bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of carburizing and nitriding duplex treatment on the friction and wear properties of 20CrNi2Mo steel
Authors: Chen Jian , Li Shaolong , Liang Yilong , Tian Xiangyu , Gu Jiabao 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this study, the responses of 20CrNi2Mo steel to carburizing (C) and carburizing-nitriding (C + N) duplex treatment and the effects of these treatments on the friction and wear properties were systematically studied. The 20CrNi2Mo surface layers were characterized by optical microscopy (OM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Vickers microhardness tests and high-speed reciprocating friction and wear testing. The results showed that after the carburizing and nitriding duplex treatment, an approximately 5 μm thick compound layer (CL) consisting of the γ′-Fe4N and ε-Fe2-3N phases had formed on the surface, and the diffusion layer depth was approximately 220 μm. The carbides (MC) stored during carburizing were easily converted to nitrides (MN) during the nitriding process. Furthermore, the surface microhardness (879 HV) was increased by a factor of 2 compared with the substrate (420 HV), the surface residual compressive stress (−652 MPa) was increased significantly, and the surface roughness also increased. Wear analyses under different loads showed that specimen C exhibited the worst wear resistance, and its wear mechanism was mainly abrasive wear. The C + N with CL samples showed excellent wear resistance under a 20-N load; after removing the CL samples (C + N with CL), they showed excellent wear resistance under a 40-N load, and the wear mechanism was mainly adhesive wear. This work showed that the wear resistance was improved significantly by the carburizing and nitriding duplex treatment, but the CL had different effects on the wear performance under different loads.
Structural, Dielectric, and Magnetic Properties of Ba2Bi9-xFe5+xTi8O39 Tetragonal Tungsten Bronze Ceramics
Authors: Sheikh Sajida , Hussain Fayaz 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The formulations of Ba2Bi9-xFe5+xTi8O39 (0 ≤ x ≤ 9) (BBFTO) tetragonal tungsten bronze structures were synthesized by the conventional solid-state method. The structural, dielectric, and magnetic properties of these ceramic compounds were investigated. Optimized composition (at x = 9) and optimized sintering temperature (Ts = 875 °C) of BBFTO were set where the highest magnetic behaviour achieved. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of x = 9 reveals the crystal structure to be orthorhombic. The magnetic properties of x = 8 and x = 9 samples were analyzed with respect to the temperature (from −150 °C to 650 °C) during the applied magnetic field. The lower relative permittivity and lower ferroelectric properties were also reported. These type of TTB multiferroic ceramics can open new directions of application in the future.
The association between apparent temperature and psoriasis outpatient visits: a time-series study in Hefei, China
Authors: Sun Haoxiang , Wang XiaoSong , Zhang Xiaoyu , Wang Linlin , Zou Yanfeng , Hu Huaqing 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Temperature may be an important environmental factor affecting psoriasis. This study aimed to determine the potential association between apparent temperature (AT) and outpatient visits for psoriasis in Hefei, China. Daily psoriasis clinic visits in Hefei were collected from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. A Poisson generalized linear regression model (PGLM) combined with a distributional lagged nonlinear model (DLNM) was used to analyze the impact of AT on psoriasis outpatient visits; the model was adjusted for relative humidity, wind speed, precipitation, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, time trends, Sundays, and holidays. The analyses were stratified by age and sex. A total of 24,351 patients with psoriasis were included in this study. Only a low AT showed a delayed and strong risk effect. Referring to the median AT (16.8 °C), the effect of low AT started at lag 2 days and showed an increasing and then decreasing trend for approximately 5 days; the effect of extreme cold (1st percentile) and cold (5th percentile) peaked at lag 4 days with a relative risk (RR) of 1.117 (95% CI:1.065 to 1.171) and 1.081 (95% CI:1.044 to 1.119), respectively. The effect of mild cold (25th percentile) reached a maximum RR of 1.033 (95% CI:1.017 to 1.048) at lag 6 days. Subgroup analysis showed that low AT risk was more pronounced and longer-lasting in men and individuals aged <45 years. Our study provides evidence that a low AT increases the risk of psoriasis. Men and young people are vulnerable to potential adverse effects. There is a need for enhanced health interventions, medical care, and early warnings for patients.
Parabolic trough solar collector: A review on geometrical interpretation, mathematical model, and thermal performance augmentation
Authors: Singh Raman Kumar , Chandra Prakash 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In recent decades, solar energy has emerged as the most promising renewable energy source and the best alternative to conventional energy due to its abundant availability, free, clean, no atmospheric hazards, eco-friendly, sustainable nature, and other factors. Because of its wide temperature range (up to 400 °C), the parabolic trough solar collector is the most commonly used in concentrated solar power technology. A parabolic trough solar collector can be divided into two types based on its applications: low to medium temperature and medium to high temperature. The first category is widely utilized in household hot water, water purification, industrial process heating, desalination, and food processing, among other uses. Another is used in the electricity-producing process. The present review paper focuses on various aspects of parabolic trough solar collector, such as general description, geometrical interpretation, and mathematical models dealing with geometrical parameters and various types of performance calculations, trough modeling using a computational fluid dynamics tool, solar simulator, thermal resistance model, and losses. Furthermore, highlights on recent advances in thermal performance enhancement by various techniques, mainly by using modified working fluid (nanofluid), turbulators, and the modified surface of absorber tube, are presented in literature form and summarized in table. This review paper will be of great help to researchers who have a keen interest in parabolic trough solar collector based systems.
Experimental investigation on WEDM parameters of Ni-rich nitinol plate
Authors: Muralidharan B , Rajeshkannan R , Makharia Ashit , Bhatt Aakash Kalpesh 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Wire Electro discharge machining (WEDM) process is extensively employed to fabricate miniaturized products. Ni-Ti shape memory alloy (Nitinol) finds its primary application in many significant engineering areas and biomedical fields because of its inherent properties, like shape recovery, superior biocompatibility, and elasticity. The current research investigates the shape recoverability characteristics of WEDM machined nitinol. WEDM Experiments were conducted through DOE with significant input factors like the current (I), pulse on time (Ton), and Wire Feed (f). The responses recorded are material removal rate (MRR), wire wear rate (WWR), percentage of shape recovery (R), kerf width (w), and surface roughness (Ra). The mathematical model developed was to predict the response for corresponding input factors, and the variances of the model are analyzed. Significant contributors are identified from ANOVA, and surface plots are drawn to show the interaction effects. The morphological behavior of the surface was analyzed by FESEM and compositional analysis by EDAX. Surface topography is analyzed in surface roughness, and microhardness was measured to understand the process relevant to shape recoverability better. The results reveal that current and pulse on time affect the microhardness and surface roughness, altering the machined alloy’s shape recoverability.
Trench gate β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs: a review
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Li Feng , Hess Herbert L 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Gallium oxide (Ga2O3) has emerged as a promising candidate for ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors for power devices due to its high breakdown field, large Baliga’s figure of merit, and cost advantage of large size bulk crystals over SiC and GaN. Trench technology has been widely used to develop the MOSFET structure to reduce internal resistance. Due to the absence of p-type doping Ga2O3, the trench gate process is adopted as one of the effective methods to decrease the n-channel thickness to ensure the channel is fully depleted under zero gate bias voltage to implement Enhancement-mode Ga2O3 MOSFETs. Trench gate β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs have gained increasing attention. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the recent progress in trench gate β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs, including vertical and planar MOSFET structures. Besides material properties and crystal growth, the device design and fabrication process of trench gate β-Ga2O3 MOSFET are discussed. The review of device performance involves the static characteristics, temperature-dependent, radio frequency, and switching properties of various trench gate β-Ga2O3 MOSFETs.
Choosing transcatheter aortic valve replacement in porcelain aorta: outcomes versus surgical replacement
Authors: Kramer Benjamin , Vekstein Andrew M , Bishop Paul D , Lowry Ashley , Johnston Douglas R , Kapadia Samir , Krishnaswamy Amar , Blackstone Eugene H , Roselli Eric E 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Porcelain aorta complicates aortic valve replacement and is an indication for transcatheter approaches. No study has compared surgical and transcatheter valve replacement in the setting of porcelain aorta. We characterize porcelain aorta patients undergoing aortic valve replacement and the association of aortic calcification and outcomes.

METHODS
Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement with porcelain aorta were identified. Aortic calcium volume was determined using 3D computed tomography thresholding techniques. Propensity scoring was performed to assess the effect of surgical versus transcatheter approaches. Risk factors for composite major hospital complications (death, stroke and dialysis) were identified using random forest machine learning.

RESULTS
From January 2006 to January 2015, 164 patients with porcelain aorta underwent aortic valve replacement [105 (64%) surgical replacement, 59 (36%) transcatheter replacement]. Propensity scoring matched 29 pairs (49% of transcatheter patients). Before matching, 5-year survival was 41% [(43% surgical, 35% transcatheter, P(log-rank) = 0.9]. After matching, mortality for surgical versus transcatheter replacement was 3.4% (n = 1) vs 10% (n = 3), stroke 14% (n = 4) vs 3.4% (n = 1) and dialysis 6.9% (n = 2) versus 11% (n = 3). Matched 5-year survival was 40% after surgical replacement and 29% after transcatheter replacement [P(log-rank) = 0.4]. Total aortic calcium volume was greater in transcatheter than surgical patients [18 (8.0) vs 17 (7.7) ml] and was associated with more major hospital complications after either approach.

CONCLUSIONS
Surgical and transcatheter approaches are complementary options for aortic stenosis with porcelain aorta. Surgical valve replacement remains an effective treatment for patients requiring concomitant procedures. Quantifying aortic calcium volume is a helpful risk predictor in all patients with porcelain aorta.
The effects of natural resource revenues on municipal finance
Authors: Leisibach Patrick , Luechinger Simon , Roellin Jonas , Schaltegger Christoph A 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
We investigate how revenues from taxing hydropower production affect local fiscal policy with data for municipalities in Switzerland in 1987–2015. Our instrumental variable approach uses exogenous variation in these revenues by combining the municipality-specific hydropower potential with the varying federally mandated ceiling on taxation of hydropower production. We find negative effects on tax rates and tax revenues, but insignificant spending effects. These results provide fresh evidence on how local authorities use exogenous revenues and on the flypaper effect for a setting with strong local fiscal autonomy and participatory institutions.
Postoperative trachomatous trichiasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis study
Authors: Adimassu Nebiyat Feleke , Assem Abel Sinshaw , Fekadu Sofonias Addis 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background
Trachomatous trichiasis is the potential stage of trachoma in which the eyelashes scratch the surface of the globe, ultimately causing corneal opacity, visual impairment and blindness. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to obtain the pooled prevalence and associated factors of postoperative trachomatous trichiasis (PTT) in World Health Organization (WHO) trachoma-endemic regions.

Methods
An inclusive literature search was undertaken using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct and Google Scholar databases from 30 May 2022 to 28 June 2022. I2 statistics and funnel plots were used to determine heterogeneity and publication bias among included studies. A random effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence, incidence and odds ratios (ORs) with the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using RevMan 5.4 software.

Results
Eighteen articles were included in this meta-analysis and systematic review. The pooled prevalence of PTT was 19% (range 18–21). PTT was lower among young adults compared with old adults (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.44 to 0.92]), single-dose oral azithromycin as compared with tetracycline eye ointment users (OR 0.82 [95% CI 0.69 to 0.99]) and minor trichiasis before surgery as compared with major trichiasis (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.47 to 0.85]).

Conclusions
The incidence of PTT was higher than the WHO’s recommendation. Prescribing single-dose oral azithromycin after surgery, periodic training for trichiasis surgeons, close follow-up and health education after surgery are crucial to minimize the recurrence.
Study protocol registration on PROSPERO: CRD42022336003
Short communication: profiling the expression of Let-7d-5p microRNA in circulating blood of pregnant and nonpregnant cows
Authors: De los Santos Funes Jorge A , Andrade João Paulo N , Berndtson Jodi , Parrish John 
Published: February 2023

AbstractThe objective of this work was to determine if specific circulating microRNA (miRNA) differed due to pregnancy status in heifers. Blood samples were collected from heifers 21 d after receiving an in vitro-produced embryo. Pregnancy status was diagnosed 21 d after embryo transfer, equivalent to day 28 of gestation, with rectal ultrasonography. Blood samples from 10 pregnant and 10 nonpregnant heifers were then evaluated for miRNA expression. There were five different miRNAs quantified using delta–delta Ct and qPCR methodology. These miRNAs had previously been associated with early pregnancy in cattle. The miRNA Let-7d-5p was decreased in nonpregnant as compared to pregnant females (P &lt; 0.05). There were no changes in 16-5p, 16-1-3p, 16-2-3p, and 26a-5p associated with pregnancy (P &gt; 0.05). Results demonstrate an opportunity to identify and study the differential expression of miRNAs from the blood of pregnant cows. The Let-7d-5p miRNA is a potential early pregnancy marker and is critical to better understand the early relationships of the cellular and molecular interactions of the cow and embryo.
Single-Center Experience With the Seraph-100® Microbind® Affinity Blood Filter in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Septic Shock at a Military Treatment Facility
Authors: Stoffel Steven , Boster Joshua , Jarrett Zachary , Rosas Melissa , Kalra Arjun , Nugyen Mai , Morris Michael , Walter Robert 
Published: February 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is characterized by a dysregulated inflammatory response, which may result in severe hemodynamic instability and septic shock. The Seraph-100® Microbind® Affinity Blood Filter is a commercially available extracorporeal pathogen absorbent device with the ability to bind pathogens and cytokines present within the blood. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the Seraph-100® for patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and septic shock.

Materials and Methods
A retrospective review was performed to evaluate the use of the Seraph-100® blood filter at a Single Center tertiary-care facility at Brooke Army Medical Center from 2020 to 2021. Nine patients (11 treatments) were completed with the Seraph-100® blood filter in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and septic shock. The Seraph-100® blood filter was used in combination with continuous renal replacement therapy and slow low-efficiency dialysis or directly in parallel with the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit.

Results
Within this cohort, there was a statistically significant improvement in the following clinical parameters comparing values to before and after treatment with the Seraph-100® blood filter: Mean arterial pressure (mmHg) (64.2 ± 2.36 vs. 76.2 ± 2.68; P &lt; .001), heart rate (beats per minute) (128 ± 6.6 vs. 100.3 ± 6.07; P &lt; .001), administered fraction of oxygen (%) (74.4 ± 10.58 vs. 60.3 ± 10.35; P &lt; .001), serum lactate (mmol/L) (6.14 ± 1.25 vs. 2.8 ± 1.14; P = .0095), and pH (7.29 ± 0.03 vs. 7.39 ± 0.04; P = .0203). There were statistically significant improvements in vasopressor requirements: norepinephrine (mcg/min) (36.3 ± 4.74 vs. 8.3 ± 3.92; P &lt; .001), vasopressin (units/min) (0.04 ± 0.004 vs. 0.02 ± 0.003; P &lt; .001), dobutamine (mcg/kg/min) (2.3 ± 1.00 vs. 0.2 ± 0.75; P = .006) and angiotensin II (ng/kg/min) (34.5 ± 6.4 vs. 3.3 ± 5.26; P &lt; .001).

Conclusions
The use of the Seraph-100® blood filter was associated with statistically and clinically significant improvements in hemodynamic parameters and decreased vasopressor requirements in patients with septic shock and SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Dynamics of extracellular vesicle-coupled microRNAs in equine follicular fluid associated with follicle selection and ovulation
Authors: Gebremedhn Samuel , Gad Ahmed , Ishak Ghassan M , Menjivar Nico G , Gastal Melba O , Feugang Jean M , Prochazka Radek , Tesfaye Dawit , Gastal Eduardo L 
Published: February 2023

AbstractInnumerable similarities in reproductive cyclicity and hormonal alterations highlight the considerable utility of the mare to study aspects of follicular dynamics and reproductive function in view of the largely constricted, human research subjects. The bi-directional communication between the growing oocyte and the surrounding somatic cells embodies the hallmark of mammalian follicular development, partially mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) encapsulated with microRNAs (miRNAs) and present in the follicular fluid (FF). Here, we aimed to decipher the dynamics of the miRNAs in EVs from equine FF aspirated in vivo during different stages of follicular development, namely, predeviation (PreDev; 18–20 mm), deviation (Dev; 22–25 mm), postdeviation (PostDev; 26–29 mm), preovulatory (PreOV; 30–35 mm), and impending ovulation (IMP; ∼40 mm). Approximately 176 known miRNAs were found in all groups with 144 mutually detected among all groups. Cluster analysis exhibited 15 different expression patterns during follicular development. Among these patterns, a group of 22 miRNAs (including miR-146b-5p, miR-140, and miR-143) exhibited a sharp reduction in expression from the PreDev until the PreOV stage. Another cluster of 23 miRNAs (including miR-106b, miR-199a-5p, and miR-125a-5p) exhibited a stable expression pattern at the PreDev stage until the PostDev stage, with a significant increase at the PreOV stage followed by a significant decrease at the IMP stage. In conclusion, this study provides greater insights into the stage-specific expression dynamics of FF EV-miRNAs during equine follicular development, which may propose novel approaches to improve ART and provide new biomarkers to facilitate the assessment of ovarian pathophysiological conditions.
Repressive ZINC FINGER OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA proteins promote programmed cell death in the Arabidopsis columella root cap
Authors: Feng Qiangnan , Cubría-Radío Marta , Vavrdová Tereza , De Winter Freya , Schilling Neeltje , Huysmans Marlies , Nanda Amrit K , Melnyk Charles W , Nowack Moritz K 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Developmental programmed cell death (dPCD) controls a plethora of functions in plant growth and reproduction. In the root cap of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), dPCD functions to control organ size in balance with the continuous stem cell activity in the root meristem. Key regulators of root cap dPCD including SOMBRERO/ANAC033 (SMB) belong to the NAC family of transcription factors. Here, we identify the C2H2 zinc finger protein ZINC FINGER OF ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA 14 ZAT14 as part of the gene regulatory network of root cap dPCD acting downstream of SMB. Similar to SMB, ZAT14-inducible misexpression leads to extensive ectopic cell death. Both the canonical EAR motif and a conserved L-box motif of ZAT14 act as transcriptional repression motifs and are required to trigger cell death. While a single zat14 mutant does not show a cell death-related phenotype, a quintuple mutant knocking out 5 related ZAT paralogs shows a delayed onset of dPCD execution in the columella and the adjacent lateral root cap. While ZAT14 is co-expressed with established dPCD-associated genes, it does not activate their expression. Our results suggest that ZAT14 acts as a transcriptional repressor controlling a so far uncharacterized subsection of the dPCD gene regulatory network active in specific root cap tissues.
EffectorO: Motif-Independent Prediction of Effectors in Oomycete Genomes Using Machine Learning and Lineage Specificity
Authors: Nur Munir , Wood Kelsey , Michelmore Richard 
Published: February 2023

Oomycete plant pathogens cause a wide variety of diseases, including late blight of potato, sudden oak death, and downy mildews of plants. These pathogens are major contributors to loss in numerous food crops. Oomycetes secrete effector proteins to manipulate their hosts to the advantage of the pathogen. Plants have evolved to recognize effectors, resulting in an evolutionary cycle of defense and counter-defense in plant-microbe interactions. This selective pressure results in highly diverse effector sequences that can be difficult to computationally identify using only sequence similarity. We developed a novel effector prediction tool, EffectorO, that uses two complementary approaches to predict effectors in oomycete pathogen genomes: i) a machine learning–based pipeline that predicts effector probability based on the biochemical properties of the N-terminal amino-acid sequence of a protein and ii) a pipeline based on lineage specificity to find proteins that are unique to one species or genus, a sign of evolutionary divergence due to adaptation to the host. We tested EffectorO on Bremia lactucae, which causes lettuce downy mildew, and Phytophthora infestans, which causes late blight of potato and tomato, and predicted many novel effector candidates while recovering the majority of known effector candidates. EffectorO will be useful for discovering novel families of oomycete effectors without relying on sequence similarity to known effectors. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .