bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Watch and Learn: Vicarious Threat Learning across Human Development
Authors: Skversky-Blocq Yael , Haaker Jan , Shechner Tomer
Published: October 2021

Vicarious threat learning is an important pathway in learning about safety and danger in the environment and is therefore critical for survival. It involves learning by observing another person’s (the demonstrator) fearful responses to threat and begins as early as infancy. The review discusses the literature on vicarious threat learning and infers how this learning pathway may evolve over human development. We begin by discussing the methods currently being used to study observational threat learning in the laboratory. Next, we focus on the social factors influencing vicarious threat learning; this is followed by a review of vicarious threat learning among children and adolescents. Finally, we examine the neural mechanisms underpinning vicarious threat learning across human development. To conclude, we encourage future research directions that will help elucidate how vicarious threat learning emerges and how it relates to the development of normative fear and pathological anxiety.
Anticoagulation with Factor Xa Inhibitors Is Associated with Improved Overall Response and Progression-Free Survival in Patients with Metastatic Malignant Melanoma Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors—A Retrospective, Real-World Cohort Study
Authors: Haist Maximilian , Stege Henner , Pemler Saskia , Heinz Jaqueline , Fleischer Maria Isabel , Graf Claudine , Ruf Wolfram , Loquai Carmen , Grabbe Stephan
Published: October 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) significantly improved the prognosis of advanced melanoma patients. However, many patients do not derive long-term benefit from ICI therapy due to primary and acquired resistance. In this regard, it has been shown that coagulation factors contribute to cancer immune evasion and might therefore promote resistance to ICI. In particular, recent observations in murine systems demonstrated that myeloid-derived factor Xa (FXa) impedes anti-tumor immunity in the tumor microenvironment and that the oral FXa inhibitor (FXa-i) rivaroxaban synergizes with ICI. The synergistic effect of FXa inhibitors with clinical ICI therapy is unknown. We performed a retrospective study of 280 metastatic melanoma patients who were treated with ICI and stratified them for concomitant anticoagulation (AC) by medical chart review. Data on baseline patient characteristics, specific AC treatment, ICI therapy, other tumor-targeting therapies, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Of 280 patients who received ICI, 76 received concomitant AC during initial ICI therapy. Patients on AC were treated either with heparins (n = 29), vitamin K antagonists (VKA) (n = 20), or FXa-i (n = 27). Patients requiring AC during ICI therapy showed no significantly reduced objective response rate (ORR) (p = 0.27), or progression-free (PFS; median PFS 4 vs. 4 months; p = 0.71) or overall survival (OS; median OS: 39 vs. 51 months; p = 0.31). Furthermore, patients who underwent AC did not show significantly more bleeding complications (p = 0.605) than those who were not anticoagulated. Remarkably, stratification of patients by the class of AC revealed that patients receiving FXa-i were more likely to obtain CR (26.9 vs. 12.6%, p = 0.037), and showed better ORR (69.2 vs. 36.4%, p = 0.005), PFS (median PFS: 12 months vs. 3 months; p = 0.006), and OS (median OS not reached vs. 42 months; p = 0.09) compared to patients not receiving FXa-i. Patient demographics and tumor characteristics in this patient subcohort did not significantly differ from patients not on FXa-i. In summary, our study provides first clinical evidence that the clinical application of FXa-i may enhance the efficacy of ICI therapy via the restoration of anti-tumor immunity, while patients who received FXa-i were not more likely to encounter bleeding complications.
Detection of Human Cholangiocarcinoma Markers in Serum Using Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Chatchawal Patutong , Wongwattanakul Molin , Tippayawat Patcharaporn , Kochan Kamilla , Jearanaikoon Nichada , Wood Bayden R. , Jearanaikoon Patcharee
Published: October 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy of the bile duct epithelium. Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a known high-risk factor for CCA and in found, predominantly, in Northeast Thailand. The silent disease development and ineffective diagnosis have led to late-stage detection and reduction in the survival rate. Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) is currently being explored as a diagnostic tool in medicine. In this study, we apply ATR-FTIR to discriminate CCA sera from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), biliary disease (BD) and healthy donors using a multivariate analysis. Spectral markers differing from healthy ones are observed in the collagen band at 1284, 1339 and 1035 cm−1, the phosphate band (vsPO2−) at 1073 cm−1, the polysaccharides band at 1152 cm−1 and 1747 cm−1 of lipid ester carbonyl. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) shows discrimination between CCA and healthy sera using the 1400–1000 cm−1 region and the combined 1800—1700 + 1400–1000 cm−1 region. Partial Least Square-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) scores plots in four of five regions investigated, namely, the 1400–1000 cm−1, 1800–1000 cm−1, 3000–2800 + 1800–1000 cm−1 and 1800–1700 + 1400–1000 cm−1 regions, show discrimination between sera from CCA and healthy volunteers. It was not possible to separate CCA from HCC and BD by PCA and PLS-DA. CCA spectral modelling is established using the PLS-DA, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF) and Neural Network (NN). The best model is the NN, which achieved a sensitivity of 80–100% and a specificity between 83 and 100% for CCA, depending on the spectral window used to model the spectra. This study demonstrates the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and spectral modelling as an additional tool to discriminate CCA from other conditions.
The Association of Metastasis Pattern and Management of Metastatic Disease with Oncological Outcomes in Patients with Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Acem Ibtissam , Martin Enrico , van Houdt Winan , van de Sande Michiel , Grünhagen Dirk , Verhoef Cornelis ,   MONACO Collaborators
Published: October 2021

Purpose: This multicenter cohort study aimed to identify clinicopathologic and treatment-related factors associated with the development of distant metastasis (DM) and with overall survival (OS) after DM diagnosis in patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). Methods: All patients diagnosed with primary MPNST from 1988 to 2019 who were surgically treated for the primary tumor were included. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with DM and OS after DM diagnosis. Results: A total of 383 patients were included in this analysis, of which 150 developed metastatic disease. No differences in clinicopathologic characteristics and clinical outcome were found between patients with synchronous and metachronous DM. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), high grade, tumor size, triton and R2 resections were independent risk factors for the development of DM. NF1 and more than two metastasis sites were independently associated with worse OS after DM diagnosis. Metastasectomy, chemotherapy and the metastatic site category ‘other’ were associated with prolonged survival after DM diagnosis. Conclusions: This analysis provides important insights into clinicopathologic and treatment factors associated with outcomes in metastatic MPNST. Moreover, NF1-status is associated with a higher risk of DM; it is also independently associated with worse survival in metastatic MPNST.
Amputation for Extremity Sarcoma: Indications and Outcomes
Authors: Kirilova Maya , Klein Alexander , Lindner Lars H. , Nachbichler Silke , Knösel Thomas , Birkenmaier Christof , Baur-Melnyk Andrea , Dürr Hans Roland
Published: October 2021

Background: Sarcomas are rare, malignant tumors of soft tissues or bone. Limb salvage surgery (LSS) is the standard treatment, but amputation is still an option, especially in local recurrence or complications after LSS. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed indications and oncological outcomes in patients who underwent an amputation. Two groups with either primary amputations (n = 120) or with secondary amputations after failed LSS with local recurrence or complications (n = 29) were compared with the main end points of LRFS and OS. Results: Five-year LRFS was 84% with 17 (16%) patients developing local recurrence, of which 16 (13%) occurred in group I. Forty-two (28%) patients developed metastatic disease and overall survival at five years was 44%. Overall survival (OS) was the same in both groups. In those group II patients who had a secondary amputation due to LR or insufficient margins after LSS (n = 12) the five-year OS was 33% compared to 48% in patients with amputation due to complications (n = 17) (n.s.). Conclusions: This study indicates the worse oncological outcomes with respect to OS of sarcoma patients requiring an amputation as compared to LSS. Patients with primary amputation or those who had a secondary amputation after failed LSS for whatever reason showed the same oncological results.
EGFR Exon 20 Insertion in Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Survival and Clinical Efficacy of EGFR Tyrosine-Kinase Inhibitor and Chemotherapy
Authors: Chelabi Samy , Mignard Xavier , Leroy Karen , Monnet Isabelle , Brosseau Solenn , Theou-Anton Nathalie , Massiani Marie-Ange , Friard Sylvie , Duchemann Boris , Fabre Elizabeth , Giroux-Leprieur Etienne , Cadranel Jacques , Wislez Marie
Published: October 2021

EGFR exon 20 insertions are rare genetic alterations in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) that are usually unresponsive to approved EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In this paper, we describe the clinical characteristics, efficacy of EFGR TKIs and chemotherapy, and resulting survival in this population. We retrospectively collected patients with EGFR exon 20 insertions (Exon20ins) from 11 French genetic platforms and paired them (1:2 ratio) with classic Exon 19/21 EGFR mutation patients (controls). Between 2012 and 2017, 35 Exon20ins patients were included. These patients were younger at diagnosis than the controls. All Exon20ins patients who were treated with first-line EGFR TKIs (n = 6) showed progressive disease as the best tumor response. There was no significant difference in the tumor response or the disease control rate with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy between the two groups. A trend towards shorter overall survival was observed in Exon20ins vs. controls (17 months (14—not reach(NR) 95% confidence interval(CI) vs. 29 months (17–NR 95%CI), p = 0.09), respectively. A significant heterogeneity in amino acid insertion in EGFR exon 20 was observed. EGFR exon 20 insertions are heterogeneous molecular alterations in NSCLC that are resistant to classic EGFR TKIs, which contraindicates their use as a first-line treatment.
Innovative Ag–TiO2 Nanofibers with Excellent Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Actions
Authors: Pascariu Petronela , Cojocaru Corneliu , Airinei Anton , Olaru Niculae , Rosca Irina , Koudoumas Emmanouel , Suchea Mirela Petruta
Published: October 2021

Ag–TiO2 nanostructures were prepared by electrospinning, followed by calcination at 400 °C, and their photocatalytic and antibacterial actions were studied. Morphological characterization revealed the presence of one-dimensional uniform Ag–TiO2 nanostructured nanofibers, with a diameter from 65 to 100 nm, depending on the Ag loading, composed of small crystals interconnected with each other. Structural characterization indicated that Ag was successfully integrated as small nanocrystals without affecting much of the TiO2 crystal lattice. Moreover, the presence of nano Ag was found to contribute to reducing the band gap energy, which enables the activation by the absorption of visible light, while, at the same time, it delays the electron–hole recombination. Tests of their photocatalytic activity in methylene blue, amaranth, Congo red and orange II degradation revealed an increase by more than 20% in color removal efficiency at an almost double rate for the case of 0.1% Ag–TiO2 nanofibers with respect to pure TiO2. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration was found as low as 2.5 mg/mL for E. coli and 5 mg/mL against S. aureus for the 5% Ag–TiO2 nanofibers. In general, the Ag–TiO2 nanostructured nanofibers were found to exhibit excellent structure and physical properties and to be suitable for efficient photocatalytic and antibacterial uses. Therefore, these can be suitable for further integration in various important applications.
Study of the Photoelectrochemical Properties of 1D ZnO Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Seitov Bekbolat , Kurbanbekov Sherzod , Bakranova Dina , Abdyldayeva Nuriya , Bakranov Nurlan
Published: October 2021

Exploitation of common elements as photocatalysts for conversion of photons to electricity stimulates the development of a green energy strategy. In this paper, methods for the preparation of active coatings based on ZnO/Ag/CdS, which are used in the photocatalytic oxidation reaction, are examined. The physical and chemical properties of the resulting arrays were studied using optical spectrometers, an electron microscope, an X-ray diffractometer, and potentiostatic measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The effectiveness of photocatalysts was calculated by the ability to liberate gas from aqueous solutions when exposed to light. The rate of degradation was indirectly measured with a conductometer.
siRNA Nanoparticle Targeting PD-L1 Activates Tumor Immunity and Abrogates Pancreatic Cancer Growth in Humanized Preclinical Model
Authors: Jung Jae Yun , Ryu Hyun Jin , Lee Seung-Hwan , Kim Dong-Young , Kim Myung Ji , Lee Eun Ji , Ryu Yeon-Mi , Kim Sang-Yeob , Kim Kyu-Pyo , Choi Eun Young , Ahn Hyung Jun , Chang Suhwan
Published: October 2021

Pancreatic cancer is characterized by late detection, frequent drug resistance, and a highly metastatic nature, leading to poor prognosis. Antibody-based immunotherapy showed limited success for pancreatic cancer, partly owing to the low delivery rate of the drug into the tumor. Herein, we describe a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid;PLGA)-based siRNA nanoparticle targeting PD-L1 (siPD-L1@PLGA). The siPD-L1@PLGA exhibited efficient knockdown of PD-L1 in cancer cells, without affecting the cell viability up to 6 mg/mL. Further, 99.2% of PDAC cells uptake the nanoparticle and successfully blocked the IFN-gamma-mediated PD-L1 induction. Consistently, the siPD-L1@PLGA sensitized cancer cells to antigen-specific immune cells, as exemplified by Ovalbumin-targeting T cells. To evaluate its efficacy in vivo, we adopted a pancreatic PDX model in humanized mice, generated by grafting CD34+ hematopoeitic stem cells onto NSG mice. The siPD-L1@PLGA significantly suppressed pancreatic tumor growth in this model with upregulated IFN-gamma positive CD8 T cells, leading to more apoptotic tumor cells. Multiplex immunofluorescence analysis exhibited comparable immune cell compositions in control and siPD-L1@PLGA-treated tumors. However, we found higher Granzyme B expression in the siPD-L1@PLGA-treated tumors, suggesting higher activity of NK or cytotoxic T cells. Based on these results, we propose the application of siPD-L1@PLGA as an immunotherapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer.
Influence of Milling Route on the Corrosion Passivation of Al-2%SiC Nanocomposites in Chloride Solutions
Authors: Almotairy Saud M. , Sherif El-Sayed M. , Alharthi Nabeel H. , Abdo Hany S. , Alharbi Hamad F. , Luqman Monis
Published: October 2021

In this work, the fabrication of three Al-2wt.% SiC nanocomposites processed by novel milling route was carried out. The beneficial influence of milling route on the corrosion passivation of the new fabricated composites was investigated. The cyclic polarization measurements have proved that increasing the time of ball milling highly reduced the corrosion of Al-SiC nanocomposite via reducing obtained corrosion current and so increasing the corrosion resistance. These results were affirmed by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy experiments. The pitting corrosion of the manufactured composites was also reported, and its intensity decreased with the increase of ball milling time. The electrochemical experiments were also performed after expanding the exposure time in the chloride solution to 24 and 48. It was found that both the uniform and pitting corrosion decrease with prolonging the time. The study was complemented by examining the surface morphology and the elemental analyses for the different composites by using surface analyses techniques.
Muscular Echovariation as a New Biomarker for the Classification of Soleus Muscle Pathology: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: De-la-Cruz-Torres Blanca , Romero-Morales Carlos
Published: October 2021

Background: Soleus injury is one of the most common soft tissue tears during sport activities. Current classifications of muscle tears are based on symptoms and tear size and they do not contribute suitable evidence-based treatment protocols. The objective of this study was to analyze the most frequent echotexture findings of patients with soleus muscle injury, located in the central intramuscular tendon (IMT), and healthy people to determine whether they behave differently and to propose an ultrasound (US)-based classification. Methods: eighty-four athletes, who played in sport activities comprising lower limbs. Echotexture characteristics of soleus muscle were reviewed for 84 subjects. They were divided based on the muscle echogenicity in three groups (Injury Type 1 group, Injury type 2 group and healthy group). Echointensity (EI) and Echovariation (EV) were taken in all groups like quantitative US variable. Results. The Injury Type 1 group was identified by a hypoechoic area and characterized by a higher EV; and Injury Type 2 group was identified by a fibrotic area and characterized by a lower EV. The echogenic pattern of healthy people obtained an intermediate value of EV between both injured soleus types. Conclusions. EV may be useful to classify different types of soleus muscle pathology according to the echogenicity pattern. An innovative proposed US-based classification system for soleus tears may be used to guide treatment decisions for patients with central tendon injury of soleus muscle.
Quantum Mechatronics
Authors: Lamata Lucas , Quadrelli Marco B. , de Silva Clarence W. , Kumar Prem , Kanter Gregory S. , Ghazinejad Maziar , Khoshnoud Farbod
Published: October 2021

Mechatronics systems, a macroscopic domain, aim at producing highly efficient engineering platforms, with applications in a variety of industries and situations. On the other hand, quantum technologies, a microscopic domain, are emerging as a promising avenue to speed up computations and perform more efficient sensing. Recently, these two fields have started to merge in a novel area: quantum mechatronics. In this review article, we describe some developments produced so far in this respect, including early steps into quantum robotics, macroscopic actuators via quantum effects, as well as educational initiatives in quantum mechatronics.
Deep Learning-Based Adaptive Remedial Action Scheme with Security Margin for Renewable-Dominated Power Grids
Authors: Zhao Yinfeng , You Shutang , Mandich Mirka , Zhu Lin , Zhang Chengwen , Li Hongyu , Su Yu , Zeng Chujie , Zhao Yi , Liu Yilu , Jiang Huaiguang , Yuan Haoyu , Zhang Yingchen , Tan Jin
Published: October 2021

The Remedial Action Scheme (RAS) is designed to take corrective actions after detecting predetermined conditions to maintain system transient stability in large interconnected power grids. However, since RAS is usually designed based on a few selected typical operating conditions, it is not optimal in operating conditions that are not considered in the offline design, especially under frequently and dramatically varying operating conditions due to the increasing integration of intermittent renewables. The deep learning-based RAS is proposed to enhance the adaptivity of RAS to varying operating conditions. During the training, a customized loss function is developed to penalize the negative loss and suggest corrective actions with a security margin to avoid triggering under-frequency and over-frequency relays. Simulation results of the reduced United States Western Interconnection system model demonstrate that the proposed deep learning–based RAS can provide optimal corrective actions for unseen operating conditions while maintaining a sufficient security margin.
Early Monitoring of Health Status of Plantation-Grown Eucalyptus pellita at Large Spatial Scale via Visible Spectrum Imaging of Canopy Foliage Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Megat Mohamed Nazir Megat Najib , Terhem Razak , Norhisham Ahmad R. , Mohd Razali Sheriza , Meder Roger
Published: October 2021

Eucalyptus is a diverse genus from which several species are often deployed for commercial industrial tree plantation due to their desirable wood properties for utilization in both solid wood and fiber products, as well as their growth and productivity in many environments. In this study, a method for monitoring the health status of a 22.78 ha Eucalyptus pellita plantation stand was developed using the red-green-blue channels captured using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The ortho-image was generated, and visual atmospheric resistance index (VARI) indices were developed. Herein, four classification levels of pest and disease were generated using the VARI-green algorithm. The range of normalized VARI-green indices was between −2.0 and 2.0. The results identified seven dead trees (VARI-green index −2 to 0), five trees that were severely infected (VARI-green index 0 to 0.05), 967 trees that were mildly infected (VARI-green index 0.06 to 0.16), and 10,090 trees that were considered healthy (VARI-green index 0.17 to 2.00). The VARI-green indices were verified by manual ground-truthing and by comparison with normalized difference vegetation index which showed a mean correlation of 0.73. This study has shown practical application of aerial survey of a large-scale operational area of industrial tree plantation via low-cost UAV and RGB camera, to analyze VARI-green images in the detection of pest and disease.
Genetic and Epigenetic Changes in Plants in Response to Abiotic Stress
Authors: Cheong Jong-Joo
Published: October 2021

The current global climate crisis has led to drought, high salinity, and abnormaltemperatures (heat and cold), and is a serious threat to crop productivity. [...]
Predictors of Caregiver Burden of Patients with Alzheimer Disease Attending Day-Care Centres
Authors: Gómez-Gallego María , Gómez-Gallego Juan Cándido
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, there are plenty of programs and resources to prevent caregiver burden of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In spite of that, many caregivers suffer high levels of burden and stress, which leads to an earlier institutionalization of patients. This study aimed to explore the predictors of burden in relative caregivers of patients attending day-care centers and the moderating role of caregiver kinship in these associations. A sample of a hundred and two patient–caregiver dyads was recruited. Burden was measured with a Zarit Burden Interview. Measures of patients’ cognition, insight, depression, behavioral disturbances, functional ability and overall physical health were considered as predictors. We found that apathy, irritability and delusions and, patients’ mobility are the main determinants of caregivers’ burden. The strength of relationship between delusions and irritability was higher in spouse caregivers. Interventions to reduce burden should be adapted to the specific needs of a particular type caregiver.
Pharmacological Characterization of Veldoreotide as a Somatostatin Receptor 4 Agonist
Authors: Dasgupta Pooja , Gűnther Thomas , Schulz Stefan
Published: October 2021

Veldoreotide, a somatostatin analogue, binds to the somatostatin receptors (SSTR) 2, 4, and 5. The current aim was to assess its pharmacological activity as an SSTR4 agonist. G-protein signaling was assessed using a fluorescence-based membrane potential assay in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells stably co-expressing G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium 2 channels and the individual SSTR2, SSTR4, and SSTR5, and in human BON-1 cells stably expressing these SSTRs. Veldoreotide effects on chromogranin A (CgA) secretion and cell proliferation were examined in BON-1 cells. In HEK293 transfected cells, veldoreotide showed a high efficacy for activating the SSTR4; octreotide and pasireotide had little activity (Emax, 99.5% vs. 27.4% and 52.0%, respectively). Veldoreotide also activated SSTR2 and SSTR5 (Emax, 98.4% and 96.9%, respectively). In BON-1 cells, veldoreotide activated SSTR2, SSTR4, and SSTR5 with high potency and efficacy. CgA secretion was decreased to a greater degree in the BON-1 cells expressing SSTR4 versus the cells expressing SSTR2 and SSTR5 (65.3% vs. 80.3% and 77.6%, respectively). In the BON-1 cells expressing SSTR4, veldoreotide inhibited cell proliferation more than somatostatin SS-14 (71.2% vs. 79.7%) and to a similar extent as the SSTR4 agonist J-2156 in the presence of SSTR2 and SSTR5 antagonists. Veldoreotide is a full agonist of SSTR2, SSTR4, and SSTR5.
Ceramics, Glass and Glass-Ceramics for Personal Radiation Detectors
Authors: Świontek Szymon , Środa Marcin , Gieszczyk Wojciech
Published: October 2021

Different types of ceramics and glass have been extensively investigated due to their application in brachytherapy, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine diagnosis, radioisotope power systems, radiation processing of food, geological and archaeological dating methods. This review collects the newest experimental results on the thermoluminescent (TL) properties of crystalline and glassy materials. The comparison of the physico-chemical properties shows that glassy materials could be a promising alternative for dosimetry purposes. Furthermore, the controlled process of crystallization can enhance the thermoluminescent properties of glasses. On the other hand, the article presents information on the ranges of the linear response to the dose of ionizing radiation and on the temperature positions of the thermoluminescent peaks depending on the doping concentration with rare-earth elements for crystalline and glassy materials. Additionally, the stability of dosimetric information storage (fading) and the optimal concentration of admixtures that cause the highest thermoluminescent response for a given type of the material are characterized. The influence of modifiers addition, i.e., rare-earth elements on the spectral properties of borate and phosphate glasses is described.
Construction of an n-Body Potential for Revealing the Atomic Mechanism for Direct Alloying of Immiscible Tungsten and Copper
Authors: Zeng Tao , Li Fei , Huang Yuan
Published: October 2021

W-Cu laminated composites are critical materials used to construct nuclear fusion reactors, and it is very important to obtain direct alloying between W and Cu at the W/Cu interfaces of the composites. Our previous experimental studies showed that it is possible to overcome the immiscibility between W and Cu and obtain direct alloying when the alloying temperature is close to the melting point of Cu. Because the W-Cu interatomic potentials published thus far cannot accurately reproduce the alloying behaviors of immiscible W and Cu, an interatomic potential suitable for the W-Cu system has been constructed in the present study. Based on this potential, direct alloying between W and Cu at high temperature has been verified, and the corresponding diffusion mechanism has been studied, through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results indicate that the formation of an amorphous Cu layer at the W/Cu interface plays a critical role in alloying because it allows Cu atoms to diffuse into W. The simulation results for direct alloying between W and Cu can be verified by experimental results and transmission electron microscopy observations. This indicates that the constructed W-Cu potential can correctly model the high-temperature performance of the W-Cu system and the diffusion mechanism of direct alloying between W and Cu.
Large Deflection Analysis of Peripherally Fixed Circular Membranes Subjected to Liquid Weight Loading: A Refined Design Theory of Membrane Deflection-Based Rain Gauges
Authors: Sun Jun-Yi , Zhang Qi , Wu Ji , Li Xue , He Xiao-Ting
Published: October 2021

The anticipated use of elastic membranes for deflection-based rain gauges has provided an impetus for this paper to revisit the large deflection problem of a peripherally fixed circular membrane subjected to liquid weight loading, a statics problem when the fluid–structure interaction of membrane and liquid reaches static equilibrium. The closed-form solution of this statics problem of fluid–structure interaction is necessary for the design of such membrane deflection-based rain gauges, while the existing closed-form solution, due to the use of the small rotation angle assumption of the membrane, cannot meet the design requirements for computational accuracy. In this paper, the problem under consideration is reformulated by giving up the small rotation angle assumption, which gives rise to a new and somewhat intractable nonlinear integro-differential equation of the governing out-of-plane equilibrium. The power series method has played an irreplaceable role in analytically solving membrane equations involving both integral and differential operations, and a new and more refined closed-form solution without the small rotation angle assumption is finally presented. Numerical examples conducted show that the new and more refined closed-form solution presented has satisfactory convergence, and the effect of giving up the small rotation angle assumption is also investigated numerically. The application of the closed-form solution presented in designing such membrane deflection-based rain gauges is illustrated, and the reliability of the new and more refined closed-form solution presented was confirmed by conducting a confirmatory experiment.
Finite Element and Finite Volume Modelling of Friction Drilling HSLA Steel under Experimental Comparison
Authors: Behrens Bernd-Arno , Dröder Klaus , Hürkamp André , Droß Marcel , Wester Hendrik , Stockburger Eugen
Published: October 2021

Friction drilling is a widely used process to produce bushings in sheet materials, which are processed further by thread forming to create a connection port. Previous studies focused on the process parameters and did not pay detailed attention to the material flow of the bushing. In order to describe the material behaviour during a friction drilling process realistically, a detailed material characterisation was carried out. Temperature, strain rate, and rolling direction dependent tensile tests were performed. The results were used to parametrise the Johnson–Cook hardening and failure model. With the material data, numerical models of the friction drilling were created using the finite element method in 3D as well as 2D, and the finite volume method in 3D. Furthermore, friction drilling tests were carried out and analysed. The experimental results were compared with the numerical findings to evaluate which modelling method could describe the friction drilling process best. Highest imaging quality to reality was shown by the finite volume method in comparison to the experiments regarding the material flow and the geometry of the bushing.
Experimental and Numerical Assessment of Supporting Road Signs Masts Family for Compliance with the Standard EN 12767
Authors: Stopel Michał , Cichański Artur , Yague Nathalie , Kończalski Grzegorz
Published: October 2021

The analysis aimed to assess the passive safety of supporting masts for road signs in accordance with EN 12767. Experimental tests were carried out based on the requirements of the standard for the smallest and the largest constructions within the product family. Numerical models of crash tests were prepared for whole product family using the Finite Element Method in the LS-Dyna environment. Based on the comparison of the experimental tests and the numerical calculations, the usefulness of the numerical model for estimating the actual value of the Acceleration Severity Index (ASI) and the Theoretical Head Impact Velocity (THIV) was assessed. With the use of these relationships the values of ASI and THIV for masts not tested experimentally were estimated. It was confirmed that the analyzed masts met the requirements for the passive safety of structures set out in the standard EN 12767. It was possible since as a result of the impact, the mast column detached from the base, allowing the vehicle to continue moving. The behavior of the masts was primarily influenced by the destruction of the safety connectors. The paper presents the most important elements from the point of view of designing such solutions.
Preparation, Characterization, and Biocompatibility Assessment of Polymer-Ceramic Composites Loaded with Salvia officinalis Extract
Authors: Słota Dagmara , Florkiewicz Wioletta , Piętak Karina , Szwed Aleksandra , Włodarczyk Marcin , Siwińska Małgorzata , Rudnicka Karolina , Sobczak-Kupiec Agnieszka
Published: October 2021

In the present work, hydroxyapatite-polymer materials were developed. The preparation, as well as characterization of the ceramic-polymer composites based on polyvinylpyrrolidone, sodium alginate, and gelatin were described. The system was enriched with the addition of common sage extract (Salvia officinalis). The antioxidant potential of sage aqueous extract and total polyphenol content was determined. The antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of extract were equal to 86.06 ± 0.49% and 16.21 ± 0.58 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry weight, respectively. Incubation studies in selected biological liquids were carried out to determine the biomineralization capacity on the surface of the composites and to examine the kinetics of release of the active substances from within the material. As a result of the incubation, a gradual release of the extract over time from the polymer matrix was observed; moreover, the appearance of new apatite layers on the composite surface was recorded as early as after 14 days, which was also confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) microanalysis. The composites were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, and the morphology was recorded by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging. The in vitro biological studies allowed their cytotoxic effect on the reference L929 fibroblasts to be excluded. Further analysis of the biomaterials showed that enrichment with polyphenols does not support the adhesion of L929 cells to the surface of the material. However, the addition of these natural components stimulates human monocytes that constitute the first step of tissue regeneration.
Numerical Prediction of Local Instability in Double Corrugated Profiles
Authors: Piekarczuk Artur , Więch Przemysław
Published: October 2021

The technological process of forming the double-corrugated structures of the K-span system causes deep transverse embossing on the surface of the profiles. Such profile geometry makes it difficult to apply classical theories related to plastic failure mechanisms to identify the formation of local instabilities. This article presents an original method for the prediction of local instabilities of double-corrugated structures. The method was developed on the basis of a hierarchical validated FEM model. The geometrically and materially nonlinear analysis method was adopted to perform numerical calculations. The results of calculations enabled the determination of reference equilibrium paths for the eccentrically compressed shell element. Based on the analysis of nonlinear equilibrium paths, a method for predicting the beginning and the end of the appearance of local instabilities in the elastoplastic pre-buckling range was developed.
MXene/Ag2CrO4 Nanocomposite as Supercapacitors Electrode
Authors: Yaqoob Tahira , Rani Malika , Mahmood Arshad , Shafique Rubia , Khan Safia , Janjua Naveed Kausar , Shah Aqeel Ahmad , Ahmad Awais , Al-Kahtani Abdullah A.
Published: October 2021

MXene/Ag2CrO4 nanocomposite was synthesized effectively by means of superficial low-cost co-precipitation technique in order to inspect its capacitive storage potential for supercapacitors. MXene was etched from MAX powder and Ag2CrO4 spinel was synthesized by an easy sol-gel scheme. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) revealed an addition in inter-planar spacing from 4.7 Å to 6.2 Å while Ag2CrO4 nanoparticles diffused in form of clusters over MXene layers that had been explored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX) demonstrated the elemental analysis. Raman spectroscopy opens the gap between bonding structure of as-synthesized nanocomposite. From photoluminence (PL) spectra the energy band gap value 3.86 eV was estimated. Electrode properties were characterized by applying electrochemical observations such as cyclic voltammetry along with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for understanding redox mechanism and electron transfer rate constant Kapp. Additionally, this novel work will be an assessment to analyze the capacitive behavior of electrode in different electrolytes such as in acidic of 0.1 M H2SO4 has specific capacitance Csp = 525 F/g at 10 mVs−1 and much low value in basic of 1 M KOH electrolyte. This paper reflects the novel synthesis and applications of MXene/Ag2CrO4 nanocomposite electrode fabrication in energy storage devices such as supercapacitors.
Experimental Investigation of Surface Roughness in Milling of DuralcanTM Composite
Authors: Wiciak-Pikuła Martyna , Twardowski Paweł , Bartkowska Aneta , Felusiak-Czyryca Agata
Published: October 2021

In today’s developing aircraft and automotive industry, extremely durable and wear-resistant materials, especially in high temperatures, are applied. Due to this practical approach, conventional materials have been superseded by composite materials. In recent years, the application of metal matrix composites has become evident in industry 4.0. A study has been performed to analyze the surface roughness of aluminum matrix composites named Duralcan® during end milling. Two roughness surface parameters have been selected: arithmetical mean roughness value Ra and mean roughness depth Rz regarding the variable cutting speed. Due to the classification of aluminum matrix composites as hard-to-cut materials concerning excessive tool wear, this paper describes the possibility of surface roughness prediction using machine learning algorithms. In order to find the best algorithm, Classification and Regression Tree (CART) and pattern recognition models based on artificial neural networks (ANN) have been compared. By following the obtained models, the experiment shows the effectiveness of roughness prediction based on verification models. Based on experimental research, the authors obtained the coefficient R2 for the CART model 0.91 and the mean square error for the model ANN 0.11.
Patient and Physician Perspectives on Asthma and Its Therapy in Romania: Results of a Multicenter Survey
Authors: Bumbacea Dragos , Panaitescu Carmen , Bumbacea Roxana Silvia
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: Patient’s behaviours, attitudes and beliefs related to asthma and its treatment were shown to influence the adherence to therapy and the level of asthma control. This survey aimed to assess the level of asthma control and patient-reported behaviours, attitudes and expectations related to their disease in Romanian patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative survey was performed in February-March 2019 and enrolled 70 specialist physicians experienced in asthma management and 433 asthma patients under their care. Results: Of the 433 patients enrolled, 19.4% had mild asthma, 60.5% moderate asthma and 20.1% severe asthma. For the previous 12 months, asthma symptoms, exacerbations and emergency room visits were common in the sample analysed, with significantly higher figures in severe asthma patients (p < 0.001). The most important treatment goal for asthma patients was participation in all activities of daily living, while for physicians this was preventing asthma exacerbations. The valuation of the treatment goals was different between patients with severe asthma and those with mild and moderate forms. Based on the patients’ responses, 3 attitude clusters were identified: empowered savvy (36.5% of the patients), pessimistic non-compliers (43.2%), and anxious strugglers (20.3%). “Empowered savvy” had the lowest frequency of severe asthma, the highest adherence to maintenance therapy and the highest level of confidence in the effectiveness of asthma medication. The opposite of this attitude cluster is the “anxious strugglers”, containing more patients with severe asthma, a higher score for worries about asthma therapy and better self-reported knowledge of their treatment, contrasting with a proportion of 25% taking maintenance therapy only when having breathing difficulties. Conclusion: Asthma control in Romania remains poor, with frequent exacerbations and hospitalizations. The differences in treatment goals found between patients and physicians and between different asthma severity groups suggest the need for more patient-centred approaches.
Frozen Elephant Trunk in Aortic Arch Disease: Different Devices for Different Pathologies
Authors: Mariani Carlo , Murana Giacomo , Leone Alessandro , Di Marco Luca , Pacini Davide
Published: October 2021

The frozen elephant trunk technique (FET) requires the use of a pre-assembled hybrid prosthesis consisting of a standard Dacron vascular portion to replace the aortic arch and a stent graft component, which is placed into the proximal descending thoracic aorta (DTA) anterogradely in the proximal descending thoracic aorta. In Europe, two hybrid prostheses are available: the E-evita Open Plus hybrid stent graft system provided by JOTEC (Hechingen, Germany) and the ThoraflexTM Hybrid (Vascutek, Inchinnan Scotland). Recommendations for use are extensive pathologies of the arch in case of acute and chronic aortic dissection, degenerative aneurysm and intramural hematoma. The FET approach allows the replacement of the whole arch in one stage with the option of direct treatment of the proximal descending thoracic aorta based on the stent component, creating a safe landing zone for further endovascular treatment more distally. The remarkable feature of this technique is the possibility to perform more proximally (from zone 3 to zone 0) the distal anastomosis in to the arch. This allows for an easier distal anastomosis, reduced hypothermic circulatory arrest time and decreased risk of paraplegia (<5%). Early results are promising and according to the most recent series the rate of developing post-operative renal insufficiency ranges from 3 to 10%, the risk of stroke from 3% to 8% and mortality from 8–15%. The aim of the article will be to provide some knowledge about the use and application of FET procedures in different aortic situations.
Optimization of Energy Efficiency, Operation Costs, Carbon Footprint and Ecological Footprint with Reverse Osmosis Membranes in Seawater Desalination Plants
Authors: Leon Federico , Ramos Alejandro , Perez-Baez Sebastian O.
Published: October 2021

This article shows the optimization of the reverse osmosis process in seawater desalination plants, taking the example of the Canary Islands, where there are more than 320 units of different sizes, both private and public. The objective is to improve the energy efficiency of the system in order to save on operation costs as well as reduce the carbon and ecological footprints. Reverse osmosis membranes with higher surface area have lower energy consumption, as well as energy recovery systems to recover the brine pressure and introduce it in the system. Accounting for the operation, maintenance and handling of the membranes is also important in energy savings, in order to improve the energy efficiency. The energy consumption depends on the permeate water quality required and the model of the reverse osmosis membrane installed in the seawater desalination plant, as it is shown in this study.
High-Gradient Magnetic Separation of Compact Fluorescent Lamp Phosphors: Elucidation of the Removal Dynamics in a Rotary Permanent Magnet Separator
Authors: Boelens Peter , Lei Zhe , Drobot Björn , Rudolph Martin , Li Zichao , Franzreb Matthias , Eckert Kerstin , Lederer Franziska
Published: October 2021

In an ongoing effort towards a more sustainable rare-earth element market, there is a high potential for an efficient recycling of rare-earth elements from end-of-life compact fluorescent lamps by physical separation of the individual phosphors. In this study, we investigate the separation of five fluorescent lamp particles by high-gradient magnetic separation in a rotary permanent magnet separator. We thoroughly characterize the phosphors by ICP-MS, laser diffraction analysis, gas displacement pycnometry, surface area analysis, SQUID-VSM, and Time-Resolved Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy. We present a fast and reliable quantification method for mixtures of the investigated phosphors, based on a combination of Time-Resolved Laser-Induced Fluorescence Spectroscopy and parallel factor analysis. With this method, we were able to monitor each phosphors’ removal dynamics in the high-gradient magnetic separator and we estimate that the particles’ removal efficiencies are proportional to (d2·χ)1/3. Finally, we have found that the removed phosphors can readily be recovered easily from the separation cell by backwashing with an intermittent air–water flow. This work should contribute to a better understanding of the phosphors’ separability by high-gradient magnetic separation and can simultaneously be considered to be an important preparation for an upscalable separation process with (bio)functionalized superparamagnetic carriers.
AI4R2R (AI for Rock to Revenue): A Review of the Applications of AI in Mineral Processing
Authors: Mishra Amit Kumar
Published: October 2021

In the last few years, jargon, such as machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), have been ubiquitous in both popular science media as well as the academic literature. Many industries have tried the current suite of ML and AI algorithms with various degrees of success. Mineral processing, as an industry, is looking at AI for two reasons. First of all, as with other industries, it is pertinent to know if AI algorithms can be used to enhance productivity. The second reason is specific to the mining industry. Of late, the grade of ores is reducing, and the demand for ethical mining (with as little effect on ecology as possible) is increasing. Thus, mineral processing industries also want to explore the possible use of AI in solving these challenges. In this review paper, first, the challenges in mineral processing that can potentially be solved by AI are presented. Then, some of the most pertinent developments in the domain of ML and AI (applied in the domain of mineral processing) are discussed. Lastly, a top-level modus operandi is presented for a mineral processing industry that might want to explore the possibilities of using AI in its processes. Following are some of the new paradigms added by this review. This review presents a holistic view of the domain of mineral processing with an AI lens. It is also one of the first reviews in this domain to thoroughly discuss the use of AI in ethical, green, and sustainable mineral processing. The AI process proposed in this paper is a comprehensive one. To ensure the relevance to industry, the flow was made agile with the spiral system engineering flow. This is expected to drive rapid and agile investigation of the potential of applying ML and AI in different mineral processing industries.