bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid changes to global river suspended sediment flux by humans
Authors: Dethier Evan N. , Renshaw Carl E. , Magilligan Francis J.
Published: June 2022

Rivers support indispensable ecological functions and human health and infrastructure. Yet limited river sampling hinders our understanding of consequential changes to river systems. Satellite-based estimates of suspended sediment concentration and flux for 414 major rivers reveal widespread global change that is directly attributable to human activity in the past half-century. Sediment trapping by dams in the global hydrologic north has contributed to global sediment flux declines to 49% of pre-dam conditions. Recently, intensive land-use change in the global hydrologic south has increased erosion, with river suspended sediment concentration on average 41 ± 7% greater than in the 1980s. This north-south divergence has rapidly reconfigured global patterns in sediment flux to the oceans, with the dominant sources of suspended sediment shifting from Asia to South America.
Efficient and stable perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells through contact displacement by MgF

x
Authors: Liu Jiang , De Bastiani Michele , Aydin Erkan , Harrison George T. , Gao Yajun , Pradhan Rakesh R. , Eswaran Mathan K. , Mandal Mukunda , Yan Wenbo , Seitkhan Akmaral , Babics Maxime , Subbiah Anand S. , Ugur Esma , Xu Fuzong , Xu Lujia , Wang Mingcong , Rehman Atteq ur , Razzaq Arsalan , Kang Jingxuan , Azmi Randi , Said Ahmed Ali , Isikgor Furkan H. , Allen Thomas G. , Andrienko Denis , Schwingenschlögl Udo , Laquai Frédéric , De Wolf Stefaan
Published: June 2022

The performance of perovskite solar cells with inverted polarity (p-i-n) is still limited by recombination at their electron extraction interface, which also lowers the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of p-i-n perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. A MgF

x

interlayer with thickness of ~1 nanometer at the perovskite/C
60
interface favorably adjusts the surface energy of the perovskite layer through thermal evaporation, which facilitates efficient electron extraction and displaces C
60
from the perovskite surface to mitigate nonradiative recombination. These effects enable a champion open-circuit voltage of 1.92 volts, an improved fill factor of 80.7%, and an independently certified stabilized PCE of 29.3% for a monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell ~1 square centimeter in area. The tandem retained ~95% of its initial performance after damp-heat testing (85°C at 85% relative humidity) for >1000 hours.
Harnessing the potential of nature-based solutions for mitigating and adapting to climate change
Authors: Seddon Nathalie
Published: June 2022

Although many governments, financial institutions, and corporations are embracing nature-based solutions as part of their sustainability and net-zero carbon strategies, some nations, Indigenous peoples, local community groups, and grassroots organizations have rejected this term. This pushback is fueled by (i) critical uncertainties about when, where, how, and for whom nature-based solutions are effective and (ii) controversies surrounding their misuse in greenwashing, violations of human rights, and threats to biodiversity. To clarify how the scientific community can help address these issues, I provide an overview of recent research on the benefits and limits of nature-based solutions, including how they compare with technological approaches, and highlight critical areas for future research.
Climate change and the urgency to transform food systems
Authors: Zurek Monika , Hebinck Aniek , Selomane Odirilwe
Published: June 2022

Without rapid changes to agriculture and food systems, the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change will not be met. Food systems are one of the most important contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but they also need to be adapted to cope with climate change impacts. Although many options exist to reduce GHG emissions in the food system, efforts to develop implementable transformation pathways are hampered by a combination of structural challenges such as fragmented decision-making, vested interests, and power imbalances in the climate policy and food communities, all of which are compounded by a lack of joint vision. New processes and governance arrangements are urgently needed for dealing with potential trade-offs among mitigation options and their food security implications.
How trade policy can support the climate agenda
Authors: Jakob Michael , Afionis Stavros , Åhman Max , Antoci Angelo , Arens Marlene , Ascensão Fernando , van Asselt Harro , Baumert Nicolai , Borghesi Simone , Brunel Claire , Caron Justin , Cosbey Aaron , Droege Susanne , Evans Alecia , Iannucci Gianluca , Jiborn Magnus , Kander Astrid , Kulionis Viktoras , Levinson Arik , de Melo Jaime , Moerenhout Tom , Monti Alessandro , Panezi Maria , Quirion Philippe , Sager Lutz , Sakai Marco , Sesmero Juan , Sodini Mauro , Solleder Jean-Marc , Verkuijl Cleo , Vogl Valentin , Wenz Leonie , Willner Sven
Published: June 2022

Ensure open markets for clean technologies and products
Phytoplankton response to a warming ocean
Authors: Sepúlveda Julio , Cantarero Sebastian I.
Published: June 2022

The nutritional value of marine algae will decrease in a warmer world
Development of a Markerless Deletion Mutagenesis System in Nitrate-Reducing Bacterium Rhodanobacter denitrificans
Authors: Tao Xuanyu , Zhou Aifen , Kempher Megan L. , Liu Jiantao , Peng Mu , Li Yuan , Michael Jonathan P. , Chakraborty Romy , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Arkin Adam P. , Zhou Jizhong
Published: June 2022

Rhodanobacter denitrificans
is capable of denitrification and is also resistant to toxic heavy metals and low pH. Accordingly, the presence of
Rhodanobacter
species at a particular environmental site is considered an indicator of nitrate and uranium contamination.
Nuclear Factor AP2X-4 Governs the Expression of Cell Cycle- and Life Stage-Regulated Genes and is Critical for
Toxoplasma
Growth
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Fan Fuqiang , Zhang Lihong , Shen Bang
Published: June 2022

Toxoplasma gondii
has a complicated gene regulation network that allows “just in time” expression of genes to cope with the physiological needs at each stage during the complex life cycle. However, how such regulation is achieved is largely unknown.
A Structurally Characterized
Staphylococcus aureus
Evolutionary Escape Route from Treatment with the Antibiotic Linezolid
Authors: Perlaza-Jiménez Laura , Tan Kher-Shing , Piper Sarah J. , Johnson Rachel M. , Bamert Rebecca S. , Stubenrauch Christopher J. , Wright Alexander , Lupton David , Lithgow Trevor , Belousoff Matthew J.
Published: June 2022

Antibiotic resistance poses a critical problem to human health and decreases the utility of these lifesaving drugs. Of particular concern is the “superbug” methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), for which treatment of infection requires the use of last-line antibiotics, including linezolid.
Functional Genomics Identified Novel Genes Involved in Growth at Low Temperatures in Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Wu Yansha , Pang Xinxin , Liu Xiayu , Wu Yajing , Zhang Xinglin
Published: June 2022

Listeria monocytogenes
is a Gram-positive pathogen that contributes to foodborne outbreaks due to its ability to survive at low temperatures. However, the genetic determinants of Lm involved in growth at low temperatures have not been fully defined.
Genome-Scale Mining of Acetogens of the Genus
Clostridium
Unveils Distinctive Traits in [FeFe]- and [NiFe]-Hydrogenase Content and Maturation
Authors: Di Leonardo Pier Francesco , Antonicelli Giacomo , Agostino Valeria , Re Angela
Published: June 2022

Mastering hydrogen metabolism can support a sustainable carbon-neutral economy. Of the many microorganisms metabolizing hydrogen, acetogens of the genus
Clostridium
are appealing, with some of them already in usage as industrial workhorses.
Changes in Gut Microbiota Composition Associated with the Presence of Enteric Protist
Blastocystis
in Captive Forest Musk Deer (
Moschus Berezovskii
)
Authors: Deng Lei , Chen Shanyu , Meng Wanyu , Zhou Ziyao , Liu Haifeng , Zhong Zhijun , Fu Hualin , Shen Liuhong , Cao Suizhong , Tan Kevin S. W. , Peng Guangneng
Published: June 2022

Forest musk deer is listed as an endangered species by International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, and the Chinese government has introduced captivity breeding measures to curb the rapid decline of the musk deer population since the 1950s. It has been suggested that
Blastocystis
colonization can modulate the composition of the host's intestinal microbiota, thereby affecting the host health.
Genetics of Atavism
Authors: Korzh V. P. , Gasanov E. V.
Published: June 2022

Atavisms have attracted people’s attention for a long time. First, atavisms excited their imagination and created fertile ground for myths and superstitions. With the development of science, atavisms became the subject of investigation, which soon provided evidence to support evolutionary theory. However, at the molecular level, the formation of atavisms remained insufficiently understood. Recent progress in comparative genomics and molecular developmental biology has helped in understanding the processes underlying the formation of one of the human atavisms: the vestigial tail.
Exploring the sustainability of perinatal audit in four district hospitals in the Western Cape, South Africa: a multiple case study approach
Authors: Kinney Mary , Bergh Anne-Marie , Rhoda Natasha , Pattinson Robert , George Asha
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) is an intervention process that uses a continuous cycle of identification, notification and review of deaths to determine avoidable causes followed by actions to improve health services and prevent future deaths. This study set out to understand how and why a perinatal audit programme, a form of MPDSR, has sustained practice in South Africa from the perspectives of those engaged in implementation.

Methods

A multiple case study design was carried out in four rural subdistricts of the Western Cape with over 10 years of implementing the programme. Data were collected from October 2019 to March 2020 through non-participant observation of seven meetings and key informant interviews with 41 purposively selected health providers and managers. Thematic analysis was conducted inductively and deductively adapting the extended normalisation process theory to examine the capability, contribution, potential and capacity of the users to implement MPDSR.

Results

The perinatal audit programme has sustained practice due to integration of activities into routine tasks (capability), clear value-add (contribution), individual and collective commitment (potential), and an enabling environment to implement (capacity). The complex interplay of actors, their relationships and context revealed the underlying individual-level and organisational-level factors that support sustainability, such as trust, credibility, facilitation and hierarchies. Local adaption and the broad social and structural resources were required for sustainability.

Conclusion

This study applied theory to explore factors that promote sustained practice of perinatal audit from the perspectives of the users. Efforts to promote and sustain MPDSR will benefit from overall good health governance, specific skill development, embedded activities, and valuing social processes related to implementation. More research using health policy and system approaches, including use of implementation theory, will further advance our understanding on how to support sustained MPDSR practice in other settings.
Barriers to utilisation of oral rehydration solution and zinc in managing diarrhoea among under-5 children in Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Juma Joseph , Kariuki John
Published: June 2022

Despite its effectiveness, oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc use for managing diarrhoea among under-5 children (U5C) is low in Nigeria. We assessed the barriers to utilisation and sources of ORS/zinc in Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was adopted. Of the 1154 mothers in the quantitative study, only 71 (6.2%) reported recent U5C diarrhoea, of which 41 used ORS/zinc. Eleven of these 41 obtained ORS/zinc from private chemists, and six from government hospitals. Topmost barriers to utilisation of ORS/zinc are unavailability, unaffordability and poor awareness. Stakeholders should intensify efforts to sensitise women, and improve the availability and affordability of ORS and zinc therapy.
Gene of the month: ERG
Authors: Mullen Dorinda , Nowak Klaudia , Chetty Runjan
Published: June 2022

TheERGgene belongs to the erythroblastosis transformation specific family of transcription factors and encodes for the transcription regulator protein ERG. It is located on chromosome 22q22 and is a nuclear transcription factor. In normal physiology, ERG protein is expressed in endothelial cells and is involved in processes including, but not limited to, angiogenesis and haematopoiesis. Of diagnostic value in clinical practice, ERG immunohistochemistry is a useful marker of endothelial differentiation for both benign and malignant vascular lesions. It is also reliable for identifyingERGgene translocated malignancies such asEWS/FUS::ERGEwing’s sarcoma andTMPSSR2::ERGprostatic carcinoma.
Novel immunoprofiling method for diagnosing SLE and evaluating therapeutic response
Authors: Lee Jan-Mou , Chen Ming-Huang , Chou Kai-Yuan , Chao Yee , Chen Ming-Han , Tsai Chang-Youh
Published: June 2022

Objective

Diagnosis of SLE is based on clinical manifestations but is heterogeneous in early onset. Hence, we aimed to evaluate the feature of the immunoprofiling in patients with SLE and apply it to develop an immune signature algorithm for supporting SLE diagnosis.

Methods

We enrolled 13 newly diagnosed patients with SLE and 9 healthy controls (HCs) followed by analysing their immunoprofilings within their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) through flow cytometry. The immunoprofiling from the patients with SLE and HCs were ranked and formed an immune signature score. Besides, we enrolled four patients with SLE and monitored the changes in their immunoprofilings after immunosuppressant treatment.

Results

Among 93 immune cell subsets, 29 differed significantly between patients with SLE and HCs, and lower dendritic and natural killer cell percentages and a higher CD8+T-cell percentage were identified in patients with SLE. In an investigation of immune-tolerant-related cell subsets, higher concentrations of CD8+regulatory natural killer T cells, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)+T cells, and lower concentrations of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1)+PBMCs were observed in the SLE group. The immune signature score from patients with SLE was significantly different from that from the HCs. After treatment, the disease activity of the four patients were tended to stable and percentages of PD-L1+monocytes, PD-1+CD4 T and CD8 T cells in patients with SLE exhibited positively and negatively correlation with the SLEDAI-2K (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000) score, which might associate with the remission of SLE.

Conclusions

The comparison of immunprofiling between patients with SLE and HCs exhibited a distinct pattern. This difference and its application to immune signature algorithm shed light on the studies of SLE pathogenesis and immune-based diagnostic tool development in the future.
Crystallization of ropivacaine and bupivacaine when mixed with different adjuvants: a semiquantitative light microscopy analysis
Authors: Hoerner Elisabeth , Stundner Ottokar , Putz Guenther , Steinfeldt Thorsten , Mathis Simon , Gasteiger Lukas
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Amino-amide local anesthetics precipitate when mixed with some commonly used adjuvants, carrying the risk of perineural or vascular crystal deposition. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether crystallization occurs with routinely used local anesthetic–adjuvant combinations and if a relation with the solution’s pH exists.

Methods

All substances used in this trial were first visually investigated undiluted under tenfold magnification. Grade of crystallization was assessed using a 6 point grading system.

Ropivacaine (0.2%, 0.75% and 1%) and bupivacaine (0.25% and 0.5%) were mixed in a 1:1 solution with the following adjuvants: dexamethasone, dexmedetomidine, clonidine, fentanyl, sodium bicarbonate 8.4% and sodium chloride 0.9%. Subsequently, ropivacaine (0.2% and 0.75%) and bupivacaine (0.25% and 0.5%) were mixed with adjuvants in concentrations commonly used in clinical practice and then serially assessed at several time points up to 1 hour. pH of all substances/combinations was assessed and correlated with crystallization grade.

Results

All pure substances—except the reference standards sterile water and triamcinolon—showed crystallization grades ranging from grade 1 to grade 4. Addition of adjuvants lead to variable, unpredictable changes in crystal depositions. Addition of sodium bicarbonate 8.4% produced heavy crystallization in all combinations. Grade of crystallization was weakly positively related to the pH of the solution in 1:1 mixtures and clinically relevant concentrations, but not in pure substances.

Discussion

Our study showed that crystallization is present in pure local anesthetics and may be increased or decreased by admixture of adjuvants. Higher pH of mixtures was weakly associated with more crystallization. Further research is necessary to translate these findings into clinical practice.
Risk of malignancy in rheumatoid arthritis patients initiating biologics: an historical propensity score matched cohort study within the French nationwide healthcare database
Authors: Seror Raphaele , Lafourcade Alexandre , De Rycke Yann , Pinto Sandrine , Castaneda Johann , Fautrel Bruno , Mariette Xavier , Tubach Florence
Published: June 2022

Objective

To compare the risk of malignancy between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) initiating their first biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) and those continuing conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs).

Methods

Nine-year historical Propensity Score (PS) matched cohort study within the French national healthcare database (87% of the French population; ~57 million people), including adults RA without malignancy. Exposures started with the first use of any systemic treatment (csDMARDs and/or bDMARDs). Incident users of bDMARDs were matched on a dynamic PS to patients continuing csDMARDs. Their risk of malignancy was compared by Cox model.

Results

From 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2014, 83 706 patients with RA started their first systemic treatment (63 837 remained on csDMARDs and 19 869 initiated a bDMARD during follow-up). After dynamic PS matching, 19 727 bDMARD initiators were compared with 19 727 RA remaining on csDMARDs. They did not statistically differ in risk of overall malignancies (HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.14)), solid cancer (HR 0.95 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.11)), nor lymphoma (HR 1.35 (95% CI 0.72 to 2.53)). Results were similar when bDMARDs were given as monotherapy or in association with csDMARDs. Analyses restricted to patients starting TNF inhibitor as first bDMARD compared with matched RA remaining on csDMARDs, provided similar results (HR for overall malignancy 1.03 (95% CI 0.88 to 1.21)). Sensitivity analyses, varying carry-over periods (up to 5 years) to define risk periods, provided similar results.

Conclusions

In this historical cohort study within the French nationwide healthcare database, the risk of overall, solid or haematological malignancies did not significantly differ between patients with RA initiating bDMARD and those continuing csDMARDs.
Meaning of patient global assessment when joint counts are low in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Felson David , Feathers Vivi , Naik Chinmayi , Solomon Daniel H , Weinblatt Michael E , Shadick Nancy
Published: June 2022

Objective

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with low 28-joint tender and swollen joint counts but who assessed their disease as active, to evaluate whether activity reflected RA symptoms.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional study of patients in BRASS, a cohort of patients with established RA who had 28-joint counts assessed, scored their disease activity, identified their painful joints, and answered questions about other sites of pain and fatigue. Patients and their rheumatologists were asked about the presence of fibromyalgia. We examined whether patients reported pain in joints excluded from the 28-joint joint count (feet, ankles, hips, neck) and pain or symptoms probably unrelated to RA including low back pain, headache and fibromyalgia. Fatigue was not classified. Analyses were descriptive.

Results

Of 272 patients, 49 had tender and swollen joint counts <1 and a patient global assessment score of ≥3/10. 48/49 (95%) reported pain in joints excluded from the 28-joint count. Of these 49, 24 (45%) also had other symptoms especially low back pain. Fatigue was present in all patients. No patient had fibromyalgia.

Conclusion

If joint counts <=1 are scored in 28 joints, patient global assessments of ≥3/10 often occur when there is pain in uncounted joints, joints that may respond to RA treatment.
Improving estimation of length–weight relationships using spatiotemporal models
Authors: Yin Yihao , Sameoto Jessica A. , Keith David M. , Flemming Joanna Mills
Published: June 2022

Length–weight relationships (LWRs) are an essential component of fishery stock assessments. They are used to develop indices of condition and to convert length data into estimates of biomass. Attempts to capture variability in underlying ecological processes within statistical modeling frameworks for LWRs have typically relied on the inclusion of environmental variables. Here, using a case study of sea scallop ( Placopecten magellanicus), we demonstrate that introducing spatiotemporal random effects into generalized linear mixed models can improve LWRs. We compare models with and without potentially informative environmental variables. We find that the explicit incorporation of spatiotemporal dependence structures reduces bias and increases precision in the estimation of weight. The combination of both spatiotemporal effects and environmental variables provided the best predictions in most years. Spatiotemporal random effects can provide a comprehensive means of improving LWRs for various species, even when influential environmental variables are unavailable.
A Predictive Noise Shaping SAR ADC with Redundancy
Authors: Xie Shuang
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a predictive noise shaping (NS) Successive Approximation (SAR) Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), which improves its conversion speed by 25%, compared to its counterpart with 0.3% less redundancy. It begins by investigating the Signal to Noise and Distortion Ratio (SNDR) degradation when using a lower Oversampling Ratio (OSR, e.g., 8) than required in the prior state-of-the-art works, when predicting the first 4 MSBs with a second-order predictor. Later, it compares the SNDR for the same predictor with and without the bit weight redundancy in the capacitor array. In addition, designs with various levels of redundancies and OSRs are compared on their SNDRs. Both MATLAB and Cadence simulation results verified that by introducing 0.3% more redundant bit weight, either 8 dB more SNDR at the same bandwidth, or 25% speed improvement can be obtained while maintaining its SNDR.
Time Domain Optimize in an Urban Rail Transit Line Based on Passenger Flow Spatial and Temporal Distribution
Authors: Tang Jinjin , Li Chao , Liu Yuran , Wu Siyang , Luo Linghao , Shang Wen-Long
Published: June 2022

Focusing on the time domain optimization problem of an urban rail transit line, this paper constructs a passenger travel network with OD passenger flow data as input, by using a multi-path search algorithm based on dynamic cost to deduce the passenger space-time path. The passenger travel path is restored and the spatial and temporal distribution of passenger flow is calculated. Based on this, considering the influence of passenger flow spatial and temporal distribution on the time domain division, the orderly clustering method is used to optimize the time domain. Factoring in the influence of line capacity constraint, train running sequentially on time domain division and bidirectional time domain, a time domain optimization framework for an urban rail line is proposed in this study to integrate the time domain optimization results and improve the adaptability of optimization method. A practical line is taken as an example to verify the effectiveness of the proposed framework. Compared with the traditional time domain division method, the time domain division result accuracy is significantly improved and lays a foundation for the formulation of train service scheme which accurately matches transport capacity to demand.
CNS: Application of Dynamic Resource Allocation Based on 5G Communication in Technology Innovation of Complex High-Tech Industries
Authors: Wang Yunsheng , Yu Shujiang
Published: June 2022

In order to improve the technological innovation effect of compound high-tech industry, this paper studies its dynamic resource allocation technology with the support of 5G communication technology, and analyzes the application of 5G communication technology in technological innovation of compound high-tech industry. In the uplink and downlink of wireless energy-carrying communication system, this paper studies the joint optimization of subcarrier allocation and power allocation of uplink and downlink to maximize the uplink and downlink weighted sum rate of the system. Moreover, this paper adopts the joint optimization algorithm of power and sub-carrier based on Lagrangian dual method and ellipsoid method to obtain the maximum information transmission rate of uplink and downlink. In addition, this paper constructs an intelligent innovation management system. The research results show that the dynamic resource allocation method based on 5G communication proposed in this paper has a very good effect in the application of technological innovation in complex high-tech industries.
EECDN: Energy-efficient Cooperative DNN Edge Inference in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chen Long , Yao Mianyang , Wu Yalan , Wu Jigang
Published: June 2022

Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is emerging to improve the quality of experience of mobile devices including internet of things sensors by offloading computing intensive tasks to MEC servers. Existing MEC-enabled cooperative computation offloading works focus on the optimization of total energy consumption but fail to exploit multi-relay diversity and min-max fairness of energy consumption on participated sensors. We explore a typical wireless sensor network with multi-source, multi-relay, and one edge server, where relay nodes can provide both cooperative communication and computation services. We divide the energy efficiency optimization problem into two sub-problems: One is to minimize the weighted average total energy consumption per time slot, and the other is to minimize the maximum weighted energy consumption. For the first sub-problem, we propose an optimal algorithm named as optimal weighted average total energy consumption algorithm (OTCA) based on bipartite matching. For the second sub-problem, greedy algorithm for fairness guarantee (GAF) is proposed with an approximation ratio of (1 + ε), where ε is a small positive constant. Extensive numerical results show that OTCA outperforms the baseline algorithms by 26.7–77.4% on the average total weighted energy consumption while GAF outperforms benchmark algorithms by 30.7–84.4%. NS-3 simulation experiments comply with numerical results.
Li Pre-Doping into Si Negative Electrodes Using Li-Naphthalenide Solutions with Various Ether Solvents For Next-Generation Batteries
Authors: Fukunishi Mika , Ishii Shunya , Himata Yusuke , Kondo Atsushi , Ozawa Fumisato , Saito Morihiro
Published: June 2022

Four ethers were compared as solvents of lithium naphthalenide (Li-NTL) solutions to pre-dope Li into Si electrodes. The solvents of the Li-NTL solutions affected the stability and equilibrium potential (V
eq). X-ray diffraction, thermodynamic characterization and ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy were used to clarify the effects of the solvation structure, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of the solvent molecule and the ion pair structure between Li+ ions and naphthalenide radical anions ([NTL]·−) on doping capacity. A Li-NTL solution having a low V
eq and sufficient stability under potentials as low as that of Li metal was found to provide the highest pre-doping capacity. In particular, a 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) solution exhibiting the lowest V
eq showed a pre-doping capacity as high as 3250 mAh g−1 after 24 h. UV–vis spectra and Walden plots indicated that a Li-NTL solution using MeTHF provided less dissociation than a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution. The doping capacity is evidently determined by the V
eq of the Li-NTL solution as a consequence of the dissociation equilibrium of the ion pair of the solvated Li+ ion and [NTL]·− radical ions.
Review—Highlights of UNSW All-Vanadium Redox Battery Development: 1983 to Present
Authors: Skyllas-Kazacos Maria
Published: June 2022

The Vanadium Flow Battery (VFB) was taken from the initial concept stage at UNSW in 1983 through the development and demonstration of several 1–5 kW prototypes in stationary and electric vehicle applications in the 1990s with on-going research activities continuing to the present day. As part of this 38 year R&D program, a wide range of research projects was undertaken in the areas of electrodes and membranes, electrolyte process development and characterisation, electrolyte additives and precipitation inhibitors, conducting plastic bipolar plate formulation and manufacturing trials, mathematical modelling of membrane transfer, shunt currents and pumping energy losses in bipolar stacks, thermal modelling of redox cells under a range of operating conditions, impedance spectroscopy and control system development, sensors and state-of-charge monitoring, chemical and electrochemical rebalancing, gelled electrolyte, vanadium bromide cell and V/O redox fuel cell. Several field trials of the VFB were conducted by UNSW in the mid-1990s with early licensing leading to large-scale demonstrations and significant commercialisation activities in a wide range of applications around the world. This paper presents an historical overview of the research, development and early field trials of the All-Vanadium Redox Flow Battery at UNSW between 1983 and 2021.
Electromediated Aldol Reaction in EtOH/H2O
Authors: Zhang Mengxun , Du Yi , Huang Liping , Zhu Qinchang , Li Chenyang , He Zhendan
Published: June 2022

An environment-friendly electromediated aldol reaction is reported here. With KI as mediator, ketones and aldehydes could be readily converted into β-hydroxyl ketones in EtOH/H2O. A variety of functionalities were compatible with this safe and green method. Mechanism of this transformation was explored with control experiments and cyclic voltammetry.
Multiphysics Simulation Study of the Electrorefining Process of Spent Nuclear Fuel from LiCl-KCl Eutectic Molten Salt
Authors: Zhao Ding , Yan Liuming , Jiang Tao , Peng Shuming , Yue Baohua
Published: June 2022

Electrorefining is an important unit operation for the pyroprocessing of spent nuclear fuel; however, the uncontrolled growth of uranium dendrites traps molten salt into the deposited uranium, increases the short-circuit risk, decreases the current efficiency, and thus hinders the engineering application of the electrorefining technology. In this study, the finite element method is applied to the study of the electrorefining dynamics subjected to convection, diffusion, electromigration, and electrode reaction. The velocity field, concentration field, electric field, and flux density field are evaluated. The local current density on the cathode is evaluated under different overall current densities, overpotentials, cathodic shapes and positions for the evaluation of dendritic growth. Finally, it is concluded that the uranium will be deposited priorly onto the cathode tip and the frontside of the cathode facing the anode, the position of the electrode and the shape of the cathode tip will not have significant influence to the priority of deposition, and a glass insulated tip can effectively improve the uneven growth of uranium dendrites on the cathode surface as proposed by Srihari et al. (Sep. Sci. Technol. 51, 1397).
Nanostructured Coating for Aluminum Alloys Used in Aerospace Applications
Authors: Merisalu Maido , Aarik Lauri , Piirsoo Helle-Mai , Kozlova Jekaterina , Tarre Aivar , Zabels Roberts , Wessing Johanna , Brieva Abel , Sammelselg Väino
Published: June 2022

A thin industrial corrosion-protection nanostructured coating for the Al alloy AA2024-T3 is demonstrated. The coating is prepared in a two-step process utilizing hard anodizing as a pre-treatment, followed by sealing and coating by atomic layer deposition (ALD). In the first step, anodizing in sulfuric acid at a low temperature converts the alloy surface into a low-porosity anodic oxide. In the second step, the pores are sealed and coated by low-temperature ALD using different metal oxides. The resulting nanostructured ceramic coatings are thoroughly characterized by cross-sectioning using a focused ion beam, followed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray microanalysis, and nanoindentation and are tested via linear sweep voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, salt spray, and energetic atomic oxygen flow. The best thin corrosion protection coating, made by anodizing at 20 V, 1 °C and sealing and coating with amorphous Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminate, exhibits no signs of corrosion after a 1000 h ISO 9227 salt spray test and demonstrates a maximum surface hardness of 5.5 GPa. The same coating also suffers negligible damage in an atomic oxygen test, which is comparable to 1 year of exposure to space in low Earth orbit.
Mechanistic Study of Cast and 3D-Printed Stainless Steel Electropolishing in Acid Media and Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Rotty Chloé , Doche Marie-Laure , Mandroyan Audrey , Vivier Vincent , Hihn Jean-Yves
Published: June 2022

The mechanistic analysis of the electropolishing procedure of stainless steel (SS) was revisited using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Firstly, the control of the dissolution reaction by diffusion was confirmed with the linear dependence of the limiting current density as a function of the electrode rotation rate using the Levich’s law. Nevertheless, varying the viscosity (by changing temperature from 35 °C–70 °C) show a direct relationship between the diffusion coefficient and the kinematic viscosity, irrespective of the cation concentration at the interface, thus suggesting a minor role in the diffusion limiting step. This limitation is therefore provided by the diffusion of an acceptor specie from the electrolyte toward the anode surface. To discriminate the role of water or mineral anion in the so-called acceptor model, a full descriptive model of the electrochemical behavior of interface was devised for analyzing electropolishing results obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for both cast and additive layer manufactoring (ALM) 316L SS in aqueous acid electrolyte and in deep eutectic solvent (DES). It was shown that the model involving an acceptor specie allows to describe with a good accuracy the electrochemical behavior of the different systems at several potentials.
Effect of Cetrimonium Bromide as an Additive on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of the Electrodeposited Coatings Developed from Ethaline-based Cyanide-free Bath
Authors: Satpathy Bangmaya
Published: June 2022

In the present study, a non-aqueous ethaline-based electroplating bath was prepared without the addition of cyanide complexing agents. Gold coatings were prepared via DC galvanostatic route from the developed bath with and without the presence of cetrimonium bromide (CTAB) as an additive. Electrochemical studies (EIS and LSV) provided a detailed insight regarding the metal-complex interaction and the reduction occurring during the electrodeposition process. A time-dependant UV-Vis spectroscopy was carried out to study the stability of the developed bath. Glancing-angle incidence (GI) XRD and EDS analysis of the developed coatings substantiated the presence of pure gold, without any complex. The coatings deposited with the presence of additive had a relatively higher concentration of gold as compared to the coatings without any additive. The SEM and AFM studies were carried out to study the effect of CTAB on the morphology of the coatings. The coatings deposited from the bath containing CTAB had a smooth surface and the AFM studies indicated that they had a low roughness. The coating thickness was confirmed from cross-section SEM. Coatings deposited with the presence of CTAB had a hardness value of 293±6 VHN and those carried out without CTAB showed a lower hardness of 214±9 VHN. The coating deposited with the presence of CTAB was compact, had a bright golden appearance and a good adherence with the underlying substrate. The gold coatings deposited without the presence of CTAB had a dull appearance and the coatings lacked uniformity. The preliminary adherence of the coatings was evaluated using the scotch-tape pull-out test.
Bi‐objective Optimization of Process Parameters in Electric Discharge Machining of SS630 Using Grey Relation Analysis
Authors: Jampana Venkata N. Raju , Ramana Rao P. S. V. , Kumar Anubhav
Published: June 2022

One of the most former and widely utilized unconventional machining is known as the process of electric discharge machining (EDM). This is a procedure, where a serialized set of electric discharges are applied to eliminate the material from a workpiece (i.e., electrically conductive). This article proposes a bi‐objective optimization of process arguments in machining of stainless steel of 630 (SS630) grade using both experimentation and thermal investigation. Here, flushing pressure (PF), pulse on‐time (TON), peak current (Ip), and pulse off‐time (TOFF) are assumed as the input process parameters to conduct a series of experiments on die‐sinking EDM (DS‐EDM) of SS630 to predict the output characteristics of machining optimization using grey relation analysis (GRA). Both material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR) are used for evaluating the output response obtained using the machining performance. In addition, thermal investigation is performed using finite element method (FEM) analysis to compute theoretical MRR (T‐MRR) for the distribution of temperature on workpiece. Further, GRA is employed to obtain the optimal process parameter combination for best output responses. From the confirmation test results, the optimal combination obtained using GRA approach is at Ip = 6A, TON = 35 μs, TOFF = 90 μs, and PF = 4 MPa.
Performance Evaluation of Simple K-Mean and Parallel K-Mean Clustering Algorithms: Big Data Business Process Management Concept
Authors: Zada Islam , Ali Shaukat , Khan Inayat , Hadjouni Myriam , Elmannai Hela , Zeeshan Muhammad , Serat Ali Mohammad , Jameel Abid
Published: June 2022

Data is the most valuable asset in any firm. As time passes, the data expands at a breakneck speed. A major research issue is the extraction of meaningful information from a complex and huge data source. Clustering is one of the data extraction methods. The basic K-Mean and Parallel K-Mean partition clustering algorithms work by picking random starting centroids. The basic and K-Mean parallel clustering methods are investigated in this work using two different datasets with sizes of 10000 and 5000, respectively. The findings of the Simple K-Mean clustering algorithms alter throughout numerous runs or iterations, according to the study, and so iterations differ for each run or execution. In some circumstances, the clustering algorithms’ outcomes are always different, and the algorithms separate and identify unique properties of the K-Mean Simple clustering algorithm from the K-Mean Parallel clustering algorithm. Differentiating these features will improve cluster quality, lapsed time, and iterations. Experiments are designed to show that parallel algorithms considerably improve the Simple K-Mean techniques. The findings of the parallel techniques are also consistent; however, the Simple K-Mean algorithm’s results vary from run to run. Both the 10,000 and 5000 data item datasets are divided into ten subdatasets for ten different client systems. Clusters are generated in two iterations, i.e., the time it takes for all client systems to complete one iteration (mentioned in chapter number 4). In the first execution, Client No. 5 has the longest elapsed time (8 ms), whereas the longest elapsed time in the following iterations is 6 ms, for a total elapsed time of 12 ms for the K-Mean clustering technique. In addition, the Parallel algorithms reduce the number of executions and the time it takes to complete a task.
Dynamic Crushing Analysis of Hexagonal-Kagome Combined Honeycomb with Negative Poisson’s Ratio
Authors: Wang Wei Min , Yang Zhi Liang , Hu Jun
Published: June 2022

To enhance the mechanical performances of traditional honeycombs, a novel combined honeycomb (HKH) was proposed based on the regular hexagonal honeycomb (RHH) and Kagome honeycomb (KH). A systematic investigation of the in-plane dynamic crushing behaviors of the honeycombs was conducted via the finite element method, and the crashworthiness characteristics of the three honeycombs were examined. Using one-dimensional shock wave theory and least squares fitting, a fitting formula of the plateau stress was obtained, and the deformation mechanism of the HKH was determined based on the elastic buckling of the cell wall. The results showed that the HKH exhibited a higher plateau stress than the RHH for any velocity impact, while the negative Poisson’s ratio effect was more significant than that of the KH for low-velocity impacts (the peak Poisson’s ratios of the HKH and KH were −0.312 and −0.286, respectively). Furthermore, the effects of the impact velocity and relative density on the energy absorption and auxetic performances were explored. In this study, a novel design was proposed by combining various cell elements to obtain better crashworthiness, providing a new concept to promote the development of lightweight materials.
Role of CD4+ T and CD8+ T Lymphocytes-Mediated Cellular Immunity in Pathogenesis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Xue Weilin , Ma Jianying , Li Yue , Xie Chunxia
Published: June 2022

This work was to explore the changes of T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (AECOPD) and the role of cellular immunity mediated in the disease process. Eighty-six patients with AECOPD who visited Qingdao Hiser Medical Center from June 2020 to December 2021 and 30 healthy people (controls) who underwent health examination in the same period were selected. The differences of pulmonary function (PF), arterial blood gas (ABG), blood routine inflammatory indexes, T lymphocyte and T lymphocyte subsets were compared between the two groups, and the correlation between T lymphocyte subsets and each index was analyzed. There were clear differences in PF, ABG, and PB inflammation indexes between AECOPD patients and the controls (P <0.05). Compared with the controls, the CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in PB of AECOPD group were obviously decreased, and the CD8+ level was clearly increased (P <0.05); Th1 of CD4+ cell subsets and Tc1 of CD8+ cell subsets were significantly increased, while Th2 of CD4+ cell subsets and Tc2 of CD8+ cell subsets were obviously decreased (P <0.05). However, CD4+ was significantly positively correlated with lung function indexes, and significantly negatively correlated with neutrophils/lymphocytes and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P <0.05) and significantly positively correlated with Hs-CRP (P <0.05). In summary, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were involved in the occurrence and occurrence of AECOPD, the decrease of CD4+ and the increase of CD8+ may promote the deterioration of COPD.
Free Transverse Vibration of Circular Plate of Stepped Thickness with General Boundary Conditions by an Improved Fourier–Ritz Method
Authors: Hao Qingjun , Chen Zhaobo , Zhai Wenjie
Published: June 2022

In this investigation, free vibration of stepped circular Mindlin plate with arbitrary boundary conditions is presented by an improved Fourier–Ritz method. Based on the locations of the step variations, the stepped circular plate can be divided into different concentric annular and circular plates. The first-order shear deformation plate theory is employed to establish the theoretical model. Once all the displacements of a stepped circular plate are expanded by an improved Fourier series expansion, an exact solution can be obtained based on the Rayleigh–Ritz procedure by the energy function of the current model. The convergence and accuracy of the proposed method are proved by several numerical examples. The effects of classical boundary conditions and geometrical parameters on the frequency parameters of a stepped circular plate are also analyzed.
Passenger Lymphocyte Syndrome and Autoimmune Hypothyroidism Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Noubouossie Denis F. , Zaanona Mohammed I. A. , Costa Luciano J. , Pham Huy P. , Marques Marisa B. , Di Stasi Antonio
Published: June 2022

We present the case of a 24-year-old male, who received a minor ABO-incompatible allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT, blood group O+ ⟶ A+) from an HLA-matched unrelated female donor, as consolidation therapy for relapsed precursor-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The donor had a known history of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis before HSCT. At day +10 posttransplant, the patient developed severe hemolysis, which required emergent red blood cell exchange. Additionally, about a year posttransplant, he had circulating antithyroglobulin antibodies, decreased free-T4 (fT4) and increased serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The potential causes of the posttransplant hemolytic episode and hypothyroidism are discussed. While the hemolysis was worsened by the transfusion of A red blood cells (RBCs) in the context of passenger lymphocyte syndrome, the thyroid dysfunction might be explained by an autoimmune disease transferred from the donor. The case highlights the possibility of several non-relapse-related complications of HSCT occurring in the same patient. It is critical that such adverse outcomes are distinguished from classical graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) for adequate recipient counseling, posttransplant screening, and prompt treatment.