bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Adjuvant Treatment with Abemaciclib—Real-World Data from a Large German Breast Center
Authors: Dannehl Dominik , Volmer Lea L. , Weiss Martin , Matovina Sabine , Grischke Eva-Maria , Oberlechner Ernst , Seller Anna , Walter Christina B. , Hahn Markus , Engler Tobias , Brucker Sara Y. , Hartkopf Andreas D.
Published: March 2022

Abemaciclib significantly improves invasive disease-free survival when combined with endocrine therapy in clinical high-risk patients with HR+/Her2− early breast cancer (eBC). The objective of the following study was to model how many patients with eBC would be available for adjuvant treatment with abemaciclib in a real-world setting. Patients that underwent complete surgical treatment for eBC between January 2018 and December 2020 in a large single-center university hospital in Germany were eligible. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the patient population that could benefit from abemaciclib according to the inclusion criteria of monarchE. Of 1474 patients with eBC, 1121 (76.1%) had a HR+/Her2− subtype. Of these, 217 (19.4%) fulfilled the monarchE inclusion criteria. Within patients that fulfilled the monarchE inclusion criteria, 48.9% received no adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Thus, in a real-world situation, fewer patients will be pretreated with chemotherapy than was the case in monarchE. Breast care units are facing a significant patient burden, since the 2-year abemaciclib therapy requires regular monitoring of toxicities. Specific care concepts to strengthen therapy adherence as well as further studies to deescalate adjuvant systemic treatment and individualize CDK 4/6 inhibitor therapy are therefore needed.
Elements of Sleep Breathing and Sleep-Deprivation Physiology in the Context of Athletic Performance
Authors: Papanikolaou Dimitra D. , Astara Kyriaki , Vavougios George D. , Daniil Zoe , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Stavrou Vasileios T.
Published: March 2022

This review summarizes sleep deprivation, breathing regulation during sleep, and the outcomes of its destabilization. Breathing as an automatically regulated task consists of different basic anatomic and physiological parts. As the human body goes through the different stages of sleep, physiological changes in the breathing mechanism are present. Sleep disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome, are often associated with sleep-disordered breathing and sleep deprivation. Hypoxia and hypercapnia coexist with lack of sleep and undermine multiple functions of the body (e.g., cardiovascular system, cognition, immunity). Among the general population, athletes suffer from these consequences more during their performance. This concept supports the beneficial restorative effects of a good sleeping pattern.
Survival Impact of Long-Term Tramadol Use on Breast Cancer for Patients with Chronic Pain: A Propensity Score-Matched Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Mingyang , Chang Chia-Lun , Lu Chang-Yun , Wu Szu-Yuan , Zhang Jiaqiang
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The impact of tramadol analgesic use before breast cancer diagnosis on survival in patients with chronic pain is unclear. Therefore, we designed a propensity score-matched population-based cohort study to compare the breast cancer-related survival of patients with chronic pain who received long-term tramadol analgesic treatment with that of those who did not receive such treatment. Patients and Methods: We included patients with chronic pain and categorized them into two groups according to their analgesic use, comparing their breast cancer-related survival; patients with breast cancer and chronic pain who were prescribed ≥180 defined daily doses (DDDs) of tramadol analgesics per year >3 months before breast cancer diagnosis comprised the case group, and those who were prescribed non-tramadol analgesics before breast cancer diagnosis comprised the control group. Patients in both groups were matched at a ratio of 1:5. Results: The matching process yielded a final cohort of 624 patients (104 and 520 in the case and control groups, respectively) who were eligible for further analysis. According to both univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, the adjusted hazard ratio for all-cause death in the case group compared with in the control group was 3.45 (95% confidence interval = 2.36–5.04; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Long-term tramadol analgesic use prior to breast cancer diagnosis might be associated with poor overall survival in patients with chronic pain compared with such patients that did not receive long-term tramadol analgesic treatment.
Reducing the Excess Activin Signaling Rescues Muscle Degeneration in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2 Drosophila Model
Authors: Deng Jing , Guan Xin-Xin , Zhu Ying-Bao , Deng Hai-Tao , Li Guang-Xu , Guo Yi-Chen , Jin Peng , Duan Ran-Hui , Huang Wen
Published: March 2022

Expanded non-coding RNA repeats of CCUG are the underlying genetic causes for myotonic dystrophy type 2 (DM2). There is an urgent need for effective medications and potential drug targets that may alleviate the progression of the disease. In this study, 3140 small-molecule drugs from FDA-approved libraries were screened through lethality and locomotion phenotypes using a DM2 Drosophila model expressing 720 CCTG repeats in the muscle. We identified ten effective drugs that improved survival and locomotor activity of DM2 flies, including four that share the same predicted targets in the TGF-β pathway. The pathway comprises two major branches, the Activin and BMP pathways, which play critical and complex roles in skeletal development, maintenance of homeostasis, and regeneration. The Drosophila model recapitulates pathological features of muscle degeneration in DM2, displaying shortened lifespan, a decline in climbing ability, and progressive muscle degeneration. Increased levels of p-smad3 in response to activin signaling were observed in DM2 flies. Decreased levels of activin signaling using additional specific inhibitors or genetic method ameliorated climbing defects, crushed thoraxes, structure, and organization of muscle fibers. Our results demonstrate that a decrease in activin signaling is sufficient to rescue muscle degeneration and is, therefore, a potential therapeutic target for DM2.
A Study of the Machine Learning Approach and the MGARCH-BEKK Model in Volatility Transmission
Authors: Joshi Prashant , Wang Jinghua , Busler Michael
Published: March 2022

This study analyzes the volatility spillover effects in the US stock market (S&P500) and cryptocurrency market (BGCI) using intraday data during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the potential drivers of portfolio diversification, we measure the asymmetric volatility transmission on both markets. We apply MGARCH-BEKK and the algorithm-based GA2M machine learning model. The negative shocks to returns impact the S&P500 and the cryptocurrency market more than the positive shocks on both markets. This study also indicates evidence of unidirectional cross-market asymmetric volatility transmission from the cryptocurrency market to the S&P500 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research findings show the potential benefit of portfolio diversification between the S&P500 and BGCI.
Vocabulary Teaching Practices of L2 English in Upper Secondary Vocational Classrooms
Authors: Skarpaas Kaja Granum , Rødnes Kari Anne
Published: March 2022

This qualitative study investigates language teaching practices relating to L2 English vocabulary instruction in upper secondary school vocational classrooms in Norway. It builds on previous research describing technical vocabulary as an area of particular importance for vocational students’ English language development and relies on observation data from eight vocational classrooms. The study found that vocabulary work has a strong presence within vocational orientation (VO) instruction, across whole-class instruction, group or pair work, and individual work. Most target vocabulary could be classified as words relating to work practices and vocational content knowledge. Many instances of L1–L2 translation tasks were observed. Target words were not practiced across the four language skills and were rarely utilized in productive tasks. The study concludes that observed practices can be improved by prioritizing ways of combining target vocabulary with students’ language production and by including more opportunities to practice independent language strategies.
Not…Until across European Languages: A Parallel Corpus Study
Authors: de Swart Henriëtte , Tellings Jos , Wälchli Bernhard
Published: March 2022

We present a parallel corpus study on the expression of the temporal construction ‘not…until’ in a sample of European languages. We use data from the Europarl corpus and create semantic maps by multidimensional scaling, in order to analyze cross-linguistic and language-internal variation. This paper builds on formal semantic and typological work, extending it by including conditional constructions, as well as connectives of the type as long as. In an investigation of 7 languages, we find that (i) languages use many more different constructions to convey this meaning than was expected from the literature; and (ii) the combination of polarity marking (negation/assertion) strongly correlates with the type of connective. We corroborate our results in a larger sample of 21 European languages. An analysis of clusters and dimensions of the semantic maps based on the enlarged dataset shows that connectives are not randomly distributed across the semantic space of the ‘not…until’-domain.
Treatment Equity in the Immunotherapy Era: Options for Patients with Both Autoimmune Disease and GU Cancers
Authors: Hui Gavin , Drolen Claire , Hannigan Christopher A. , Drakaki Alexandra
Published: March 2022

Numerous immunotherapeutic agents, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), have been approved for the treatment of genitourinary (GU) malignancies. While ICIs have improved treatment outcomes and expanded treatment options, they can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The scope of irAEs is broad, and this paper aims to review the rheumatologic side effects associated with immunotherapy drugs approved for bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma. IrAEs are graded by the common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE), which ranges from 1 to 5. The management of irAEs includes corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies, and it may require discontinuation of immunotherapy. Several real world experience studies suggest that most patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases treated with ICI did not have to discontinue treatment due to immune-mediated side effects. While data suggest autoimmune side effects are manageable, patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases are often excluded from immunotherapy clinical trials. Better understanding of these irAEs will improve its safety and expand its use in those with underlying autoimmune disease.
Analyzing the Effects of Heat Treatment on SMAW Duplex Stainless Steel Weld Overlays
Authors: Sim Bernard-Maxmillan , Tang Sai-Hong , Alrifaey Moath , Tchan Jong Edwin-Nyon
Published: March 2022

Duplex stainless steel (DSS) has a reasonably high resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking for offshore and marine applications. However, DSS weld overlay has not been successfully demonstrated due to some inherent problems in achieving pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. In this research work, isothermal heat treatments (350, 650 and 1050 °C) with and different cooling rates have been performed DMR249 Grade A by using shield metal arc welding (SMAW) with an E2209 electrode. Micrographs have shown two phase microstructures of the DSS weld metal, the amounts of austenite phase increased with increment of post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) temperatures. The dilution has maintained consistent values except solution annealing that has shown the disappearance of the heat affected zone in micrographs. The weld metal hardness values increased with PWHT temperatures and remained low at solid solution annealing temperatures. The major alloying elements (C, Mo, Cr, Ni, N, and Fe) were analyzed, as these elements can contribute to intermetallic phases. The results showed that C and Cr content slightly increased with PWHT except for solid solution annealing, Mo showed consistently low content due to dilution effects. Ni maintained higher content, although the heat-treated samples showed slight fluctuations. Nitrogen produced consistent values, as recommended to prevent critical involvement in nitride precipitation.
Theoretical Model of Bending Moment for Straight Mortise-and-Tenon Joints with Wooden Pegs Involving a Gap
Authors: Hu Bin , Cai Jian , Yang Chun
Published: March 2022

The stress mechanism of a straight mortise-and-tenon joint with wooden pegs in traditional residential wooden structures was analyzed, and a theoretical moment-rotation model of the joint was derived. To verify the model, three full-scale joint specimens were fabricated and subjected to low-cycle reversed loading tests. All specimens showed tensile cracking parallel to the grain at the top or bottom of the tenon neck. The theoretical calculation results are consistent with the experimental results. The results of the parametric analysis based on the theoretical model show the following: the rotational stiffness and bending moment of the joint increase as the beam width increases; as the beam height increases, the moment increases, but the initial stiffness of the joint is only slightly impacted; as the column diameter increases, the initial stiffness and moment increase, and the free rotation of the joint decreases; as the gap between the mortise and tenon increases, the initial stiffness and moment decrease; as the sliding friction coefficient increases, both the rotational stiffness and moment of the joint increase, and the increase is greater after the joint yields than before.
Additive Manufacturing of Honeycomb Lattice Structure—From Theoretical Models to Polymer and Metal Products
Authors: Goldmann Tomáš , Huang Wei-Chin , Rzepa Sylwia , Džugan Jan , Sedláček Radek , Daniel Matej
Published: March 2022

The study aims to compare mechanical properties of polymer and metal honeycomb lattice structures between a computational model and an experiment. Specimens with regular honeycomb lattice structures made of Stratasys Vero PureWhite polymer were produced using PolyJet technology while identical specimens from stainless steel 316L and titanium alloy Ti6Al4V were produced by laser powder bed fusion. These structures were tested in tension at quasi-static rates of strain, and their effective Young’s modulus was determined. Analytical models and finite element models were used to predict effective Young’s modulus of the honeycomb structure from the properties of bulk materials. It was shown, that the stiffness of metal honeycomb lattice structure produced by laser powder bed fusion could be predicted with high accuracy by the finite element model. Analytical models slightly overestimate global stiffness but may be used as the first approximation. However, in the case of polymer material, both analytical and FEM modeling significantly overestimate material stiffness. The results indicate that computer modeling could be used with high accuracy to predict the mechanical properties of lattice structures produced from metal powder by laser melting.
Adhesive Films Based on Benzoxazine Resins and the Photoreactive Epoxyacrylate Copolymer
Authors: Kowalczyk Agnieszka , Tokarczyk Marta , Weisbrodt Mateusz , Gziut Konrad
Published: March 2022

UV-cross-linkable and thermally curable self-adhesive structural tapes (SATs) were compounded using solid commercial benzoxazine resins (Araldite MT 35700 and Araldite MT 35910) and a photoreactive epoxyacrylate copolymer (EAC). As initiators of benzoxazine resin polymerization and epoxy component cationic polymerization, two kinds of latent curing agents (LCAs) were tested, i.e., amine type and ionic liquid type. The influence of the benzoxazine resin and the LCA type on the UV-cross-linking process, the self-adhesive features and thermal curing behavior of UV-cross-linked tapes, as well as the shear strength of cured aluminum/SAT/aluminum joints and thermal stability of adhesives were investigated. It was found that the amine additive and the benzoxazine resin take part in the UV-cross-linking process of the EAC as hydrogen donors, which is confirmed by an increase in cohesion (+86%) and a decrease in adhesion (−25%) of SATs. The highest results of adhesion to steel (47 N/25 mm) and overlap shear strength (11.1 MPa) values were registered for SATs based on Araldite MT 35910 and contained 7.5 wt. parts of the amine-type hardener. The formation of a polyacrylate-benzoxazine network has a significant impact on the course of the thermal curing process and the thermomechanical properties of adhesive joints, which was also confirmed by the Cure Index calculation.
Oxygen and Nitrogen Transfer in Furnaces in Crystal Growth of Silicon by Czochralski and Directional Solidification Processes
Authors: Kakimoto Koichi , Liu Xin , Nakano Satoshi
Published: March 2022

Impurity concentrations of oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, iron, and other heavy metals should be well controlled in silicon crystals to maintain the crystal quality for application in electronic and solar cell devices. Contamination by impurities occurs during the melting of raw materials and during the crystal growth process. Quantitative analysis of impurity transfer using numerical and experimental analysis is important to control impurity concentrations. This paper reviews the analysis of the impurity transport phenomena in crystal growth furnaces of Czochralski and directional solidification methods by a model of global analysis and an experiment during the crystal growth of silicon.
Effects of Class C and Class F Fly Ash on Mechanical and Microstructural Behavior of Clay Soil—A Comparative Study
Authors: Turan Canan , Javadi Akbar A. , Vinai Raffaele
Published: March 2022

A large amount of coal fly ash produced in thermal power plants is disposed of in landfills which causes many environmental problems. The utilization of fly ash can be encouraged in geotechnical engineering projects. In this paper, the effects of class C and class F fly ash on the mechanical and microstructural behavior and stabilization of clay soil were evaluated through a program of laboratory experiments. The experiments included compaction, unconfined compressive strength, consolidated-undrained triaxial, one-dimensional consolidation tests, and scanning electron microscopy analysis on samples of fly ash-stabilized clay soil after 1, 7, and 28 days of curing. The tests were conducted on mixtures of clay with class C or class F fly ash, ranging from 0% to 30% of the soil. Experimental results showed that the strength parameters and permeability of the stabilized soil improved while the compression and swelling indices decreased by the addition of fly ash and by the increase of curing days. The results obtained from the mechanical tests agreed with the results from the SEM analysis. Based on the results, the soil could be successfully stabilized by using class C fly ash. The improvements in strength, swelling, and permeability parameters of the stabilized soil were higher with the class C fly ash compared with class F fly ash.
Al2O3-Cu-Ni Composites Manufactured via Uniaxial Pressing: Microstructure, Magnetic, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Piotrkiewicz Paulina , Zygmuntowicz Justyna , Wachowski Marcin , Cymerman Konrad , Kaszuwara Waldemar , Więcław Midor Anna
Published: March 2022

This study’s main goal was to obtain and characterize Al2O3-Cu-Ni composites with different metallic phase content. The study analyzed the three series of samples differing in the metallic phase 5, 10, 15 vol.% volume contents. An identical volume share of the metallic components in the metallic phase was used. Ceramic–metal composites were formed using uniaxial pressing and sintered at a temperature of 1400 °C. The microstructural investigation of the Al2O3-Cu-Ni composite and its properties involved scanning electron microscopes observations and X-ray diffraction. The size of the metallic phase in the ceramic matrix was performed using a stereological analysis. Microhardness analysis with fracture toughness measures was applied to estimate the mechanical properties of the prepared materials. Additionally, magnetic measurements were carried out, and the saturation magnetization was determined on the obtained magnetic hysteresis loops. The prepared samples, regardless of the content of the metallic phase in each series, were characterized by a density exceeding 95% of the theoretical density. The magnetic measurements exhibited that the fabricated composites had ferromagnetic properties due to nickel and nickel-rich phases. The hardness of the samples containing 5, 10, 15 vol.% metallic phases decreased with an increase in the metallic phase content, equal to 17.60 ± 0.96 GPa, 15.40 ± 0.81 GPa, 12.6 ± 0.36 GPa, respectively.
Study on the Durability of Acid Rain Erosion-Resistant Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Wei Jiatuo , Chen Quansheng , Du Jiaying , Liu Kefei , Jiang Kang
Published: March 2022

Acid erosion can accelerate the process of early damage of asphalt pavement and decrease the durability of asphalt pavement. However, there are limited research results for asphalt mixtures that can resist acid rain erosion. To systematically evaluate the impact and action law of acid rain erosion on the durability of asphalt mixtures, three gradation schemes were used: periodic dry–wet cycle immersion test, contact angle test and road performance test. The acid rain erosion resistance of epoxy asphalt mixture, SBS-modified asphalt mixture and 70# matrix asphalt mixture were tested from three aspects of anti-aging performance, freeze–thaw cycle performance and fatigue performance. The results show that the erosion of acid rain can significantly decrease the adhesion between asphalt and aggregate, and affects the road performance of the asphalt mixture. Acid rain erosion can significantly decrease the mechanical properties, adhesion and durability of asphalt mixtures. Epoxy asphalt has better physical properties, adhesion and acid rain erosion resistance than 70# matrix asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt. Epoxy asphalt has excellent adhesion due to its polar group, high cohesion and thermosetting resin with low shrinkage, which can effectively resist moisture erosion, spalling and temperature stress cracking, thereby effectively resisting the erosion of acid rain. Epoxy asphalt mixture has the strongest acid rain erosion resistance, which can be further enhanced when used together with waste rubber powder and modified bamboo fiber. On the whole, asphalt mixture with high-density structure and thicker asphalt film can effectively resist acid rain erosion. The durability of asphalt concrete (AC)-type gradation mixture and stone mastic asphalt (SMA)-type gradation mixture are equivalent, and both are superior to open-graded friction courses (OGFC)-type gradation mixture. The gradation of asphalt mixtures and the type of asphalt binder have great influence on their acid rain erosion resistance and durability. In order to realize the directional control of the acid rain erosion resistance and durability of different asphalt mixtures, a multi-parameter comprehensive assessment indicator system between the type and property of asphalt, the gradation of asphalt mixture, and the acid rain resistance and durability of the mixture need to be established in the future.
Structural and Luminescence Behavior of Nanocrystalline Orthophosphate KMeY(PO4)2: Eu3+ (Me = Ca, Sr) Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Pelczarska Aleksandra J. , Stefańska Dagmara , Watras Adam , Macalik Lucyna , Szczygieł Irena , Hanuza Jerzy
Published: March 2022

KMeY(PO4)2:5% Eu3+ phosphates have been synthesized by a novel hydrothermal method. Spectroscopic, structural, and morphological properties of the obtained samples were investigated by X-ray, TEM, Raman, infrared, absorption, and luminescence studies. The microscopic analysis of the obtained samples showed that the mean diameter of synthesized crystals was about 15 nm. The KCaY(PO4)2 and KSrY(PO4)2 compounds were isostructural and they crystallized in a rhabdophane-type hexagonal structure with the unit-cell parameters a = b ≈ 6.90 Å, c ≈ 6.34 Å, and a = b ≈ 7.00 Å, c ≈ 6.42 Å for the Ca and Sr compound, respectively. Spectroscopic investigations showed intense 5D0 → 7F4 transitions connected with D2 site symmetry of Eu3+ ions. Furthermore, for the sample annealed at 500 °C, europium ions were located in two optical sites, on the surface of grains and in the bulk. Thermal treatment of powders at high temperature provided better grain crystallinity and only one position of dopant in the crystalline structure. The most intense emission was possessed by the KSrY(PO4)2:5% Eu3+ sample calcinated at 500 °C.
Leaching of Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials from Agricultural Soil Amended with Sewage Sludge Incineration Ash: Comparison of a Pilot Scale Simulation with Standard Laboratory Column Elution Experiments
Authors: Meisterjahn Boris , Schröder Nicola , Oischinger Jürgen , Hennecke Dieter , Weinfurtner Karlheinz , Hund-Rinke Kerstin
Published: March 2022

Nanoscale titanium dioxide (nTiO2 (Hombikat UV 100 WP)) was applied to sewage sludge that was incinerated in a large-scale waste treatment plant. The incineration ash produced was applied to soil as fertilizer at a realistic rate of 5% and investigated in pilot plant simulations regarding its leaching behavior for nTiO2. In parallel, the applied soil material was subject to standard column leaching (DIN 19528) in order to test the suitability of the standard to predict the leaching of nanoscale contaminants from treated soil material. Relative to the reference material (similar composition but without nTiO2 application before incineration) the test material had a total TiO2 concentration, increased by a factor of two or 3.8 g/kg, respectively. In contrast, the TiO2 concentration in the respective leachates of the simulation experiment differed by a factor of around 25 (maximum 91.24 mg), indicating that the added nTiO2 might be significantly mobilisable. Nanoparticle specific analysis of the leachates (spICP-MS) confirmed this finding. In the standard column elution experiment the released amount of TiO2 in the percolates between test and reference material differed by a factor of 4 to 6. This was also confirmed for the nTiO2 concentrations in the percolates. Results demonstrate that the standard column leaching, developed and validated for leaching prediction of dissolved contaminants, might be also capable to indicate increased mobility of nTiO2 in soil materials. However, experiments with further soils are needed to verify those findings.
Novel Ensemble Tree Solution for Rockburst Prediction Using Deep Forest
Authors: Li Diyuan , Liu Zida , Armaghani Danial Jahed , Xiao Peng , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2022

The occurrence of rockburst can cause significant disasters in underground rock engineering. It is crucial to predict and prevent rockburst in deep tunnels and mines. In this paper, the deficiencies of ensemble learning algorithms in rockburst prediction were investigated. Aiming at these shortages, a novel machine learning model, deep forest, was proposed to predict rockburst risk. The deep forest combines the characteristics of deep learning and ensemble models, which can solve complex problems. To develop the deep forest model for rockburst prediction, 329 real rockburst cases were collected to build a comprehensive database for intelligent analysis. Bayesian optimization was proposed to tune the hyperparameters of the deep forest. As a result, the deep forest model achieved 100% training accuracy and 92.4% testing accuracy, and it has more outstanding capability to forecast rockburst disasters compared to other widely used models (i.e., random forest, boosting tree models, neural network, support vector machine, etc.). The results of sensitivity analysis revealed the impact of variables on rockburst levels and the applicability of deep forest with a few input parameters. Eventually, real cases of rockburst in two gold mines, China, were used for validation purposes while the needed data sets were prepared by field observations and laboratory tests. The promoting results of the developed model during the validation phase confirm that it can be used with a high level of accuracy by practicing engineers for predicting rockburst occurrences.
New Techniques in Hemorrhoidal Disease but the Same Old Problem: Anal Stenosis
Authors: Leventoglu Sezai , Mentes Bulent , Balci Bengi , Kebiz Halil Can
Published: March 2022

Anal stenosis, which develops as a result of aggressive excisional hemorrhoidectomy, especially with the stoutly use of advanced technologies (LigaSure®, ultrasonic dissector, laser, etc.), has become common, causing significant deterioration in the patient’s quality of life. Although non-surgical treatment is effective for mild anal stenosis, surgical reconstruction is unavoidable for moderate to severe anal stenosis that causes distressing, severe anal pain, and inability to defecate. The problem in anal stenosis, unlike anal fissure, is that the skin does not stretch as a result of chronic fibrosis due to surgery. Therefore, the application of lateral internal sphincterotomy does not provide satisfactory results in the treatment of anal stenosis. Surgical treatment methods are based on the use of flaps of different shapes and sizes to reconstruct the anal caliber and flexibility. This article aims to summarize most-used surgical techniques for anal stenosis regarding functional and surgical outcomes.
A Study of the Mechanism and Separation of Structurally Similar Phenolic Acids by Commercial Polymeric Ultrafiltration Membranes
Authors: Wang Qinshi , Zhang Yun , Zhang Xianli , Li Qi , Huang Mingcong , Huang Shasha , Wu Qianlian , Tang Zhishu , Pan Linmei , Zhang Yue , Liu Hongbo , Li Bo , Zhu Huaxu
Published: March 2022

This study examined the behavior and penetration mechanisms of typical phenolic (benzoic) acids, which determine their observed penetration rates during membrane separation, focusing on the influence of electrostatic and hydrophobic solute/membrane interactions. To understand the effects of hydrophobicity and electrostatic interaction on membrane filtration, the observed penetration of five structurally similar phenolic acids was compared with regenerated cellulose (RC) and polyamide (PA) membranes at different solute concentrations and solution pHs. Variation partitioning analysis (VPA) was performed to calculate the relative contributions of electrostatic and hydrophobic effects. The penetration of phenolic acids was mainly influenced by the electrostatic interaction, with salicylic acid having the highest penetration. Penetration of phenolic acids through the PA membrane decreased from 98% at pH 3.0 to 30–50% at pH 7.4, indicating the dominance of the electrostatic interaction. Moreover, based on its hydrophobicity and greater surface charge, the PA membrane could separate binary mixtures of protocatechuic/salicylic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic/salicylic acid at pH 9.0, with separation factors of 1.81 and 1.78, respectively. These results provide a greater understanding of solute/membrane interactions and their effect on the penetration of phenolic acids through polymeric ultrafiltration membranes.
Elucidation of the Interactions of Reactive Oxygen Species and Antioxidants in Model Membranes Mimicking Cancer Cells and Normal Cells
Authors: Cho Geonho , Lee Deborah , Kim Sun Min , Jeon Tae-Joon
Published: March 2022

Photosensitizers (PSs) used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) have been developed to selectively destroy tumor cells. However, PSs recurrently reside on the extracellular matrix or affect normal cells in the vicinity, causing side effects. Additionally, the membrane stability of tumor cells and normal cells in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has not been studied, and the effects of ROS at the membrane level are unclear. In this work, we elucidate the stabilities of model membranes mimicking tumor cells and normal cells in the presence of ROS. The model membranes are constructed according to the degree of saturation in lipids and the bilayers are prepared either in symmetric or asymmetric form. Interestingly, membranes mimicking normal cells are the most vulnerable to ROS, while membranes mimicking tumor cells remain relatively stable. The instability of normal cell membranes may be one cause of the side effects of PDT. Moreover, we also show that ROS levels are controlled by antioxidants, helping to maintain an appropriate amount of ROS when PDT is applied.
A Story of Serial Mediation: Intrapreneurship Explained through a Combination of Individual and Organisational Factors
Authors: Rose Megan , Gardiner Elliroma , Debrulle Jonas
Published: March 2022

The research for this study examined the extent to which organisational factors, represented by perceived organisational support and workplace incivility, and individual factors, represented by core self-evaluation (CSE), predicted intrapreneurship. The key hypothesis was that CSE would be associated with intrapreneurship and that incivility and perceived organisational support would serially mediate this relationship. Participants were 410 working adults who volunteered to complete a series of questionnaires measuring CSE, incivility, perceived organisational support, and intrapreneurship. Analysis showed a serial mediation effect between CSE and intrapreneurship through incivility and perceived organisational support. By integrating both individual and organisational antecedents of intrapreneurship from the perspective of CSE, the research illustrates the significant role CSE plays in determining to what extent intrapreneurial behaviours will be exhibited. Findings from this study provide insights for both organisations and researchers in determining the fundamental relationships between individual and organisational factors in predicting intrapreneurial behaviours.
Evolution of Inclusions and Cleanliness in Ti-Bearing IF Steel Produced via the BOF–LF–RH–CC Process
Authors: Yuan Baohui , Liu Jianhua , Zeng Jianhua , Zhang Min , Huang Jihong , Yang Xiaodong
Published: March 2022

Owing to the insufficient converter heat, IF steel is produced via the BOF–LF–RH–CC process in Pangang Group Xichang Steel and Vanadium Co., Ltd. To clarify the evolution of inclusions and the control strategy to improve the cleanliness of molten steel in Ti-bearing IF steel produced via the long process, scanning electron microscopy with energy spectroscopy analysis and automatic scanning electron microscopy were employed to analyze the number, size, type and morphology of inclusions in IF steel from RH to tundish. The results show that the characteristics of inclusions are similar in two heats during RH treatment. In the tundish sample of Heat 2, the number density (ND) and area fraction (AF) of Al2O3 and Al2O3·TiOx inclusions increase significantly, and the size of Al2O3 inclusions decreases obviously, which is closely related to the serious reoxidation of molten steel caused by the slag with high oxidability during the holding process. Meanwhile, a new method of determining the number of cluster inclusions is used to evaluate the cleanliness of IF steel in this paper, and the obtained number of inclusion clusters is consistent with the trend of ND and AF of inclusions. The effects of reoxidation on the morphology, number and other indexes of Al2O3 and Al2O3·TiOx inclusions are discussed in detail, and there are two ways of forming Al2O3·TiOx inclusions in the case of serious reoxidation. To weaken the reoxidation process and enhance the cleanliness of IF steel produced via the long process, reducing the oxygen content in molten steel before Al deoxidation, minimizing the holding time and reducing the oxidability of slag after RH are helpful.
Investigation on Blood Compatibility of Cu/Ti Metal Coating Prepared via Various Bias Voltages and Copper Content
Authors: Hu Qiong , Liu Hengquan , Gao Fei , Yang Xi , Li Junfeng , Liu Ren , Liu Zexuan , Wang Dongfang
Published: March 2022

Surface modification of some metal coatings is usually used to improve the blood compatibility of biomaterials; however, some aspects of the bological properties of metal coatings cannot be adjusted via the content of each component. In this work, Cu/Ti metal coatings with various amounts of copper content were prepared by the physical vapor deposition (PVD) method, and the influence of deposition bias was further investigated. Phase structure, element composition and surface morphology were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The hemolysis ratio, platelet adhesion and protein adsorption were applied to evaluate the blood compatibility. The results show that a Cu/Ti coating of uniform quality can be obtained; the dispersion of the deposition and copper content is regulated by the number of copper sheets, but the deposition bias does not obviously affect the copper content of the Cu/Ti coating. The hemolysis rate of the Cu/Ti coating is less than 0.4%, the degree of platelet adhesion is significantly reduced on Cu/Ti coatings compared to control samples, and the contact angle of all coatings is greater than that of pure titanium. The largest adsorption capacity of BSA was found on the coating with the deposition bias voltage of −40 V. The number of copper flakes is increased, and the adsorption of FIB on the Cu/Ti coating surface is reduced. Therefore, Cu/Ti coatings prepared via this deposition method have potential for applications to regulate blood compatibility and surface performance.
Measuring the Depth of Subsurface Defects in Additive Manufacturing Components by Laser-Generated Ultrasound
Authors: Xue Zhixiang , Xu Wanli , Peng Yunchao , Wang Mengmeng , Pelenovich Vasiliy , Yang Bing , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2022

A new method to measure the depth of subsurface defects in additive manufacturing components is proposed based on the velocity dispersion analysis of Lamb waves by the wavelet-transform of laser ultrasound. Firstly, the mode-conversion from laser-generated surface waves to Lamb waves caused by subsurface defects at different depths is studied systematically. Secondly, an additive manufactured 316L stainless steel sample with six subsurface defects has been fabricated to validate the efficiency of the proposed method. The measured result of the defect depth is very close to the real designed value, with a fitting coefficient of 0.98. The defect depth range for high accuracy measurement is suggested to be lower than 0.8 mm, which is enough to meet the inspection of layer thickness during additive manufacturing. The result indicates that the proposed method based on laser-generated ultrasound (LGU) velocity dispersion analysis is robust and reliable for defect depth measurement and meaningful to improve the processing quality and processing efficiency of additive/subtractive hybrid manufacturing.
Screening of Carbofuran-Degrading Bacteria Chryseobacterium sp. BSC2-3 and Unveiling the Change in Metabolome during Carbofuran Degradation
Authors: Park Haeseong , Seo Sun Il , Lim Ji-Hwan , Song Jaekyeong , Seo Joo-Hyun , Kim Pyoung Il
Published: March 2022

Carbofuran is one of the most commonly used N-methylcarbamate-based pesticides and is excellent for controlling pests; however, carbofuran also causes soil and water pollution. Although various studies have been conducted on the bioremediation of pesticide-contaminated soil, the changes occurring in the metabolome during the bioremediation of carbofuran are not fully understood. In this study, the intracellular and extracellular metabolites of the Chryseobacterium sp. BSC2-3 strain were analysed during carbofuran degradation by using a liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach. We found that the BSC2-3 strain extracellularly transformed carbofuran into 3-hydroxycarbofuran. Intracellular metabolite analysis revealed that carbofuran mainly affected aminobenzoate degradation, ubiquinone and terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis, and arginine and proline metabolism. Carbofuran especially affected the metabolic pathway for the degradation of naphthalene and aminobenzoate. Metabolomics additionally revealed that the strain produces disease resistance inducers and plant growth regulators. We also identified the genes involved in the production of indole-3-acetic acid, which is one of the most active auxins. Overall, we identified the metabolic changes induced in carbofuran-degrading bacteria and the genes predicted to be responsible for the degradation of carbofuran.
Radio Frequency Resonator-Based Flexible Wireless Pressure Sensor with MWCNT-PDMS Bilayer Microstructure
Authors: Xu Baochun , Li Mingyue , Li Min , Fang Haoyu , Wang Yu , Sun Xun , Guo Qiuquan , Wang Zhuopeng , Liu Yijian , Chen Da
Published: March 2022

Flexible pressure sensors have been widely applied in wearable devices, e-skin, and the new generation of robots. However, most of the current sensors use connecting wires for energy supply and signal transmission, which presents an obstacle for application scenarios requiring long endurance and large movement, especially. Flexible sensors combined with wireless technology is a promising research field for realizing efficient state sensing in an active state. Here, we designed and fabricated a soft wireless passive pressure sensor, with a fully flexible Ecoflex substrate and a multi-walled carbon nanotube/polydimethylsiloxane (MWCNT/PDMS) bilayer pyramid dielectric structure. Based on the principle of the radio-frequency resonator, the device achieved pressure sensing with a changeable capacitance. Subsequently, the effect of the pyramid density was simulated by the finite element method to improve the sensitivity. With one-step embossing and spin-coating methods, the fabricated sensor had an optimized sensitivity of 14.25 MHz/kPa in the low-pressure range. The sensor exhibited the potential for application in limb bending monitoring, thus demonstrating its value for long-term wireless clinical monitoring. Moreover, the radio frequency coupling field can be affected by approaching objects, which provides a possible route for realizing non-contact sensing in applications such as pre-collision warning.
Transient Two-Layer Electroosmotic Flow and Heat Transfer of Power-Law Nanofluids in a Microchannel
Authors: Deng Shuyan , Xiao Tan
Published: March 2022

To achieve the optimum use and efficient thermal management of two-layer electroosmosis pumping systems in microdevices, this paper studies the transient hydrodynamical features in two-layer electroosmotic flow of power-law nanofluids in a slit microchannel and the corresponding heat transfer characteristics in the presence of viscous dissipation. The governing equations are established based on the Cauchy momentum equation, continuity equation, energy equation, and power-law nanofluid model, which are analytically solved in the limiting case of two-layer Newtonian fluid flow by means of Laplace transform and numerically solved for two-layer power-law nanofluid fluid flow. The transient mechanism of adopting conducting power-law nanofluid as a pumping force and that of pumping nonconducting power-law nanofluid are both discussed by presenting the two-layer velocity, flow rates, temperature, and Nusselt number at different power-law rheology, nanoparticle volume fraction, electrokinetic width and Brinkman number. The results demonstrate that shear thinning conducting nanofluid represents a promising tool to drive nonconducting samples, especially samples with shear thickening features. The increase in nanoparticle volume fraction promotes heat transfer performance, and the shear thickening feature of conducting nanofluid tends to suppress the effects of viscous dissipation and electrokinetic width on heat transfer.
Planet Contamination with Chemical Compounds
Authors: Lebedev Albert T. , Richardson Susan D.
Published: March 2022

The number of known priority pollutants and emerging contaminants of environmental concern currently exceeds several thousand (US EPA Part 423, US EPA Part 401) [...]
Effect of Added Brewer’s Spent Grain on the Baking Value of Flour and the Quality of Wheat Bread
Authors: Czubaszek Anna , Wojciechowicz-Budzisz Agata , Spychaj Radosław , Kawa-Rygielska Joanna
Published: March 2022

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of the partial replacement of wheat flour (WF) with barley brewer’s spent grain (BBSG) and barley-buckwheat brewer’s spent grain (BBSG + B) on dough quality and bread properties, including nutritional value. The contents of brewer’s spent grain (BSG) in the blend with wheat flour were 0, 10, and 20%. The quality of the flour blends was assessed with intermediate methods and based on laboratory baking. Analyses were also carried out to determine contents of basic nutrients and energy value. The replacement of part of wheat flour with BBSG and BBSG + B diminished gluten yield and deteriorated its quality (a decreased sedimentation value and stability, and increased dough softening). Changes were also observed in the starch-enzymatic system, resulting in a decreased falling number and maximum paste viscosity. Breads containing both BSG types featured higher yield and lower loaf volume. They had also higher contents of protein, dietary fibre, fat, and ash as well as a lower energy value compared to the wheat bread. Considering the organoleptic traits of breads, the 10% replacement of wheat flour with BSG is recommended in the blend. The BBSG + B was found to elicit more beneficial effects on bread properties than BBSG.
Oxazolidine Nitroxide Transformation in a Coordination Sphere of the Ln3+ Ions
Authors: Rey Philippe , Smolentsev Anton I. , Vostrikova Kira E.
Published: March 2022

Upon the interaction of the hydrated lanthanide(III) salts found in acetonitrile solution with a tripodal paramagnetic compound, 4,4-dimethyl-2,2-bis(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-oxazolidine-3-oxyl (Rad), functionalized by two pyridyl groups, three neutral, structurally characterized complexes with diamagnetic polydentate ligands—[Dy(RadH)(hbpm)Cl2], [Yb2(ipapm)2(NO3)4], and [Ce2(ipapm)2(NO3)4(EtOAc)2]—were obtained. These coordination compounds are minor uncolored crystalline products, which were formed in a reaction mixture due to the Rad transformation in a lanthanide coordination sphere, wherein the processes of its simultaneous disproportionation, hydrolysis, and condensation proceed differently than in the absence of Ln ions. The latter fact was confirmed by the formation of the structurally characterized product of the oxazolidine nitroxide transformation during its crystallization in toluene solution. Such a conversion in the presence of 4f elements ions is unique since no similar phenomenon was observed during the synthesis of the 3d-metal complexes with Rad.