bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Formic Acid as a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC): Techno-Economic Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment of Formic Acid Produced via CO2 Utilization
Authors: Kim Changsoo , Lee Younggeun , Kim Kyeongsu , Lee Ung
Published: September 2022

To meet the global climate goals agreed upon regarding the Paris Agreement, governments and institutions around the world are investigating various technologies to reduce carbon emissions and achieve a net-negative energy system. To this end, integrated solutions that incorporate carbon utilization processes, as well as promote the transition of the fossil fuel-based energy system to carbon-free systems, such as the hydrogen economy, are required. One of the possible pathways is to utilize CO2 as the base chemical for producing a liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC), using CO2 as a mediating chemical for delivering H2 to the site of usage since gaseous and liquid H2 retain transportation and storage problems. Formic acid is a probable candidate considering its high volumetric H2 capacity and low toxicity. While previous studies have shown that formic acid is less competitive as an LOHC candidate compared to other chemicals, such as methanol or toluene, the results were based on out-of-date process schemes. Recently, advances have been made in the formic acid production and dehydrogenation processes, and an analysis regarding the recent process configurations could deem formic acid as a feasible option for LOHC. In this study, the potential for using formic acid as an LOHC is evaluated, with respect to the state-of-the-art formic acid production schemes, including the use of heterogeneous catalysts during thermocatalytic and electrochemical formic acid production from CO2. Assuming a hydrogen distribution system using formic acid as the LOHC, each of the production, transportation, dehydrogenation, and CO2 recycle sections are separately modeled and evaluated by means of techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA). Realistic scenarios for hydrogen distribution are established considering the different transportation and CO2 recovery options; then, the separate scenarios are compared to the results of a liquefied hydrogen distribution scenario. TEA results showed that, while the LOHC system incorporating the thermocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid is more expensive than liquefied H2 distribution, the electrochemical CO2 reduction to formic acid system reduces the H2 distribution cost by 12%. Breakdown of the cost compositions revealed that reduction of steam usage for thermocatalytic processes in the future can make the LOHC system based on thermocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation to formic acid to be competitive with liquefied H2 distribution if the production cost could be reduced by 23% and 32%, according to the dehydrogenation mode selected. Using formic acid as a LOHC was shown to be less competitive compared to liquefied H2 delivery in terms of LCA, but producing formic acid via electrochemical CO2 reduction was shown to retain the lowest global warming potential among the considered options.
Octahedral Cluster Complex of Molybdenum as Oil-Soluble Catalyst for Improving In Situ Upgrading of Heavy Crude Oil: Synthesis and Application
Authors: Al-Mishaal Omar F. , Suwaid Muneer A. , Al-Muntaser Ameen A. , Khelkhal Mohammed Amine , Varfolomeev Mikhail A. , Djimasbe Richard , Zairov Rustem R. , Saeed Shadi A. , Vorotnikova Natalya A. , Shestopalov Michael A. , Yuan Chengdong , Hakimi Mohammed Hail
Published: September 2022

Heavy oil resources are attracting considerable interest in terms of sustaining energy demand. However, the exploitation of such resources requires deeper understanding of the processes occurring during their development. Promising methods currently used for enhancing heavy oil recovery are steam injection methods, which are based on aquathermolysis of heavy oil at higher temperatures. Regardless of its efficiency in the field of in situ upgrading of heavy oil, this technique still suffers from energy consumption and inefficient heat transfer for deeper reservoirs. During this study, we have developed a molybdenum-based catalyst for improving the process of heavy oil upgrading at higher temperature in the presence of water. The obtained catalyst has been characterized by a set of physico-chemical methods and was then applied for heavy oil hydrothermal processing in a high-pressure reactor at 200, 250 and 300 °C. The comparative study between heavy oil hydrothermal upgrading in the presence and absence of the obtained molybdenum-based oil soluble catalysts has pointed toward its potential application for heavy oil in situ upgrading techniques. In other words, the used catalyst was able to reduce heavy oil viscosity by more than 63% at 300 °C. Moreover, our results have demonstrated the efficiency of a molybdenum-based catalyst in improving saturates and light hydrocarbon content in the upgraded oil compared to the same quantity of these fractions in the initial oil and in the non-catalytically upgraded oil at similar temperatures. This has been explained by the significant role played by the used catalyst in destructing asphaltenes and resins as shown by XRD, elemental analysis, and gas chromatography, which confirmed the presence of molybdenum sulfur particles in the reaction medium at higher temperatures, especially at 300 °C. These particles contributed to stimulating hydrodesulphurization, cracking and hydrogenation reactions by breaking down the C-heteroatom bonds and consequently by destructing sphaltenes and resins into smaller fractions, leading to higher mobility and quality of the upgraded oil. Our results add to the growing body of literature on the catalytic upgrading of heavy oil in the presence of transition metal particles.
Carbon Quantum Dot-Titanium Doped Strontium Ferrite Nanocomposite: Visible Light Active Photocatalyst to Degrade Nitroaromatics
Authors: Grewal Jaspreet Kaur , Kaur Manpreet , Mandal Kousik , Sharma Virender K.
Published: September 2022

The synthesis of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from agricultural waste is a promising approach for waste valorization. In the present work, CQDs were synthesized using sugarcane bagasse as a carbon precursor. The nanocomposite of CQDs with trimetallic strontium–titanium ferrite was synthesized with an ultrasonication approach. The structural, magnetic and optical features of the synthesized nanocomposite and pristine NPs were studied using different analytical techniques. The TEM micrograph of the nanocomposite reveals the distribution of CQDs (8–10 nm) along with the agglomerated ferrite NPs. To validate the results, the photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposite, NPs and CQDs was comparatively studied for the photodegradation of nitroaromatic pollutants viz. p-nitrophenol, martius yellow and pendimethalin under visible-light irradiation. A nanocomposite having a 2:1 w:w ratio of CQDs and Sr0.4Ti0.6Fe2O4.6 displays an excellent photocatalytic performance, with the degradation efficiency ranging from 91.2 to 97.4%, as compared with 65.0–88.3% for pristine NPs and CQDs. These results were supported by band gap and photoluminescence analyses. The promising photocatalytic potential of the nanocomposite over the pristine CQDs and ferrite NPs could be ascribed to the increased specific-surface area (101.3 m2/g), lowering in band gap coupled with fluorescence-quenching which facilitated the transfer of photoinduced charge carriers. The impact of parameters affecting the photocatalytic process viz. pH, catalyst dose and contact time was also investigated. On the basis of quenching and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies, plausible degradation pathways were proposed. The results highlight the broad potential of designing substituted ferrite-CQDs-based nanocomposites as reusable and visible-light-driven photocatalysts.
Hypoxia-Inducible Expression of Annexin A6 Enhances the Resistance of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells to EGFR and AR Antagonists
Authors: Williams Stephen D. , Smith Tunde M. , Stewart LaMonica V. , Sakwe Amos M.
Published: September 2022

Physiological changes such as hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment (TME) endow cancer cells with malignant properties, leading to tumor recurrence and rapid progression. Here, we assessed the effect of hypoxia (1% Oxygen) on the tumor suppressor Annexin A6 (AnxA6) and the response of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and androgen receptor (AR) targeted therapies. We demonstrate that brief exposure of TNBC cells to hypoxia (within 24 h) is associated with down regulation of AnxA6 while > 24 h exposure cell type dependently stimulated the expression of AnxA6. Hypoxia depicted by the expression and stability of HIF-1/2α led to up regulation of the HIF target genes SLC2A1, PGK1 as well as AR and the AR target genes FABP-4 and PPAR-γ, but the cellular levels of AnxA6 protein decreased under prolonged hypoxia. Down regulation of AnxA6 in TNBC cells inhibited, while AnxA6 over expression enhanced the expression and cellular levels of HIF-1/2α, SLC2A1 and PGK1. RNAi mediated inhibition of hypoxia induced AnxA6 expression also strongly inhibited glucose uptake and ROS production in AnxA6 expressing TNBC cells. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we confirm that short-term exposure of cells to hypoxia inhibits while prolonged exposure of cells to hypoxia enhances AnxA6 promoter activity in HEK293T cells. Compared to cells cultured under normoxia, TNBC cells were more resistant to lapatinib under hypoxic conditions, and the downregulation of AnxA6 sensitized the cells to EGFR as well as AR antagonists. These data suggest that AnxA6 is a hypoxia inducible gene and that targeting AnxA6 upregulation may be beneficial in overcoming TNBC resistance to EGFR and/or AR targeted therapies.
Metformin Prevents or Delays the Development and Progression of Osteoarthritis: New Insight and Mechanism of Action
Authors: He Miao , Lu Bangbao , Opoku Michael , Zhang Liang , Xie Wenqing , Jin Hongfu , Chen Siyu , Li Yusheng , Deng Zhenhan
Published: September 2022

For over 60 years, metformin has been widely prescribed by physicians to treat type 2 diabetes. Along with more in-depth research on metformin and its molecular mechanism in recent decades, metformin has also been proposed as an effective drug to prevent or delay musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoarthritis (OA). The occurrence and development of OA are deemed to be associated with the impaired mitochondrial functions of articular chondrocytes. Metformin can activate the pathways and expressions of both AMPK and SIRT1 so as to protect the mitochondrial function of chondrocytes, thereby promoting osteoblast production. Moreover, the clinical significance of the metformin combination therapy in preventing OA has also been demonstrated. This review aimed to comprehensively summarize the current research progress on metformin as a proposed drug for OA prevention or treatment.
Development of Cerebellar Reserve
Authors: Mitoma Hiroshi , Kakei Shinji , Manto Mario
Published: September 2022

The cerebellar reserve is defined as the capacity of the cerebellum for compensation and restoration following injury. This unique cerebellar ability is attributed to various forms of synaptic plasticity that incorporate multimodal and redundant cerebellar inputs, two major features of the cerebellar circuitry. It is assumed that the cerebellar reserve is acquired from the age of 12 years after the maturation of both the cerebellar adaptative behaviors and cerebellar functional connectivity. However, acquiring the cerebellar reserve is also affected by two other factors: vulnerability and growth potential in the developing cerebellum. First, cerebellar injury during the critical period of neural circuit formation (especially during fetal and neonatal life and infancy) leads to persistent dysfunction of the cerebellum and its targets, resulting in the limitation of the cerebellar reserve. Secondly, growth potential appears to facilitate cerebellar reserve during the stage when the cerebellar reserve is still immature. Based on these findings, the present mini-review proposes a possible developmental trajectory underlying the acquisition of cerebellar reserve. We highlight the importance of studies dedicated to the understanding of the cerebellar resilience to injuries.
Delay of EGF-Stimulated EGFR Degradation in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1)
Authors: Alegre-Cortés Eva , Giménez-Bejarano Alberto , Uribe-Carretero Elisabet , Paredes-Barquero Marta , Marques André R. A. , Lopes-da-Silva Mafalda , Vieira Otília V. , Canales-Cortés Saray , Camello Pedro J. , Martínez-Chacón Guadalupe , Aiastui Ana , Fernández-Torrón Roberto , López de Munain Adolfo , Gomez-Suaga Patricia , Niso-Santano Mireia , González-Polo Rosa A. , Fuentes José M. , Yakhine-Diop Sokhna M. S.
Published: September 2022

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant disease caused by a CTG repeat expansion in the 3′ untranslated region of the dystrophia myotonica protein kinase gene. AKT dephosphorylation and autophagy are associated with DM1. Autophagy has been widely studied in DM1, although the endocytic pathway has not. AKT has a critical role in endocytosis, and its phosphorylation is mediated by the activation of tyrosine kinase receptors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). EGF-activated EGFR triggers the internalization and degradation of ligand–receptor complexes that serve as a PI3K/AKT signaling platform. Here, we used primary fibroblasts from healthy subjects and DM1 patients. DM1-derived fibroblasts showed increased autophagy flux, with enlarged endosomes and lysosomes. Thereafter, cells were stimulated with a high concentration of EGF to promote EGFR internalization and degradation. Interestingly, EGF binding to EGFR was reduced in DM1 cells and EGFR internalization was also slowed during the early steps of endocytosis. However, EGF-activated EGFR enhanced AKT and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels in the DM1-derived fibroblasts. Therefore, there was a delay in EGF-stimulated EGFR endocytosis in DM1 cells; this alteration might be due to the decrease in the binding of EGF to EGFR, and not to a decrease in AKT phosphorylation.
The Distinctive Activation of Toll-Like Receptor 4 in Human Samples with Sepsis
Authors: Thon Patrick , Rump Katharina , Knorr Annika , Dyck Birte , Ziehe Dominik , Unterberg Matthias , Nowak Hartmuth , Bergmann Lars , Wolf Alexander , Bazzi Maha , Orlowski Jennifer , Peters Marcus , Zarbock Alexander , Brenner Thorsten , Adamzik Michael , Rahmel Tim , Koos Björn
Published: September 2022

Clinical success of Toll-Like receptor-4 (TLR-4) antagonists in sepsis therapy has thus far been lacking. As inhibition of a receptor can only be useful if the receptor is active, stratification of patients with active TLR-4 would be desirable. Our aim was to establish an assay to quantify phosphorylated TLR-4 using the proximity ligation assay (PLA). HEK293 TLR4/MD2/CD14 as well as THP-1 cells were stimulated with LPS and the activation of TLR-4 was measured using the PLA. Furthermore, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 25 sepsis patients were used to show the feasibility of this assay in clinical material. Activation of TLR-4 in these samples was compared to the PBMCs of 11 healthy individuals. We could show a transient activation of TLR-4 in both cell lines. Five min after the LPS stimulation, the signal increased 6.7-fold in the HEK293 cells and 4.3-fold in the THP-1 cells. The assay also worked well in the PBMCs of septic patients. Phosphorylation of TLR-4 at study inclusion was 2.9 times higher in septic patients compared to healthy volunteers. To conclude, we established a diagnostic assay that is able to quantify the phosphorylation of TLR-4 in cell culture and in clinical samples of sepsis patients. This makes large-scale stratification of sepsis patients for their TLR-4 activation status possible.
Identification of Metabolomics Biomarkers in Extracranial Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Lin Chia-Ni , Hsu Kai-Cheng , Huang Kuo-Lun , Huang Wen-Cheng , Hung Yi-Lun , Lee Tsong-Hai
Published: September 2022

The biochemical identification of carotid artery stenosis (CAS) is still a challenge. Hence, 349 male subjects (176 normal controls and 173 stroke patients with extracranial CAS ≥ 50% diameter stenosis) were recruited. Blood samples were collected 14 days after stroke onset with no acute illness. Carotid plaque score (≥2, ≥5 and ≥8) was used to define CAS severity. Serum metabolites were analyzed using a targeted Absolute IDQ®p180 kit. Results showed hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and alcohol consumption were more common, but levels of diastolic blood pressure, HDL-C, LDL-C, and cholesterol were lower in CAS patients than controls (p < 0.05), suggesting intensive medical treatment for CAS. PCA and PLS-DA did not demonstrate clear separation between controls and CAS patients. Decision tree and random forest showed that acylcarnitine species (C4, C14:1, C18), amino acids and biogenic amines (SDMA), and glycerophospholipids (PC aa C36:6, PC ae C34:3) contributed to the prediction of CAS. Metabolite panel analysis showed high specificity (0.923 ± 0.081, 0.906 ± 0.086 and 0.881 ± 0.109) but low sensitivity (0.230 ± 0.166, 0.240 ± 0.176 and 0.271 ± 0.169) in the detection of CAS (≥2, ≥5 and ≥8, respectively). The present study suggests that metabolomics profiles could help in differentiating between controls and CAS patients and in monitoring the progression of CAS.
Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation of Biomacromolecules and Its Roles in Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Huai Ying , Mao Wenjing , Wang Xuehao , Ru Kang , Qian Airong , Yang Hong
Published: September 2022

Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) compartmentalizes and concentrates biomacromolecules into liquid-like condensates, which underlies membraneless organelles (MLOs) formation in eukaryotic cells. With increasing evidence of the LLPS concept and methods, this phenomenon as a novel principle accounts for explaining the precise spatial and temporal regulation of cellular functions. Moreover, the phenomenon that LLPS tends to concentrate proteins is often accompanied by several abnormal signals for human diseases. It is reported that multiple metabolic diseases are strongly associated with the deposition of insoluble proteinaceous aggregating termed amyloids. At present, recent studies have observed the roles of LLPS in several metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and metabolic bone diseases (MBDs). This review aims to expound on the current concept and methods of LLPS and summarize its vital roles in T2DM, AD, and MBDs, uncover novel mechanisms of these metabolic diseases, and thus provide powerful potential therapeutic strategies and targets for ameliorating these metabolic diseases.
Targeting Mast Cells in Allergic Disease: Current Therapies and Drug Repurposing
Authors: Burchett Jason R. , Dailey Jordan M. , Kee Sydney A. , Pryor Destiny T. , Kotha Aditya , Kankaria Roma A. , Straus David B. , Ryan John J.
Published: September 2022

The incidence of allergic disease has grown tremendously in the past three generations. While current treatments are effective for some, there is considerable unmet need. Mast cells are critical effectors of allergic inflammation. Their secreted mediators and the receptors for these mediators have long been the target of allergy therapy. Recent drugs have moved a step earlier in mast cell activation, blocking IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 interactions with their receptors. In this review, we summarize the latest therapies targeting mast cells as well as new drugs in clinical trials. In addition, we offer support for repurposing FDA-approved drugs to target mast cells in new ways. With a multitude of highly selective drugs available for cancer, autoimmunity, and metabolic disorders, drug repurposing offers optimism for the future of allergy therapy.
Alterations of Lipid Metabolism in the Heart in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats Precedes Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Bednarski Tomasz K. , Duda Monika K. , Dobrzyn Pawel
Published: September 2022

Disturbances in cardiac lipid metabolism are associated with the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), a genetic model of primary hypertension and pathological left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, have high levels of diacylglycerols in cardiomyocytes early in development. However, the exact effect of lipids and pathways that are involved in their metabolism on the development of cardiac dysfunction in SHRs is unknown. Therefore, we used SHRs and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats at 6 and 18 weeks of age to analyze the impact of perturbations of processes that are involved in lipid synthesis and degradation in the development of LV hypertrophy in SHRs with age. Triglyceride levels were higher, whereas free fatty acid (FA) content was lower in the LV in SHRs compared with WKY rats. The expression of de novo FA synthesis proteins was lower in cardiomyocytes in SHRs compared with corresponding WKY controls. The higher expression of genes that are involved in TG synthesis in 6-week-old SHRs may explain the higher TG content in these rats. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase phosphorylation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α protein content were lower in cardiomyocytes in 18-week-old SHRs, suggesting a lower rate of β-oxidation. The decreased protein content of α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 5, adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) activator, and increased content of G0/G1 switch protein 2, ATGL inhibitor, indicating a lower rate of lipolysis in the heart in SHRs. In conclusion, the present study showed that the development of LV hypertrophy and myocardial dysfunction in SHRs is associated with triglyceride accumulation, attributable to a lower rate of lipolysis and β-oxidation in cardiomyocytes.
Role of Interferons in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Shanmuganathan Gaithrri , Orujyan Davit , Narinyan William , Poladian Nicole , Dhama Sanya , Parthasarathy Arpitha , Ha Alexandra , Tran Daniel , Velpuri Prathosh , Nguyen Kevin , Venketaraman Vishwanath
Published: September 2022

Considerable measures have been implemented in healthcare institutions to screen for and treat tuberculosis (TB) in developed countries; however, in low- and middle-income countries, many individuals still suffer from TB’s deleterious effects. TB is caused by an infection from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) bacteria. Symptoms of TB may range from an asymptomatic latent-phase affecting the pulmonary tract to a devastating active and disseminated stage that can cause central nervous system demise, musculoskeletal impairments, and genitourinary compromise. Following M. tb infection, cytokines such as interferons (IFNs) are released as part of the host immune response. Three main classes of IFNs prevalent during the immune defense include: type I IFN (α and β), type II IFN (IFN-γ), and type III IFN (IFN-λ). The current literature reports that type I IFN plays a role in diminishing the host defense against M. tb by attenuating T-cell activation. In opposition, T-cell activation drives type II IFN release, which is the primary cytokine mediating protection from M. tb by stimulating macrophages and their oxidative defense mechanisms. Type III IFN has a subsidiary part in improving the Th1 response for host cell protection against M. tb. Based on the current evidence available, our group aims to summarize the role that each IFN serves in TB within this literature review.
A Social Media Outage Was Associated with a Surge in Nomophobia, and the Magnitude of Change in Nomophobia during the Outage Was Associated with Baseline Insomnia
Authors: Jahrami Haitham , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Saif Zahra , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Pandi-Perumal Seithikurippu R. , BaHammam Ahmed S. , Vitiello Michael V.
Published: September 2022

We examined the immediate impact of a social media outage on nomophobia and associated symptoms using a longitudinal cohort design. Data were collected at two timepoints, baseline (T1) and during the social media outage of 4 October 2021 (T2). T1 was collected in August–September 2021 as part of the baseline of an ongoing study. The nomophobia questionnaire (NMP-Q), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (GAD-7), and Athens insomnia scale (AIS) were administered to 2706 healthy participants from the general Bahraini population (56% females, mean age 33.57 ± 11.65 years). Approximately one month later, during the social media outage, 306 of the study participants were opportunistically assessed using the NMP-Q. At baseline, we found that nomophobia levels strongly correlated positively with both insomnia (p = 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (p = 0.001). This is the first report to examine the impact of a social media outage on nomophobia. Our findings indicate that symptoms of nomophobia increased significantly during a social media outage. Baseline insomnia scores predicted a surge in the global scores of nomophobia symptoms during a social media outage.
Protective Cr Coatings with ZrO2/Cr Multilayers for Zirconium Fuel Claddings
Authors: Sidelev Dmitrii Vladimirovich , Ruchkin Sergey Evgeneyvich , Shelepov Ivan Andreevich , Saburov Nikolay Sergeevich , Malgin Andrey Gennadievich , Polunin Kirill Konstantinovich , Stoykov Kirill Vicheslavovich , Mokrushin Andrey Andreevich
Published: September 2022

This article described the protective properties of Cr coatings with a barrier layer composed of ZrO2/Cr multilayers deposited onto E110 zirconium alloy. The coatings with a ZrO2/Cr multilayer thickness of 100, 250, and 750 nm and single-layer (1.5 µm) ZrO2 barrier were obtained by multi-cathode magnetron sputtering in Ar + O2 atmosphere. Then, cracking resistance and oxidation behavior were studied under conditions of thermal cycling (1000 °C) in air and high-temperature oxidation at 1200–1400 °C in a water steam. The role of the ZrO2/Cr multilayers and multilayer thickness on cracking resistance of the experimental coatings and oxidation resistance of the coated E110 alloy was discussed. It was shown that the coatings with more quantity of the ZrO2/Cr multilayers have higher cracking resistance, but such types of samples have a large amount of coating spallation under thermal cycling. The high-temperature steam oxidation (1200–1400 °C) demonstrated that interfaces of the ZrO2/Cr multilayers can act as a source of cavities formed by the Kirkendall mechanism that results in accelerating Cr–Zr interdiffusion for Cr-coated E110 alloy.
Low-Temperature Deposition of High-Quality SiO2 Films with a Sloped Sidewall Profile for Vertical Step Coverage
Authors: Liang Congcong , Zhong Yuan , Zhong Qing , Li Jinjin , Cao Wenhui , Wang Xueshen , Wang Shijian , Xu Xiaolong , Wang Jian , Cao Yue
Published: September 2022

SiO2 is one of the most widely used dielectric materials in optical and electronic devices. The Josephson voltage standard (JVS) chip fabrication process has rigorous requirements for the deposition temperature and step-coverage profiles of the SiO2 insulation layer. In this study, we deposited high-quality SiO2 insulation films at 60 °C using inductively coupled plasma-chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) to fulfill these requirements and fabricate JVS chips simultaneously. SiO2 films have a high density, low compressive stress, and a sloped sidewall profile over the vertical junction steps. The sidewall profiles over the vertical junction steps can be adjusted by changing the radio frequency (RF) power, ICP power, and chamber pressure. The effects of sputtering etch and sloped step coverage were enhanced when the RF power was increased. The anisotropy ratio of the deposition rate between the sidewall and the bottom of the film was lower, and the sloped step coverage effect was enhanced when the ICP power was increased, or the deposition pressure was decreased. The effects of the RF power on the stress, density, roughness, and breakdown voltage of the SiO2 films were also investigated. Despite increased compressive stress with increasing RF power, the film stress was still low and within acceptable limits in the device. The films deposited under optimized conditions exhibited improved densities in the Fourier transform infrared spectra, buffered oxide etch rate, and breakdown voltage measurements compared with the films deposited without RF power. The roughness of the film also decreased. The step-coverage profile of the insulation layer prepared under optimized conditions was enhanced in the junction and bottom electrode regions; additionally, the performance of the device was optimized. This study holds immense significance for increasing the number of junctions in future devices.
Modeling of the Effect of Carrier Gas Injection on the Laminarity of the Plasma Jet Generated by a Cascaded Spray Gun
Authors: Zhang Huiyu , Mauer Georg , Liu Senhui , Liu Meng , Jia Yunjie , Li Changjiu , Li Chengxin , Vaßen Robert
Published: September 2022

In this work, the plasma generated by the cascaded SinplexProTM plasma spray gun was studied by means of numerical simulation. Special attention is given to the laminarity of the plasma flow. The simulation part is divided into two parts: arcing simulation inside the spray gun and plasma jet simulation outside the spray gun. A laminar as well as a turbulent model is used in each case. The results show that, under the investigated conditions, the internal flow of the plasma torch can be considered as laminar with low turbulence and can, hence, be regarded as quasi-laminar flow. If carrier gas is injected into the plasma jet, the ideal laminar plasma jet is often greatly affected. However, the turbulent plasma jet with low turbulence intensity generated by the cascaded SinplexProTM plasma spray gun is less affected and can remain stable, which is beneficial to the plasma-spraying process.
Evaluation and Characterization of the Use of Industrial-Solid-Waste Curing Agent instead of Cement on Improved Alluvial Silt
Authors: Shen Quanjun , Jiang Peng , Zhang Xiaoning , Sun Hao , Yang Yaohui , Wang Shuai , Li Li , Shang Hongfa
Published: September 2022

The silt in the Yellow River alluvial plain typically features low strength and poor water stability, and, thus, alluvial silt treatment needs an amount of cement to improve soil performance. The development of an alternative to reduce or replace the use of cement in soil stabilization has been a hot topic research for a long time. This paper develops an industrial-solid-waste (ISW) curing agent using a response surface methodology, which is a novel composite material made of steel slag, mineral slag, and two desulfurization products; its feasibility on improved silt is expected to be studied systematically. The comparative tests of ISW- and cement-improved silt were conducted to analyze performance and action mechanism. Variance and multiple regression analysis were used to study the effect of factors on responses statistically, and check the significance and correlation of the suggested models. Finally, the in-service performance of ISW-improved silt was evaluated through in-situ tests. Results show that ISW-improved silt can present good mechanical properties and durability, but is much weaker than cement-improved silt in the early curing stage. The strength enhancement amplitude of ISW-improved silt between curing ages of 7 days to 28 days is larger than that of cement-improved silt. The correlation between factors and responses is established with good agreement. Synergisms in the ISW curing agent are stimulated in the alkaline environment, and are conductive to connect the silt particles. The in-service performance of ISW-improved silt showed little difference to that of cement-improved silt; both of them meet the requirements from the perspective of in-situ application. Moreover, the unit cost of an ISW curing agent is less than 1/5 of that of cement. ISW-improved silt has advantages of cost saving, resource recycling and environmental protection.
Study on Modified Liquid Polysulfide Rubber Bimetallic Salt-Spray-Resistant Epoxy Coatings
Authors: Mao Qitong , Liu Siqi , Jiang Hao , Sun Hua , Xiong Yangkai , Fang Zhiqiang , Li Jiang , Wang Guoqing
Published: September 2022

In this study, liquid polysulfide rubber was modified by silane coupling agent. New kinds of anti-corrosion coatings with salt spray resistance and strong adhesion to the steel substrate were obtained using the modified liquid polysulfide rubber, bimetallic filler, carbon nanotubes, and epoxy resin. Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the preparation of new modified liquid polysulfide rubber through coupling reaction between the epoxy group of silane compound and the sulfide group of the liquid polysulfide rubber. A 1440 h neutral salt spray test showed the coating to be completely free of rust and blisters. The corrosion diffusion width of the scribed area was only 1.7 mm. In addition, in a 3.5% by weight NaCl solution, the coating shows no blistering and no corrosion phenomena compared with zinc-rich epoxy paints (the added zinc content was only 28.6%). These tests confirmed that the new coating had a dense microstructure, strong adhesion to the steel substrate, good corrosion resistance, and anti-blister performance. The performance indicates that the coatings have potential for use in the atmosphere and underwater, which provides a better choice for long-term protection of marine projects such as ships, wharves, offshore platforms, and wind power structures.
ILP-Based and Heuristic Scheduling Techniques for Variable-Cycle Approximate Functional Units in High-Level Synthesis
Authors: Ohata Koyu , Nishikawa Hiroki , Kong Xiangbo , Tomiyama Hiroyuki
Published: September 2022

Approximate computing is a promising approach to the design of area–power-performance-efficient circuits for computation error-tolerant applications such as image processing and machine learning. Approximate functional units, such as approximate adders and approximate multipliers, have been actively studied for the past decade, and some of these approximate functional units can dynamically change the degree of computation accuracy. The greater their computational inaccuracy, the faster they are. This study examined the high-level synthesis of approximate circuits that take advantage of such accuracy-controllable functional units. Scheduling methods based on integer linear programming (ILP) and list scheduling were proposed. Under resource and time constraints, the proposed method tries to minimize the computation error of the output value by selectively multi-cycling operations. Operations that have a large impact on the output accuracy are multi-cycled to perform exact computing, whereas operations with a small impact on the accuracy are assigned a single cycle for approximate computing. In the experiments, we explored the trade-off between performance, hardware cost, and accuracy to demonstrate the effectiveness of this work.
Study of MoS2 Deposited by ALD on c-Si, Towards the Development of MoS2/c-Si Heterojunction Photovoltaics
Authors: Zerbo Bienlo Flora , Modreanu Mircea , Povey Ian , Lin Jun , Létoublon Antoine , Rolland Alain , Pédesseau Laurent , Even Jacky , Lépine Bruno , Turban Pascal , Schieffer Philippe , Moréac Alain , Durand Olivier
Published: September 2022

Silicon-based heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells demonstrate high efficiencies over their homojunction counterparts, revealing the potential of such technologies. We present here the first steps towards the development of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)/c-silicon heterojunction solar cells, consisting of a preliminary study of the MoS2 material and numerical device simulations of MoS2/Si heterojunction solar cells, using SILVACO ATLAS. Through the optical and structural characterization of MoS2/SiO2/Si samples, we found a significant sensitivity of the MoS2 to ambient oxidation. Optical ellipsometry showed a bandgap of 1.87 eV for a 7 monolayer thick MoS2 sample, suitable for the targeted application. Finally, we briefly introduce a device simulation and show that the MoS2/Si heterojunction could lead to a gain in quantum efficiency, especially in the region with short wavelengths, compared with a standard a-Si/c-Si solar cell.
The Radiation Temperature Characteristics of Sapphire under Shock Loading
Authors: Zhang Ningchao , Li Duo , Li Yaqi , Gong Zhaowei , Wang Peng , Liu Fusheng
Published: September 2022

A light gas gun was used to study the radiation temperature from the window material of sapphire. The luminescence characteristics were determined using a multi-wavelength pyrometer in the pressure range of 36–50 GPa. By improving the processing technology for the metal sample and assembly technology for the target, the eight-wavelength light radiation was measured from sapphire under shock pressure without phase transition. The experimental results showed that sapphire has luminous phenomenon from 36.5 GPa. The luminous intensity changes in a linear fashion, revealing the thickness of the radiating layer of shock-compressed sapphire with a constant absorption coefficient. The results indicated that the spectral distribution is a typical thermal radiation, which fits well with the grey-body spectrum. The radiation of sapphire under shock mostly came from the adiabatic shear banding, as determined by comparing the melting line of sapphire using a static high-pressure experiment and theoretical calculations with the radiation temperature. The study is an effective means to obtain the transparent material shock radiation temperature. Moreover, an effective approach is proposed to research the radiation mechanism of transparent material and the high pressure melting line.
Two-Step Fabrication of BPO4 Ceramics with Acid Corrosion Resistance and Neutron Shielding Performance
Authors: Zhang Yi , Li Yuanbing , Li Shujing , Jia Wenbao , Chen Ruoyu , Lao Dong
Published: September 2022

There has been an urgent demand for novel neutron shielding materials (NSMs) with high mechanical strength and low acid corrosion rate to be used in compact shielding design. In this contribution, BPO4 ceramics (BPCs), one of the candidates for such materials, was successfully fabricated by a two-step method using H3BO3 and H3PO4 as raw materials. The evolution of the microstructures was then investigated, followed by testing of mechanical/thermal properties, acid corrosion resistance, and neutron shielding performance. The experimental results indicated that the calcination temperature as well as H3BO3 content in raw materials intuitively affected the densification process of the BPCs. The as-pared BPCs showed reliable mechanical properties with maximum CMOR, compressive strength and elastic modulus of 26.99 MPa, 86.89 MPa and 28.42 GPa, respectively, which also showed a high neutron shielding rate and low acid corrosion rate of 65.11% and 0.016%. The obtained results imply that the BPCs was a promising NSM for use in compact shielding design.
Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life and Distress in an Asian Community-Based Cancer Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Tay Matthew Rong Jie , Wong Chin Jung , Aw Hui Zhen
Published: September 2022

Cancer survivors have reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and high levels of distress during and after active treatment, due to physical, psychological, and social problems. Understanding the prevalence and associations of HRQOL and distress in a patient population in the community is important when designing rehabilitation programs. This was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at a community-based cancer rehabilitation center, with the aim of investigating the prevalence and associations of HRQOL and distress in cancer patients. There were 304 patients who were recruited. We found low levels of HRQOL and high levels of distress in patients, with a mean FACT-G7 total score of 11.68, and a mean distress thermometer score of 3.51. In the multivariate regression model, significant factors for low HRQOL were metastatic disease (p = 0.025) and Malay ethnicity (p < 0.001). Regression analyses also found that significant distress was associated with family health issues (p = 0.003), depression (p = 0.001), worry (p = 0.005), breathing (p = 0.007), getting around (p = 0.012) and indigestion (p = 0.039). A high prevalence of impaired HRQOL and distress was reported in cancer survivors even in a community rehabilitation setting. The physical and psychosocial well-being of cancer survivors should be monitored and managed as part of community-based cancer rehabilitation.
Hepatic Abscess following Yttrium-90 Radioembolization in Patients with Surgical Bilioenteric Anastomosis or Compromised Sphincter of Oddi: A Tertiary Cancer Center Experience
Authors: Agahi Kevin N. , Mahvash Armeen , Abdelsalam Mohamed E.
Published: September 2022

Purpose: We describe our experience with the development of hepatobiliary infection in patients with prior surgical, percutaneous, or endoscopic biliary interventions who are receiving transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with yttrium-90 (90Y) for primary or metastatic hepatobiliary lesions. Methods: Records of 15 patients with a history of prior biliary intervention and liver malignancy subsequently treated with TARE at the participating medical center from November 2009 to September 2015 were reviewed. The primary endpoint was the development of a hepatic abscess or cholangitis in a patient after radioembolization. Results: A total of 15 patients comprising 9 men and 6 women, with a median age of 49 years (range 30–73), underwent 17 TARE with 90Y procedures. Of the 15 patients, 2 (13.3%) of them developed a hepatobiliary infection. A single patient (6.6%) developed a hepatobiliary abscess. Conclusion: Our study shows a low incidence rate of hepatic abscess following TARE in patients with prior biliary intervention.
The Long and Winding Road of Coral Reef Recovery in the Anthropocene: A Case Study from Puerto Rico
Authors: Hernández-Delgado Edwin A. , Ortiz-Flores María F.
Published: September 2022

The persistence and resilience of marginal shallow coral reefs at their limits of environmental tolerance have declined due to chronic environmental degradation and climate change. However, the consequences for the natural recovery ability of reefs of disturbance remain poorly understood. This study considered the potential for natural recovery through coral recruitment on fringing reefs across different geographic regions under contrasting environmental conditions in Puerto Rico. Reefs in areas with significant water quality degradation and more severe physical impacts of hurricanes were expected to have lower coral recruit density and diversity, and therefore less potential for recovery. Sixteen reefs were assessed across three geographic regions. Degraded reefs sustained a lower percentage of live coral cover and had higher macroalgae and turf algae abundance. Locations affected by high PO4, NH3+ and optical brightness concentrations, high turbidity, and high sea surface temperature anomalies, chlorophyll-a concentration and light attenuation Kd490 evidenced significantly lower coral recruit density and diversity. Hurricane-decimated reefs also exhibited impoverished coral recruit assemblages. Low coral recruitment could have important long-term implications under projected climate change and sea level rise, particularly in coastal urban habitats. There is a need to implement effective environmental conservation, ecological restoration and community participation strategies that facilitate enhanced coral recruitment success and assisted recovery processes.
Effects of the Habitat and Genotype on Osteological Traits in Landlocked and Anadromous Ecological Forms of Atlantic Salmon Salmo salar Linnaeus, 1758
Authors: Yurtseva Anastasia O. , Lajus Dmitry L. , Makhrov Alexander A. , Shirokov Vyacheslav A. , Shurov Igor L. , Artamonova Valentina S.
Published: September 2022

Studies of speciation and intraspecific differentiation in salmonid fishes are traditionally based on analysis of osteological traits. In the current study the variation of osteological traits was compared between two Atlantic salmon forms: anadromous and landlocked. Each form was represented by three samples: one from a wild population, and two from hatcheries; i.e., we studied six samples in total. In total, 45 osteological characters were analyzed. Differences between the forms were found to be genetically determined to a substantial extent. The factor “origin” explained 48% of the total morphological difference between the fish samples; the factor “habitat”, 32%; and their interaction, 14%. Phenotypic plasticity of the anadromous form was observed to be lower than that of the landlocked form. We consider that the higher phenotypic plasticity may compensate for a decrease in genetic diversity which is observed in landlocked forms of the species.
Full-Body Mobility Data to Validate Inertial Measurement Unit Algorithms in Healthy and Neurological Cohorts
Authors: Warmerdam Elke , Hansen Clint , Romijnders Robbin , Hobert Markus A. , Welzel Julius , Maetzler Walter
Published: September 2022

Gait and balance dysfunctions are common in neurological disorders and have a negative effect on quality of life. Regularly quantifying these mobility limitations can be used to measure disease progression and the effect of treatment. This information can be used to provide a more individualized treatment. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) can be utilized to quantify mobility in different contexts. However, algorithms are required to extract valuable parameters out of the raw IMU data. These algorithms need to be validated to make sure that they extract the features they should extract. This validation should be performed per disease since different mobility limitations or symptoms can influence the performance of an algorithm in different ways. Therefore, this dataset contains data from both healthy subjects and patients with neurological diseases (Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, chronic low back pain). The full bodies of 167 subjects were measured with IMUs and an optical motion capture (reference) system. Subjects performed multiple standardized mobility assessments and non-standardized activities of daily living. The data of 21 healthy subjects are shared online, data of the other subjects and patients can only be obtained after contacting the corresponding author and signing a data sharing agreement.