bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping with Risk. A Deep-Time Perspective on Societal Responses to Ecological Uncertainty in the River Dalälven Catchment Area in Sweden
Authors: Hatlestad Kailin , Wehlin Joakim , Lindholm Karl-Johan
Published: August 2021

In addressing the current climate crisis, research into how past societies have coped with risk and ecological uncertainty can provide old solutions to new problems. Here, we examine how human niche construction can be seen as risk management in the face of uncertainty by exploring the spatial patterning of land-use activities over time. Dalarna county, an agriculturally marginal boreal forest environment, provides the opportunity for addressing change in terms of agricultural responses and other activities. C14 archaeological records complied by Dalarna Museum were the base of this analysis. The spatial and temporal components of these Boreal Forest records were analyzed in the open-source software QGIS, guided by a historical ecology framework. Human niches diversified and intensified during specific periods in the Boreal forest environment; our focus has been on how humans managed resource risk related to the ecological uncertainty within this forest environment characterized by long winters and short growing seasons. We conclude that constructed niches shaped the Boreal Forest, spanning its environmentally unique upland and lowland regions, into a more predictable environment. Tracking the diversity, multi-functionality, and intensity of these past land-use activities can provide insights for best practices in land management, not only for the Boreal Forest area, but also for elsewhere. These insights will assist in policy-making decisions, as the methodology is adaptable and replicable for various landscapes.
Metabolic Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Clinical Data and Molecular Hypothesis to Explain Alterations of Lipid Profile and Thyroid Function Observed in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: D’Ardes Damiano , Rossi Ilaria , Bucciarelli Benedetta , Allegra Marco , Bianco Francesco , Sinjari Bruna , Marchioni Michele , Di Nicola Marta , Santilli Francesca , Guagnano Maria Teresa , Cipollone Francesco , Bucci Marco
Published: August 2021

It seems that during SARS-CoV-2 infection, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C values decrease and lipids could play a fundamental role in viral replication. Moreover, it has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection could influence thyroid function. We performed a retrospective analysis of 118 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, comparing pre-infection lipid profile (53 patients) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values (45 patients) to those measured on admission. Our aim was to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection could be involved in thyroid and lipid profile alterations and study possible correlations with disease severity and clinical outcome. Median baseline values at the admission time were: total cholesterol at 136.89 ± 42.73 mg/dL, LDL-C 81.53 ± 30.35 mg/dL, and HDL-C 32.36 ± 15.13 mg/dL; and triglycerides at 115.00 ± 40.45 mg/dL, non-HDL-C 104.53 ± 32.63 md/dL, and TSH 1.15 ± 1.08 μUI/mL. Median values of pre-infection total cholesterol, HDL-C, and TSH were significantly higher than those measured at the admission time (p value < 0.05). The C-reactive protein (CRP) negatively correlated with LDL-C (p = 0.013) and HDL-C (p = 0.05). Our data underline a possible impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on thyroid function. Moreover it suggests a possible relation between COVID-19 and the lipid profile with a negative correlation between CRP, LDL-C, and HDL-C values, proposing the hypothesis that lipid lowering could follow the rising of the COVID-19 inflammatory state.
Analysis of Homozygous-by-Descent (HBD) Segments for Purebred and Crossbred Pigs in Russia
Authors: Bakoev Siroj , Kolosov Anatoly , Bakoev Faridun , Kostyunina Olga , Bakoev Nekruz , Romanets Timofey , Koshkina Olga , Getmantseva Lyubov
Published: August 2021

Intensive selection raises the efficiency of pig farming considerably, but it also promotes the accumulation of homozygosity, which can lead to an increase in inbreeding and the accumulation of deleterious variation. The analysis of segments homozygous-by-descent (HBD) and non-HBD segments in purebred and crossbred pigs is of great interest. Research was carried out on 657 pigs, of which there were Large White (LW, n = 280), Landrace (LR, n = 218) and F1 female (♂LR × ♀LW) (F1, n = 159). Genotyping was performed using the GeneSeek® GGP Porcine HD Genomic Profiler v1 (Illumina Inc., USA). To identify HBD segments and estimate autozygosity (inbreeding coefficient), we used the multiple HBD classes model. LW pigs exhibited 50,420 HBD segments, an average of 180 per animal; LR pigs exhibited 33,586 HBD segments, an average of 154 per animal; F1 pigs exhibited 21,068 HBD segments, an average of 132 per animal. The longest HBD segments in LW were presented in SSC1, SSC13 and SSC15; in LR, in SSC1; and in F1, in SSC15. In these segments, 3898 SNPs localized in 1252 genes were identified. These areas overlap with 441 QTLs (SSC1—238 QTLs; SSC13—101 QTLs; and SSC15—102 QTLs), including 174 QTLs for meat and carcass traits (84 QTLs—fatness), 127 QTLs for reproduction traits (100 QTLs—litter traits), 101 for production traits (69 QTLs—growth and 30 QTLs—feed intake), 21 QTLs for exterior traits (9 QTLs—conformation) and 18 QTLs for health traits (13 QTLs—blood parameters). Thirty SNPs were missense variants. Whilst estimating the potential for deleterious variation, six SNPs localized in the NEDD4, SEC11C, DCP1A, CCT8, PKP4 and TENM3 genes were identified, which may show deleterious variation. A high frequency of potential deleterious variation was noted for LR in DCP1A, and for LW in TENM3 and PKP4. In all cases, the genotype frequencies in F1 were intermediate between LR and LW. The findings presented in our work show the promise of genome scanning for HBD as a strategy for studying population history, identifying genomic regions and genes associated with important economic traits, as well as deleterious variation.
Hydrophobic UV-Curable Powder Clear Coatings: Study on the Synthesis of New Crosslinking Agents Based on Raw Materials Derived from Renewable Sources
Authors: Czachor-Jadacka Dominika , Pilch-Pitera Barbara , Kisiel Maciej , Gumieniak Justyna
Published: August 2021

Methods for the synthesis of urethane acrylates used as new crosslinking agents for hydrophobic UV-curable powder clear coatings were developed. In the synthesis of urethane acrylates, isophorone diisocyanate, glycerin, xylitol, polyethylene glycol and polysiloxane KF-6000, as well as 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, were used. In order to increase the functionality of urethane acrylates, glycerin and xylitol derived from renewable sources were introduced. The chemical structure of the urethane acrylates was verified by IR spectroscopy. UV-curable powder clear coatings were obtained through a combination of urethane acrylates with unsaturated polyester resins. The thermal behavior and crosslinking density were examined using DMA. The obtained coatings were evaluated by performing the following tests: roughness, gloss, scratch resistance, hardness, adhesion to steel and water contact angle. As part of this research, high hydrophobicity and scratch resistance of UV-curable powder clear coatings were developed, which are a VOC-free and economically attractive alternative method for low thermal resistance surface protection, such as for composites, wood and wood-based materials.
Characterization and Sodium Cations Sorption Capacity of Chemically Modified Biochars Produced from Agricultural and Forestry Wastes
Authors: Medyńska-Juraszek Agnieszka , Álvarez María Luisa , Białowiec Andrzej , Jerzykiewicz Maria
Published: August 2021

Excessive amounts of sodium cations (Na+) in water is an important limiting factor to reuse poor quality water in agriculture or industry, and recently, much attention has been paid to developing cost-effective and easily available water desalination technology that is not limited to natural resources. Biochar seems to be a promising solution for reducing high loads of inorganic contaminant from water and soil solution, and due to the high availability of biomass in agriculture and forestry, its production for these purposes may become beneficial. In the present research, wheat straw, sunflower husk, and pine-chip biochars produced at 250, 450 and 550 °C under simple torrefaction/pyrolysis conditions were chemically modified with ethanol or HCl to determine the effect of these activations on Na sorption capacity from aqueous solution. Biochar sorption property measurements, such as specific surface area, cation exchange capacity, content of base cations in exchangeable forms, and structural changes of biochar surface, were performed by FTIR and EPR spectrometry to study the effect of material chemical activation. The sorption capacity of biochars and activated carbons was investigated by performing batch sorption experiments, and adsorption isotherms were tested with Langmuir’s and Freundlich’s models. The results showed that biochar activation had significant effects on the sorption characteristics of Na+, increasing its capacity (even 10-folds) and inducing the mechanism of ion exchange between biochar and saline solution, especially when ethanol activation was applied. The findings of this study show that biochar produced through torrefaction with ethanol activation requires lower energy demand and carbon footprint and, therefore, is a promising method for studying material applications for environmental and industrial purposes.
Thiolated Silicone Oils as New Components of Protective Creams in the Prevention of Skin Diseases
Authors: Kulawik-Pióro Agnieszka , Drabczyk Anna K. , Kruk Joanna , Wróblewska Magdalena , Winnicka Katarzyna , Tchórzewska Justyna
Published: August 2021

This work investigates the possibility of using thiolated silicone oils as new components in protective creams and their impact on the efficacy of these products. Thiolated silicone oils were synthesized by amide bond formation between primary amino groups of poly17dimethylsiloxane-co-(3-aminopropyl)-methylsiloxane] and carboxylic groups of thiol ligand (3-mercaptopropionic acid) with carbodiimide as a coupling agent. To evaluate and compare the properties of these kinds of thiomers, three different emulsion o/w types were obtained. Emulsion E1 contained methyl silicone oil, E2 poly[dimethylsiloxane-co-(3-aminopropyl)-methylsiloxane], and E3 thiolated silicone oil (silicone-MPA), respectively. Physicochemical properties, including pH, conductivity, droplet size distribution, viscosity, and stability, were assessed. The efficacy of barrier creams in the prevention of occupational skin diseases depends on their mechanical and rheological properties. Thus, the method which imitates the spreadability conditions on the skin and how structure reconstruction takes places was performed. We also investigated textural profile, bioadhesion, protection against water and detergents, and water vapor permeability. Emulsion E3 was characterized by beneficial occlusion, spreadability, and adhesion properties. These features with prolonged residence time on the skin can make designed barrier creams more preferable for consumers.
Novel Antibacterial Modification of Polycarbonate for Increment Prototyping in Medicine
Authors: Flak Tomasz , Trejnowska Ewa , Skoczyński Szymon , Gabor Jadwiga , Swinarew Beata , Grzywnowicz Klaudia , Okła Hubert , Jasik Krzysztof , Stanula Arkadiusz , Brożek Grzegorz , Swinarew Andrzej S.
Published: August 2021

In the era of modern medicine, the number of invasive treatments increases. Artificial devices used in medicine are associated with an increased risk of secondary infections. Bacterial biofilm development observed on the implanted surface is challenging to treat, primarily due to low antibiotics penetration. In our study, the preparation of a new polycarbonate composite, filled with nanosilver, nanosilica and rhodamine B derivative, suitable for three-dimensional printing, is described. Polymer materials with antimicrobial properties are known. However, in most cases, protection is limited to the outer layers only. The newly developed materials are protected in their entire volume. Moreover, the antibacterial properties are retained after multiple high-temperature processing were performed, allowing them to be used in 3D printing. Bacterial population reduction was observed, which gives an assumption for those materials to be clinically tested in the production of various medical devices and for the reduction of morbidity and mortality caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Characterization and Antitumoral Activity of Biohybrids Based on Turmeric and Silver/Silver Chloride Nanoparticles
Authors: Barbinta-Patrascu Marcela-Elisabeta , Gorshkova Yulia , Ungureanu Camelia , Badea Nicoleta , Bokuchava Gizo , Lazea-Stoyanova Andrada , Bacalum Mihaela , Zhigunov Alexander , Petrovic Sanja
Published: August 2021

The phyto-development of nanomaterials is one of the main challenges for scientists today, as it offers unusual properties and multifunctionality. The originality of our paper lies in the study of new materials based on biomimicking lipid bilayers loaded with chlorophyll, chitosan, and turmeric-generated nano-silver/silver chloride particles. These materials showed a good free radical scavenging capacity between 76.25 and 93.26% (in vitro tested through chemiluminescence method) and a good antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis bacterium (IZ > 10 mm). The anticancer activity of our developed bio-based materials was investigated against two cancer cell lines (human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells HT-29, and human liver carcinoma cells HepG2) and compared to one healthy cell line (human fibroblast BJ cell line). Cell viability was evaluated for all prepared materials after a 24 h treatment and was used to select the biohybrid with the highest therapeutic index (TI); additionally, the hemolytic activity of the samples was also evaluated. Finally, we investigated the morphological changes induced by the developed materials against the cell lines studied. Biophysical studies on these materials were done by correlating UV–Vis and FTIR absorption spectroscopy, with XRD, SANS, and SAXS methods, and with information provided by microscopic techniques (AFM, SEM/EDS). In conclusion, these “green” developed hybrid systems are an important alternative in cancer treatment, and against health problems associated with drug-resistant infections.
Bond Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Considering Freeze–Thaw Cycles and Corrosion of Stirrups
Authors: Liu Shuo , Du Maohua , Tian Yubin , Wang Xuanang , Sun Guorui
Published: August 2021

In relatively cold environments, the combination of freeze–thaw and steel bar corrosion is a key factor affecting the durability of concrete. The adjustment of the stirrup ratio would change the mechanical performance of surrounding concrete, while the circumferential compressive stress can further improve the bonding performance. Hence, based on eccentrically tensioned specimens, the influence of corrosion of stirrups and freeze–thaw of concrete on bond properties is discussed in this paper. The monotonic pull-out test of reinforced concrete specimens is carried out to study the variation rules of bond strength and slip between steel bar and concrete under the coupling action of corrosion rate, freeze–thaw times and stirrup spacing. Based on the experimental data, the empirical formula for the ultimate bond strength is obtained, and a bond–slip constitutive model is established considering the stirrup spacing, stirrup corrosion rate and freeze–thaw times. Then, a refined finite element pull-out specimen model is established by ABAQUS simulation, and the numerical simulation results are compared with the real test ones, so as to make up for the deficiencies in the test and lay the foundation for further finite element analysis.
Bending and Buckling of Circular Sandwich Plates with a Hardened Core
Authors: Pi Zizi , Zhou Zilong , Deng Zongbai , Wang Shaofeng
Published: August 2021

Hard-core sandwich plates are widely used in the field of aviation, aerospace, transportation, and construction thanks to their superior mechanical properties such as sound absorption, heat insulation, shock absorption, and so on. As an important form, the circular sandwich is very common in the field of engineering. Thus, theoretical analysis and numerical simulation of bending and buckling for isotropic circular sandwich plates with a hard core (SP-HC) are conducted in this study. Firstly, the revised Reissner’s theory was used to derive the bending equations of isotropic circular SP-HC for the first time. Then, the analytic solutions to bending deformation for circular and annular sandwich SP-HCs under some loads and boundary conditions were obtained through the decoupled simplification. Secondly, an analytic solution to bending deformation for a simply supported annular SP-HC under uniformly distributed bending moment and shear force along the inner edge was given. Finally, the differential equations of buckling for circular SP-HCs in polar coordinates were derived to obtain the critical loads of overall instability of SP-HC under simply supported and fixed-end supported boundary conditions. Meanwhile, the numerical simulations using Nastran software were conducted to compare with the theoretical analyses using Reissner’s theory and the derived models in this study. The theoretical and numerical results showed that the present formula proposed in this study can be suitable to both SP-HC and SP-SC. The efforts can provide valuable information for safe and stable application of multi-functional composite material of SP-HC.
Monitoring Electrical Biasing of Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 Ferroelectric Thin Films In Situ by DPC-STEM Imaging
Authors: Vogel Alexander , Sarott Martin F. , Campanini Marco , Trassin Morgan , Rossell Marta D.
Published: August 2021

Increased data storage densities are required for the next generation of nonvolatile random access memories and data storage devices based on ferroelectric materials. Yet, with intensified miniaturization, these devices face a loss of their ferroelectric properties. Therefore, a full microscopic understanding of the impact of the nanoscale defects on the ferroelectric switching dynamics is crucial. However, collecting real-time data at the atomic and nanoscale remains very challenging. In this work, we explore the ferroelectric response of a Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 thin film ferroelectric capacitor to electrical biasing in situ in the transmission electron microscope. Using a combination of high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and differential phase contrast (DPC)-STEM imaging we unveil the structural and polarization state of the ferroelectric thin film, integrated into a capacitor architecture, before and during biasing. Thus, we can correlate real-time changes in the DPC signal with the presence of misfit dislocations and ferroelastic domains. A reduction in the domain wall velocity of 24% is measured in defective regions of the film when compared to predominantly defect-free regions.
Effects of FSW Tool Plunge Depth on Properties of an Al-Mg-Si Alloy T-Joint: Thermomechanical Modeling and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Memon Shabbir , Fydrych Dariusz , Fernandez Aintzane Conde , Derazkola Hamed Aghajani , Derazkola Hesamoddin Aghajani
Published: August 2021

One of the main challenging issues in friction stir welding (FSW) of stiffened structures is maximizing skin and flange mixing. Among the various parameters in FSW that can affect the quality of mixing between skin and flange is tool plunge depth (TPD). In this research, the effects of TPD during FSW of an Al-Mg-Si alloy T-joint are investigated. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method can help understand TPD effects on FSW of the T-joint structure. For this reason, the CFD method is employed in the simulation of heat generation, heat distribution, material flow, and defect formation during welding processes at various TPD. CFD is a powerful method that can simulate phenomena during the mixing of flange and skin that are hard to assess experimentally. For the evaluation of FSW joints, macrostructure visualization is carried out. Simulation results showed that at higher TPD, more frictional heat is generated and causes the formation of a bigger stir zone. The temperature distribution is antisymmetric to the welding line, and the concentration of heat on the advancing side (AS) is more than the retreating side (RS). Simulation results from viscosity changes and material velocity study on the stir zone indicated that the possibility of the formation of a tunnel defect on the skin–flange interface at the RS is very high. Material flow and defect formation are very sensitive to TPD. Low TPD creates internal defects with incomplete mixing of skin and flange, and high TPD forms surface flash. Higher TPD increases frictional heat and axial force that diminish the mixing of skin and flange in this joint. The optimum TPD was selected due to the best materials flow and final mechanical properties of joints.
Characteristics of 3D Printable Bronze PLA-Based Filament Composites for Gaskets
Authors: Sava Marcela , Nagy Ramona , Menyhardt Karoly
Published: August 2021

Composite materials can be tailored for various properties, but the manufacturing process can be quite lengthy depending on the complexity of the final product. Instead, we focused our attention on the relatively new technology of additive manufacturing (3D printing) that can produce complex geometries for a limited number of samples. Due to the weak bond between successive printed layers, these objects will have weaker mechanical properties in relation to cast or sintered materials. Thus, the orientation of the printed layers can make a huge difference in the behavior of the products. In this paper, a 3D printed composite made from bronze-filled PLA is mechanically characterized in order to be used as a substitute for sintered compacted bronze products for compression loads. Thus, cylindrical samples grown with the base horizontally and vertically were subjected to compression loads to determine their stress-strain curves at room temperature as well as in the glass transition region. Due to a lack of published research in this area, this study offers an insight into the usability of bronze-filled PLA for gaskets or other objects subjected to compression loads.
Strain Rate Effect upon Mechanical Behaviour of Hydrogen-Charged Cycled NiTi Shape Memory Alloy
Authors: Gamaoun Fehmi
Published: August 2021

The rate dependence of thermo-mechanical responses of superelastic NiTi with different imposed strain rates after cycling from 1 to 50 cycles under applied 10−5s−1, 10−4s−1 and 10−3s−1 strain rates, immersion for 3 h and ageing has been investigated. The loaded and unloaded as-received NiTi alloy under an imposed strain of 7.1% have shown an increase in the residual deformation at zero stress with an increase in strain rates. It has been found that after 13 cycles and hydrogen charging, the amount of absorbed hydrogen (291 mass ppm) was sufficient to cause the embrittlement of the tensile loaded NiTi alloy with 10−5s−1. However, no premature fracture has been detected for the imposed strain rates of 10−4s−1 and 10−3s−1. Nevertheless, after 18 cycles and immersion for 3 h, the fracture has occurred in the plateau of the austenite martensite transformation during loading with 10−4s−1. Despite the higher quantity of absorbed hydrogen, the loaded specimen with a higher imposed strain rate of 10−3s−1 has kept its superelasticity behaviour, even after 20 cycles. We attribute such a behaviour to the interaction between the travelling distance during the growth of the martensitic domains while introducing the martensite phase and the amount of diffused hydrogen.
Fixed Point Results via α-Admissibility in Extended Fuzzy Rectangular b-Metric Spaces with Applications to Integral Equations
Authors: Badshah-e-Rome Badshah-e-Rome , Sarwar Muhammad , Rodríguez-López Rosana
Published: August 2021

In this article, the concept of extended fuzzy rectangular b-metric space (EFRbMS, for short) is initiated, and some fixed point results frequently used in the literature are generalized via α-admissibility in the setting of EFRbMS. For the illustration of the work presented, some supporting examples and an application to the existence of solutions for a class of integral equations are also discussed.
Performance of Antigen-Based Testing as Frontline Diagnosis of Symptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Murillo-Zamora Efrén , Trujillo Xóchitl , Huerta Miguel , Ríos-Silva Mónica , Mendoza-Cano Oliver
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the performance of antigen-based detection tests as the frontline diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods: We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study in Mexico. A cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study was conducted in Mexico and data from 15,408 suspected (all of them symptomatic) cases of COVID-19 were analyzed. The results of antigen-based tests were compared with those obtained by molecular (polymerase chain reaction-based) assays. Results: The antigen-based tests showed sensitivity below 50% and high specificity in all the analyzed age groups. The highest Youden index (J) was observed among adults aged 25–44 years old (45.5, 95% CI 43.7–47.3). Conclusions: We documented the poor performance of serologic techniques as frontline diagnosis of symptomatic COVID-19 and inaccurate results may impact negatively on pandemic progression.
The Experience of Healthy Pregnancy in High Parity Women: A Phenomenological Study in North Jordan
Authors: Alzboon Ghadeer , Vural Gülşen
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: High parity women are more likely to have poor quality of life during pregnancy than low parity women. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of healthy pregnancy among high parity women in North Jordan. Materials and Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design was employed in this study to complement previously published quantitative results. Fourteen pregnant women, who had four children or more, were recruited purposely according to inclusion criteria from Irbid city in North Jordan. Data were collected using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Colaizzi’s method was employed to analyze the verbatim data. Results: There were three main themes which emerged from participants significant statements: they had new discomforts, antenatal care and follow-up, and social issues. Each extracted theme was linked to some factors (subthemes), which had a positive or negative impact on the quality of life of high parity women during pregnancy. High parity women who experienced multiple stressors had a poor quality of life. Conclusions: Experiencing new discomforts, less or no antenatal care, and a lack of social support negatively affected the quality of life among high parity women. Antenatal interventions should be designed based on high parity women’s perceptions of their health and wellbeing in order to improve their quality of life and ultimately prevent maternal morbidity and mortality. Further quantitative studies are needed to explore the impact of previous mentioned factors on maternal quality of life and outcomes.
Long-Term Outcome after Liver Transplantation for Progressive Familial Intrahepatic Cholestasis
Authors: Gül-Klein Safak , Öllinger Robert , Schmelzle Moritz , Pratschke Johann , Schöning Wenzel
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disease divided into five types (PFIC 1-5). Characteristic for all types is early disease onset, which may result clinically in portal hypertension, fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and extrahepatic manifestations. Liver transplantation (LT) is the only successful treatment approach. Our aim is to present the good long-term outcomes after liver transplantation for PFIC1, focusing on liver function as well as the occurrence of extrahepatic manifestation after liver transplantation. Materials and Methods: A total of seven pediatric patients with PFIC1 underwent liver transplantation between January 1999 and September 2019 at the Department of Surgery, Charité Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte of Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Long-term follow-up data were collected on all patients, specifically considering liver function and extrahepatic manifestations. Results: Seven (3.2%) recipients were found from a cohort of 219 pediatric patients. Two of the seven patients had multilocular HCC in cirrhosis. Disease recurrence or graft loss did not occur in any patient. Two patients (male, siblings) had persistently elevated liver parameters but showed excellent liver function. Patient and graft survival during long-term follow-up was 100%, and no severe extrahepatic manifestations requiring hospitalization or surgery occurred. We noted a low complication rate during long-term follow-up and excellent patient outcome. Conclusions: PFIC1 long-term follow-up after LT shows promising results for this rare disease. In particular, the clinical relevance of extrahepatic manifestations seems acceptable, and graft function seems to be barely affected. Further multicenter studies are needed to analyze the clinically inhomogeneous presentation and to better understand the courses after LT.
The “Undetermined Significance” of 18F-FDG PET/CT or PET/MRI in Patients with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)
Authors: Treglia Giorgio , Bertagna Francesco , Albano Domenico
Published: August 2021

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a highly prevalent condition with the possible risk of progression to multiple myeloma (MM) or a lymphoproliferative neoplasm in a small percentage of patients. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) or positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) are imaging methods increasingly used in patients with MM. The aim of this communication is to underline that, taking into account current evidence-based data, compared to MM the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT or PET/MRI in MGUS is still undetermined and more studies should be performed before suggesting 18F-FDG PET/CT or PET/MRI for evaluation of MM progression in patients with MGUS.
Evaluation of Copper Leaching for Subsequent Recovery from the Waste Dumps of the Linares Mining District and Their Use for Construction Materials
Authors: Terrones-Saeta Juan María , Suárez-Macías Jorge , Castañón Ana María , Corpas-Iglesias Francisco Antonio
Published: August 2021

The development of the population’s well-being involves the use of different raw materials. However, metallic elements such as copper are currently scarce due to their intensive use in different sectors. Therefore, new sources of raw materials that provide these elements, are of lower cost, and use waste for their extraction must be sought. For this reason, in this research, different waste dumps of the mining district of Linares (Spain) are studied to evaluate the existence of recoverable copper by hydrometallurgical techniques. The material from the waste dump selected as potentially viable is leached with different sulfuric acid solutions (0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mol) and at different times, obtaining copper concentrations usable for subsequent hydrometallurgical processes. In addition, in order to develop an environmental hydrometallurgy, the leach waste is characterized, and bituminous mixtures are made with it. The results of the present investigation showed that it was possible to recover 80% of the copper in the waste dumps of the Linares mining district with 1 and 2 mol solutions of sulfuric acid. At the same time, the waste from the leaching process was found to be suitable for use as an aggregate in bituminous mixtures. Therefore, bituminous mixtures were conformed, and it was obtained that the optimum percentage of bituminous emulsion was 6.95% for the proposed granulometry. This emulsion percentage, which corresponds to a residual bitumen percentage of 4.17%, showed particle loss test results of 14% and 18% after immersion. In addition, the stability test values for the Marshall test with the above-mentioned bitumen emulsion percentage and leaching waste showed a stability of 8.99 KN. This fact demonstrates the quality of the bituminous mixture made with the leaching waste for use in bituminous mixtures. Consequently, it can be affirmed that in the present investigation, a significant percentage of copper has been extracted from the waste dumps of the mining district of Linares (Spain) and that the waste after processing can be used in bituminous mixtures, there being a closed cycle of materials in which no waste is produced.
Unravelling Plant Responses to Stress—The Importance of Targeted and Untargeted Metabolomics
Authors: Allwood James William , Williams Alex , Uthe Henriette , van Dam Nicole M. , Mur Luis A. J. , Grant Murray R. , Pétriacq Pierre
Published: August 2021

Climate change and an increasing population, present a massive global challenge with respect to environmentally sustainable nutritious food production. Crop yield enhancements, through breeding, are decreasing, whilst agricultural intensification is constrained by emerging, re-emerging, and endemic pests and pathogens, accounting for ~30% of global crop losses, as well as mounting abiotic stress pressures, due to climate change. Metabolomics approaches have previously contributed to our knowledge within the fields of molecular plant pathology and plant–insect interactions. However, these remain incredibly challenging targets, due to the vast diversity in metabolite volatility and polarity, heterogeneous mixtures of pathogen and plant cells, as well as rapid rates of metabolite turn-over. Unravelling the systematic biochemical responses of plants to various individual and combined stresses, involves monitoring signaling compounds, secondary messengers, phytohormones, and defensive and protective chemicals. This demands both targeted and untargeted metabolomics approaches, as well as a range of enzymatic assays, protein assays, and proteomic and transcriptomic technologies. In this review, we focus upon the technical and biological challenges of measuring the metabolome associated with plant stress. We illustrate the challenges, with relevant examples from bacterial and fungal molecular pathologies, plant–insect interactions, and abiotic and combined stress in the environment. We also discuss future prospects from both the perspective of key innovative metabolomic technologies and their deployment in breeding for stress resistance.
Optimal Combination of Mixing Units Using the Design of Experiments Method
Authors: Juraeva Makhsuda , Kang Dong-Jin
Published: August 2021

A passive micromixer was designed by combining two mixing units: the cross-channel split and recombined (CC-SAR) and a mixing cell with baffles (MC-B). The passive micromixer was comprised of eight mixing slots that corresponded to four combination units; two mixing slots were grouped as one combination unit. The combination of the two mixing units was based on four combination schemes: (A) first mixing unit, (B) first combination unit, (C) first combination module, and (D) second combination module. The statistical significance of the four combination schemes was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) in terms of the degree of mixing (DOM) and mixing energy cost (MEC). The DOM and MEC were simulated numerically for three Reynolds numbers (Re = 0.5, 2, and 50), representing three mixing regimes. The combination scheme (B), using different mixing units in the first two mixing slots, was significant for Re = 2 and 50. The four combination schemes had little effect on the mixing performance of a passive micromixer operating in the mixing regime of molecular dominance. The combination scheme (B) was generalized to arbitrary mixing slots, and its significance was analyzed for Re = 2 and 50. The general combination scheme meant two different mixing units in two consecutive mixing slots. The numerical simulation results showed that the general combination scheme was statistically significant in the first three combination units for Re = 2, and significant in the first two combination units for Re = 50. The combined micromixer based on the general combination scheme throughout the entire micromixer showed the best mixing performance over a wide range of Reynolds numbers, compared to other micromixers that did not adopt completely the general combination scheme. The most significant enhancement due to the general combination scheme was observed in the transition mixing scheme and was negligible in the molecular dominance scheme. The combination order was less significant after three combination units.
Evolution of the Electromagnetic Manipulation: From Tunable to Programmable and Intelligent Metasurfaces
Authors: Luo Sisi , Hao Jianjiao , Ye Fuju , Li Jiaxin , Ruan Ying , Cui Haoyang , Liu Wenjun , Chen Lei
Published: August 2021

Looking back on the development of metamaterials in the past 20 years, metamaterials have gradually developed from three-dimensional complex electromagnetic structures to a two-dimensional metasurface with a low profile, during which a series of subversive achievements have been produced. The form of electromagnetic manipulation of the metasurface has evolved from passive to active tunable, programmable, and other dynamic and real-time controllable forms. In particular, the proposal of coding and programmable metasurfaces endows metasurfaces with new vitality. By describing metamaterials through binary code, the digital world and the physical world are connected, and the research of metasurfaces also steps into a new era of digitalization. However, the function switch of traditional programmable metamaterials cannot be achieved without human instruction and control. In order to achieve richer and more flexible function regulation and even higher level metasurface design, the intelligence of metamaterials is an important direction in its future development. In this paper, we review the development of tunable, programmable, and intelligent metasurfaces over the past 5 years, focusing on basic concepts, working principles, design methods, manufacturing, and experimental validation. Firstly, several manipulation modes of tunable metasurfaces are discussed; in particular, the metasurfaces based on temperature control, mechanical control, and electrical control are described in detail. It is demonstrated that the amplitude and phase responses can be flexibly manipulated by the tunable metasurfaces. Then, the concept, working principle, and design method of digital coding metasurfaces are briefly introduced. At the same time, we introduce the active programmable metasurfaces from the following aspects, such as structure, coding method, and three-dimensional far-field results, to show the excellent electromagnetic manipulation ability of programmable metasurfaces. Finally, the basic concepts and research status of intelligent metasurfaces are discussed in detail. Different from the previous programmable metamaterials, which must be controlled by human intervention, the new intelligent metamaterials control system will realize autonomous perception, autonomous decision-making, and even adaptive functional manipulation to a certain extent.
Recent Advances in Reactive Ion Etching and Applications of High-Aspect-Ratio Microfabrication
Authors: Huff Michael
Published: August 2021

This paper reviews the recent advances in reaction-ion etching (RIE) for application in high-aspect-ratio microfabrication. High-aspect-ratio etching of materials used in micro- and nanofabrication has become a very important enabling technology particularly for bulk micromachining applications, but increasingly also for mainstream integrated circuit technology such as three-dimensional multi-functional systems integration. The characteristics of traditional RIE allow for high levels of anisotropy compared to competing technologies, which is important in microsystems device fabrication for a number of reasons, primarily because it allows the resultant device dimensions to be more accurately and precisely controlled. This directly leads to a reduction in development costs as well as improved production yields. Nevertheless, traditional RIE was limited to moderate etch depths (e.g., a few microns). More recent developments in newer RIE methods and equipment have enabled considerably deeper etches and higher aspect ratios compared to traditional RIE methods and have revolutionized bulk micromachining technologies. The most widely known of these technologies is called the inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and this has become a mainstay for development and production of silicon-based micro- and nano-machined devices. This paper will review deep high-aspect-ratio reactive ion etching technologies for silicon, fused silica (quartz), glass, silicon carbide, compound semiconductors and piezoelectric materials.
Air-Gap Interrogation of Surface Plasmon Resonance in Otto Configuration
Authors: Lee Yeonsu , Kim Jiwon , Sim Sungmin , Llamas-Garro Ignacio , Kim Jungmu
Published: August 2021

In this study, a micromachined chip in Otto configuration with multiple air-gaps (1.86 μm, 2.42 μm, 3.01 μm, 3.43 μm) was fabricated, and the resonance characteristics for each air-gap was measured with a 980 nm laser source. To verify the variability of the reflectance characteristics of the Otto configuration and its applicability to multiple gas detection, the air-gap between the prism and metal film was adjusted by using a commercial piezoactuator. We experimentally verified that the SPR characteristics of the Otto chip configuration have a dependence on the air-gap distance and wavelength of the incident light. When a light source having a wavelength of 977 nm is used, the minimum reflectance becomes 0.22 when the displacement of the piezoactuator is about 9.3 μm.
Research on Decomposition of Offset in MEMS Capacitive Accelerometer
Authors: Dong Xianshan , Huang Yun , Lai Ping , Huang Qinwen , Su Wei , Li Shiyuan , Xu Wei
Published: August 2021

In a MEMS capacitive accelerometer, there is an offset due to mechanical and electrical factors, and the offset would deteriorate the performance of the accelerometer. Reducing the offset from mechanism would benefit the improvement in performance. Yet, the compositions of the offset are complex and mix together, so it is difficult to decompose the offset to provide guidance for the reduction. In this work, a decomposition method of offset in a MEMS capacitive accelerometer was proposed. The compositions of the offset were first analyzed quantitatively, and methods of measuring key parameters were developed. Based on our proposed decomposition method, the experiment of offset decomposition with a closed-loop MEMS capacitive accelerometer was carried out. The results showed that the offset successfully decomposed, and the major source was from the fabricated gap mismatch in the MEMS sensor. This work provides a new way for analyzing the offset in a MEMS capacitive accelerometer, and it is helpful for purposefully taking steps to reduce the offset and improve accelerometer performance.
Features of the Opportunistic Behaviour of the Marine Bacterium Marinobacter algicola in the Microalga Ostreococcus tauri Phycosphere
Authors: Pinto Jordan , Lami Raphaël , Krasovec Marc , Grimaud Régis , Urios Laurent , Lupette Josselin , Escande Marie-Line , Sanchez Frédéric , Intertaglia Laurent , Grimsley Nigel , Piganeau Gwenaël , Sanchez-Brosseau Sophie
Published: August 2021

Although interactions between microalgae and bacteria are observed in both natural environment and the laboratory, the modalities of coexistence of bacteria inside microalgae phycospheres in laboratory cultures are mostly unknown. Here, we focused on well-controlled cultures of the model green picoalga Ostreococcus tauri and the most abundant member of its phycosphere, Marinobacter algicola. The prevalence of M. algicola in O. tauri cultures raises questions about how this bacterium maintains itself under laboratory conditions in the microalga culture. The results showed that M. algicola did not promote O. tauri growth in the absence of vitamin B12 while M. algicola depended on O. tauri to grow in synthetic medium, most likely to obtain organic carbon sources provided by the microalgae. M. algicola grew on a range of lipids, including triacylglycerols that are known to be produced by O. tauri in culture during abiotic stress. Genomic screening revealed the absence of genes of two particular modes of quorum-sensing in Marinobacter genomes which refutes the idea that these bacterial communication systems operate in this genus. To date, the ‘opportunistic’ behaviour of M. algicola in the laboratory is limited to several phytoplanktonic species including Chlorophyta such as O. tauri. This would indicate a preferential occurrence of M. algicola in association with these specific microalgae under optimum laboratory conditions.
From Water into Sediment—Tracing Freshwater Cyanobacteria via DNA Analyses
Authors: Nwosu Ebuka Canisius , Roeser Patricia , Yang Sizhong , Ganzert Lars , Dellwig Olaf , Pinkerneil Sylvia , Brauer Achim , Dittmann Elke , Wagner Dirk , Liebner Susanne
Published: August 2021

Sedimentary ancient DNA-based studies have been used to probe centuries of climate and environmental changes and how they affected cyanobacterial assemblages in temperate lakes. Due to cyanobacteria containing potential bloom-forming and toxin-producing taxa, their approximate reconstruction from sediments is crucial, especially in lakes lacking long-term monitoring data. To extend the resolution of sediment record interpretation, we used high-throughput sequencing, amplicon sequence variant (ASV) analysis, and quantitative PCR to compare pelagic cyanobacterial composition to that in sediment traps (collected monthly) and surface sediments in Lake Tiefer See. Cyanobacterial composition, species richness, and evenness was not significantly different among the pelagic depths, sediment traps and surface sediments (p > 0.05), indicating that the cyanobacteria in the sediments reflected the cyanobacterial assemblage in the water column. However, total cyanobacterial abundances (qPCR) decreased from the metalimnion down the water column. The aggregate-forming (Aphanizomenon) and colony-forming taxa (Snowella) showed pronounced sedimentation. In contrast, Planktothrix was only very poorly represented in sediment traps (meta- and hypolimnion) and surface sediments, despite its highest relative abundance at the thermocline (10 m water depth) during periods of lake stratification (May–October). We conclude that this skewed representation in taxonomic abundances reflects taphonomic processes, which should be considered in future DNA-based paleolimnological investigations.