Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Research progress of surface-modified graphene-based materials for tribological applications

Graphene’s many excellent properties have cemented it as an essential research topic in materials science and beyond. It is widely used in photoelectric materials, sensors, battery electrode materials, composites, and so on. Graphene has attracted particular attention in the field of tribology. However, graphene agglomerates easily, limiting its performance when used directly. Therefore, considerable research has focused on methods of modifying the surface of graphene to improve its tribological performance, by improving the dispersion stability, friction reduction, wear resistance, or a combination of these. This paper focuses on the research progress of surface modification of graphene-based materials for tribological applications. According to the reaction principles, surface modification methods can be divided into covalent surface modification, noncovalent surface modification, and surface modification by nanoparticles doping. Herein, the typical reaction processes of these modification methods and the anti-wear mechanism of modified graphene-based materials are introduced, and current research on the surface modification of graphene used in tribology is discussed.
Molecular genetics and genomics of the ABO blood group system

The A and B oligosaccharide antigens of the ABO blood group system are produced from the common precursor, H substance, by enzymatic reactions catalyzed by A and B glycosyltransferases (AT and BT) encoded by functional A and B alleles at the ABO genetic locus, respectively. In 1990, my research team cloned human A, B, and O allelic cDNAs. We then demonstrated this central dogma of ABO and opened a new era of molecular genetics. We identified four amino acid substitutions between AT and BT and inactivating mutations in the O alleles, clarifying the allelic basis of ABO. We became the first to achieve successful ABO genotyping, discriminating between AA and AO genotypes and between BB and BO, which was impossible using immunohematological/serological methods. We also identified mutations in several subgroup alleles and also in the cis-AB and B(A) alleles that specify the expression of the A and B antigens by single alleles. Later, other scientists interested in the ABO system characterized many additional ABO alleles. However, the situation has changed drastically in the last decade, due to rapid advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, which has allowed the sequencing of several thousand genes and even the entire genome in individual experiments. Genome sequencing has revealed not only the exome but also transcription/translation regulatory elements. RNA sequencing determines which genes and spliced transcripts are expressed. Because more than 500,000 human genomes have been sequenced and deposited in sequence databases, bioinformaticians can retrieve and analyze this data without generating it. Now, in this era of genomics, we can harness the vast sequence information to unravel the molecular mechanisms responsible for important biological phenomena associated with the ABO polymorphism. Two examples are presented in this review: the delineation of the ABO gene evolution in a variety of species and the association of single nucleotide variant (SNV) sites in the ABO gene with diseases and biological parameters through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Copyright © Annals of Blood. All rights reserved.
Micro-droplets containing sulfate in the Dome Fuji deep ice core, Antarctica: findings using micro-Raman spectroscopy

Climatic signals in deep ice cores, particularly from ion concentrations, may be affected by the diffusion of liquid solution along grain boundaries of ice. Such solutions include sulfates. Because of the difficulty of detecting sulfate liquids in the ice matrix, we must infer the phase of the sulfates from the ice temperature and inclusion properties. In this study, we use micro-Raman spectroscopy to determine the phase of three sulfate micro-inclusions in the Dome Fuji ice core at 2798.5 m depth. Using a temperature-ramp test, we find a peak position at 984 cm−1 and a change in the full width at half maximum of the SO stretching mode that identifies the sulfate in the micro-droplets. Considering the peak position and full width at half maximum of sulfate inclusions, we argue that the sulfate would have existed as a micro-droplet liquid on an air-clathrate hydrate in the ice. Additionally, the increase in the low frequencies of the Raman spectrum below 30 cm−1 that we detect can be generally used to identify liquids in natural ice. Our investigation also indicates that the surface of air-clathrate hydrates in ice is a preferred location for liquid micro-inclusions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical profile of malignancies of groin region in our area: a combined retrospective and prospective study

Background: This study involved various malignancies affecting the groin area in all age group of patients and both genders. The aim of the study was to study the various types of malignancies affecting groin, viz. primary or metastatic, and to project their clinical profile.Methods: In this observational study, a total of 145 patients of groin malignancies were studied in department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery and allied specialties in a tertiary care hospital. The study was retrospective from January 2005 to April 2012 and prospective from May 2012 till 2014. Results: Out of the total of 145 cases almost 95% were metastatic in the groin and primary groin cancers constituted only 4.9% of the cases. Out of 138 tumors that were metastatic in the groin 108 were squamous cell carcinomas followed by malignant melanoma in 28 cases. Most common predisposing factor for development of groin malignancy was use of kangri in our area.Conclusions: Most of the groin malignancies are metastatic to groin and primary cancers at groin are very rare. Kangri use in our part of the world, is the most important predisposing factor leading to squamous cell carcinoma. The management protocol followed in order to treat groin malignancy is surgery of the primary lesion and block dissection of groin.
Diffuse scattering in brownmillerites

Brownmillerite (Ca2FeAlO5), also known as the ferrite phase (C4AF), plays an important role in the hydration process of cements. The crystal structure of brownmillerite contains perovskite-like layers of corner-sharing octahedra alternately stacked with layers of tetrahedral chains. Iron and aluminium are distributed on the octahedral and the tetrahedral site, although aluminium preferentially occupies the tetrahedral site. The solid solution series Ca2(Fe1−xAlx)2O5 (brownmillerite: x=0.5) shows a morphotropic phase transition from space group Pnma to I2mb at x=0.28. The two space groups describe a different ordering pattern of two configurations [right(R) or left-handed (L)] of the tetrahedral chains: in Pnma the chain configuration changes from one layer to the next (Fig. 1a), whereas in I2mb only one type of tetrahedral chain is present in the structure (Fig. 1b). During a phase transformation from a high-temperature modulated structure [1] antiphase boundaries are formed within the Pnma phase [2]. As the aluminium end-member shows the same modulated high-temperature structure [3], it can be assumed that domains of inversion twins are formed in the I2mb phase.
Foster Care, Permanency, and Risk of Prison Entry

Objective: (1) Examine associations of foster care exit type (e.g., reunification with birth family, adoption, guardianship/permanent relative placement, or emancipation from care) with risk of entry into state prison; (2) Examine racial disparities in those associations. Method: With data on over 10,000 Wisconsin youth who entered foster care in mid- to late-childhood, we present imprisonment rates in young adulthood by race, sex, and foster care exit type. Proportional hazards models with a robust set of covariates compared prison entry rates among the most common exit types—reunification, aging out, and guardianship/permanent relative placement. Results: Nearly 13 percent of the sample experienced imprisonment in young adulthood. Compared with emancipated youth, hazard of imprisonment was 1.58–1.96 times higher among reunified youth. Differences were largely unexplained by observed individual, family, or foster care characteristics. Imprisonment rates were similar for emancipated youth and youth exiting to guardianship/permanent relative placement. Hazard of imprisonment for reunified Black youth was twice that of reunified white youth, but racial differences in prison entry were statistically non-significant among emancipated youth. Conclusion: Efforts to reduce incarceration risk for all youth in foster care are needed. Reunified youth may benefit from services and supports currently provided primarily to emancipated youth.
Spatio-temporal patterns of Pyrenean exhumation revealed by inverse thermo-kinematic modeling of a large thermochronologic data set

Large thermochronologic data sets enable orogen-scale investigations into spatio-temporal patterns of erosion and deformation. We present the results of a thermo-kinematic modeling study that examines large-scale controls on spatio-temporal variations in exhumation as recorded by multiple low-temperature thermochronometers in the Pyrenees mountains (France/Spain). Using 264 compiled cooling ages spanning ~200 km of the orogen, a recent model for its topographic evolution, and the thermo-kinematic modeling code Pecube, we evaluated two models for Axial Zone (AZ) exhumation: (1) thrust sheet–controlled (north-south) exhumation, and (2) along-strike (east-west) variable exhumation. We also measured the degree to which spatially variable post-orogenic erosion influenced the cooling ages. We found the best fit for a model of along-strike variable exhumation. In the eastern AZ, rock uplift rates peak at ≥1 mm/yr between 40 and 30 Ma, whereas in the western AZ, they peak between 30 and 20 Ma. The amount of post-orogenic (<20 Ma) erosion increases from <1.0 km in the eastern Pyrenees to >2.5 km in the west. The data reveal a pattern of exhumation that is primarily controlled by structural inheritance, with ancillary patterns reflecting growth and erosion of the antiformal stack and post-orogenic surface processes.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Soybean Lines Adapted to Sub-Saharan Africa Using Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Markers

Soybean productivity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is less than half of the global average yield. To plug the productivity gap, further improvement in grain yield must be attained by enhancing the genetic potential of new cultivars that depends on the genetic diversity of the parents. Hence, our aim was to assess genetic diversity and population structure of elite soybean genotypes, mainly released cultivars and advanced selections in SSA. In this study, a set of 165 lines was genotyped with high-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers covering the complete genome of soybean. The genetic diversity (0.414) was high considering the bi-allelic nature of SNP markers. The polymorphic information content (PIC) varied from 0.079 to 0.375, with an average of 0.324 and about 49% of the markers had a PIC value above 0.350. Cluster analysis grouped all the genotypes into three major clusters. The model-based STRUCTURE and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) exhibited high consistency in the allocation of lines in subpopulations or groups. Nonetheless, they presented some discrepancy and identified the presence of six and five subpopulations or groups, respectively. Principal coordinate analysis revealed more consistency with subgroups suggested by DAPC analysis. Our results clearly revealed the broad genetic base of TGx (Tropical Glycine max) lines that soybean breeders may select parents for crossing, testing and selection of future cultivars with desirable traits for SSA.
The Impact of Logic (In)Compatibility: Green Investing, State Policy, and Corporate Environmental Performance

Environmental protection is widely perceived as a state responsibility, but market-based solutions such as green investing have emerged in the financial sector. Little research has addressed whether green investing can affect corporate environmental performance and how the state would moderate such an impact. Using an institutional logics perspective, we extend the literature on institutional complexity by exploring the factors leading to compatibility of logics and practices. We theorize that the success of green investing as a novel hybrid practice combining financial means and environmental goals depends on the legitimacy it achieves as an appropriate solution to the stated goal, and this legitimacy can be boosted or dampened by other hybrid practices in the field. Analyzing a panel dataset of 3,706 firms from 20 countries between 2002 and 2013, we find a positive relationship between the relative size of green investment in the economy and firm-level environmental performance in that country. This relationship is moderated by state policies: a strong environmental protection policy weakens the positive relationship between green investing and corporate environmental performance, and a strong shareholder protection policy strengthens the relationship. We contribute to research on institutional complexity, logic compatibility, and public–private cooperation in pursuing the common good.
One-Cycle Control of Three-Phase Five-Level Diode-Clamped STATCOM

This paper presents a new multilevel one-cycle control (OCC) technique for a five-level diode-clamped multilevel converter (DCMC)-based static VAR compensator (STATCOM). The OCC algorithm in combination with multi-carrier level-shifted PWM control is used in the proposed five-level DCMC-based STATCOM. The automatic dc link voltage balance is simply realized by four voltage compensators presented as the part of the OCC controller. In this paper the OCC principle of a two-level converter-based STATCOM is reviewed and extended to the five-level DCMC-based STATCOM. The proposed multilevel OCC control method of the five-level DCMC-based STATCOM in steady-state and dynamic operation modes is verified by simulation and experimental results.
FAULTS: a program for refinement of structures with extended defects

The FAULTS program is a powerful tool for the refinement of diffraction patterns of materials with planar defects. A new release of the FAULTS program is herein presented, together with a number of new capabilities, aimed at improving the refinement process and evolving towards a more user-friendly approach. These include the possibility to refine multiple sets of single-crystal profiles of diffuse streaks, the visualization of the model structures, the possibility to add the diffracted intensities from secondary phases as background and the new DIFFaX2FAULTS converter, among others. Three examples related to battery materials are shown to illustrate the capabilities of the program.
The Contribution of Material, Behavioral, Psychological, and Social-Relational Factors to Income-Related Disparities in Cardiovascular Risk Among Older Adults

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Background Understanding the factors underlying health disparities is vital to developing strategies to improve health equity in old age. Such efforts should be encouraged in Korea. Objective This study explored how material, behavioral, psychological, and social-relational factors contribute to income-related disparities in cardiovascular risk among Korean adults 65 years and older. Methods This was a secondary analysis of Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2013–2017), targeting 7347 older adults (≥65 years). Socioeconomic position, defined as income, was the primary indicator. The outcome was binary for predicted cardiovascular risk (<90 vs ≥90 percentile). Disparities were measured using relative index of inequality (RII). The contributions of material, behavioral, psychological, and social-relational factors were estimated by calculating percentage reduction in RII when adjusted for these factors. Results Among men aged 65 to 74 years and women 75 years or older, the largest reductions in RII were achieved after adjusting for social-relational factors. Among men 75 years or older and women aged 65 to 74 years, adjusting for material factors resulted in the largest reductions in RII. Adjustments for behavioral factors also reduced RII for both genders aged 65 to 74 years. Conclusions Improving the social, material, and behavioral circumstances of lower-income older adults may help address income-related disparities in cardiovascular risk in old age.
Drivers of Methane Flux Differ Between Lakes and Reservoirs, Complicating Global Upscaling Efforts

Methane is an important greenhouse gas with growing atmospheric concentrations. Freshwater lakes and reservoirs contribute substantially to atmospheric methane concentrations, but the magnitude of this contribution is poorly constrained. Uncertainty stems partially from whether the sites currently sampled represent the global population as well as incomplete knowledge of which environmental variables predict methane flux. Thus, determining the main drivers of methane flux across diverse waterbody types will inform more accurate upscaling approaches. Here we use a new database of total, diffusive, and ebullitive areal methane emissions from 313 lakes and reservoirs (ranging in surface area from 6 m2 to 5,400 km2) to identify the best predictors of methane emission. We found that the best predictors of methane emission differed by waterbody type (lakes vs. reservoirs), and that ecosystem morphometric variables (e.g., surface area and maximum depth) were more important predictors in lakes whereas metrics of autochthonous production (e.g., chlorophyll a) were more important in reservoirs. We also found that productivity strongly predicted methane ebullition, whereas ecosystem morphometry and waterbody type were more important predictors of diffusive methane flux. Finally, we identify several knowledge gaps that limit upscaling efforts. First, we need more methane emission measurements in small reservoirs, large lakes, and both natural and artificial ponds. Additionally, more accurate upscaling efforts require improved global information about waterbody surface area, waterbody type (lake vs. reservoir), ice phenology, and the distribution of productivity‐related predictor variables such as total phosphorus, DOC, and chlorophyll a.
Factors of Organophosphate Pesticide Exposure on School Children in An Agricultural Area, Indonesia

Organophosphate is widely used in agriculture in Indonesia and contributes to a public health problem. However, the risk factors of organophosphate exposure, particularly in children living in the agricultural area, have not been described. The research aimed to assess the risk factors associated with organophosphate pesticide exposure on school children living in the agricultural area. This work was a cross-sectional study in 2017 with 166 school children were selected by simple random sampling. Structured questionnaires identified risk factors. Organophosphate metabolites detected by using LC-MS/MS. While chi-square and binary logistic tests as statistical analysis (α=0.05; 95%CI). In 28.9% of subjects, organophosphate metabolites were detected. Cut the onion leaves (p=0.002, OR=3.33, 95% CI:1.55−7.15), the onion, pesticide equipment, or pesticide in their neighbors (p=0.007; OR=2.67; 95%CI:1.31−5.46) was associated with organophosphate pesticide exposure. Involvement in agriculture activities and the onion, pesticide equipment, or pesticide in the neighbor.
Advances in polymeric materials for dental applications

Over the past decade, polymeric materials for clinical dental applications have been developed with excellent properties and various functionalities. This review outlines the present understanding and design of polymeric dental materials based on structure–property–function relationships. First, the chemistry/microstructure of polymeric materials will be reviewed. Then, the resultant properties such as mechanical, thermal, visco-elastic, and water solution properties, as well as additional bio-functionalities such as antibacterial capabilities, remineralization, and bioactive-delivery properties, will be reviewed for specific dental applications. Finally, perspectives and challenges regarding the rational design and application of polymeric dental materials will be discussed.
Neutrino Anomalies and Chiral Flipping in Anisotropic Einstein-Cartan Cosmology

Recently Palle has investigated the chiral vorticity and Cartan torsion in neutrino asymmetries. In his case he addressed this problem in Goedel s like anisotropic Einstein-Catan cosmology. In this paper we discusse how these ideas applied to sheared Bianchi types I EinsteinCartan (EC) neutrino amisotropic cosmology, affect the handness of neutrinos in the universe. Actually here a novel concept of the chiral metric is introduced where metric functions also possess two distinct signs as in neutrino flipping or helicity. The axial anomaly equation for neutrinos in the presence of torsion and metric chirality is shown to produce left-handed neutrinos from right-handed torsion. Metric chirality is shown to be able to define how the metric would behave far away of neutrino density. Chiral flipping of the chiral neutrinos in the presence of torsion is also investigated. It is shown that when the chiral torsion is left-handed the chemical chiral potential vanishes as the universe expands. Departamento de F́ısica Teórica IF UERJ Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Maracanã, CEP:20550. e-mail:luizandra795@gmail.com Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 17 March 2021 doi:10.20944/preprints202103.0456. v1 © 2021 by the author(s). Distributed under a Creative Commons CC BY license.
Biophysical Properties of Magnetized Distilled Water

The effect of static magnetic field on the biophysical properties of distilled water is investigated in this work. Magnetic field was applied in a direction perpendicular to distilled water drops coming from a burette (drop by drop), using a variable gap magnet, producing a magnetic field of strength varying from 0.2 up to 5 kG. Variations in the rate of flow of water, electric conductivity and dielectric constant were observed. Increasing the strength of magnetic field decreases the rate of flow, increasing both the electric conductivity and the dielectric constant of water.
Enhancing Ecosystem Services to Minimize Impact of Climate Variability in a Dry Tropical Forest with Vertisols

Increased droughts and variable rainfall patterns may alter the capacity to provide ecosystem services, such as biomass production and clean water provision. The impact of these factors in a semi-arid region, especially on a dry tropical forest with Vertisols and under different land uses such as regenerated vegetation and thinned vegetation, is still unclear. This study analyzes hydrologic processes under precipitation pulses and intra-seasonal droughts, and suggests management practices for ecosystem services improvement. A local 43-year dataset showed a varying climate with a decrease in number of small events, and an increase in the number of dry days and in event rainfall intensity, in two catchments with different land use patterns and with Vertisols, a major soil order in semi-arid tropics. The onset of runoff depends on the expansive characteristics of the soil rather than land use, as dry spells promote micro-cracks that delay the runoff process. Forest thinning enhances groundcover development and is a better management practice for biomass production. This management practice shows a lower water yield when compared to a regenerated forest, supporting the decision of investing in forest regeneration in order to attend to an increasing water storage demand.