bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Source Coding with a Causal Helper
Authors: Bross Shraga I.
Published: November 2020

A multi-terminal network, in which an encoder is assisted by a side-information-aided helper, describes a memoryless identically distributed source to a receiver, is considered. The encoder provides a non-causal one-shot description of the source to both the helper and the receiver. The helper, which has access to causal side-information, describes the source to the receiver sequentially by sending a sequence of causal descriptions depending on the message conveyed by the encoder and the side-information subsequence it has observed so far. The receiver reconstructs the source causally by producing on each time unit an estimate of the current source symbol based on what it has received so far. Given a reconstruction fidelity measure and a maximal allowed distortion, we derive the rates-distortion region for this setting and express it in terms of an auxiliary random variable. When the source and side-information are drawn from an independent identically distributed Gaussian law and the fidelity measure is the squared-error distortion we show that for the evaluation of the rates-distortion region it suffices to choose the auxiliary random variable to be jointly Gaussian with the source and side-information pair.
Correction: Díaz Ferreyra, N.E., et al. Preventative Nudges: Introducing Risk Cues for Supporting Online Self-Disclosure Decisions. Information 2020, 11, 399
Authors: Díaz Ferreyra Nicolás E. , Kroll Tobias , Aïmeur Esma , Stieglitz Stefan , Heisel Maritta
Published: November 2020

After publication of the research paper [...]
RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 as Functional Genomics Tools in the Neotropical Stink Bug, Euschistus heros
Authors: Cagliari Deise , Smagghe Guy , Zotti Moises , Taning Clauvis Nji Tizi
Published: November 2020

The Neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros, is one of the most important stink bug pests in leguminous plants in South America. RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 are important and useful tools in functional genomics, as well as in the future development of new integrated pest management strategies. Here, we explore the use of these technologies as complementing functional genomic tools in E. heros. Three genes, abnormal wing disc (awd), tyrosine hydroxylase (th) and yellow (yel), known to be involved in wing development (awd) and the melanin pathway (th and yel) in other insects, were chosen to be evaluated using RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 as tools. First, the genes were functionally characterized using RNAi knockdown technology. The expected phenotype of either deformed wing or lighter cuticle pigmentation/defects in cuticle sclerotization was observed for awd and th, respectively. However, for yel, no obvious phenotype was observed. Based on this, yel was selected as a target for the development of a CRISPR/Cas9 workflow to study gene knockout in E. heros. A total of 719 eggs were injected with the Cas9 nuclease (300 ng/µL) together with the sgRNA (300 ng/µL) targeting yel. A total of six insects successfully hatched from the injected eggs and one of the insects showed mutation in the target region, however, the phenotype was still not obvious. Overall, this study for the first time provides a useful CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing methodology to complement RNAi for functional genomic studies in one of the most important and economically relevant stink bug species.
Evaluation of Dram Score as a Predictor of Poor Postoperative Outcome in Spine Surgery
Authors: Serrano-García Antonio , Fernández-González Manuel , Betegón-Nicolás Jesús , Villar-Pérez Julio , Lozano-Muñoz Ana , Hernández-Encinas José , Fernández-Bances Ignacio , Esteban-Blanco Marta , Seco-Calvo Jesús Ángel
Published: November 2020

The Distress Risk Assessment Method (DRAM) was presented by Main, Wood and Hillis in 1992 as a simple means of assessing the risk of failure due to psychosocial factors in spine surgery. To our knowledge, it has not been used in our setting. The aim of this study was to analyse the usefulness of the Spanish translation of this instrument to predict poor outcomes. Methods: A prospective blind study was conducted including 65 patients undergoing spine surgery. We created two groups of patients based on DRAM score: not distressed (NDRAM) or distressed (DDRAM). A visual analogue scale for pain and the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12) were used at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months. Results: 24 patients were classified as DDRAM and 38 as NDRAM, with 3 patients not completing the questionnaires. The analysis found no significant differences in the demographic or clinical variables at baseline. At 6 weeks and 6 months, the NDRAM group showed improvements in low back pain (p < 0.001; p = 0.005), leg pain (p < 0.001; p = 0.017), physical health (p = 0.031; p = 0.003) and mental health (p = 0.137; p = 0.049). In contrast, in the DDRAM group, though leg pain score improved (p < 0.001; p = 0.002), there was no improvement at 6 weeks or 6 months in low back pain (p = 0.108; p = 0.287), physical health (p = 0.620; p = 0.263) or mental health (p = 0.185; p = 0.329). Conclusions: In our setting, the DRAM is a useful screening tool, and it has allowed the creation of a program between psychiatry and spine surgery.
Prostate Cancer Screening with PSA: Ten Years’ Experience of Population Based Early Prostate Cancer Detection Programme in Lithuania
Authors: Patasius Ausvydas , Krilaviciute Agne , Smailyte Giedre
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study is to report key performance estimates from the ten years of a population-based prostate cancer screening programme in Lithuania. Retrospective analysis of screening activities recorded in 2006–2015 among men aged 50–74 years was performed. We estimated screening coverage, cancer detection rate, compliance to biopsy, and positive predictive values in each screening round inside and outside the target population. In the first 10 years of screening, 16,061 prostate cancer cases were registered within the screening programme, 10,202 were observed among screened men but reported outside the screening programme, and 1455 prostate cancers were observed in a screening-naïve population. Screening cover reached up to 45.5% of the target population in the recent rounds. The proportion of prostate specific antigen (PSA) test-positive men decreased from 16.9% in 2006 to 10.7% in 2014–2015. Up to 40.0% of PSA test-positive men received a biopsy, of whom 42.0% were positive for prostate cancer. The cancer detection rate was 10.4−15.0% among PSA test-positives and 1.4–1.9% among screened individuals. Screening participants were more likely to be diagnosed with organ-confined disease as compared to non-participants. Despite the unorganized screening practices being employed and low coverage per screening round, 70% of the target population were screened at least once in the first 10 years of screening.
Characterization of Preoperative, Postsurgical, Acute and Chronic Pain in High Risk Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Forget Patrice , Sitter Taalke , Hollick Rosemary , Dixon Diane , van Maanen Aline , Dekleermaker Alain , Duhoux Francois , De Kock Marc , Berliere Martine ,   on behalf of the KBCt Group
Published: November 2020

Background: Pain after breast cancer surgery remains largely unexplained and inconsistently quantified. This study aims to describe the perioperative pain patterns in patients with breast cancer, up to two years after surgery. Methods: This is a pre-planned sub-study of the Ketorolac in Breast Cancer (KBC) trial. The KBC trial was a multicentre, prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial of a single dose of 30 mg of ketorolac just before breast cancer surgery, aiming to test its effect on recurrences. This sub-study focuses only on pain outcomes. From 2013 to 2015, 203 patients were randomised to ketorolac (n = 96) or placebo (n = 107). Structured questionnaires were delivered by telephone after one and two years, exploring the presence, location, permanence, and frequency of pain. Patients’ perceptions of pain were captured by an open-ended question, the responses to which were coded and classified using hierarchical clustering. Results: There was no difference in pain between the ketorolac and the placebo group. The reported incidence of permanent pain was 67% and 45% at one and two years, respectively. The largest category was musculoskeletal pain. Permanent pain was mainly described in patients with musculoskeletal pain. The description of pain changed in most patients during the second postoperative year, i.e., moved from one category to another (no pain, permanent, or non-permanent pain, but also, the localisation). This phenomenon includes patients without pain at one year. Conclusions: Pain is a complex phenomenon, but also a fragile and unstable endpoint. Pain after breast cancer surgery does not necessarily mean breast pain but also musculoskeletal and other pains. The permanence of pain and the pain phenotype can change over time.
The Specific Bile Acid Profile of Shock: A Hypothesis Generating Appraisal of the Literature
Authors: Harnisch Lars-Olav , Moerer Onnen
Published: November 2020

Background: Bile acid synthesis and regulation of metabolism are tightly regulated. In critical illness, these regulations are impaired. Consequently, the physiologic bile acid pattern in serum becomes disturbed and a disease-specific bile acid profile seems to become evident. Methods: A literature review was performed and trials reporting the broken-down bile acid pattern were condensed with regard to percent differences in bile acid profiles of defined diseases compared to a human control. Results: Ten articles were identified. Most of the studied bile acid profiles differ statistically significant between disease states, furthermore, neither of the reported disease entities show the same broken-down pattern of individual bile acids. Deoxycholic acid (DCA) was found to be decreased in almost all diseases, except for the two shock-states investigated (cardiogenic shock, septic shock) where it was elevated by about 100% compared to the control. Moreover, the pattern of both examined shock-states are very similar, rendering a specific shock-pattern possible, that we argue could eventually maintain or even worsen the pathological state. Conclusion: The specific broken-down bile acid profile of defined diseases might aid in gaining insight into the body’s adaptive reaction and the differential diagnosis, as well as in the therapy of disease states in the early course of the disease.
Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Artificial Neural Networks Applied to Investigate Quantitative Changes of Selected Soluble Biomarkers, Correlated with H. pylori Infection in Children and Presumable Consequent Delayed Growth
Authors: Gonciarz Weronika , Lechowicz Łukasz , Urbaniak Mariusz , Kaca Wiesław , Chmiela Magdalena
Published: November 2020

Helicobacter pylori infections causing gastroduodenal disorders are a common medical problem. The aim of this study was to determine the specific motives of infrared spectroscopy (IR) spectra of sera from H. pylori-infected and uninfected children applied to investigate quantitatively-selected soluble biomarkers correlated with H. pylori infection in children and presumable consequent delayed growth. Sera from 41 children infected with H. pylori (Hp(+)) and 43 uninfected (Hp(−)) under the care of the Polish Mother’s Hospital in Lodz, Poland, were analyzed. The H. pylori status was confirmed by gastroscopy, 13C urea breath testing, and anti-H. pylori IgG antibodies. Infrared spectra were measured using an FTIR/FT-NIR Spectrum 400 spectrometer (PerkinElmer). The IR spectrum was measured in the wavenumber range 3000–750 cm−1 and subjected to mathematical calculation of the first derivative. Based on the chi-square test, 10 wavenumbers of spectra correlating with H. pylori infection were selected for use in designing an artificial neural network. Ten parts of the IR spectra correlating with H. pylori infection were identified in the W2 and W3 windows associated mainly with proteins and the W4 window related to nucleic acids and hydrocarbons. Artificial neural networks for H. pylori infection were developed based on chemometric data. By mathematical modeling, children were classified towards H. pylori infection in conjunction with elevated levels of selected biomarkers in serum potentially related to growth retardation. The study concludes that IR spectroscopy and artificial neural networks may help to confirm H. pylori-driven growth disorders in children.
The Burden of Clostridioides Difficile Infection during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Case-Control Study in Italian Hospitals (CloVid)
Authors: Granata Guido , Bartoloni Alessandro , Codeluppi Mauro , Contadini Ilaria , Cristini Francesco , Fantoni Massimo , Ferraresi Alice , Fornabaio Chiara , Grasselli Sara , Lagi Filippo , Masucci Luca , Puoti Massimo , Raimondi Alessandro , Taddei Eleonora , Trapani Filippo , Viale Pierluigi , Johnson Stuart , Petrosillo Nicola ,   on behalf of the CloVid Study Group
Published: November 2020

Data on the burden of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are scant. We conducted an observational, retrospective, multicenter, 1:3 case (COVID-19 patients with CDI)-control (COVID-19 patients without CDI) study in Italy to assess incidence and outcomes, and to identify risk factors for CDI in COVID-19 patients. From February through July 2020, 8402 COVID-19 patients were admitted to eight Italian hospitals; 38 CDI cases were identified, including 32 hospital-onset-CDI (HO-CDI) and 6 community-onset, healthcare-associated-CDI (CO-HCA-CDI). HO-CDI incidence was 4.4 × 10,000 patient-days. The percentage of cases recovering without complications at discharge (i.e., pressure ulcers, chronic heart decompensation) was lower than among controls (p = 0.01); in-hospital stays was longer among cases, 35.0 versus 19.4 days (p = 0.0007). The presence of a previous hospitalisation (p = 0.001), previous steroid administration (p = 0.008) and the administration of antibiotics during the stay (p = 0.004) were risk factors associated with CDI. In conclusions, CDI complicates COVID-19, mainly in patients with co-morbidities and previous healthcare exposures. Its association with antibiotic usage and hospital acquired bacterial infections should lead to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship programmes and infection prevention and control activities.
New Insights in Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia: From Pathogenesis to Therapy
Authors: Barcellini Wilma , Zaninoni Anna , Giannotta Juri Alessandro , Fattizzo Bruno
Published: November 2020

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a highly heterogeneous disease due to increased destruction of autologous erythrocytes by autoantibodies with or without complement involvement. Other pathogenic mechanisms include hyper-activation of cellular immune effectors, cytokine dysregulation, and ineffective marrow compensation. AIHAs may be primary or associated with lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases, infections, immunodeficiencies, solid tumors, transplants, and drugs. The direct antiglobulin test is the cornerstone of diagnosis, allowing the distinction into warm forms (wAIHA), cold agglutinin disease (CAD), and other more rare forms. The immunologic mechanisms responsible for erythrocyte destruction in the various AIHAs are different and therefore therapy is quite dissimilar. In wAIHA, steroids represent first line therapy, followed by rituximab and splenectomy. Conventional immunosuppressive drugs (azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine) are now considered the third line. In CAD, steroids are useful only at high/unacceptable doses and splenectomy is uneffective. Rituximab is advised in first line therapy, followed by rituximab plus bendamustine and bortezomib. Several new drugs are under development including B-cell directed therapies (ibrutinib, venetoclax, parsaclisib) and inhibitors of complement (sutimlimab, pegcetacoplan), spleen tyrosine kinases (fostamatinib), or neonatal Fc receptor. Here, a comprehensive review of the main clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and pathogenic mechanisms of AIHA are provided, along with classic and new therapeutic approaches.
Adequacy of Severe Malaria Markers and Prognostic Scores in an Intensive Care Unit in Luanda, Angola: A Clinical Study
Authors: Antunes Maria Lina , Seixas Jorge , Ferreira Humberto E. , Silva Marcelo Sousa
Published: November 2020

Severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria remains the primary cause of mortality in several African countries, including Angola, where severe malaria patient admission into intensive care units (ICU) is mandatory. The present observational and prospective study enrolled 101 consecutive severe malaria patients admitted at the ICU of Américo Boavida University Hospital (Luanda, Angola). Malaria was confirmed by microscopy and RDT, and WHO criteria were used to define severe malaria. The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was used to monitor organ dysfunctions. Surviving and nonsurviving patients were compared using bivariate statistical methods. Two-step cluster analysis was used to find discriminant organ dysfunctions that may correlate better with the observed mortality (16.8%), which was much lower than the one generated by the SOFA score. The study population was young, and 87% of the patients were local native residents. There was no statistically significant correlation between the parasitemia and the outcome. Hematological and cerebral dysfunctions were prevalent but were not discriminant when cluster analyses were performed to detect homogeneous subgroups of patients. In conclusion, the SOFA score was readily applicable and efficient in monitoring daily organ dysfunction but was not effective enough in predicting the outcome of severe malaria patients.
Digital Coins: Fairness Implemented by Observer
Authors: Neumann Heike , Schwarzpaul Thomas
Published: November 2020

For real-world applications digital coin systems, i.e., off-line payment systems offering not only the unforgeability of conventional coins but also the anonymity of customers making purchases, need to have some additional features. One of these additional features is the hardware protection of the system, provided by dedicated tamper-resistant devices called observers which are used to physically prevent illegitimate copying of coins. Another essential feature for practical applications is anonymity-revocation mechanisms. Basically, digital coin systems guarantee perfect anonymity, i.e., the bank cannot link views of the withdrawal and payments in order to determine whether or not a customer spent her money at a certain shop. The customer’s privacy protection is the main difference between coin systems and those based on credit card or cheque based systems. While privacy protection is a desirable property of cash systems, perfect anonymity is not. Perfect anonymity makes possible perfect blackmailing or money laundering. To prevent such “perfect crime” it must be possible to revoke the anonymity of customers in case of need. Anonymity revocation is done by a trusted third party. Cash systems that allow anonymity revocation are called fair. We present a coin system featuring both observer and fairness, showing that both concepts do not interfere with each other and can be implemented simultaneously without loss of security. We prove this claim not only by presenting a fair variant of the Brands’ coin system but additionally by outlining a generic framework for fair wallets in which essentially any blind signature scheme can be used. Unlike other fair off-line coin systems, fairness is implemented with the help of the observer, thereby reducing the computational effort during the withdrawal.
Design of an Advanced Platform for Citizen Participation Committed to Ensuring Freedom of Speech
Authors: Pérez Emilia , Gómez Ana , Sánchez Sergio , Carracedo Jose , Carracedo Justo , González Carlos , Moreno Jesús
Published: November 2020

The expansion of new platforms of digital democracy does not necessarily entail an increase in citizen participation. The VOTESCRIPT group has made a sociological analysis to determine the causes of this apparent failure, reaching the conclusion that users are demanding capabilities that are not available in present systems. This paper presents a proposal for an advanced system of debate in an environment of digital democracy which overcomes the limitations of existing systems. We have been especially careful in applying security procedures in telematic systems, for they are to offer citizens the guarantees that society demands. New functional tools have been included to ensure user authentication and to permit anonymous participation where the system is unable to disclose or even to know the identity of system users. The platform prevents participation by non-entitled persons who do not belong to the authorized group from giving their opinion. Furthermore, this proposal allows for verifying the proper function of the system, free of tampering or fraud intended to alter the conclusions or outcomes of participation. All these tools guarantee important aspects of both a social and technical nature, most importantly: freedom of expression, equality and auditability.
The Social Dimensions of the Security of Internet Banking
Authors: Singh Supriya
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the users’ perspective on the security of Internet banking in Australia within the social context. This user-centered design approach supplements the technological and industrial approaches to security. The user-centered research on banking was conducted at the Royal Melbourne University of Technology University and Griffith University, both of which are part of the Smart Internet Technology Cooperative Research Centre. We conclude that the most effective way to increase the perception of Internet banking security is to increase ease of use, convenience, personalisation and trust. Without the perception of security, there will be little trust in banking and transactions on the Internet. This will impede the use of Internet banking and e-commerce which are increasingly important aspects of the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Information Protection Management Structures in Australian E-courts
Authors: May Lauren , Burdon Mark
Published: November 2020

This issues paper is concerned with ensuring the integrity of Australia’s e-court processes through the development of information protection standards and protocols. The integrity of the court process is important to the national interest because businesses and citizens depend on the certainty of court decisions, naturally assuming that their information and privacy is protected. This paper is a catalyst for future research leading to the creation of an information protection framework, including policies and standards enabling courts to define the use of courtroom technologies, thus ensuring that their design and application is grounded within established information protection principles. Without substantiation of the quality of technological structures and processes used by e-courts, the system of certainty upon which the courts and law are based has the potential to become inherently uncertain.
Editorial: Becoming a Referee
Authors: Cerpa Narciso
Published: November 2020

Today, mobile networks serve approximately [...]
Toward a Valid Measure of E-Retailing Service Quality
Authors: Rossiter John R.
Published: November 2020

E-retailers are major players in the field of electronic commerce and their success would seem to depend on service quality, because they are selling the same products that traditional retailers sell. This article critiques Collier and Bienstock’s [5] new measure of e-retailing service quality and shows how the stages of e-retailing service quality can be more validly measured by adopting Rossiter’s [12] C-OAR-SE procedure for scale development. Collier and Bienstock`s measure is insufficiently valid because the measure (1) fails to specify the hierarchical objects that form the construct, and measures the overall object, e-retailing, wrongly by focusing on completed transactions; (2) does not fully acknowledge the hierarchy of attributes that form the construct and operationalizes these attributes wrongly as “reflective” when at all four levels they are “formed”; (3) inappropriately represents the rater entity by using college student participants; (4) employs unnecessarily numerous, often redundant, and sometimes ambiguous scale items, with Likert-type answer scales that make the observed scores managerially almost uninterpretable; and (5) tries to measure overall e-retailing service quality when it makes sense only to measure the separate quality ratings of sequential stages of the e-retailing service process. The article points out how these problems could be avoided by constructing a new measure that properly applies the C-OAR-SE procedure.
A Framework for Assessing the Value of RFID Implementation by Tier-One Suppliers to Major Retailers
Authors: Veeramani Dharmaraj , Tang Jenny , Gutierrez Alfonso
Published: November 2020

Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a rapidly evolving technology for automatic identification and data capture of products. One of the barriers to the adoption of RFID by organizations is difficulty in assessing the potential return on investment (ROI). Much of the research and analyses to date of ROI in implementing RFID technology have focused on the benefits to the retailer. There is a lack of a good understanding of the impact of RFID at upper echelons of the supply chain. In this paper, we present a framework and models for assessing the value of RFID implementation by tier-one suppliers to major retailers. We also discuss our real-life application of this framework to one of Wal-Mart’s top 100 suppliers
Aqueous Extract of Kan-Lu-Hsiao-Tu-Tan Ameliorates Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Chiang Chih-Chao , Li Yi-Rong , Lai Kuei-Hung , Cheng Wei-Jen , Lin Shih-Chao , Wang Yi-Hsuan , Chen Po-Jen , Yang Sien-Hung , Lin Chi-Chien , Hwang Tsong-Long
Published: November 2020

Background: Kan-Lu-Hsiao-Tu-Tan (KLHTT) exhibits anti-psoriatic effects through anti-inflammatory activity in mice. However, the therapeutic effects of KLHTT on rheumatoid arthritis (RA), another significant autoimmune inflammatory disorder, have not been elucidated. Herein, we explored the anti-arthritic effects of KLHTT on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Methods: KLHTT was extracted by boiling water and subjected to spectroscopic analysis. Chicken collagen type II (CII) with complete Freund’s adjuvant was intradermally injected to induce CIA in DBA/1J mice. Anti-CII antibody, cytokines, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were measured using ELISA, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and a hydrogen peroxide assay kit. Splenocyte proliferation was tested using thymidine incorporation. Th1 and Th17 cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results: Oral KLHTT treatment (50 and 100 mg/kg) ameliorated mouse CIA by decreasing the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and tumour necrosis factor-α in the paw homogenates and serum. KLHTT also suppressed anti-CII antibody formation, splenocyte proliferation, and splenic Th1 and Th17 cell numbers. Additionally, KLHTT showed antioxidant activity by reducing the concentrations of MDA and H2O2 in paw tissues. Conclusions: The therapeutic effects of KLHTT in CIA mice were through regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Our results suggest that KLHTT has potential to treat RA.
A Cracking Model for Reinforced Concrete Cover, Taking Account of the Accumulation of Corrosion Products in the ITZ Layer, and Including Computational and Experimental Verification
Authors: Krykowski Tomasz , Jaśniok Tomasz , Recha Faustyn , Karolak Michał
Published: November 2020

The paper presents the finite element method model (FEM) which allows the forecasting of the evolution of damage in a concrete cover together with experimental verification of the model. The objective of the model is to define the corrosive volume strain tensor rate effected by corrosion, which comprises the accumulation of corrosion products in pore spaces as well as in micro-cracks which develop at the initial stage of cover degradation. The propagation of damage in the contact zone was captured by taking into account the function describing the degradation of the interface transition zone depending on the cover tightening time–critical time. The method of determining the critical time along with the method of taking into account the effective electrochemical equivalent of iron was also analyzed in this paper. The work presents the experimental verification of the model using an accelerated corrosion test of reinforcement in concrete and strain measurements with optical methods. The conducted tests demonstrate satisfactory compliance of the model with the test results.
Motion and Distribution of Floating Grain in Direct-Chill Casting of Aluminum Alloys: Experiments and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Dong Qipeng , Yin Yanbin , Zhu Zhen , Nagaumi Hiromi
Published: November 2020

Sedimentation of free-floating grains is the main origin of the negative centerline segregation in direct-chill casting of aluminum alloys. This study examines the motion and distribution of the floating grains during casting using experimental measurements and numerical modeling. The typical floating grains consisting of interior solute-lean coarse dendrites and periphery fine dendrites were experimentally observed only in the central region of the billet along with the negative segregation. The billet exhibits the strongest segregation at the center where the most floating grains are found. In simulations, under the action of the convection and the underlying forces, the grains floating in the transition region exhibit different motion behaviors, i.e., settling to the mushy zone, floating in the slurry zone, and moving upward to the liquid zone. However, most grains were transported to the central region of the billet and then were captured by the mushy zone and settled. Therefore, the floating grains comprise the largest share of the grain structure at the center of the billet, in agreement with the experimental results. Moreover, the simulation results indicate that the increased size of the grains promotes the sedimentation of the floating grains. These results are important for the future alleviation of negative centerline segregation in direct-chill casting of aluminum alloys.
Preparation of CNF/PDMS Superhydrophobic Coatings with Good Abrasion Resistance Using a One-Step Spray Method
Authors: Huang Jingda , Cai Peihao , Li Mengmeng , Wu Qiang , Li Qian , Wang Siqun
Published: November 2020

Complex preparation methods and weak mechanical properties of superhydrophobic coatings hinder their applicability. To address these problems, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were used as structural materials to augment the roughness properties, while polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used as the adhesive. Based on the results of previous studies, superhydrophobic coatings with good mechanical properties can be prepared by spraying the mixture onto a substrate surface; herein, the mixture comprised modified CNFs and PDMS. The resulting coating possessed excellent superhydrophobicity, which allowed a maximum water contact angle (WCA) of 158°. Furthermore, it exhibited great knife-scratch-resistance properties and good abrasion performance, which was evaluated by abrading with 800-grit sandpaper for 19 cycles (abrasion length of 380 cm) under a 100 g load. Based on the simple operation and abrasion resistance, the coating shows great potential for practical application.
A 2.9 GPa Strength Nano-Grained and Nano-Precipitated 304L-Type Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Du Congcong , Liu Guoying , Sun Baoru , Xin Shengwei , Shen Tongde
Published: November 2020

Austenitic stainless steel has high potential as nuclear and engineering materials, but it is often coarse grained and has relatively low yield strength, typically 200–400 MPa. We prepared a bulk nanocrystalline lanthanum-doped 304L austenitic stainless steel alloy by a novel technique that combines mechanical alloying and high-pressure sintering. The achieved alloy has an average grain size of 30 ± 12 nm and contains a high density (~1024 m−3) of lanthanum-enriched nanoprecipitates with an average particle size of approx. 4 nm, leading to strong grain boundary strengthening and dispersion strengthening effects, respectively. The yield strength of nano-grained and nano-precipitated stainless steel reaches 2.9 GPa, which well exceeds that of ultrafine-grained (100–1000 nm) and nano-grained (<100 nm) stainless steels prepared by other techniques developed in recent decades. The strategy to combine nano-grain strengthening and nanoprecipitation strengthening should be generally applicable to developing other ultra-strong metallic alloys.
Synthesis of Tungsten-Doped Vanadium Dioxide Using a Modified Polyol Method Involving 1-Dodecanol
Authors: Lee Yonghyun , Jung Sang Won , Park Sang Hwi , Yoo Jung Whan , Park Juhyun
Published: November 2020

The doping of tungsten into VO2 (M) via a polyol process that is based on oligomerization of ammonium metavanadate and ethylene glycol (EG) to synthesize a vanadyl ethylene glycolate (VEG) followed by postcalcination was carried out by simply adding 1-dodecanol and the tungsten source tungstenoxytetrachloride (WOCl4). Tungsten-doped VEGs (W-VEGs) and their calcinated compounds (WxVO2) were prepared with varying mixing ratios of EG to 1-dodecanol and WOCl4 concentrations. Characterizations of W-VEGs by powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and infrared and transmittance spectroscopy showed that tungsten elements were successfully doped into WxVO2, thereby decreasing the metal-insulator transition temperature from 68 down to 51 °C. Our results suggested that WOCl4 variously combined with 1-dodecanol might interrupt the linear growth of W-VEGs, but that such an interruption might be alleviated at the optimal 1:1 mixing ratio of EG to 1-dodecanol, resulting in the successful W doping. The difference in the solar modulations of a W0.0207VO2 dispersion measured at 20 and 70 °C was increased to 21.8% while that of a pure VO2 dispersion was 2.5%. It was suggested that WOCl4 coupled with both EG and 1-dodecanol at an optimal mixing ratio could improve the formation of W-VEG and WxVO2 and that the bulky dodecyl chains might act as defects to decrease crystallinity.
Physical and Mechanical Behaviour of Sugarcane Bagasse Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Bio-Composites
Authors: Prasad Lalta , Kumar Shiv , Patel Raj Vardhan , Yadav Anshul , Kumar Virendra , Winczek Jerzy
Published: November 2020

In this study, experiments are performed to study the physical and mechanical behaviour of chemically-treated sugarcane bagasse fibre-reinforced epoxy composite. The effect of alkali treatment, fibre varieties, and fibre lengths on physical and mechanical properties of the composites is studied. To study the morphology of the fractured composites, scanning electron microscopy is performed over fractured composite surfaces. The study found that the variety and lengths of fibres significantly influence the physical and mechanical properties of the sugarcane bagasse-reinforced composites. From the wear study, it is found that the composite fabricated from smaller fibre lengths show low wear. The chemically-treated bagasse-reinforced composites fabricated in this study show good physical and mechanical properties and are, therefore, proposed for use in applications in place of conventional natural fibres.
Correction: Xia, C.; et al. Unified Strength Model of Asphalt Mixture under Various Loading Modes. Materials 2019, 12, 889
Authors: Xia Chengdong , Lv Songtao , You Lingyun , Chen Dong , Li Yipeng , Zheng Jianlong
Published: November 2020

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
Nano targeted Therapies Made of Lipids and Polymers have Promising Strategy for the Treatment of Lung Cancer
Authors: Essa Marwa Labib , El-Kemary Maged Abdeltawab , Ebrahem Saied Eman Mohammed , Leporatti Stefano , Nemany Hanafy Nemany Abdelhamid
Published: November 2020

The introduction of nanoparticles made of polymers, protein, and lipids as drug delivery systems has led to significant progress in modern medicine. Since the application of nanoparticles in medicine involves the use of biodegradable, nanosized materials to deliver a certain amount of chemotherapeutic agents into a tumor site, this leads to the accumulation of these nanoencapsulated agents in the right region. This strategy minimizes the stress and toxicity generated by chemotherapeutic agents on healthy cells. Therefore, encapsulating chemotherapeutic agents have less cytotoxicity than non-encapsulation ones. The purpose of this review is to address how nanoparticles made of polymers and lipids can successfully be delivered into lung cancer tumors. Lung cancer types and their anatomies are first introduced to provide an overview of the general lung cancer structure. Then, the rationale and strategy applied for the use of nanoparticle biotechnology in cancer therapies are discussed, focusing on pulmonary drug delivery systems made from liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles. Many nanoparticles fabricated in the shape of liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles are summarized in our review, with a focus on the encapsulated chemotherapeutic molecules, ligand–receptor attachments, and their targets. Afterwards, we highlight the nanoparticles that have demonstrated promising results and have been delivered into clinical trials. Recent clinical trials that were done for successful nanoparticles are summarized in our review.
Effect of Chopped ZrO2 Fiber Content on the Microstructure and Properties of CaO-Based Integral Ceramic Mold
Authors: Yang Qiang , Wang Fu , Li Dichen
Published: November 2020

A chopped ZrO2 fiber (ZrO2(f)) reinforced CaO-based integral ceramic mold was successfully fabricated by stereolithography (SLA) and tert-butyl alcohol (TBA)-based gel-casting, and the effect of chopped ZrO2(f) content on properties of the ceramic mold was investigated. The results show that the ZrO2(f) content had a significant effect on the viscosity of CaO-based ceramic slurry, which directly affects the filling ability of slurry in complex structures of the integral mold. The tiny structures of the ceramic mold cannot be filled completely with a ZrO2(f) content exceeding 3 vol %. The sample fabricated with 3 vol % fiber content showed a harmonious microstructure and exhibited an excellent comprehensive performance with 25 °C bending strength of 22.88 MPa, an 1200 °C bending strength of 15.74 MPa, a 1200 °C deflection of 0.86 mm, and a sintering shrinkage of 0.40%, which can meet the requirements of casting very well.
Construction and Analysis of Actuarial Model of the Influence of Personal Tax Deferred Commercial Pension Insurance on Personal Pension Wealth in China
Authors: Yu Wenguang , Wang Fei , Sang Qianshun , Wang Qi , Gao Yixin , Huang Yujuan , Yu Xinliang , Xiao Jinrui , Zhu Huilin , Cui Chaoran
Published: November 2020

Taking mortality distribution, surrender value, and tax relief factors into consideration, the authors construct an actuarial model for the influence of personal income tax deferred commercial pension insurance on changes in personal pension wealth and adopts a numerical simulation to deliver the corresponding changes in personal pension wealth to different initial insured age and different initial insured annual salary. In order to better measure the security level of the commercial pension insurance, the model for the net replacement rate of pension of the commercial pension insurance was further constructed. The results show that the effect of participating in the personal income tax deferred commercial pension insurance on the present value of personal pension wealth depends on the combined action of the initial insured age and the initial annual salary. Under the same insured age, because men retire later and work longer than women, men can obtain a higher accumulation of personal pension wealth than women. For insured persons with different income levels, high-income groups can obtain higher personal pension wealth growth, and although low-income groups cannot obtain higher personal pension wealth growth, they can obtain a significant increase in the pension replacement rate by participating in the insurance, thereby better guaranteeing their living standards after retirement. Regardless of the income level, tax relief can be obtained once participating in the insurance, but the value may vary. The optimal tax-saving age for men is 23 years old, and for women 25 years old.
Isolation and Characterization of New Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Components from Deep Marine-Derived Fungus Myrothecium sp. Bzo-l062
Authors: Lu Xiaojie , He Junjie , Wu Yanhua , Du Na , Li Xiaofan , Ju Jianhua , Hu Zhangli , Umezawa Kazuo , Wang Liyan
Published: November 2020

In the present study, four new compounds including a pair of 2-benzoyl tetrahydrofuran enantiomers, namely, (−)-1S-myrothecol (1a) and (+)-1R-myrothecol (1b), a methoxy-myrothecol racemate (2), and an azaphilone derivative, myrothin (3), were isolated along with four known compounds (4–7) from cultures of the deep-sea fungus Myrothecium sp. BZO-L062. Enantiomeric compounds 1a and 1b were separated through normal-phase chiral high-performance liquid chromatography. The absolute configurations of 1a, 1b, and 3 were assigned by ECD spectra. Among them, the new compound 1a and its enantiomer 1b exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, inhibited nitric oxide formation in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 cells, and exhibited antioxidant activity in the 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays.
Sterol Composition of Sponges, Cnidarians, Arthropods, Mollusks, and Echinoderms from the Deep Northwest Atlantic: A Comparison with Shallow Coastal Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Carreón-Palau Laura , Özdemir Nurgül Şen , Parrish Christopher C. , Parzanini Camilla
Published: November 2020

Triterpenoid biosynthesis is generally anaerobic in bacteria and aerobic in Eukarya. The major class of triterpenoids in bacteria, the hopanoids, is different to that in Eukarya, the lanostanoids, and their 4,4,14-demethylated derivatives, sterols. In the deep sea, the prokaryotic contribution to primary productivity has been suggested to be higher because local environmental conditions prevent classic photosynthetic processes from occurring. Sterols have been used as trophic biomarkers because primary producers have different compositions, and they are incorporated in primary consumer tissues. In the present study, we inferred food supply to deep sea, sponges, cnidarians, mollusks, crustaceans, and echinoderms from euphotic zone production which is driven by phytoplankton eukaryotic autotrophy. Sterol composition was obtained by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Moreover, we compared the sterol composition of three phyla (i.e., Porifera, Cnidaria, and Echinodermata) collected between a deep and cold-water region and a shallow tropical area. We hypothesized that the sterol composition of shallow tropical benthic organisms would better reflect their photoautotrophic sources independently of the taxonomy. Shallow tropical sponges and cnidarians from environments showed plant and zooxanthellae sterols in their tissues, while their deep-sea counterparts showed phytoplankton and zooplankton sterols. In contrast, echinoids, a class of echinoderms, the most complex phylum along with hemichordates and chordates (deuterostomes), did not show significant differences in their sterol profile, suggesting that cholesterol synthesis is present in deuterostomes other than chordates.
Caudal Duplication Syndrome Systematic Review—A Need for Better Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach and Follow-Up
Authors: Radu-Iulian Spătaru , Adelaida Avino , Dan-Alexandru Iozsa , Monica Ivanov , Dragos Serban , Florentina Tomescu Luminiţa , Cătălin Cirstoveanu
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives: Caudal duplication syndrome is a rare association of anatomical anomalies describing duplication of the hindgut, spine, and uro-genital structures, leading to varied clinical presentations. The current literature focuses on case reports which describe the embryological etiology and anatomical spectrum of the condition giving little attention to the surgical preparation, the need for a well-structured follow-up program, or the transition into adult healthcare of these complex patients. No reviews have been published regarding this complex pathology. Materials and Methods: A review of caudal duplication syndrome cases was done to assess the range of the clinical malformations, timing, and types of surgical interventions. Inconsistencies in multidisciplinary care, follow-up, and risk events were described. Results: Hindgut duplication always involved the anorectal region. Anorectal malformations were evenly distributed as unilateral and bilateral. Colon duplication extended from the anal region to the transverse colon or ascending colon in most of the cases and less to terminal. In females, genital duplication was present in all cases. The follow-up period varied between 3 months and 12 years. In all adult females, the motive of presentation was related to pregnancy (complications after successful delivery, fertility evaluation) or late complications (fecalith obstruction of the end-to-side colon anastomosis, repeated UTIs with renal scarring). Conclusions: Complex malformations affecting multiple caudal organs may have a strong impact in many aspects of the long-term quality of life; therefore, patients with caudal duplication syndrome need increased awareness and joined multidisciplinary treatment.
Energy Based Vessel Sealing Devices in Thyroid Surgery: A Systematic Review to Clarify the Relationship with Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries
Authors: Pacilli Mario , Tartaglia Nicola , Gerundo Alberto , Pavone Giovanna , Fersini Alberto , Ambrosi Antonio
Published: November 2020

Background and objectives: The principal complications associated with thyroid surgery consist in postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy, hypoparathyroidism, intra-operative and post-operative hemorrhage. In this paper, structured as a literature review, we describe the current knowledge and the technical improvements currently employed in the field of thyroid surgery, focusing on the contribution of energy based devices in relation with the reduction of the operating time and the odds of possible complication. Materials and methods: a relevant systematic literature search on Pubmed was carried out including works from 2004 through 2019, selecting studies providing information on the energy based devices employed in surgeries and statistic data concerning RNL (transient and permanent) injury and operative time. Results: Nineteen studies were reviewed, dealing with 4468 patients in total. The operative variables considered in this study are: employed device, number of patients, pathological conditions affecting the patients, surgical treatment, RNL injury percentage and the operating time, offering an insight on different patient conditions and their relative operative outcomes. A total of 1843 patients, accounting to the 41.2% of the total pool, underwent the traditional technique operation, while 2605 patients (58.3%) were treated employing the energy based devices techniques. Thyroidectomy performed by approaches different from traditional (for example robotic, MIVAT (Mini Invasive Video Assisted thyroidectomy)) were excluded from this study. Conclusions: The energy-based vessel sealing devices in study, represent a safe and efficient alternative to the traditional clamp-and-tie hand technique in the thyroidal surgery scenario, granting a reduction in operating time while not increasing RNL injury rates. According to this information, a preference for energy based devices techniques might be expressed, furthermore, a progressively higher usage rate for these devices is expected in the near future.