitism. Parasitism by T. japonicus and T. euschisti (Ashmead) was low; however, the 100% lure showed double the parasitism of the control and more than three times that of the 90% and 80%. Two-way choice mesocosm trials in the laboratory evaluated previous lures and a lower load rate of 5 mg—100% attractant treatment. Lures of 10 mg at 100% and 80% were more attractive to T. japonicus than the control, while 5 mg at 100% and 10 mg at 90% showed no significant attraction. Our results support a proof-of-concept of rubber septa as release devices for kairomones to attract T. japonicus and provide a baseline for future field-based studies.
Side Effects of Kaolin and Bunch-Zone Leaf Removal on Generalist Predators in Vineyards
Authors: Cargnus Elena , Tacoli Federico , Boscutti Francesco , Zandigiacomo Pietro , Pavan Francesco
Published: January 2023

In vineyards, kaolin application and bunch-zone leaf removal (LR) were effective in the control of leafhoppers and Lobesia botrana, but their side effects on generalist predators are still poorly understood. In north-eastern Italian vineyards, the impact of kaolin and LR on species and functional diversity of spiders, as well as the abundance of spiders and generalist predatory insects, was assessed in one vineyard for two consecutive years and in two vineyards for one year. The ecological indices of the spider community were never influenced by kaolin and only in one case were they influenced by LR. At the spider family level, kaolin reduced the abundance of Araneidae, Oxypidae and Salticidae, but only in single cases. In single cases, kaolin reduced the amount of Orius sp. anthocorids and increased that of Scymninae coccinellids, whereas LR increased the amount of Aeolothrips sp. The moderate use of kaolin and the application of LR had negligible and inconsistent impacts on generalist predatory arthropods in vineyards and were therefore, compatible with IPM strategies.
Migration Dynamics of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Zhang Xue-Yan , Huang Le , Liu Jie , Zhang Hai-Bo , Qiu Kun , Lu Fang , Hu Gao
Published: January 2023

The Yangtze River Delta, located in East China, is an important passage on the eastern pathway of the northward migration of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in China, connecting China’s year-round breeding area and the Huang-Huai-Hai summer maize area. Clarifying the migration dynamics of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta is of great significance for the scientific control and prevention of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta, even in the Huang-Huai-Hai region and Northeast China. This study is based on the pest investigation data of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta from 2019 to 2021, combining it with the migration trajectory simulation approach and the synoptic weather analysis. The result showed that S. frugiperda migrated to the Yangtze River Delta in March or April at the earliest, and mainly migrated to the south of the Yangtze River in May, which can be migrated from Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan and other places. In May and June, S. frugiperda migrated further into the Jiang–Huai region, and its source areas were mainly distributed in Jiangxi, Hunan, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Hubei provinces. In July, it mainly migrated to the north of Huai River, and the source areas of the insects were mainly distributed in Jiangsu, Anhui, Hunan, Hubei and Henan. From the south of the Yangtze River to the north of the Huai River, the source areas of S. frugiperda were constantly moving north. After breeding locally, S. frugiperda can not only migrate to other regions of the Yangtze River Delta, but also to its surrounding provinces of Jiangxi, Hunan, Hubei, Henan, Shandong and Hebei, and even cross the Shandong Peninsula into Northeast China such as Liaoning and Jilin provinces. Trajectory simulation showed that the emigrants of S. frugiperda from the Yangtze River Delta moved northward, westward and eastward as wind direction was quite diverse in June–August. This paper analyzes the migration dynamics of S. frugiperda in the Yangtze River Delta, which has important guiding significance for the monitoring, early warning and the development of scientific prevention and control strategies for whole country.
Why Petals? Naïve, but Not Experienced Bees, Preferentially Visit Flowers with Larger Visual Signals
Authors: Balfour Nicholas J. , Ratnieks Francis L. W.
Published: January 2023

Flower evolution includes a range of questions concerning the function of showy morphological features such as petals. Despite extensive research on the role of petals in attracting pollinators, there has been little experimental testing of their importance in attracting naïve versus experienced flower-visitors. In an exploratory field study, we manipulated the ray petals of inflorescences of two garden flowers, Rudbeckia hirta and Helenium autumnale, to test the hypothesis that these showy structures primarily function to attract first-time, naïve, visitors. On their first inflorescence visit to both species, naïve honey bees and bumble bees were more likely to visit intact inflorescences, than those with ray petals removed. However, by the tenth consecutive inflorescence on the same visit to the flower patch, test insects showed no preference. A positive correlation was observed between the visitation of inflorescences with zero petals and inflorescence number on both study plants, for both bees. These results suggest that a key function of showy petals is to attract naïve, first-time visitors. Similar to how a restaurant attracts diners with a large sign, showy signals may be vital to enticing first-time visitors when competing with other establishments or plants for customers or pollinators. We hope the findings of this exploratory study will stimulate further work in this area.
Arbiters of Time: The Experience of Adults Aging with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Reber Lisa , Tan Nasya S. W. , Meade Michelle A. , Forchheimer Martin , Tate Denise G. , Clarke Philippa
Published: January 2023

Time is a fundamental component of our lives. It is both objective, a structure outside of ourselves, and subjective, an element that is relative to the life we live and how we experience it. The disabled body must come to terms with time to understand the future impact of the injury and its progression, as well as how the injury will impose a new more accelerated aging process in the body, resulting in a compressed lifespan. The body also challenges time’s control of the body. This paper extends the literature on the study of time to the experience of adults aging with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Drawing from interviews conducted with adults with long-term SCI, it examines how their narratives about aging and the proactive management of their lives reflect their orientation toward and anticipation of the future. Recognizing that the spoken word often carries a multiplicity of meanings, it considers what participants’ words might imply about their engagement with time. The results of this study show that the process of aging is characterized by uncertainty and the expectations of functional and health decline, requiring a sense of urgency and vigilance in the face of the uncertain course of aging with SCI. Participants understood that their lifespan was compressed due to the physiological impact of accelerated aging. Knowledge of this compression made time a scarce resource. Yet, despite it being the arbiters of their futures, so too were they the arbiters of time.
Role of Renal Parenchyma Attenuation and Perirenal Fat Stranding in Chest CT of Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Russo Elisa , Tagliafico Alberto Stefano , Derchi Lorenzo , Bignotti Bianca , Tosto Simona , Martinoli Carlo , Signori Alessio , Brigati Francesca , Viazzi Francesca
Published: January 2023

Background: Chest CT on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been extensively investigated. Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been widely described among COVID patients, but the role of kidney imaging has been poorly explored. The aim of this study is to clarify the role of opportunistic kidney assessment on non-enhanced chest CT. Methods: We collected data on patients with COVID-19 consecutively admitted to our institution who underwent chest CT (including the upper parts of kidneys as per protocol). Three ROIs of 0.5–0.7 cm2 were positioned in every kidney. The values of renal parenchyma attenuation (RPA) and the presence of perirenal fat stranding (PFS) were analyzed. The primary and secondary outcomes were the occurrence of AKI and death. Results: 86 patients with COVID-19 and unenhanced chest CT were analyzed. The cohort was split into CT RPA quartiles. Patients with a CT RPA <24 HU were more likely to develop AKI when compared with other patients (χ2 = 2.77, p = 0.014): at multivariate logistic regression analysis, being in the first quartile of CT RPA was independently associated with a four times higher risk of AKI (HR 4.56 [95% CI 1.27–16.44, p = 0.020). Within a mean 22 ± 15 days from admission, 32 patients died (37.2%). Patients with PFS were more likely to die as compared to patients without it (HR 3.90 [95% CI 1.12–13.48], p = 0.031). Conclusions: Detection of low RPA values and of PFS in COVID-19 patients independently predicts, respectively, the occurrence of AKI and an increased risk for mortality. Therefore, opportunistic kidney assessment during chest CT could help physicians in defining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Ustekinumab Promotes Radiological Fistula Healing in Perianal Fistulizing Crohn’s Disease: A Retrospective Real-World Analysis
Authors: Yao Jiayin , Zhang Heng , Su Tao , Peng Xiang , Zhao Junzhang , Liu Tao , Wang Wei , Hu Pinjin , Zhi Min , Zhang Min
Published: January 2023

There is insufficient evidence to confirm the efficacy of ustekinumab (UST) in promoting fistula closure in perianal fistulizing Crohn’s disease (CD) patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of UST in a real-world setting. The data were retrospectively analyzed. Intestinal clinical and endoscopic changes were evaluated. Fistula radiological outcomes were determined using the Van Assche score. A total of 108 patients were included, 43.5% of whom had complex perianal fistulas. Intestinal clinical and endoscopic remission was achieved in 65.7% and 31.5% of patients, respectively. The fistula clinical remission and response rates were 40.7% and 63.0%, respectively, with a significant reduction in Perianal Crohn’s disease Activity Index [5.0(3.0, 8.0) vs. 7.5(5.0, 10.0), p < 0.001] and Crohn’s Anal Fistula Quality of Life [23.5(9.3, 38.8) vs. 49.0(32.3, 60.0), p < 0.001]. Radiological healing, partial response, no change, and deterioration were observed in 44.8%, 31.4%, 13.4%, and 10.4% of patients, respectively. The cut-off UST trough concentration for predicting fistula clinical remission was 2.11 μg/mL with an area under the curve of 0.795, a sensitivity of 93.3%, and a specificity of 67.6%. UST is efficacious in promoting radiological fistula closure in patients with perianal fistulizing CD. A UST trough concentration over 2.11 μg/mL was correlated with a higher likelihood of perianal fistula clinical remission.
Assessment of Bidirectional Relationships between Mental Illness and Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Xiang Shate , Wang Rongyun , Hua Lijiangshan , Song Jie , Qian Suhai , Jin Yibo , Zhang Bingyue , Ding Xinghong
Published: January 2023

A correlation between mental illness and systemic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been observed in several prior investigations. However, little is known about the causative relationship between them. The present study aimed to systematically investigate the potential association between genetically determined mental illness and RA. Two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using publicly released genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We selected independent genetic variants associated with four mental illnesses (bipolar disorder, broad depression, major depression, and anxiety) as instrumental variables. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis to assess the causal relationship between mental illness and RA. Results of the IVW analysis suggested that genetic predisposition to bipolar disorder was associated with a decreased risk of RA (odds ratio [OR] = 0.825, 95% CI = 0.716 to 0.95, p = 0.007). Furthermore, we did not find a significant causal effect of RA on bipolar disorder in the reverse MR analysis (p > 0.05). In addition, our study found no evidence of a bidirectional causal relationship between genetically predicted broad depression, major depression, anxiety, and RA (p > 0.05). The genetically proxied bipolar disorder population has a lower RA risk, which may indicate that there is a hidden mechanism for inhibiting the pathogenesis of RA in bipolar disorder. However, results do not support a causal connection between depression, anxiety, and RA.
Evaluation of Processing Conditions in the Performance of Purging Compounds for Polypropylene Injection Molding
Authors: Carrasco Miguel , Guerrero Jorge , Lazo Miriam , Adrián Estephany , Medina-Perilla Jorge Alberto , Rigail-Cedeño Andrés
Published: January 2023

Purging is a fundamental process in the injection molding sector, aiding in color transition, material shifts, and the removal of contaminants. The purging compounds can be classified according to physical or chemical mechanisms and are affected by processing parameters, such as temperature, pressure, or soaking period. Despite some studies on the effect of processing parameters in purging action, an analysis of the rheological behavior and physico-chemical changes is still required for a deeper understanding of this type of system. This study explored shear viscosity, activation energy behavior in the torque rheometer, injection molding process, and energy consumption for two polyolefin-based purging compounds: one on polypropylene (PP) and another on polyethylene (PE). The results showed that the PP-based compound is a highly viscous material with low thermal sensibility and low energy consumption. The PE-based chemical compound, which includes an expanding and scrubbing agent, presented higher thermal sensitivity. Lower purging times and specific energy consumption were observed for the mechanical purge regardless of the processing temperature in the injection molding machine. However, torque and specific total mechanical energy differed due to viscosity and possible filler particle agglomeration. These findings demonstrated the influence of processing temperature on rheology and performance. Nonetheless, further studies regarding pressure, soaking time, and rheological modeling are recommended.
Finite Element Simulations of Novel Submersible Design Based on the ASME Design-by-Analysis Approach
Authors: Ćorak Maro , Šperanda Zdenko , Čokić Juvel , Palaversa Marin , Parunov Joško
Published: January 2023

Tourist submersibles are a new class of underwater vehicles where new materials and innovative structural concepts are used. Because of the lack of experience with these innovative vessels, prescribed rules of classification societies are not directly applicable in their structural design. Thus, a novel design-by-analysis approach, as given in the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code of ASME, is employed for dimensioning structural components. Design-by-analysis stands for a consistent set of loads, boundary conditions, modelling principles, failure modes, and safety factors if the finite element analysis is performed instead of using rule formulas. The approach has been used until now in the structural design and optimization of unconventional pressure vessels, while in this paper it is for the first time employed in structural design of the underwater vehicle. This study can serve as guidance for future applications of design-by-analysis in the development of the innovative structures exposed predominantly to the pressure loading.
3D Path Following Control of an Autonomous Underwater Robotic Vehicle Using Backstepping Approach Based Robust State Feedback Optimal Control Law
Authors: Vadapalli Siddhartha , Mahapatra Subhasish
Published: January 2023

This work renders the design of a robust state feedback optimal control strategy for an Autonomous Underwater Robotic Vehicle (AURV). The control strategy is developed using a polytopic approach based on hydrodynamic parameter variation. Besides, a backstepping approach is designed to control the kinematics of the system. However, the dynamics of the AURV system are controlled by a robust optimal control technique. In this work, the decoupled systems for both horizontal and vertical dynamics of AURV are used for the development of the control algorithms. Furthermore, the 3-D path following is achieved by integrating the control algorithms of both horizontal and vertical dynamics of AURV. The proposed controller is formulated using semi-definite programming (SDP). To track the 3-D path, it is intended to track both the desired depth and desired yaw in diving and steering planes. The simulation studies are conducted through MATLAB/Simulink environment using the YALMIP tool. Furthermore, the robust behavior of the proposed control algorithm is verified by considering the uncertain hydrodynamic parameters.
Depressive Symptoms during Pregnancy: Prevalence and Correlates with Affective Temperaments and Psychosocial Factors
Authors: Mazza Marianna , Avallone Carla , Kotzalidis Georgios Demetrios , Marano Giuseppe , Moccia Lorenzo , Serio Anna Maria , Balocchi Marta , Sessa Ilenia , Janiri Delfina , De Luca Ilaria , Brisi Caterina , Spera Maria Chiara , Monti Laura , Gonsalez del Castillo Angela , Angeletti Gloria , Chieffo Daniela , Rinaldi Lucio , Janiri Luigi , Lanzone Antonio , Scambia Giovanni , Mercuri Eugenio Maria , Sani Gabriele
Published: January 2023

Pregnancy is a unique experience in women’s life, requiring a great ability of adaptation and self-reorganization; vulnerable women may be at increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. This study aimed to examine the incidence of depressive symptomatology during pregnancy and to evaluate the role of affective temperament traits and psychosocial risk factors in predicting them. We recruited 193 pregnant women, collected data regarding sociodemographic, family and personal clinical variables, social support and stressful life events and administered the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). In our sample, prevalence of depressive symptomatology was 41.45% and prevalence of depression was 9.85% (6.75% mild and 3.10% moderate depression). We have chosen a cutoff >4 on PHQ-9 to identify mild depressive symptoms which may predict subsequent depression. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were found in the following factors: gestational age, occupation, partner, medical conditions, psychiatric disorders, family psychiatric history, stressful life events, and TEMPS-A mean scores. In our sample mean scores on all affective temperaments but the hyperthymic, were significantly lower in the control group. Only depressive and hyperthymic temperaments were found to be, respectively, risk and protective factors for depressive symptomatology. The current study confirms the high prevalence and complex aetiology of depressive symptomatology during pregnancy and suggests that affective temperament assessment seems to be a useful adjunctive instrument to predict depressive symptomatology during pregnancy and postpartum.
Functional Alignment Philosophy in Total Knee Arthroplasty—Rationale and Technique for the Valgus Morphotype Using an Image Based Robotic Platform and Individualized Planning
Authors: Shatrov Jobe , Foissey Constant , Kafelov Moussa , Batailler Cécile , Gunst Stanislas , Servien Elvire , Lustig Sébastien
Published: January 2023

Functional alignment (FA) is a novel philosophy to deliver a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) that respects individual bony and soft tissue phenotypes within defined limitations. The purpose of this paper is to describe the rationale and technique of FA in the valgus morphotype with the use of an image-based robotic-platform. For the valgus phenotype the principles are personalized pre-operative planning, reconstitution of native coronal alignment without residual varus or valgus of more than 3°, restoration of dynamic sagittal alignment within 5° of neutral, implant sizing to match anatomy, and achievement of defined soft tissue laxity in extension and flexion through implant manipulation within the defined boundaries. An individualized plan is created from pre-operative imaging. Next, a reproducible and quantifiable assessment of soft tissue laxity is performed in extension and flexion. Implant positioning is then manipulated in all three planes if necessary to achieve target gap measurements and a final limb position within a defined coronal and sagittal range. FA is a novel TKA technique that aims to restore constitutional bony alignment and balance the laxity of the soft tissues by placing and sizing implants in a manner that respects variations in individual anatomy and soft tissues within defined limits.
CSR, Risk Management Practices, and Performance Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation of Firms in Different Industries
Authors: Singh Nitya , Hong Paul
Published: January 2023

This article presents a research model that defines how external drivers impact financial performance outcomes, and the role played by strategic practices (especially CSR) in reducing the negative impact of such external influences. Applying strategic orientation theory, risk management theory, and CSR theory as the encompassing theoretical rationale, the conceptual framework defines the research idea and the research model provides the empirically testable model that identifies key variables with valid instrument measures. The results indicate that although external supply chain risk drivers do negatively impact a firm’s financial performance, the influence of these risk events can be mitigated if firms adopt focused strategic practices. The results highlight the significant role played by CSR strategic practices in enabling firms to develop resilience from disruption events. In our research model, CSR, as an organizational linkage practice, is positioned in between upfront strategic flow and back-end performance flow. It suggests that CSR success is only possible when CSR is implemented broadly throughout organizational processes. Based on the empirical results, lessons and implications are presented for theoretical and managerial insights and future research.
A Natural Quasi-Experiment of the Monetary Policy Shocks on the Housing Markets of New Zealand during COVID-19
Authors: Yiu Chung Yim
Published: January 2023

It is hard to experimentally test the impacts of monetary policy shocks on housing markets as it is very unlikely for a central bank to change monetary policies swiftly twice within a short period of time for exogenous reasons. However, during the pandemic, the central bank of New Zealand changed its policies 180 degree in 2 years, from an unprecedented low interest rate and a relaxed mortgage policy in 2020 to a 13-year record high interest rate and a tightened mortgage policy in 2022. Among the OECD members, New Zealand is the country that increased the interest rate the earliest and also the country that had its house prices fall the earliest. It provides natural quasi-experiments to test the monetary policy hypothesis empirically by the two policy changes as treatments on house prices. This study conducts a time series regression analysis on the housing markets of New Zealand to test the hypothesis in the pre-COVID and the COVID periods, ranging from 2016 Q2 to 2022 Q3. The results confirm that mortgage rates have a negative and significant effect on house price changes after controlling for the economic growth factor and the housing supply factor, no matter whether the monetary policy switches to expansionary or contractionary mode. The robustness test results of the housing markets show that a 1% fall/rise in the mortgage rate caused a 5.6% increase/decrease in house prices, ceteris paribus, in the COVID period. The results also do not support the housing supply hypothesis in New Zealand.
An Experimental Study of the Relation between Mode I Fracture Toughness, KIc, and Critical Energy Release Rate, GIc
Authors: Qiao Yang , Zhang Zong-Xian , Zhang Sheng
Published: January 2023

The construction of the relation between the critical energy release rate, GIc, and the mode I fracture toughness, KIc, is of great significance for understanding the fracture mechanism and facilitating its application in engineering. In this study, fracture experiments using NSCB and CCCD specimens were conducted. The effects of specimen sizes, loading rate and lithology on the relation between GIc and KIc were studied. GIc was calculated by integrating the load–displacement curve according to Irwin’s approach. Based on the measured KIc and GIc of the rock specimens, a relation between GIc and KIc was found to be different from the classical formula under linear elasticity. It was found that both specimen size and loading rate do not influence this relation.
Clinical Assessment of Biphasic Calcium Phosphate in Granules and Paste Forms in Human Maxillary Sinus Bone Augmentation: A Randomized, Split-Mouth Clinical Trial
Authors: Bonardi João Paulo , Pereira Rodrigo dos Santos , Mourão Carlos F. , Coelho Mendes Bruno , Lowenstein Adam , Montemezzi Pietro , Giubilato Flavio , Okamoto Roberta , Hochuli-Vieira Eduardo
Published: January 2023

The aim of the present study is to compare the biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) using two different forms—(1) granules and (2) paste—in human maxillary sinus bone reconstruction as a split-mouth study using histomorphometric and immunolabeling for osteocalcin. Ten patients with bilateral maxillary posterior partial edentulism were selected in order to reconstruct bone height. They were divided into two groups: BCPG and BCP-P. After six months of bone healing, biopsies were harvested to assess the new bone formation and immunostaining for osteocalcin. The BCP g group had the following results: mean of bone formation in pristine bone 49.4 ± 21.6%, intermediate 49.4 ± 16.2%, and apical 55.3 ± 21.4%. The group BCP-P had a mean of 41.9 ± 17.3% in the pristine bone region, 37.5 ± 7.8% for intermediate, and 39.0 ± 13.5% for apical. The osteocalcin immunolabeling was high for both groups, demonstrating bone calcification. Thus, the two biomaterials present suitable results for the placement of dental implants.
Properties of Sound Absorption Composite Materials Developed Using Flax Fiber, Sphagnum Moss, Vermiculite, and Sapropel
Authors: Sleinus Daira , Sinka Maris , Korjakins Aleksandrs , Obuka Vaira , Nikolajeva Vizma , Brencis Raitis , Savicka Estere
Published: January 2023

To address the need to reduce consumption and pollution in the industrial sector, composite materials were created using a new type of raw materials—organic lake sediments (sapropel) as a binder; sphagnum moss, flax fiber, and vermiculite as a filler. The main application of these composite materials is for sound absorption and moisture buffering, but since they contain bio-based binders and fillers, they also work as carbon storage. Within the framework of this work, a total of 100 samples of composite materials were created. Fungicides—a biocide quaternary ammonium compound and its natural substitute montmorillonite mineral material were also added to the materials to improve microbiological stability. The mechanical sound absorption and microbiological properties of materials were investigated and compared to similar environmentally friendly materials, such as hemp-lime concrete (FHL), hemp magnesium oxychloride composite (MOC), and hemp magnesium phosphate cement (MPC). The results showed that sound absorption and mechanical and microbial properties of the created composite materials are sufficient for their intended use, with flax fiber and vermiculite composites showing more stable mechanical, sound absorbing, and microbiological stability properties than materials containing flax fiber and moss.
Obtaining an Equiaxed Ultrafine-Grained State of the Longlength Bulk Zirconium Alloy Bars by Extralarge Shear Deformations with a Vortex Metal Flow
Authors: Arbuz Alexandr , Kawalek Anna , Ozhmegov Kirill , Panin Evgeniy , Magzhanov Medet , Lutchenko Nikita , Yurchenko Vasily
Published: January 2023

The method of radial shear rolling makes it possible to achieve comparable to high pressure torsion (HPT) method ultrahigh degrees of total strain level in combination with the vortex metal flow character for long-length large bulk bars unable by HPT and many other processes of sever plastic deformation (SPD). Sequential rolling of the Zr-1%Nb alloy was carried out under extreme conditions on two radial shear rolling mills with a total diameter reduction ε = 185% and a maximum total strain level = 46 mm/mm. The strain level and its cross-section distribution assessment by finite element method (FEM) simulation was studied. The final bar cross-section structure type distribution detailed study 1 mm resolution by electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) mapping was performed. A gradient structure with a predominance of the equiaxed ultrafine-grained (UFG) state was found. The deformation level rising did not allow to refine it in the periphery zone more than that obtained nearly middle of the processing, but it allows for significant change in the axial zone structure. The additional large warm deformations by radial shear rolling have no additional grain refinement effect for already 300–600 nm refined zone. An equiaxed UFG structure was obtained in a relatively large volume of the sample with a reduced gradient towards the non-UFG center zone in regard to known works.
Surface Analysis of Ti-Alloy Micro-Grooved 12/14 Tapers Assembled to Non-Sleeved and Sleeved Ceramic Heads: A Comparative Study of Retrieved Hip Prostheses
Authors: Martelli Andrea , Erani Paolo , Pazzagli Nicola , Cannillo Valeria , Baleani Massimiliano
Published: January 2023

Ti6Al4V titanium alloy (Ti-alloy) sleeved ceramic heads have become widely used in revision surgery when the hip stem is left in situ. This solution guarantees a new junction between the bore of the ceramic head and the Ti-alloy sleeve, regardless of any possible, slight surface damage to the Ti-alloy taper of the stem. However, this solution introduces an additional Ti-alloy/Ti-alloy interface pairing, which is potentially susceptible to mechanically assisted crevice corrosion. This study evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively the damage that occurred in vivo on Ti-alloy micro-grooved 12/14 tapers of (i) primary implants with non-sleeved ceramic heads (Group 1), (ii) secondary implants with non-sleeved ceramic heads (Group 2), and (iii) secondary implants with sleeved ceramic heads (Group 3). A total of 45 explants—15 for each group, including short-, medium- and long-neck heads—underwent optical evaluation for surface damage (Goldberg scoring), surface roughness analysis, and SEM/EDX analysis. The Goldberg scores did not reveal different patterns in the tapers’ surface damage; surface damage was classified as absent or mild (surface damage score ≤2) in 94%, another 94%, and 92% of the analysed regions for Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3, respectively. Small but significant differences in morphological changes occurred in the tapers of the three groups: reductions no greater than a few percentage points in median values of roughness parameters were found in Group 1 and Group 2, while negligible changes were found in Group 3. SEM/EDX analysis revealed little (i.e., a slight increase in the oxygen content) to undetectable changes in the chemical composition on the Ti-alloy surface independently of the group. These results suggest that the Ti-alloy/Ti-alloy sleeve/taper junction is only mildly susceptible to mechanically assisted crevice corrosion. Assembling a sleeved ceramic head, with variable neck lengths up to a “long-neck”, to a Ti-alloy micro-grooved 12/14 taper of a stem left in situ does not seem to increase the risk of revision due to trunnionosis, as long as junction stability (i.e., the proper seating of the sleeved ceramic head on the 12/14 taper) is achieved intraoperatively.
The Emergence of Carbon Nanomaterials as Effective Nano-Avenues to Fight against COVID-19
Authors: Sengupta Joydip , Hussain Chaudhery Mustansar
Published: January 2023

COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), a viral respiratory ailment that was first identified in Wuhan, China, in 2019, and then expanded globally, was caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The severity of the illness necessitated quick action to cease the virus’s spread. The best practices to avert the infection include early detection, the use of protective clothing, the consumption of antiviral medicines, and finally the immunization of the patients through vaccination. The family of carbon nanomaterials, which includes graphene, fullerene, carbon nanotube (CNT), and carbon dot (CD), has a great deal of potential to effectively contribute to each of the main trails in the battle against the coronavirus. Consequently, the recent advances in the application of carbon nanomaterials for containing and combating the SARS-CoV-2 virus are discussed herein, along with their associated challenges and futuristic applicability.
Characterisation of Elevenin-Vc1 from the Venom of Conus victoriae: A Structural Analogue of α-Conotoxins
Authors: Krishnarjuna Bankala , Sunanda Punnepalli , Seow Jeffrey , Tae Han-Shen , Robinson Samuel D. , Belgi Alessia , Robinson Andrea J. , Safavi-Hemami Helena , Adams David J. , Norton Raymond S.
Published: January 2023

Elevenins are peptides found in a range of organisms, including arthropods, annelids, nematodes, and molluscs. They consist of 17 to 19 amino acid residues with a single conserved disulfide bond. The subject of this study, elevenin-Vc1, was first identified in the venom of the cone snail Conus victoriae (Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 2017, 244, 11–18). Although numerous elevenin sequences have been reported, their physiological function is unclear, and no structural information is available. Upon intracranial injection in mice, elevenin-Vc1 induced hyperactivity at doses of 5 or 10 nmol. The structure of elevenin-Vc1, determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, consists of a short helix and a bend region stabilised by the single disulfide bond. The elevenin-Vc1 structural fold is similar to that of α-conotoxins such as α-RgIA and α-ImI, which are also found in the venoms of cone snails and are antagonists at specific subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In an attempt to mimic the functional motif, Asp-Pro-Arg, of α-RgIA and α-ImI, we synthesised an analogue, designated elevenin-Vc1-DPR. However, neither elevenin-Vc1 nor the analogue was active at six different human nAChR subtypes (α1β1εδ, α3β2, α3β4, α4β2, α7, and α9α10) at 1 µM concentrations.
Microalgae-Derived Pigments for the Food Industry
Authors: Sun Han , Wang Yuxin , He Yongjin , Liu Bin , Mou Haijin , Chen Feng , Yang Shufang
Published: January 2023

In the food industry, manufacturers and customers have paid more attention to natural pigments instead of the synthetic counterparts for their excellent coloring ability and healthy properties. Microalgae are proven as one of the major photosynthesizers of naturally derived commercial pigments, gaining higher value in the global food pigment market. Microalgae-derived pigments, especially chlorophylls, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins, have unique colors and molecular structures, respectively, and show different physiological activities and health effects in the human body. This review provides recent updates on characteristics, application fields, stability in production and extraction processes of chlorophylls, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins to standardize and analyze their commercial production from microalgae. Potential food commodities for the pigment as eco-friendly colorants, nutraceuticals, and antioxidants are summarized for the target products. Then, recent cultivation strategies, metabolic and genomic designs are presented for high pigment productivity. Technical bottlenecks of downstream processing are discussed for improved stability and bioaccessibility during production. The production strategies of microalgal pigments have been exploited to varying degrees, with some already being applied at scale while others remain at the laboratory level. Finally, some factors affecting their global market value and future prospects are proposed. The microalgae-derived pigments have great potential in the food industry due to their high nutritional value and competitive production cost.
Cutting Edge Aquatic-Based Collagens in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Panggabean Jonathan Ardhianto , Adiguna Sya’ban Putra , Hardhiyuna Mutia , Rahmawati Siti Irma , Sadi Nina Hermayani , Yoga Gunawan Pratama , Nafisyah Eva , Bayu Asep , Putra Masteria Yunovilsa
Published: January 2023

Aquatic-based collagens have attracted much interest due to their great potential application for biomedical sectors, including the tissue engineering sector, as a major component of the extracellular matrix in humans. Their physical and biochemical characteristics offer advantages over mammalian-based collagen; for example, they have excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, are easy to extract, and pose a relatively low immunological risk to mammalian products. The utilization of aquatic-based collagen also has fewer religious restrictions and lower production costs. Aquatic-based collagen also creates high-added value and good environmental sustainability by aquatic waste utilization. Thus, this study aims to overview aquatic collagen’s characteristics, extraction, and fabrication. It also highlights its potential application for tissue engineering and the regeneration of bone, cartilage, dental, skin, and vascular tissue. Moreover, this review highlights the recent research in aquatic collagen, future prospects, and challenges for it as an alternative biomaterial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicines.
Direct Pulp Capping with Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Report of Two Cases
Authors: Kirilova Janet N. , Kosturkov Dimitar
Published: January 2023

This article aims to prove dentin bridge formation in two cases after direct pulp capping in reversible pulpitis using the platelet concentrate A-PRF+ and preservation of the vitality of the dental pulp. The hemostasis process for the pulp wound and cavity disinfection with gaseous ozone was performed under anesthesia. A large A-PRF+ membrane was prepared from blood plasma and applied to the pulp wound. After placing an MTA, the cavity was closed using glass-ionomer cement. Clinical and cone beam computed tomography findings demonstrated the formation of a dentin bridge in both cases. After the definitive restoration was conducted during the sixth month, the teeth from both patients were asymptomatic and had normal electric pulp testing values. Conclusions: Via clinical and CBCT examinations, we observed the dentin bridge formation after placing the platelet concentrate A-PRF+ in both cases. The vitality of the dental pulp was preserved. Further research is needed to refine the clinical protocol, recommended period for control examination, clarification of the precise indications of platelet concentrates, etc.
Treatment Effect of Phototherapy with Low-Level Energy in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: A Single-Arm Observational Study
Authors: Kang Ju Wan , Lim Joo Ae , Lee Han Cheol , Park Ju Ha , Han Seung Hwan
Published: January 2023

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common health challenges and has a chronic and repetitive course that requires symptomatic treatment. We aimed to investigate the effect of phototherapy on allergic rhinitis and how long it takes to demonstrate treatment effect. Twenty-one patients who were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis using the skin prick test were enrolled. Red light (660 nm) and infrared light (940 nm) with a low power energy of 5 mW were used three times a day at intervals of at least 5 h. The Rhinoconjuntivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) and a visual analog scale (VAS) were used to measure the changes in symptoms. The median RQLQ and VAS scores before treatment were 62 (49–81.5) and 3 (2–5) points, respectively. The RQLQ score improved significantly at two and four weeks after treatment (52 [39–62.5]) and 46.0 [30.5–57.0], respectively). The VAS scores also improved significantly at two and four weeks after treatment. Nasal obstruction and rhinorrhea improved significantly at one week after the procedure. Low-power (5 mW) light irradiation (660 nm red light and 940 nm infrared) was effective in improving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In addition, symptom improvement became clear approximately a week after use. Further studies are required to reach a definitive conclusion.