bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Host Range of the Stem-Boring Weevil, Listronotus setosipennis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Proposed for the Biological Control of Parthenium hysterophorus (Asteraceae) in Pakistan
Authors: Weyl Philip , Rehman Abdul , Ali Kazam
Published: May 2021

Parthenium, or Parthenium hysterophorus, has extended its range in Pakistan throughout Punjab and into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Federally Administrated Tribal Areas, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Sindh Provinces. Without control measures against parthenium, the negative impacts of this weed will go unchecked having deleterious effects on native biodiversity, human and animal health, as well as crop productivity. The weevil Listronotus setosipennis was obtained and imported from the Plant Health and Protection of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC-PHP), in Cedara, South Africa, in April 2019. A total of 22 plant species or cultivars in the Asteraceae family were assessed during no-choice oviposition tests in Pakistan. During these tests, the only plant species accepted for oviposition were the 10 cultivars of Helianthus annuus that are grown in Pakistan. All cultivars were thus tested for development of L. setosipennis from egg to adult. Only three cultivars were able to support some larval development, but at such low levels that it is unlikely to be the basis of a viable population. To support this, a risk assessment was conducted to ascertain the probability of L. setosipennis being able to sustain viable populations in the field, the results of which concur with native (Argentina) and introduced (Australia) field host-range information where L. setosipennis has never been recorded as a pest of sunflowers. The results of laboratory-based host-range trials, together with host records from its native and introduced range, indicate that L. setosipennis is sufficiently specific to parthenium and is thus suitable for release in Pakistan.
Roller Profiling for Generating the Screw of a Pump with Progressive Cavities
Authors: Baroiu Nicuşor , Moroşanu Georgiana-Alexandra , Teodor Virgil-Gabriel , Oancea Nicolae
Published: May 2021

Progressive cavity pumps are used in industry for the circulation of high viscosity fluids, such as crude oil and petroleum products, sewage sludge, oils, salt water, and wastewater. Also known as single screw pumps, these pumps are composed of a single rotor which has the shape of a rounded screw, which moves inside a rubber stator. The stator has an double helical internal surface which, together with the helical surface of the rotor, creates a cavity that moves along the rotor. The movement effect of the cavity inside the stator is the movement of the fluid with a constant flow and high pressure. In this paper, an algorithm for profiling the rollers for generating the helical surface of the pump rotor with progressive cavities is proposed. These rollers are constituted as tools for the plastic deformation of the blank (in case the pump rotor is obtained by volumetric deformation) or for its superficial hardening.
Microaneurysm Turnover in Mild Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy is Associated with Progression and Development of Vision-Threatening Complications: A 5-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Santos Ana Rita , Mendes Luis , Madeira Maria Helena , Marques Ines P. , Tavares Diana , Figueira João , Lobo Conceição , Cunha-Vaz José
Published: May 2021

Background: Analysis of retinal microaneurysm turnover (MAT) has been previously shown to contribute to the identification of eyes at risk of developing clinically significant complications associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). We propose to further characterize MAT as a predictive biomarker of DR progression and development of vision-threatening complications. Methods: 212 individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D; ETDRS grades 20 and 35) were evaluated annually in a 5-year prospective, longitudinal study, by color fundus photography and optical coherence tomography. Endpoints were diabetic macular edema (DME) or proliferative retinopathy (PDR). MAT analysis included determination of MA formation and disappearance rates, automatically assessed using the RetMarkerDR®. Retinopathy severity progression was evaluated using step increases in ETDRS severity levels. Results: Of the 212 individuals, 172 completed the 5-year follow-up study or developed an endpoint (n = 27). MAT calculated at 1 year showed a significant difference between groups of endpoint developments (p = 0.018), particularly MA disappearance rate (p = 0.007). MAT also showed a significant difference between eyes with different ETDRS severity progression in the 5-year period (p = 0.035). Conclusions: MAT is an indicator of the development of DME and/or PDR as well as of DR severity progression in T2D individuals with mild retinopathy.
Fetal and Perinatal Outcome Following First and Second Trimester COVID-19 Infection: Evidence from a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rosen Hadar , Bart Yossi , Zlatkin Rita , Ben-Sira Liat , Ben Bashat Dafna , Amit Sharon , Cohen Carmit , Regev-Yochay Gili , Yinon Yoav
Published: May 2021

A novel coronavirus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new strain of coronavirus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease, which emerged as a global pandemic. Data regarding the implications of COVID-19 disease at early gestation on fetal and obstetric outcomes is scarce. Thus, our aim was to investigate the effect of first and second trimester maternal COVID-19 disease on fetal and perinatal outcomes. This was a prospective cohort study of pregnant women with a laboratory-proven SARS-COV-2 infection contracted prior to 26 weeks gestation. Women were followed at a single tertiary medical center by serial sonographic examinations every 4–6 weeks to assess fetal well-being, growth, placental function, anatomic evaluation and signs of fetal infection. Amniocentesis was offered to assess amniotic fluid SARS-COV-2-PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was offered at 30–32 weeks gestation. Demographic, obstetric and neonatal data were collected from history intake, medical charts or by telephone survey. Perinatal outcomes were compared between women infected at first vs. second trimester. 55 women with documented COVID-19 disease at early gestation were included and followed at our center. The mean maternal age was 29.6 ± 6.2 years and the mean gestational age at viral infection was 14.2 ± 6.7 weeks with 28 (51%) women infected at the first trimester and 27 (49%) at the second trimester. All patients but one experienced asymptomatic to mild symptoms. Of 22 patients who underwent amniocentesis, none had evidence of vertical transmission. None of the fetuses exhibited signs of central nervous system (CNS) disease, growth restriction and placental dysfunction on serial ultrasound examinations and fetal MRI. Pregnancies resulted in perinatal survival of 100% to date with mean gestational age at delivery of 38.6 ± 3.0 weeks and preterm birth <37 weeks rate of 3.4%. The mean birthweight was 3260 ± 411 g with no cases of small for gestational age infants. The obstetric and neonatal outcomes were similar among first vs. second trimester infection groups. We conclude SARS-CoV-2 infection at early gestation was not associated with vertical transmission and resulted in favorable obstetric and neonatal outcomes.
Urine and Serum Electrolytes and Biochemical Values Associated with Osteoporosis in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: A Longitudinal and Cross-Sectional Study Using Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) Cohort
Authors: Park Hae-Sang , Kim Ga-Young , Lo Jong-Ah , Kim Jin-Sun , Ahn Shin-Young , Ko Gang-Jee , Kwon Young-Joo , Kim Ji-Eun
Published: May 2021

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern, especially in women. This study aims to identify early biomarkers from biochemical measurements of serum and urine for recognizing the development of osteoporosis and osteopenia in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. From the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) cohort, longitudinal study participants with normal bone density were enrolled and assessed for the association of baseline clinical and biochemical factors with osteoporosis development over 4 years. In addition, a cross-sectional study between normal bone density and osteopenia/osteoporosis was conducted to validate the risk factors found in the longitudinal cohort. Of the 5272 female participants in the KoGES cohort, 813 women (501 premenopausal and 312 menopausal) who had normal bone density at baseline were included in the longitudinal study. During the 4 years of follow-up, 64 patients developed osteoporosis and 354 developed osteopenia. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, serum calcium and urine uric acid levels were significantly associated with elevated osteoporosis risk in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, respectively (risk of osteoporosis by serum calcium levels in premenopausal women: 4.03 (1.09–14.93), p = 0.037; risk of osteoporosis by urine uric acid levels in postmenopausal women: 24.08 (1.79–323.69), p = 0.016). For the cross-sectional study, serum and urine parameters were compared between women with osteopenia or osteoporosis at baseline and those with normal bone density. Urine uric acid levels were found to be significantly higher in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women with bone loss than in women with normal bone density (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). Uric acid level in urine may be an early marker for the development of osteoporosis in women, especially after menopause.
Malocclusion of Molar Teeth Is Associated with Activities of Daily Living Loss and Delirium in Elderly Critically Ill Older Patients
Authors: Fujinami Yoshihisa , Hifumi Toru , Ono Yuko , Saito Masafumi , Okazaki Tomoya , Shinohara Natsuyo , Akiyama Kyoko , Kunikata Misa , Inoue Shigeaki , Kotani Joji , Kuroda Yasuhiro
Published: May 2021

A single-center retrospective cohort study examined the association between molar malocclusion status at ICU admission and loss of activities of daily living (ADL) at hospital discharge among acutely ill patients. Patients were assigned to the bilateral occlusion group or malocclusion group (N = 227 and 93, respectively). The following data were collected from electronic medical records: age, sex, Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) on admission, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score, confirmed diagnosis (neurological disorders or others), CFS at hospital discharge, and occlusion condition. Patients who were frail at admission (CFS > 5) were excluded from analysis, and ADL loss was defined as CFS > 5 at hospital discharge. Multivariate analysis showed malocclusion was independently associated with ADL loss [OR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.13–3.64; p = 0.02]. For those aged 65 and older, malocclusion was significantly associated with both ADL loss [OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.44–7.32; p < 0.01] and the incidence of delirium [OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.14–5.95; p = 0.02]. Malocclusion on ICU admission was associated with ADL loss in critically ill patients, and was associated with ADL loss and the incidence of delirium in the elderly. Poor oral health was a poor prognostic factor among critically ill patients.
EtoGel for Intra-Articular Drug Delivery: A New Challenge for Joint Diseases Treatment
Authors: Cristiano Maria Chiara , Mancuso Antonia , Giuliano Elena , Cosco Donato , Paolino Donatella , Fresta Massimo
Published: May 2021

Ethosomes® have been proposed as potential intra-articular drug delivery devices, in order to obtain a longer residence time of the delivered drug in the knee joint. To this aim, the conventional composition and preparation method were modified. Ethosomes® were prepared by using a low ethanol concentration and carrying out a vesicle extrusion during the preparation. The modified composition did not affect the deformability of ethosomes®, a typical feature of this colloidal vesicular topical carrier. The maintenance of sufficient deformability bodes well for an effective ethosome® application in the treatment of joint pathologies because they should be able to go beyond the pores of the dense collagen II network. The investigated ethosomes® were inserted in a three-dimensional network of thermo-sensitive poloxamer gel (EtoGel) to improve the residence time in the joint. Rheological experiments evidenced that EtoGel could allow an easy intra-articular injection at room temperature and hence transform itself in gel form at body temperature into the joint. Furthermore, EtoGel seemed to be able to support the knee joint during walking and running. In vitro studies demonstrated that the amount of used ethanol did not affect the viability of human chondrocytes and nanocarriers were also able to suitably interact with cells.
Wave Dissipation and Sediment Transport Patterns during Shoreface Nourishment towards Equilibrium
Authors: Li Yuan , Zhang Chi , Cai Yu , Xie Mingxiao , Qi Hongshuai , Wang Yigang
Published: May 2021

Implementing shoreface nourishment is an effective method to protect sandy beaches. A better understanding of the equilibrium mechanism of shoreface nourishments is necessary for coastal engineering designs and constructions. Two experiments on the beach profile equilibrium of the shoreface nourishment are carried out under mild wave conditions on the reflective and intermediate beach. It is observed that the shoreface nourishment increases local wave height and strengthens wave nonlinearity by its shallow water depth. The most intense wave breaking dissipation has been found on the crest of the shoreface nourishment, and the distribution of wave energy dissipation rate is more uniform on the quasi-equilibrium profile than that on the initial profile. A process-based numerical model is used to reproduce bed profile evolution successfully. On that basis, it is found that onshore bedload transport is the primary cause for the onshore migration of the shoreface nourishment. The magnitude of bedload transport decreases during the evolution of the shoreface nourishment towards equilibrium. The most intense sediment transport rate occurs over the shoreface nourishment or in front of the shoreline, depending on the ’lee effect’ of the nourishment. Furthermore, the effects of incident wave height, wave period, and sea-level rise on the equilibrium profile of the shoreface nourishment under mild wave conditions are analyzed.
Origin of the Particulate Organic Matter in a Monsoon-Controlled Bay in Southern China
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Chen Fajin , Zhang Shuwen , Huang Chao , Chen Chunqing , Zhou Fengxia , Wu Junhui , Jin Guangzhe , Zhu Qingmei
Published: May 2021

In this study, the isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N), total organic carbon content, total nitrogen content, and C/N ratios of suspended particulate organic matter (POM) in Zhanjiang Bay, which is a semi-enclosed bay with concentrated artificial activities in Southern China, were analyzed in order to investigate the seasonal variations in the principal POM sources in the monsoon region. In summer, the δ13C and δ15N values showed a weak correlation with the chlorophyll a (Chl a), suggesting that terrigenous sources were dominant. However, in winter, the particulate organic carbon and particulate nitrogen values were correlated with the Chl a in the middle bay and bay mouth. Moreover, the δ13C values showed a significant correlation with Chl a during the winter, indicating that the contribution of the in situ phytoplankton was relatively important and was affected by the monsoon in winter. Compared with the corresponding δ13C values, the δ15N values exhibited a complex spatial distribution. By using a Bayesian mixing model, in the upper bay, the source of POM was mainly from marine organic matter (49%) in summer, and almost an equilibrated contribution of all sources in winter. In the middle bay and bay mouth, the POM contribution mainly originated from marine organic matter (53%) during the winter. In contrast, the POM source was mainly soil organic matter (63%) in summer, suggesting that the POM was sourced from the runoff from the upstream basin. Our results suggest that the seasonal shifts of the source of POM should be taken into account when estimating C or N mass balance in the monsoon-controlled bay.
Impacts of Interaction of Mental Condition and Quality of Life between Donors and Recipients at Decision-Making of Preemptive and Post-Dialysis Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Hasegawa Toshiki , Nishikawa Kouhei , Tamura Yuko , Oka Tomoka , Urawa Aiko , Watanabe Saori , Mizuno Shugo , Okada Motohiro
Published: May 2021

Pre-emptive kidney transplantation (PEKT) is considered one of the most effective types of kidney replacement therapies to improve the quality of life (QOL) and physical prognosis of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In Japan, living-donor kidney transplantation is a common therapeutic option for patients undergoing dialyses (PDKT). Moreover, during shared decision-making in kidney replacement therapy, the medical staff of the multidisciplinary kidney team often provide educational consultation programmes according to the QOL and sociopsychological status of the ESRD patient. In Japan, the majority of kidney donations are provided by living family members. However, neither the psychosocial status of donors associated with the decision-making of kidney donations nor the interactions of the psychosocial status between donors and recipients have been clarified in the literature. In response to this gap, the present study determined the QOL, mood and anxiety status of donors and recipients at kidney transplantation decision-making between PEKT and PDKT. Deterioration of the recipient’s QOL associated with “role physical” shifted the decision-making to PEKT, whereas deterioration of QOL associated with “role emotional” and “social functioning” of the recipients shifted the decision-making to PDKT. Furthermore, increased tension/anxiety and depressive mood contributed to choosing PDKT, but increased confusion was dominantly observed in PEKT recipients. These direct impact factors for decision-making were secondarily regulated by the trait anxiety of the recipients. Unlike the recipients, the donors’ QOL associated with vitality contributed to choosing PDKT, whereas the physical and mental health of the donors shifted the decision-making to PEKT. Interestingly, we also detected the typical features of PEKT donors, who showed higher tolerability against the trait anxiety of reactive tension/anxiety than PDKT donors. These results suggest that choosing between either PEKT or PDKT is likely achieved through the proactive support of family members as candidate donors, rather than the recipients. Furthermore, PDKT is possibly facilitated by an enrichment of the life–work–family balance of the donors. Therefore, multidisciplinary kidney teams should be aware of the familial psychodynamics between patients with ESRD and their family members during the shared decision-making process by continuing the educational consultation programmes for the kidney-replacement-therapy decision-making process.
Sex-Specific Association of Uric Acid and Kidney Function Decline in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Po-Ya , Chang Yu-Wei , Lin Yuh-Feng , Fan Hueng-Chuen
Published: May 2021

An elevated serum urate concentration is associated with kidney damage. Men’s uric acid levels are usually higher than women’s. However, postmenopausal women have a higher risk of gout than men, and comorbidities are also higher than in men. This study examined the sex differences in the relationship between hyperuricemia and renal progression in early chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-CKD, and further examined the incidence of CKD in non-CKD populations among patients over 50 years of age. We analyzed 1856 women and 1852 men participating in the epidemiology and risk factors surveillance of the CKD database. Women showed a significantly higher risk of renal progression and CKD than men within the hyperuricemia group. After adjusting covariates, women, but not men resulted in an hazard ratio (HR) for developing renal progression (HR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.01–1.24 in women and HR = 1.03; 95% CI 0.93–1.13 in men) and CKD (HR = 1.11; 95% CI 1.01–1.22 in women and HR = 0.95; 95% CI 0.85–1.05 in men) for each 1 mg/dL increase in serum urate levels. The association between serum urate levels and renal progression was stronger in women. Given the prevalence and impact of kidney disease, factors that impede optimal renal function management in women and men must be identified to provide tailored treatment recommendations.
Debt Market Trends and Predictors of Specialization: An Analysis of Pakistani Corporate Sector
Authors: Khan Kanwal Iqbal , Qadeer Faisal , Mata Mário Nuno , Dantas Rui Miguel , Xavier Rita João , Martins Jéssica Nunes
Published: May 2021

Recently, debt structure research has started focusing on the strategic perspective of financing choices, particularly to understand the reasons for debt specialization (DS). This paper examines trends of specialization over time and industry by using a comprehensive dataset on types of debt employed by the public limited companies during 2009–2018. The objective of the current study is to analyze the effect of debt market conditions by identifying significant predictors of DS. Time-series and cross-sectional results confirm the existence of DS, which is further validated by the findings of the cluster analysis. The empirical results indicate that overall, 61% of the companies solely rely on a single type of debt, mostly on short-term obligations accompanied by long-term secured and other debts. Moreover, small, mature, rated, group-affiliated, and low-leverage companies incline more towards this strategy. Credit rating, debt maturity, financial and interest coverage ratios serve as the primary determinants of the debt market that are significantly associated with the measures of DS. The results contribute to the capital structure literature by specifying that financing choice has an important implication in deciding the debt structure composition of the organizations.
Antithrombotic Therapy for Secondary Prevention in Patients with Non-Cardioembolic Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: A Systematic Review
Authors: Tornyos Dániel , Bálint Alexandra , Kupó Péter , El Abdallaoui Oumaima El Alaoui , Komócsi András
Published: May 2021

Stroke embodies one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. We aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into the effectiveness and safety of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. A systematic search for randomized controlled trials, comparing antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy versus aspirin or placebo among patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack, was performed in order to summarize data regarding the different regimens. Keyword-based searches in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were conducted until the 1st of January 2021. Our search explored 46 randomized controlled trials involving ten antiplatelet agents, six combinations with aspirin, and four anticoagulant therapies. The review of the literature reflects that antiplatelet therapy improves outcome in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. Monotherapy proved to be an effective and safe choice, especially in patients with a high risk of bleeding. Intensified antiplatelet regimens further improve stroke recurrence; however, bleeding rate increases while mortality remains unaffected. Supplementing the clinical judgment of stroke treatment, assessment of bleeding risk is warranted to identify patients with the highest benefit of treatment intensification.
Hard Dental Tissues Regeneration—Approaches and Challenges
Authors: Olaru Mihaela , Sachelarie Liliana , Calin Gabriela
Published: May 2021

With the development of the modern concept of tissue engineering approach and the discovery of the potential of stem cells in dentistry, the regeneration of hard dental tissues has become a reality and a priority of modern dentistry. The present review reports the recent advances on stem-cell based regeneration strategies for hard dental tissues and analyze the feasibility of stem cells and of growth factors in scaffolds-based or scaffold-free approaches in inducing the regeneration of either the whole tooth or only of its component structures.
Study on the Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior of 47Zr-45Ti-5Al-3V Alloy by CA–FE Simulation
Authors: Zhang Wenwei , Yang Qiuyue , Tan Yuanbiao , Yang Ya , Xiang Song , Zhao Fei
Published: May 2021

The dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of 47Zr-45Ti-5Al-3V alloy was studied by using the experiment and numerical simulation method based on DEFORM-3D software and cellular automata (CA) over a range of deformation temperatures (850 to 1050 °C) and strain rates (10−3 to 100 s−1). The results reveal that the DRX behavior of 47Zr-45Ti-5Al-3V alloy strongly depends on hot-working parameters. With rising deformation temperature (T) and decreasing strain rate (ε˙), the grain size (dDRX) and volume fraction (XDRX) of DRX dramatically boost. The kinetics models of the dDRX and XDRX of DRX grains were established. According to the developed kinetics models for DRX of 47Zr-45Ti-5Al-3V alloy, the distributions of the dDRX and XDRX for DRX grains were predicted by DEFORM-3D. DRX microstructure evolution is simulated by CA. The correlation of the kinetics model is verified by comparing the dDRX and XDRX between the experimental and finite element simulation (FEM) results. The nucleation and growth of dynamic recrystallization grains in 47Zr-45Ti-5Al-3V alloy during hot-working can be simulated accurately by CA simulation, comparing with FEM.
Effects of the Ultrasonic Assisted Surface Rolling Process on the Fatigue Crack Initiation Position Distribution and Fatigue Life of 51CrV4 Spring Steel
Authors: Xu Changxing , Liang Yilong , Yang Ming , Yu Jiabang , Peng Xiang
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the effects of the fatigue crack initiation position (FCIP) on fatigue life are discussed. Different modified gradient fields (MGFs) are prepared on the surface of 51CrV4 spring steel components by an ultrasonic assisted surface rolling process (USRP). Subsequently, the fatigue behaviour of steels with different FCIPs is systematically studied. The results show that the fatigue life of steels first exhibits an increasing tendency and then a decreasing tendency with increasing distance between an FCIP and the surface. When an FCIP shifts from the surface of the sample to the interior, the fatigue crack initiation resistance on the interior is greater than that on the surface, which leads to an increase in fatigue life. However, when the FCIP further shifts towards the centre of the specimen, the stress triaxiality experienced by the fatigue source gradually increases, which results in a peak in the curve of FCIP versus fatigue life. The magnitude of this peak fatigue life is related to the change in the stress triaxiality. Moreover, according to focused ion beam-high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (FIB-HRTEM) microstructural analysis near FCIPs, under a higher stress triaxiality, the crack tip area is subject to greater stress constraints, making the multiplication and movement of dislocations in this area more difficult, resulting in the decrease in movable dislocation density. This decrease in dislocation density leads to an increase in the stress concentration and accelerates the crack growth rate, decreasing the fatigue life. Therefore, the significant change in fatigue life is controlled by the MGF and stress triaxiality.
New Separation Material Obtained from Waste Rapeseed Cake for Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Removal from the Industrial Wastewater
Authors: Mazurek Krzysztof , Drużyński Sebastian , Kiełkowska Urszula , Szłyk Edward
Published: May 2021

Rapeseed cake biochar was produced by pyrolysis at 973.15 K for 2 h, in anoxic conditions. Porous structure, specific surface area and die composition of waste rapeseed cake were studied. The specific surface area of rapeseed cake biochar was 166.99 m2·g−1, which exceeded most other biochars reported, which made it an attractive material during wastewater treatment. The SEM study of the material demonstrated a large number of pores formed on the cell wall, with a pore volume Vp = 0.08 cm3·g−1. The results indicate lower aromaticity and increased polarity of the tested material. The observed H/C ratio of 0.29 is similar for activated carbons. Furthermore, sorption properties of the obtained carbon material in relation to copper(II), zinc(II) and arsenic(III) ions were also studied. Moreover, the impact of parameters such as: sorption time, temperature, adsorbate concentration, sorbent mass and solution pH on the efficiency of the adsorption process of the studied cations was also examined. Sorption studies revealed that the sorbent can be successfully used for the separation of Cu(II) and Zn(II) from technological wastewaters. Rapeseed cake biochar exhibits superior Cu(II) adsorption capacity (52.2 mg·g−1) with a short equilibrium time (6 h). The experimental data collected show a high selectivity of the obtained carbon material relative to copper(II) and zinc(II) ions in the presence of arsenic(III) ions.
Micro-Structure Changes Caused by Thermal Evolution in Chalcogenide GexAsySe1−x−y Thin Films by In Situ Measurements
Authors: Su Xueqiong , Pan Yong , Gao Dongwen , Li Shufeng , Wang Jin , Wang Rongping , Wang Li
Published: May 2021

To understand the effects of thermal annealing on the structure of GexAsySe1−x−y thin films, the thermal evolution of these films was measured by the in situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) at different temperature (773 K or 1073 K) in a vacuum (10−1 Pa) environment. The entire process of crystallization can be observed by using in situ XRD, which is from the appearance of a crystal structure to melting liquid-state and ultimately to the disappearance of the amorphous structure. In the crystallized process, the corresponding state-transition temperatures Tx (the onset crystallization temperature), Tl (the transition temperature from glassy-state to liquid-state), Tp (peak crystallization temperature) are linear with MCN (Mean Coordination Number). In order to obtain information about changes in the amorphous structural origin of the anneal-induced material, the samples were analyzed by in situ Raman spectroscopy. Analysis of the results through decomposing the Raman spectra into different structural units showed that the Ge−Ge, As−As, or Se−Se homopolar bonds as the nonequilibrium minority carriers could be found in films. It suggests that the formation of these bonds cannot be completely suppressed in any case, as one falls and another rises.
Reduction of Hysteresis in Hybrid Perovskite Transistors by Solvent-Controlled Growth
Authors: Haque Farjana , Bukke Ravindra Naik , Mativenga Mallory
Published: May 2021

The effect of crystallization process speed on the morphology of solution-processed methyl ammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) thin films is investigated. Crystallization speed is controlled by varying the number of annealing steps, temperature, and resting time between steps. The resting period allows solvent-controlled growth (SCG) in which crystallization progresses slowly via an intermediate phase—during which solvents slowly evaporate away from the films. SCG results in fewer residues, fewer pinholes, and larger grain sizes. Consequently, thin-film transistors with SCG MAPbI3 exhibit smaller hysteresis in their current-voltage characteristics than those without, demonstrating the benefits of SCG toward hysteresis-free perovskite devices.
Experimental Investigation on the Influence of Fiber Path Curvature on the Mechanical Properties of Composites
Authors: Wang Huaqiao , Chen Jihong , Fan Zhichao , Xiao Jun , Wang Xianfeng
Published: May 2021

Automated fiber placement (AFP) has been widely used as an advanced manufacturing technology for large and complex composite parts and the trajectory planning of the laying path is the primary task of AFP technology. Proposed in this paper is an experimental study on the effect of several different path planning placements on the mechanical behavior of laminated materials. The prepreg selected for the experiment was high-strength toughened epoxy resin T300 carbon fiber prepreg UH3033-150. The composite laminates with variable angles were prepared by an eight-tow seven-axis linkage laying machine. After the curing process, the composite laminates were conducted by tensile and bending test separately. The test results show that there exists an optimal planning path among these for which the tensile strength of the laminated specimens decreases slightly by only 3.889%, while the bending strength increases greatly by 16.68%. It can be found that for the specific planning path placement, the bending strength of the composite laminates is significantly improved regardless of the little difference in tensile strength, which shows the importance of path planning and this may be used as a guideline for future AFP process.
Hydrogen Transportation Behaviour of V–Ni Solid Solution: A First-Principles Investigation
Authors: Qin Jiayao , Liu Zhigao , Zhao Wei , Wang Dianhui , Zhang Yanli , Zhong Yan , Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Zhongmin , Hu Chaohao , Liu Jiangwen
Published: May 2021

Hydrogen embrittlement causes deterioration of materials used in metal–hydrogen systems. Alloying is a good option for overcoming this issue. In the present work, first-principles calculations were performed to systematically study the effects of adding Ni on the stability, dissolution, trapping, and diffusion behaviour of interstitial/vacancy H atoms of pure V. The results of lattice dynamics and solution energy analyses showed that the V–Ni solid solutions are dynamically and thermodynamically stable, and adding Ni to pure V can reduce the structural stability of various VHx phases and enhance their resistance to H embrittlement. H atoms preferentially occupy the characteristic tetrahedral interstitial site (TIS) and the octahedral interstitial site (OIS), which are composed by different metal atoms, and rapidly diffuse along both the energetically favourable TIS → TIS and OIS → OIS paths. The trapping energy of monovacancy H atoms revealed that Ni addition could help minimise the H trapping ability of the vacancies and suppress the retention of H in V. Monovacancy defects block the diffusion of H atoms more than the interstitials, as determined from the calculated H-diffusion barrier energy data, whereas Ni doping contributes negligibly toward improving the H-diffusion coefficient.
Microscopic Characterization of Bioactivate Implant Surfaces: Increasing Wettability Using Salts and Dry Technology
Authors: Gianfreda Francesco , Antonacci Donato , Raffone Carlo , Muzzi Maurizio , Pistilli Valeria , Bollero Patrizio
Published: May 2021

The surface topography of dental implants plays an important role in cell-surface interaction promoting cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation influencing osseointegration. A hydrophilic implant leads to the absorption of water molecules and subsequently promotes the adhesion of cells to the implant binding protein. Dried salts on the implant surfaces allow one to store the implant surfaces in a dry environment while preserving their hydrophilic characteristics. This process has been identified as “dry technology”. The aim of the present study is to describe from a micrometric and nanometric point of view the characteristics of this new bioactivated surface obtained using salts dried on the surface. Topographic analysis, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and contact angle characterization were performed on the samples of a sandblasted and dual acid-etched surface (ABT), a nanosurface (Nano) deriving from the former but with the adding of salts air dried and a nanosurface with salts dissolved with distilled water (Nano H2O). The analysis revealed promising results for nanostructured surfaces with increased wettability and a more articulated surface nanotopography than the traditional ABT surface. In conclusion, this study validates a new promising ultra-hydrophilic nano surface obtained by sandblasting, double acid etching and surface salt deposition using dry technology.
Expectations and Challenges of First-Line Maintenance Therapy for Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Shoji Tadahiro , Sato Chie , Tomabechi Hidetoshi , Takatori Eriko , Kaido Yoshitaka , Nagasawa Takayuki , Kagabu Masahiro , Baba Tsukasa
Published: May 2021

The incidence of ovarian cancer, which has had a poor prognosis, is increasing annually. Currently, the prognosis is expected to improve with the use of molecular-targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors as maintenance therapies after the first-line chemotherapy. The GOG218 and ICON7 studies reported the usefulness of bevacizumab and the SOLO-1 and PRIMA (A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Study of Niraparib Maintenance Treatment in Patients With Advanced Ovarian Cancer Following Response on Front-Line Platinum-Based Chemotherapy) studies have reported the usefulness of olaparib and niraparib, respectively. The ATHENA study investigating the usefulness of rucaparib is currently ongoing. Although clinical studies of immune checkpoint inhibitors are lagging in the field of gynecology, many clinical studies using programmed death cell-1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies are currently ongoing. Some biomarkers have been identified for molecular-targeted drugs, but none have been identified for immune checkpoint inhibitors, which is a challenge that should be addressed in the future.
Antifouling Polyethersulfone-Petrol Soot Nanoparticles Composite Ultrafiltration Membrane for Dye Removal in Wastewater
Authors: Nwafor Nkechi , Moutloali Richard , Sikhwivhilu Keneiloe , Familoni Oluwole , Adams Luqman
Published: May 2021

Engineered nanoparticles are known to boost membrane performance in membrane technology. Hitherto, tunable properties that lead to improved hydrophilicity due to increased surface oxygen functionalities upon oxidation of petrol soot have not been fully exploited in membrane filtration technology. Herein, the integration of oxidized petrol soot nanoparticles (PSN) into polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes produced via phase inversion technique for dye removal in wastewater is reported. The nanoparticles, as well as the composite membranes, were characterized with diverse physicochemical methods, particularly TEM, SEM, BET, AFM, contact angle, etc. The effect of varying the ratio of PSN (0.05–1.0 wt %) on the properties of the composite membrane was evaluated. The composite membranes displayed increased hydrophilicity, enhanced pure water flux, and antifouling properties relative to the pristine membrane. For example, the obtained pure water flux increased from 130 L·m−2·h−1 for base membrane to 265 L·m−2·h−1 for the best composite membrane (M4). The best flux recovery ratio (FRR) observed for the membranes containing PSN was ca. 80% in contrast to 49% obtained with the pristine membrane indicative of the positive influence of PSN on membrane antifouling behavior. Furthermore, the PSN composite membranes displayed relatively selective anionic dye rejection of ˃95% for Congo red and between 50–71% for methyl orange compared with 42–96% rejection obtained for cationic methylene blue dye with increasing PSN content. The successful fabrication of polyethersulfone–PSN composite membranes by a simple blending process opens a novel route for the preparation of economical, functional, and scalable water purification membranes capable of addressing the complex issue of water remediation of organic azo dyes.
An Effective Approach to Acquire the Impurity Diffusion Coefficients in Binary Alloys with Quantified Uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Yueheng , Zou Jianpeng , Wu Xiaoke , Deng Chunming , Zhang Lijun
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we started from the composition-dependent interdiffusion coefficients with quantified uncertainties in binary alloys by integrating the Matano-based method, distribution functions, and uncertainty propagation approach. After carefully defining the numerically stable region for the interdiffusion coefficients, the suitable pre-set functions were screened to achieve the reasonable fit to the D-c and μ-c data according to the Akaike information criterion. With the fitted D-c and μ-c curves, the impurity diffusion coefficients with uncertainties can be directly determined. Benchmark tests in five hypothetical binary systems with different preset D-c relations were then utilized to validate the presently effective approach, followed by practical applications in five real cases, i.e., fcc Ni-Co, fcc Cu-Al, fcc Pt-Ni, hcp Mg-Zn, and bcc Ti-V alloys. The impurity diffusion coefficients with uncertainties derived by the presently effective approach were found to be in excellent agreement with the data by tracer experiments, indicating that this effective approach can serve as a standard one for acquiring the high-quality impurity diffusion coefficients in binary alloys with quantified uncertainties, especially for the noble metals and the cases without suitable radioactive tracer isotopes.
Study on Microstructure and In Situ Tensile Deformation Behavior of Fe-25Mn-xAl-8Ni-C Alloy Prepared by Vacuum Arc Melting
Authors: Bai Yaping , Li Meng , Cheng Chao , Li Jianping , Guo Yongchun , Yang Zhong
Published: May 2021

In this study, Fe-25Mn-xAl-8Ni-C alloys (x = 10 wt.%, 11 wt.%, 12 wt.%, 13 wt.%) were prepared by a vacuum arc melting method, and the microstructure of this series of alloys and the in situ tensile deformation behavior were studied. The results showed that Fe-25Mn-xAl-8Ni-C alloys mainly contained austenite phase with a small amount of NiAl compound. With the content of Al increasing, the amount of austenite decreased while the amount of NiAl compound increased. When the Al content increased to 12 wt.%, the interface between austenite and NiAl compound and austenitic internal started to precipitate k-carbide phase. In situ tensile results also showed that as the content of Al increased, the alloy elongation decreased gradually, and the tensile strength first increased and then decreased. When the Al content was up to 11 wt.%, the elongation and tensile strength were 2.6% and 702.5 MPa, respectively; the results of in situ tensile dynamic observations show that during the process of stretching, austenite deformed first, and crack initiation mainly occurred at the interface between austenite and NiAl compound, and propagated along the interface, resulting in fracture of the alloy.
A Detailed Machinability Assessment of DC53 Steel for Die and Mold Industry through Wire Electric Discharge Machining
Authors: Khan Sarmad Ali , Rehman Mudassar , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Ali Muhammad Asad , Naveed Rakhshanda , Pruncu Catalin I. , Ahmad Waheed
Published: May 2021

Recently, DC53 die steel was introduced to the die and mold industry because of its excellent characteristics i.e., very good machinability and better engineering properties. DC53 demonstrates a strong capability to retain a near-net shape profile of the die, which is a very challenging process with materials. To produce complex and accurate die features, the use of the wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) process takes the lead in the manufacturing industry. However, the challenge is to understand the physical science of the process to improve surface features and service properties. In this study, a detailed yet systematic evaluation of process parameters investigation is made on the influence of a wire feed, pulse on duration, open voltage, and servo voltage on the productivity (material removal rate) and material quality (surface roughness, recast layer thickness, kerf width) against the requirements of mechanical-tooling industry. Based on parametric exploration, wire feed was found the most influential parameter on kerf width: KW (45.64%), pulse on time on surface roughness: SR (84.83%), open voltage on material removal rate: MRR (49.07%) and recast layer thickness: RLT (52.06%). Also, the optimized process parameters resulted in 1.710 µm SR, 10.367 mm3/min MRR, 0.327 mm KW, and 10.443 µm RLT. Moreover, the evolution of surface features and process complexities are thoroughly discussed based on the involved physical science. The recast layer, often considered as a process limitation, was explored with the aim of minimizing the layers’ depth, as well as the recast layer and heat-affected zone. The research provides regression models based on thorough investigation to support machinists for achieving required features.
Role of Steroid Hormones in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Yang Meng , Ma Feng , Guan Min
Published: May 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and may progress to cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. A number of steroid hormones are important regulators of lipid homeostasis through fine tuning the expression of genes related to lipid synthesis, export, and metabolism. Dysregulation of such pathways has been implicated in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. The aim of this review is to clarify the potential impact of steroid hormones on NAFLD. We also highlight potential interventions through modulating steroid hormone levels or the activities of their cognate receptors as therapeutic strategies for preventing NAFLD.
Positioning Accuracy in Holographic Optical Traps
Authors: Català-Castro Frederic , Martín-Badosa Estela
Published: May 2021

Spatial light modulators (SLMs) have been widely used to achieve dynamic control of optical traps. Often, holographic optical tweezers have been presumed to provide nanometer or sub-nanometer positioning accuracy. It is known that some features concerning the digitalized structure of SLMs cause a loss in steering efficiency of the optical trap, but their effect on trap positioning accuracy has been scarcely analyzed. On the one hand, the SLM look-up-table, which we found to depend on laser power, produces positioning deviations when the trap is moved at the micron scale. On the other hand, phase quantization, which makes linear phase gratings become phase staircase profiles, leads to unexpected local errors in the steering angle. We have tracked optically trapped microspheres with sub-nanometer accuracy to study the effects on trap positioning, which can be as high as 2 nm in certain cases. We have also implemented a correction strategy that enabled the reduction of errors down to 0.3 nm.
Self-Assembled Monolayers: Versatile Uses in Electronic Devices from Gate Dielectrics, Dopants, and Biosensing Linkers
Authors: Kim Seongjae , Yoo Hocheon
Published: May 2021

Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), molecular structures consisting of assemblies formed in an ordered monolayer domain, are revisited to introduce their various functions in electronic devices. SAMs have been used as ultrathin gate dielectric layers in low-voltage transistors owing to their molecularly thin nature. In addition to the contribution of SAMs as gate dielectric layers, SAMs contribute to the transistor as a semiconducting active layer. Beyond the transistor components, SAMs have recently been applied in other electronic applications, including as remote doping materials and molecular linkers to anchor target biomarkers. This review comprehensively covers SAM-based electronic devices, focusing on the various applications that utilize the physical and chemical properties of SAMs.