bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microstructure and Properties of 12Cr2MoWVTiB Steel for Membrane Walls
Authors: Cieszyński Krzysztof , Osuch Władysław , Kaczorowski Maciej , Fudali Stanisław , Czyrska-Filemonowicz Aleksandra 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Research on low-alloyed, heat-resistant 12Cr2MoWVTiB steel, implemented in China to power plants in 50’s last century, was performed to investigate a possibility of its application for pressure elements of boilers, in particular for membrane walls. The microstructure of the as-received 12Cr2MoWVTiB tube, investigated by light microscopy, scanning- and transmission electron microscopy, consists of ferritic grains with some bainite areas between them as well as primary carbides (MC) and secondary carbides (VC, M23C6, M6C) formed during tempering of the steel. Results of mechanical tests of 12Cr2MoWVTiB welded joints (butt- and fillet welded joints) as well as microstructure analyses of are satisfactory.
Corrosion Characteristics of Alloy622 Weld Overlay for Waterwall Tubes in Coal Fired Boilers
Authors: Matsui Masakazu , Matsumoto Hirotoshi , Miyazawa Takeshi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Recently, boiler waterwall tube damage such as fireside corrosion and circumferential cracking in low NOx environments has become a serious issue in Japan, despite the typical use of relatively lower sulfur content coal is typically being used than in US. Thermal spray coating has been the most popular method for tube protection in Japan, and thermal spray coated tubes have been used for this purpose. However, extensive damage to thermal spray coating tubes from cracking and exfoliation has been recently experienced. It has been reported that the thermal fluctuations occurring due to operational changes create alternating stress, leading to cracking and exfoliation of the thermal sprayed thin coating. Corrosion-resistant weld overlays, such as Type 309 stainless steel (in sub-critical boilers) and Alloy 622 (in sub-critical and super-critical boilers), are commonly used to protect boiler tubes from corrosion in low NOx coal fired boilers in U.S. In order to develop a fundamental understanding of the high temperature corrosive behavior of Alloy 622 weld overlay, gaseous corrosion testing and certain mechanical tests for consideration of long-term aging were undertaken. After four years of service in the low NOx combustion environment of a coal fired supercritical boiler, field tests on Alloy 622 weld overlay panels are in continuation. This paper describes the field test behavior of Alloy 622 weld overlay panels installed in a Japanese supercritical boiler, the laboratory results of weight loss corrosion testing, and the results of cyclic bend tests with overlay welded tubes related to aging.
A Computational Design Study of Novel Creep Resistant Steels for Fossil Fuel Power
Authors: Lu Qi , Xu Wei , van der Zwaag Sybrand 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This work concerns a study into the design of creep resistant precipitation hardened austenitic steels for fossil fuel power plants using an integrated thermodynamics based model in combination with a genetic algorithm optimization routine. The key optimization parameter is the secondary stage creep strain at the intended service temperature and time, taking into account the coarsening rate of MX carbonitrides and its effect on the threshold stress for secondary creep. The creep stress to reach a maximal allowed creep strain (taken as 1%) at a given combination of service temperature and time is formulated and maximized. The model was found to predict the behavior of commercial austenitic creep resistant steels rather accurately. Using the alloy optimization scheme three new steel compositions are presented yielding optimal creep strength for various intended service times up to 105 hours. According to the evaluation parameter employed, the newly defined compositions will outperform existing precipitate strengthened austenitic creep resistant steels.
Brain Age Is Associated with Cognitive Outcomes of Cholinesterase Inhibitor Treatment in Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Tseng Wen-Yih Isaac , Hsu Yung-Chin , Huang Li-Kai , Hong Chien-Tai , Lu Yueh-Hsun , Chen Jia-Hung , Fu Chin-Kun , Chan Lung 
Published: March 2024

Background: The effect of cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is controversial. Brain age has been shown to predict Alzheimer’s disease conversion from MCI. Objective: The study aimed to show that brain age is related to cognitive outcomes of ChEI treatment in MCI. Methods: Brain MRI, the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) and Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) scores were retrospectively retrieved from a ChEI treatment database. Patients who presented baseline CDR of 0.5 and received ChEI treatment for at least 2 years were selected. Patients with stationary or improved cognition as verified by the CDR and MMSE were categorized to the ChEI-responsive group, and those with worsened cognition were assigned to the ChEI-unresponsive group. A gray matter brain age model was built with a machine learning algorithm by training T1-weighted MRI data of 362 healthy participants. The model was applied to each patient to compute predicted age difference (PAD), i.e. the difference between brain age and chronological age. The PADs were compared between the two groups. Results: 58 patients were found to fit the ChEI-responsive criteria in the patient data, and 58 matched patients that fit the ChEI-unresponsive criteria were compared. ChEI-unresponsive patients showed significantly larger PAD than ChEI-responsive patients (8.44±8.78 years versus 3.87±9.02 years, p = 0.0067). Conclusions: Gray matter brain age is associated with cognitive outcomes after 2 years of ChEI treatment in patients with the CDR of 0.5. It might facilitate the clinical trials of novel therapeutics for MCI.
Treatment Approaches for Altered Facial Expression: A Systematic Review in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy and Other Neurological Diseases
Authors: Rasing Nathaniël B. , van de Geest-Buit Willianne A. , Chan On Ying A. , Mul Karlien , Lanser Anke , van Engelen Baziel G.M. , Erasmus Corrie E. , Fischer Agneta H. , Ingels Koen J.A.O. , Post Bart , Siemann Ietske , Groothuis Jan T. , Voermans Nicol C. 
Published: March 2024

Background: Facial weakness is a key feature of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and may lead to altered facial expression and subsequent psychosocial impairment. There is no cure and supportive treatments focus on optimizing physical fitness and compensation of functional disabilities. Objective: We hypothesize that symptomatic treatment options and psychosocial interventions for other neurological diseases with altered facial expression could be applicable to FSHD. Therefore, the aim of this review is to collect symptomatic treatment approaches that target facial muscle function and psychosocial interventions in various neurological diseases with altered facial expression in order to discuss the applicability to FSHD. Methods: A systematic search was performed. Selected studies had to include FSHD, Bell’s palsy, Moebius syndrome, myotonic dystrophy type 1, or Parkinson’s disease and treatment options which target altered facial expression. Data was extracted for study and patients’ characteristics, outcome assessment tools, treatment, outcome of facial expression and or psychosocial functioning. Results: Forty studies met the inclusion criteria, of which only three studies included FSHD patients exclusively. Most, twenty-one, studies were performed in patients with Bell’s palsy. Studies included twelve different therapy categories and results were assessed with different outcomes measures. Conclusions: Five therapy categories were considered applicable to FSHD: training of (non-verbal) communication compensation strategies, speech training, physical therapy, conference attendance, and smile restoration surgery. Further research is needed to establish the effect of these therapies in FSHD. We recommend to include outcome measures in these studies that cover at least cosmetic, functional, communication, and quality of life domains.
Reduced Thickness of the Retina in de novo Parkinson’s Disease Shows A Distinct Pattern, Different from Glaucoma
Authors: Chrysou Asterios , Heikka Tuomas , van der Zee Sygrid , Boertien Jeffrey M. , Jansonius Nomdo M. , van Laar Teus 
Published: March 2024

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients experience visual symptoms and retinal degeneration. Studies using optical coherence tomography (OCT) have shown reduced thickness of the retina in PD, also a key characteristic of glaucoma. Objective: To identify the presence and pattern of retinal changes in de novo, treatment-naive PD patients compared to healthy controls (HC) and early primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. Methods: Macular OCT data (10×10 mm) were collected from HC, PD, and early POAG patients, at the University Medical Center Groningen. Bayesian informative hypotheses statistical analyses were carried out comparing HC, PD-, and POAG patients, within each retinal cell layer. Results: In total 100 HC, 121 PD, and 78 POAG patients were included. We showed significant reduced thickness of the inner plexiform layer and retinal pigment epithelium in PD compared to HC. POAG patients presented with a significantly thinner retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, outer plexiform layer, and outer photoreceptor and subretinal virtual space compared to PD. Only the outer segment layer and retinal pigment epithelium were significantly thinner in PD compared to POAG. Conclusions: De novo PD patients show reduced thickness of the retina compared to HC, especially of the inner plexiform layer, which differs significantly from POAG, showing a more extensive and widespread pattern of reduced thickness across layers. OCT is a useful tool to detect retinal changes in de novo PD, but its specificity versus other neurodegenerative disorders has to be established.
Beras Sebagai Komoditas Politik Dalam Pemilihan Umum di Indonesia
Authors: Nasution Faiz Albar , Indainanto Yofiendi Indah , Pardede Piki Darma Kristian 
Published: March 2024

Indonesia sebagai negara agraris menempatkan sektor pertanian menjadi penting. Tidak hanya mencakup tentang ketahanan pangan, melainkan menjadi komoditas politik. Beras sebagai bahan pokok masyarakat Indonesia, digunakan politisi sebagai media kampanye yang dapat menarik dukungan. Anggapan beras dianggap sebagai komoditas strategis dapat digunakan sebagai komoditas politik. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan beras sebagai komoditas politik menjelang Pemilihan Umum. Metode yang digunakan desk research dengan mengumpulkan data secara digital. Hasil penelitian menunjukan beras memiliki peran yang signifikan dalam politik, mulai komoditas strategis untuk mencapai ketahanan pangan maupun sebagai alat kebijakan politik, media kampanye. Beras dinilai menjadi representatif dalam melihat kepedulian politisi kepada petani sebagai upaya menciptkaan kesejahteraan. Beras selalu menjadi fokus dalam rencana kebijakan, pedebatan politik dan menjadi strategi penting politisi menunjukan arah kebijakan. Pentingnya komoditas beras dalam politik erat kaitan dengan sejarah panjang yang menempatkan beras sebagai simbol identitas nasional. Penting melihat urgensi beras sebagai komoditas pangan dibanding komoditas politik.
Mastery Of Online Learning Techniques by Teachers During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Metafitri  , Sri Handayani Hanum  , Ika Pasca Himawati  
Published: March 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed many settings, one of which is in the educational process. Through the Circular Letter of the Ministry of Education and Culture Number 4 of 2020, the learning process is carried out with an online learning model. This study aims to describe the implementation of online learning and mastery of online learning techniques by teachers during the Covid-19 pandemic, which previously SMAN 02 Bengkulu City had not implemented online learning but was a cyber school that should have been implemented for a long time. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collection techniques through interviews, observations, and documentation. The results of the study were analyzed using functional structural theory proposed by Talcott Persons. The determination of informants was carried out using purposive sampling techniques. The research produced information that the implementation of online learning was carried out using whatsapp groups, google classroom, and several other social media such as Instagram, YouTube. Learning methods from teachers such as making videos, presentations via zoom, and collecting writing assignments through whatsapp groups. Mastery of online learning techniques for teachers does not experience much difficulty because teachers only follow in accordance with learning policies during the Covid-19 pandemic, besides that teachers at SMAN 02 Bengkulu City have high motivation or willingness to face challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Genetic profile of a large Spanish cohort with hypercalcemia
Authors: García-Castaño Alejandro , Madariaga Leire , Gómez-Conde Sara , González Pedro , Grau Gema , Rica Itxaso , de Nanclares Gustavo Pérez , De la Hoz Ana Belén , Aguayo Aníbal , Martínez Rosa , Urrutia Inés , Gaztambide Sonia ,   Calcium Phosphorus Metabolism Molecular Biology Group, Castaño Luis 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionThe disorders in the metabolism of calcium can present with manifestations that strongly suggest their diagnosis; however, most of the time, the symptoms with which they are expressed are nonspecific or present only as a laboratory finding, usually hypercalcemia. Because many of these disorders have a genetic etiology, in the present study, we sequenced a selection of 55 genes encoding the principal proteins involved in the regulation of calcium metabolism.MethodsA cohort of 79 patients with hypercalcemia were analyzed by next-generation sequencing.ResultsThe 30% of our cohort presented one pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in genes associated with hypercalcemia. We confirmed the clinical diagnosis of 17 patients with hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in the CASR and AP2S1 genes), one patient with neonatal hyperparathyroidism (homozygous pathogenic variant in the CASR gene), and another patient with infantile hypercalcemia (two pathogenic variants in compound heterozygous state in the CYP24A1 gene). However, we also found variants in genes associated with primary hyperparathyroidism (GCM2), renal hypophosphatemia with or without rickets (SLC34A1, SLC34A3, SLC9A3R1, VDR, and CYP27B1), DiGeorge syndrome (TBX1 and NEBL), and hypophosphatasia (ALPL). Our genetic study revealed 11 novel variants.ConclusionsOur study demonstrates the importance of genetic analysis through massive sequencing to obtain a clinical diagnosis of certainty. The identification of patients with a genetic cause is important for the appropriate treatment and identification of family members at risk of the disease.
Causal association between thyroid dysfunction and sepsis: a two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Hong Junbin , Zhang Lian , Lai Yanni , Chen Xinying , Chen Yiting , Yang Jinghua 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundThe causal association between thyroid dysfunction (including hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism) and sepsis is controversial in previous studies. Therefore, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to explore the causal association between hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism and the susceptibility to four distinct subtypes of sepsis (streptococcal sepsis, puerperal sepsis, asthma-associated pneumonia or sepsis, and other sepsis).MethodsIn our research, we conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses utilizing publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data from Sakaue et al. and the Finnish database to investigate the potential causal associations between hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and each of the four distinct subtypes of sepsis, in addition to reverse MR analyses of the positive results to examine the existence of reverse causality.ResultsGenetic hypothyroidism was causally related to the development of asthma-associated pneumonia or sepsis (ORIVW: 1.097, 95% CI: 1.024 to 1.174, P = 0.008); hypothyroidism was significantly associated with the development of other sepsis (ORIVW: 1.070, 95% CI: 1.028 to 1.115, P &lt; 0.001). In addition, sensitivity analysis substantiated the robustness of these two MR findings, with no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy observed (P &gt; 0.05). MR Egger regression analysis demonstrated no heterogeneity between instrumental variables (IVs). Inverse MR results confirmed no reverse causality between hypothyroidism and asthma-associated pneumonia or sepsis, or between hypothyroidism and other sepsis. The findings of this study also unveiled that there is no evidence of a causal link between hypothyroidism and the development of streptococcal sepsis or puerperal sepsis. Additionally, the research provided evidence indicating the absence of a causal relationship between hyperthyroidism and streptococcal sepsis, puerperal sepsis, asthma-associated pneumonia or sepsis, and other sepsis.ConclusionsThis study identified a causal link between hypothyroidism and the occurrence of asthma-associated pneumonia or sepsis, and other sepsis, but not with the development of streptococcal sepsis and puerperal sepsis. Moreover, our findings did not reveal any causal association between hyperthyroidism and streptococcal sepsis, puerperal sepsis, asthma-associated pneumonia or sepsis, and other sepsis.
Nitrogen addition enhances nitrogen but not carbon mineralization in aggregate size fractions of soils in a Pinus massonia plantation
Authors: Chen Tian , Cheng Ruimei , Xiao Wenfa , Zeng Lixiong , Shen Yafei , Wang Lijun , Sun Pengfei , Zhang Meng , Li Jing 
Published: March 2024

IntroductionAtmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition can impact the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (total N) by altering the soil N availability. However, the effect of N input on the mineralization of SOC and total N in various soil aggregate size fractions requires further clarification.MethodsThe soil samples were collected from a Pinus massoniana plantation situated in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area of China. Over a period of three years, the soils from the plantation were subjected to four different levels of nitrogen addition (0 [N0], 30 [N30], 60 [N60], and 90 [N90] kg N ha−1 yr−1). The impact of N addition on the mineralization of SOC and total N in aggregates was evaluated through an incubation experiment, encompassing four aggregate sizes (2000 − 8000, 1000 − 2000, 250 − 1000, and &lt; 250 μm).ResultsThe &lt; 250 μm fraction showed the highest levels of cumulative C mineralization, while the lowest levels were observed in the 2000 − 8000 μm fraction. Compared to the &lt; 250 um fraction, a drop of 9 − 21% in cumulative C mineralization was observed in the 2000 − 8000 μm fraction, indicating that soil aggregates enhance the stability of C in the soil. Cumulative N mineralization levels were consistently at their lowest in the 2000 − 8000 μm fraction, indicating aggregates reducing mineralization-related N loss. Adding N to forest soil samples led to a reduction in cumulative C mineralization. In contrast, an opposite trend was observed in the cumulative N mineralization after adding N in microaggregates. Nitrification was the main contributor to net N mineralization. SOC and total levels increased in response to N30 and N60. N addition leads to an increase in the weight ratio of the 1000 − 2000 μm fraction. Moreover, N90 was linked to decreases in microbial biomass C and N.DiscussionThese findings confirm that the structural characteristics of soil aggregates play a crucial role in sequestering organic carbon and total N sequestration in the presence of N deposition, while highlighting N loss from the soil caused by N input.
Causal relationship between gut microbiota and rosacea: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Yang Fengjuan , Liu Yuling , Jiang Xian 
Published: March 2024

BackgroundRosacea, a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide, is influenced by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Although gut microbiota’s role in skin health is well-acknowledged, definitive causal links between gut microbiota and rosacea remain under-explored.MethodsUsing a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design, this study examined potential causal relationships between gut microbiota and rosacea. Data was sourced from the largest Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) for gut microbiota and the FinnGen biobank for rosacea. A total of 2078 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with gut microbiota were identified and analyzed using a suite of MR techniques to discern causal effects.ResultsThe study identified a protective role against rosacea for two bacterial genera: phylum Actinobacteria and genus Butyrivibrio. Furthermore, 14 gut microbiota taxa were discovered to exert significant causal effects on variant categories of rosacea. While none of these results met the strict False Discovery Rate correction threshold, they retained nominal significance. MR outcomes showed no pleiotropy, with homogeneity observed across selected SNPs. Directionality tests pointed toward a robust causative path from gut microbiota to rosacea.ConclusionThis study provides compelling evidence of the gut microbiota’s nominal causal influence on rosacea, shedding light on the gut-skin axis’s intricacies and offering potential avenues for therapeutic interventions in rosacea management. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore their clinical implications.
Clinical experience in intracranial stenting of Wingspan stent system under local anesthesia
Authors: Lin Mao-Shih , Huang Chih-Wei , Tsuei Yuang-Seng 
Published: March 2024

ObjectiveThe use of endovascular treatments for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis disease (ICAD) remains contentious due to high periprocedural complications. Many centers resort to general anesthesia for airway protection and optimal periprocedural conditions; however, this approach lacks real-time monitoring of patients’ neurological status during procedures. In this study, we employed intracranial stenting with the Wingspan system under local anesthesia to address this challenge.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 45 consecutive ICAD patients who underwent intracranial stenting with the Wingspan system at our hospital from August 2013 to May 2021. These stenting procedures were performed under local anesthesia in a hybrid operation room. Neurological assessments were conducted during the procedure. The patients with periprocedural complications were analyzed for the risk factors.ResultsThe study included 45 ICAD patients (median age 62 years; 35 male and 10 female individuals). Among them, 30 patients had anterior circulation ICAD, and 15 had posterior circulation ICAD. The periprocedural complication rate was 8.9% (4/45), with an overall mortality rate of 2.2% (1/45). Notably, no procedure-related perforation complications were found, and all ischemic complications occurred in the perforating bearing artery, specifically in patients with stents placed in the middle cerebral artery or basilar artery, while no complications were observed in the non-perforating bearing artery of the internal carotid artery and vertebral artery (p = 0.04).ConclusionOur study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of the Wingspan stent system when performed on selected patients under local anesthesia. This approach seems to reduce procedural-related morbidity and be a safe intervention. In addition, it is crucial for surgeons to be aware that patients with perforator-bearing artery stenosis may be at a higher risk of complications.