bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
pH-Based Control of the Kinetics and Process Safety of the Highly Exothermic Reaction Between Ammonium Chloride and Sodium Nitrite for Flow-Assurance Applications
Authors: Bispo Felipe J. S. , Kartnaller Vinicius , Cajaiba João
Published: April 2021

The highly exothermic reaction between ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and sodium nitrite (NaNO2) has an important application in the area of flow assurance. Because of the high heat generation, this reaction has been used as a heat source for the fluidization of low-melting-point deposits formed during oil and gas production. Because this reaction is strongly pH dependent, the incorrect choice of pH can result in an uncontrollable temperature increase caused by the system’s inability to dissipate the large amount of heat generated in a short time, causing accidents such as structural damage and explosions. Thus, the aim of this work was to study a method that involved adjusting the pH over time to ensure controlled heat generation, with high calorimetric conversion, and avoid the development of a thermal-runaway reaction (pH-based control of the kinetics and process safety). The kinetics and thermodynamics of this reaction were studied using heat-flow reaction calorimetry and attenuated total reflection (ATR)-Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Following a semiempirical approach, calorimetric and spectroscopic data were fitted to a kinetic equation using nitrite, ammonium (NH4+), and hydronium concentrations. The molar enthalpy calculated was –322.92 kJ/mol, and the Arrhenius parameters were determined as the frequency factor [ln(A)] = 22.21 and the apparent activation energy (Ea) = 63.40  kJ/mol. The kinetic model constructed made it possible to properly evaluate the pH profile that should be maintained to control the kinetics (heat-generation rate) and process safety [time to maximum rate under adiabatic conditions (TMRAD)] of the reaction. The strategy of adjusting the pH over time ensured controlled heat generation and high calorimetric conversion, which cannot be achieved by simply adding catalyst at the beginning of the reaction, and minimized the risk of developing a runaway reaction. However, in real applications, the pH control must be made using the balance between the thermal risk (TMRAD) and the performance of the method (qr), because although it is possible to decrease the thermal risk (increase the value of TMRAD) by increasing the pH, this increase is accompanied by a decrease in the heat-generation rate. Thus, from the proper balance of these factors (qr and TMRAD), pH control can ensure adequate levels of heat production within an acceptable thermal risk.
Efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory failure with interstitial lung disease; a case control nationwide dataset study in Japan
Authors: Usagawa Yuko , Komiya Kosaku , Yamasue Mari , Fushimi Kiyohide , Hiramatsu Kazufumi , Kadota Jun-ichi
Published: April 2021

Background: Since it is uncertain whether acute respiratory failure in patients with interstitial lung disease is reversible, indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in these patients remain controversial, except for bridging to lung transplantation. The objective of this study was to clarify in-hospital mortality and prognostic factors in interstitial lung disease patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.Methods: Case-control study. Using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database from 2010 to 2017, we reviewed hospitalized interstitial lung disease patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. As we focused on the efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as an intervention for managing merely acute respiratory failure, patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation were excluded.Results: A total of 164 interstitial lung disease patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were included. In-hospital mortality of them was 74.4% (122/164). Compared with survivors, non-survivors were older and received high-dose cyclophosphamide, protease inhibitors, and antifungal drugs more frequently but macrolides and anti-influenza drugs less frequently. Multivariate analysis revealed the following factors were associated with in-hospital mortality: advanced age with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.048 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.015–1.082, non-use of macrolides (OR, 0.264; 95% CI, 0.118–0.589), and use of antifungal drugs (OR, 3.158; 95% CI, 1.377–7.242).Conclusions: Approximately three quarters of interstitial lung disease patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation died in hospital. Moreover, advanced age, non-use of macrolides, and use of antifungal drugs were found to correlate with a poor prognosis.
Ocular related emergencies in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic, a multicenter study.
Authors: Puzo Martin , Sanchez-Monroy Jorge , Porcar-Plana Carmen Alejandra , Bartol-Puyal Francisco de Asís , Dotti-Boada Marina , Peña-Urbina Pilar , Izquierdo-Serra Jordi , López-Montero Ana , Pérez-García Pilar , Bordonaba-Bosque Daniel , Pablo-Julvez Luis Emilio , Calvo-Perez Pilar
Published: April 2021

PURPOSE: To evaluate ophthalmological emergencies (OE) during the COVID-19 pandemic comparing them with the same period of the previous year. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of all OE visits in four tertiary hospitals in Spain comparing data from March 16th to April 30th, 2020 (COVID-19 period) and the same period of 2019 (pre-COVID-19 period). Severity of the conditions was assessed following Channa et al. publication. Data on demographics, diagnosis and treatments were collected from Electronic Medical Records. RESULTS: During lockdown, OE significantly declined by 75.18%, from 7,730 registered in the pre-COVID-19 period to 1,928 attended during the COVID-19 period (p<0.001). In 2019, 23.86% of visits were classified as emergent, 59.50% as non-emergent, and 16.65% could not be determined. In 2020, the percentage of emergent visits increased up to 29.77%, non-emergent visits significantly decreased to 52.92% (p<0.001), and 17.31% of the visits were classified as “could not determine”. During the pandemic, people aged between 45 and 65 years old represented the largest attending group (37.89%), compared to 2019, where patients over 65 years were the majority (39.80%). In 2019, most frequent diagnosis was unspecified acute conjunctivitis (11.59%), followed by vitreous degeneration (6.47%), and punctate keratitis (5.86%). During the COVID-19 period, vitreous degeneration was the first cause for consultation (9.28%), followed by unspecified acute conjunctivitis (5.63%) and punctate keratitis (5.85%). CONCLUSIONS: OE visits dropped significantly during the pandemic in Spain (75.18%), although more than half were classified as non-urgent conditions, indicating a lack of understanding of the really emergent ocular pathologies among population.
An overlap of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis and IgG4-related disease: distinct clinicopathologic clues for precise diagnosis
Authors: Liang Peifen , Chen Wenfang , Yue Shuling , Han Qianqian , Zhu Litong , Li Jinggao , Yang Qiongqiong
Published: April 2021

Background: Both antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) and IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) are multi-system inflammatory disorders. The coexistent of both diseases present the possibility of a new overlap syndrome which leads to different treatment and outcome. In this study, we aim to investigate the possibility and clinicopathologic clues to the diagnosis of this overlap syndrome.Methods: A case of a 67-year-old man in our hospital who exhibited the clinicopathologic characteristics of both AAV and IgG4-RD was presented. The serial alterations in serum parameters and treatment response of the case were followed up for the next 15 months. Then, a systematic literature review of the overlap syndrome was performed on PUBMED database from 1976 until January 2020.Results: Forty-two patients fully met both AAV and IgG4-RD criteria in the literature. The median age was 60 years ranged from 31 to 73 years at diagnosis. Twenty-eight (66.7%) patients were men. Serum IgG4 concentration increased in 41 (97.6%) patients (median:395 mg/dl; range:177-876mg/dl). Forty-one patients (97.6%) tested positive for ANCA with 37 (90.2%) patients showing a specificity for MPO. Kidney histology of 23 (69.7%) patients presented pauci-immune necrotizing or crescentic glomerulonephritis and IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis. Glucocorticoids combined with cyclophosphamide therapy was commonly prescribed with a high remission rate within 3 months. Four common clinicopathologic features of the overlap syndrome were identified from the case and literature.Conclusion: AAV may overlap with IgG4-RD while presenting atypical manifestations. Four common clinicopathologic characteristics could be used as specific clues to the diagnosis of overlap syndrome.
Spatial-temporal variations and multi-statistical analysis of contaminants in the waters affected by acid mining drainage in Karst area: A case of coal-mining area in Zhijin County
Authors: Qin Shichan , Li Xuexian , Wu Pan , Li Qingguang
Published: April 2021

Due to the adverse effects of coal mining activities in Karst areas, it’s necessary to monitor the contaminants, analyze their fate in the transport and identify the sources. Therefore, concentrations of contaminants were measured in both groundwater and surface water samples collected from coal-mining area in Karst, located in ​​Zhijin County, Guizhou Province (China). The analysis of spatial-temporal variations of contaminants indicates that (1) the concentrations of metal elements (except Ba) and SO42− tend to decrease along the water flow direction while the concentrations of Ba and nitrate still show an upward trend and (2) the concentrations of metal elements and SO42− in Stream1 and Stream3, are higher in wet season than dry season. Further, the results of multi-statistical analysis which combined Pearson correlation coefficients(PCC)with the principal component analysis (PCA), identify five factors for the data structure of contaminants. What’s more, the assessment of the water quality was evaluated by Nemerow index method to better understand the status. The results indicate that over 60% of water samples were divided into Grade IV and Grade Ⅴ.
Blank shape optimization considering 3D space targets for external and internal boundaries in sheet metal forming processes
Authors: Gharehchahi Hamidreza , Kazemzadeh-Parsi Mohammad Javad , Afsari Ahmad , Mohammadi Mehrdad
Published: April 2021

The optimum design of an initial blank shape in sheet metal forming processes is an important step in many industries, especially automobile manufacturers because it reduces production costs and material waste. To the best of our knowledge, no research has been conducted on the blank shape designs based on 3D space target contours. Moreover, the present study considers parts with internal boundaries and optimum design of the internal boundary, which are among the innovations of this research. By following the iterative simulation-based optimization process, a special updating algorithm was proposed to modify the blank geometry in each iteration and reach the optimum shape. The sheet forming was severely nonlinear, due to plastic behavior, large deformations, and frictional contact surfaces. Therefore, the updating formula should be robust enough to be insensitive to the initial guess for the blank. To evaluate the proposed updating formula, some numerical examples were solved and the results were presented. Finally, the robustness of the proposed algorithm was investigated in these numerical experiences, by considering different geometries, target contours, internal boundaries, and initial guesses. The present study reveals that the proposed algorithm can be effectively used to solve blank optimization problems for the deep drawing process.
Semi-blind channel estimation based on Modified CMA and unitary scrambling for massive MIMO systems
Authors: Sellami Noura , Siala Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Pilot contamination is one of the main impairments in multi-cell massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems. In order to improve the channel estimation in this context, we propose to use a semi-blind channel estimator based on the constant modulus algorithm (CMA). We consider an enhanced version of the CMA namely the Modified CMA (MCMA) which modifies the cost function of the CMA algorithm to the sum of cost functions for real and imaginary parts. Due to pilot contamination, the channel estimator may estimate the channel of a contaminating user instead of that of the user of interest (the user for which the Base Station wants to estimate the channel and then the data). To avoid this, we propose to scramble the users sequences before transmission. We consider different methods to perform unitary scrambling based on rotating the transmitted symbols (one Dimensional (1-D) scrambling) and using unitary matrices (two-Dimensional (2-D) scrambling). At the base station, the received sequence of the user of interest is descrambled leading to a better convergence of the channel estimator. We also consider the case where the Automatic Repeat reQuest (ARQ) protocol is used. In this case, using scrambling leads to a significant gain in terms of BLock Error Rate (BLER) due to the change of the contaminating users data from one transmission to another induced by scrambling.
How does the coupling of real-world policies with optimization models expand the practicality of solutions in reservoir operation problems?
Authors: Kim Gi Joo , Kim Young-Oh
Published: April 2021

This study aims compares how different formulations of a reservoir operation problem with conflicting objectives affect the quality of the generated solution set. Six models were developed for comparative analysis: three using dynamic programming (DP) and three using the evolutionary multi-objective direct policy search (EMODPS) algorithm. Afterward, to improve the quality of the generated solution set, an EMODPS model was selected and coupled with zone-based hedging policy that is currently being applied in real-world reservoir operations. The solutions generated by each model were then evaluated regarding proximity to the ideal and three eminent performance indices (risk, resiliency, and vulnerability). The proposed methodology was applied to a multi-purpose reservoir located in South Korea, Boryeong Dam, which had suffered a multi-year drought recently. Consequently, the solution sets from the EMODPS model yielded closer results than those of the stochastic DP model for optimality and diversity. Although the solutions from the algorithm performed better than actual operation results under normal conditions, the actual operations executed based on the zone-based hedging rule outperformed the other two in case of droughts. Among the EMODPS models, one with the fewest parameters, the EMODPS-Gaussian model, resulted in better solutions for all cases. Finally, coupling the real-world policy with the optimally derived solutions in the case of droughts improved the frequency, duration, and magnitude of the water supplies whereas the water users experienced an improvement in scale at the expense of more recurrent failures.
Weather Indicators and Improving Air Quality in Association with COVID-19 Pandemic in India
Authors: Chakrabortty Rabin , Pal Subodh Chandra , Ghosh Manoranjan , Arabameri Alireza , Saha Asish , Roy Paramita , Pradhan Biswajeet , Mondal Ayan , Ngo Phuong Thao Thi , Chowdhuri Indrajit , Yunus Ali P. , Sahana Mehebub , Malik Sadhan , Das Biswajit
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic enforced nationwide lockdown, which has restricted human activities from March 24 to May 3 2020, resulted an improved air quality across India. The present research investigates the connection between COVID-19 pandemic imposed lockdown and its relation with present air quality in India; besides, relationship with climate variables and daily new affected cases of Coronavirus and mortality in India during the lockdown period has also been examined. The selected seven air quality pollutant parameters (PM10, PM2.5, CO, NO2, SO2, NH3 and O3) at 223 monitoring stations and temperature recorded in New Delhi were used to investigate the spatial pattern of air quality throughout the lockdown. The results showed that the air quality has improved across the country and average temperature and maximum temperature were connected to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study will assist the policy practitioner, researcher, urban planner, and health expert to make suitable strategies against the spreading of COVID-19 in India and abroad.
Visualization of basic probability assignment
Authors: Long Hong Feng , Peng Zhen Ming , Deng Yong
Published: April 2021

Applying geometry to the analysis and interpretation of basic probability assignment(BPA) is a unique research direction in evidence theory. Though the geometric representation of BPA has been proposed, the visualization method of BPA is still lack of sufficient research. In this paper, we propose a new BPA visualization method based on the vector representation of the BPA to illustrate the image of BPA directly. The basic point and the uncertain vectors can be obtained by the given BPA firstly, and then we connect these components to construct the image of BPA. Through the image of BPA, we can effectively analyze the interaction effect of focal elements in BPA, and observe the potential characteristics of BPA directly. Meanwhile, the geometric meanings of parameters in the vector representation of the BPA can be explained. Finally, the advantages and applications have been studied and discussed.
Multicenter phase II clinical study of the efficiency and safety of capecitabine plus intermittent oxaliplatin with bevacizumab as first-line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: the VOICE trial
Authors: Kosugi Chihiro , Koda Keiji , Denda Tadamichi , Ishibashi Keiichiro , Ishida Hideyuki , Seike Kazuhiro , Sakata Haruhito , Yanagisawa Shinji , Miyazaki Akinari , Takayama Wataru , Koike Naoto , Shimizu Hiroaki , Matsubara Hisahiro
Published: April 2021

Background: In the first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with CAPOX plus bevacizumab, the optimal duration of maintenance treatment without oxaliplatin to avoid discontinuation of therapy due to peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN) remains unknown. The aim of this phase II study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with five-cycle CAPOX (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin) plus bevacizumab, followed by five-cycle maintenance therapy with capecitabine plus bevacizumab and reintroduction of CAPOX plus bevacizumab for five cycles, with a preplanned oxaliplatin intermittent strategy in mCRC.Methods: Patients with untreated mCRC were administered CAPOX [oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 and capecitabine (2000 mg/m2 daily) as intermittent treatment for 14 days, followed by a 7-day treatment-free interval, every 3 weeks] + bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) every 3 weeks for five cycles, maintenance treatment without oxaliplatin for five cycles, and CAPOX + bevacizumab reintroduction for five cycles or upon tumor progression. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoints were the time to treatment failure (TTF), overall survival, response rate (RR), and safety.Results: Forty-seven patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the evaluation of efficacy and safety. The relative dose intensity and the cumulative dose of oxaliplatin during the overall treatment period were 649.1 mg/m2 and 1132.5 mg, respectively. Median PFS was 14.1 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.6–19.5), and median TTF was 12.3 months (95% CI, 10.3–14.3). The objective RRs were 51.1% (24/47) during induction therapy, 58.3% (21/36) during maintenance therapy, and 63.6% (14/22) during reintroduction therapy. The frequency of patients with neutropenia, diarrhea, PSN, venous thromboembolism, or grade ≥ 3 allergic reactions was 2.1%.Conclusion: CAPOX plus bevacizumab therapy with a preplanned intermittent oxaliplatin strategy consisting of brief five-cycle induction therapy, five-cycle maintenance therapy with capecitabine plus bevacizumab, and five-cycle reintroduction therapy consisting of CAPOX plus bevacizumab is safe and effective for mCRC patients.Trial registration: This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network on 7 June 2011 (UMIN ID: 000005732).
The Clinical Application of Non-invasive Prenatal Genetic Testing in the Screening of Fetal Chromosomal Diseases
Authors: Pang Yu , wang chaohong , Tang Junxiang , Zhu Jiansheng
Published: April 2021

Objective：To explore the efficacy and clinical application value of non-invasive prenatal testing (non-invasive prenatal testing, NIPT) for screening fetal chromosomal abnormalities. Methods: NIPT was performed on 25,517 pregnant women. The high-risk samples were compared with amniotic fluid and cord blood chromosome karyotype analysis. Some samples were further verified by microarray (CMA), and pregnancy outcomes were followed up. Results: Of all the cases examined, 25502 cases were detected successfully, and a total of 294 high-risk samples (1.15%) were detected, of which further diagnosis was made in 208 cases, true positive samples were detected in 96 cases, and further tests were refused in 86 cases.71 cases (0.28%) of autosomal aneuploid high-risk samples were detected and 51 cases were diagnosed, including 44 cases of trisomy 21 (T21), 5 cases of trisomy 18 (T18), and 2 cases of trisomy 13 (T13). The PPV was 90.90%, 45.45% and 33.33%, respectively. Thirteen high-risk samples of trisomy 21, 18, and 13 were detected, and 1 case was confirmed as T21 mosaic PPV was 8.33% NPV was 100%. High-risk samples of sex chromosome aneuploidy (SCA) were detected in 72 cases (0.28%), 23 cases were diagnosed, and the PPV was 40.07%. The PPV was 12.00%, 50.00%, 72.73% and 75.00%, respectively, and the PPV was 12.00%, 50.00%, 72.73% and 75.00%, respectively. High-risk samples of copy number variation (CNV) were detected in 104 cases (0.41%), and 18 cases were diagnosed, with a PPV of 32.14%. Other high-risk samples of chromosome aneuploidy were detected in 34 cases (0.13%), and 3 cases were diagnosed as T2, T9, and T16, respectively. PPV is 8.70%.Conclusion: NIPT is suitable for trisomy 21, 18, and 13 screening, especially for T21. It also has a certain reference value for SCA and microdeletion and microduplication syndromes（MMS）, and it is not recommended for screening for other chromosomal aneuploidies.
Search for topological defect dark matter using the global network of optical magnetometers for exotic physics searches (GNOME)
Authors: Afach Samer , Buchler Ben , Budker Dmitry , Dailey Conner , Derevianko Andrei , Dumont Vincent , Figueroa Nataniel L. , Gerhardt Ilja , Grujic Zoran , Guo Hong , Hao Chuanpeng , Hamilton Paul , Hedges Morgan , Kimball Derek Jackson , Kim Dongok , Khamis Sami , Kornack Thomas , Lebedev Victor , Lu Zheng-Tian , Masia-Roig Hector , Monroy Madeline , Padniuk Mikhail , Palm Christopher , Park Sun Yool , Paul Karun , Penaflor Alexander , Peng Xiang , Pospelov Maxim , Preston Rayshaun , Pustelny Szymon , Scholtes Theo , Segura Perrin , Semertzidis Yannis , Sheng Dong , Shin Yun Chang , Smiga Joseph , Stalnaker Jason , Sulai Ibrahim , Tandon Dhruv , Wang Tao , Weis Antoine , Wickenbrock Arne , Wilson Tatum , Wu Teng , Wurm David , Xiao Wei , Yang Yucheng , Yu Dongrui , Zhang Jianwei
Published: April 2021

Results are reported from the first full-scale search for transient signals from exotic fields of astrophysical origin using data from a newly constructed Earth-scale detector: the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers for Exotic physics searches (GNOME). Data collected by the GNOME consist of correlated measurements from optical atomic magnetometers located in laboratories all over the world. GNOME data are searched for patterns of signals propagating through the network consistent with exotic fields composed of ultralight bosons such as axion-like particles (ALPs). Analysis of data from a continuous month-long operation of the GNOME finds no statistically significant signals consistent with those expected due to encounters with topological defects (axion domain walls), placing new experimental constraints on such dark matter scenarios.
Diving Beetle (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) Community Dissimilarity Reveals How Low Landscape Connectivity Restricts the Ecological Value of Urban Ponds
Authors: Liao Wenfei , Venn Stephen , Niemelä Jari
Published: April 2021

Context: Structural and functional connectivity, as subconcepts of landscape connectivity, are key factors in biodiversity conservation and management. Previous studies have focused on the consequences of connectivity for populations of terrestrial organisms, which may not be appropriate for aquatic organisms. Objectives: As landscape connectivity critically affects the potential value of ponds for biodiversity, here we used diving beetles (Dytiscidae), an indicator taxon of wetland biodiversity, to investigate how structural connectivity affects functional connectivity to aquatic invertebrates in an urban landscape. Methods: We assessed pairwise similarities of dytiscid community, i.e. the variation of species composition between clustered and isolated ponds in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, Finland. We investigated how dytiscid community similarity is affected by Euclidean distances between ponds, as an indicator of structural connectivity. Results: We found that clustered ponds shared more species than isolated ponds. Dytiscid species community similarity responded negatively to increasing Euclidean distance between ponds. Effectively dispersing species were widely distributed across the landscape, while poor dispersers were scarcely distributed in the same landscape. Conclusions: Structural connectivity determines which species are able to disperse successfully, with poor dispersers restricted to well-connected ponds. The different responses of effective dispersers and poor dispersers to the same structural connectivity indicates that functional connectivity determines species composition. We recommend providing well-connected aquatic habitats in urban landscapes and the implementation of measures to reduce isolation of wetland assemblages. Even clustered ponds need dispersal from other habitats to ensure their contribution to urban biodiversity.
Monitoring of Air Pollutants Using Plants and Co-Located Soil – Egypt: Characteristics, Pollution, and Toxicity Impact
Authors: Badawy Wael M , Sarhan Yasmin , Duliu Octavian G , Kim Junbeum , Yushin Nikita , Samman Hussein El , Hussein Abdel Azim , Frontasyeva Marina , Shcheglov Alexey
Published: April 2021

The present work was conducted to characterize and monitor the air quality in terms of pollution and toxicity impact using two evergreen tree leaves, Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Ficus benjamina L. as biomonitors. Thirty tree leaves and an equal number of co-located soil samples from different regions of Egypt (urban Greater Cairo Metropolitan GC and rural Menoufia Governorate MG) were collected. The concentrations of 34 and 40 elements were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometer. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis were implemented. The air pollution was assessed using enrichment factor, pollution load index, potential ecological risk, and risk index. In addition, human and ecotoxicity were evaluated based on the ReCiPe method. The mean concentration values of the obtained elements in tree leaves in urban Greater Cairo and rural Menoufia Governorate show that the major elements are slightly higher in F. benjamina than in E. globulus. Likewise, the mean values of elements in soil from Greater Cairo and Menoufia Governorate show no significant difference except for major elements (Fe, Al, Mg, K, Na, and Ti) in Menoufia Governorate. The normalized concentrations of tree species and soil show that the accumulated elements by F. benjamina is slightly higher than in E. globulus in Greater Cairo GC and Menoufia Governorate MG. While in terms of the investigated area, the concentrations of elements in MG is considerably higher than in GC. PLI spatial distribution over investigated areas showed that despite high population density, heavy traffic, and urban pollution, the Cairo samples exhibit significantly lower values as compared to those from Menoufia, which is most likely due to the uncontrolled industrial and domestic waste disposal outside Cairo. PER was significant for As in Soil and for As and Cd for tree species. Human toxicity shows higher values in urban locations. Contrariwise, in the terrestrial ecotoxicity aspect, the rural locations are much higher than in urban ones.
An integrated simulation modelling approach for a warehouse 4.0
Authors: Ferrari Andrea , Zenezini Giovanni , Carlin Antonio , Rafele Carlo
Published: April 2021

In a progressively unstable business environment characterized by customers' demand challenging to predict, innovative solutions must be developed to respond to the growing need for flexibility in supply chain operations. In this scenario, the innovations of Industry 4.0 allow exploiting new methods for the development, management, and improvement of processes. Supply chain operations can significantly benefit from implementing one of these innovations, namely Warehouse automation, which is composed of automated retrieval and storage systems (AS/RS) and mobile robots (MR). This article contributes provides a hybrid virtual model based on Agent-Based Modeling and Simulation (ABMS) and Discrete Event Simulation (DES) paradigms of an integrated warehouse system, aiming to an ex-ante evaluation of the level of performance of the various logistic flows and the impact of operating parameters. The system into analysis consists of an automated warehouse with a maxi-shuttle-type translator, enslaved by mobile industrial robots and interfaced with a laboratory factory system equipped with an assembly station. Four experiments are carried out to analyze the warehousing system's performance by varying different parameters and design configurations. Results show that the model can determine the best design trade-off in terms of performance and is able to identify the bottlenecks of the system.
Tuning the Morphological Properties of Cellulose Aerogels: An Investigation of Salt-Mediated Preparation
Authors: Parajuli Prakash , Acharya Sanjit , Shamshina Julia , Abidi Noureddine
Published: April 2021

In this study, alkali and alkaline earth metal chlorides with different cationic radii (LiCl, NaCl, and KCl, MgCl2, and CaCl2) were used to gain insight into the behavior of cellulose solutions in the presence of salts. The specific focus of the study was evaluation of the effect of salts’ addition on the sol-gel transition of the cellulose solutions and on their ability to form monoliths, as well as evaluation of the morphology (e.g., specific surface area, pore characteristics, and microstructure) of aerocelluloses prepared from these solutions.
The effect of the salt addition on the sol-gel transition of cellulose solutions was studied using rheology, and morphology of resultant aerogels was evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, while the salt influence on the aerocelluloses’ crystalline structure and thermal stability was evaluated using powder X-Ray Diffraction (pXRD) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), respectively. The study revealed that the effect of salts’ addition was dependent on the component ions and their concentration. The addition of salts in the amount below certain concentration limit significantly improved the ability of the cellulose solutions to form monoliths and reduced the sol-gel transition time. Salts of lower cationic radii had a greater effect on gelation. However, excessive amount of salts resulted in the formation of fragile monoliths or no formation of gels at all. Analysis of surface morphology demonstrated that the addition of salts resulted in a significant increase in porosity and specific surface area, with salts of lower cationic radii leading to aerogels with much larger (~1.5 and 1.6-fold for LiCl and MgCl2, respectively) specific surface area compared to aerocelluloses prepared with no added salt. Thus, by adding the appropriate salt into the cellulose solution prior to gelation, the properties of aerocelluloses that control material’s performance (specific surface area, density, and porosity) could be tailored for a specific application.
Anatomical aspects of the insula, opercula and peri-insular white matter for a transcortical approach to insular glioma resection
Authors: Dziedzic Tomasz Andrzej , Bala Aleksandra , Marchel Andrzej
Published: April 2021

Introduction:
The insula is a lobe located deep in each hemisphere of the brain and is surrounded by eloquent cortical, white matter and basal ganglia structures. The aim of this study was to provide an anatomical description of the insula and white matter tracts related to surgical treatment of gliomas through a transcortical approach. The study also discusses surgical implications in terms of intraoperative brain mapping.
Methods
Five adult brains were prepared according to the Klingler technique. Cortical anatomy was evaluated with the naked eye, whereas white matter dissection was performed with the use of a microscope.
Results
The widest exposure of the insular surface was noted through the temporal operculum, mainly in Zones III and IV according to the Berger-Sanai classification. By going through the pars triangularis in all cases, the anterior insular point and most of Zone I were exposed. The narrowest and deepest operating field was observed by going through the parietal operculum. This method provided a suitable approach to Zone II, where the corticospinal tract is not covered by the basal ganglia and is exposed just under the superior limiting sulcus. At the subcortical level, the identification of the inferior frontoocipital fasciculus at the level of the limen insulae is critical in terms of preserving the lenticulostriate arteries.
Conclusion
Detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the insula and subcortical white matter that is exposed through each operculum is essential in preoperative planning as well as in the intraoperative decision-making process in terms of intraoperative brain mapping.
Postpartum Hip Pain Caused by Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Case Report
Authors: Teramoto Juri , Nozawa Masahiko , Maeda Koichi , Sakamoto Yuko , Ochi Hironoi , Namiki Koji , Hayashi Chikato , Kato Suguru , Kim Sungon , Ishijima Muneaki , Sumiyoshi Masayoshi
Published: April 2021

BackgroundSural pain is usually the primary complaint for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Hip pain in DVT is very uncommon. Case　summaryWe report a rare case of a young woman who complained of left hip pain and fever postpartum, and who was diagnosed with DVT. We first suspected purulent arthritis of the hip joint, and a magnetic resonance image (MRI) and enhanced computed tomography (CT) were performed. The MRI suggested DVT of the left iliac vein and the CT revealed a wide-range thrombus, which spread over the distal renal vein, femoral vein and common iliac vein to the sural vein. Treatment with insertion of a filter into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and use of an anticoagulant dissolved the thrombus.ConclusionDVT must be considered as a possibility whenever pregnant or postpartum women present with a fever of unknown origin or complain of hip pain with lower leg edema.
Nitrogen addition regulates allometric growth by changing the distribution patterns of endogenous hormones in different organs of Pinus tabuliformis
Authors: Peng Yuhang , Chen Keli , Wang Guoliang , Wei Furong , Ma Yanping
Published: April 2021

Background: The mechanisms by which nitrogen (N) affects the allometric growth of plant organs by influencing the distribution of different hormones in plant organs remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of soil N levels on soil properties, the hormonal activities and growth parameters of Pinus tabuliformis Carr. Methods: Seedlings of P. tabuliformis were subjected to 0, 3, 6, 12 g of N m-2 year-1. Growth parameter and hormone activity data (trans-zeatin riboside (ZR), gibberellin (GA1+3), indole acetic acid (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA)) in leaf, stem, total root, coarse root (diameters >2 mm), fine root (1-2 mm) and finest root (0-1 mm) biomass were measured and analysed. Results: The results showed that N addition increased the growth of the leaves; stems; total roots; and coarse, fine, and finest roots of the seedlings, but decreased the ratio of underground to aboveground growth. Additionally, N addition increased the ZR content in stems, while decreasing the ABA content in leaves and whole roots and the GA1+3 content in whole roots, but IAA content was not significantly influenced by N addition. Furthermore, the hormones examined significantly influenced the growth of the leaves, stems, roots, and the coarse, fine, and finest roots. Conclusions: N addition affected the trans-zeatin riboside, gibberellin, indole acetic acid, and abscisic acid content in the various organs examined, which influenced the growth of the seedlings. Our research will provide an important reference for forestland governance and forest systems management under global atmospheric N deposition.
Laser Self-Trapping in Optical Tweezers for Nonlinear Particles
Authors: Ho Quy Quang , Thai Thanh Doan , Bui Kien Xuan , Nguyen Thang Manh
Published: April 2021

The optical tweezers are used to trap the particles embedded in a suitable fluid. The optical trap efficiency is significantly enhanced for nonlinear particleswhich response to the Kerr effect. The optical transverse gradient force makes these particles’ mass density in trapping region increasing, and the Kerr medium can be created. When the laser Gaussian beam propagates through it, the self-focusing, and consequentlyself-trappingcan appear. In this paper, a model describing the laser self-trapping in nonlinear particle solution of optical tweezers is proposed. The expressions for the Kerr effect, effective refractive index of nonlinear particle solution and the intensity distribution of reshaped Gaussian laser beam are derived, and the self-trapping of laser beam is numerically investigated. Finally, the guide properties of nonlinear particles-filled trapping region and guiding condition are analysed and discussed.
Elevated Urbanization-driven Plant Accumulation and Human Intake Risks of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Crops of Peri-urban Farmlands
Authors: Zhang Anping , Ye Xintao , Yang Xindong , Li Jiacheng , Zhu Haofeng , Xu Honglei , Meng Jiaqi , Xu Tianwei , Sun Jianqiang
Published: April 2021

As a ubiquitous carcinogen, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are closely related to anthropogenic activities. The process of urbanization leads to the spatial interlacing of farmlands and urbanized zones. However, field evidence on the influence of urbanization on the accumulation of PAHs in crops of peri-urban farmlands is lacking. This study comparatively investigated the urbanization-driven levels, compositions, and sources of PAHs in 120 paired plant and soil samples collected from the Yangtze River Delta in China and their species-specific human intake risks. The concentrations of PAHs in crops and soils in the peri-urban areas were 2407.92 ng g−1 and 546.64 ng g−1, respectively, which are significantly higher than those in the rural areas. The PAHs in the root were highly relevant to those in the soils (R2 = 0.63, p < 0.01), and the root bioconcentration factors were higher than 1.0, implying the contributions of root uptake to plant accumulations. However, the translocation factors in the peri-urban areas (1.57 ± 0.33) were higher than those in the rural areas (1.19 ± 0.14), indicating the enhanced influence through gaseous absorption. For the congeners, the 2- to 3-ring PAHs showed a higher plant accumulation potential than the 4- to 6-ring PAHs. Principal component and source analyses show that the PAHs in the peri-urban plants predominantly resulted from urbanization parameters, such as coal combustion, vehicle emissions, and biomass burning. The mean values of estimated dietary intake of PAHs from the consumption of peri-urban and rural crops were 9116 ng d−1 and 6601.83 ng d−1, respectively. The intake risks of different crops followed the order rice > cabbage > carrot > pea. Given the significant input of PAHs from urban to farmland, the influence of many anthropogenic pollutants arising from rapid urbanization should be considered when assessing the agricultural food safety.
The Top 100 Most Cited Articles on Intrauterine Adhesion: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Gu Pan , Li Waixing , Xu Dabao
Published: April 2021

Background: Bibliometric analysis is a statistical method which attempts to assess articles by their citations, analyzing their frequency and pattern of citing phenomenon. Through the analysis, some guidance can be extracted for future research directions. Over the past few years, there have been articles published in mounting numbers focused on intrauterine adhesions. Nevertheless, little is known about the properties and qualities of these researches. No existed analysis commits to reflecting the progress of researches in intrauterine adhesion.Methods: Web of Science Core Collection, BIOSIS Citation Index and MEDLINE were searched for the identifying articles released from 1950 to October 2020. Articles concerning about Intrauterine adhesion were determined. Subsequently, the 100 most cited articles were chosen for analysis of citation count, citation density (citations/article age), authorship, theme, geographic distribution, time-related flux, level of evidence, and network analysis.Results: An overwhelming majority of the certain 100 articles were put out in the 2010s (35%). Citations per article ranged from 30 to 253. China possesses the most papers among the top 100 papers, followed by the USA, France, Israel and Italy. The study theme that most highlighted were operative hysteroscopy and adjunctive treatments for improving reproductive outcome. Level II is the most common level of evidence, and there is no statistical difference in the number of citations between the levels. The network analysis connoted that hysteroscopy, hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, infertility, and reproductive outcome had a great degree of centrality in the 2000s and 2010s, while placental implantation had a great degree of centrality in the 2000s and stem cell and fibrosis had a great degree of centrality in the 2010s. Conclusions: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the top 100 most cited articles in the literature on intrauterine adhesions. It is worth noting that hysteroscopy and hysteroscopic adhesiolysis were long-term concern in the field of intrauterine adhesion researches. As the elapse of time, postoperative adjuvant treatment has gradually become the hot spot of researches. However, there are only 9 experimental articles among these 100 articles, showing the lack of breakthrough progress in the field of intrauterine adhesions at the mechanism level.
Tribological, Thermal and Corrosive behaviour of aluminium alloy 2219 reinforced by Si3N4 nanosized powder
Authors: J Manjunatha C , Narayana B. Venkata , Raja D Bino Prince , S Rimal Isaac R
Published: April 2021

The MMC technique is the most effective contrast method when compared with other techniques. By using the method of high energy stir casting, Aluminium alloy Al2219 is reinforced with various percentages of Si3N4 (0, 3, 6, and 9%) particles. X-ray diffraction along with Scanning electron microscope was performed to characterize the composite. The mechanical and thermal behaviours such as differential thermal analysis thermo gravimetric analysis/, tensile , wear and hardness behaviours were investigated. By using electro chemical potentiodynamic polarization test, the consequence of heat treatment on the corrosion behaviour of the composites when compared to its matrix in 3.5 % NaCl when at 600 rpm was also investigated. In this experimental study, the wear of the aluminium composites was significantly decreased on addition of Si3N4 particles. The study also revealed that, since the inclusion of Si3N4 in the samples and compared to the base aluminium alloy, the mechanical properties of the composites, such as wear resistance , hardness and tensile strength increased by percentage. The surface morphology and Scanning electron microscope analysis of worn surfaces in the test pieces unfold that with the increase in reinforcement content, wear rate decreases.
Mining genes related to microenvironment of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on TCGA database
Authors: Liu Huiyong , Huang Wenbo , Lin Xingong , Xu Jie , Chen Zhiyao , Lin Jianqing , Huang Zhijun
Published: April 2021

Background：Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, and its mechanism is related to tumor microenvironment. Immune / stromal score can be used to identify differential expressed genes (DEGs) of cancer, but it has not been reported in ESCC.Methods: The expression profile and clinicopathological information of patients with ESCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The immune score and stromal score of patients with ESCC were calculated by ESTIMATE algorithm. The relationship between immune / stromal score and clinicopathological characteristics and survival prognosis of patients with ESCC was analyzed. DEGs were identified according to the score, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) analysis. The DEGs with prognostic value were revealed by overall survival analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed on these DEGs. Finally, the DEGs were verified by Chinese Cancer Genomic Database-Esophageal Squamous-Cell Carcinoma (CCGD-ESCC) database. Results: Immune and stromal scores were related to the prognosis of patients with ESCC. 223 DEGs were screened according to immune / stromal scores. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the selected DEGs was mainly related to plasma membrne, immune response and inflammatory response. Overall survival analysis showed that 68 genes were associated with prognosis. PPI network analysis showed that the core genes were CD86, LCP2, TLR7, CSF1R, C1QA, IRF8, CTLA4 and so on. A total of 17 genes with prognostic value were verified by CCGD-ESCC database. Conclusions: we screened and verified tumor microenvironment-related genes that have prognostic value and are expected to be used as therapeutic targets for patients with ESCC.