bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Accelerating Leaching Behavior of Plastic Concrete for Cut-Off Walls
Authors: Zhou Lina , Ma Cailong , Zhang Zhenhao , Sun Shuangxin , Liu Xuanchi , Liao Jinjing
Published: April 2023

Plastic concrete is a ductile material with a low elastic modulus (1000–3000 MPa), good flexibility, a and strong ability to adapt to the surrounding soil deformation. Hydraulic concrete mainly serves in a watery environment, so the leaching behavior of plastic concrete is crucial and cannot be neglected. Meanwhile, improving the crack resistance and effect of anti-seepage is also a primary task for cut-off walls. In this paper, in order to investigate the mechanical performance and leaching behavior of plastic concrete, a uniaxial compressive strength test was performed on plastic concrete specimens of a specific age (28 days) and different percentages of replacement cement by single bentonite (40%, 50%, and 60%) and bentonite (30%) together with clay (10%, 20%, and 30%), and the compressive strength, elastic modulus, pH value of the leaching solution, ultrasonic transmit time, electrical resistivity, and calcium ion dissolution concentration of plastic concrete have been evaluated. Moreover, the quantitative relationship between pH value and calcium ion concentration change was built through the electrochemical accelerating leaching method. According to the results, adding 40–60% soil materials can entirely meet the compressive strength (2–7 MPa), elastic modulus (below 3000 MPa), and relative permeability coefficient (below 1 × 10−7 cm/s) of plastic concrete used for cut-off walls while the compressive strength and elastic modulus of plastic concrete with 30% replacement cement by bentonite would be higher than 7 MPa and 3000 MPa, respectively. The leaching resistance of plastic concrete can be improved by more than 30% by adding bentonite coupled with clay, and three representative zones were observed through SEM and energy spectrum analysis, and Ca/Si molar ratio decreased by 30% after leaching.
Review of Methodologies for Displacement Checks in Modern Seismic Design Codes
Authors: Pavel Florin , Vacareanu Radu
Published: April 2023

This review paper discusses the procedures for evaluating the design displacement given in various design codes from seismically prone countries around the world (the United States, New Zealand, Chile, Japan, Greece, Italy, Iran, India, Turkey, and Romania). The limit displacements and the corresponding limit states are also presented and analyzed in this study besides the importance class factors considered in the selected seismic design codes. A presentation of the behavior factors necessary for evaluating the design value of the seismic action is also shown in this study. One of the observations of this review paper is that there are significant similarities in terms of the approach to the displacement check in the analyzed codes. In addition, it was observed that the displacement check is generally associated with the serviceability limit state (e.g., damage limitation). However, differences in terms of the mean return period for the serviceability check action were observed among the analyzed seismic design codes. Several aspects which have to be further adapted in the future versions of seismic design codes are also discussed in this review paper. One of the main aspects which must be further discussed is the enforcement of displacement limits, which are dependent on the structural system and on the importance of the class/height regime for the ultimate/serviceability limit state. In addition, the dependence of the TD control period on the probabilistic seismic hazard ordinates should be further discussed. Moreover, the pulse effects, which can affect both the acceleration and the displacement design of response spectra, should be accounted for as well in future generations of seismic codes. Finally, it appears necessary to perform a harmonization of the behavior factors employed in seismic design codes.
Determinants of Data Quality Dimensions for Assessing Highway Infrastructure Data Using Semiotic Framework
Authors: Krishna Chenchu Murali , Ruikar Kirti , Jha Kumar Neeraj
Published: April 2023

The rapid accumulation of highway infrastructure data and their widespread reuse in decision-making poses data quality issues. To address the data quality issue, it is necessary to comprehend data quality, followed by approaches for enhancing data quality and decision-making based on data quality information. This research aimed to identify the critical data quality dimensions that affect the decision-making process of highway projects. Firstly, a state-of-the-art review of data quality frameworks applied in various fields was conducted to identify suitable frameworks for highway infrastructure data. Data quality dimensions of the semiotic framework were identified from the literature, and an interview was conducted with the highway infrastructure stakeholders to finalise the data quality dimension. Then, a questionnaire survey identified the critical data quality dimensions for decision-making. Along with the critical dimensions, their level of importance was also identified at each highway infrastructure project’s decision-making levels. The semiotic data quality framework provided a theoretical foundation for developing data quality dimensions to assess subjective data quality. Further research is required to find effective ways to assess current data quality satisfaction at the decision-making levels.
Prediction of Maintenance Activities Using Generalized Sequential Pattern and Association Rules in Data Mining
Authors: Al-Refaie Abbas , Abu Hamdieh Banan , Lepkova Natalija
Published: April 2023

This study proposed a data mining framework for predicting sequential patterns of maintenance activities. The framework consisted of data collection, prediction of maintenance activities with and without attributes, and then the comparison between prediction results. In data collection, historical data were collected regarding maintenance activities and product attributes. The generalized sequential pattern (GSP) and association rules were then applied to predict maintenance activities with and without attributes to determine the frequent sequential patterns and significant rules of maintenance activities. Finally, a comparison was performed between the sequences of maintenance activities with and without attributes. A real case study of washing machine products was presented to illustrate the developed framework. The results showed that the proposed framework effectively predicted the next maintenance activities and planning preventive maintenance based on product attributes. In conclusion, the data mining approach is found effective in determining the maintenance sequence that reduces downtime and thereby enhancing productivity and availability.
Design—Construction Phase Safety Risk Analysis of Assembled Buildings
Authors: Lv Ran , Chen Jiaying , Sun Qiao , Ye Ziyang
Published: April 2023

To reduce the impact of safety risks on assembled buildings, this paper explores the factors affecting the safety risks of constructed buildings from the perspective of linkage between the design and construction phases. The method identifies 10 first-level risk indicators and 25 s-level safety risk indicators in five dimensions of prefabricated components, personnel, management, environment, and technology in both the design and construction phases, utilizing literature induction, expert interviews, questionnaire surveys, and Porter’s diamond model. The structural equation model was used to quantify the weights of the 25 s-level safety risk indicators to highlight the safety risk analysis of the assembled building and avoid risk. The results of the study show that it is important to analyze the safety risk linkage between the design phase and construction phase of the assembled building; from the perspective of the design-construction phase linkage, controlling the safety risk in the design phase can effectively reduce the safety risk in the construction phase.
A Deterioration Model for Sewer Pipes Using CCTV and Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Salihu Comfort , Mohandes Saeed Reza , Kineber Ahmed Farouk , Hosseini M. Reza , Elghaish Faris , Zayed Tarek
Published: April 2023

Sewer pipeline failures pose significant threats to the environment and public health. To tackle these repercussions, many deterioration models have been developed to predict the conditions of sewer pipes, most of which are based on CCTV inspection reports. However, these reports are prone to errors due to their subjective nature and human involvement. More importantly, there are insufficient data to develop prudent deterioration models. To address these shortcomings, this paper aims to develop a CCTV-based deterioration model for sewer pipes using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The AI-based model relies on the integration of an unsupervised, multilinear regression technique and Weibull analysis. Findings derived from the Weibull deterioration curve indicate that the useful service life for concrete and vitrified clay pipes are 79 years and 48 years, respectively. The regression models show that the R2 value for vitrified clay sewer pipes, concrete sewer pipes, and ductile iron sewer pipes are 71.18%, 71.47%, and 81.51%, respectively, and 73.69% for concrete stormwater pipes. To illustrate the impact of various factors on sewer pipes, sensitivity analyses under different scenarios are conducted. These analyses indicate that pipe diameter has a significant influence on sewer pipe deterioration, with little impact on stormwater pipes. These findings would guide decision makers in identifying critical pipes and taking necessary precautionary measures. Further, this provides a sound basis for prioritizing maintenance actions, which would pave the way for designing sustainable urban drainage systems for cities.
Pretreatment Plasma Circulating Tumor DNA RAS/BRAF Mutational Status in Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Who Are Candidates for Anti-EGFR Rechallenge Therapy: A Pooled Analysis of the CAVE and VELO Clinical Trials
Authors: Ciardiello Davide , Napolitano Stefania , Famiglietti Vincenzo , Esposito Lucia , De Falco Vincenzo , Di Liello Alessandra , Avallone Antonio , Maiello Evaristo , Pietrantonio Filippo , Cremolini Chiara , Zampino Maria Giulia , Fazio Nicola , Troiani Teresa , Martinelli Erika , Ciardiello Fortunato , Martini Giulia
Published: April 2023

Rechallenge with anti-EGFR drugs represents a promising strategy in refractory RAS/BRAF wild-type (WT) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We performed the pooled analysis of the CAVE and VELO studies to evaluate the percentage of patients with WT circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) tumors and the association of mutational status with time from the last anti-EGFR drug administration. At baseline, 97/129 patients had RAS/BRAF WT plasma ctDNA, while 32/129 had RAS/BRAF mutated plasma ctDNA. Median anti-EGFR drug-free interval was 10.6 (CI 95%, 8.9–13.4) months in the plasma RAS/BRAF mutant group as compared to 13.0 (CI 95%, 11.1–16.6) months in RAS/BRAF WT group (p = 0.169). To investigate the time window of the RAS/BRAF mutant cancer cell clone disappearance, descriptive analysis using different time points was performed. No difference in the proportion of patients whose baseline plasma ctDNA was RAS/BRAF WT or mutated was found between 4 and 18 months since the last administration of anti-EGFR drugs. In contrast, 38/44 of patients with anti-EGFR drug-free interval of 18 months or more displayed a ctDNA RAS/BRAF WT status. Taken together, these results shows that the length of anti-EGFR free interval is not a sufficient criterion for patient selection, supporting the role of liquid biopsies for improving treatment efficacy.
Trajectory of Depression among Prostate Cancer Patients: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chhatre Sumedha , Gallo Joseph J. , Guzzo Thomas , Morales Knashawn H. , Newman Diane K. , Vapiwala Neha , Van Arsdalen Keith , Wein Alan J. , Malkowicz Stanley Bruce , Jayadevappa Ravishankar
Published: April 2023

Background: While psychological difficulties, such as depression, among prostate cancer patients are known, their longitudinal burden remains understudied. We assessed the burden of depression across low-, intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer groups, and the association between regret and long-term depression. Methods: Secondary analysis of data from a multi-centered randomized controlled study among localized prostate cancer patients was carried out. Assessments were performed at baseline, and at 3-, 6-, 12- and 24-month follow-up. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. A CES-D score ≥ 16 indicates high depression. Regret was measured using the regret scale of the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer (MAX-PC). The proportion of patients with high depression was compared over time, for each risk category. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between regret, and long-term depression after adjusting for age, race, insurance, smoking status, marital status, income, education, employment, treatment, number of people in the household and study site. Results: The study had 743 localized prostate cancer patients. Median depression scores at 6, 12 and 24 months were significantly larger than the baseline median score, overall and for the three prostate cancer risk groups. The proportion of participants with high depression increased over time for all risk groups. Higher regret at 24-month follow-up was significantly associated with high depression at 24-month follow-up, after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of localized prostate cancer patients continued to experience long-term depression. Patient-centered survivorship care strategies can help reduce depression and regret, and improve outcomes in prostate cancer care.
The Immune Checkpoint Receptor CD96: A Local and Systemic Immune Modulator in Oral Cancer?
Authors: Trumet Leah , Weber Manuel , Hahn Alina , Kunater Lina , Geppert Carol , Glajzer Jacek , Struckmeier Ann-Kristin , Möst Tobias , Lutz Rainer , Kesting Marco , Ries Jutta
Published: April 2023

Background: As immunotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs), using PD1 inhibitors, is only efficient in a small proportion of patients, additional immune checkpoints need to be identified as potential therapeutic targets. There is evidence that a blockade of CD96 might positively affect the anti-tumor immune response. The aim of this study was to analyze the gene and protein expression of CD96 in the tissue and peripheral blood of OSCC patients compared to healthy controls, while also checking for potential associations with a differential expression to the histomorphological parameters. In addition, possible correlations with the expression of PD1 and PD-L1 as well as the macrophage markers CD68 and CD163 should be tested to obtain further insights into the potential effectiveness of combined checkpoint blockage. Material and Methods: For real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), a total of 183 blood and tissue samples, divided into a patient and a control group, were included. Additionally, 141 tissue samples were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relative expression differences between the groups were calculated using statistical tests including the Mann–Whitney U test and AUC method. The Chi-square test was used to determine whether CD96 overexpression in individual samples is associated with malignancy. Correlation analysis was performed using the Spearman correlation test. Results: There was a significant CD96 mRNA and protein overexpression in the OSCC group compared to the controls (p = 0.001). In contrast, CD96 mRNA expression in the peripheral blood of the OSCC patients was significantly lower compared to the control group (p = 0.007). In the Chi-square test, the OSCC tissue samples showed a highly significant upregulation of CD96 mRNA expression (p < 0.001) and protein expression (p = 0.005) compared to the healthy mucosa. CD96 mRNA and protein expression correlated significantly (p = 0.005). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation of CD96 expression with PD1 (p ≤ 0.001), PD-L1 (p ≤ 0.001), and CD163 (p = 0.006) at the mRNA level. Conclusions: CD96 expression in the tumor tissue and peripheral blood of OSCC patients is differentially regulated and appears to be a relevant immune checkpoint.
Designed Synthesis of PDI/BiOCl-BiPO4 Composited Material for Boosted Photocatalytic Contaminant Degradation
Authors: Zhuang Huaqiang , Wang Fulin , Shi Kaiyang , Yang Kai
Published: April 2023

Enhancing the photocatalytic performance for contaminant degradation to accelerate the large-scale application of photocatalysis still is an enduring challenge. Herein, ternary PDI/BiOCl-BiPO4 composited materials with the different contents of PDI were designed and constructed by the multi-step compound method. The tetracycline hydrochloride and rhodamine B were chosen as targeted pollutants to investigate the photocatalytic performance of PDI/BiOCl-BiPO4 composited materials. The structure and component of BiOCl-BiPO4 and PDI/BiOCl-BiPO4 samples were detailedly characterized by a sequence of physical and chemical characterizations. The optimized PDI/BiOCl-BiPO4 sample, namely PDI(5%)/BiOCl-BiPO4, exhibited the excellent photocatalytic activity for tetracycline hydrochloride and rhodamine B degradation. The major active species that were holes (h+) and superoxide radicals (•O2−) also can be determined in the photocatalytic degradation process by active species trapping experiments. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical and fluorescence measurements manifest the crucial role of PDI material. It can reduce the recombination of photo-excited charge carrier and improve the separation and transfer of photo-generated electron-hole pairs, which is beneficial to the photocatalytic reaction process. It is anticipated that our work would provide a counterpart to prepare the high-efficiency composited material in heterogeneous photocatalysis.
Influence of Lanthanum Doping on the Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Capacities of Mg0.33Ni0.33Co0.33Fe2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Rabaa Mariam , Mezher Malak , Aridi Amani , Naoufal Daoud , Khalil Mahmoud I. , Awad Ramadan , Abdeen Waleed
Published: April 2023

The increase in environmental pollution, especially water pollution, has intensified the requirement for new strategies for the treatment of water sources. Furthermore, the improved properties of nano-ferrites permit their usage in wastewater treatment. In this regard, novel Mg0.33Ni0.33Co0.33LaxFe2−xO4 nanoparticles (NPs), where 0.00≤x≤0.08, were synthesized to test their photocatalytic, antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. The structural and optical properties of the prepared NPs were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) analysis. As La content increases, the bandgap energy increases, whereas the particle size decreases. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared NPs is evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under sunlight irradiation. Superior activity is exhibited by Mg0.33Ni0.33Co0.33La0.01Fe1.99O4 NPs. The influence of catalyst dosage, pH, temperature and addition of graphene (Gr) on the photodegradation reaction was studied. Increasing the pH and temperature improved the rate of the photodegradation reaction. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the NPs were assessed against Escherichia coli, Leclercia adecarboxylata, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecium. Mg0.33Ni0.33Co0.33Fe2O4 NPs inhibited bacterial growth. They had bacteriostatic activity on all isolates, with a greater effect on Gram-positive bacteria. All tested nano-ferrites had significant antibiofilm activities against some biofilms.
High-Throughput Transcriptomics of Celf1 Conditional Knockout Lens Identifies Downstream Networks Linked to Cataract Pathology
Authors: Siddam Archana D. , Duot Matthieu , Coomson Sarah Y. , Anand Deepti , Aryal Sandeep , Weatherbee Bailey A. T. , Audic Yann , Paillard Luc , Lachke Salil A.
Published: April 2023

Defects in the development of the ocular lens can cause congenital cataracts. To understand the various etiologies of congenital cataracts, it is important to characterize the genes linked to this developmental defect and to define their downstream pathways that are relevant to lens biology and pathology. Deficiency or alteration of several RNA-binding proteins, including the conserved RBP Celf1 (CUGBP Elav-like family member 1), has been described to cause lens defects and early onset cataracts in animal models and/or humans. Celf1 is involved in various aspects of post-transcriptional gene expression control, including regulation of mRNA stability/decay, alternative splicing and translation. Celf1 germline knockout mice and lens conditional knockout (Celf1cKO) mice develop fully penetrant cataracts in early postnatal stages. To define the genome-level changes in RNA transcripts that result from Celf1 deficiency, we performed high-throughput RNA-sequencing of Celf1cKO mouse lenses at postnatal day (P) 0. Celf1cKO lenses exhibit 987 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at cut-offs of >1.0 log2 counts per million (CPM), ≥±0.58 log2 fold-change and <0.05 false discovery rate (FDR). Of these, 327 RNAs were reduced while 660 were elevated in Celf1cKO lenses. The DEGs were subjected to various downstream analyses including iSyTE lens enriched-expression, presence in Cat-map, and gene ontology (GO) and representation of regulatory pathways. Further, a comparative analysis was done with previously generated microarray datasets on Celf1cKO lenses P0 and P6. Together, these analyses validated and prioritized several key genes mis-expressed in Celf1cKO lenses that are relevant to lens biology, including known cataract-linked genes (e.g., Cryab, Cryba2, Cryba4, Crybb1, Crybb2, Cryga, Crygb, Crygc, Crygd, Cryge, Crygf, Dnase2b, Bfsp1, Gja3, Pxdn, Sparc, Tdrd7, etc.) as well as novel candidates (e.g., Ell2 and Prdm16). Together, these data have defined the alterations in lens transcriptome caused by Celf1 deficiency, in turn uncovering downstream genes and pathways (e.g., structural constituents of eye lenses, lens fiber cell differentiation, etc.) associated with lens development and early-onset cataracts.
A Narrative Review of Recent Finite Element Studies Reporting References for Elastic Properties of Zirconia Dental Ceramics
Authors: Abu-Naba’a Layla A.
Published: April 2023

For fixed dentures, new generations of zirconia with diverse characteristics and design choices are of significant interest. Although in vitro studies and finite element analysis (FEA) studies have been published, comprehension of various new methods of material testing and analysis remains insufficient. Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the desired materials must be available for investigators to validate FEA investigations that are accompanied by mechanical testing. The aim of this narrative review was to find recent FEA studies that report these values for newly developed commercial CAD/CAM zirconia restorative materials and compile them in a data list. A PubMed search was performed (English articles; 2018–2023; keywords: FEA, finite element, zirconia). Full-text articles (157) were examined, including studies (36) reporting the commercial materials’ names, Young’s modulus, and Poisson’s ratio. Only 21 studies had the source of their values referenced. A list of the materials and values used in these studies was compiled. Researchers are highly recommended to trace back references to determine the origins of these values for commercial materials. New research is encouraged to test the ever expanding list of new commercial esthetic monolithic CAD/CAM zirconia materials, as well as their different translucencies, to report their Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio.
3D Printing of Ceramic Elements with Q-Surface Geometry for the Fabrication of Protective Barrier
Authors: Diachenko Semen V. , Dolgin Andrey S. , Khristyuk Nikolai A. , Lebedev Lev A. , Nefedova Lubov A. , Pavlov Sergey B. , Merenkov Kirill F. , Ivkov Vladimir I. , Dmitrieva Alla N.
Published: April 2023

The work proposes the use of aluminum oxide-based ceramic objects with a TPMS-Q-surface geometry as elements of armor structures. The samples were produced using the SLA-DLP 3D printing method. The main properties of the sample were determined using physical-chemical analysis methods: apparent density ρap = 3.6 g/cm3, open porosity Popn = 8.5%, microhardness Hµ = 15.3 GPa, water absorption W = 2.4%, elastic modulus E = 405 GPa. The Stiglich criterion M = 1.72 EPa2·m3/kg, and the Shevchenko criterion K = 0.8.
Parents’ Perception of Staff Support in a Father-Friendly Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Risanger Linn Iren , Kofoed Poul-Erik , Noergaard Betty , Vahlkvist Signe
Published: April 2023

Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, play a central role in supporting parents during their stay in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Fathers often have their own support needs; however, studies have shown that these needs are rarely met to the same degree as those of the mothers. We developed a “father-friendly NICU” with the aim of providing good-quality care to the entire family. To evaluate the impact of this concept, we adopted a quasi-experimental design; using the Nurse Parent Support Tool (NPST), we investigated the differences in the fathers’ (n = 497) and mothers’ (n = 562) perception of the nursing support received on admission and discharge between before and after the intervention. In the historical control and intervention groups, the fathers’ median NPST scores at admission were 4.3 (range, 1.9–5.0) and 4.0 (range, 2.5–4.8), respectively (p < 0.0001); at discharge, these scores were 4.3 (range, 1.6–5.0) and 4.4 (range, 2.3–5.0), respectively (difference not significant). In the historical control and intervention groups, the mothers median NPST scores at admission were 4.5 (range, 1.9–5.0) and 4.1 (range, 1.0–4.8), respectively (p < 0.001); at discharge, these scores were 4.4 (range, 2.7–5.0) and 4.4 (range, 2.6–5), respectively (difference not significant). The parental perception of support did not increase after the intervention; however, the parents reported a high level of staff support both before and after the intervention. Further studies should focus on parental support needs during the different phases of hospitalization (i.e., admission, stabilization, and discharge).
Antenatal Care and Health Behavior of Pregnant Women—An Evaluation of the Survey of Neonates in Pomerania
Authors: Lange Anja Erika , Mahlo-Nguyen Janine , Pierdant Guillermo , Allenberg Heike , Heckmann Matthias , Ittermann Till
Published: April 2023

Background. The German maternity guidelines require regular medical checkup (MC) during pregnancy as a measure of prevention. Socioeconomic factors such as education, profession, income and origin, but also age and parity may influence the preventive and health behavior of pregnant women. The aim was to investigate the influence of these factors on the participation rate in MC of pregnant women. Method. The current analysis is based on the prospective population-based birth cohort study Survey of Neonates in Pomerania, which was conducted in Western Pomerania, Germany. The data of 4092 pregnant women from 2004 to 2008 were analyzed regarding the antenatal care and health behavior. Up to 12 MC were regularly offered; participation in 10 MC is defined as standard screening according to maternity guidelines. Results. Women participated in the first preventive MC on average in the 10th (±3.8 SD) week of pregnancy. 1343 (34.2%) women participated in standard screening and 2039 (51.9%) took a screening above standard. 547 (13.92%) women participated in less than the 10 standard MCs. In addition, about one-third of the pregnancies investigated in this study were unplanned. Bivariate analyses showed an association between better antenatal care behavior and higher maternal age, stabile partnerships and mother born in Germany, p < 0.05. On the contrary antenatal care below standard were more often found by women with unplanned pregnancies, less educational women and women with lower equivalent income, p < 0.001. Health behaviors also influenced antenatal care. Whereas the risk of antenatal care below standard increased by smoking during pregnancy (RRR 1.64; 95% CI 1.25, 2.14) and alcohol consumption (RRR 1.31; 95% CI 1.01, 1.69), supplementation intake was associated with decreased risk (iodine—RRR 0.66; 95% CI 0.53, 0.81; folic acid—RRR 0.56; 95% CI 0.44, 0.72). The health behavior of pregnant women also differs according to their social status. Higher maternal income was negatively correlated with smoking during pregnancy (OR 0.2; 95% CI 0.15, 0.24), but positively associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.15, 1.48) and lower pre-pregnancy BMI (Coef. = 0.083, p < 0.001). Lower maternal education was positively correlated with smoking during pregnancy (OR 59.0; 95% CI 28.68, 121.23). Conclusions. Prenatal care according to maternity guidelines is well established with a high participation rate in MC during pregnancy of more than 85%. However, targeted preventive measures may address younger age, socioeconomic status and health-damaging behaviors (smoking, drinking) of the pregnant women because these factors were associated with antenatal care below standard.
Distribution of Exonic Variants in Glycogen Synthesis and Catabolism Genes in Late Onset Pompe Disease (LOPD)
Authors: De Filippi Paola , Errichiello Edoardo , Toscano Antonio , Mongini Tiziana , Moggio Maurizio , Ravaglia Sabrina , Filosto Massimiliano , Servidei Serenella , Musumeci Olimpia , Giannini Fabio , Piperno Alberto , Siciliano Gabriele , Ricci Giulia , Di Muzio Antonio , Rigoldi Miriam , Tonin Paola , Croce Michele Giovanni , Pegoraro Elena , Politano Luisa , Maggi Lorenzo , Telese Roberta , Lerario Alberto , Sancricca Cristina , Vercelli Liliana , Semplicini Claudio , Pasanisi Barbara , Bembi Bruno , Dardis Andrea , Palmieri Ilaria , Cereda Cristina , Valente Enza Maria , Danesino Cesare
Published: April 2023

Pompe disease (PD) is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants of the GAA gene encoding lysosomal alpha-glucosidase; its loss causes glycogen storage in lysosomes, mainly in the muscular tissue. The genotype–phenotype correlation has been extensively discussed, and caution is recommended when interpreting the clinical significance of any mutation in a single patient. As there is no evidence that environmental factors can modulate the phenotype, the observed clinical variability in PD suggests that genetic variants other than pathogenic GAA mutations influence the mechanisms of muscle damage/repair and the overall clinical picture. Genes encoding proteins involved in glycogen synthesis and catabolism may represent excellent candidates as phenotypic modifiers of PD. The genes analyzed for glycogen synthesis included UGP2, glycogenin (GYG1-muscle, GYG2, and other tissues), glycogen synthase (GYS1-muscle and GYS2-liver), GBE1, EPM2A, NHLRC1, GSK3A, and GSK3B. The only enzyme involved in glycogen catabolism in lysosomes is α-glucosidase, which is encoded by GAA, while two cytoplasmic enzymes, phosphorylase (PYGB-brain, PGL-liver, and PYGM-muscle) and glycogen debranching (AGL) are needed to obtain glucose 1-phosphate or free glucose. Here, we report the potentially relevant variants in genes related to glycogen synthesis and catabolism, identified by whole exome sequencing in a group of 30 patients with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD). In our exploratory analysis, we observed a reduced number of variants in the genes expressed in muscles versus the genes expressed in other tissues, but we did not find a single variant that strongly affected the phenotype. From our work, it also appears that the current clinical scores used in LOPD do not describe muscle impairment with enough qualitative/quantitative details to correlate it with genes that, even with a slightly reduced function due to genetic variants, impact the phenotype.
High Temperature Tribological Behavior of Electroless Plating Ni-P-Si3N4-WS2 Composite Coatings
Authors: Zheng Xiaohua , Huang Yindi , Cai Chenbin , Huang Haijun , Yang Fanger
Published: April 2023

Electroless nickel composite coatings have the potential for high-temperature tribological applications, and a combination of high wear resistance and low friction factor is one of the desirable solutions but still a tricky problem. The addition of self-lubricating WS2 and hard Si3N4 nanoparticles to the Ni-P coatings is expected to obtain good high-temperature tribological performance. In this work, Ni-P-Si3N4-WS2 composite coatings with various contents of WS2 nanoparticles were prepared using electroless plating and subsequently annealed at 400 °C in an inert atmosphere. The tribological properties of the coatings were evaluated using a ball-on-disc wear instrument at operating temperatures from 25 to 600 °C. The microstructure, chemical composition, and surface morphology of the coatings were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Upon increasing the WS2 dosage in the bath, the WS2 content in the coating increased and the micro-hardness of the as-plated coating increased from 539 to 717 HV. After heat treatment, the coating underwent a crystallization process, and the hardness increased from 878 to 1094 HV. The main wear mechanism of the coating changed from adhesive wear in the as-plated state to abrasive wear in the annealed state. The annealed Ni-P-Si3N4-WS2 coating with a WS2 dosage of 2.5 g/L in the bath exhibited excellent mechanical properties, with a hardness of 10.9 GPa, a friction coefficient of ~0.51, and a wear rate of 8.4 × 10−15 m3N−1⋅m−1 at room temperature, and maintained optimal performance at high temperatures. At operating temperatures of 200, 400, and 600 °C, the form of wear was adhesive wear for coatings with a WS2 dosage <1.5 g/L and abrasive wear for coatings with a WS2 dosage ≥1.5 g/L. The synergism of WS2 and Si3N4 particles refined the grains of the Ni-P matrix in as-plated coatings and obviously reduced the friction coefficient of friction pairs in annealed coatings at all operating temperatures.
Enhancing the Corrosion Resistance of ZnAl-LDHs Films on AZ91D Magnesium Alloys by Designing Surface Roughness
Authors: Wang Xiaoge , Yan Luchun , Gao Kewei , Li Pengcheng , Hao Jiujiu
Published: April 2023

Zinc–aluminum layered double hydroxides (ZnAl-LDHs) film is a typical effective corrosion resistant film currently being explored. In this study, ZnAl-LDHs film was prepared on magnesium alloys with different surface roughness by means of metallographic preparation combined with the hydrothermal method. When the surface roughness Sa was at a minimum of 0.094 μm, the ZnAl-LDH films grew the most intensely, reaching 3.8 μm in thickness with a static contact angle of 84.34° and a minimum corrosion current density (icorr) of 1.12 × 10−4 A/cm2. After the neutral salt spray test, the sample mass was only increased by 0.0424 g. The results show that the size of ZnAl-LDHs nanosheets can be tailored by roughness of Mg alloy surface. The low roughness of magnesium substrate can accelerate the growth rate of ZnAl-LDH films, increase the thickness of films, and improve their corrosion resistance, but it is disadvantageous to the excellent hydrophobic properties of the surface. Finally, the possible growth and corrosion prevention mechanisms of LDHs films were proposed. This also provides a theoretical basis for the optimal processing parameters of magnesium alloy surface.
Nickel-Cobalt-Iron Ternary Layered Double Hydroxide Nanoarrays for Superior Performance of Electrocatalytic Water Splitting
Authors: Lu Zhi , Zhou Zhihao , Li Shilin , Huang Guoqing , He Tianwen , Cai Jiaqi , Jin Mingyang , Li Yiting , Zhang Xuefeng , Li Shuaifang , Chen Chong , Wang Guangxin
Published: April 2023

The design of high-performance and low-cost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is crucial for environment friendly hydrogen production. Some transition metals have been proven to be good substitutes for noble metals due to their unique electronic structural characteristics and good electrocatalytic performances, with examples including nickel and cobalt, which are usually used to prepare OER electrocatalysts. In this work, we synthesized three-dimensional Ni-Co-Fe ternary layered double hydroxide nanosheet array electrocatalysts via hydrothermal process. Iron element was introduced into the Ni-Co based hydroxide. The ternary layered double hydroxide has a nanoarrays microstructure. Theoretical analysis confirms that by adjusting the ratio of Ni/Co/Fe, the microstructure of the catalyst changes significantly. Attributed to the special nanostructure, the catalysts show superior catalytic activities in oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The results show that a small overpotential of 222 mV at the current density of 20 mA·cm−2 for the OER in 1.0 M KOH is acquired. A small Tafel slope of 61.22 mVdec−1 and a maximum specific capacitance of 239 Fg−1 are also obtained.
Tuning Solid-State Emission of 9-Anthraldehyde through Cocrystal Engineering
Authors: Sun Ying , Ye Yang , Qi Luguang , Bai Yunhe , Hu Xingchen , Xuanyuan Shutian , Xie Chuang
Published: April 2023

The regulation of solid-state emission based on cocrystal engineering is an emerging strategy for developing next-generation luminescent materials. Here, three luminescent cocrystals (AA-DITFB, AA-TFTPA and AA-TCNB) of 9-anthraldehyde (9-AA) are reported, which exhibit a broad range of green-to-red emission. Tuning the photophysical properties of 9-AA via cocrystals is based on different mechanisms. Compared with single-component crystals, the difference in the emission properties of AA-DITFB and AA-TFTPA originates from the π–π interaction between chromophores. As for AA-TCNB, its prominent red-shifted emission is the result of the charge-transfer interaction, which is confirmed by infrared spectroscopy, “hole-electron” analysis and charge-transfer spectroscopy. This work not only reveals the relationship between molecular structure and fluorescent properties, but also proposes a strategy to develop multicolor luminescent systems with tunable efficiency and lifetime.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterizations of Some Essential Metal Ion (MgII, CaII, ZnII, and FeIII) Pipemidic Acid Chemotherapeutic Agent Complexes
Authors: Al-Wasidi Asma S.
Published: April 2023

The assignments structures of the four 1:1 pipemidic acid (pipH)–magnesium(II), calcium(II), zinc(II), and iron(III) complexes, [Mg(pip)(H2O)3(Cl)].6H2O, [Ca(pip)(H2O)3(Cl)].2H2O, [Zn(pip)(H2O)3(Cl)].4H2O, and [Fe(pip)(H2O)2(Cl)2].6H2O, (where pip = deprotonated pipemidic), were synthesized through the chemical reactions of MgCl2.6H2O, CaCl2.2H2O, ZnCl2, and FeCl3.6H2O metal salt chlorides with pipH chemotherapeutic agent ligand in a methanolic solvent. The microanalytical analysis CHN, conductance, (infrared (FTIR) and electronic (UV–Vis.)) spectra, and thermogravimetric measurements (TG) have been utilized to discuss the solid isolated complexes. The X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis and the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirm the nanostructured form of the synthesized pip complexes. The deprotonated pipH ligand is coordinated to Mg(II), Ca(II), Zn(II), and Fe(III) metal ions through the two oxygen atoms of the carbonyl (quinolone group) and carboxylic group. The thermodynamic parameters (energy, E*), (entropy, ΔS*), (enthalpy, ΔH*), and (Gibbs free energy, ΔG*) of activation have been estimated based on thermogravimetric curves using “Coats–Redfern and Horowitz–Metzeger non–isothermal” methods.
Recyclable Carbon-Based Hybrid Adsorbents Functionalized with Alumina Nanoparticles for Water Remediation
Authors: Habila Mohamed A. , ALOthman Zeid A. , Hakami Hussam Musaad , ALOthman Monerah R. , Sheikh Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Developing and improving adsorbent materials for wastewater treatment have become crucial for achieving recyclable water and keeping the environment safe. Carbon materials are modified with alumina (Al2O3) using various doping ratios and a solvothermal treatment. The process aims to combine the advantages of stable carbon and alumina materials with an efficient adsorbent for methylene blue removal. Fabricated materials including carbon and carbon/alumina derivatives were characterized with TEM, SEM, EDS, XRD, and FTIR, revealing successful surface modifications. The carbon materials exhibited pore diameters between 23 and 39 µm, while the modified ones showed pore diameters between 1.68 and 6.08 µm. The alumina nanoparticles were formed on a carbon surface with a particle size between 174 nm and 179 nm. Fabricated adsorbents were applied for the removal of methylene blue by adsorption at pH 4. The equilibrium and steady state adsorption stage was achieved after 2 h of reporting fast adsorption behavior. Low ratio carbon doping with alumina improved the adsorption capacity for methylene blue removal, while the excessive doping of carbon materials with alumina led to a reduction in adsorption efficiency. The application of pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models indicated a fast adsorption mechanism, which agreed with the second-order model. The adsorption capacity for methylene blue was found to be 234 mg/g. Adsorption-isotherms including the Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to investigate the adsorption mechanism. The results indicate that the Langmuir model fits with the adsorption data, which suggests a monolayer adsorption process.
Variable Combinations of Tridentate Ligands in Pt(η3-X3L)(PL) Derivatives: Structural Aspects
Authors: Melník Milan , Mikušová Veronika , Mikuš Peter
Published: April 2023

This review covers over fifty Pt(II) monomeric complexes with a wide combination of η3-ligands of the composition Pt(η3-X3L)(PL), (X3 = N3; S3; Te3; ONO; CNC, SeNSe; ONC; ONS; CNS; NNC, NNS; NNSe, SOS; SBS; NON; SSO). The η3-ligand with monodentate PL displays distorted square-planar geometry about Pt(II) atoms. The structural parameters (Pt-L, L-Pt-L) are analyzed and discussed, with a particular emphasis on the distortion of square-planar geometry about Pt(II) atoms, as well as of the trans-influence. There is a relation between the membered nature of the metallocycles and the distortion of square-planar geometry about the Pt(II) atoms. The distortion increases as indicated by parameter τ4 in the following order: 0.023 (6+6) < 0.024 (^+5) < 0.040 (5+6) < 0.062 (5+5).
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Thermal Stability of Ni-Based Single Crystal Superalloys with Low Specific Weight
Authors: Liu Dengyu , Ding Qingqing , Zhou Qian , Zhou Dingxin , Wei Xiao , Zhao Xinbao , Zhang Ze , Bei Hongbin
Published: April 2023

Ni-based single crystal (SX) superalloy with low specific weight is vital for developing aero engines with a high strength-to-weight ratio. Based on an alloy system with 3 wt.% Re but without W, namely Ni-Co-Cr-Mo-Ta-Re-Al-Ti, a specific weight below 8.4 g/cm3 has been achieved. To reveal the relationship among the composition, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of Ni-based SX superalloys, SXs with desirable microstructures are fabricated. Tensile tests revealed that the SX alloys have comparable strength to commercial second-generation SX CMSX-4 (3 wt.% Re and 6 wt.% W) and Rene′ N5 alloys (3 wt.% Re and 5 wt.% W) above 800 °C. Moreover, the elongation to fracture (EF) below 850 °C (>20%) is better than that of those two commercial SX superalloys. During thermal exposure at 1050 °C for up to 500 h, the topological close-packed (TCP) phase does not appear, indicating excellent phase stability. Decreasing Al concentration increases the resistance of γ′ rafting and replacing 1 wt.% Ti with 3 wt.% Ta is beneficial to the stability of the shape and size of γ′ phase during thermal exposure. The current work might provide scientific insights for developing Ni-based SX superalloys with low specific weight.
Substantial Variation in Prospecting Behaviour of Young Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos Defies Expectations from Potential Predictors
Authors: Fielding Alan H. , Anderson David , Benn Stuart , Reid Robin , Tingay Ruth , Weston Ewan D. , Whitfield D. Philip
Published: April 2023

Natal dispersal of large raptors is poorly understood, despite being a crucial transitional life-cycle phase affecting gene flow and population dynamics. A research-gap rarely examined concerns how young dispersing raptors strategize movements towards first settlement on a prospective breeding territory. First territory settlement is a critical decision for a lifetime and can take several years. With such importance, large raptors should theoretically devote considerable effort to acquire accurate information during prospection. Nevertheless, when discovery of territorial opportunities may be difficult, but easier in vacant territories, we posit two extremes in strategizing prospection behaviours: (1) “Quick, grab it when available with limited reconnaissance,” as opposed to (2) “Slow, waiting game with frequent reconnaissance”. We analysed pre-settlement data from 37 GPS-tagged nestling golden eagles, later recorded as having settled on their first territory. The number of eagles’ unique daily visits to their later settled territories was a measure of prospection intensity. We documented substantial variation in prior visits, between less than 10 to several hundred. Analyses considered several potential predictors. We expected a positive association between number of prospecting visits and natal dispersal duration, since with more time to gather information there should be more visits. We also expected fewer prospecting visits in prior vacant territories. Neither of these expectations were supported. There was a non-significant tendency for more prospection visits by males. Our study provides novel information on a seldom-studied behaviour in a large raptor. It illustrates substantial variation in prospecting behaviour, but expectations of potential drivers behind this variation were not confirmed, urging further study.
Coastal Forest Structure Survey and Associated Land Crab Population in Suao Dakenggu Community, Yilan, Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Chia-Hsuan , Fang Wei-Ta , Chiu Hung-Kai , Kao Wei-Cheng , Huang Tsung-Shun
Published: April 2023

Coastal forests can increase the resilience of seaside communities against natural disasters. These forests also provide other benefits, including food and an avenue for economic growth. The Dakenggu community in Suao, Yilan (Taiwan), is adjacent to a coastal forest with an area of nearly 114,000 m2. Artificial plantation has been performed locally in this area since 1977 to prevent the loss of beaches. The coastal forest area was estimated through drone aerial photography combined with a geographic information system. We found that Pandanus tectorius (11.5%), Casuarina equisetifolia (30.8%), Cerbera manghas (4.07%), Hibiscus tiliaceus (5.2%), and grass (23.52%) are the dominant species in the plant community of Dakenngu coastal forest, which together accounted for 75.1% of the total land area. The area covered by different species in the coastal forest was examined and estimated as well. The height and diameter at breast height (DBH) of the main tree species in five transects were surveyed, and we also found some significant differences among transects that correspond to cohorts planted at different times by the Forestry Bureau. We also performed a survey of land crabs in the same transects over five months to infer any differences in land crab species among the transects. We found that the transect dominated by H. tiliaceus had a larger population of land crabs than others. We revealed that the mudflat crab Chiromantes haematocheir prefers to live under H. tiliaceus. Finally, we propose recommendations for improving the biodiversity of the Dakenggu coastal forest so that it can become a sustainable resource for its residents.