bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Warming Trends in the Arabian Sea: Causative Factors and Physical Mechanisms
Authors: Albert Jiya , Gulakaram Venkata Sai , Vissa Naresh Krishna , Bhaskaran Prasad K. , Dash Mihir K.
Published: January 2023

In recent years, and particularly from 2000 onwards, the North Indian Ocean (NIO) has been acting as a major sink of ocean heat that is clearly visible in the sub-surface warming trend. Interestingly, a part of the NIO—the Arabian Sea (AS) sector—witnessed dramatic variations in recent sub-surface warming that has direct repercussion on intense Tropical Cyclone (TC) activity. This study investigated the possible causative factors and physical mechanisms towards the multi-decadal warming trends in surface and sub-surface waters over the AS region. Responsible factors towards warming are examined using altimetric observations and reanalysis products. This study used ORAS5 OHC (Ocean Heat Content), derived meridional and zonal heat transport, currents, temperature, salinity, Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR), and air-sea fluxes to quantify the OHC build-up and its variability at water depths of 700 m (D700) and 300 m (D300) during the past four decades. The highest variability in deeper and upper OHC is noticed for the western and southern regions of the Indian Ocean. The warming trend is significantly higher in the deeper regions of AS compared to the upper waters, and relatively higher compared to the Bay of Bengal (BoB). Increased OHC in AS show good correlation with decreased OLR in the past 20 years. An analysis of altimetric observations revealed strengthening of downwelling Kelvin wave propagation leading to warming in eastern AS, mainly attributed due to intrusion of low saline water from BoB leading to stratification. Rossby wave associated with deepening of thermocline warmed the southern AS during its propagation. Heat budget analysis reveals that surface heat fluxes play a dominant role in warming AS during the pre-monsoon season. Increasing (decreasing) trend of surface heat fluxes (vertical entrainment) during 2000–2018 played a significant role in warming the southeastern sector of AS.
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of Clocks & Sleep in 2022
Authors:   Clocks & Sleep Editorial Office
Published: January 2023

High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
Preparation and Properties of Hydrophobic and Oleophobic Coating for Inkjet Printing
Authors: Chao Jilei , Shi Ruizhi , Chu Fuqiang , Guo Yanling , Deng Qian , Sun Bing
Published: January 2023

As a functional decorative material on the surface of printing and packaging, coating plays the role of increasing gloss, wear resistance, and antifouling. It has broad application prospects in high-end printed materials such as posters, art reproductions, and maps. In this paper, dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate was used as the fluorine-containing monomer, which was used to modify the epoxy resin and introduce fluoride first. Under the action of polymerization inhibitor and catalyst, the epoxy resin was further modified by ring opening, esterification, and neutralization with acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, and organic base as raw materials. Additionally, a fluorine-containing coating with hydrophobic and oleophobic properties was obtained finally. The effects of fluorine modification of epoxy resin and synthetic polymer were characterized by infrared spectrometer and photoelectron spectroscopy. The results showed that fluorine monomer could be successfully grafted to the molecular body of epoxy resin, and fluorine had been introduced into the surface of the polymer film. Using the contact angle tester, combined with the performance parameters such as grafting rate, thermal stability, adhesion, and gloss, the effects of the amount of fluorine monomer on the properties of the synthetic coating were discussed. The results showed that the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of the copolymer film surface were closely related to the amount of fluorine monomer. When the molar ratio of the epoxy group to dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate was 26:1, the mass fraction of fluorine on the film surface was 18.09%, and the contact angles of water and ethylene glycol were 121.8° and 78.2° respectively. At the same time, the printability of self-made hydrophobic and oleophobic coating was tested in this paper. The liquid repellency of inkjet printing before and after glazing and the influence of the coating on the optical properties of printed images were discussed and studied too. The results showed that the coating synthesized by the experiment was suitable for inkjet printing. It had improved the printing quality performance and the functional modification on the surface of inkjet printings, such as liquid repellency, gloss, and color reproduction.
Non-Metallic Alloying Constituents to Develop a Wear-Resistant CrFeNi-BSiC High-Entropy Alloy for Surface Protective Coatings by Thermal Spraying and High-Speed Laser Metal Deposition
Authors: Lindner Thomas , Preuß Bianca , Löbel Martin , Rymer Lisa-Marie , Grimm Maximilian , Schwarz Holger , Seyller Thomas , Lampke Thomas
Published: January 2023

Compositional alterations to high-entropy alloys (HEAs) allow further evolution of these materials by adjusting their property profiles. This way, they can be used for coating technologies and surface-protection applications. In the present work, minor quantities of the non-metallic alloying constituents, BSiC, were added to the CrFeNi base system. The alloy development was carried out in an electric arc furnace in comparison with the nickel-based alloy Ni-600. With regard to the BSiC-free variant, the wear resistance can be significantly increased. The powder was manufactured by inert gas atomization and characterized, followed by processing via high-velocity oxy-fuel spraying (HVOF) and high velocity laser metal deposition (HS-LMD). Depending on the manufacturing conditions, the proportion and shape of the precipitates within the microstructure differ. Compared to both the reference system and the as-cast condition, the coating systems demonstrated comparable or improved resistance to wear. The evaluation of the process–structure–property relationships confirmed the great potential of developing load-adapted HEA systems using non-metallic alloy constituents in the field of surface engineering.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of Symmetry on Evaporation Triggered Elastocapillary Top-Gathering of High Aspect Ratio Micropillars
Authors: Barghi Golezani Farshad , Kishore Annavarapu Rama , Sojoudi Hossein
Published: January 2023

High-aspect-ratio (HAR) micropillar arrays offer a wide range of applications in micro-contact printing, switchable transparent optical windows, superhydrophobic surfaces, mechanical sensors, and actuators, due to their properties such as large surface area and excellent mechanical compliance. However, owing to their high aspect ratio, these microstructures are prone to lateral deflection by elastocapillary forces in liquid environments, which is known as top-gathering, limiting their manufacturing processes and applications. Here, the impact of symmetry on evaporation triggered top-gathering of micropillars was studied numerically. The initiation of the micropillar deflection due to capillary forces under varying force distributions was simulated using a COMSOL Multiphysics simulation package. The simulation was carried out for the configurations of two, four, and an array of micropillars. For the four micropillar configuration, a new equation was suggested for calculating the micropillar deflection due to elastocapillary forces, using force distributions around the micropillars. The suggested equation was verified by comparison with the experimental observations. The effect of droplet evaporation on deflection/top-gathering of micropillars was also investigated. It was found that initiation of deflection is due to asymmetry at the rim of the droplet, generating domino-like deflection of the other micropillars. This study provides a new equation/criterion for estimating deflection of the micropillars, suggesting array designs that are resistant to such deflections when interacting with liquids.
Postharvest Application of Potato Starch Edible Coatings with Sodium Benzoate to Reduce Sour Rot and Preserve Mandarin Fruit Quality
Authors: Soto-Muñoz Lourdes , Pérez-Gago María B. , Martínez-Blay Victoria , Palou Lluís
Published: January 2023

Starch is a biodegradable polymeric carbohydrate that can easily form films and coatings and can readily be obtained from some food industry by-products and wastes, which may contribute to the circular bioeconomy. In this work, we studied the potential of two edible coating emulsions based on pregelatinized potato starch (PPS) and glyceryl monostearate (GMS) alone (F6 and F10) or formulated with the food additive sodium benzoate (SB, 2%) (F6/SB and F10/SB) to control sour rot, an important citrus postharvest disease caused by the fungus Geotrichum citri-aurantii, and maintain postharvest quality of cold-stored ‘Orri’ mandarins. The PPS-GMS coating application was compared to dipping in water (uncoated controls) and dipping in a 2% SB (w/v) aqueous solution. The results showed that the coating F10/SB was the most promising treatment to control sour rot on mandarins, with reductions in disease incidence with respect to the uncoated control samples of 94, 69, and 55% after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of storage at 5 °C, respectively. Coatings formulated without SB were ineffective. Regarding fruit quality, the coating F10 was the most effective to reduce weight loss, maintain firmness, and provide gloss on mandarins stored at 5 °C for up to 6 weeks followed by a shelf-life period of 1 week at 20 °C. The addition of SB to the PPS-GMS coatings adversely affected these coating properties, but the coating F10/SB still reduced weight loss compared to uncoated controls without negatively affecting the fruit physicochemical (juice titratable acidity, soluble solids content, and volatiles content) and sensory quality (overall flavor, off-flavors, external aspect). Overall, the coating F10/SB showed the greatest potential for commercial use as an efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fungicides and waxes for sour rot control and quality preservation of cold-stored mandarins.
A Review on Superhydrophobic Surface with Anti-Icing Properties in Overhead Transmission Lines
Authors: Li Bo , Bai Jie , He Jinhang , Ding Chao , Dai Xu , Ci Wenjun , Zhu Tao , Liao Ruijin , Yuan Yuan
Published: January 2023

The icing on overhead transmission lines is one of the largest threats to the safe operation of electric power systems. Compared with other security accidents in the electric industry, a sudden ice disaster could cause the most serious losses to electric power grids. Among the numerous de-icing and anti-icing techniques for application, direct current ice-melting and mechanical de-icing schemes require power cuts and other restrictive conditions. Superhydrophobic coating technology has been widely focused for good anti-icing properties, low cost and wide application range. However, the special structure of curved transmission lines, complicated service environments, and variated electric performance could significantly limit the application of superhydrophobic anti-icing coatings on overhead transmission lines. In particular, superhydrophobic surfaces can be achieved by combining the rough micro-nano structure and modification agents with low surface energy. Compared with superhydrophobic coatings, superhydrophobic surfaces will not increase the weight of the substrate and have good durability and stability in maintaining the robust structure to repeatedly resist aging, abrasion, corrosion and corona damages, etc. Therefore, this review summarizes the theoretical basis of anti-icing behavior and mechanisms, influencing factors of anti-icing properties, potential techniques of superhydrophobic surfaces on transmission lines, and, finally, presents future development challenges and prospects of superhydrophobic surfaces in the anti-icing protection of overhead transmission lines.
Surface Characteristic and Friction Behavior of Plasma Sprayed FeCoNiCrMo0.2 High Entropy Alloy Coatings on BS960 High-Strength Steel with Subsequent Shot Peening Treatment
Authors: Yang Zheng , Jiang Chuanhai
Published: January 2023

The FeCoNiCrMo0.2 high entropy alloy coatings were deposited on BS960 high strength steel by plasma spraying method with four different current intensities (250 A, 350 A, 450 A, 550 A). These coatings were then subjected to a subsequent micro-shot peening treatment. Surface characteristics including surface morphology, microhardness and phase composition were characterized, and the wear resistance of the coatings was assessed by reciprocal friction and wear tests. The results showed that the high entropy alloy coatings had FCC structure. XRD results showed that no new phase was formed during the spraying process. At the same time, shot peening treatment could effectively improve the hardness of the coating surface. Under the four processes, the coating surface prepared with the current intensity of 350 A had the highest microhardness and uniformity before and after shot peening, and the hardness values were 473 ± 10.21 and 504 ± 8.62 HV0.2, respectively. The friction and wear test results showed that the friction coefficients of the four coatings were close to each other at 10 N load, which was about 0.4. When the test load reached 25 N, the friction coefficient of the coating with current intensity of 350 A was lower, and it showed better friction performance. After shot peening, the friction coefficient of the four coatings further decreased to about 0.3 under 10 N loading due to the existence of hardened surface layer. When the test load reached 25 N, the hardened layer would be worn through and the friction coefficient would suddenly rise. Under the 25 N test load, the hardened layer of the high-entropy alloy coating with current intensity of 350 A illustrated better friction resistance.
Laboratory Evaluation of the Relationship of Asphalt Binder and Asphalt Mastic via a Modified MSCR Test
Authors: Bao Binshuo , Liu Jie , Li Song , Si Chundi , Zhang Qipeng
Published: January 2023

Asphalt mastic, which consists of an asphalt binder and a mineral filler, provides critical adhesion and viscoelasticity to an asphalt mixture. The rheological response of the asphalt mastic is mainly derived from its asphalt binder. In this study, a simple laboratory test method is proposed to estimate the relationship of asphalt binder and its mastic. Two modified binders (3.5% and 4.0% styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) of asphalt binder by mass) were blended with a limestone filler at six different mineral filler contents to produce mastic samples. A modified multiple stress creep-recovery (MSCR) test was conducted on both the asphalt binder and its mastic with the same testing protocols, and the stress conditions and rheological response of asphalt binder in the mastic with linear or nonlinear viscoelasticity were both investigated. The results show that the stress of the asphalt binder in its mastic decreased with increasing filler contents. However, for the linear-viscoelasticity mastic, the decrease rate of the stress began to slow down when the filler content had reached 100% or 120%. For the rheological properties of the asphalt binder in the mastic, the %R of the asphalt binder was improved by adding filler, especially for the nonlinear-viscoelasticity mastic. The asphalt binder of the linear-viscoelasticity asphalt mastic also showed a linear viscoelastic response and a good recovery property. The performance of the asphalt mastic and rheological properties of its asphalt binder were highly related to its filler content.
Recent Advances in Functional Transparent Semiconductor Films and Coatings
Authors: Hadjadj Aomar , Gilliot Mickaël
Published: January 2023

There are many areas of application in everyday life where a thin film (from a few nanometers to a few micrometers) of conductive or semiconductive oxide substantially modifies the chemical, optical, electrical, thermal, catalytic, mechanical and surface properties of the substrate it covers [...]
Controlling of Chemical Bonding Structure, Wettability, Optical Characteristics of SiCN:H (SiC:H) Films Produced by PECVD Using Tetramethylsilane and Ammonia Mixture
Authors: Ermakova Evgeniya , Kolodin Alexey , Fedorenko Anastasiya , Yushina Irina , Shayapov Vladimir , Maksimovskiy Eugene , Kosinova Marina
Published: January 2023

PECVD SiC:H (SiCN:H) films were produced using tetramethylsilane (TMS) as a precursor in a mixture with inert helium or ammonia as a source of nitrogen. Mild plasma conditions were chosen in order to prevent the complete decomposition of the precursor molecules and promote the incorporation of the fragments of precursor into the film structure. The effect of deposition temperature and composition of gas mixture on the chemical bonding structure, elemental composition, deposition rate, and optical properties (transmittance, optical bandgap, and refractive index) of films have been examined. Use of the chosen deposition conditions allowed them to reach a relatively high deposition rate (up to 33 nm/min), compared with films produced in high plasma power conditions. Use of ammonia as an additional gas led to effective incorporation of N atoms in the films. The composition of the films moved from SiC:H to SiN:H with increasing of ammonia content to P(NH3)/P(TMS) = 1. The refractive index and optical bandgap of the films varied in the range of 1.55–2.08 and 3.0–5.2 eV, correspondingly, depending on the film composition and chemical bonding structure. The effect of treatment of SiCN films deposited at 400 °C by plasma of He, O2 or NH3 were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and contact angle measurements. It was shown that plasma treatment significantly changes the surface characteristics. The water contact angle of the film was changed from 71 to 37° after exposure in the plasma conditions.
Experimental Study on Mechanism, Aging and Fatigue Performance of Warm Mixing Speed Melting SBS Modified Asphalt Binders
Authors: Zhuang Yazhou , Yue Jinchao , Men Bo , Tang Guoqi , Wang Riran
Published: January 2023

In this study, two kinds of quick melting modifier SBS-T and SBS-W, as well as the traditional SBS modifier, were used in the optimization design of asphalt binders. The changes in material structure and fatigue properties of three polymer-modified asphalt after adding 3% Sasobit to warm mix agent were investigated. The feasibility of SBS-T and SBS-W in asphalt binder was discussed from the modification mechanism and fatigue properties. In order to reveal the modification mechanism, the interaction mechanism between the fast-melting SBS modifier and the base asphalt was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The temperature sensitivity and viscoelastic properties of SBS-T and SBS-W modified binders were determined by frequency scanning (FS). The fatigue properties of SBS-T and SBS-W modified binders were tested by linear amplitude scanning (LAS). The results of FTIR showed that there was no chemical reaction between the SBS-T and SBS-W and the base asphalt. XRD results showed that SBS-W-modified asphalt has stronger fluidity. The results of FS and LAS showed that the asphalt binder with Sasobit has good stiffness and elastic recovery ability, and the same SBS-T and SBS-W have better temperature sensitivity and deformation resistance. In addition, the fatigue life of asphalt binder under the linear viscoelastic continuous damage theory is increased 3.9 times by SBS-W.
Optimization of Electropolishing Process Using Taguchi Robust Design for UNS N08367 in a Mixed Solution of Sulfuric Acid and Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Hwang Hyun-Kyu , Kim Seong-Jong
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the optimal conditions for UNS N08367 electropolishing using the Taguchi method. The investigated factors were the electrolyte composition ratio, applied current density, and electrolyte temperature. Each factor was tested at three levels. Electropolishing was optimized using analysis of variance (ANOVA), signal-to-noise ratio (the smaller the better the characteristics), and surface analysis. The ANOVA results showed that among the three factors, only the electrolyte composition ratio was effective in surface planarization. The optimal conditions for electropolishing determined according to the signal-to-noise ratio were a sulfuric acid-to-phosphoric acid ratio of 2:8, a current density of 400 mA/cm2, and an electrolyte temperature of 75 °C.
Early Detection of Clustered Trojan Attacks on Integrated Circuits Using Transition Delay Fault Model
Authors: Mohan Navya , Anita J. P.
Published: January 2023

The chances of detecting a malicious reliability attack induced by an offshore foundry are grim. The hardware Trojans affecting a circuit’s reliability do not tend to alter the circuit layout. These Trojans often manifest as an increased delay in certain parts of the circuit. These delay faults easily escape during the integrated circuits (IC) testing phase, hence are difficult to detect. If additional patterns to detect delay faults are generated during the test pattern generation stage, then reliability attacks can be detected early without any hardware overhead. This paper proposes a novel method to generate patterns that trigger Trojans without altering the circuit model. The generated patterns’ ability to diagnose clustered Trojans are also analyzed. The proposed method uses only single fault simulation to detect clustered Trojans, thereby reducing the computational complexity. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a detection ratio of 99.99% when applied on ISCAS’89, ITC’99 and IWLS’05 benchmark circuits. Experiments on clustered Trojans indicate a 46% and 34% improvement in accuracy and resolution compared to a standard Automatic Test Pattern Generator (ATPG)Tool.
The Role of Intermediate Phases in the Crystallization of Aluminophosphate Sieves on Examples of AlPO-11 and AlPO-41
Authors: Agliullin Marat R. , Fayzullin Aidar V. , Fayzullina Zulfiya R. , Kutepov Boris I.
Published: January 2023

The formation of intermediate phases during aging of the reaction gel composition 1.0Al2O3•1.0P2O5•1.5DPA•40H2O and its subsequent crystallization into molecular sieves AlPO-11 and AlPO-41 was studied in this work. The initial gels and crystallization products were characterized by XRD; MAS NMR 27Al and 31P; scanning electron microscopy (SEM); transmission electron microscopy (TEM); and N2-physical adsorption. It has been found that the nature of the aluminum source used to prepare the gel has a significant effect on the properties of the resulting intermediate phases. It is shown that by changing the chemical and phase composition of the intermediate aluminophosphate, it is possible to control the morphology and characteristics of the secondary porous structure of the AlPO-11 molecular sieve. The formation of the intermediate phases with a layered structure opens the possibility to synthesize high-phase purity AlPO-41 at the di-n-propylamine/Al2O3 ratio = 1.5. The formation mechanisms of AlPO-11 and AlPO-41 are proposed depending on the phase composition of the intermediate phases.
Monte Carlo Simulation for Investigating the Sintering Temperatures Effects on Radiation Shielding Performances of Lead-Free ABO3 Perovskite Ceramic
Authors: Hannachi Essia , Mahmoud Karem G. , Slimani Yassine , Sayyed M. I. , Arayro Jack , Maghrbi Yasser
Published: January 2023

In this study, a series of barium titanate ceramics of the chemical composition BaTiO3 was prepared. The solid-state reaction route was adopted to synthesize the ceramic samples at various sintering temperatures of 1100–1300 °C. X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy were utilized to examine the structure of the fabricated ceramics. The UV–Vis–reflectance data were recorded to guess the optical bandgap energy of the synthesized ceramics. The ability of the synthesized ceramics to attenuate ionizing radiation was qualified using a Monte Carlo simulation (MCNP code) in the γ-energy interval ranging between 59 keV and 1408 keV. Shielding parameters, including LAC, TF, and RPE, were evaluated. The XRD and FTIR analyses showed the formation of a tetragonal BaTiO3 perovskite structure with the Pmmm space group. The crystallite size and the relative density increased, whereas the porosity decreased, with increasing sintering temperatures. Optical bandgap energy (Eg) values decreased as the sintering temperatures increased. The radiation shielding results depicted that raising the sintering temperature between 1100 °C and 1300 °C resulted in a slight increase in the µ values by a factor of ≈8 %. The mentioned increase in the µ values caused a reduction in the Δeq and Δ0.5, and TF values for the fabricated BaTiO3 ceramic samples, while the RPE values increased with increasing sintering temperatures between 1100 °C and 1300 °C.
Synthesis of a Novel Zinc(II) Porphyrin Complex, Halide Ion Reception, Catalytic Degradation of Dyes, and Optoelectronic Application
Authors: Nasri Soumaya , Guergueb Mouhieddinne , Brahmi Jihed , O. Al-Ghamdi Youssef , Loiseau Frédérique , Nasri Habib
Published: January 2023

This work describes the synthesis of a novel zinc(II) porphyrin complex, namely [Meso-4α-tetra-(1,2,3-triazolyl)phenylporphyrinato]zinc(II) symbolized by 4α-[Zn(TAzPP)] (4), using the click chemistry approach in the presence of copper iodide. All of the synthetic porphyrin species reported herein were fully characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, UV-visible spectroscopy, and fluorescence. To synthesize the 4α-[Zn(TAzPP)] complex (4), we produced 4α-Meso-tetra-o-nitrophenylporphyrin (H2TNO2PP) and 4α-meso-tetra-o-aminophenylporphyrin (4α-H2TNH2PP) (1) using known classic literature methods. This 4α atropisomer was converted to 4α-meso-tetra-o-azidophenylporphyrin (4α-H2TN3PP) (3) by reaction with sodium nitrite and sodium azide, and then it was metalated by Zn(II), leading to [4α-meso-tetra(2-azidophenyl)porphyrinate]zinc(II) (4α-[Zn(TN3PP)]) (3). The click chemistry synthetic method was finally used to prepare 4α-[Zn(TAzPP)] (4). This new tetracoordinated zinc(II) porphyrin complex was prepared and characterized in order to: (i) produce a receptor for anion recognition and sensing application for Cl− and Br−; (ii) study the catalytic decomposition of rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes; and (iii) determine the electronic characteristics as a photovoltaic device. Complex (4) formed 1:1 complex stoichiometric species with chloride and bromide halides and the average association constants of the 1:1 addicts were ~ 103. The photodecomposition of RhB and MO dyes in the presence of complex (4) as a catalyst and molecular oxygen showed that complex (4) presented a photodegradation yield of approximately 70% and could be reused for five successive cycles without any obvious change in its catalytic activity. The current-voltage characteristics and impedance spectroscopy measurements of complex (4) confirmed that our zinc(II) metalloporphyrin could be used as a photovoltaic device.
A Checklist of the Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from the Middle and Lower Basins of Jinsha River, Southwestern China; Including One New Species and Nine New Records in China
Authors: Ge Xinyu , Peng Zhiqi , Peng Lang , Jia Xianle , Chen Kai , Sun Changhai , Wang Beixin
Published: January 2023

A checklist of trichopteran species in the middle and lower basins of the Jinsha River (southwestern China) is compiled for the first time. upon collected materials. It recorded ten families, 13 genera, and 23 species were recorded. Among them, the male of a new species Cheumatopsyche latisecta Ge & Sun, sp. nov., which can be diagnosed by its genitalia, is described and illustrated. In addition, nine other species are recorded for the first time from China, six species and three ones are recorded for the first time for Yunnan and Sichuan provinces, respectively. This trichopteran species list can provide guidance for caddisfly identification of the river and the region.
Leaf Senescence of the Seagrass Cymodocea nodosa in Cádiz Bay, Southern Spain
Authors: Jiménez-Ramos Rocío , Henares Carmen , Egea Luis G. , Vergara Juan J. , Brun Fernando G.
Published: January 2023

Leaf decay in seagrasses is enhanced in some seasons since large green senescent beach-cast seagrass leaves are frequently recorded during autumn and winter seasons. Here, we explore if senescence is operating in seagrass leaf decay or if hydrodynamic stress is responsible for the seasonal leaf abscission. A seasonal study on the temperate seagrass Cymodocea nodosa was carried out in four locations with contrasting hydrodynamic regimes. The morphological, biomechanical and material properties of C. nodosa were measured. The force required to break the ligule was always lower than that required to break the blade. This could be considered an adaptive strategy to reduce acute drag forces and thus lessen the chance of plant uprooting. The absolute force needed to dislodge the blade at the ligule level varied with season and location, with the lowest forces recorded in autumn. This may indicate that senescence is operating in this species. On the other hand, the minimum estimated failure velocities for leaf abscission were also recorded in autumn. Consequently, this may cause the premature shedding of leaves in this season before the senescence process has finished and can probably explain the occurrence of green beach-cast seagrass leaves usually found during autumn and winter.
Morphological Correlates of Locomotion in the Aquatic and the Terrestrial Phases of Pleurodeles waltl Newts from Southwestern Iberia
Authors: Zamora-Camacho Francisco Javier
Published: January 2023

Animals capable of moving in different environments might face conflicting selection on morphology, thus posing trade-offs on the relationships between morphology and locomotor performance in each of these environments. Moreover, given the distinct ecological roles of the sexes, these relationships can be sexually dimorphic. In this article, I studied the relationships between morphological traits and locomotor performance in male and female semiaquatic Pleurodeles waltl newts in their aquatic and their terrestrial stages. Morphology was sexually dimorphic: males have proportionally longer limbs and tails, as well as a better body condition (only in the aquatic phase), whereas females were larger and had greater body mass in both phases. Nonetheless, these morphological differences did not translate into sexual divergence in locomotor performance in either stage. This finding suggests other functions for the morphological traits measured, among which only SVL showed a positive relationship with locomotor performance in both stages, whereas the effect of SMI was negative only in the terrestrial stage, and that of tail length was positive only in the aquatic stage. In any case, the morphological correlates of terrestrial and aquatic locomotion did not conflict, which suggests no trade-off between both locomotory modes in the newts studied.
Day-Time Roost Patterns of New and Previously Translocated North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli)
Authors: Fraser Diane L. , Alach Julie M. , Adams Nigel J. , Aguilar Glenn D.
Published: January 2023

Information on the day-time roost areas of North Island brown kiwi (NIBK) (Apteryx mantelli), particularly post-translocation, is limited. This study aimed to determine the day-time roost areas of newly translocated NIBK and compare these with birds that had established from a translocation in the previous year. Radio telemetry was used to monitor sub-adult NIBK in the first three weeks post-translocation simultaneously with birds released in the previous year. The data from 15 birds (nine translocated in 2014 and six translocated in 2013) were used to calculate the area over which roost sites were distributed. Areas were estimated using Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP, Ha) and 50 percentile kernel density estimation (KDE, Ha). No significant difference in MCP was determined between newly translocated 2014 birds (21.3 Ha, SE 7.92) and those translocated in 2013 (22.85 Ha, SE 10.84) or between KDE50 for 2013 birds (16.30 Ha, SE 7.44) compared with 2014 birds (20.66 Ha, SE 8.29). Within the first three weeks post-translocation, most of the 2014 birds remained within the vicinity of their release site, which may be due to a combination of suitable habitat/roost sites and the ‘anchoring’ effect of previously established 2013 birds. This study provides new information on roost areas of newly translocated NIBK and highlights the importance of post-translocation monitoring.
The Effect of Long-Term Agricultural Use on the Bacterial Microbiota of Chernozems of the Forest-Steppe Zone
Authors: Boyarshin Konstantin S. , Adamova Valeria V. , Wentao Zheng , Obuhova Olga Y. , Kolkova Marina V. , Nesterenko Vitaliy A. , Bespalova Olga S. , Kluyeva Violetta V. , Degtyareva Kristina A. , Kurkina Yulia N. , Makanina Olesia A. , Batlutskaya Irina V.
Published: January 2023

The structure of soil microbial communities and the factors that control it are still poorly understood and cause ongoing interest. The diversity of soil bacteria reflects the diversity of existing ecological niches and trophic connections between them and with other components of the ecosystem. The presence of certain taxa with their own characteristic properties depends on the specific environmental conditions. Analysis of the composition of soil microbiota in various physicochemical conditions allows identify landmarks for understanding the principles by which it is formed. Of particular interest in this regard are the features of cultivated fertile soils that assist agricultural production. In this paper, we have assessed the occurrence of representatives of different families of bacteria in arable and nonarable chernozems of three subtypes. The methodology of 16S microbial profiling was used. The general features of the taxonomic structure of bacterial communities of chernozem remain similar, with a high occurrence of the families Sphingomonadaceae, Xanthobacteraceae, Rubrobacteraceae and Chitinophagaceae. Notably, Gemmatimonadaceae, one of the most commonly occurring families, is approximately twice as represented in arable soils as in nonarable ones. Differences between subtypes of chernozem and between arable and nonarable areas concerned different sets of bacterial families. Among others, the occurrence of representatives of families characterized by nitrogen fixation, nitrite oxidation and reduction, ethanol oxidation, biodegradation and microbial predation is touched upon. The obtained results raise the question of the factors limiting the number of certain groups of bacteria in various soil conditions and so limiting their contribution to the properties of the ecosystem.
Ultrasound-Assisted Cavitation Effect on the Biofilm-Forming Ability of Common Dairy Sporeformers
Authors: Almalki Taghreed , Anand Sanjeev
Published: January 2023

Thermoduric sporeformers survive heat treatment and can form biofilm on contact food surfaces that is difficult to clean and may cause cross contamination to milk products. It was hypothesized that cavitation would influence sporeformers’ ability to attach to contact surfaces and form biofilm. Common dairy sporeformers of Geobacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus licheniformis, and Bacillus sporothermodurans were individually inoculated in sterile skim milk at the levels of 6.0 log CFU/mL. Inoculated samples were treated by cavitation at 80% amplitudes for 10 min each. Pre and post samples were used to develop biofilms on stainless steel coupons under static conditions. Scanning electron micrograph was used to observe the developed biofilms. All the experiments were conducted in triplicate and were statistically analyzed using a t test. The average counts of spiked milk samples were 7.2, 8.0, and 7.7 logs CFU/mL, respectively, for the three sporeformers. Post-cavitation counts were reduced significantly to 3.4, 4.2, and 3.7 logs CFU/mL, respectively. Pre-cavitation biofilm counts of the three sporeformers were 5.35, 6.42, and 6.5 logs CFU/ cm2, respectively in 72 h. The three sporeformers’ biofilm showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower counts after cavitation of 4.39, 5.44, and lower counts of 4.39 logs CFU/cm2, respectively, for the three organisms. The result showed that G. stearothermophilus formed the least biofilms among others after cavitation. Although the ultrasonication treatment reduced the number of sporeformer bacteria, the survivors still retained the ability to attach to the stainless-steel food contact surfaces.
Formalin Inactivation of Virus for Safe Downstream Processing of Routine Stool Parasite Examination during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chinabut Pisith , Sawangkla Nuntiya , Wattano Suphaluck , Thavorasak Techit , Bootsongkorn Weluga , Tungtrongchitr Anchalee , Ruenchit Pichet
Published: January 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the parasitology laboratories dealing with fecal samples for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasitic infections are confronting the unsaved virus-containing samples. To allow for safe downstream processing of the fecal samples, a protocol for preparing a fecal smear is urgently needed. Formalin was tested with or without isotonic forms for virus inactivation using porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) as a representative, as it belongs to the Coronaviridae family. The results revealed complete inactivation activity of 10% formalin and 10% isotonic formalin on coronavirus after 5 min of treatment at room temperature. Both also inhibited Naegleria fowleri growth after 5 min of treatment at 37 °C without disruption of the structure. In addition to these key findings, it was also found that isotonic formalin could stabilize both red and white blood cells when used as a solution to prepare fecal smears comparable to the standard method, highlighting its value for use instead of 0.9% normal saline solution for the quantification of blood cells without active virus. The 10% isotonic formalin is useful to safely prepare a fecal smear for the diagnosis of parasites and other infections of the gastrointestinal tract during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Clinical Utility of Leeds Dependence Questionnaire in Medication-Overuse Headache
Authors: Wang Yen-Feng , Tzeng Yi-Shiang , Yu Chia-Chun , Ling Yu-Hsiang , Chen Shih-Pin , Lai Kuan-Lin , Wang Shuu-Jiun
Published: January 2023

Dependence behaviors are common in patients with medication-overuse headache (MOH). This prospective study aimed to characterize dependence behaviors in MOH by using Leeds dependence questionnaire (LDQ), and to determine the clinical utility of LDQ in the diagnosis of MOH. In total, 563 consecutive chronic migraine (CM) patients (451F/112M, mean age 41.7 ± 12.0 years) were recruited, including 320 with MOH (56.8%) (254F/66M, mean age 42.3 ± 11.6 years). LDQ scores were positively correlated with the monthly frequency of acute medication use (Spearman’s rho = 0.680, p < 0.001). When compared with patients without, those with MOH scored higher on LDQ (13.0 ± 7.6 vs. 3.9 ± 5.1, p < 0.001). By using a receiver operating characteristics curve, the cutoff value of LDQ was determined at 7 (sensitivity = 77.5%, specificity = 77.4%, area under curve = 0.85) for a diagnosis of MOH. An LDQ score of ≥7 was predictive of MOH (odds ratio = 11.80, 95% confidence interval = 7.87–17.67, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the presence of MOH in patients with CM is associated with more severe dependence behaviors. An LDQ score of ≥7 is useful in the detection of MOH in CM patients.
Factors Associated with Large Renal Function Decline in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Successfully Treated with Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Chen Chun-Hsien , Shen Chien-Heng , Wei Kuo-Liang , Xu Huang-Wei , Chen Wei-Ming , Chang Kao-Chi , Huang Yu-Ting , Hsieh Yung-Yu , Lu Sheng-Nan , Hung Chao-Hung , Chang Te-Sheng
Published: January 2023

The findings regarding changes in renal function in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are controversial. This study attempted to identify the factors associated with the large decline in renal function following DAA treatment. This retrospective cohort study included patients treated with DAAs at Chiayi and Yunlin Chang Gung Hospitals, Taiwan, from 1 January 2017 to 31 October 2020. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) data were collected within 90 days prior to DAA therapy and 2 years after the confirmation of a sustained virologic response (SVR). We performed multiple logistic regression to evaluate the clinical or laboratory parameters associated with a large eGFR decline (≥10%). Among the enrolled 606 patients, the mean eGFR at the baseline and endpoint were 84.11 ± 24.38 and 78.88 ± 26.30 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively (p < 0.001). The factors associated with a large eGFR decline 2 years after the SVR included hypertension (OR: 1.481; 95% CI: 1.010–2.173, p = 0.044) and a higher baseline eGFR (OR: 1.016; 95% CI: 1.007–1.024, p < 0.001). A higher albumin level reduced the risk of a large eGFR decline (OR: 0.546; 95% CI: 0.342–0.872, p = 0.011). In the patients with HCV treated with DAAs, a larger renal function decline was more commonly observed in those with hypertension, a lower (but within normal range) albumin level, and a higher baseline eGFR, while DAA treatment had no effect. The clinical significance of these findings has to be further defined. Although some risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease may be alleviated after DAA treatment, the regular control and follow-up of risk factors and renal function are still recommended in at-risk patients after HCV eradication.
Feasibility of Simultaneous Multislice Acceleration Technique in Readout-Segmented Echo-Planar Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Assessing Rectal Cancer
Authors: Zhou Mi , Pu Hong , Chen Mei-Ning , Wang Yu-Ting
Published: January 2023

Background: Readout-segmented echo-planar imaging (rs-EPI) with simultaneous multislice (SMS) technology has been successfully applied to tumor research in many organs, but no feasibility study in rectal cancer has been reported, and the optimal acceleration of SMS with rs-EPI in rectal cancer has not been well determined yet. Objective: To investigate the feasibility of SMS rs-EPI of rectal cancer with different acceleration factors (AFs) and its influence on image quality, acquisition time and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) in comparison to conventional sequences. Methods: All patients underwent rs-EPI and SMS rs-EPI with AFs of 2 and 3 (2 × SMS rs-EPI and 3 × SMS rs-EPI, respectively) using a 3T scanner. Acquisition times of the three rs-EPI sequences were measured. Image qualitative parameters (5-point Likert scale), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), geometric distortion, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of the three sequences were compared. Results: A total of eighty-three patients were enrolled in our study. rs-EPI and 2 × SMS rs-EPI offered equivalently high overall image quality with a scan time reduction to nearly half (rs-EPI: 137 s, 2 × SM rs-EPI: 60 s). 3 × SMS rs-EPI showed significantly poorer image quality (p < 0.05). ADC values were significantly lower in 3 × SMS rs-EPI compared to rs-EPI in rectal tumors and normal tissue (tumor tissue: rs-EPI 1.19 ± 0.21 × 10−3 mm2/s, 3 × SMS rs-EPI 1.10 ± 0.26 × 10−3 mm2/s, p < 0.001; normal tissue: rs-EPI 1.68 ± 0.13 × 10−3 mm2/s, 3 × SMS rs-EPI 1.54 ± 0.20 × 10−3 mm2/s, p < 0.001). Conclusions: SMS rs-EPI using an AF of 2 is feasible for rectal MRI resulting in substantial reductions in acquisition time while maintaining diagnostic image quality and similar ADC values to those of rs-EPI when the slice distance and number of shots are the same among three rs-EPI sequences.
Outcome of Fetal Dysrhythmias with and without Extracardiac Anomalies
Authors: Springer Stephanie , Karner Eva , Seidl-Mlczoch Elisabeth , Yerlikaya-Schatten Guelen , Pateisky Petra , Ulm Barbara
Published: January 2023

Fetal dysrhythmias are common abnormalities, which can be categorized into three types: rhythm irregularities, tachyarrhythmias, and bradyarrhythmias. Fetal arrhythmias, especially in high-risk pregnancies, require special monitoring and treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the stillbirth and early and late neonatal mortality rates for pregnancies complicated by fetal dysrhythmias from one single tertiary referral center from 2000 to 2022. Of the 1018 fetuses with congenital heart disease, 157 (15.42%) were evaluated in this analysis. Seventy-four (46.7%) fetuses had bradyarrhythmias, 51 (32.5%) tachyarrhythmias, and 32 (20.4%) had rhythm irregularities. Additional structural heart defects were detected in 40 (25.3%) fetuses and extracardiac anomalies in 29 (18.4%) fetuses. Thirteen (8.2%) families opted for termination of the pregnancy. Eleven (7.6%), out of 144 continued pregnancies ended in spontaneous intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Neonatal death was observed in nine cases (5.7%), whereas three (1.9%) died within the first 7 days of life. Although most intrauterine fetal deaths occurred in pregnancies with fetal bradyarrhythmia, neonatal death was observed more often in fetuses with tachyarrhythmia (8.5%). The presence of extracardiac anomalies, congenital heart disease (CHD), and Ro-antibodies are predictive factors for the occurrence of IUFD. Rhythm irregularities without any other risk factor do not present higher risks of adverse perinatal outcome.
The Glycerol-Induced Perfusion-Kinetics of the Cat Ovaries in the Follicular and Luteal Phases of the Cycle
Authors: Selifonov Alexey A. , Rykhlov Andrey S. , Tuchin Valery V.
Published: January 2023

The method of immersion optical clearing reduces light scattering in tissues, which improves the use of optical technologies in the practice of clinicians. In this work, we studied the optical and molecular diffusion properties of cat ovarian tissues in the follicular (F-ph) and luteal (L-ph) phases under the influence of glycerol using reflectance spectroscopy in a broad wavelength range from 200 to 800 nm. It was found that the reflectance and transmittance of the ovaries are significantly lower in the range from 200 to 600 nm than for longer wavelengths from 600 to 800 nm, and the efficiency of optical clearing is much lower for the ovaries in the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase. For shorter wavelengths, the following tissue transparency windows were observed: centered at 350 nm and wide (46 ± 5) nm, centered at 500 nm and wide (25 ± 7) nm for the F-ph state and with a center of 500 nm and a width of (21 ± 6) nm for the L-ph state. Using the free diffusion model, Fick’s law of molecular diffusion and the Bouguer–Beer–Lambert radiation attenuation law, the glycerol/tissue water diffusion coefficient was estimated as D = (1.9 ± 0.2)10−6 cm2/s for ovaries at F-ph state and D = (2.4 ± 0.2)10−6 cm2/s—in L-ph state, and the time of complete dehydration of ovarian samples, 0.8 mm thick, as 22.3 min in F-ph state and 17.7 min in L-ph state. The ability to determine the phase in which the ovaries are stated, follicular or luteal, is also important in cryopreservation, new reproductive technologies and ovarian implantation.