bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic Endonasal Transplanum–Transtuberculum Approach for Pituitary Adenomas/PitNET: 25 Years of Experience
Authors: Carretta Alessandro , Zoli Matteo , Guaraldi Federica , Sollini Giacomo , Rustici Arianna , Asioli Sofia , Faustini-Fustini Marco , Pasquini Ernesto , Mazzatenta Diego
Published: July 2023

The role of the endoscopic transplanum–transtuberculum approach (ETTA) in the treatment of pituitary adenomas/PitNETs (PAs) is sparsely analyzed in the literature, and its use is still debated in the current practice. The aim of this study was to report our experience with this approach. Our institutional registry was retrospectively reviewed, and patients who underwent ETTA for a PA from 1998 to 2022 were included. Fifty-seven cases were enrolled over a time span of 25 years, corresponding to 2.4% of our entire PA caseload. Radical resection was achieved in 57.9% of cases, with re-do surgery (p = 0.033) and vessel encasement/engulfment (p < 0.001) as predictors of partial resection. CSF leak incidence stood at 8.8%, with higher BMI (p = 0.038) as its only significant predictor. Partial or full improvement of the visual field deficits was achieved in 73.5% of cases. No surgical mortality was observed. According to our results, ETTA for the treatment of PAs is characterized by a satisfactory surgical outcome but with greater morbidity than the conventional endoscopic approach. Therefore, it should be reserved for the few selected cases otherwise unsuitable for the endoscopic trans-sphenoidal route, representing a valid alternative and an effective complementary route for the transcranial approach for these challenging PAs.
The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Brain Networks in Response to Social Evaluation Tasks
Authors: Mi Yiqi , Duan Huimin , Xu Ziye , Lei Xu
Published: July 2023

Sleep loss may lead to negative bias during social interaction. In the current study, we conducted a revised social evaluation task experiment to investigate how sleep deprivation influences the self-referential and cognitive processes of social feedback. The experiment consisted of a first impression task and a social feedback task. Seventy-eight participants completed the first impression task and were divided into normal and poor sleep groups. The results of an independent samples t-test showed that participants who slept worse were less likely to socialize with others but did not evaluate others as less attractive. Afterward, 22 of the participants from the first impression task were recruited to complete the social feedback task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on the mornings following two different sleep conditions at night: one night of normal sleep and one night of sleep deprivation. The results of this within-subject design study showed that participants who experienced the latter condition showed increased activation within the default mode network (i.e. superior parietal lobule, precuneus, inferior parietal lobule, inferior temporal gyrus, and medial frontal gyrus) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and stronger negative insula functional connectivity (FC) with the precuneus to negative feedback than positive feedback. The altered activation and behavioral pattern may indicate a negative bias for social cues. However, stronger negative coupling may indicate stronger cognitive control, which may protect against potential damage to self-concept. Our study suggested that sleep impairs most social functions, but may protect against impairment of important ones, such as self-concept.
Does the Pro-Environmental Behavior of Household PV Installation Contribute to the Shaping of Users’ Green Purchasing Behavior?—Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Shali , Zhang Ruohan , Guo Xiaodong , Ma Haijing , Wu Jiaxi , Wang Ying , Fan Shuangshuang
Published: July 2023

In order to achieve the “dual carbon goal”, the Chinese government is actively encouraging the adoption of household photovoltaic (PV) systems. While there has been considerable research on residents’ inclination to install PV, limited attention has been given to understanding how the installation and utilization of PV systems influence pro-environmental behaviors. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate the potential impact of pro-environmental behavior resulting from household PV installation on users’ green purchasing behavior. Based on the “learning by doing” theory, a survey was conducted with 1249 participants, and the generalized structural equation model was employed as our analytical approach. The findings of this research indicate that the adoption and utilization of household photovoltaic (PV) systems have a positive impact on green consumption. The test results demonstrate that the overall effect coefficient is 0.03, indicating that current PV promotion policies have an indirect impact on green consumption. Moreover, economic incentive policies have a more substantial influence than environmental publicity policies, with total indirect effect coefficients of 0.005 and 0.002, respectively. Based on the findings above, the following recommendations are proposed: (1) It is recommended to maintain stable economic incentives to promote the adoption of household PV systems. (2) Emphasizing the dissemination of knowledge and skills for promoting environmental protection should be prioritized. (3) Efforts should be made to align personal interests and societal interests with low-carbon policies.
The Influences of Sports Psychological Capital to University Baseball Athletes’ Life Stress and Athlete Burnout
Authors: Yang Meng-Hua , Hsueh Kai-Feng , Chang Chia-Ming , Hsieh Huey-Hong
Published: July 2023

Previous studies suggested that athletes’ psychological capital level is related to life stress and burnout. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the influences of university baseball athletes’ psychological capital on their life stress and burnout and provide practical suggestions for athletes and coaches to reduce their life stress and burnout. In this study, we used athletes’ control variables (grade, year of training experience, and training days per week) and psychological capital (self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience) to predict their life stress and burnout. A total of 428 division I baseball athletes from 16 teams of the national college baseball sports league in Taiwan participated in this survey, with a return rate of 89.2%. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships among the above-mentioned variables. The results showed that the athletes demographics such as grade (β = 0.03, p > 0.05) and years of baseball training experience (β = 0.00, p > 0.05) had no significant influences on athlete burnout, while the days of baseball training per week (β = 0.32, p < 0.05) had a positive influence on athlete burnout. As for psychological capital, self-efficacy (β = −0.09, p < 0.05), hope (β = −0.27, p < 0.05), and optimism (β = −0.20, p < 0.05) had negative influences on life stress, while resilience (β = −0.07, p > 0.05) had no significant influences on life stress. Hope (β = −0.20, p < 0.05) had negative influences on athlete burnout, while self-efficacy (β = −0.00, p > 0.05), optimism (β = −0.06, p > 0.05), and resilience (β = −0.01, p > 0.05) had no significant influences on athlete burnout. Life stress (β = 0.52, p < 0.05) had significant influences on the burnout. Based on our research findings, suggestions were made to reduce the athletes’ life stress and athlete burnout.
Research on the Rationality of Setting the Transverse Ribs of Large Cantilever Segmental Prefabricated Box Girders
Authors: Shi Jintao , Chen Zhijiang
Published: July 2023

This article develops three transverse rib setting schemes for a 20 m wide cantilever segmental box girder of a particular engineering bridge deck, analyzes the stress rules under loads such as dead load, live load, and temperature, and studies the lateral deformation characteristics of the three schemes under symmetrical and eccentric live load arrangements on the bridge deck. Research has shown that setting transverse ribs can significantly improve the transverse stress, crack resistance, and reduce vertical deformation of the cross-section. However, its effect gradually weakens with the increase in the number of transverse ribs. Considering the convenience and simplicity of construction, installing a transverse rib structure for the large cantilever section box girder in this project is recommended.
A Review: Progress in Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Portland Cement (Geopolymer)—Based Composites and the Interface between These Matrices and Reinforced Material
Authors: Li Li , Wei Yujie , Feng Qi , Liu Fang , Liu Bin , Pu Beichen
Published: July 2023

Molecular dynamics (MD) is an important method for studying the molecular and atomic scale of cement (geopolymer)-based composites which provides an effective method for the optimal design of cementitious materials. In this paper, the research progress of MD simulation in Portland cement and geopolymer-based materials is discussed in detail, including molecular structure models of calcium silicate hydrate, calcium aluminosilicate hydrate, sodium aluminum silicate hydrate gel, and auxiliary experimental techniques. The basic mechanical properties of calcium silicate hydrate, calcium aluminosilicate hydrate and sodium aluminum silicate hydrate in Portland cement-based materials (CBM) and geopolymer-based materials are reviewed. In addition, the dynamic simulation of the interface between CBM and reinforcement materials such as rebar, synthetic fibers, plant fibers and nanoparticles is also discussed. Through the macroscopic experimental results of cement (geopolymer)-based materials and the performance analysis of an MD microscopic model, MD helps to better explain the macroscopic properties of materials, and can quickly and conveniently analyze the mechanical properties, transport properties and interface properties of composite materials, so as to improve the fine design of cement (geopolymer)-based materials. Existing structural models and force fields are affected by environment and time, and MD simulation shows great differences in application range and characterization ability. It is necessary to further study and reveal the internal mechanism for improving concrete performance through a large number of experiments and MD simulation, and lay a theoretical foundation for preparing the next generation of (super) high-performance concrete.
The Costs of Construction and Housing Prices: A Full-Cost Pricing or Tendering Theory?
Authors: Guan Yihan , Cheung Ka-Shing
Published: July 2023

While construction costs and housing prices are implicitly examined in the construction economics literature, dedicated studies on their theoretical underpinning are rare. In this study, we investigated the application of different pricing theories in Auckland by testing the relationship between house prices and construction costs in Auckland from 1995 to 2021. The results contrast the tendering pricing theory, which posits that construction prices are optimal mark-ups unaffected by market demand, with the full-cost pricing theory, which acknowledges the market-dependent nature of pricing. By using the Toda-Yamamoto’s granger-causality test and Pesaran’s Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) bound tests, we analysed the relationship between the house price index (HPI) and construction cost index (CCI). The result suggests a significant relationship between housing prices and construction costs in both the short and long term, supporting the predominance of the full-cost pricing theory in Auckland’s housing market. The finding highlights the potential need for property industry participants to evaluate the market structure of the construction industry, fostering a more competitive environment and paving the way for more effective supply-related housing policies.
Barriers to Building Information Modeling from an Individual Perspective in the Chinese Construction Industry: An Extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology
Authors: Zhang Wenfan , Li Jintao , Liang Zhengwei
Published: July 2023

Building information modeling (BIM) is a crucial information technology that promotes the transformation and upgrading of the construction industry. It has been widely used in various stages of construction projects, including design, construction, and operation. However, BIM technology still faces numerous obstacles in practice. From the perspective of construction practitioners, this study constructs a structural equation model to explore the obstacles encountered by construction practitioners in the process of applying BIM technology. Task–technology fit, effort expectancy, performance expectancy, user trust, and facilitating conditions can significantly improve practitioners’ behavioral intention, with task–technology fit having the most significant impact on behavioral intention. Facilitating conditions and behavioral intention significantly affect usage behavior, while perceived cost does not significantly affect behavioral intention. The multiple-group analysis found that in the path of performance expectancy on behavioral intention, males have a significant effect while females do not; in the path of facilitating conditions on behavioral intention, higher education levels have a significant effect while lower education levels do not; in the path of facilitating conditions on behavioral behavior, lower usage time has a significant effect while higher usage time does not. Suggestions for promoting the application of BIM technology are proposed in this article to improve its utilization rate. This study provides more perspectives and ideas for future research on BIM diffusion.
Immunonutrition in Radical Cystectomy: State of the Art and Perspectives
Authors: Casirati Amanda , Da Prat Valentina , Bettiga Arianna , Aretano Lucia , Trevisani Francesco , Cereda Emanuele , Briganti Alberto , Colombo Elisa , Preziati Giorgia , De Simeis Francesca , Salonia Andrea , Montorsi Francesco , Caccialanza Riccardo , Naspro Richard
Published: July 2023

Preoperative nutritional status is a pivotal aspect to consider in patients with cancer undergoing radical cystectomy (RC), as those at risk of malnutrition or already malnourished are more prone to post-surgical complications. The loss of muscle mass is a major consequence of cancer-related malnutrition. It is associated with increased risk of hospital readmission, longer hospitalization, and higher mortality. Nowadays, the close relationship between nutritional and immunological aspects under stressful conditions, such as surgery, represents an emerging scientific and clinical issue. Indeed, the synergistic action of reduced food intake and systemic inflammation generates metabolic derangements with tissue catabolism, including skeletal muscle breakdown, which is, in turn, associated with immune system dysfunction. In order to offer an additional immune-nutritional boost to the post-surgical phase, particularly in malnourished patients, nutritional support may include oral nutritional supplements and/or enteral formulas enriched with specific nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, arginine, glutamine, and nucleotides, with acknowledged immune-modulating effects. In the present narrative review, we addressed the state of the art of the available scientific literature on the benefit of immunonutrition in patients undergoing RC for cancer and suggest possible future perspectives to be explored. Although the role of immunonutrition was found to be little explored in the context of urologic oncology, the preliminary available data on radical cystectomy, summarized in the present paper, are promising and suggest that it may improve postoperative outcomes through immunomodulation, regardless of nutritional status before surgery.
PET/CT in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Evangelista Laura , Fanti Stefano
Published: July 2023

Over the last decade, PET/CT has played a crucial role in managing patients with prostate cancer (PCa), significantly impacting various aspects of the disease [...]
Photothermal-Assisted Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline in Seawater Based on the Black g-C3N4 Nanosheets with Cyano Group Defects
Authors: Nguetsa Kuate Loic Jiresse , Chen Zhouze , Lu Jialin , Wen Huabing , Guo Feng , Shi Weilong
Published: July 2023

As a broad-spectrum antibiotic, tetracycline (TC) has been continually detected in soil and seawater environments, which poses a great threat to the ecological environment and human health. Herein, a black graphitic carbon nitride (CN-B) photocatalyst was synthesized by the one-step calcination method of urea and phloxine B for the degradation of tetracycline TC in seawater under visible light irradiation. The experimental results showed that the photocatalytic degradation rate of optimal CN-B-0.1 for TC degradation was 92% at room temperature within 2 h, which was 1.3 times that of pure CN (69%). This excellent photocatalytic degradation performance stems from the following factors: (i) ultrathin nanosheet thickness reduces the charge transfer distance; (ii) the cyanogen defect promotes photogenerated carriers’ separation; (iii) and the photothermal effect of CN-B increases the reaction temperature and enhances the photocatalytic activity. This study provides new insight into the design of photocatalysts for the photothermal-assisted photocatalytic degradation of antibiotic pollutants.
Evolving Acquired Vemurafenib Resistance in a BRAF V600E Mutant Melanoma PDTX Model to Reveal New Potential Targets
Authors: Tóvári József , Vári-Mező Diána , Surguta Sára Eszter , Ladányi Andrea , Kigyós Attila , Cserepes Mihály
Published: July 2023

Malignant melanoma is challenging to treat, and metastatic cases need chemotherapy strategies. Targeted inhibition of commonly mutant BRAF V600E by inhibitors is efficient but eventually leads to resistance and progression in the vast majority of cases. Numerous studies investigated the mechanisms of resistance in melanoma cell lines, and an increasing number of in vivo or clinical data are accumulating. In most cases, bypassing BRAF and resulting reactivation of the MAPK signaling, as well as alternative PI3K-AKT signaling activation are reported. However, several unique changes were also shown. We developed and used a patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) model to screen resistance evolution in mice in vivo, maintaining tumor heterogeneity. Our results showed no substantial activation of the canonical pathways; however, RNAseq and qPCR data revealed several altered genes, such as GPR39, CD27, SLC15A3, IFI27, PDGFA, and ABCB1. Surprisingly, p53 activity, leading to apoptotic cell death, was unchanged. The found biomarkers can confer resistance in a subset of melanoma patients via immune modulation, microenvironment changes, or drug elimination. Our resistance model can be further used in testing specific inhibitors that could be used in future drug development, and combination therapy testing that can overcome inhibitor resistance in melanoma.
Intercorrelation of Molecular Biomarkers and Clinical Phenotype Measures in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Aishworiya Ramkumar , Chi Mei-Hung , Zafarullah Marwa , Mendoza Guadalupe , Ponzini Matthew Dominic , Kim Kyoungmi , Biag Hazel Maridith Barlahan , Thurman Angela John , Abbeduto Leonard , Hessl David , Randol Jamie Leah , Bolduc Francois V. , Jacquemont Sebastien , Lippé Sarah , Hagerman Paul , Hagerman Randi , Schneider Andrea , Tassone Flora
Published: July 2023

This study contributes to a greater understanding of the utility of molecular biomarkers to identify clinical phenotypes of fragile X syndrome (FXS). Correlations of baseline clinical trial data (molecular measures—FMR1 mRNA, CYFIP1 mRNA, MMP9 and FMRP protein expression levels, nonverbal IQ, body mass index and weight, language level, NIH Toolbox, adaptive behavior rating, autism, and other mental health correlates) of 59 participants with FXS ages of 6–32 years are reported. FMR1 mRNA expression levels correlated positively with adaptive functioning levels, expressive language, and specific NIH Toolbox measures. The findings of a positive correlation of MMP-9 levels with obesity, CYFIP1 mRNA with mood and autistic symptoms, and FMR1 mRNA expression level with better cognitive, language, and adaptive functions indicate potential biomarkers for specific FXS phenotypes. These may be potential markers for future clinical trials for targeted treatments of FXS.
Epigenetic Age Acceleration in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: A Comprehensive Analysis in the Blood and Brain
Authors: Murthy Megha , Rizzu Patrizia , Heutink Peter , Mill Jonathan , Lashley Tammaryn , Bettencourt Conceição
Published: July 2023

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) includes a heterogeneous group of disorders pathologically characterized by the degeneration of the frontal and temporal lobes. In addition to major genetic contributors of FTLD such as mutations in MAPT, GRN, and C9orf72, recent work has identified several epigenetic modifications including significant differential DNA methylation in DLX1, and OTUD4 loci. As aging remains one of the major risk factors for FTLD, we investigated the presence of accelerated epigenetic aging in FTLD compared to controls. We calculated epigenetic age in both peripheral blood and brain tissues of multiple FTLD subtypes using several DNA methylation clocks, i.e., DNAmClockMulti, DNAmClockHannum, DNAmClockCortical, GrimAge, and PhenoAge, and determined age acceleration and its association with different cellular proportions and clinical traits. Significant epigenetic age acceleration was observed in the peripheral blood of both frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients compared to controls with DNAmClockHannum, even after accounting for confounding factors. A similar trend was observed with both DNAmClockMulti and DNAmClockCortical in post-mortem frontal cortex tissue of PSP patients and in FTLD cases harboring GRN mutations. Our findings support that increased epigenetic age acceleration in the peripheral blood could be an indicator for PSP and to a smaller extent, FTD.
Structural and Magnetic Analysis of a Family of Structurally Related Iron(III)-Oxo Clusters of Metal Nuclearity Fe8, Fe12Ca4, and Fe12La4
Authors: Singh Alok P. , Brantley ChristiAnna L. , Lee Kenneth Hong Kit , Abboud Khalil A. , Peralta Juan E. , Christou George
Published: July 2023

The synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic characterization are reported for three new structurally related iron(III) compounds (NHEt3)[Fe8O5(OH)5(O2PPh2)10] (1), [Fe12 Ca4O10(O2CPh)10(hmp)4] (2), and [Fe12La4O10(OH)4(tbb)24] (3), where hmpH is 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine and tbbH is 4-tBu-benzoic acid. 1 was obtained from the reaction of Fe(NO3)3·9H2O, diphenylphosphinic acid (Ph2PO2H), and NEt3 in a 1:4:16 molar ratio in MeCN at 50 °C; 2 was obtained from the reaction of [Fe3O(O2CPh)6(H2O)3](NO3), Ca(NO3)2, and NEt3 in a 1:1:4:2 ratio at 130 °C; and 3 was obtained from the reaction of Fe(NO3)3·9H2O, La(NO3)3·6H2O, 4-tBu-benzoic acid, and NEt3 in a 1:1:4:4 ratio in PhCN at 140 °C. The core of 1 consists of two {Fe4(µ3-O)2}8+ butterfly units stacked on top of each other and bridged by O2− and HO− ions. The cores of 2 and 3 also contain two stacked butterfly units, plus four additional Fe atoms, two at each end, and four M atoms (M = Ca2+ (2); La3+ (3)) on the sides. Variable-temperature (T) and solid-state dc and ac magnetization (M) data collected in the 1.8–300 K range revealed that 1 has an S = 0 ground state, 2 has a χMT value at low T consistent with the central Fe8 in a local S = 0 ground state and the two Fe3+ ions in each end-pair to be non-interacting, whereas 3 has a χMT value at low T consistent with these end-pairs each being ferromagnetically coupled with S = 5 ground states, plus intermolecular ferromagnetic interactions. These conclusions were reached from complementing the experimental studies with the calculation of the various Fe2 pairwise Jij exchange couplings by DFT computations and by using a magnetostructural correlation (MSC) for polynuclear Fe3+/O complexes, as well as a structural analysis of the intermolecular contacts in the crystal packing of 3.
Insight into the lncRNA–mRNA Co-Expression Profile and ceRNA Network in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Shen Yue , Gong Linjing , Xu Fan , Wang Sijiao , Liu Hanhan , Wang Yali , Hu Lijuan , Zhu Lei
Published: July 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in acute lung injury (ALI). However, their latent biological function and molecular mechanism have not been fully understood. In the present study, the global expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs between the control and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated groups of human normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were determined using high-throughput sequencing. Overall, a total of 433 lncRNAs and 183 mRNAs were differentially expressed. A lncRNA–mRNA co-expression network was established, and then the top 10 lncRNAs were screened using topological methods. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis results showed that the key lncRNAs targeting mRNAs were mostly enriched in the inflammatory-related biological processes. Gene set variation analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficients confirmed the close correlation for the top 10 lncRNAs with inflammatory responses. A protein–protein interaction network analysis was conducted based on the key lncRNAs targeting mRNAs, where IL-1β, IL-6, and CXCL8 were regarded as the hub genes. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) modulatory network was created with five lncRNAs, thirteen microRNAs, and twelve mRNAs. Finally, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was employed to verify the expression levels of several key lncRNAs in BEAS-2B cells and human serum samples.
Multi-Scale Analysis of Terahertz Time-Domain Spectroscopy for Inversion of Thermal Growth Oxide Thickness in Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Li Rui , Ye Dongdong , Xu Jianfei , Pan Jiabao
Published: July 2023

To address the inverse problem of thermal growth oxide (TGO) thickness in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), a novel multi-scale analysis (MSA) method based on terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is introduced. The proposed method involves a MSA technique based on four wavelet basis functions (db4, sym3, haar, coif3). Informative feature parameters characterizing the TGO thickness were extracted by performing continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and max-pooling operations on representative wavelet coefficients. Subsequently, multi-linear regression and machine learning regression models were employed to predict and assess the wavelet feature parameters. Experimental results revealed a discernible trend in the wavelet feature parameters obtained through CWT and max-pooling in the MSA, wherein the visual representation of TGO thickness initially increases and then gradually decreases. Significant variations in these feature parameters with changes in both thickness and scale enabled the effective inversion of TGO thickness. Building upon this, multi-linear regression and machine learning regression prediction were performed using multi-scale data based on four wavelet basis functions. Partial-scale data were selected for multi-linear regression, while full-scale data were selected for machine learning regression. Both methods demonstrated high accuracy prediction performance. In particular, the haar wavelet basis function exhibited excellent predictive performance, as evidenced by regression coefficients of 0.9763 and 0.9840, further confirming the validity of MSA. Hence, this study effectively presents a feasible method for the inversion problem of TGO thickness, and the analysis confirms the promising application potential of terahertz time-domain spectroscopy’s multi-scale analysis in the field of TBCs evaluation. These findings provide valuable insights for further reference.
Inclusions and Segregations in the Selective Laser-Melted Alloys: A Review
Authors: Yeganeh Mahdi , Shahryari Zahra , Talib Khanjar Ali , Hajizadeh Zeinab , Shabani Fatemeh
Published: July 2023

This paper aims to review some important microstructural defects arising in the alloys manufactured by selective laser melting (SLM) or laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). During the manufacturing process, various defects can occur in metals, which can negatively impact their mechanical properties and structural integrities. These defects include gas pores, lack of fusions, keyholes, melt pools, cracks, inclusions, and segregations. In this review, heterogeneities such as inclusion and segregation defects are discussed. Other types of defects have been comprehensively discussed in other reviews. Inclusions refer to foreign ceramic particles that are present within the metal, whereas segregations refer to the uneven distribution of alloying elements within the microstructure of the metal. The cause of appearance, effect of different parameters, and methods to reduce them in the final part are also reviewed. The effects of these defects on the integrity of the produced parts are discussed. Solutions for the elimination or minimization of these defects are also suggested. Post treatments and modifications of an alloy’s composition can also help to improve its material properties and reduce its defect concentration.
Corrosion Behavior of Alkyd-Resin-Coated Carbon Steel under Cathodic Polarization in Both Static and Flowing Seawater
Authors: Guo Hui , Zhou Kun , Feng Zhenliang , Li Chengjie , Xie Jie , Ma Jiyuan , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Xiaohui , Xu Kunshan , Li Chuanpeng , Liu Jie
Published: July 2023

The effect of cathodic polarization on the corrosion behavior of alkyd-resin-coated carbon steel with an artificial coating defect was researched using a wire beam electrode (WBE) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in both static and flowing simulated solutions. The microscopic morphology and chemical structure of the organic coating were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to reveal the degradation mechanisms of organic coatings under different polarization potentials. The study found that the failure process of the alkyd coating could be accelerated by cathodic polarization. After 312 h of immersion, the impedance under −1100 mV was one order of magnitude lower than that under the open-circuit potential (OCP). The coating delamination became serious with the negative shifting of polarization potential, and the delamination area ratio under −1100 mV in both static and flowing seawater rose to 23% and 14%, respectively. Interestingly, the flowing condition of the immersion solution that combined with cathodic polarization exhibited a synergistic effect, which could accelerate (in the earlier stage) and then alleviate the delamination of the coating. Furthermore, the results showed that both the diffusion of the corrosion particles and the anodic dissolution reaction of the metal could be significantly affected by cathodic polarization and the flowing condition of the solution, which provides a possible approach to gain insight into the delamination of organic coating.
Self-Assembly and Properties of Elastic Nanocellulose-Carbon Airgel with Ordered Porosity by Template-Free Directional Freezing
Authors: Wang Sihui , Li Zhengdong , Gong Xiaopeng , Hou Feng , Liang Ji
Published: July 2023

Porous cellulose aerogels with different compositions have been fabricated via three methods, including regular freezing, directional freezing, and hydrothermal treatment, using pure cellulose oxide and cellulose oxide/graphite oxide composites, respectively. The cellulose aerogels are highly elastic and light in weight. The carbon aerogels show an ordered structure through directional freezing with layered skeleton bones and some folds. Unlike low-temperature freezing, the structures can obtain elastic properties. When the deformation is 20%, carbon aerogels can rebound to 95% of their original volume. The cellulose oxide/graphite oxide composite aerogels are synthesized into carbon–aerogel composites, which also have stable and robust structures of bone skeletons due to nanosheets. The carbon–aerogel composites have more than 85% resilience under 40% deformations. Carbon aerogels prepared from nanocelluloses have a novel three-dimensional network structure and have the application of elasticity, which is expected to be applied to metallurgical technology and the aerospace field. Through directional freezing, the carbon aerogels have regular structures of layered skeleton bones with some folds. In contrast to low-temperature freezing, the structures possess excellent elastic properties.
Multi-Method Analysis of Painting Materials in Murals of the North Mosque (Linqing, China)
Authors: Dong Shaohua , Xiang Jiankai , Ji Juan , Wang Yongjin , Zhang Gang , Fu Peng , Han Jianwu , Li Li
Published: July 2023

The murals of Ming Dynasty North Mosque in Linqing, Shandong Province, Eastern China, are of significant cultural and historical importance. Their final restoration date remains uncertain, making a comprehensive investigation critical before initiating preservation and renovation work. This research project examined the painting materials of the murals using various analytical techniques, including polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), microscopic Raman spectroscopy (M-Raman), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) analysis. Results indicated that the pigments employed included ultramarine, emerald green, cinnabar, kaolinite, gypsum, and carbon black, while the gum binder used was protein-based adhesive materials. As synthetic ultramarine and emerald green were not introduced to China until the late Qing Dynasty, this suggests that these murals were restored no earlier than this period. The study also revealed that the mural materials used in the North Mosque mural were similar to those found in other architectural murals in China. Thus, the knowledge gained from the conservation and restoration efforts of similar architectural murals can be leveraged to enhance the conservation and restoration efforts of the North Mosque murals.
Rheology of Suspensions of Solid Particles in Liquids Thickened by Starch Nanoparticles
Authors: Ghanaatpishehsanaei Ghazaleh , Pal Rajinder
Published: July 2023

The rheology of suspensions of solid particles in aqueous matrix liquids thickened by starch nanoparticles (SNP) was investigated. The SNP concentration varied from 9.89 to 34.60 wt% based on the aqueous matrix phase. The solids concentration of suspensions varied from 0 to 47 wt% (0 to 56 vol%). The suspensions at any given SNP concentration were generally Newtonian at low solids concentrations. At high solids concentrations, the suspensions were non-Newtonian shear-thinning. With the increase in the SNP concentration, the suspensions become non-Newtonian at a lower solids concentration. The rheological behavior of non-Newtonian suspensions could be described adequately with a power-law model. The consistency index of the suspension increased with the increase in solids concentration of the suspension at any given SNP concentration. The flow behavior index of suspensions was well below unity at high solids concentrations, indicating non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior. The value of the flow behavior index decreased with the increase in solids concentration indicating an enhancement of shear-thinning in suspensions. The experimental viscosity and consistency data for Newtonian and non-Newtonian suspensions showed good agreement with the predictions of the Pal viscosity model for suspensions.
Research on Single Crystal Preparation via Dynamic Liquid Phase Method
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhou Yongmin
Published: July 2023

Traditional liquid phase methods for growing single crystals are static growth methods, which include seed crystal sedimentation growth and seed crystal clamping growth using seed crystal holders. Single crystals grown via seed crystal sedimentation often have a flat and elongated shape, and the region in contact with the bottom of the container is restricted during growth, resulting in significant defects. Similarly, the seed crystal clamping growth method cannot avoid contact with external objects, leading to abnormal growth at the contact points and along the direction of the seed crystal holder, also resulting in certain defects. Both of these growth methods require processes, such as cutting and grinding, to remove defects, resulting in resource waste. To address the shortcomings of the static liquid phase single-crystal preparation mentioned above, this study successfully designed a dynamic liquid phase method for single crystal growth, which achieved the successful suspension of seed crystals in the mother solution and the growth of high-quality, large-sized single crystals, avoiding contact with the walls and the bottom of the container during the crystal growth process. Based on the dynamic liquid phase single crystal growth apparatus mentioned above, stable and dynamic liquid phase preparation was successfully achieved, ranging from seed crystals with a diameter of approximately 5 mm to single crystals with a diameter of approximately 20 mm, by controlling the cooling rate and adjusting the solution flow rate.
Simulations and Experiments on the Microstructure and Property Evolution of In Situ TiC+Al3Ti-Reinforced Aluminum Coatings on AZ91D Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Li Zhiyong , Li Boqiong , Zhang Yingqiao , Wei Shouzheng , Jia Yanlong
Published: July 2023

With the development of computational thermodynamics, it is possible to design a material based on its simulated microstructure and properties before practical operations. In order to improve the surface properties of AZ91D magnesium alloy, Jmatpro was used in this study to design an alloy system with in situ TiC+AlTi3-reinforced aluminum coatings. The Gibbs free energy, hardness, and phase diagrams of aluminum coatings with different ratios of Ti to B4C were simulated. According to the simulation results, TiB2, TiC, Al3Ti_DO22, and Al4C3 were formed in the coating while TiB2, TiC, Al3Ti_DO22, Al4C3, and Al3Mg2 were formed in the transition zone between the base metal and the coating. Based on the simulation results, different amounts of Ti were used with B4C (the ratios were 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, and 6:1) to fabricate TiC+Al3Ti reinforced aluminum coatings on AZ91D magnesium alloy via laser cladding. The microstructure and phase composition of the coating were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) incorporated with energy- dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that intermetallic phases, such as AlTi3(C, N)0.6, AlMg, Al3Mg2, Al3Ti, and TiC were formed in the coatings. As the Ti content increased, the content of Al3Ti increased and the content of TiC decreased in the coatings, which is consistent with the simulation results. The average hardness of the coatings was approximately four to five times that of the magnesium alloy substrate, and the corrosion current density of the coatings was around 2.5 × 10−6, which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of AZ91D magnesium alloy.
Water Adsorption on MgO Surfaces: A Vibrational Analysis
Authors: Dekermenjian Maria , Merlen Alexandre , Ruediger Andreas , Rérat Michel
Published: July 2023

Using DFT calculations, we have considered different adsorption configurations of water molecules on MgO surfaces. In some cases, we have observed a chemical reaction between water and the surface, with the formation of hydroxyl groups. We have systematically compared the calculated Raman spectra of the final optimized structures with the measured spectra from MgO nanoparticles. Our results confirm the high reactivity of MgO surfaces with water. Some obtained structures can be considered precursors for the transformation of MgO into Mg(OH)2. We suggest that some of them could be identified using Raman spectroscopy. Our study confirms the high potentiality of Raman spectroscopy, associated with numerical calculations, for the study of chemical reactivity of nanoparticles.
Unusual Duodenal Ulcer: Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma of the Renal Pelvis
Authors: Won Yoo Dong , Lee Su Lim , Seo Kyung Jin
Published: July 2023

Metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis (MUCP), a type of metastatic upper tract urothelial carcinoma (MUTUC), is a rare malignancy, and some patients with MUCP present with distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis. MUCP in the gastrointestinal tract is even rarer. Herein, we report a 78-year-old man with MUCP that presented as a duodenal ulcer. He complained of anorexia, dizziness, and melena for one month. Endoscopic examination at a local clinic revealed a duodenal hemorrhagic and ulcerative lesion, and the patient was referred. He noted dark-colored stools with increasing frequency, but he denied hematochezia, coffee ground emesis, weight changes, or abdominal pain. Gastroduodenoscopic examination at our hospital demonstrated an ulcerofungating lesion of the second portion of the duodenum. Colonoscopic findings showed no abnormality. Computed tomography showed a 6.7 cm sized mass abutting the inferior vena cava, second portion of the duodenum, lower pole of the right kidney, and right iliopsoas. The mass showed heterogeneous enhancement and internal hemorrhagic necrosis and infiltrated the perinephric soft tissues, the second portion of the duodenum, the right psoas muscle, the right renal vein, and the right adrenal gland. Duodenal biopsy showed moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed diffuse and strong positivity for CK5/6. Tissue from the liver biopsy showed similar histopathologic features and showed GATA3 positivity on IHC. The imprint cytology smears of the liver tissue showed “cercariform” cell features. We confirmed the diagnosis as MUCP. This case illustrated a rare cause of a secondary duodenal tumor, MUCP.
Robot-Guided Ultrasonography in Surgical Interventions
Authors: Ciocan Răzvan Alexandru , Graur Florin , Ciocan Andra , Cismaru Cosmin Andrei , Pintilie Sebastian Romeo , Berindan-Neagoe Ioana , Hajjar Nadim Al , Gherman Claudia Diana
Published: July 2023

Introduction. The introduction of robotic-guided procedures in surgical techniques has brought an increase in the accuracy and control of resections. Surgery has evolved as a technique since the development of laparoscopy, which has added to the visualisation of the peritoneal cavity from a different perspective. Multi-armed robot associated with real-time intraoperative imaging devices brings important manoeuvrability and dexterity improvements in certain surgical fields. Materials and Methods. The present study is designed to synthesise the development of imaging techniques with a focus on ultrasonography in robotic surgery in the last ten years regarding abdominal surgical interventions. Results. All studies involved abdominal surgery. Out of the seven studies, two were performed in clinical trials. The other five studies were performed on organs or simulators and attempted to develop a hybrid surgical technique using ultrasonography and robotic surgery. Most studies aim to surgically identify both blood vessels and nerve structures through this combined technique (surgery and imaging). Conclusions. Ultrasonography is often used in minimally invasive surgical techniques. This adds to the visualisation of blood vessels, the correct identification of tumour margins, and the location of surgical instruments in the tissue. The development of ultrasound technology from 2D to 3D and 4D has brought improvements in minimally invasive and robotic surgical techniques, and it should be further studied to bring surgery to a higher level.
Cat Scratch Disease—A Benign Disease with Thymic Hyperplasia Mimicking Lymphoma
Authors: Leong Ming Hui , Nabillah Mohd Jadi , Rizuana Iqbal Hussain , Asma Abdullah , Kew Thean Yean , Tan Geok Chin
Published: July 2023

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a benign condition caused by the inoculation of Bartonella henselae. The imaging findings are non-specific, and it is difficult to diagnose the disease via imaging. However, imaging studies help exclude other differential diagnoses in diagnostic dilemmas. We encountered a case of a 17-year-old adolescent who presented with painful neck swelling. CT showed multiple bilateral cervical lymphadenopathies with triangular soft tissue mass at the anterior mediastinum likely to be thymic hyperplasia, which is unusual in CSD and was mistaken for a lymphoproliferative disorder. Tissue diagnosis with a thorough clinical history yielded the diagnosis of cat scratch disease, and follow-up imaging showed resolution of the cervical lymphadenopathy and thymic hyperplasia.
Recent Advances in Imaging Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy with Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Gu Xingwang , Zhao Xinyu , Zhao Qing , Wang Yuelin , Chen Youxin
Published: July 2023

The gold standard for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) diagnosis is indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), but optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) has shown promise for PCV imaging in recent years. However, earlier generations of OCTA technology lacked the diagnostic efficacy to replace ICGA. Swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA), the latest generation of OCTA technology, has significantly improved penetrating ability, scanning speed, scanning range, and overall image quality compared with earlier generations of OCTA. SS-OCTA reveals a “tangled vasculature” pattern of polypoidal lesions (PLs), providing evidence that they are neovascular rather than aneurysmal structures. New choroidal biomarkers, such as the choriocapillaris flow void (FV), have been identified to explain the development of PCV lesions. Although no direct comparison between SS-OCTA and previous OCTA generations in terms of diagnostic capability has been performed, SS-OCTA has shown several advantages in differential diagnosis and monitoring early reactivation for PCV. These improvements make SS-OCTA a valuable tool for PCV diagnosis and follow-up, and it may become more important for this disease in the future. This review summarized recent advances in PCV morphology and structure, as well as the possible pathogenesis based on SS-OCTA findings. The value of SS-OCTA for PCV management is discussed, along with remaining issues, to provide an updated understanding of PCV and OCTA-guided management.