bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ASEAN's Limited Centrality in Connectivity: Managing Infrastructure Competition between China and Japan
Authors: Valockova Barbora
Published: February 2021

executive summary: This article examines the concept of ASEAN centrality in connectivity and assesses the role and effectiveness of ASEAN in managing infrastructure financing competition between China and Japan. main argumentScholars have recommended that ASEAN establish a multilateral coordination mechanism, such as an infrastructure forum, to manage the geopolitics of China's and Japan's often competing infrastructure initiatives. Thus far, ASEAN has not been able to set up such a mechanism due to its limited centrality in connectivity issues. Instead, the grouping sets the scope for connectivity, formulating broad policies such as the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025. ASEAN's confinement to this role and the lack of an institutional framework have been beneficial to member states, allowing them to prioritize and implement infrastructure projects based on their individual needs. They have developed their own bargaining styles and preferences in dealing with larger powers and connectivity-related issues. Any potential for ASEAN to strengthen its centrality in connectivity is therefore hampered less by external powers than by its own member states and stakeholders involved in infrastructure development. However, while ASEAN's centrality in connectivity is limited, it is not insignificant. The grouping still drives compatibility and convergence between the competing infrastructure initiatives and gradually unites the interests of recipients and donors. policy implications • An institutionalized infrastructure forum between ASEAN, China, and Japan is not an appropriate solution to manage infrastructure rivalry. Negotiations between China and Japan would be difficult to conduct multilaterally, and the differences between official consensus and actual practice may be substantial. • ASEAN should focus instead on boosting internal coherence and coordination, sharing best practices for the negotiation and implementation of measures to improve connectivity, and helping Chinese and Japanese companies adjust their business models to contribute to the social and economic development of ASEAN and its member states. • A suitable and consistent risk-sharing mechanism needs to be put in place to make infrastructure projects financially sustainable and thus facilitate deeper collaboration among ASEAN, its external partners, and internal stakeholders.
Deep learning for label-free nuclei detection from implicit phase information of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Zhang Zhengyun , Leong Kim Whye , Vliet Krystyn Van , Barbastathis George , Ravasio Andrea
Published: February 2021

Monitoring of adherent cells in culture is routinely performed in biological and clinical laboratories, and it is crucial for large-scale manufacturing of cells needed in cell-based clinical trials and therapies. However, the lack of reliable and easily implementable label-free techniques makes this task laborious and prone to human subjectivity. We present a deep-learning-based processing pipeline that locates and characterizes mesenchymal stem cell nuclei from a few bright-field images captured at various levels of defocus under collimated illumination. Our approach builds upon phase-from-defocus methods in the optics literature and is easily applicable without the need for special microscopy hardware, for example, phase contrast objectives, or explicit phase reconstruction methods that rely on potentially bias-inducing priors. Experiments show that this label-free method can produce accurate cell counts as well as nuclei shape statistics without the need for invasive staining or ultraviolet radiation. We also provide detailed information on how the deep-learning pipeline was designed, built and validated, making it straightforward to adapt our methodology to different types of cells. Finally, we discuss the limitations of our technique and potential future avenues for exploration.
Actively controlled asymmetric edge states for directional wireless power transfer
Authors: Yang Fengqing , Song Juan , Guo Zhiwei , Wu Xian , Zhu Kejia , Jiang Jun , Sun Yong , Jiang Haitao , Li Yunhui , Chen Hong
Published: February 2021

Wireless power transfer (WPT) has triggered immense research interest in a range of practical applications, including mobile phones, logistic robots, medical-implanted devices and electric vehicles. With the development of WPT devices, efficient long-range and robust WPT is highly desirable but also challenging. In addition, it is also very important to actively control the transmission direction of long-range WPT. Recently, the rise of topological photonics provides a powerful tool for near-field robust control of WPT. Considering the technical requirements of robustness, long-range and directionality, in this work we design and fabricate a one-dimensional quasiperiodic Harper chain and realize the robust directional WPT using asymmetric topological edge states. Specially, by further introducing a power source into the system, we selectively light up two Chinese characters, which are composed of LED lamps at both ends of the chain, to intuitively show the long-range directional WPT. Moreover, by adding variable capacitance diodes into the topological quasiperiodic chain, we present an experimental demonstration of the actively controlled directional WPT based on electrically controllable coil resonators. With the increase in voltage, we measure the transmission at two ends of the chain and observe the change of transmission direction. The realization of an actively tuned topological edge states in the topological quasiperiodic chain will open up a new avenue in the dynamical control of robust long-range WPT.
Modified distributed Bragg reflector for protecting organic light-emitting diode displays against ultraviolet light
Authors: Lin Kai-Chen , Lee Wei-Kai , Wang Bo-Kai , Lin Yu-Hsing , Chen Hsien-Hung , Song Yi-Hwa , Huang Yu-Hsin , Shih Li-Wei , Wu Chung-Chih
Published: February 2021

Sunlight/UV (ultraviolet)-induced degradation is still a critical issue for outdoor applications of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays. Therefore, effective UV-blocking structures that can prevent OLED displays from sunlight/UV degradation and still keep the OLED panels’ display performance is necessary. In this report, modified distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) structures having UV-absorbing dielectric materials and adjusted layer/pair thicknesses were developed to realize effective UV blocking properties (nearly 0% transmittance below 400 nm), constantly high transmittance like glass in the visible range (∼92%) required for display applications, and sharp transition in transmission between the UV and the visible ranges. Furthermore, under the rigorous IEC 60068-2-5 solar test condition, it was verified that the developed modified, UV-blocking DBR can effectively enhance the OLED panel’s resistance against UV/solar-induced degradation, effectively reducing voltage shifts of OLED devices after repeated solar test cycles.
Single-shot fringe projection profilometry based on deep learning and computer graphics
Authors: Wang Fanzhou , Wang Chenxing , Guan Qingze
Published: February 2021

Multiple works have applied deep learning to fringe projection profilometry (FPP) in recent years. However, to obtain a large amount of data from actual systems for training is still a tricky problem, and moreover, the network design and optimization is still worth exploring. In this paper, we introduce graphic software to build virtual FPP systems in order to generate the desired datasets conveniently and simply. The way of constructing a virtual FPP system is described in detail firstly, and then some key factors to set the virtual FPP system much closer to reality are analyzed. With the aim of accurately estimating the depth image from only one fringe image, we also design a new loss function to enhance the overall quality and detailed information is restored. And two representative networks, U-Net and pix2pix, are compared in multiple aspects. The real experiments prove the good accuracy and generalization of the network trained by the diverse data from our virtual systems and the designed loss, providing a good guidance for real applications of deep learning methods.
Simultaneous real-time spectroscopy using a broadband IR laser source
Authors: Yoon Yohan , Breshike Christopher J. , Kendziora Christopher A. , Furstenberg Robert , Andrew McGill R.
Published: February 2021

In this study, we have developed a simultaneous grating spectroscopy using a broadband IR laser source capable of detecting moving targets in real time. The broadband IR laser source operated in pulsed mode provides a broad spectral range, which covers absorption bands of many chemical analytes. The laser operating conditions were optimized to cover the broadest wavelength range spanning spectral features for the analytes of interest, based on a detailed understanding of the broadband source. This measured the signal from two samples, a 1% acetaminophen KBr pellet sample and toluene in a gas cell. These samples were characterized by illuminating them with the IR broadband source and collecting the transmitted or reflected signal through a grating spectrometer and onto an IR focal plane array (FPA). The results clearly show discrete peaks comparable to the FTIR reference spectra and the spectral features of the samples were successfully discriminated. We believe that the proof of concepts presented here are of broad applicability and will aid advanced real-time standoff detection research.
Immunohistochemical Detection of Neural Stem Cells and Glioblastoma Stem Cells in the Subventricular Zone of Glioblastoma Patients
Authors: Hira Vashendriya V.V. , Molenaar Remco J. , Breznik Barbara , Lah Tamara , Aronica Eleonora , Van Noorden Cornelis J.F.
Published: February 2021

Glioblastoma usually recurs after therapy consisting of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recurrence is at least partly caused by glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) that are maintained in intratumoral hypoxic peri-arteriolar microenvironments, or niches, in a slowly dividing state that renders GSCs resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Because the subventricular zone (SVZ) is a major niche for neural stem cells (NSCs) in the brain, we investigated whether GSCs are present in the SVZ at distance from the glioblastoma tumor. We characterized the SVZ of brains of seven glioblastoma patients using fluorescence immunohistochemistry and image analysis. NSCs were identified by CD133 and SOX2 but not CD9 expression, whereas GSCs were positive for all three biomarkers. NSCs were present in all seven samples and GSCs in six out of seven samples. The SVZ in all samples were hypoxic and expressed the same relevant chemokines and their receptors as GSC niches in glioblastoma tumors: stromal-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), C-X-C receptor type 4 (CXCR4), osteopontin, and CD44. In conclusion, in glioblastoma patients, GSCs are present at distance from the glioblastoma tumor in the SVZ. These findings suggest that GSCs in the SVZ niche are protected against radiotherapy and chemotherapy and protected against surgical resection due to their distant localization and thus may contribute to tumor recurrence after therapy.
Qualitative study of roles of religious leaders in promoting adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights in Iganga municipality Uganda
Authors: Baturaine Barbara Nayebare , Kizito Omona
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Young people in adolescent stage are very vulnerable. Sexual and reproductive health choices they make as they transition from childhood to adulthood determine a lot about their well-being.Objective: To assess the role of religious leaders in promoting adolescent sexual and reproductive health rights in Iganga Municipality.Methodology: Qualitative phenomenological design was used. Sample of 30 participants (25religious leaders and 5adolescents) were interviewed. Data was collected using in-depth interviews, transcribed, coded and analyzed using thematic content analysis.Results: Information shared by religious leaders to adolescents helped them to live responsible lives. Results also indicated that; religious leaders perceived promotion of ASRHR to imply elevation of sexual immorality. Religious leaders had both protective and preventive influences on promotion of ASRHR.Conclusion: Religious leaders greatly contribute to promotion of ASRHR by enhancing information sharing. Dialogues, therefore, enhances their awareness about ASRHR and gives them confidence to address the matter with adolescents.Â Â Â
Identification of a novel RAG1 hypomorphic mutation in a child presenting with disseminated vaccine-strain varicella
Authors: Xu Mei , Reid Brenda , Merico Daniele , Roifman Chaim M.
Published: February 2021

Background: Recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1) and recombination-activating gene 2 (RAG2) encode unique lymphocyte endonuclease proteins that are crucial in T and B cell development through V(D)J recombination. RAG1 gene defects lead to variable phenotypes, ranging from immunocompetent to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). Curative therapy for severe manifestations can be achieved through hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Advances in genomic sequencing have led to the discovery of new variants and it is recognized that the level of recombinase activity correlates with disease severity.

Aim: To report the clinical presentation, immunological work-up, decision process to undergo HSCT, and confirmatory genetic diagnosis in a patient who was well until her initial presentation with disseminated vaccine-strain varicella.

Methods: Clinical data was gathered through retrospective chart review. Immunological investigations, targeted gene sequencing, and thymic biopsy results were reviewed. Further genetic analysis, including whole exome and whole genome sequencing was performed.

Results: Whole exome sequencing identified a single missense mutation in RAG1, R474C (c.1420C>T), which would not account for the clinical presentation. Healthy individuals with only 1 mutation have been reported. Subsequently, whole genome sequencing revealed a novel second heterozygous missense variant, H945D (c.2833G>T) in the RAG1 gene.

Conclusion: Hypomorphic RAG1 mutations with residual activity have a diverse phenotypic expression. Identifying and understanding the implications of these mutations is crucial for disease prognostication and tailoring management.

Statement of novelty: We present a novel RAG1 missense variant, with likely complete or partial loss of function, in a patient with significant impairment in cellular immunity.
Metabolic profiling of fatty acids in Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside- and triptolide-induced liver-injured rats
Authors: Liu Xiaojie , Hu Cong , Li Hongwei , Wu Linjing , Xiong Yinhua , Tang Xilan , Deng Siyu
Published: February 2021

Tripterygium wilfordii multiglucoside (TWM) is a fat-soluble extract from a Chinese herb T. wilfordii, that’s used in treating rheumatoid arthritis, nephrotic syndrome and other skin diseases. Triptolide (TP) is a major active component in TWM. However, clinical applications of TWM are limited by its various toxicities especially hepatotoxicity. In recent studies, it has been reported that drug-induced liver injury (DILI) could induce the disorder of lipid metabolism in animals. Hence, this study focuses on the metabolic profile of fatty acids in TWM- and TP-induced liver-injured rats. In serum and liver tissue, 16 free and 16 esterified fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Metabolic profile of serum fatty acids in rats with liver injury was identified by multivariate statistical analysis. The fatty acid levels in the serum of TWM- and TP-treated rats significantly decreased, whereas those in the liver tissue of TWM- and TP-treated rats obviously increased when compared with the vehicle-treated rats. Four free fatty acids were identified as candidate biomarkers of TWM- and TP-induced liver injury. Therefore, the targeted metabolomic method may be used as a complementary approach for DILI diagnosis in clinic.
Modeling the removal of methylene blue dye using a graphene oxide/TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite under sunlight irradiation by intelligent system
Authors: Ahmad Hanan Haj , Alahmad Waed
Published: February 2021

In this study, a model to improve the degradability of methylene blue (MB) dye using graphene oxide/TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite under sunlight irradiation is investigated. The effect of operative parameters comprising catalyst concentration, initial dye concentration, and pH on the photocatalytic batch during removal of MB is studied. Fractional factorial design (FFD) and response surface methodology (RSM) are used to design the experiment layout. Graphene oxide (GO)/TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticles are synthesized through sonication and sol–gel methodologies. In the experiments, three levels of catalyst varied in the percentage of TiO2 pointed as (I) TiO2:GO (100%), (II) TiO2:GO:SiO2 (50%), and (III) TiO2:GO:SiO2 (25%) are used. The irradiation interval was 7 h at solar radiation energy 6.35–5.00 kW h/m2/day. In the experiments, three levels of catalyst varied in the percentage of TiO2 pointed as (I) TiO2:GO (100%), (II) TiO2:GO:SiO2 (50%), and (III) TiO2:GO:SiO2 (25%) are used. The synthesized catalysts are characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. ANOVA under 23 FFD is conducted to evaluate the effect of independent factors depending on the value of F as pH of solution, weight of catalyst, and concentration of MB. The adsorption kinetics, experimental design with FFD, and RSM are investigated in this study. The Surface Adsorption kinetics were statistically analyzed, the model that best described the results of each experiment was determined out of the two evaluated kinetics (pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order), for the three photocatalyst composites I, II, and III with the parameters; weight of the catalyst, pH, and initial MB concentration, also percentage degradation is evaluated. RSM results are consistent with the kinetic model; first, the pH is considered as the most significant parameter affecting the removal of the organic pollutant, and second, catalyst II gives the highest percentage removal efficiency of MB. FFD results are consistent with both models where the effect of the independent factor depending on the value of F was pH of solution > weight of catalyst > initial concentration of MB. The percentage removal was in the range from 30 to 99%.
Third-Party Releases in Insolvency of Multinational Enterprise Groups
Authors: Kokorin Ilya
Published: February 2021

Europe is experiencing the rise of restructuring proceedings, which has recently culminated in the adoption of the Restructuring Directive. While being a major achievement in harmonising substantive (pre)insolvency law in the EU, it lacks rules targeting restructuring of multinational enterprise groups. As a result, effectiveness of group reorganisations may be undermined. Nevertheless, some jurisdictions adopt innovative tools, facilitating group solutions. Among them – third-party releases. Such releases entail a total or partial discharge or amendment of claims against third parties, such as co-obligors, guarantors and collateral providers (typically, group members) in the insolvency or restructuring proceeding of the principal debtor.The diversity of approaches to third-party releases highlights their controversial nature. Such releases may frustrate legitimate expectations of creditors relying on cross-guarantees and other forms of cross-liability arrangements. Extending the effects of debt reorganisation to third parties in the absence of a separate insolvency proceeding may also run contrary to the longstanding views on corporate insolvency and entity shielding. This article argues that a single-entity-restructuring risks being short-sighted and that third-party releases are a matter of commercial necessity, synchronising legal responses with actual business models and better addressing the complexity of group interdependencies, realised through various intra-group liability arrangements.
Some Reflections on the Self-insider and the Market Abuse Regulation – The Self-insider as a Monopoly-Square Insider
Authors: Lombardo Stefano
Published: February 2021

This article deals with the self-insider, i. e. the possible creation of the inside information by a person and its (abusive) exploitation. It describes the situation in Germany and in Italy and provides a taxonomy of the several cases of self-insider. The article then analyzes the case law of the ECJ and the MAR regulatory provisions for justifying/neglecting the existence of the self-insider (Article 9.5 and 9.6 MAR). Given the unclear regulatory answer regarding its sanctionability, the article proposes, based on the economics of MAR, a law and economics reason of why the self-insider sometime should be sanctioned, by describing it as a peculiar monopolistic behavior able to distort investors’ confidence and market integrity. Finally, the article suggests that the European legislator should explicitly deal with the problem.
Analysis of Enterprise Social Media Intelligence Acquisition Based on Data Crawler Technology
Authors: Yu Lehe , Gui Zhengxiu
Published: February 2021

There are generally hundreds of millions of nodes in social media, and they are connected to a huge social network through attention and fan relationships. The news is spread through this huge social network. This paper studies the acquisition technology of social media topic data and enterprise data. The topic positioning technology based on Sina meta search and topic related keywords is introduced, and the crawling efficiency of topic crawlers is analyzed. Aiming at the factors of diverse and variable webpage structure on the Internet, this paper proposes a new Web information extraction algorithm by studying the general laws existing in the webpage structure, combining DOM (Document Object Model) tree and DBSCAN (Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise) algorithm. Several links in the algorithm are introduced in detail, including Web page processing, DOM tree construction, segmented text content acquisition, and web content extraction based on the DBSCAN algorithm. The simulation results show that the intelligence culture, intelligence system, technology platform and intelligence organization ecological collaboration strategy under the extraction of DOM tree and DBSCAN information can improve the level of intelligence participation of all employees. There is a significant positive correlation between the level of participation and the level of the intelligence environment of all employees. According to the research results, the DOM tree and DBSCAN information proposed in this paper can extract the enterprise’s employee intelligence and the effective implementation of relevant collaborative strategies, which can provide guidance for the effective implementation of the employee intelligence.
The significance of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis on the microstructure of improved clay: An overview
Authors: Ural Nazile
Published: February 2021

This study aims to emphasize the importance of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in explaining the differences in the physical and mechanical behaviors of the improved clays before and after improvement. Generally, clays appear as problematic soils in the construction area. The reasons for this can be low strength, high compressibility, high level of volumetric changes, and swelling potential. The behavior of clays may not always be interpreted according to their physical and mechanical properties. In such cases, analyses are carried out according to the microstructure of the clay. Among several microstructural analyzes, SEM is very important, because the soil microstructure formed by clay particles and additives can be observed. This work discusses the studies based on the microstructural properties of the improved clay with SEM analysis. As a result of the studies carried out, it has been seen that unexplained physical or mechanical behavior can be explained by the microstructural behaviors of clay particles and additives.
Synthesis and characterization of Co–B–Fe–Ti nanosized alloyed powders
Authors: Eskalen Hasan , Aslan Mikail , Yaykaşlı Hakan , Gögebakan Musa
Published: February 2021

In this study, novel Co60Fe18Ti18B4alloy powders have been synthesized with high compositional homogeneity using a high-energy ball milling technique. The structural, morphological and mechanical properties of the nanosized alloyed powders were examined using different analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis for both Co powder and Co60Fe18Ti18B4alloy powders, with increasing milling time, the content of Co-based (hcp) solid solution decreased and Co-based (fcc) solid solution increased. The mechanical properties of the material were also investigated by Vickers micro-hardness testing. The micro-hardness value of the Co60Fe18Ti18B4alloy was found as 120.08 HV. After sintering (1 h– 1000 °C), the hardness improved remarkably (536.32 HV). Furthermore, results indicate that the synthesized Co-based alloy powder has both glassy and nanocrystalline phase forms.
The effect of SiC nanoparticles and sintering temperature on the structural and wear properties of Cu–MWCNTs–SiC hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Abdoos Hassan , Mohammadian Semnani Hamidreza
Published: February 2021

SiC nanoparticles play an important role in Cu–MWCNTs nanocomposites. So far, the effect of SiC volume fraction has not been considered on the properties of Cu–MWCNTs–SiC hybrid nanocomposites. Copper-based hybrid nanocomposites with 2 vol.% carbon nanotubes and 1–3 vol.% SiC nanoparticles were prepared via powder metallurgy. The composite powders were compacted and then sintered at 850, 900 and 950 °C for 1 h. Increasing the volume fraction of SiC nanoparticles restricts the grain growth, decreases the friction coefficient, and increases the hardness and wear resistance of prepared nanocomposites. The coefficient of friction and wear rate of Cu–MWCNTs–SiC hybrid nanocomposites decreased with increasing SiC content. Nanocomposites sintered at 900 °C exhibited higher hardness and wear resistance compared to other samples. The highest hardness and wear resistance were related to the Cu-2 vol.% MWCNTs-3 vol.%SiC hybrid nanocomposite sintered at 900 °C, which shows approximately 24 and 78% improvement over the pure copper specimen, respectively. Wear resistance and hardness were reduced for samples sintered at 950 °C.
Effect of TiB2 addition on the microstructural, electrical, and mechanical behavior of Cu–TiB2 composites processed via spark plasma sintering
Authors: Ayyappadas C , Teja Ravi , Annamalai A. Raja , Agrawal Dinesh K , Dilkush Shaik , Muthuchamy A.
Published: February 2021

In this investigation, copper–TiB2 metal matrix composites were fabricated by spark plasma sintering. The effect of TiB2 (2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt.%) additions on the microstructural, electrical, and mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. There was a remarkable reduction in processing time and temperature by this process as compared to conventional sintering. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy elemental maps revealed a homogeneous distribution of TiB2 in the copper matrix. The hardness of the composites exhibited no consistent trend with the addition of TiB2. An improvement in tensile strength was observed at the expense of ductility. Electrical conductivity showed a decreasing trend. Morphology of the fracture surfaces was analyzed to predict the nature of failure under tensile load.
Structural, linear and non-linear optical properties of Cr-doped ZnO thin film for optoelectronics applications
Authors: Mekhnache Mounira , Benzarouk Hayet , Drici Abdelaziz
Published: February 2021

In this work, optical properties of undoped zinc oxide (ZnO) and chromium (Cr) doped ZnO prepared at different concentrations of Cr (2, 3, and 5 wt.%) on glass substrates by a spray pyrolysis method are reported. The structural properties investigated by X-ray diffraction revealed the hexagonal wurtzite structure, noting that the crystallite size of the films decreases with increasing Cr content. The optical characterization of the samples was carried out using spectral transmittance. The refractive index, energy gap, and extinction coefficient of pure and Cr-doped ZnO thin films have been calculated. The single oscillator model of Wemple–DiDomenico was used to study the dispersion of the refractive index. The oscillator parameters, the single oscillator energy, the dispersion energy, and the static refractive index were determined. The linear optical susceptibility and non-linear optical susceptibility were also studied and discussed. These promising results achieved by Cr-doping of ZnO exhibited an important behavior for technological applications in electronic, optoelectronic devices and non-linear optical applications.
Microstructure and mechanical characteristics of Cu-12.5Ni-5Sn-xFe sintered alloys
Authors: Wang Xiaochao , Li Zhen , Du Sanming , Wang Jingbo , Zhang Yongzhen
Published: February 2021

The Cu-12.5Ni-5Sn-xFe alloys were prepared using powder metallurgy. The effect of the amount of Fe addition on the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of Cu-12.5Ni-5Sn-xFe alloys was investigated. The microstructure and morphology of alloys were examined by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and cold field emission scanning electron microscope. Results indicate that the hardness and yield strength of the Cu-12.5Ni-5Sn alloy are improved by addition of trace amounts of Fe. The lamellar precipitates of Cu-12.5Ni-5Sn-xFe alloys are more and finer compared to those of Cu-12.5Ni-5Sn alloy. Fe can facilitate the aging process and strengthen the effect of aging-hardening.
Electrochemical study of nickel nucleation mechanisms on glassy carbon at different pH values in an industrial electrolyte
Authors: Xu Yangtao , Zhu Zhenxu , Liu Lubin , Liu Zhijian
Published: February 2021

The electrochemical behavior of nickel at different pH values in industrial electrolyte was investigated by means of cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the cathodic reaction of nickel ions on glassy carbon electrode surface in industrial electrolyte is a quasi-reversible nucleation and growth process controlled by diffusion. The process is carried out in a three-dimensional instantaneous nucleation and growth mode, and pH values only influence the growth process. The grain size decreased, the deposition rate increased and the density of deposition layer on electrode surface increased with the increase in pH. When the electrolyte pH is 4.8, the grains are uniformly distributed on the electrode surface in a spherical shape with the size of 80 nm, which is the optimum pH value for preparing fine-grained nano-nickel.
Glass formation, magnetic properties, and electrical resistivity of the multi-component FeNbBCuNiCo amorphous alloys
Authors: Zhu Man , Zhang Chi , Xu Tao , Yao Lijuan , Liu Yongqin , Cai Mengmeng , Jian Zengyun
Published: February 2021

The effects of additions of Co and Ni to the FeNbBCu alloys on the glass forming ability (GFA), soft magnetic properties and electrical resistivity of Fe-based amorphous alloys were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, vibrating sample magnetometry and four-probe testing. The Fe80–x–y
Nb5B14Cu1Co
x
Ni
y
alloys exhibit high thermal stability and excellent GFA with T
x1 ≥ 735 K and T
x1/T
m ≥ 0.539. They also show excellent soft magnetic properties with high saturation magnetization of 93– 101 emu g–1 and low coercivity of 0.04 –2.37 Oe. The electrical resistivity of these alloys ranges from 121 μΩ cm to 163 μΩ cm. The newly developed FeNbBCu-CoNi glassy alloys not only possess good GFA and high thermal stability, but also have excellent magnetic properties, high electrical resistivity and low cost. With such promising properties, these alloys have potential for industrial applications.
Use of osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain patients with and without pain medication history
Authors: Montrose Stephanie , Vogel Mark , Barber Kimberly R.
Published: February 2021

Context

Low back pain is one of the most frequent diagnoses in primary care, and prescription pain medication is commonly used for management. Osteopathic physicians may use osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) as an additional tool to help alleviate pain.

Objective

To determine if nonpharmacological options can improve back pain with the use of OMT.

Methods

Two groups were studied: patients receiving OMT but not using prescribed pain medications (OMT-only group) and patients who received prescribed pain medication and began receiving OMT after three months of pharmacologic therapy (OMT + medication group). All patients were enrolled in the study for one year. The amount of time between treatments was determined by the physician performing the OMT and the patient’s pain improvement. The Keele STarT survey and Oswestry Disability Index tool were used at each appointment to assess the patient’s functionality and pain.

Results

Thirty-six patients enrolled in the study: 26 in the OMT-only group and 10 in the OMT + medication group. Each group reported improvement in low back pain (LBP) according to both scales used. The OMT-only group reported improvement according to the Keele STarT survey (30% relative decrease in the mean score) and the Oswestry Disability Index tool (18% relative decrease in disability index), while patients in the OMT + medication group also reported improvement according to the Keele STarT survey (29.5% relative decrease in the mean score) and the Oswestry Disability Index tool (18% relative decrease in disability index). A decrease in Cyclobenzaprine usage was also observed in the OMT + medication group.

Conclusion

Both groups showed significant decreases in overall pain, and this similar effect in each group may indicate a lack of need for medications when OMT is used. Additional research on efficacy of OMT in this patient population is needed with larger, multicenter, randomized trials.
Impact of an osteopathic presence in a large categorical pediatric residency training program
Authors: Barnhardt Elizabeth W. , Comer Frances , Zmuda Elizabeth , Rakowsky Alexander
Published: February 2021

Context

Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) has a large pediatric residency program with 43 residents in the categorical pediatric program and 10 residents in the Internal Medicine-Pediatrics (IM-Peds) program per class. Of the 43 categorical pediatric residents, four are in the osteopathic recognition track (ORT) and continue their osteopathic education throughout residency. There is currently a lack of data examining the effect of an ORT, and specifically a pediatric ORT, on a residency program.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of an ORT osteopathic recognition track on an overall residency program’s perceptions of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and to evaluate allopathic (MD) resident perception of osteopathic educational sessions.

Methods

An anonymous survey was conducted in June 2017 and distributed to 141 residents (both categorical and IM-Peds) to gather baseline information regarding perceptions and knowledge of OMT. Based on the initial results, a four-part case-based educational series was implemented during the 2018–2019 academic year to teach osteopathic principles to MD residents. A second survey was distributed following each session.

Results

For the initial survey, 59 (41.8%) residents responded. Survey results demonstrated that resident perceptions of OMT as an efficacious treatment option increased after starting their residency at NCH (p=0.04), and 25 of 43 (58.1%) MD residents stated an interest in learning OMT skills. A total of 140 attendees were present at the four educational sessions. One hundred and thirty-eight residents (98.5%) found the educational sessions beneficial and 132 (94.2%) stated they would refer a patient for OMT.

Conclusion

ORT residents make a significant impact on their colleagues’ perceptions and knowledge of OMT. This study suggests that further efforts to highlight the clinical applications of OMT in pediatric patients would be welcomed by residents.
Straight back syndrome as a clue to diagnosing asymptomatic congenital valvular heart disease and limiting the risk of weightlifting
Authors: Schiavone William A.
Published: February 2021

Although both are initially asymptomatic, mitral valve prolapse/myxomatous mitral valve disease (MVP/MMVD) and bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), with its associated aortic disease, are currently the two most common congenital valvular heart diseases. Severe mitral regurgitation due to rupture of chordae tendineae (CTR) prompts surgery for MVP/MMVD. Surgery for BAV is performed for severe aortic stenosis and/or regurgitation, often with management of root and/or ascending aortic enlargement. There may be an association between straight back syndrome (SBS) and MVP/MMVD, which may be a key to earlier diagnosis. Other associations link weightlifting with ascending aortic enlargement and with CTR, where the common theme is blood pressure elevation. As the number of people with fitness center memberships continues to increase, this potentially exposes more undiagnosed individuals with MVP/MMVD or BAV to risk from weightlifting. Challenges include making the public aware of this risk and preparing the osteopathic physician to recognize patients at risk through a structured history-taking and targeted cardiovascular examination.
Osteopathic manipulative treatment and the Spanish flu: a historical literature review
Authors: Baroni Francesca , Mancini Damiana , Tuscano Silvia Clara , Scarlata Simone , Lunghi Christian , Cerritelli Francesco , Haxton Jason
Published: February 2021

Context

The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 was approached with a variety of management techniques available at that time, including osteopathic care in addition to standard medical care.

Objective

To analyze the osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) techniques used for the management of patients affected by the Spanish flu according to four themes: the principles and procedures used, frequency and length of OMT, reported side effects, and advice for patients.

Methods

A structured review of the literature was performed by hand-searching texts at the Museum of Osteopathic Medicine International Center for Osteopathic History in Kirksville, Missouri, and online via PubMed (National Library of Medicine), ScienceDirect (Elsevier), and Google Scholar (Google, Inc). The literature search was carried out between February and March 2020. Three keywords were selected from the medical subject headings database of the National Library of Medicine: manipulation, osteopathic; influenza pandemic, 1918–1919; epidemics. Articles were then reviewed for relevance by screening for articles published between 1900 and 1940 that contained at least 1 of the following keywords in their title: Spanish influenza, flu, epidemic, grippe, pneumonia, or osteopathic management/treatment. All articles that provided information about OMT and advice met the inclusion criteria. Articles that did not report descriptions of manipulative intervention were excluded.

Results

Our search yielded 63 articles: 23 from the hand-search and 40 from the electronic search. No electronic source was selected for the review because none met inclusion criteria. A total of 16 articles from the hand-searched set met inclusion criteria and were analyzed according to the four main themes stated in the objective. The range of OMT approaches reported to be administered to patients with Spanish flu suggests that early osteopathic physicians treated patients with this disease using OMT in addition to offering advice on healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Conclusion

Conclusions from this study are limited by the historical and descriptive nature of the data gathered, which lacked the rigor of modern-day scientific studies. However, this review could lead to future research inquiries on the effectiveness of these approaches. Osteopathic physicians and osteopaths should embrace their historical osteopathic heritage by continuing the work of our predecessors and combining their hands-on experience and osteopathic principles with modern medical treatment and rigorous scientific standards.
Clinical characteristics and lifestyle behaviors among individuals with arthritis: an analysis of 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data
Authors: Greiner Benjamin , Checketts Jake , Fishbeck Keith , Hartwell Micah
Published: February 2021

Context

The combination of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis affects nearly one-fourth of Americans. Many of the risk factors for arthritis are lifestyle related, such as obesity, physical activity, dietary behaviors, and alcohol and tobacco use.

Objective

To analyze lifestyle behaviors of patients with vs. those without arthritis.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis of 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data was conducted on patients with and without a history of arthritis. Physical activity, smoking status, alcohol use, and dietary behaviors were extracted. Logistic regression models were constructed to calculate adjusted risk ratios (ARRs). All confidence intervals (CIs) were reported at 95%.

Results

The median response rate for the 2017 BRFSS survey was 45.1% (sample n=292,808; population N=118,751,156). The overall prevalence of arthritis was 44% (n=128,850). Respondents with arthritis were significantly more likely to be physically inactive than nonarthritic respondents, with a significant gender interaction (male absolute risk reduction [ARR], 1.2 [CI, 1.15–1.25]; female ARR, 1.29 [CI, 1.24–1.33]). Those with arthritis were also more likely to be current smokers (ARR 1.1; CI, 1.05–1.15) and less likely to have attempted to quit smoking in the last 12 months (ARR, 0.91; CI, 0.87–0.96). Finally, men with arthritis were more likely to drink alcohol heavily (ARR, 1.14; CI, 1.02–1.27]).

Conclusion

Patients with arthritis were more likely to be women, White, current smokers, and physically inactive, and to have poor mental health, lower education levels, and difficulty paying for healthcare and medications than those without arthritis. Further efforts should be made to address these findings through resource allocation in the care of patients with arthritis. Practitioners should also seek increased understanding of the psychological, social, and economic impacts of physical activity and smoking in patients with arthritis.
Robotic microsurgical spermatic cord denervation for chronic orchialgia: a case series
Authors: Goedde Michael A. , Nguyen Kristy D. , Choi Kellen B.
Published: February 2021

Context

Chronic orchialgia is a frustrating urologic condition that is commonly refractory to conservative modes of therapy. Microscopic spermatic cord denervation is a proven solution for patients who do not achieve relief from nonsurgical treatments. However, current widely used techniques require additional training in microsurgery.

Objective

To describe an adaptation and improvement of spermatic cord microdenervation technique that leveraged the robotic surgical training common for new urologists and is also accessible for urologists not specifically trained in microsurgery.

Methods

Robotic-assisted microdenervation of the spermatic cord was performed in three patients using a fluorescence vascular imaging tool to improve visualization of vascular structures (Firefly™; Innovative Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), along with a tissue matrix allograft to allow for better healing (AminoFix™; MiMedx®, Marietta, GA, USA).

Results

All three patients (100%) experienced postoperative resolution of their chronic orchialgia, and none reported any new pain.

Conclusion

Utilization of robotic-assisted surgery offers more urologists the ability to use familiar techniques to treat chronic orchialgia when conservative measures are unsuccessful.
The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a rural southwest community
Authors: Santarelli Anthony , Lalitsasivimol Diana , Bartholomew Nate , Reid Sasha , Reid Joseph , Lyon Chris , Wells James , Ashurst John
Published: February 2021

Context

The true prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has been difficult to determine due to limited testing, inconsistent symptom severity, and asymptomatic infections. Systematic investigation of the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 has been limited to urban environments and large academic centers. Limited data on the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 is available for those who live in a rural community setting, leaving rural practitioners to extrapolate the epidemiology of COVID-19 to a nonhomogeneous population.

Objective

To determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in a community setting. The secondary objective of this study was to describe the difference in infection rate and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing in the same rural community.

Methods

A prospective convenience sample of community members and healthcare workers from the Kingman, Arizona area were tested for SARS-CoV-2–specific antibodies using a lateral flow immunoassay with the VITROS Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG test (Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc.) from September 28, 2020 to October 09, 2020. Upon recruitment, participants were asked to complete a demographic survey assessing socioeconomic status, comorbidities, and COVID-19 symptoms in the preceding two months. Following enrollment, a retrospective chart review was completed to determine the percentage of patients who had undergone previous SARS-CoV-RT-PCR testing.

Results

A total of 566 participants were included in the final analysis: 380 (67.1%) were women, 186 (32.9%) were men, a majority (458; 80.9%) self-identified as White, and 303 (53.5%) were employed as healthcare professionals. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was found to be 8.0% (45 of 566) across the sample and 9.9% (30 of 303) in healthcare workers. No statistical difference in seroprevalence was found between men and women, healthcare workers and other participants, amongst racial groups, by socioeconomic status, by comorbid conditions, or by education level. Among the participants, 108 (19.1%) underwent previous RT-PCR testing. Of the 45 patients who were antibody positive, 27 (60%) had received a previous RT-PCR test, with 20 (44.4%) testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. Participants with symptoms of anosmia/ageusia (p<0.001), chest congestion (p=0.047), fever (p=0.007), and shortness of breath (p=0.002) within the past two months were more likely to have antibodies to SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion

Only 8% of 566 participants in this rural community setting were found to have antibodies for SARS-CoV-2. A large minority (18; 40%) of patients testing seropositive for SARs-CoV-2 had never received a prior test, suggesting that the actual rates of infection are higher than publicly available data suggest. Further large-scale antibody testing is needed to determine the true prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the rural setting.