bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructure–Hardness–Corrosion Performance of 17–4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steels Processed by Selective Laser Melting in Comparison with Commercial Alloy
Authors: Garcia-Cabezon C. , Castro-Sastre M. A. , Fernandez-Abia A. I. , Rodriguez-Mendez M. L. , Martin-Pedrosa F.
Published: April 2022

The 17–4 Precipitation Hardening Stainless Steel (PH SS) manufactured by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) has wide application perspectives, but they are limited due to defects and anisotropy. The selection of the appropriate process variables plays a fundamental part in the microstructure and in the determination of the final mechanical and corrosion properties. The main purpose of this study is to analyze the corrosion behavior, hardness and microstructure of 17–4 PH SS manufactured by SLM in comparison to the commercial counterparts. The anisotropic behavior was investigated by analyzing the microstructure–hardness and corrosion interrelationship, both in the surface of the construction platform and in the growth direction of the element. The corrosion behavior of the SLM 17–4PH SS in its natural state was investigated in relation to that of the 17–4 PH SS heat treated in a 0.1 M NaCl + 0.5 M H2SO4 solution, using three electrochemical techniques. The results confirmed that the corrosion resistance of SLM 17–4 PH SS was considerably better than that of the forging, even after 60 days of immersion in the test solution. This was attributed to the absence of important manufacturing defects, to the fine microstructure with an important amount of austenite produced by SLM, and to a small amount of non-metallic inclusions precipitated as a result of the fast cooling and the high speed of solidification associated with the SLM process.

Graphical abstract
Internet of things (IoT) assisted soil salinity mapping at irrigation schema level
Authors: Bashir Rab Nawaz , Bajwa Imran Sarwar , Abbas Muhammad Zahid , Rehman Amjad , Saba Tanzila , Bahaj Saeed Ali , Kolivand Hoshang
Published: April 2022

Soil salinity accumulates a high concentration of salts in soils that interfere with normal plant growth. Early detection and quantification of soil salinity are essential to effectively deal with soil salinity in agriculture. Soil salinity quantification and mapping at the irrigation scheme level are vital to evaluating saline soil's reclamation activity. Existing solutions of salinity mapping are costly, time-consuming, and inadequate for applications at the irrigation scheme level. Internet of Things (IoT) assisted salinity mapping at the irrigation scheme level is proposed to quantify and map the soil salinity in agriculture. The proposed IoT-assisted salinity mapping characterizes the soil salinity in terms of Electric Conductivity, pH, and Total Dissolved Salts. The proposed IoT-assisted salinity mapping effectively observes impacts of reclamation activities in saline soil by frequent observation of soil salinity cost-effectively. The accuracy of proposed IoT-assisted salinity mapping is evaluated against the standard method of salinity measurements. The proposed IoT-assisted salinity mapping is cost-effective, and portable, which is very useful for site-specific treatments and soil zones management in saline soils.
Removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions using polymer inclusion membrane technology
Authors: Benosmane Nadjib , Boutemeur Baya , Hamdi Safouane M. , Hamdi Maamar
Published: April 2022

The polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) containing Cellulose triacetate as polymer base, 2-NPOE as a plasticizer, and Calix[4]resorcinarene (RC8) as a carrier were prepared and characterized. Microstructure and surface of PIMs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, FTIR, UV/vis spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric Analysis, respectively. In order to obtain information on the composition and interactions that may manifest between the constituents of the membrane. The PIMs were applied in the elimination of Methylene Blue (MB) dye from model solution as synthetic aqueous wastewater. Furthermore, the effects of different parameters such as internal and external PIMs environment on the transport performance of MB were also investigated. The results confirming that the content of the carrier and plasticizer in the membrane had a significant impact on the property of PIMs. The transport of dye was in line with the first-order kinetics equation. The highest flux value "8.88 × 10–7 mol.m−2 s−1" was obtained with a calix [4] resorcinarene as a transporter in polymer inclusion membrane at pH 11 in the feed and 0.3 M HCl in the stripping phase when MB initial concentration was 100 mg/L. The membrane has better stability under optimum conditions and maximum transport was observed after 30 h of permeation time.
Numerical investigation of the effect of geometric parameters on discharge coefficients for broad-crested weirs with sloped upstream and downstream faces
Authors: Malekzadeh Faezeh , Salmasi Farzin , Abraham John , Arvanaghi Hadi
Published: April 2022

Weirs are structures that are important for measuring flow and controlling water levels. Research has shown that the discharge coefficient is not constant and depends on the crest length, the height of the weir, the upstream head, and the upstream and downstream slopes. In this study, the effect of these parameters on the discharge coefficient (Cd) is investigated by numerical simulation. The current study present numerical simulation using the ANSYS FLUENT software. The total number of simulations is 432 which includes: 4 upstream slopes, 4 downstream slopes, 3 weir heights, 3 upstream heads (h1) and 3 weir crest lengths. It was found that the downstream face slope has little effect on Cd. For 0.1 < H1/w < 0.4 by decreasing the upstream slope, Cd increases, where H1 is the water head on the weir crest and w is the length of the crest. Also, for the same range, by decreasing the height of the weir (p), the Cd increases. For 0.16 < H1/p < 2, as the length of the crest decreases, the Cd increases. By comparing the numerical simulation results to physical measurements, multi-variable regression equations for estimating Cd are presented. In addition to Cd, extraction of other more detailed information such as water level profiles and velocity profiles at different locations is provided.
Utilization of cross-linked chitosan for cobalt adsorption and its reutilization as a photocatalyst for the photodegradation of methyl violet dye in aqueous medium
Authors: Khan Nasib , Khan Idrees , Zada Noor , Sadiq Muhammad , Saeed Khalid
Published: April 2022

Removal of heavy metals and dyes from wastewater has received great attention due to scarcity of clean water worldwide. Herein an approach was introduced to attain this goal by employing a single material. Chitosan films were prepared, cross-linked it and utilized for the adsorption of cobalt from aqueous medium. The cobalt adsorbed chitosan was then reutilized as a photocatalyst for the photodegradation of methyl violet dyes. The prepared chitosan, cross-linked chitosan and cobalt adsorbed cross-linked chitosan were characterized through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM and EDX confirmed the adsorption of cobalt on the cross-linked chitosan. TGA analysis proved the increase in thermal stability with cross-linking while FTIR confirmed the cross-linking of chitosan. Maximum cobalt adsorption of 144 mg/g occurs at 600 ppm salt concentration. The photodegradation study shows that the fresh cobalt adsorbed cross-linked chitosan degraded about 97.78% methyl violet dye within 180 min under UV light, while the recovered degraded about 86.97% within the same time. Efficient degradation was observed at low initial dye concentration and at 30 ppm about 92.16% dye degraded.
Methylene blue removal using grape leaves waste: optimization and modeling
Authors: Mousavi Seyyed Alireza , Mahmoudi Arezoo , Amiri Samira , Darvishi Parastoo , Noori Elham
Published: April 2022

The present study focuses on the preparation of activated carbon (AC) from grape leaves as a low cost, non-toxic, efficient and available adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution. The experimental design and data modeling have been carried out using response surface methodology (RSM) through DoE software version 8.0.0. The effect of independent variables including initial dye concentration (100–500 mg/L), pH (3–11), contact time (10–90 min) and adsorbent dosage (0.25–12.25 g/L) on dye removal was determined using the response surface methodology (RSM). The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) displayed high R2 value of 0.91% for dye removal that shows the developed model has acceptable accuracy. The highest removal efficiency of MB (97.4%) was obtained at optimum condition (pH: 11, adsorbent dosage 12.5 g/L, MB concentration 100 mg/L and contact time 90 min). The results indicated that the initial dye concentration and adsorbent dosage play an important role in increasing the adsorbent efficiency for adsorption of MB. The equilibrium data onto the adsorption of MB were measured using Langmuir and Freundlich, isotherm models. The experimental data obtained follow the Langmuir model (R2 = 0.88). In addition, the second-order kinetic model is more consistent with the adsorption data.
Impact of the modernized technology on the quality of water supplied to the extended distribution system of the city of Poznań
Authors: Lasocka-Gomuła Iwona , Świetlik Joanna
Published: April 2022

The paper presents the results of a long-term study covering the development, implementation and operation of the second stage of water treatment (i.e. ozonation and subsequent granular active carbon (GAC) filtration) in the “Mosina” water treatment station supplying drinking water to the city of Poznań. The basis for the modernisation of the system was the high reactivity of the natural organic matter (NOM) present in the treated water with the disinfectant (in this case chlorine dioxide) resulting in an increased demand for ClO2 and reduced microbiological stability of the water. During the study it was shown that simple carboxylic acids are generated during ozonation and their presence can be an indicator of the microbiological stability of the treated water. However, these compounds are effectively removed from water during filtration through biologically active GAC filters. It was also shown that the best and cheapest parameter allowing to control water quality at individual stages of its treatment is UV absorbance, which shows reactive components of NOM removal efficiency in the technological sequence. The effectiveness of the modernisation of the technological system was evaluated on the basis of the disinfectant demand as well as on the basis of selected carboxylic acids concentration in the intake points on the water supply network fed with water from the WTS “Mosina”. At the last stage of the study, it was observed that the concentration of carboxylic acids in the distribution network was significantly reduced and stabilised, and a low dose of chlorine dioxide did not cause their re-formation. As a result of the modernisation, a new balance was achieved between the disinfectants used and the NOM compounds present in the treated water. Thus, the results confirmed that properly conducted pilot studies are a required element in planning of modernisation changes for water supply facilities.
Reconsidering priorities for forest conservation when considering the threats of mining and armed conflict
Authors: Williams Brooke A. , Grantham Hedley S. , Watson James E. M. , Shapiro Aurélie C. , Plumptre Andrew J. , Ayebare Samuel , Goldman Elizabeth , Tulloch Ayesha I. T.
Published: April 2022

Many threats to biodiversity can be predicted and are well mapped but others are uncertain in their extent, impact on biodiversity, and ability for conservation efforts to address, making them more difficult to account for in spatial conservation planning efforts, and as a result, they are often ignored. Here, we use a spatial prioritisation analysis to evaluate the consequences of considering only relatively well-mapped threats to biodiversity and compare this with planning scenarios that also account for more uncertain threats (in this case mining and armed conflict) under different management strategies. We evaluate three management strategies to address these more uncertain threats: 1. to ignore them; 2. avoid them; or 3. specifically target actions towards them, first individually and then simultaneously to assess the impact of their inclusion in spatial prioritisations. We apply our approach to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and identify priority areas for conserving biodiversity and carbon sequestration services. We found that a strategy that avoids addressing threats of mining and armed conflict more often misses important opportunities for biodiversity conservation, compared to a strategy that targets action towards areas under threat (assuming a biodiversity benefit is possible). We found that considering mining and armed conflict threats to biodiversity independently rather than simultaneously results in 13 800–14 800 km2 and 15 700–25 100 km2 of potential missed conservation opportunities when undertaking threat-avoiding and threat-targeting management strategies, respectively. Our analysis emphasises the importance of considering all threats that can be mapped in spatial conservation prioritisation.
Sufficient Conditions for a Graph to Have All [a, b]-Factors and (a, b)-Parity Factors
Authors: Yang Zixuan , Zhang Xuechun , Lu Hongliang , Lin Yuqing
Published: April 2022

Let G be a graph with vertex set V and let $$b>a$$

b
>
a

be two positive integers. We say that G has all [a, b]-factors if G has an h-factor for every $$h: V\rightarrow {\mathbb {N}}$$

h
:
V
→
N

such that $$a \le h(v) \le b$$

a
≤
h
(
v
)
≤
b

for every $$v\in V$$

v
∈
V

and $$\sum _{v\in V}h(v)\equiv 0\pmod 2$$

∑

v
∈
V

h

(
v
)

≡
0

(
mod

2
)

. A spanning subgraph F of G is called an (a, b)-parity factor, if $$d_F (v) \equiv a \equiv b $$

d
F

(
v
)

≡
a
≡
b

(mod 2) and $$a \le d_F (v) \le b$$

a
≤

d
F

(
v
)

≤
b

for all $$v \in V$$

v
∈
V

. In this paper, we have developed sufficient conditions for the existence of all [a, b]-factors and (a, b)-parity factors of G in terms of the independence number and connectivity of G. This work extended an earlier result of Nishimura (J Graph Theory 13: 63–69, 1989). Furthermore, we show that these results are best possible in some cases.
Local well-posedness of the coupled Yang–Mills and Dirac system in temporal gauge
Authors: Pecher Hartmut
Published: April 2022

We consider the classical Yang–Mills system coupled with a Dirac equation in 3+1 dimensions in temporal gauge. Using that most of the nonlinear terms fulfill a null condition we prove local well-posedness for small data with minimal regularity assumptions. This problem for smooth data was solved forty years ago by Y. Choquet-Bruhat and D. Christodoulou. The corresponding problem in Lorenz gauge was considered recently by the author in [14].
Effects of di-ammonium citrate: polyvinylpyrrolidone as a complexion dispersants on 3Y-TZP slurries and sintered body properties
Authors: Sinaga Pestaria , Bae Sung-Hwan
Published: April 2022

A wide application of 3 mol% Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Poly-crystalline (3Y-TZP) makes the concern of ceramic processing required to produce strong and reliable engineering ceramic products. In this study, we successfully improved the 3Y-TZP mechanical properties by paying great concern to the early processing of 3Y-TZP powder. Here, we used the concept of colloidal processing by manipulating the 3Y-TZP inter-particle force as a combination of steric and depletion stabilization. Di-ammonium citrate (DAC) was used to induce steric stabilization utilizing the DAC’s carboxyl group to strongly bond with the OH group of the 3Y-TZP. While Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) which could not bond with 3Y-TZP, leaves it freely as an un-attached polymer in slurries and induces a depletion stabilization mechanism. Using the combination of steric and depletion stabilization, the YSZ slurries stability is improved, and a uniform and smaller particle size can be obtained. As the result, better microstructure and high mechanical properties of the sintered body, such as higher density and Vickers hardness, can be achieved. By comparing to the sintered body of 3Y-TZP containing just DAC and 3Y-TZP containing a combination of DAC and PVP, better-sintered body properties can be found for the 3Y-TZP containing the combination of DAC and PVP, and the results can be listed as follows: grain size reduced from 0.420 to 0.281 um, density is increased from 94.5 to 99.3%, and Vickers hardness increases from 1190 to 1305 HV.
Effect of the COVID-19 Outbreak on the Incidence of Other Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Infections in Children in Thai Binh, Vietnam in 2020
Authors: Nguyen Quoc Tien , Dao Thi Loi , Pham Thi Dung , Tran Trong Kiem , Hoang Van Thuan , Gautret Philippe
Published: April 2022

Introduction

To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on the total number of consultations for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections among children under 16 years in Thai Binh Pediatric Hospital, Vietnam during the year 2020.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out to review consecutive consultations occurring in children admitted from January 01, 2016 to December 31, 2020. All medical records were collected from the central numeric database of the hospital. Diagnoses were documented according to the International Classification of Diseases 10 criteria.

Results

436,276 children consulted at the outpatient department during the period of study. A gradual increase in the total number of outpatients was observed from 2016 to 2019, including those consulting for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. However, the total number of outpatients and the numbers of those consulting for respiratory and gastrointestinal infections dramatically decreased in 2020. A significant decrease of respiratory infections relative proportion was observed in 2020 when compared to 2016–2019 (p < 0.0001). By contrast, the relative proportion of gastrointestinal infections did not significantly vary (p = 0.91). The proportion of outpatients aged under 5 years was significantly lower in 2020 compared to previous years (p < 0.0001). The proportion of male patients was significantly higher in 2020 than from 2016 to 2019 (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Public health measures against the COVID-19 pandemic likely decreased the prevalence of other respiratory tract infections. Further studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of each type of measure. Microbiological studies are also recommended, to better understand the effect of preventive measures.
Sexual Satisfaction Results with the Vaginal pH Modulator from the Phase 3 AMPOWER Study
Authors: Thomas Michael A. , Morlock Robert , Dart Clint , Howard Brandon
Published: April 2022

Background

The novel vaginal pH modulator (VPM; Phexxi) is a non-hormonal, woman-controlled, on-demand, water-based, surfactant-free contraceptive vaginal gel; VPM has also been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for use as a personal lubricant.

Aim

The aim of this study is to report on sexual satisfaction results from the phase 3 AMPOWER study.

Methods

AMPOWER was a single-arm, open-label, multicenter study to assess the safety and efficacy of VPM in preventing pregnancy. Women were enrolled who were healthy, age 18-35 years, and sexually active with regular cyclic menses.

Outcomes

Women’s satisfaction (including sexual satisfaction) was an exploratory endpoint measured at Baseline and Visits 3-5; sexual satisfaction-related patient reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed via 3 different questions: (i) a question related to the impact on a woman’s sex life; (ii) a question from the Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ) related to the frequency of ten sexual problems; and (iii) a question from the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) related to lubrication.

Results

For sexual satisfaction-related PRO measures with baseline assessments, the majority of women reported the same or improved scores at Visit 5 (ranging from 85.8% to 98.4%). The percentage of women who reported that their sex life was improved and/or maintained was higher in Visit 3, 4, and 5 (95.4%, 95.1%, and 93.6%, respectively) compared to Baseline (87.6%). The mean impact on sex life score significantly improved at Visit 5 compared to Baseline (P < .001). In the SFQ, the mean score significantly improved (P < .005) at Visit 5 vs Baseline in 7 of the 10 variables measured (vaginal dryness, lack of sexual interest and/or desire, vaginal tightness, pain, anxiety, unable to orgasm, and vaginal bleeding or irritation). In women who reported sexual activity in the last 4 weeks, the mean FSFI score also significantly improved from Baseline to Visit 5 (P = .037).

Clinical Implications

In this post-hoc analysis of the phase 3 AMPOWER study, the PRO results demonstrate a high level of sexual satisfaction with VPM.

Strengths and Limitations

The primary strength of this analysis was the large study size of 1,330 women. Limitations included the non-randomized study design, the post-hoc nature of the analysis, and the fact that sexual satisfaction was an exploratory endpoint.

Conclusion

As a non-hormonal, woman-controlled, on-demand, lubricating contraceptive gel, VPM offers women a unique set of benefits with positive impacts on their sexual health.
Oral health and vitamin D in adult: a systematic review
Authors: Ab Malik Normaliza , Mohamad Yatim Saari , Mokhtar Kasmawati Norhidayati , Md Ramli Siti Nur Rasyidah , Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal , Pelekos George , McGrath Colman
Published: April 2022

This systematic review aimed to provide a synthesis of the evidence relating to how the provision of vitamin D supplements influences oral health status. An electronic database search was performed across six databases using a standardised search strategy. The PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) was used to define the review question. The screening and selection followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses process (PRISMA). The quality of reporting was assessed using Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guidelines, and the bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane tool RoB2. A total of 1812 studies were retrieved. 1427 studies were excluded due to unmet inclusion criteria. Full texts of seventy-five potential studies were retrieved and ultimately six studies met the inclusion criteria. There were limitations in the quality of reporting of studies (between 49 % and 73 %). 70 % of the risk of bias items were in the low risks category. Vitamin D interventions varied with respect to dosage and duration. Qualitative syntheses identified significantly better oral health outcomes. Heterogeneity of study design, intervention and outcomes precluded quantitative synthesis. Few clinical trials investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation on oral health. There is considerable heterogeneity among studies interventions and oral health outcomes. Quality of reporting of studies has limitations and there is evidence of study biases. Nonetheless, qualitative synthesis of the evidence suggests that vitamin D supplements improve oral health outcomes, particularly periodontal health. Calcium may also play a significant role. Further high-quality trials are required of comparable vitamin D supplements with similar oral health outcomes focused to inform quantitative synthesis of the evidence.
Nano‐FTIR Investigation of the CM Chondrite Allan Hills 83100
Authors: Young J. M. , Glotch T. D. , Yesiltas M. , Hamilton V. E. , Breitenfeld L. B. , Bechtel H. A. , Corder S. N. Gilbert , Yao Z.
Published: April 2022

Mid‐infrared (MIR) spectroscopy has been used with great success to quantitatively determine the mineralogy of geologic samples. It has been employed in a variety of contexts from determining bulk composition of powdered samples to spectroscopic imaging of rock thin sections via micro‐Fourier transform infrared (micro‐FTIR) imaging spectroscopy. Recent advances allow for IR measurements at the nanoscale. Near field nanoscale infrared imaging and spectroscopy with a broadband source (nano‐FTIR) enable understanding of the spatial relationships between compositionally distinct materials within a sample. This will be of particular use when analyzing returned samples from Bennu and Ryugu, which are thought to be compositionally like CI or CM1/2 carbonaceous chondrites. Returned samples will likely contain olivine/pyroxene chondrules that have been transformed into hydrous phyllosilicates, sulfides, carbonates, and other alteration phases. The use of near‐field infrared techniques to probe the boundaries between once pristine chondrules and alteration phases at the nanoscale is a novel approach to furthering our understanding of the compositional evolution of carbonaceous asteroids and the processes that drive their evolution. Here we report the results of nano‐FTIR spectroscopy and imaging measurements performed on the carbonaceous chondrite Allan Hills (ALH) 83100 (CM1/2). We show with nanoscale resolution that spatially resolved Fe‐Mg variations exist within the phyllosilicates around a chondrule rim. We also present effects of crystal orientation on the nano‐FTIR spectra to account for the spectral differences between the meteorite and mineral spectra.
Gravity Waves in Different Atmospheric Layers During Martian Dust Storms
Authors: Wu Zhaopeng , Li Jing , Li Tao , Cui Jun
Published: April 2022

Gravity waves (GWs) are ubiquitous in the Martian atmosphere and critical for coupling the entire atmospheric system. Recent observations reveal a significant enhancement of thermospheric GW activity in global dust storm conditions, which could increase hydrogen escape. However, the source of these high‐altitude GWs and their link to the lower atmosphere are still unknown. We investigate detailed GW distributions and evolutions in three altitude ranges covering the lower, middle, and middle‐to‐upper transition layers (Lp, Mp, and Hp) of the Martian atmosphere based on multiyear observations from Mars Climate Sounder. The nighttime Mp‐layer GWs in the northern tropical region increase significantly after the peak time of regional dust storms, with potential energy 4 times larger than before or at other latitudes. These GWs correlate well with a zonally distributed detached dust layer during storm time, both of which may be generated by a tropical jet system. The upper atmospheric GWs observed during global dust storms are mainly excited in the Hp‐layer (∼50–70 km) above the main dust layer, except for Mars year 28 global dust storm, when the polar jet in the Mp‐layer (∼30–50 km) at high northern latitudes may be a major excitation source.
Behavioral characteristics of dopamine D5 receptor knockout mice
Authors: Sasamori Hitomi , Asakura Toshiaki , Sugiura Chiaki , Bouchekioua Youcef , Nishitani Naoya , Sato Masaaki , Yoshida Takayuki , Yamasaki Miwako , Terao Akira , Watanabe Masahiko , Ohmura Yu , Yoshioka Mitsuhiro
Published: April 2022

Major psychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia are often accompanied by elevated impulsivity. However, anti-impulsive drug treatments are still limited. To explore a novel molecular target, we examined the role of dopamine D5 receptors in impulse control using mice that completely lack D5 receptors (D5KO mice). We also measured spontaneous activity and learning/memory ability because these deficits could confound the assessment of impulsivity. We found small but significant effects of D5 receptor knockout on home cage activity only at specific times of the day. In addition, an analysis using the q-learning model revealed that D5KO mice displayed lower behavioral adjustment after impulsive actions. However, our results also showed that baseline impulsive actions and the effects of an anti-impulsive drug in D5KO mice were comparable to those in wild-type littermates. Moreover, unlike previous studies that used other D5 receptor-deficient mouse lines, we did not observe reductions in locomotor activity, working memory deficits, or severe learning deficits in our line of D5KO mice. These findings demonstrate that D5 receptors are dispensable for impulse control. Our results also indicate that time series analysis and detailed analysis of the learning process are necessary to clarify the behavioral functions of D5 receptors.
KIF4A promotes tumor progression of bladder cancer via CXCL5 dependent myeloid-derived suppressor cells recruitment
Authors: Lin Ningshu , Chen Luyan , Zhang Yunni , Yang Yi , Zhang Lei , Chen Lei , Zhang Peng , Su Huiming , Yin Min
Published: April 2022

Although KIF4A has been found to play an important role in a variety of tumors and is closely associated with the activation of immunocytes, its role in bladder cancer (BC) remains unclear. Here, we report increased expression of KIF4A in both lymph node-positive and high grade BC tissues. High expression of KIF4A has been significantly correlated with fewer CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and a much worse prognosis in patients with BC. With respect to promoting tumor growth, the expression of KIF4A in promoting tumor growth was more pronounced in immune-competent mice (C57BL/6) than in immunodeficient mice (BALB/C). In addition, the more increased accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) was observed in tumor-bearing mice with KIF4A overexpression than in the control group. Transwell chemotaxis assays revealed that KIF4A overexpression in T24 cells increased MDSC recruitment. Furthermore, according to ELISA results, CXCL5 was the most noticeably increased cytokine in the KIF4A-transduced BC cells. Additional studies in vitro and in vivo showed that the capability of KIF4A to promote BC cells to recruit MDSCs could be significantly inhibited by anti-CXCL5 antibody. Therefore, our results demonstrated that KIF4A-mediated BC production of CXCL5 led to an increase in MDSC recruitment, which contributed to tumor progression.
Bifidobacterium longumCCFM752 prevented hypertension and aortic lesion, improved antioxidative ability, and regulated the gut microbiome in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Lu Wenwei , Wang Yusheng , Fang Zhifeng , Wang Hongchao , Zhu Jinlin , Zhai Qixiao , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: April 2022

Oxidative stress and gut dysbiosis are important risk factors for hypertension.
Co4N–WNx composite for efficient piezocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yu Jiuyang , Guo Haichuan , Feng Wenhui , Guo Xuyun , Zhu Ye , Thomas Tiju , Jiang Chunjie , Liu Siqi , Yang Minghui
Published: April 2022

The rational design of novel transition metal nitride-based piezo-catalysts provides a novel strategy for developing non-carbon energy sources to alleviate global warming.
Fabrication of a family of atomically precise silver nanoclusters via dual-level kinetic control
Authors: Wei Xiao , Xu Chao , Li Hao , Kang Xi , Zhu Manzhou
Published: April 2022

A dual-level kinetic control was exploited to fabricate a family of atomically precise silver nanoclusters.
Road Transport Act 2018 in Bangladesh: a critique of the transport workers’ liability for driving offences occasioning deaths in light of their equivalents in NSW-Australia
Authors: Solaiman S. M. , Algie Jennifer
Published: April 2022

Road safety laws play a vital role in the system of enhancing road safety outcomes. Ineffective and outdated laws do not provide the essential foundation needed for generating and maintaining positive community attitudes towards road safety. The Road Transport Act 2018 of Bangladesh (RTA2018) took almost a decade in the making, owing to strong resistance by transport companies. The RTA2018 aims to improve road safety by primarily punishing the offenders. This article finds that the provisions of the RTA2018 concerning the liability for deaths are flawed in many respects having implications for their enforcement and achievement of the legislation’s professed objective. This is illustrated recently in serious public unrest triggered by the deaths of two students, which led to students taking to the street to protest (Jawad in Road deaths and protests: a cycle doomed to repeat itself, 2021). The current complexities created by overlapping and effectively redundant critical new provisions mean that justice cannot be delivered under the RTA2018. This article demonstrates how the laws in Bangladesh regarding transport workers’ liabilities could be streamlined following the Australian (NSW) model. Specific recommendations are furnished to address flaws in the RTA2018. This detailed analysis of laws may also be used by other countries with poor road safety records to improve their laws.
Influence of the wettability on the liquid breakup in planar prefilming airblast atomization using a coupled lattice Boltzmann–large eddy simulation model
Authors: An Xiang , Dong Bo , Zhang Yajin , Wang Yong , Zhou Xun , Li Weizhong
Published: April 2022

In this paper, an efficient coupled lattice Boltzmann–large eddy simulation model [X. An et al., “Coupled lattice Boltzmann-large eddy simulation model for three-dimensional multiphase flows at large density ratio and high Reynolds number,” Phys. Rev. E 104, 045305 (2021)] based on the Allen–Cahn phase-field theory is introduced for simulating the liquid breakup in planar prefilming airblast atomization. This is the first time that the lattice Boltzmann method is used in the three-dimensional numerical investigation of prefilming airblast atomization to the best of our knowledge. The present model utilizes two evolution equations: one is used to capture the fluid interface, and another is adopted to solve hydrodynamic properties. An advanced multiple-relaxation-time scheme is also applied for the collision operator to enhance the numerical stability. To investigate the influence of the wettability on the liquid breakup accurately, a simple and efficient wetting boundary scheme is delicately designed and strictly validated. Additionally, to evaluate the atomization quality intuitively, an atomization efficiency coefficient is proposed for characterizing the liquid breakup process. The numerical results reveal that the influence of the wettability lies in the liquid accumulation phenomenon at the edge of the prefilmer and the droplet movement in the vertical direction. The atomization quality adopting a non-wetting prefilmer is better than other cases, according to the atomization efficiency coefficients, the mean droplet equivalent diameters with their size distribution proportions, and the atomization angles in the vertical direction. In addition, it is also found that the droplet proportion above the prefilmer increases as the contact angle increases, and the proportions on both sides of the prefilmer account for 50% at the contact angle of 90°.
Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on DNA methylation and histone modification in parthenogenetically activated porcine embryos
Authors: Cheng Hui , Han Yu , Zhang Jian , Zhang Sheng , Zhai Yanhui , An Xinglan , Li Qi , Duan Jiahui , Zhang Xueming , Li Ziyi , Tang Bo , Shen Haiqing
Published: April 2022

Epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in oogenesis and early embryo development in mammals. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is frequently used as a solvent in biological studies and as a vehicle for drug therapy. Recent studies suggest that DMSO detrimentally affects porcine embryonic development, yet the mechanism of the process in parthenogenetically activated porcine embryos has not been reported. In this study, we found that treatment of embryos with 1.5% DMSO significantly decreased the cleavage and blastocyst rates, total cell number of blastocysts and the anti-apoptotic gene BCL-2 transcription level; however, the percentage of apoptotic cells and the expression levels of the pro-apoptotic gene BAX were not changed. Treatment with DMSO significantly decreased the expression levels of DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b, TET1, TET2, TET3, KMT2C, MLL2 and SETD3 in most of the stages of embryonic development and increased 5-mC signals, while the staining intensity for 5-hmC had no change in porcine preimplantation embryos from 2-cell to the blastocyst stages. Meanwhile, DMSO decreased the level of H3K4me3 during the development of parthenogenetically activated porcine embryos. After treatment with DMSO, expression levels of the pluripotency-related genes POU5F1 and NANOG decreased significantly (P < 0.01), whereas the imprinted gene H19 did not change (P > 0.05). In conclusion, these results suggest that DMSO can affect genome-wide DNA methylation and histone modification by regulating the expression of epigenetic modification enzymes, and DMSO also influences the expression level of pluripotent genes. These dysregulations lead to defects in embryonic development.
Myanmar's strategy in the China–Myanmar Economic Corridor: a failure in hedging?
Authors: Kobayashi Yuka , King Josephine
Published: April 2022

This article examines Myanmar's hedging strategies in China's Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), a key component of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Myanmar has avoided being overly reliant on China by strategically hedging and diversifying its foreign relations with other countries in the region. However, Myanmar's ability to hedge is compromised by its domestic fragmentation, caused by the protracted civil war and rising civil–military tensions. We focus on the two advanced projects in CMEC, the Muse–Mandalay railway and Kyaukphyu deep seaport, and have conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with key actors involved in China–Myanmar relations (2016–2021) under the National League for Democracy (NLD). Through the fieldwork findings, we problematize the assumption in the hedging literature which takes for granted a country's competence to act strategically in their foreign policy. Our findings from the Myanmar case suggest that the state's level of fragmentation and capability to hedge are inversely proportional. The multiple actors in Myanmar's political space complicate its China policy and limit its ability to hedge effectively. This is augmented by the military coup in February 2021, which further fragmented the country, compromising Myanmar's China policy even further, making hedging a less viable framework to examine Myanmar's China strategy.
Transitional justice and the ongoing exclusion of sexual exploitation and abuse by international intervenors
Authors: Anania Jessica
Published: April 2022

Transitional justice has addressed only conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) while excluding sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). This exclusion persists despite both SEA and CRSV occurring during armed conflict, taking the same forms, impacting congruent victim populations, and falling within the Women, Peace and Security framework. SEA is perpetrated by international intervenors such as peacekeepers and aid workers. Excluding SEA denies victims a critical pathway to accountability and undermines prevention efforts for all forms of sexual violence. Using the original Gender Violence in Truth Commissions database, this article examines why SEA is excluded from transitional justice. To date, only two transitional justice mechanisms—the Sierra Leonian and Liberian truth commissions—have addressed SEA by intervenors. Analysis of these two exceptional cases reveals barriers to inclusion of SEA within transitional justice, including intervenor-involvement in transitional justice mechanisms, issues with SEA reporting and data, and dependency on media coverage and public outcry. The article concludes with policy recommendations for addressing SEA and CRSV as separate but related violations through transitional justice mechanisms, including truth commissions and reparations programmes.
Safety and Efficacy of Submuscular Implantation With Resterilized Cardiac Implantable Electronic Device in Patients With Device Infection: A Retrospective Observational Study in Taiwan
Authors: Yu Chia-Meng , Yu Chieh-Ming , Yao Wen-Teng , Lee Ying-Hsiang , Liao Feng-Ching , Chien Chih-Yin , Chang Sheng-Hsiung , Liao Hung-Wei , Chen Yu-Fan , Huang Wen-Chen , Tung Kwang-Yi , Tsai Ming-Feng
Published: April 2022

Background

Reuse of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) can reduce the cost of using these expensive devices. However, whether resterilized CIEDs will increase the risk of reinfection in patients with previous device infection remains unknown. The aim of the present study is to compare the reinfection rates in patients who had initial CIED infection and underwent reimplantation of resterilized CIEDs or new devices.

Methods

Data from patients with initial CIED infection who received debridement of the infected pocket and underwent reimplantation of new or resterilized CIEDs at MacKay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, between January 2014 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient characteristics, relapse rates of infection, and potential contributing factors to the infection risk were examined.

Results

Twenty-seven patients with initial CIED infection and reimplanted new CIEDs (n = 11) or resterilized CIEDs (n = 16) were included. During the 2-year follow-up, there were 1 (9.1%) and 2 (12.5%) infection relapses in the new and resterilized CIED groups, respectively. No relapse occurred for either group if the lead was completely removed or cut short. The median duration between debridement and device reimplantation in patients with infection relapse vs patients without relapse was 97 vs 4.5 days for all included patients, and 97 vs 2 days and 50.5 vs 5.5 days for the new and resterilized CIED groups, respectively.

Conclusions

Subpectoral reimplanting of resterilized CIEDs in patients with previous device infection is safe and efficacious. With delicate debridement and complete extraction of the leads, the CIED pocket infection relapse risk can be greatly decreased.
Prevalence of Frailty and Prefrailty in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Aged 50 or Older: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yamada Yuji , Kobayashi Takaaki , Condo Angela , Sangarlangkarn Aroonsiri , Ko Fred , Taniguchi Yu , Kojima Gotaro
Published: April 2022

Background

With effective antiretroviral therapy, there is an emerging population of adults aged 50 years or older with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Frailty is an increasingly recognized clinical state of vulnerability associated with disability, hospitalization, and mortality. However, there is a paucity of large studies assessing its prevalence in people with HIV (PWH) aged 50 or older.

Methods

PubMed was systematically searched for studies published between January 2000 and August 2020 reporting the prevalence of frailty in PWH aged 50 or older. The pooled prevalence of frailty and prefrailty was synthesized using a random-effects meta-analysis.

Results

Of the 425 studies identified, 26 studies were included in the analysis, with a total of 6584 PWH aged 50 or older. The included studies were published between 2012 and 2020, and all studies used the Fried frailty phenotype to define frailty. The overall pooled prevalence of frailty and prefrailty was 10.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.1%–14.2%) and 47.2% (95% CI, 40.1%–54.4%), respectively. A high degree of heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 93.2%). In the subgroup analysis, HIV-related variables and other demographic variables were examined, and heterogeneity disappeared only in the group of a longer duration since HIV diagnosis (I2 = 0%).

Conclusions

The pooled prevalence of frailty and prefrailty defined by the Fried frailty phenotype was assessed in PWH aged 50 or older. Findings from this study quantified the proportion of this specific population with this common geriatric syndrome. Future studies identifying effective strategies for frailty screening and intervention are required for this vulnerable population.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Antibody Seroprevalence in Decedents Undergoing Forensic Postmortem Examination: Feasibility for  Real-Time Pandemic Surveillance
Authors: Coburn Sally B , Manabe Yukari C , Laeyendecker Oliver , Sherman Susan G , Baker Owen R , Quinn Thomas C , Graham Lindsey A , Dennis Thomas F , Southall Pamela , Weedn Victor W , Ehsani Johnathon , Klock Ethan , Li Rong , Shields Wendy C , Michael Jeffrey Paul , Li Ling , Althoff Keri N
Published: April 2022

Background

Population-based seroprevalence studies offer comprehensive characterization of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread, but barriers exist and marginalized populations may not be captured. We assessed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody seroprevalence among decedents in Maryland over 6 months in 2020.

Methods

Data were collected on decedents undergoing forensic postmortem examination in Maryland from 24 May through 30 November 2020 from whom a blood specimen could be collected. Those with available blood specimens were tested with the CoronaCHEK lateral flow antibody assay. We assessed monthly seroprevalence compared to the statewide estimated number of cases and proportion of positive test results (testing positivity). We used Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations of demographic characteristics, homelessness, and manner of death with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.

Results

Among 1906 decedents, 305 (16%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Monthly seroprevalence increased from 11% to 22% over time and was consistently higher than state-level estimates of testing positivity. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with 2- to 3.2-fold higher seropositivity (P < .05) irrespective of sex. Deaths due to motor vehicle crash were associated with 62% increased seropositivity (aPR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.15–2.28]) vs natural manner of death. Though seroprevalence was lower in decedents of illicit drug overdose vs nonoverdose in early months, this shifted, and seroprevalence was comparable by November 2020.

Conclusions

Decedents undergoing forensic postmortem examination, especially those dying due to motor vehicle trauma, may be a sentinel population for COVID-19 spread in the general population and merits exploration in other states/regions.
Neural correlates of a load-dependent decline in visual working memory
Authors: Li Yaju , Noguchi Yasuki
Published: April 2022

Previous studies have shown that a rate of temporal decline in visual working memory (vWM) highly depends on a number of memory items. When people retain the information of many (≥ 4) stimuli simultaneously, their memory representations are fragile and rapidly degrade within 2–3 s after an offset (called the “competition” among memory items). When a memory load is low (1 or 2 items), in contrast, the fidelity of vWM is preserved for a longer time because focused attention to the small number of items prevents the temporal degradation. In the present study, we explored neural correlates of this load-dependent decline of vWM in the human brain. Using electroencephalography and a classical change-detection task, we recorded neural measures of vWM that have been reported previously, such as the contralateral delay activity (CDA) and a suppression of alpha power (8–12 Hz). Results indicated that the load-dependent decline of vWM was more clearly reflected in the change in power and speed of alpha/beta rhythm than CDA, suggesting a close relationship of those signals to an attention-based preservation of WM fidelity.