bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiences of Women Who Refuse Recall for Further Investigation of Abnormal Screening Mammography: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sung Wei-Ying , Yang Hui-Chuan , Liao I-Chen , Su Yu-Ting , Chen Fu-Husan , Chen Shu-Ling
Published: January 2022

Breast cancer has the highest incidence among all cancers for women in Taiwan. The current screening policy in Taiwan provides biennial mammogram tests for all women aged 45 to 69 years. A recommendation for further investigation is sent via post to women with a BI-RADS result of 0. The proportion of women who followed-up with a recall request for further investigation after an abnormal mammogram has been below 92.5% in recent years. Therefore, we aimed to explore the experiences of these women who refused recall for further investigation despite an abnormal mammogram. Purposive sampling was conducted on 13 women who refused recall for further examination of abnormal screening mammograms. Data collection included inductive, in-depth interviews or telephone interviews. A content analysis was applied. Three themes were identified: (1) negative screening experiences, (2) struggling with ’to go or not to go’, and (3) rationalizing without a follow-up examination. The first theme included three subthemes: (1) pain of examination, (2) the inconvenience of medical treatment; waiting, and (3) dissatisfaction with having to pay for further examination. The second major theme included three subthemes: (1) perceiving one’s susceptibility to breast cancer as very low, (2) questioning the accuracy of the results, and (3) procrastinating with a “head-in-the-sand” mentality. The third major theme included two subthemes: (1) fatalism and (2) paying attention to self-cultivation. In conclusion, the findings provide important information to healthcare providers involved in case management related to the actual living experiences of women with abnormal screening mammogram results and the additional education required to raise breast cancer awareness in the general public to achieve overall caring goals.
Wolbachia Impacts Anaplasma Infection in Ixodes scapularis Tick Cells
Authors: Skinner Kalin M. , Underwood Jacob , Ghosh Arnab , Oliva Chavez Adela S. , Brelsfoard Corey L.
Published: January 2022

The specific interactions of members of tick bacterial microbiota and their effects on pathogen transmission remains relatively unexplored. Here, we introduced a novel Wolbachia infection type into Ixodes scapularis tick cells and examined the antipathogenic effects on the intracellular pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum. An increase in A. phagocytophilum replication was observed in Wolbachia-infected tick cells. However, Wolbachia infection densities decreased when cells were serially passaged and ultimately the infection was lost. Host-cell immune response was also examined as an additional factor that could have affected A. phagocytophilum replication in Wolbachia-infected cells. In early passages post-Wolbachia infection, a decreased immune response was observed, but in later passages of cells with low Wolbachia densities, there was no change in the immune response. The results are discussed in relation to the importance of studying the interactions of the tick microbiota, the host cell, and the pathogen and the development of novel tick and tick-borne disease-control approaches.
Polymeric Nanocomposites for Environmental and Industrial Applications
Authors: Darwish Mohamed S. A. , Mostafa Mohamed H. , Al-Harbi Laila M.
Published: January 2022

Polymeric nanocomposites (PNC) have an outstanding potential for various applications as the integrated structure of the PNCs exhibits properties that none of its component materials individually possess. Moreover, it is possible to fabricate PNCs into desired shapes and sizes, which would enable controlling their properties, such as their surface area, magnetic behavior, optical properties, and catalytic activity. The low cost and light weight of PNCs have further contributed to their potential in various environmental and industrial applications. Stimuli-responsive nanocomposites are a subgroup of PNCs having a minimum of one promising chemical and physical property that may be controlled by or follow a stimulus response. Such outstanding properties and behaviors have extended the scope of application of these nanocomposites. The present review discusses the various methods of preparation available for PNCs, including in situ synthesis, solution mixing, melt blending, and electrospinning. In addition, various environmental and industrial applications of PNCs, including those in the fields of water treatment, electromagnetic shielding in aerospace applications, sensor devices, and food packaging, are outlined.
Exogenously-Sourced Ethylene Positively Modulates Photosynthesis, Carbohydrate Metabolism, and Antioxidant Defense to Enhance Heat Tolerance in Rice
Authors: Gautam Harsha , Fatma Mehar , Sehar Zebus , Iqbal Noushina , Albaqami Mohammed , Khan Nafees A.
Published: January 2022

The effect of exogenously-applied ethylene sourced from ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid)was studied on photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, and high-temperature stress tolerance in Taipei-309 and Rasi cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.). Heat stress increased the content of H2O2 and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)more in Rasi than Taipei-309. Further, a significant decline in sucrose, starch, and carbohydrate metabolism enzyme activity and photosynthesis was also observed in response to heat stress. The application of ethephon reduced H2O2 and TBARS content by enhancing the enzymatic antioxidant defense system and improved carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, and growth more conspicuously in Taipei-309 under heat stress. The ethephon application enhanced photosynthesis by up-regulating the psbA and psbB genes of photosystem II in heat-stressed plants. Interestingly, foliar application of ethephoneffectively down-regulated high-temperature-stress-induced elevated ethylene biosynthesis gene expression. Overall, ethephon application optimized ethylene levels under high-temperature stress to regulate the antioxidant enzymatic system and carbohydrate metabolism, reducing the adverse effects on photosynthesis. These findings suggest that ethylene regulates photosynthesis via carbohydrate metabolism and the antioxidant system, thereby influencing high-temperature stress tolerance in rice.
Description of the Nymphal Stages of Hoplopleura affinis (Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) from the Striped Field Mouse Apodemus agrarius with a Global Checklist of Hoplopleura Species from the Genus Apodemus
Authors: Kozina Paulina , Izdebska Joanna N. , Łopucki Rafał
Published: January 2022

The genus Hoplopleura is the most speciose genus of sucking lice observed parasitizing rodents and lagomorphs (pikas). Despite the fact that the majority of Anoplura are believed to be monoxenic, many species within Hoplopleura may be oligoxenic. In addition, the occurrence of more than one parasite species per host species on individuals has been confirmed. As such, a precise species identification of the parasite, especially of the nymphs, is of high significance. The study is based on the material of 245 sucking louse specimens taken from 179 individuals of the striped field mouse Apodemus agrarius collected between 2008 and 2017. The study employs scanning microscopy to provide superior quality resolution of the studied traits. The study presents the first record of the characters of the nymphal stages of H. affinis, one of the common Eurasian species of the genus. Additional aspects of the biology and the host–parasite relationship of H. affinis are presented, e.g., female, male and nymphs of lice, showing different preferences in the choice of location (topography) on the host body. In addition, a global checklist has been made of all the species of Hoplopleura found parasitizing rodents of the genus Apodemus. Generally, the ranges of the occurrence of lice of this genus coincide with the geographic distribution of typical hosts, although this has not always been confirmed by local studies.
Home-Based Nonoperative-Side Quadriceps Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Prevents Muscle Weakness Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Wellauer Vanessa , Item Julia F. , Bizzini Mario , Maffiuletti Nicola A.
Published: January 2022

We compared the effectiveness of a home-based neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) program applied to the quadriceps of the nonoperative side against sham-NMES as a complement to standard rehabilitation on knee extensor neuromuscular function in patients following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Twenty-four patients completed the 6 week NMES (n = 12) and sham-NMES (n = 12) post-operative interventions and were tested at different time points for neuromuscular function and self-reported knee function. Isometric, concentric, and eccentric strength deficits (muscle weakness) increased significantly from pre-surgery to 24 weeks post-surgery in the sham-NMES group (p < 0.05), while no significant changes were observed in the NMES group. On the stimulated (nonoperative) side, quadriceps voluntary activation and muscle thickness were respectively maintained (p > 0.05) and increased (p < 0.001) as a result of the NMES intervention, contrary to sham-NMES. Self-reported knee function improved progressively during the post-operative phase (p < 0.05), with no difference between the two groups. Compared to a sham-NMES intervention, a 6 week home-based NMES program applied to the quadriceps of the nonoperative side early after ACL reconstruction prevented the occurrence of knee extensor muscle weakness 6 months after surgery. We conclude that nonoperative-side NMES may help counteract muscle weakness after ACL reconstruction.
Endometriosis, an Ongoing Pain—Step-by-Step Treatment
Authors: Mechsner Sylvia
Published: January 2022

Endometriosis is a disease that is becoming more and more challenging for the medical community. The current therapeutic concepts (surgical therapy and/or hormonal therapies) often do not lead to sufficient pain control, and late diagnosis and high recurrence rates mean that women affected by the disease can suffer for decades before receiving proper treatment. Although the introduction of certified endometriosis centers has created contact points for surgical therapies performed by endometriosis experts, these centers are not sufficient to offer the affected patients the all-encompassing long-term support they need. In recent years, new findings regarding the pathogenesis and correlations of the pain phenomena caused by endometriosis have shown that conventional therapy strategies are not adequate and individual long-term concepts must be developed. Not only can endometriosis cause nociceptive pain, but it can also lead to a nociplastic reaction with central sensitization. Hence, aside from the classic cyclic complaints, patients increasingly suffer from atypical pain. Due to the high number of affected patients who are treated inadequately, it is necessary for gynecologists in private practices to become familiar with multimodal treatment concepts since they are the central point of contact of their patients. The following article will provide an overview of treatment strategies for chronic symptomatic endometriosis.
Carotid Artery Ultrasound in the (peri-) Arrest Setting—A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Koch Moritz , Mueller Matthias , Warenits Alexandra-Maria , Holzer Michael , Spiel Alexander , Schnaubelt Sebastian
Published: January 2022

Point-of-care ultrasounds (US) are used during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Carotid ultrasounds are a potential non-invasive monitoring tool for chest compressions, but their general value and feasibility during CPR are not fully determined. In this prospective observational study, we performed carotid US during conventional- and extracorporeal CPR and after ROSC with at least one transverse and coronal image, corresponding loops with and without color doppler, and pulsed-wave doppler loops. The feasibility of carotid US during (peri-)arrest and type and frequency of diagnostic findings were examined. We recruited 16 patients and recorded utilizable US images in 14 cases (88%; complete imaging protocols in 11 patients [69%]). In three of all patients (19%) and in 60% (3/5) of cases during CPR plus a full imaging protocol, we observed: (i) in one patient a collapse of the common carotid artery linked to hypovolemia, and (ii) in two patients a biphasic flow during CPR linked to prolonged low-flow time prior to admission and adverse outcome. Carotid artery morphology and carotid blood flow characteristics may serve as therapeutic target and prognostic parameters. However, future studies with larger sample sizes are needed.
Correlates of Treatment and Disease Burden in People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Italy
Authors: Cingolani Antonella , Tavelli Alessandro , Maggiolo Franco , Perziano Annalisa , Saracino Annalisa , Vichi Francesca , Cernuschi Massimo , Guaraldi Giovanni , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia , Castagna Antonella , Antinori Andrea , d’Arminio Monforte Antonella ,   on behalf of Icona Foundation Study Group
Published: January 2022

Treatment burden is a multidimensional concept, including several aspects of life of patients affected by chronic conditions. It has been poorly explored in people living with HIV (PLHIV). An online anonymous survey of PLHIV taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) was conducted, in order to investigate the self-reported correlates of disease burden. HIV Treatment and Diseases Burden (TDB) was investigated with a questionnaire containing 31 items in 7 domains. Respondents were stratified in high burden (H-TDB)/low burden (L-TDB) according to overall HIV TDB mean + 1 standard deviation. Factors associated with H-TDB has been evaluated with a logistic regression model. In total, 531 PLHIV completed the questionnaire. 99 PLHIV had a H-TDB (18.6%). PLHIV with H-TDB were younger (p < 0.001), less frequently on current two drug antiretroviral (ARV) regimens (p = 0.01) and more frequently with plasma HIV-RNA >50 copies/mL (p = 0.04). At multivariable regression analysis, younger age (aOR 1.43, 95%CI 1.14–1.80; p = 0.002), not fully treatment satisfaction (aOR 2.19, 95%CI 1.28–3.74; p = 0.004), the need of a more accurate dialogue with treating physician (aOR 2.29, 95%CI 1.21–4.36, p = 0.01) and a self-declared lower overall Health Status (aOR 1.75, 95%CI 1.33–2.32; p = 0.002) were all associated with a H-TDB. One out of five PLHIV showed a high level of treatment and disease burden. Younger age, not fully satisfaction with ART and need of interaction with a tailored health system should be taken into consideration as correlates of treatment and disease burden in a patient-centered approach, to reduce the negative impact that it can produce on the overall perceived health status of the person.
Revealing the Mysteries of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: From Quantitative PCR through Next-Generation Sequencing and Systemic Metabolomic Profiling
Authors: Panuzzo Cristina , Jovanovski Aleksandar , Ali Muhammad Shahzad , Cilloni Daniela , Pergolizzi Barbara
Published: January 2022

The efforts made in the last decade regarding the molecular landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have created the possibility of obtaining patients’ personalized treatment. Indeed, the improvement of accurate diagnosis and precise assessment of minimal residual disease (MRD) increased the number of new markers suitable for novel and targeted therapies. This progress was obtained thanks to the development of molecular techniques starting with real-time quantitative PCR (Rt-qPCR) passing through digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) up to the new attractive metabolomic approach. The objective of this surge in technological advances is a better delineation of AML clonal heterogeneity, monitoring patients without disease-specific mutation and designing customized post-remission strategies based on MRD assessment. In this context, metabolomics, which pertains to overall small molecules profiling, emerged as relevant access for risk stratification and targeted therapies improvement. In this review, we performed a detailed overview of the most popular modern methods used in hematological laboratories, pointing out their vital importance for MRD monitoring in order to improve overall survival, early detection of possible relapses and treatment efficacy.
Modeling Fracture Formation, Behavior and Mechanics of Polymeric Materials: A Biomedical Implant Perspective
Authors: Shah Quazi Md. Zobaer , Kowser Md. Arefin , Chowdhury Mohammad Asaduzzaman , Chani Muhammad Tariq Saeed , Alamry Khalid A. , Hossain Nayem , Rahman Mohammed M.
Published: January 2022

In industrial applications where contact behavior of materials is characterized, fretting-associated fatigue plays a vital role as a failure agitator. While considering connection, it encounters friction. Biomaterials like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are renowned for their low coefficient of friction and are utilized in sophisticated functions like the hip joint cup and other biomedical implants. In addition to the axial stresses, some degree of dynamic bending stress is also developed occasionally in those fretting contacts. This research investigated the fracture behavior of a polymer PTFE under bending fretting fatigue. Finite element analysis justified the experimental results. A mathematical model is proposed by developing an empirical equation for fracture characterization in polymers like PTFE. It was found that the bending stiffness exists below the loading point ratio (LPR) 3.0, near the collar section of the specimen. Along with fretting, the bending load forces the specimen to crack in a brittle-ductile mode near the sharp-edged collar where the maximum strain rate, as well as stress, builds up. For a loading point ratio of above 3, a fracture takes place near the fretting pads in a tensile-brittle mode. Strain proportionality factor, k was found as a life optimization parameter under conditional loading. The microscopic analysis revealed that the fracture striation initiates perpendicularly to the fretting load. The fretting fatigue damage characteristic of PTFE may have a new era for the biomedical application of polymer-based composite materials.
Design Aspects of a Single-Output Multi-String WLED Driver Using 40 nm CMOS Technology
Authors: Shahroury Fadi R. , Ahmad Hani H. , Abuishmais Ibrahim
Published: January 2022

This work presents various essential features and design aspects of a single-inductor, common-output, and multi-string White Light Emitting Diode (WLED) driver for low-power portable devices. High efficiency is one of the main features of such a device. Here, the efficiency improvement is achieved by selecting the proper arrangement of WLEDs and a proper sensing-circuit technique to determine the minimum, real-time, needed output voltage. This minimum voltage necessary to activate all WLEDs depends on the number of strings and the forward voltage drops among the WLEDs. Advanced CMOS technology is advantageous in mixed-signal environments such as WLED drivers. However, this process suffers from low on-resistance, which degrades the accuracy of the current sinks. To accommodate the above features and mitigate the low node process issue, a boost-converter that is single output with a load of a three-string arrangement, with 6 WLEDs each, is presented. The designed driver has an input voltage range of 3.2–4.2V. The proposed solution is realized with ultra-low power consumption circuits and verified using ADS tools utilizing 40 nm 1P9M TSMC CMOS technology. An inter-string current accuracy of 0.2% and peak efficiency of 91% are achieved with an output voltage up to 25 V. The integrated WLED driver circuitry enables a high switching frequency of 1MHz and reduces the passive elements’ size in the power stage.
Development of Three-Dimensional Scour below Pipelines in Regular Waves
Authors: Zhu Yehui , Xie Liquan , Wong Tsunming , Su Tsung-Chow
Published: January 2022

The three-dimensional scour beneath a partially-buried pipeline in regular waves was visualized using a miniature camera installed in a transparent pipeline. The scour mechanism was analyzed based on the results. Scour development was observed to start at the upstream edge of the span shoulder when the flow in the span headed downstream. The nearby sediment scoured quickly, and a new scour front formed, which can be attributed to the deflected flow entering the scour hole. The new scour front retreated gradually. The end of the original scour front deformed and moved downstream, probably due to the enhanced seepage flow near the edge of the span shoulder. After that, the new scour front extended to the downstream interface of the sediment and the pipeline, and continued to retreat until the first half of the scour process ended. In the second half of the scour process, the sediment transportation occurred in a similar but mirror-imaged manner. The scour hole propagation rate was also determined based on visualization. The results show that the scour hole propagation rate under a pipeline decreases with an increasing pipeline embedment ratio and rises with the KC (Keulegan–Carpenter) number, which is similar to the result of a previous study.
Macrophages of the “Heart-Kidney” Axis: Their Dynamics and Correlations with Clinical Data and Outcomes in Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Kercheva Maria , Ryabov Vyacheslav , Gombozhapova Aleksandra , Rebenkova Maria , Kzhyshkowska Julia
Published: January 2022

Changes in the macrophage infiltration of kidneys in rodents under ischemic conditions may affect cardiac macrophages and lead to development of adaptive cardiac remodeling. The aim of our study was to translate experimental findings into clinically relevant applications and assess the features of macrophage infiltration of the kidney and its correlations with changes in macrophage infiltration of the myocardium and with clinical data in patients who experienced a fatal myocardial infarction (MI). We examined fragments of both organs taken from patients (n = 30) who suffered from fatal MI. Macrophage infiltration was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Macrophage infiltration of the kidneys in patients with fatal MI is heterogeneous. The early period of MI was shown to be characterized by the prevalence of CD163+ and CD68+ cells, and in the long-term period by only CD163+ cells. However, only the level of CD206+ cells in the kidneys showed the dynamics representing the late MI period. Its decrease accompanied increase in the numbers of cardiac CD68+, CD163+, CD206+, and stabilin-1+ cells in the infarct area. Kidney CD206+ cells had more correlations with cardiac macrophages than other cells, and the presence of these cells also correlated with impairment of renal function and early death.
Study of the Anticancer Potential of Plant Extracts Using Liver Tumor Microphysiological System
Authors: Farooqi Hafiz Muhammad Umer , Sammantasinghar Anupamma , Kausar Farzana , Farooqi Muhammad Awais , Chethikkattuveli Salih Abdul Rahim , Hyun Kinam , Lim Jong-Hwan , Khalil Atif Ali Khan , Mumtaz Abdul Samad , Choi Kyung Hyun
Published: January 2022

Background: Plants have been considered a vital source of modern pharmaceutics since the paleolithic age. Contemporary chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer therapy are chemical entities sourced from plants. However, synthetic drugs or their derivatives come with severe to moderate side effects for human health. Hence, the quest to explore and discover plant-based novel anticancer drugs is ongoing. Anticancer activities are the primary method to estimate the potential and efficacy of an extract or compound for drug discovery. However, traditional in vitro anticancer activity assays often show poor efficacy due to the lack of in-vivo-like cellular environment. In comparison, the animal-based in vivo assays lack human genetic makeup and have ethical concerns. Aim: This study aimed to overcome the limitations of traditional cell-culture-based anticancer assays and find the most suitable assay for anticancer activity of plant extracts. We first reported utilizing a liver tumor microphysiological system in the anticancer effect assessment of plant extracts. Methodology: Methanolic extracts of Acer cappadocicum Gled were used to assess anticancer activity against liver tumor microphysiological system (MPS), and cell viability, liver function tests, and antioxidant enzyme activities were performed. Additionally, an embedded transepithelial electrical resistance sensor was utilized for the real-time monitoring of the liver tumor MPS. The results were also compared with the traditional cell culture model. Results: The study demonstrated the superiority of the TEER sensor-based liver tumor MPS by its better anticancer activity based on cell viability and biomarker analysis compared to the traditional in vitro cell culture model. The anticancer effects of the plant extracts were successfully observed in real time, and methanolic extracts of Acer cappadocicum Gled increased the alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase secretion, which may reveal the different mechanisms of these extracts and suggest a clue for the future molecular study of the anticancer pathways. Conclusion: Our results show that the liver tumor microphysiological system could be a better platform for plant-based anticancer activity assessment than traditional cell culture models.
Were the First Trace Fossils Really Burrows or Could They Have Been Made by Sediment-Displacive Chemosymbiotic Organisms?
Authors: McIlroy Duncan
Published: January 2022

This review asks some hard questions about what the enigmatic graphoglyptid trace fossils are, documents some of their early fossil record from the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition and explores the idea that they may not have been fossils at all. Most researchers have considered the Graphoglyptida to have had a microbial-farming mode of life similar to that proposed for the fractal Ediacaran Rangeomorpha. This begs the question “What are the Graphoglyptida if not the Rangeomorpha persevering” and if so then “What if…?”. This provocative idea has at its roots some fundamental questions about how to distinguish burrows sensu-stricto from the external molds of endobenthic sediment displacive organisms.
Self-Rated Benefits of Auditory Performance after Bonebridge Implantation in Patients with Conductive or Mixed Hearing Loss, or Single-Sided Deafness
Authors: Ratuszniak Anna , Skarzynski Piotr H. , Gos Elżbieta , Skarzynski Henryk
Published: January 2022

The Bonebridge implant can be a satisfactory solution for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss (CHL or MHL), or with single-sided deafness (SSD). The aim of the study was to assess patients’ self-reported benefits with the Bonebridge and characterize the relationships between pre-implantation audiometric data, auditory functioning, and satisfaction after implantation. A focus was to see whether different types of hearing loss were associated with particular benefits. The study sample consisted of 81 patients. Procedures comprised pure tone audiometry before implantation, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) questionnaire, and a structured interview asking about satisfaction. Statistically significant improvements after implantation were found in all groups (CHL, MHL, SSD) on the APHAB questionnaire. In the structured interview, patients with SSD were the least satisfied. No significant correlation was found between pre-operative air-bone gap and bone conduction thresholds or with APHAB score. Bonebridge implantation is beneficial to patients with CHL or MHL, or with SSD. Assessment of patients for Bonebridge implantation is complex, and audiometric data should be complemented by patient-reported outcomes to provide deeper insight into their individual needs and attitudes.
Friction Challenge in Hydraulic Fracturing
Authors: Guo Yanbao , Zhang Min , Yang Hui , Wang Deguo , Ramos Melvin A. , Hu Travis Shihao , Xu Quan
Published: January 2022

Hydraulic fracturing has become one of the most popular techniques for exploring sustainable energy sources. However, friction is associated with the entire fracturing process, presenting significant challenges for development. Facing the huge friction challenges, this review is elaborated in the following three aspects: (1) the fundamentals of hydraulic fracturing, including three aspects of rock fracture mechanism, fracturing fluid, and proppant; (2) the friction challenges in hydraulic fracturing, which mainly exist in friction along the path and friction near wellbore; (3) hydraulic fracturing drag reduction technologies, which are considered proppant segment plug, fracturing fluid viscosity enhancement, and proppant surface modification technologies. Therefore, we should not only understand the challenges in hydraulic fracturing but also know how to mitigate them. Additionally, we call for a strong focus on environmentally friendly, green friction-reducing technologies for oil and gas fields in the future development of the fracturing industry.
Nonlinear Adaptive Control with Asymmetric Pressure Difference Compensation of a Hydraulic Pressure Servo System Using Two High Speed On/Off Valves
Authors: Gao Qiang
Published: January 2022

A hydraulic pressure servo system based on two high-speed on/off valves (HSV) is a discontinuous system due to the discrete flow of HSV when driven by pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. Pressure variation in the testing chamber is determined by the flow rate difference between the charging and discharging HSV. In this paper, a pressure controller consisting of a differential PWM (DPWM) scheme, asymmetric pressure difference compensation (APDC) and nonlinear adaptive control (NAC) is proposed to precisely control the pressure. The DPWM scheme is designed to improve the resolution of the net flow rate into the testing chamber. Furthermore, due to the strong asymmetry between the charging and the discharging process, the APDC method is proposed to design the two initial duty cycles of the DPWM signal which help to balance its charging and discharging ability under different working pressure points. Since the pressure system is a nonlinear, uncertain system due to oil compression and leakage, the NAC is designed to calculate the control duty cycle of the DPWM signal, which is used to overcome the unmodeled dynamic and parameter uncertainties. Comparative experiments indicate that the proposed controller can ensure good pressure tracking performance and enhance system robustness under different working pressure points and tracking frequencies.
Graph-Based Siamese Network for Authorship Verification
Authors: Embarcadero-Ruiz Daniel , Gómez-Adorno Helena , Embarcadero-Ruiz Alberto , Sierra Gerardo
Published: January 2022

In this work, we propose a novel approach to solve the authorship identification task on a cross-topic and open-set scenario. Authorship verification is the task of determining whether or not two texts were written by the same author. We model the documents in a graph representation and then a graph neural network extracts relevant features from these graph representations. We present three strategies to represent the texts as graphs based on the co-occurrence of the POS labels of words. We propose a Siamese Network architecture composed of graph convolutional networks along with pooling and classification layers. We present different variants of the architecture and discuss the performance of each one. To evaluate our approach we used a collection of fanfiction texts provided by the PAN@CLEF 2021 shared task in two settings: a “small” corpus and a “large” corpus. Our graph-based approach achieved average scores (AUC ROC, F1, Brier score, F0.5u, and C@1) between 90% and 92.83% when training on the “small” and “large” corpus, respectively. Our model obtain results comparable to those of the state of the art in this task and greater than traditional baselines.
Dominating Broadcasts in Fuzzy Graphs
Authors: Noppakaew Passawan , Hengthonglert Kaewkan , Sakuntasathien Sawanya
Published: January 2022

Broadcasting problems in graph theory play a significant role in solving many complicated physical problems. However, in real life there are many vague situations that sometimes cannot be modeled using usual graphs. Consequently, the concept of a fuzzy graph GF:(V,σ,μ) has been introduced to deal with such problems. In this study, we are interested in defining the notion of dominating broadcasts in fuzzy graphs. We also show that, in a connected fuzzy graph containing more than one element in σ*, a dominating broadcast always exists, where σ* is {v∈V|σ(v)>0}. In addition, we investigate the relationship between broadcast domination numbers, radii, and domination numbers in a fuzzy graph as follows; γb(GF)≤min{r(GF),γ(GF)}, where γb(GF) is the broadcast domination number, r(GF) is the radius, and γ(GF) is domination numbers in fuzzy graph GF, with |σ*|>1.
Biliary Tree Diagnostics: Advances in Endoscopic Imaging and Tissue Sampling
Authors: Ghisa Matteo , Bellumat Angelo , De Bona Manuela , Valiante Flavio , Tollardo Marco , Riguccio Gaia , Iacobellis Angelo , Savarino Edoardo , Buda Andrea
Published: January 2022

The diagnostic approach to the biliary tree disorders can be challenging, especially for biliary strictures. Albeit the great diagnostic impact of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) which allows one to obtain fluoroscopic imaging and tissue sampling through brush cytology and/or forceps biopsy, a considerable proportion of cases remain indeterminate, leading to the risk of under/over treated patients. In the last two decades, several endoscopic techniques have been introduced in clinical practice, shrinking cases of uncertainties and improving diagnostic accuracy. The aim of this review is to discuss recent advances and emerging technologies applied to the management of biliary tree disorders through peroral endoscopy procedures.
Reply to Sagliocco, O.; Betelli, M. Comment on “Fierro et al. Severe Hypotension, Bradycardia and Asystole after Sugammadex Administration in an Elderly Patient. Medicina 2021, 57, 79”
Authors: Fierro Carmen , Medoro Alessandro , Mignogna Donatella , Porcile Carola , Ciampi Silvia , Foderà Emanuele , Flocco Romeo , Russo Claudio , Martucci Gennaro
Published: January 2022

We thank Dr. Sagliocco and Dr. Betelli for their comments [...]
Phosphorus Recovery by Adsorption from the Membrane Permeate of an Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor Digesting Waste-Activated Sludge
Authors: Hafuka Akira , Kimura Katsuki
Published: January 2022

The recovery of phosphorus (P) from waste activated sludge (WAS) is a promising approach for sustainable resource management. During the anaerobic digestion of WAS, orthophosphate is released, and this P species is favorable for adsorption recovery. In the present study, an anerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) with a P-adsorption column was developed to generate biogas from WAS and to recover P from membrane permeate simultaneously. The effects of the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and solid retention time (SRT) of the AnMBR on P solubilization were investigated. As a result, the maximum P solubilization was 21% when the HRT and SRT were 45 days and 100 days, respectively. Orthophosphate in the membrane permeate was adsorbed and recovered using a mesoporous material called zirconium sulfate–surfactant micelle mesostructure (ZS) in the column. The adsorbed P could be desorbed from the ZS with a NaOH solution, and P was recovered as a concentrated solution by a factor of 25. When the HRT was 19 days, the biogas yield and biogas production rate were 0.26 L/g-VSinput and 0.123 L/L/d, respectively. The average methane content in the biogas was 80%. The developed membrane-based process may be effective for resource recovery from WAS.
Fabrication, Microstructure, Mechanical, and Electrochemical Properties of NiMnFeCu High Entropy Alloy from Elemental Powders
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Mucalo Michael , Bolzoni Leandro , Li Yiming , Kong Fantao , Yang Fei
Published: January 2022

Transition metal based high entropy alloys (HEAs) are often used in electrocatalytic (water electrolysis) applications due to the synergistic effect operating among its constituent elements and unpaired electrons in d orbitals of the concerned metal. In this study, a low cost NiMnFeCu high entropy alloy was successfully synthesised using the combined techniques of mechanical milling (MA) and vacuum sintering. X-ray diffraction was used to analyse the phase composition, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to characterise the fabricated material’s microstructure and chemical homogeneity, thermal, and mechanical properties were tested using the differential scanning calorimetry method and a universal testing machine, respectively. Electrochemical workstation was used to carry out preliminary electrochemical studies such as linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry. The results showed that the as- sintered NiMnFeCu HEA possessed a single- phase FCC structure. The HEA NiMnFeCu sintered at 1050 °C (S4) and 1000 °C (S2) with a holding time of 2 h showed a yield strength of 516.3 MPa and 389.8 MPa, respectively, and the micro-hardness values were measured to be 233.45 ± 9 HV and 198.7 ± 8 HV, respectively. Preliminary electrochemical studies proved that the alloy sintered at 1000 °C (S2) with a holding time of 2 h exhibited excellent electrocatalytic properties with a measured overpotential of 322 mV at 10 mA cm−2 at 100 cycles of CV and good stability for 10 h when compared to state-of-the-art electrocatalytic materials IrO2 and RuO2. This suggested that the HEA NiMnFeCu fabricated under the condition S2 could potentially be used for industrial-scale water electrolysis as it possesses permissible mechanical and good electrochemical properties.
Zircon U–Pb–Hf Isotopic and Trace Element Analyses for Oceanic Mafic Crustal Rock of the Neoproterozoic–Early Paleozoic Oeyama Ophiolite Unit and Implication for Subduction Initiation of Proto-Japan Arc
Authors: Sawada Hikaru , Niki Sota , Nagata Mitsuhiro , Hirata Takafumi
Published: January 2022

The Oeyama ophiolite unit is one of the oldest components of the subduction orogenic belts in the Japanese Islands and is important for understanding the initiation of plate subduction in the proto-Japan region. This study performed U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopic and trace element analyses of zircon in gabbroic rocks from the Oeyama mafic–ultramafic complex, the type locality of the Oeyama ophiolite unit. This study obtained a weighted average zircon 206Pb/238U age of 544 ± 4 Ma, which indicates an igneous age of the gabbroic rock. Trace element analysis of the zircons revealed that the host rock was derived from the mantle depleted of incompatible elements such as the depleted mid-oceanic ridge mantle. The present igneous age and geochemical features of the zircons are consistent with previous work for other parts of the Oeyama ophiolitic unit. The isotopic signature of Hf also indicated that the gabbroic rock was derived from the depleted mantle domain. The Hf isotopic signature is more depleted than those represented by zircons in the jadeitite associated with the Oeyama ophiolite unit. These results demonstrated that the older crustal material was involved in the initial oceanic plate subduction along the proto-Japan arc.
Spatiotemporal Distribution and Analysis of Organophosphate Flame Retardants in the Environmental Systems: A Review
Authors: Bika Sinozuko Hope , Adeniji Abiodun Olagoke , Okoh Anthony Ifeanyi , Okoh Omobola Oluranti
Published: January 2022

In recent times, there has been a cumulative apprehension regarding organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) owing to their high manufacturing and usage after brominated flame retardants were strictly regulated and banned from being distributed and used in many countries. OPFRs are known as the main organic pollutants in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. They are very dangerous to humans, plants and animals. They are also carcinogenic and some have been implicated in neurodevelopmental and fertility challenges. OPFRs are distributed into the environment through a number of processes, including the usage, improper disposal and production of materials. The solid phase extraction (SPE) method is suggested for the extraction of OPFRs from water samples since it provides high quality recoveries ranging from 67% to 105% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 20%. In the same vein, microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) is highly advocated for the extraction of OPFRs from sediment/soil. Recoveries in the range of 78% to 105% and RSDs ranging from 3% to 8% have been reported. Hence, it is a faster method of extraction for solid samples and only demands a reduced amount of solvent, unlike other methods. The extract of OPFRs from various matrices is then followed by a clean-up of the extract using a silica gel packed column followed by the quantification of compounds by gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC–MS) or a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). In this paper, different analytical methods for the evaluation of OPFRs in different environmental samples are reviewed. The effects and toxicities of these contaminants on humans and other organisms are also discussed.
Structures of Dimer-of-Dimers Type Defect Cubane Tetranuclear Copper(II) Complexes with Novel Dinucleating Ligands
Authors: Hoshikawa Ryusei , Mitsuhashi Ryoji , Asato Eiji , Liu Jianqiang , Sakiyama Hiroshi
Published: January 2022

Only a limited number of multinucleating ligands can stably maintain multinuclear metal structures in aqueous solutions. In this study, a water-soluble dinucleating ligand, 2,6-bis{[N-(carboxylatomethyl)-N-methyl-amino]methyl}-4-methylphenolate ((sym-cmp)3−), was prepared and its copper(II) complexes were structurally characterized. Using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method, their dimer-of-dimers type defect cubane tetranuclear copper(II) structures were characterized for [Cu4(sym-cmp)2Cl2(H2O)2] and [Cu4(sym-cmp)2(CH3O)2(CH3OH)2]. In the complexes, each copper(II) ion has a five-coordinate square-pyramidal coordination geometry. The coordination bond character was confirmed by the density functional theory (DFT) calculation on the basis of the crystal structure, whereby we found the bonding and anti-bonding molecular orbitals. From the cryomagnetic measurement and the magnetic analysis, overall antiferromagnetic interaction was observed, and this magnetic behavior is also explained by the DFT result. Judging from the molar conductance and the electronic spectra, the bridging chlorido ligand dissociates in water, but the dinuclear copper(II) structure was found to be maintained in an aqueous solution. In conclusion, the tetranuclear copper(II) structures were crystallographically characterized, and the dinuclear copper(II) structures were found to be stabilized even in an aqueous solution.
Green Synthesis of Indeno[1,2-b]quinoxalines Using β-Cyclodextrin as Catalyst
Authors: Liao Li-Guo , Song Meng-Meng , Feng Jun-Feng , Tan Min , Liu Fan , Qiu Zhen-Jiang , Zhang Sheng , Li Bang-Jing
Published: January 2022

An efficient, mild, and green method was developed for the synthesis of indeno[1,2-b]quinoxaline derivatives via o-phenylenediamine (OPD) and 2-indanone derivatives utilizing β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as the supramolecular catalyst. The reaction can be carried out in water and in a solid state at room temperature. β-CD can also catalyze the reaction of indan-1,2-dione with OPD with a high degree of efficiency. Compared to the reported methods, this procedure is milder, simpler, and less toxic, making it an eco-friendly alternative. In addition, the β-CD can be recovered and reused without the loss of activity.
Nickel-Based Selenides with a Fractal Structure as an Excellent Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting
Authors: He Jingxuan , Qian Ting , Cai Chao , Xiang Xia , Li Sean , Zu Xiaotao
Published: January 2022

Nickel-based selenides are believed to be promising non-precious metal electrocatalysts, and have been widely used for both oxygen evolution reactions (OER) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER). Here, we control the aging time to prepare NixSey with different fractal structures as a bifunctional catalyst. An obtained sample with an aging time of 80 min shows outstanding electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) with an overpotential of 225 mV (η@10 mA/cm2) and for oxygen evolution reactions (OER) with an overpotential of 309 mV (η@50 mA/cm2). Moreover, to further improve catalytic activity, we doped Fe in NixSey to obtain the ternary nickel-based selenide, Fe0.2Ni0.8Se (FNSs). The HER activity of FNS increased two-fold at 10 mA/cm2, and the overpotential of OER decreased to 255 mV at 50 mA/cm2. The synthetic strategy and research results of this work have a certain reference value for other low-cost and high-efficiency transition metal catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting.
Efficient Removal of Cr(VI) by TiO2 Based Micro-Nano Reactor via the Synergy of Adsorption and Photocatalysis
Authors: Song Yu , Lu Xi , Liu Zhibao , Liu Wenfei , Gai Ligang , Gao Xiang , Ma Hongfang
Published: January 2022

The low-toxicity treatment of chromium-containing wastewater represents an important way of addressing key environmental problems. In this study, a core-shell structural ZIF-8@TiO2 photocatalyst was synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method. The obtained composite photocatalyst possessed improved photocatalytic activity compared with TiO2. The results indicated that the optimized ZIF-8@TiO2 composite exhibited the highest removal efficiency with 93.1% of Cr(VI) after 120 min under UV-vis irradiation. The removal curves and XPS results indicated that the adsorbed Cr(VI) on the ZIF-8 during the dark process was preferentially reduced. The superior removal efficiency of ZIF-8@TiO2 is attributed to the combination of both high adsorption of ZIF-8, which attracted Cr(VI) on the composite surface, and the high separation efficiency of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. For the mixture of wastewater that contained methyl orange and Cr(VI), 97.1% of MO and 99.7% of Cr(VI) were removed after 5 min and 60 min light irradiation, respectively. The high removal efficiency of multiple pollutants provides promising applications in the field of Cr(VI) contaminated industrial wastewater treatment.
How to Use Localized Surface Plasmon for Monitoring the Adsorption of Thiol Molecules on Gold Nanoparticles?
Authors: Dileseigres Angeline S. , Prado Yoann , Pluchery Olivier
Published: January 2022

The functionalization of spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in solution with thiol molecules is essential for further developing their applications. AuNPs exhibit a clear localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at 520 nm in water for 20 nm size nanoparticles, which is extremely sensitive to the local surface chemistry. In this study, we revisit the use of UV-visible spectroscopy for monitoring the LSPR peak and investigate the progressive reaction of thiol molecules on 22 nm gold nanoparticles. FTIR spectroscopy and TEM are used for confirming the nature of ligands and the nanoparticle diameter. Two thiols are studied: 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUDA) and 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHDA). Surface saturation is detected after adding 20 nmol of thiols into 1.3 × 10−3 nmol of AuNPs, corresponding approximately to 15,000 molecules per AuNPs (which is equivalent to 10.0 molecules per nm2). Saturation corresponds to an LSPR shift of 2.7 nm and 3.9 nm for MUDA and MHDA, respectively. This LSPR shift is analyzed with an easy-to-use analytical model that accurately predicts the wavelength shift. The case of dodecanehtiol (DDT) where the LSPR shift is 15.6 nm is also quickly commented. An insight into the kinetics of the functionalization is obtained by monitoring the reaction for a low thiol concentration, and the reaction appears to be completed in less than one hour.