bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of Frictional Stick-Slip of Contact Interfaces Considering Normal Fractal Contact
Authors: Zong Kai , Qin Zhaoye , Chu Fulei
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a new modeling approach is proposed to represent the tangential frictional stick-slip behaviors of contact interfaces in mechanical systems considering the surface fractal feature and normal loading conditions. Initially, surrogate asperities are defined to express the fractal feature of contact surface topography and the normal load of interface, and Jenkins elements are used to describe the tangential stick-slip motions between surrogate contact asperities. Then, a geometric series distribution principle of the normal loads at contact asperities is proposed to determine the yield forces of the Jenkins elements. The criterion for identifying the micro- and macro-slips of the contact interfaces is proposed, which are determined by the stick and slip conditions of the largest contact spot. An experimental setup for measuring the frictional stick-slip of contact interfaces is constructed, upon which tangential quasi-static experiments are conducted. Satisfactory agreements between the theoretical and experimental results indicate that the proposed modeling approach can perfectly predict the stick-slip behavior of contact interfaces. Finally, mechanical characteristics of the contact interfaces are investigated in detail by employing the validated modeling approach. Owing to the definite physical significance of the proposed modeling approach, the mechanism of the tangential stick-slip behavior of contact interfaces is partially demonstrated.
Gas source molecular epitaxy of Ge1−ySny materials and devices using high order Ge4H10 and Ge5H12 hydrides
Authors: Xu Chi , Hu Ting , Ringwala Dhruve A. , Menéndez José , Kouvetakis John
Published: November 2021

This paper describes the fabrication of Ge1−ySny layers with 2%–13% Sn, utilizing a unique method that combines high-order Ge4H10 and Ge5H12 hydrides and gas source molecular epitaxy techniques. The latter operate at very low working pressures of 10−6–10−7 Torr leading to molecular flow regime conditions, promoting layer-by-layer epitaxy of crystalline materials at ultralow-temperatures (250–160 °C) that cannot be achieved by conventional thermal CVD. In both cases, a “direct injection” approach is employed, using the pure vapor of Ge4H10 and Ge5H12 as the source of the Ge flux, which is then reacted on the substrate surface with SnD4 in the absence of gaseous carriers. Ge4H10 reactions were conducted at 215–190 °C, producing 6%–12% Sn samples. These were grown on both conductive, resistive, single-side, and double-side polished Si(100) with n-type Ge1−xSix buffer layers (x = 2%–3%) to explore conditions and substrate formats that facilitate back-side illumination, enabling transparency and enhanced responsivity at 1550 nm in prototype p-i-n devices. Exploratory reactions of Ge5H12 with SnD4 produced Ge1−ySny with 2%–13% Sn at 250–160 °C for the first time. All samples were characterized by XRD, RBS, IR-ellipsometry, AFM, and TEM to investigate the structure, composition, strain state, and morphology. The samples grow partially relaxed (T > 180 °C) and their compressive strains gradually diminish in situ with increasing film thickness (up to 700 nm) without epitaxial breakdown and Sn segregation. Residual strains are further reduced by RTA processing. The experiments described here demonstrate the practicality of our chemistry-based method as an alternative to thermal CVD for the fabrication of high crystal quality samples on larger area wafers for potential applications in IR devices.
Spatial release from masking in reverberation for school-age children
Authors: Peng Z. Ellen , Pausch Florian , Fels Janina
Published: November 2021

Understanding speech in noisy environments, such as classrooms, is a challenge for children. When a spatial separation is introduced between the target and masker, as compared to when both are co-located, children demonstrate intelligibility improvement of the target speech. Such intelligibility improvement is known as spatial release from masking (SRM). In most reverberant environments, binaural cues associated with the spatial separation are distorted; the extent to which such distortion will affect children's SRM is unknown. Two virtual acoustic environments with reverberation times between 0.4 s and 1.1 s were compared. SRM was measured using a spatial separation with symmetrically displaced maskers to maximize access to binaural cues. The role of informational masking in modulating SRM was investigated through voice similarity between the target and masker. Results showed that, contradictory to previous developmental findings on free-field SRM, children's SRM in reverberation has not yet reached maturity in the 7–12 years age range. When reducing reverberation, an SRM improvement was seen in adults but not in children. Our findings suggest that, even though school-age children have access to binaural cues that are distorted in reverberation, they demonstrate immature use of such cues for speech-in-noise perception, even in mild reverberation.
Bacterial Filamentation Drives Colony Chirality
Authors: Aranda-Díaz Andrés , Rodrigues Cecilia , Grote Alexandra , Sun Jiawei , Schreck Carl , Hallatschek Oskar , Souslov Anton , Möbius Wolfram , Huang Kerwyn Casey
Published: November 2021

Chiral objects, such as amino acids, are distinguishable from their mirror image. For living systems, the fundamental mechanisms relating cellular handedness to chirality at the multicellular scale remain largely mysterious.
Malaria Parasite Stress Tolerance Is Regulated by DNMT2-Mediated tRNA Cytosine Methylation
Authors: Hammam Elie , Sinha Ameya , Baumgarten Sebastian , Nardella Flore , Liang Jiaqi , Miled Samia , Bonhomme Frédéric , Erdmann Diane , Arcangioli Benoit , Arimondo Paola B. , Dedon Peter , Preiser Peter , Scherf Artur
Published: November 2021

P. falciparum
is the most virulent malaria parasite species, accounting for the majority of the disease mortality and morbidity. Understanding how this pathogen is able to adapt to different cellular and environmental stressors during its complex life cycle is crucial in order to develop new strategies to tackle the disease.
Human IFIT3 Protein Induces Interferon Signaling and Inhibits Adenovirus Immediate Early Gene Expression
Authors: Chikhalya Aniska , Dittmann Meike , Zheng Yueting , Sohn Sook-Young , Rice Charles M. , Hearing Patrick
Published: November 2021

IFITs belong to a family of IFN-induced proteins that have broad antiviral functions, primarily studied with RNA viruses leaving a gap of knowledge on the effects of these proteins on DNA viruses. In this study we show that IFIT3, with its partner proteins IFIT1 and IFIT2, specifically restricts replication of human Ad, a DNA virus, by stimulating IFNβ production via the STING and MAVS pathways.
Identification of Effector Metabolites Using Exometabolite Profiling of Diverse Microalgae
Authors: Brisson Vanessa , Mayali Xavier , Bowen Benjamin , Golini Amber , Thelen Michael , Stuart Rhona K. , Northen Trent R.
Published: November 2021

Microalgae are responsible for nearly half of primary production on earth and play an important role in global biogeochemical cycling as well as in a range of industrial applications. Algal exometabolites are important mediators of algal-algal and algal-bacterial interactions that ultimately affect algal growth and physiology.
Burkholderiaceae
and Multidrug Resistance Genes Are Key Players in Resistome Development in a Germfree Soil Model
Authors: Cao Yuping , Achmon Yigal , Yaron Sima , Siame Bupe A. , Leung Ka Yin
Published: November 2021

This is the first study to examine how resistomes develop and evolve using GS. GS can be used to study the colonization and establishment of bacterial communities under antibiotic selection.
Differences in problem alcohol drinking by military service type among male professional military personnel in South Korea using Military Health Survey data
Authors: Park Jeongok , Jung Eunyoung , Bae Eunkyoung
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Alcohol drinking prevalence in Korea is higher than in other countries and is associated with various social and health problems. Korean culture tends to be tolerant of alcohol drinking and to regard it as an important medium for maintaining good interpersonal relationships in one’s social life. Although alcohol drinking is a means of relieving stress, especially among soldiers, who engage in more binge drinking than civilians, there is lack of research focused on problem drinking among soldiers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the extent of problem drinking across all military services and to identify factors associated with problem drinking by military service type.

Design

Secondary data analysis.

Setting

Dataset of the Military Health Survey in 2015.

Participants

Altogether, 2252 male professional military personnel were included in this study.

Main outcome measure

Problem drinking in this study was defined as at-risk drinking and alcohol abuse or dependence with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification-Korean (AUDIT-K) score of 10 points or higher.

Results

The average AUDIT-K score was 7.38±4.10 points. The prevalence of problem drinking was 16.4% for the Army, 34.5% for the Navy and 32.1% for the Air Force. Factors associated with problem drinking for each military service type were sleep satisfaction (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.284 to 4.236) and family support (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.487 to 0.904) in the Army, smoking status (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.130 to 3.039) and sleep satisfaction (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.142 to 4.574) in the Navy and marital status (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.382 to 0.951), smoking (past smokers and non-smokers OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.593 to 4.973, current smokers and non-smokers OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.114 to 2.544), subjective oral health (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.011 to 3.297) and family support (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.88) in the Air Force.

Conclusion

When implementing health projects to address drinking problems, it is necessary to ensure that service-type-specific factors are considered for integrated management.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with electroacupuncture for rapid recovery of patients after laparotomy for gastrointestinal surgery: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Li Hao , Wen Qian , Lu Lingyun , Hu Hangqi , He Ying , Zhou Yaming , Wu Xiaoting , Li Ning
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Abdominal surgery is associated with common complications, including decreased or poor appetite, abdominal distension, abdominal pain caused by decreased or absent gastrointestinal motility, anal arrest with flatus and defecation, and nausea and vomiting resulting from the use of anaesthetics and opioid analgesics. These complications seriously affect postoperative recovery, prolong hospital stay and aggravate patient burden. This study aims to investigate for the first time the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with electroacupuncture (EA) therapy for rapid recovery after laparotomy for gastrointestinal surgery. There have been no clinical studies of this combination therapy.

Methods and analysis

This will be a prospective, single-centre, three-arm, randomised controlled trial. A total of 480 patients undergoing abdominal surgery will be stratified according to surgery type (ie, gastric or colorectal procedure) and randomised into three groups; namely, the EA, TEAS +EA and control groups. The control group will receive enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)-standardised perioperative management, including preoperative education, optimising the anaesthesia scheme, avoiding intraoperative hypothermia, restrictive fluid infusion and reducing surgical trauma. The EA group will receive EA stimulation at LI4, PC6, ST36, ST37 and ST39 based on the ERAS-standardised perioperative management. Moreover, the TEAS +EA group will receive ERAS-standardised perioperative management; EA stimulation at the LI4, PC6, ST36, ST37 and ST39; and TEAS stimulation at ST21 and SP15. The primary outcome will be the GI-2 (composite outcome of time to first defaecation and time to tolerance of a solid diet). Secondary outcomes will include the time of first passage of flatus, time to first defaecation, time to tolerance of a solid diet, time to first ambulation, hospital duration from operation to discharge, pain and nausea vomiting scores on the Visual Analogue Scale, medication use, incidence of postoperative complications and evaluation of treatment modality acceptability. All statistical analyses will be performed based on the intention-to-treat principle.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been granted by the Ethics Committee on Biomedical Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University (approval number: 2021; number 52). The results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100045646.
Integrating health services for HIV infection, diabetes and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: a cohort study
Authors: Birungi Josephine , Kivuyo Sokoine , Garrib Anupam , Mugenyi Levicatus , Mutungi Gerald , Namakoola Ivan , Mghamba Janneth , Ramaiya Kaushik , Wang Duolao , Maongezi Sarah , Musinguzi Joshua , Mugisha Kenneth , Etukoit Bernard M , Kakande Ayoub , Niessen Louis Wihelmus , Okebe Joseph , Shiri Tinevimbo , Meshack Shimwela , Lutale Janet , Gill Geoff , Sewankambo Nelson , Smith Peter G , Nyirenda Moffat J , Mfinanga Sayoki Godfrey , Jaffar Shabbar
Published: November 2021

Background

HIV, diabetes and hypertension have a high disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Healthcare is organised in separate clinics, which may be inefficient. In a cohort study, we evaluated integrated management of these conditions from a single chronic care clinic.

Objectives

To determined the feasibility and acceptability of integrated management of chronic conditions in terms of retention in care and clinical indicators.

Design and setting

Prospective cohort study comprising patients attending 10 health facilities offering primary care in Dar es Salaam and Kampala.

Intervention

Clinics within health facilities were set up to provide integrated care. Patients with either HIV, diabetes or hypertension had the same waiting areas, the same pharmacy, were seen by the same clinical staff, had similar provision of adherence counselling and tracking if they failed to attend appointments.

Primary outcome measures

Retention in care, plasma viral load.

Findings

Between 5 August 2018 and 21 May 2019, 2640 patients were screened of whom 2273 (86%) were enrolled into integrated care (832 with HIV infection, 313 with diabetes, 546 with hypertension and 582 with multiple conditions). They were followed up to 30 January 2020. Overall, 1615 (71.1%)/2273 were female and 1689 (74.5%)/2266 had been in care for 6 months or more. The proportions of people retained in care were 686/832 (82.5%, 95% CI: 79.9% to 85.1%) among those with HIV infection, 266/313 (85.0%, 95% CI: 81.1% to 89.0%) among those with diabetes, 430/546 (78.8%, 95% CI: 75.4% to 82.3%) among those with hypertension and 529/582 (90.9%, 95% CI: 88.6 to 93.3) among those with multimorbidity. Among those with HIV infection, the proportion with plasma viral load <100 copies/mL was 423(88.5%)/478.

Conclusion

Integrated management of chronic diseases is a feasible strategy for the control of HIV, diabetes and hypertension in Africa and needs evaluation in a comparative study.
Association between hip joint impingement and lumbar disc disease in elite rowers
Authors: Wedatilake Thamindu , Palmer Antony , Fernquest S , Redgrave Ann , Arnold Liz , Kluzek Stefan , McGregor Alison , Teh James , Newton Julia , Glyn-Jones Sion
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Lumbar disc disease is a known cause of back pain. Increasingly it is thought that cam morphology of the hip may have a causal role in development of lumbar disc disease. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the hip and investigate the association of cam morphology with lumbar disc disease observed on MRI in elite rowers.

Methods

Cross-sectional observational study of 20 elite rowers (12 male, 8 female, mean age 24.45, SD 2.1). Assessment included clinical examination, questionnaires, 3T MRI scans of the hips and lumbar spine. Alpha angle of the hips and Pfirrmann score of lumbar discs were measured.

Results

85% of rowers had a cam morphology in at least one hip. Alpha angle was greatest at the 1 o’clock position ((bone 70.9 (SD 16.9), cartilage 71.4 (16.3)). 95% of the group were noted to have labral tears, but only 50% of the group had history of groin pain. 85% of rowers had at least one disc with a Pfirrmann score of 3 or more and 95% had a history of back pain. A positive correlation was observed between the alpha angle and radiological degenerative disc disease (correlation coefficient=3.13, p=0.012). A negative correlation was observed between hip joint internal rotation and radiological degenerative disc disease (correlation coefficient=−2.60, p=0.018).

Conclusions

Rowers have a high prevalence of labral tears, cam morphology and lumbar disc disease. There is a possible association between cam morphology and radiological lumbar degenerative disc disease, however, further investigation is required.
Hydraulic conductivity variation in compacted bentonite–fly ash mixes under constant-volume and free-swelling flow conditions
Authors: Gupt Chandra Bhanu , Bordoloi Sanandam , Bhatlu Metta Niranjan , Sekharan Sreedeep
Published: November 2021

Compacted bentonite–sand (B–S) and bentonite–fly ash (B–FA) are established combinations for the construction of landfill liners. This study determined the upper and lower bounds of equilibrium hydraulic conductivity (keq) of amended B under extended duration of flow. The keqfor constant-volume flow condition differed from free-swelling condition by more than two orders of magnitude due to the difference in geomaterial interaction, microstructural changes, and mineralization. Considering constant-volume and free-swelling condition, B–FA mix with class F and class C fulfilled the hydraulic conductivity criterion up to 70% and 30% amendment, respectively. The higher keqobserved for the B mixed with class C FA was attributed to the formation of porous calcium aluminium silicate hydrate gel and ettringite needle type minerals. The time taken to achieve equilibrium was inversely related to keqby a power relationship. The data from this study were used to propose empirical relationships for estimating keq(long-term) based on k obtained at 48 hours (short-term), plasticity and geomaterial type. The study reveals that FA can be used as an alternate for S as amendment material, and keqbased on free-swelling condition should be used for designing the liner.
Minimal scenario of criticality for electroweak scale, neutrino masses, dark matter, and inflation
Authors: Hamada Yuta , Kawai Hikaru , Kawana Kiyoharu , Oda Kin-ya , Yagyu Kei
Published: November 2021

We propose a minimal model that can explain the electroweak scale, neutrino masses, Dark Matter (DM), and successful inflation all at once based on the multicritical-point principle (MPP). The model has two singlet scalar fields that realize an analogue of the Coleman–Weinberg mechanism, in addition to the Standard Model with heavy Majorana right-handed neutrinos. By assuming a $$Z_2 $$

Z
2

symmetry, one of the scalars becomes a DM candidate whose property is almost the same as the minimal Higgs-portal scalar DM. In this model, the MPP can naturally realize a saddle point in the Higgs potential at high energy scales. By the renormalization-group analysis, we study the critical Higgs inflation with non-minimal coupling $$\xi |H|^2 R$$

ξ
|
H
|

2

R

that utilizes the saddle point of the Higgs potential. We find that it is possible to realize successful inflation even for $$\xi =25$$

ξ
=
25

and that the heaviest right-handed neutrino is predicted to have a mass around $$10^{14}$$

10
14

$$\mathrm{GeV}$$
GeV
to meet the current cosmological observations. Such a small value of $$\xi $$
ξ
can be realized by the Higgs-portal coupling $$\lambda _{SH}\simeq 0.32$$

λ

SH

≃
0.32

and the vacuum expectation value of the additional neutral scalar $$\langle \phi \rangle \simeq 2.7$$

⟨
ϕ
⟩
≃
2.7

 TeV, which correspond to the dark matter mass 2.0 TeV, its spin-independent cross section $$1.8\times 10^{-9}$$

1.8
×

10

-
9

 pb, and the mass of additional neutral scalar 190 GeV.
Cold atmospheric plasma technology for removal of organic micropollutants from wastewater—a review
Authors: Kumar Amit , Škoro Nikola , Gernjak Wolfgang , Puač Nevena
Published: November 2021

Water bodies are being contaminated daily due to industrial, agricultural and domestic effluents. In the last decades, harmful organic micropollutants (OMPs) have been detected in surface and groundwater at low concentrations due to the discharge of untreated effluent in natural water bodies. As a consequence, aquatic life and public health are endangered. Unfortunately, traditional water treatment methods are ineffective in the degradation of most OMPs. In recent years, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) techniques have received extensive attention for the mineralization of OMPs in water in order to avoid serious environmental problems. Cold atmospheric plasma discharge-based AOPs have been proven a promising technology for the degradation of non-biodegradable organic substances like OMPs. This paper reviews a wide range of cold atmospheric plasma sources with their reactor configurations used for the degradation of OMPs (such as organic dyes, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides) in wastewater. The role of plasma and treatment parameters (e.g. input power, voltage, working gas, treatment time, OMPs concentrations, etc.) on the oxidation of various OMPs are discussed. Furthermore, the degradation kinetics, intermediates compounds formed by plasma, and the synergetic effect of plasma in combination with a catalyst are also reported in this review.

GraphicAbstract
Plasticine: A Cross-layer Approximation Methodology for Multi-kernel Applications through Minimally Biased, High-throughput, and Energy-efficient SIMD Soft Multiplier-divider
Authors: Ebrahimi Zahra , Klar Dennis , Ekhtiyar Mohammad Aasim , Kumar Akash
Published: November 2021

The rapid evolution of error-resilient programs intertwined with their quest for high throughput has motivated the use of Single Instruction, Multiple Data (SIMD) components in Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Particularly, to exploit the error-resiliency of such applications,
Cross-layer
approximation paradigm has recently gained traction, the ultimate goal of which is to efficiently exploit approximation potentials across layers of abstraction. From circuit- to application-level, valuable studies have proposed various approximation techniques, albeit linked to four drawbacks: First, most of approximate multipliers and dividers operate only in SISD mode. Second, imprecise units are often substituted, merely in a single kernel of a multi-kernel application, with an
end-to-end
analysis in Quality of Results (QoR) and not in the gained performance. Third, state-of-the-art (SoA) strategies neglect the fact that each kernel contributes differently to the end-to-end QoR and performance metrics. Therefore, they lack in adopting a generic methodology for adjusting the approximation knobs to maximize performance gains for a user-defined quality constraint. Finally, multi-level techniques lack in being efficiently supported, from application-, to architecture-, to circuit-level, in a cohesive cross-layer hierarchy.

In this article, we propose
Plasticine
, a cross-layer methodology for multi-kernel applications, which addresses the aforementioned challenges by efficiently utilizing the synergistic effects of a chain of techniques across layers of abstraction. To this end, we propose an application sensitivity analysis and a heuristic that tailor the precision at constituent kernels of the application by finding the most tolerable degree of approximations for each of consecutive kernels, while also satisfying the ultimate user-defined QoR. The chain of approximations is also effectively enabled in a cross-layer hierarchy, from application- to architecture- to circuit-level, through the plasticity of SIMD multiplier-dividers, each supporting dynamic precision variability along with hybrid functionality. The end-to-end evaluations of Plasticine  on three multi-kernel applications employed in bio-signal processing, image processing, and moving object tracking for Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) demonstrate 41%–64%, 39%–62%, and 70%–86% improvements in area, latency, and Area-Delay-Product (ADP), respectively, over 32-bit fixed precision, with negligible loss in QoR. To springboard future research in reconfigurable and approximate computing communities, our implementations will be available and open-sourced at https://cfaed.tu-dresden.de/pd-downloads.
Cycling Characteristics of Tubular Liquid Antimony Anode Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Prepared by Atmospheric Plasma Spraying
Authors: Jiang Yidong , Shi Yixiang , Cai Ningsheng
Published: November 2021

Liquid antimony anode solid oxide fuel cell (LAA-SOFC) is a promising technology for efficient conversion of solid carbon and hydrocarbon fuels. However, the operating process and the regeneration method of the fuel cells with LAAs are different from those with solid anodes and still need to be investigated. In the present research, a tubular LAA-SOFC unit was fabricated by atmospheric plasma spraying based on a stainless-steel support. The LAA-SOFC was cycled by a furnace control method and a “hot plug” method to simulate the normal start-stop and the anode/cell replacement processes, respectively. Scarce degradation was observed after the cycles with phase change, redox and temperature variation, which demonstrated the robustness of the sprayed electrolyte to the anode changes. The air leakage and the floating ash retarded the recovery rate of the “hot plug” cycles, but have no influence on the degradation degree. The cycling characteristics in the present research proved the long-term operating feasibility of SOFC with LAA.
Effect of Dispersion Method and Catalyst on the Crack Morphology and Performance of Catalyst Layer of PEMFC
Authors: Du Shaojie , Guan Shumeng , Mehrazi Shirin , Zhou Fen , Pan Mu , Zhang Ruiming , Chuang Po-Ya Abel , Sui Pang-Chieh
Published: November 2021

The effects of dispersion method for ink preparation and types of catalyst on the catalyst layer’s structure and characteristics were investigated. Catalyst layers prepared by two dispersion methods, i.e., sonication and ball-milling, and two types of catalyst: Pt-HSC (High Surface Area) and Pt-Vulcan XC-72, were fabricated. Viscosity, particle size distribution of the catalyst inks, catalyst layer’s surface properties, and cell performance were measured. Experimental results with the Pt-HSC at ionomer/carbon weight ratio 0.8 show that ink dispersity strongly depends on the mixing method and large agglomerates form in the ink after sonication. The effect of the dispersion method on the ink prepared by Pt-Vulcan XC-72 at similar conditions is not noticeable. The catalyst layer’s mechanical properties, such as hardness and Young’s modulus, were found to vary widely. With an increase of catalyst layer thickness, the number of pin-holes decreased and cracks gradually increased in size. Polarization curves show that the membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) made with 60% Pt-HSC have a better performance than those with 30% Pt-Vulcan XC-72. The performance and measured electrochemical active surface area of the MEAs made from both catalysts are slightly affected by dispersion method.
Pricing Vulnerable Options in the Bifractional Brownian Environment with Jumps
Authors: Cheng Panhong , Xu Zhihong
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we study the valuation of European vulnerable options where the underlying asset price and the firm value of the counterparty both follow the bifractional Brownian motion with jumps, respectively. We assume that default event occurs when the firm value of the counterparty is less than the default boundary. By using the actuarial approach, analytic formulae for pricing the European vulnerable options are derived. The proposed pricing model contains many existing models such as Black–Scholes model (1973), Merton jump-diffusion model (1976), Klein model (1996), and Tian et al. model (2014).
Reducing Sugar Production from Teff Straw Biomass Using Dilute Sulfuric Acid Hydrolysis: Characterization and Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Tesfaw Andinet Alemayehu , Tizazu Belachew Zegale
Published: November 2021

The present study evaluated first the characterization of Teff straw and then Box–Behnken design (BBD), and response surface methodology was adopted to optimize the parameters (hydrolysis temperature, dilute sulfuric acid concentration, solid to liquid ratio, and hydrolysis time) of dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis of Teff straw in order to get a maximum yield of total reducing sugar (TRS). The chemical analysis of Teff straw revealed high amounts of cellulose (41.8 wt%), hemicellulose (38 wt%), and lignin (17 wt%). The morphological analysis using SEM showed that hydrolyzed Teff straw with dilute sulfuric acid has more pores and distorted bundles than those of raw Teff straw. XRD analysis also indicated that hydrolyzed Teff straw has higher crystallinity index and smaller crystallite size than raw Teff straw, which might be due to removal of hemicellulose, amorphous cellulose, and lignin components. Under the optimized conditions for dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis of Teff straw (120°C, 4% v/v H2SO4 concentration, 1 : 20 solid to liquid ratio, and 55 min hydrolysis time), we have found a total reducing sugar yield of 26.65 mg/g. The results of validation experiment under the optimum conditions agreed well with model predictions.
Advancement of Hydraulic Fracture Diagnostics in Unconventional Formations
Authors: Mahmoud Ali , Gowida Ahmed , Aljawad Murtada Saleh , Al-Ramadan Mustafa , Ibrahim Ahmed Farid
Published: November 2021

Multistage hydraulic fracturing is a technique to extract hydrocarbon from tight and unconventional reservoirs. Although big advancements occurred in this field, understanding of the created fractures location, size, complexity, and proppant distribution is in its infancy. This study provides the recent advances in the methods and techniques used to diagnose hydraulic fractures in unconventional formations. These techniques include tracer flowback analysis, fiber optics such as distributed temperature sensing (DTS) and distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), tiltmeters, microseismic monitoring, and diagnostic fracture injection tests (DFIT). These techniques are used to estimate the fracture length, height, width, complexity, azimuth, cluster efficiency, fracture spacing between laterals, and proppant distribution. Each technique has its advantages and limitations, while integrating more than one technique in fracture diagnostics might result in synergies, leading to a more informative fracture description. DFIT analysis is critical and subjected to the interpreter’s understanding of the process and the formation properties. Hence, the applications of machine learning in fracture diagnostics and DFIT analysis were discussed. The current study presents an extensive review and comparison between different multistage fracture diagnostic methods, and their applicability is provided. The advantages and the limitations of each technique were highlighted, and the possible areas of future research were suggested.
Pulmonary and Systemic Hemodynamics following Multielectrode Radiofrequency Catheter Renal Denervation in Acutely Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Swine
Authors: Vakhrushev Aleksandr D. , Сondori Leonardo Heber Ivan , Goncharova Natalia S. , Korobchenko Lev E. , Mitrofanova Lubov B. , Andreeva Elizaveta M. , Koshevaya Elena G. , Lebedev Dmitry S. , Mikhaylov Evgeny N.
Published: November 2021

Objective. We aimed to assess the effects of renal denervation (RDN) on systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics in a swine model of thromboxane A2‐ (TXA2‐) induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods. The study protocol comprised two PAH inductions with a target mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) of 40 mmHg at baseline and following either the RDN or sham procedure. Ten Landrace pigs underwent the first PAH induction; then, nine animals were randomly allocated in 1 : 1 ratio to RDN or sham procedure; the second PAH induction was performed in eight animals (one animal died of pulmonary embolism during the first PAH induction, and one animal died after RDN). In the RDN group, ablation was performed in all available renal arteries, and balloon inflation within artery branches was performed in controls. An autopsy study of the renal arteries was performed. Results. At baseline, the target mean PAP was achieved in all animals with 25.0 [20.1; 25.2] mcg of TXA2. The second PAH induction required the same mean TXA2 dose and infusion time. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean PAP at second PAH induction between the groups (39.0 ± 5.3 vs. 39.75 ± 0.5 mmHg, P > 0.05). In the RDN group, the second PAH induction resulted in a numerical but insignificant trend toward a decrease in the mean systemic blood pressure and systemic vascular resistance, when compared with the baseline induction (74 ± 18.7 vs. 90.25 ± 28.1 mmHg and 1995.3 ± 494.3 vs. 2433.7 ± 1176.7 dyn∗sec∗cm−5, P > 0.05, respectively). No difference in hemodynamic parameters was noted in the sham group between the first and second PAH induction. Autopsy demonstrated artery damage in both groups, but RDN resulted in more severe lesions. Conclusions. According to our results, RDN does not result in significant acute pulmonary or systemic hemodynamic changes in the TXA2‐induced PAH model. The potential chronic effects of RDN on PAH require further research.
Sedimentary Environments and Coal Accumulation of the Middle Xishanyao Formation, Jurassic, in the Western Dananhu Coalfield, Turpan-Hami Basin
Authors: Yan Zhiming , Wang Jinlong , Wang Xuetian
Published: November 2021

The Dananhu coalfield, at the southern margin of Turpan-Hami Basin, Xinjiang, has good coal-forming geological conditions. Due to the low research level on the depositional environment and coal accumulation, the comprehensive coal mining is restricted. Based on drilling and sectioning outcrop data, the depositional characteristics, lithofacies, paleogeography, and coal accumulation of the coal-bearing formations in western Dananhu coalfield are analyzed. The middle member of the Xishanyao Formation is the major coal-bearing strata of the Dananhu coalfield, composed of conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone, mudstone, and combustible organic rock, which can be further subdivided into 14 lithofacies according to substance composition, sediment texture, and structure. During the early Middle Jurassic coal-accumulating period, alluvial fan, fluvial plain, fluvial delta, and shallow lacustrine deposits were developed from northeast to southwest in the western Dananhu mining area. Coal accumulation was most developed in the center regions of the study area extending from northeast to southwest, which were primarily concentrated in margin fans, floodplains, interdeltaic bays, and lakeshore environments, especially the transitional zone between the fluvial plain and the delta plain in the west of No. 1 mining area. This coal accumulation was mainly controlled by synsedimentary tectonic subsidence and clastic sediments supply or sedimentary environment, where tectonic subsidence was the primary controlling factor and the source supply was the secondary controlling factor for coal accumulation, which provided theoretical support for the coal prediction and geological exploration in western Dananhu coalfield.
Effects of Socially Responsible Behaviors in a Supply Chain under Carbon Cap-and-Trade Regulation
Authors: Zhang Guobao , Zhao Leizhou , Zhang Qing , Zhang Zhichao
Published: November 2021

Recently, many firms in various industries implement corporate social responsibility (CSR) in different ways. Based on considering a CSR-concerned retailer and an altruistic fairness concern manufacturer, this paper investigates pricing decisions as well as carbon emission policies in a socially responsible supply chain. In this paper, two different modes (the centralized model and decentralized model) are, respectively, conducted and investigated for equilibria. Analytical results reveal that socially responsible retailer (manufacturer) cares more about CSR (altruistic fairness) concern and will increase his counterpart’s pure profit as well as the pure channel profit, ending up with decreasing his own pure profit. The cooperative agents in decentralized scenario can coordinate the channel and achieve the maximum pure channel profit as much as that in a pure profit-maximizing centralized model. Moreover, this paper proposes a novel two-stage carbon cap-and-trade policy for the government and examines how it is affected by the CSR concern level and the altruistic fairness in such a socially responsible supply chain.
Experts’ Judgment-Based Mamdani-Type Decision System for Risk Assessment
Authors: Ahmad Shukri Fatin Amirah , Isa Zaidi
Published: November 2021

Mamdani fuzzy inference system has been widely used for potential risk modelling and management. The decision-making is usually provided by multiple experts in the field. The conflicting information in sources from different experts become an open issue and has attracted some researchers to investigate further. Various risk factors in a project caused difficulties for decision makers to make reliable decisions on the whole project since it involves ambiguities, vagueness, and fuzziness. The introduction of the fuzzy inference system to the evaluation of construction risk is capable in explaining its reasoning process and, hence, overcoming such problems. Risk factors under the project management risk were identified through literature sources and from the opinion of experts. It is found that the likelihood and severity of risk is somehow interlinked with the concept of fuzzy theory. For model input and output linguistics variables, the triangular membership function was selected. The methodology employs a fuzzy aggregation system in which an appropriate control action can be determined by the acquisition of expert judgment. A total of 23 rules with logical OR operator, truncation implication, and Mean of Maxima (MoM) method for defuzzification were used to create an effective fuzzy model intended for making decisions. The framework determines the relationship between input and output parameters in if-then rules or mathematical functions using an effective fuzzy arithmetic operator. The study addresses the principle issues of multiexpert opinions based on Mamdani-type decision system and the illustrative example taken from one of medium-sized project held in Malaysia’s construction industry. By comparing with other experimental results, we verify the rationality and reliability of the proposed method.
Optimal Extraction Process and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation of High Purity Oily Capsicum Oleoresin for Pharmaceutical Applications
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Tien Dung , Vo Mong Tham , Truong Cong Tri , Nguyen Dai Hai , Nguyen Thi Thuy-Anh , Huynh Truc Thanh Ngoc , Viet Nguyen Thanh , Vo Do Minh Hoang
Published: November 2021

Recently, plant-derived anti-inflammatory products have received an increasing attention from researchers due to their excellent in vivo activity with limited side effects. Therefore, the extraction of natural active compounds from the plant with high purity for use in anti-inflammatory formulations is required. In this study, oily Capsicum oleoresin (OCO) was extracted from Capsicum frutescens L. in ethanol by the ultrasound-assisted extraction technique, followed by a centrifugation step for a high purity OCO extract, which can be applied to develop anti-inflammatory formulations. The impact of various conditions (ethanol concentration, sonicating temperature, extraction time, solvent-to-sample ratio, and extraction repetition) on the efficiency of the extraction process was investigated. The results showed that the optimized conditions for the high yield of OCO were 95% ethanol, 50–60°C, 60 minutes, solvent-to-sample ratio of 5 : 1 ml/g, and one extraction repetition, followed by centrifuging at 5000 rpm in 2 hours. Then, the purity and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities of the obtained OCO was then determined by using the HPLC method and carrageenan-induced mice paw edema model, respectively. The purity of OCO was determined as 3.408 mg capsaicin per gram of Capsicum powder; meanwhile, its anti-inflammatory effect value was approximate to that of the commercial drug diclofenac after 48 hours of treatment. The high purity OCO prepared by this low-cost and ecofriendly extraction process would be a promising material for anti-inflammatory formulations.
Reviewing the Etiologic Agents, Microbe-Host Relationship, Immune Response, Diagnosis, and Treatment in Chromoblastomycosis
Authors: Passero Luiz Felipe Domingues , Cavallone Italo Novais , Belda Walter
Published: November 2021

Chromoblastomycosis (CBM) is a neglected human disease, caused by different species of pigmented dematiaceous fungi that cause subcutaneous infections. This disease has been considered an occupational disease, occurring among people working in the field of agriculture, particularly in low-income countries. In 1914, the first case of CBM was described in Brazil, and although efforts have been made, few scientific and technological advances have been made in this area. In the field of fungi and host cell relationship, a very reduced number of antigens were characterized, but available data suggest that ectoantigens bind to the cell membrane of host cells and modulate the phagocytic, immunological, and microbicidal responses of immune cells. Furthermore, antigens cleave extracellular proteins in tissues, allowing fungi to spread. On the contrary, if phagocytic cells are able to present antigens in MHC molecules to T lymphocytes in the presence of costimulation and IL-12, a Th1 immune response will develop and a relative control of the disease will be observed. Despite knowledge of the resistance and susceptibility in CBM, up to now, no effective vaccines have been developed. In the field of chemotherapy, most patients are treated with conventional antifungal drugs, such as itraconazole and terbinafine, but these drugs exhibit limitations, considering that not all patients heal cutaneous lesions. Few advances in treatment have been made so far, but one of the most promising ones is based on the use of immunomodulators, such as imiquimod. Data about a standard treatment are missing in the medical literature; part of it is caused by the existence of a diversity of etiologic agents and clinical forms. The present review summarizes the advances made in the field of CBM related to the diversity of pathogenic species, fungi and host cell relationship, antigens, innate and acquired immunity, clinical forms of CBM, chemotherapy, and diagnosis.
Incidence of Serum Creatinine Monitoring and Outpatient Visit Follow-Up among Acute Kidney Injury Survivors after Discharge: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Barreto Erin F. , Schreier Diana J. , May Heather P. , Mara Kristin C. , Chamberlain Alanna M. , Kashani Kianoush B. , Piche Shannon L. , Wi Chung-Il , Kane-Gill Sandra L. , Smith Victoria T. , Rule Andrew D. ,   For the ACT Study Group
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) affects 20% of hospitalized patients and worsens outcomes. To limit complications, post-discharge follow-up and kidney function testing are advised. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of follow-up after discharge among AKI survivors. Methods: This was a population-based cohort study of adult Olmsted County residents hospitalized with an episode of stage II or III AKI between 2006 and 2014. Those dismissed from the hospital on dialysis, hospice, or who died within 30 days after discharge were excluded. The frequency and predictors of follow-up, defined as an outpatient serum creatinine (SCr) level or an in-person healthcare visit after discharge were described. Results: In the 627 included AKI survivors, the 30-day cumulative incidence of a follow-up outpatient SCr was 80% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 76% and 83%), a healthcare visit was 82% (95% CI: 79 and 85%), or both was 70% (95% CI: 66 and 73%). At 90 days and 1 year after discharge, the cumulative incidences of meeting both follow-up criteria rose to 82 and 91%, respectively. Independent predictors of receiving both an outpatient SCr assessment and healthcare visit within 30 days included lower estimated glomerular filtration rate at discharge, higher comorbidity burden, longer length of hospitalization, and greater maximum AKI severity. Age, sex, race/ethnicity, education level, and socioeconomic status did not predict follow-up. Conclusions: Among patients with moderate to severe AKI, 30% did not have follow-up with a SCr and healthcare visit in the 30-day post-discharge interval. Follow-up was associated with higher acuity of illness rather than demographic or socioeconomic factors.
A Rare Neonatal Intramedullary Immature Teratoma Undiagnosed in utero: A Case Report
Authors: Kahn Max , Iacob Stanca , Bach Sarah E. , Russell Thomas , Avellino Anthony M. , Lin Julian J.
Published: November 2021

Background and Importance: Immature teratoma is a known pediatric tumor. However, spinal variants are rare and can present both a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, particularly regarding aggression as it pertains to extent of resection, likelihood of recurrence and concordant prognosis, and the need and efficacy of adjuvant therapies. Clinical Presentation: The patient is a 27-day-old female who presented with 10 days of poor feeding, irritability, and progressive hypotonia. Although upon immediate presentation emergency providers’ differential diagnoses included meningitis, inborn error of metabolism, and genetic neurodegenerative disease, a subsequent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the total spine revealed a large intradural intramedullary mass extending from the medulla to the thoracic cord at T12. The patient underwent multilevel cervical and thoracic laminectomies/laminoplasty for maximal safe resection. Histopathology revealed mostly mature tissue elements originating from all 3 germ layers, interspersed with foci of immature neuroepithelium, consistent with grade 1 immature teratoma. Following surgical intervention, the patient regained strength and spontaneous movement and underwent physical therapy. Follow-up MR imaging of the total spine was obtained every 3 months, and at 9 months, recurrence was demonstrated, which was successfully treated with chemotherapy. Further surveillance MR imaging of the total spine has demonstrated cystic myelomalacia changes without definite tumor recurrence, at 5-year follow-up. Clinically, the patient has developed scoliosis without weakness, pain, or urinary symptoms. Conclusion: This case demonstrates an exceptionally rare and unusual variant neoplasm in a neonate and highlights the difficulty of diagnosis and the important role of MR imaging. It also illustrates the importance of gross total resection, the risk of recurrence, and the need for close radiographic follow-up of these lesions. It also provides a useful example of the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in treating recurrence.