bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Trends in Precision Medicine: A Pilot Study of Pure Light Scattering Analysis as a Useful Tool for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Diagnosis
Authors: Rossi Domenico , Dannhauser David , Nastri Bianca Maria , Ballini Andrea , Fiorelli Alfonso , Santini Mario , Netti Paolo Antonio , Scacco Salvatore , Marino Maria Michela , Causa Filippo , Boccellino Mariarosaria , Di Domenico Marina
Published: October 2021

Background: To date, in personalized medicine approaches, single-cell analyses such as circulating tumour cells (CTC) are able to reveal small structural cell modifications, and therefore can retrieve several biophysical cell properties, such as the cell dimension, the dimensional relationship between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and the optical density of cellular sub-compartments. On this basis, we present in this study a new morphological measurement approach for the detection of vital CTC from pleural washing in individual non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Materials and methods: After a diagnosis of pulmonary malignancy, pleural washing was collected from nine NSCLC patients. The collected samples were processed with a density gradient separation process. Light scattering analysis was performed on a single cell. The results of this analysis were used to obtain the cell’s biophysical pattern and, later on, as basis for Machine Learning (ML) on unknown samples. Results: Morphological single-cell analysis followed by ML show a predictive picture for an NSCLC patient, screening that it is possible to distinguish CTC from other cells. Moreover, we find that the proposed measurement approach was fast, reliable, label-free, identifying and count CTC in a biological fluid. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that CTC Biophysical Profile by Pure Light Scattering in NSCLC could be used as a promising diagnostic candidate in NSCLC patients.
Transnational and Transdisciplinary Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dutheil Frédéric , Navel Valentin , Baker Julien S. , Tran Emilie , Cole Alistair , Quach Binh , Jiao Jiao , Bouillon-Minois Jean-Baptiste , Clinchamps Maëlys
Published: October 2021

On 7 January 2020, China identified a virus called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) [...]
Animal Training, Environmental Enrichment, and Animal Welfare: A History of Behavior Analysis in Zoos
Authors: Fernandez Eduardo J. , Martin Allison L.
Published: October 2021

The modern zoo has been associated with two major behavioral welfare advances: (a) the use of training to increase voluntary husbandry care, and (b) the implementation of environmental enrichment to promote naturalistic behaviors. Both practices have their roots in behavior analysis, or the operant conditioning-centered, reward-based approach to behavioral psychology. Operant conditioning served as the foundation for the development of reinforcement-based training methods commonly used in zoos to make veterinary and husbandry procedures easier and safer for animals and their caregivers. Likewise, operant conditioning, with its focus on arranging environmental antecedents and consequences to change behavior, also provided a framework for successful environmental enrichment practices. In this paper, we outline the key individuals and events that shaped two of the cornerstones of the modern zoo: (1) the emergence of reward-based husbandry training practices, and (2) the engineering of environmental enrichment. In addition, we (3) suggest ways in which behavior analysis can continue to advance zoo welfare by (i) expanding the efficacy of environmental enrichment, (ii) using within-subject methodology, and (iii) improving animal-visitor interactions. Our goal is to provide a historical and contextual reference for future efforts to improve the well-being of zoo animals.
Overcoming Key Barriers for Secondary Cloud Forest Management in Mexico
Authors: Toledo-Aceves Tarin , Guariguata Manuel R. , Günter Sven , Porter-Bolland Luciana , Merino Leticia
Published: October 2021

Secondary cloud forests (SCFs), those that regenerate naturally following abandonment of human activities in previously deforested land, are of great value as refuges of high species diversity and for their critical role in hydrological regulation. This opinion paper analyzes the main environmental, socio-economic, and regulatory aspects that currently hamper the sustainable use and conservation of SCFs in Mexico for the provision of timber and ecosystem services. The main constraints identified include contradictory norms and policies and the marginalization of smallholders in timber production activities. Developing economic incentives for forest product harvesting and provision of ecosystem services derived from SCFs, while also addressing legal and normative aspects related to their sustainable use, is paramount. Given the high heterogeneity in floristic composition and stand structure of SCFs among localities, technical and social norms for sustainable use should be sufficiently flexible to allow adaptive management approaches. Future research areas should be focused on monitoring the response of SCFs to silvicultural interventions, documenting existing traditional practices as well as conducting socio-economic analyses of timber production and associated ecosystem services. This is essential for developing sound policies and approaches for the sustainable use and long-term management of SCFs in Mexico.
Moving the 2030 Agenda Ahead: Exploring the Role of Multiple Mediators toward Perceived Environment and Social Sustainability in Residential Neighbourhoods
Authors: Hedayati Marzbali Massoomeh , Abdullah Aldrin , Maghsoodi Tilaki Mohammad Javad , Safizadeh Mina
Published: October 2021

Neighbourhood safety represents an important topic of study to illustrate the reasons behind the increases in crime and mitigate its effects in neighbourhoods. This study examines how the social and environmental features of neighbourhoods may influence the social sustainability of residents based on the assumption that the perception of safety and social cohesion mediates the effects of neighbourhood environment on social sustainability. A quantitative method was employed to collect data from residents in a low-rise residential area in Penang, Malaysia. The results of structural equation modelling (SEM) indicated the positive and significant effect of neighbourhood accessibility on perceived disorder, whilst the effect of accessibility on social cohesion was negative. Disorders may comprise social and physical disorders, and may have a negative effect on perception of safety, but not on social cohesion. The relationship between disorders and social sustainability is serially mediated by the perception of safety and social cohesion. This implies that those who perceived high disorderliness in a neighbourhood environment reported a lower level of perception of safety, social cohesion and lower levels of social sustainability. Attempts need to be made to reduce neighbourhood disorderliness to pave the way for 2030 Agenda goals implementation.
Land Use and Land Cover Change in the Yellow River Basin from 1980 to 2015 and Its Impact on the Ecosystem Services
Authors: Liu Bo , Pan Libo , Qi Yue , Guan Xiao , Li Junsheng
Published: October 2021

Land use and land cover change is an important driving force for changes in ecosystem services. We defined several important human-induced land cover change processes such as Ecological Restoration Project, Cropland Expansion, Land Degradation, and Urbanization by the land use/land cover transition matrix method. We studied human-induced land cover changes in the Yellow River Basin from 1980 to 2015 and evaluated its impact on ecosystem service values by the benefit transfer method and elasticity coefficient. The results show that the cumulative area of human-induced land cover change reaches 65.71 million ha from 1980 to 2015, which is close to the total area of the Yellow River Basin. Before 2000, Ecological Restoration Project was the most important human-induced land cover change process. However, due to the large amount of cropland expansion and land degradation, the area of natural vegetation was reduced and the ecosystem value declined. Since 2000, due to the implementation of the “Grain for Green” program, the natural vegetation of upstream area and midstream area of Yellow River Basin has been significantly improved. This implies that under an appropriate policy framework, a small amount of human-induced land cover change can also improve ecosystem services significantly.
The Evolution of the Urban Residential Space Structure and Driving Forces in the Megacity—A Case Study of Shenyang City
Authors: Sun He , Li Xueming , Guan Yingying , Tian Shenzhen , Liu He
Published: October 2021

For megacities, they are in a period of transformation from extensive development to smart growth. Recognizing new characteristics and new changes of the residential space in megacities under the backdrop of new development has great practical significance for realizing the sustainable development of the city. As the only megacity in Northeast China, Shenyang was selected to be the research object, with 1989–2018 as the research period. The research comprehensively used multiple spatial representation methods and statistical methods to study the residential space pattern and driving factors in Shenyang City. The results showed that: (1) Residential space expansion can be divided into four stages: slow development, rapid expansion, speedy expansion, and stable extension. (2) The residential space structure presented a spatial evolution characteristic of overall expansion, forming multiple secondary core density centers. The east-west direction had a larger extension range than the northeast-southwest direction. There was an axisymmetric zonal distribution on both sides of the Hun River. (3) The agglomeration of different residential forms was obvious, and the spatial heterogeneity was increasingly stronger. (4) Urban planning measures and economic strength were the main driving forces of residential space expansion.
Foliar Fungal Endophytes in a Tree Diversity Experiment Are Driven by the Identity but Not the Diversity of Tree Species
Authors: Kambach Stephan , Sadlowski Christopher , Peršoh Derek , Guerreiro Marco Alexandre , Auge Harald , Röhl Oliver , Bruelheide Helge
Published: October 2021

Symbiotic foliar fungal endophytes can have beneficial effects on host trees and might alleviate climate-induced stressors. Whether and how the community of foliar endophytes is dependent on the tree neighborhood is still under debate with contradicting results from different tree diversity experiments. Here, we present our finding regarding the effect of the tree neighborhood from the temperate, densely planted and 12-years-old Kreinitz tree diversity experiment. We used linear models, redundancy analysis, Procrustes analysis and Holm-corrected multiple t-tests to quantify the effects of the plot-level tree neighborhood on the diversity and composition of foliar fungal endophytes in Fagus sylvatica, Quercus petraea and Picea abies. Against our expectations, we did not find an effect of tree diversity on endophyte diversity. Endophyte composition, however, was driven by the identity of the host species. Thirteen endophytes where overabundant in tree species mixtures, which might indicate frequent spillover or positive interactions between foliar endophytes. The independence of the diversity of endophytes from the diversity of tree species might be attributed to the small plot size and the high density of tree individuals. However, the mechanistic causes for these cryptic relationships still remain to be uncovered.
Structure, Activity, and Function of the Protein Lysine Methyltransferase G9a
Authors: Poulard Coralie , Noureddine Lara M. , Pruvost Ludivine , Le Romancer Muriel
Published: October 2021

G9a is a lysine methyltransferase catalyzing the majority of histone H3 mono- and dimethylation at Lys-9 (H3K9), responsible for transcriptional repression events in euchromatin. G9a has been shown to methylate various lysine residues of non-histone proteins and acts as a coactivator for several transcription factors. This review will provide an overview of the structural features of G9a and its paralog called G9a-like protein (GLP), explore the biochemical features of G9a, and describe its post-translational modifications and the specific inhibitors available to target its catalytic activity. Aside from its role on histone substrates, the review will highlight some non-histone targets of G9a, in order gain insight into their role in specific cellular mechanisms. Indeed, G9a was largely described to be involved in embryonic development, hypoxia, and DNA repair. Finally, the involvement of G9a in cancer biology will be presented.
Novel Synthesis of N-Acetylcysteine Medicine Using an Effective Method
Authors: Ziaee Farzaneh , Ziaee Mohammad
Published: October 2021

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is mainly administrated as a mucolytic medication, antioxidant supplement, antidote in paracetamol overdose, and a drug for the prevention of diabetic kidney disease. Its effect has been investigated for the treatment of several diseases such as COVID-19. In this work, an effective method for high-yield synthesis of N-acetylcysteine is proposed. This drug can be synthesized in a single-batch step instead of using a multi-stage process. The proposed method has shown the potential to be considered as an alternative method for producing NAC. The purification process was carried out using suitable solvents to reach a high level of purity. The characterization of the synthesized drug was undertaken through Elemental analysis, Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and melting point analyses.
Ultrasonic Pulsating Water Jet Peening: Influence of Pressure and Pattern Strategy
Authors: Stolárik Gabriel , Nag Akash , Petrů Jana , Svobodová Jaroslava , Hloch Sergej
Published: October 2021

Peening techniques are nowadays attracting more research attention due to their association with the extending of the service life and improving surface texture of engineering components. Ultrasonic pulsating water jet peening represents a new way of mechanical surface treatment. Accelerated water droplets via hammer effect cause small elastic-plastic deformations on the surface. This work deals with peening of aluminum alloy using an ultrasonic pulsating water jet, where periodically acting water droplets were used as the peening medium. The aim of the work was the feasibility study of the peening process and to observe the effects of pressure (p = 10, 20 and 30 MPa) and pattern trajectory (linear hatch and cross hatch). The peened surfaces were analyzed by the surface roughness profile parameters Ra and Rz and the microhardness along the peening axis into the material. Graphically processed results show a clear increase of measured values with increasing pressure (p = 10, 20 and 30 MPa), where the roughness values ranged from 1.89 µm to 4.11 µm, and the microhardness values ranged from 43.3 HV0.005 to 47 HV0.005, as compared to 40.3 HV0.005 obtained for the untreated sample. The achieved results indicate potential using of an ultrasonic pulsating water jet as a new method of surface treatment of metals. By controlled distribution of water droplets, it is possible to achieve a local distribution of surface roughness, and at the same time, strengthening of the subsurface layers in the material without thermal influence on the material.
Influence of Degradation Product Thickness on the Elastic Stiffness of Porous Absorbable Scaffolds Made from an Bioabsorbable Zn–Mg Alloy
Authors: Bühring Jannik , Voshage Maximilian , Schleifenbaum Johannes Henrich , Jahr Holger , Schröder Kai-Uwe
Published: October 2021

For orthopaedic applications, additive manufactured (AM) porous scaffolds made of absorbable metals such as magnesium, zinc or iron are of particular interest. They do not only offer the potential to design and fabricate bio-mimetic or rather bone-equivalent mechanical properties, they also do not need to be removed in further surgery. Located in a physiological environment, scaffolds made of absorbable metals show a decreasing Young’s modulus over time, due to product dissolution. For magnesium-based scaffolds during the first days an increase of the smeared Young’s modulus can be observed, which is mainly attributed to a forming substrate layer of degradation products on the strut surfaces. In this study, the influence of degradation products on the stiffness properties of metallic scaffolds is investigated. For this, analytical calculations and finite-element simulations are performed to study the influence of the substrate layer thickness and Young’s modulus for single struts and for a new scaffold geometry with adapted polar cubic face-centered unit cells with vertical struts (f2cc,z). The finite-element model is further validated by compression tests on AM scaffolds made from Zn1Mg (1 wt% Mg). The results show that even low thicknesses and Young’s moduli of the substrate layer significantly increases the smeared Young’s modulus under axial compression.
Geotechnical and Environmental Assessment of Blast Furnace Slag for Engineering Applications
Authors: Sas Wojciech , Dzięcioł Justyna , Radzevičius Algirdas , Radziemska Maja , Dapkienė Midona , Šadzevičius Raimondas , Skominas Rytis , Głuchowski Andrzej
Published: October 2021

The increasing demand for building materials in the road industry creates interest for a new source of high-quality aggregates. In order to conserve natural resources, more attention is focused on anthropogenic soils and industrial solid wastes. For the successful application of these types of soil, a series of geotechnical and environmental tests have to be conducted. A potential hazard in the reuse of wastes from thermal degradation in the construction industry, particularly in reinforced concrete (RC) construction, is the migration of heavy metals into the groundwater environment. In this article, a geotechnical assessment of blast furnace slag (BFS) properties is presented. We conducted a series of CBR, and oedometric tests to evaluate the feasibility of BFS application in earth construction. The oedometric test results show acceptable compression characteristics which are in the range of natural aggregates. The CBR shows that this material may be used as a pavement subbase. We also noticed the preconsolidation pressure phenomenon in both Proctor and vibro-compacted soil during the oedometric test. The compression index and recompression index value show that the compression characteristics are close to those of dense sand. Based on the results described in the article, blast furnace slag is a candidate for technological application and can become one of the elements of sustainable development by contributing to a reduction in the negative environmental impact of production and use of building materials.
Urea-Assisted Synthesis of Mesoporous TiO2 Photocatalysts for the Efficient Removal of Clofibric Acid from Water
Authors: Favier Lidia , Sescu Amalia Maria , Abdelkader Elaziouti , Oughebbi Berthou Laurence , Lutic Doina
Published: October 2021

Mesoporous TiO2 photocatalysts intended for the advanced removal of clofibric acid (CA) from water were synthesized by the sol-gel method in a medium containing cetyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide (CTAB) and urea, using either ethanol or isopropanol to dilute the TiO2 precursor. The activation of the samples was undertaken at 550, 650 and 750 °C. The XRD revealed that the nature of the solvent resulted in significant differences in the anatase-to-rutile ratios obtained at different temperatures. The specific surface area values were situated between 9 and 43 m2·g−1 and the band gap values were similar for all the samples. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples was examined for the degradation of CA, an emergent water contaminant. The photocatalytic tests performed under UV-A irradiation revealed that the photo-reactivity of these materials depends on the calcination temperature. The best results were obtained for the samples calcined at 750 °C, which showed high yields of CA elimination, as well as almost complete mineralization (over 95%) after 180 min of reaction. Good results in terms of catalyst reusability in the reaction were found for the catalyst showing the highest photo-reactivity. Therefore, the samples can be considered good candidates for future water remediation applications.
Mechano-Chemical Synthesis, Structural Features and Optical Gap of Hybrid CH3NH3CdBr3 Perovskite
Authors: Alonso José Antonio , Kayser Paula , Hong Bo-Kyung , Álvarez-Galván María Consuelo , Fauth Francois , Alberto López Carlos
Published: October 2021

Hybrid methyl-ammonium (MA:CH3NH3+) lead halide MAPbX3 (X = halogen) perovskites exhibit an attractive optoelectronic performance that can be applied to the next generation of solar cells. To extend the field of interest of these hybrid materials, we describe the synthesis by a solvent-free ball-milling procedure, yielding a well crystallized, pure and moisture stable specimen of the Cd tribromide counterpart, MACdBr3, which contains chains of face-sharing CdBr6 octahedra in a framework defined in the Cmc21 (No 36) space group. The details of the structural arrangement at 295 K have been investigated by high angular resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction (SXRD), including the orientation of the organic MA units, which are roughly aligned along the c direction, given the acentric nature of the space group. UV-vis spectra unveil a gap of 4.6 eV, which could be useful for ultraviolet detectors.
Calculation Derivation and Test Verification of Indirect Tensile Strength of Asphalt Pavement Interlayers at Low Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Qian , Fang Zhihe , Xu Yiheng , Ma Zhao
Published: October 2021

When the direct tensile test is adopted to determine the interlayer tensile strength of the asphalt pavements, specimen separation or internal cracking often occurs at the bonding area of the loading head, rather than at the interlaminar bonding interface. In view of the tedious and discrete data of the direct tensile test, this paper attempts to introduce an indirect tensile test to determine the interlayer bond strength of asphalt pavement to solve this problem. However, the indirect tensile test method of a binder lacks the corresponding mechanical theory. This paper deduces the calculation formula of the indirect tensile strength of a binder based on elastic theory. A mechanical model of the test was established with the finite element method. In accordance with the two-dimensional elastic theory and the Flamant solution, an analytical solution of tensile stress in the indirect tensile test is proposed through the stress superposition. On this basis, the calculation formula for the indirect tensile strength of the interlaminar bonding is derived according to Tresca’s law. A low-temperature indirect tensile test was designed and conducted to verify the correctness of the formula. By comparing the results of the indirect tensile test and direct tensile test, it is found that the interlaminar strength of the mixture measured by them is similar, and the dispersion of indirect tensile test results is small. The results show that the indirect tensile test can replace the direct tensile test to evaluate the interlaminar tensile strength.
Review of Solutions for the Use of Phase Change Materials in Geopolymers
Authors: Łach Michał , Pławecka Kinga , Bąk Agnieszka , Adamczyk Marcin , Bazan Patrycja , Kozub Barbara , Korniejenko Kinga , Lin Wei-Ting
Published: October 2021

The paper deals with the possibility of using Phase Change Materials (PCM) in concretes and geopolymer composites. The article presents the most important properties of PCM materials, their types, and their characteristics. A review of the latest research results related to their use in geopolymer materials is presented. The benefits of using PCM in building materials include the improvement of thermal comfort inside the building, and also the fact that the additive in the form of PCM reduces thermal gradients and unifies the temperature inside the concrete mix, which can reduce the risk of cracking. The paper also presents a critical analysis related to the feasibility of mass scale implementations of such composites. It was found that the use of PCM in sustainable construction is necessary and inevitable, and will bring a number of benefits, but it still requires large financial resources and time for more comprehensive research. Despite the fact that PCM materials have been known for many years, it is necessary to refine their form to very stable phases that can be used in general construction as well as to develop them in a cost-effective form. The selection of these materials should also be based on the knowledge of the matrix material.
Histomorphometric, Immunohistochemical and Microtomographic Comparison between Autogenous and Xenogenous Bone Blocks for Mandibular Lateral Augmentation in Rabbits
Authors: Silva Erick Ricardo , Balan Vitor Ferreira , Botticelli Daniele , Soldini Claudio , Okamoto Roberta , Xavier Samuel Porfirio
Published: October 2021

Background: The volumetric and biological behaviors of equine block grafts compared with autogenous block grafts have not yet been assessed. Hence, the aim of the present study was to compare—by means of histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and microtomography—the graft incorporation and remodeling processes of autogenous and equine xenogenous bone blocks used for mandibular lateral augmentation in rabbits. Methods: Autogenous bone grafts harvested from the iliac bony crest and equine block grafts were secured to the lateral aspect of the mandible angle of eighteen rabbits. The healing after 7, 20 and 60 days was assessed in six animals each period. Results: After 60 days, new bone was present 24.2 ± 11.2% and 31.6 ± 13.3% in the autograft and xenograft groups, respectively. A better integration to the recipient sites was observed in the autogenous compared with the xenogenous blocks. Conclusions: Both xenogenous and autogenous bone blocks presented similar percentages of newly formed bone over time. However, bone volume, the quality of the grafted area and graft incorporation to the recipient sites were superior in the autogenous compared with the equine xenogenous graft sites.
Deflection Analysis of Layered Slabs with Plastic Inserts
Authors: Masėnas Juozas , Šalna Remigijus , Juknevičius Linas , Valivonis Juozas
Published: October 2021

The article deals with experimental and numerical research of the layered reinforced concrete slab with plastic inserts. The investigated layered reinforced concrete slab is made of prefabricated and monolithic reinforced concrete layers. Voids were formed in the plate with spherical plastic inserts. With reference to the built-up bars theory, the paper proposes an analytical method for calculating the deflection of the layered reinforced concrete structures in non-linear stage, when bond between layers is partially rigid. The article also focuses on the numerical simulation of the layered slab, compares the estimated theoretical values of deflection with the experimental values and assesses the shear stiffness of the bond of prefabricated and monolithic concrete layers for calculating the deflection of the reinforced concrete slab. Paper presents the parametric analysis of deflection dependence on shear stiffness and the width of the contact zone of the layers. It was established that proposed analytical method and numerical analysis properly characterise the behaviour of the slab. Calculation results were close to experimental data. Moreover, it was determined that performance of this type of slab is highly influenced by shear stiffness of the bond between the concrete layers. Analysis confirmed that slab fails when bond is damaged, and layers slip in the support zone.
Critical Flicker Fusion Frequency: A Narrative Review
Authors: Mankowska Natalia D. , Marcinkowska Anna B. , Waskow Monika , Sharma Rita I. , Kot Jacek , Winklewski Pawel J.
Published: October 2021

This review presents the current knowledge of the usage of critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF) in human and animal model studies. CFF has a wide application in different fields, especially as an indicator of cortical arousal and visual processing. In medicine, CFF may be helpful for diagnostic purposes, for example in epilepsy or minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Given the environmental studies and a limited number of other methods, it is applicable in diving and hyperbaric medicine. Current research also shows the relationship between CFF and other electrophysiological methods, such as electroencephalography. The human eye can detect flicker at 50–90 Hz but reports are showing the possibility to distinguish between steady and modulated light up to 500 Hz. Future research with the use of CFF is needed to better understand its utility and application.
Effects of Task-Specific Training after Cognitive Sensorimotor Exercise on Proprioception, Spasticity, and Gait Speed in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Kim Kyung-Hun , Jang Sang-Hun
Published: October 2021

Background and objectives: Common problems in stroke patients include loss of proprioception, spasticity, and impaired gait. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of task-specific training (TST) combined with cognitive sensorimotor exercise (CSE) on proprioception, spasticity and gait speed in stroke patients. Materials andMethods: Thirty-seven subjects were randomly divided into three groups; (1) the TST after CSE group (Experimental I, n = 13); (2) the TST group (Experimental II, n = 12), and (3) a conventional physical therapy training group (control group, n = 12). Evaluations were performed before the commencement of training and again eight weeks after training was initiated. An electrogoniometer was used to evaluate proprioception variation. The composite spasticity score (CSS) and MyotonePRO were used to evaluate spasticity. In addition, 10 m walk test was used to assess gait speed. Results: After training, the Experimental I group showed significant improvement in proprioception compared to the Experimental II and control group (p < 0.05). In CSS, gastrocnemius muscle tone (GMT) and gait speed among three groups, Experimental I group differed significantly after eight weeks of training compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that the TST combined with CSE provided significant improvements in proprioception, spasticity, and gait speed.
Low Body Mass Index as a Predictive Factor for Postoperative Infectious Complications after Ureterorenoscopic Lithotripsy
Authors: Seike Kensaku , Ishida Takashi , Taniguchi Tomoki , Fujimoto Shota , Kato Daiki , Takai Manabu , Iinuma Koji , Nakane Keita , Uno Hiromi , Tamaki Masayoshi , Komeda Hisao , Koie Takuya
Published: October 2021

Background and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate predictive factors of postoperative fever (POF) after ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy (URSL). Materials and Methods: A total of 594 consecutive patients who underwent URSL for urinary stone disease at Gifu Municipal Hospital and Chuno Kosei Hospital between April 2016 and January 2021 were enrolled in this study. In all patients, antibiotics were routinely administered intraoperatively and the next day after surgery. We used rigid and/or flexible ureterorenoscopes depending on the stone location for URSL. Stones were fragmented using a holmium: YAG laser. The fragments of the stone were manually removed as much as possible using a stone basket catheter. A ureteral stent was placed at the end of the surgery in all cases. Results: The median age and body mass index (BMI) in all patients were 62 years and 23.8 kg/m2, respectively. The median operation duration was 52 min. The most common URSL-related complication was POF in 28 (4.7%) patients. In these patients, the rates of antibiotic administration and ureteral stent insertion before surgery were significantly higher than in those without POF. In multivariate analysis, BMI was associated with POF after URSL. There were no significant differences in predicting POF after surgery in patients who had bacteriuria or received antibiotics before surgery. Conclusions: A low BMI was significantly associated with POF after URS or URSL.
Programmed Plastic Deformation in Mathematically-Designed Architected Cellular Materials
Authors: Al-Ketan Oraib
Published: October 2021

The ability to control the exhibited plastic deformation behavior of cellular materials under certain loading conditions can be harnessed to design more reliable and structurally efficient damage-tolerant materials for crashworthiness and protective equipment applications. In this work, a mathematically-based design approach is proposed to program the deformation behavior of cellular materials with minimal surface-based topologies and ductile constituent material by employing the concept of functional grading to control the local relative density of unit cells. To demonstrate the applicability of this design tactic, two examples are presented. Rhombic, and double arrow deformation profiles were programmed as the desired deformation patterns. Grayscale images were used to map the relative density distribution of the cellular material. 316L stainless steel metallic samples were fabricated using the powder bed fusion additive manufacturing technique. Results of compressive tests showed that the designed materials followed the desired programmed deformation behavior. Results of mechanical testing also showed that samples with programmed deformation exhibited higher plateau stress and toughness values as compared to their uniform counterparts while no effect on Young’s modulus was observed. Plateau stress values increased by 8.6% and 13.4% and toughness values increased by 5.6% and 11.2% for the graded-rhombic and graded-arrow patterns, respectively. Results of numerical simulations predicted the exact deformation behavior that was programmed in the samples and that were obtained experimentally.
Investigation into Biomass Tar-Based Carbon Deposits as Reduction Agents on Iron Ore Using the Tar Impregnation Method
Authors: Zulkania Ariany , Rochmadi Rochmadi , Cahyono Rochim Bakti , Hidayat Muslikhin
Published: October 2021

Increasing carbon deposits in iron ore to upgrade the reduction rate can be performed by impregnating iron ore in tar. Carbon containing iron ore was prepared from low-grade iron ore and biomass tar, which was generated from palm kernel shell (PKS) pyrolysis using the impregnation method. The optimum condition of the method was investigated by varying the tar-iron ore ratio (1 and 1.5) and impregnation time (0 and 24 h). After the carbonization of the tar–iron ore mixture in a flow-type quartz tubular fixed-bed reactor at 500 °C for an hour, the carbon deposits adhered well to surfaces of all iron ore samples. The carbon deposits increased when the ratio of tar-iron ore was enhanced. The effect of impregnation time on the formed carbon deposit only applied to the tar-iron ore ratio of 1, but it had a weak effect on the ratio of 1.5. The highest carbon content was obtained from the impregnation of a biomass tar–iron ore mixture with the ratio of 1.5 which was directly carbonized. In addition, the high water content of biomass tar affected the reformation of FeOOH at the impregnation within 24 h. Furthermore, the reduction reactivity of the obtained carbonized ore, which was observed using thermogravimetric analysis, was perceptible. The carbon deposits on iron ore were able to demote total weight loss up to 23%, compared to 8% of the dehydrated ore, during the heating process to 950 °C. The carbon content obtained from iron ore impregnation with biomass tar can act as reduction agents, thereby enhancing the reduction reactivity.
Enhancement of Imperfection Detection Capabilities in TIG Welding of the Infrared Monitoring System
Authors: Górka Jacek , Jamrozik Wojciech
Published: October 2021

For a low cost, there are industrial infrared monitoring systems used for imperfection detection and identification in welded joints. The key drawback that impedes real life industrial applications is the low spatial resolution, as well as the temporal resolution of low-cost infrared (IR) cameras. This is also the case in tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Taking into consideration the influence of voltage on the arc energy and heat input, high frequency sampled voltage was used to evaluate the interpolated temporal resolution of IR sequences. Additionally, a reflected temperature correction method was proposed to reduce the uncertainty of absolute temperature measurement with a thermographic camera. The proposed method was applied to detect several imperfection types, such as lack of or incomplete penetration as well as incorrect weld shape and size (including burnouts). Results obtained for different interpolation factors were compared. The obtained results emphasize the validity of reflected temperature correction method. For the weld defects detection task, the smallest detectable defect was found for various interpolation factors. Moreover, the correspondence of arc voltage and the joint temperature was checked. Additionally, a set of decision rules was elaborated on and applied to distinguish between various joint conditions. It was found that defects that do not have symmetrical temperature distribution with respect to the joint axis are harder to identify.
Phenomenological Models and Peculiarities of Evaluating Fatigue Life of Aluminum Alloys Subjected to Dynamic Non-Equilibrium Processes
Authors: Chausov Mykola , Pylypenko Andrii , Maruschak Pavlo , Menou Abdellah
Published: October 2021

Physical-mechanical models for predicting the fatigue life of aluminum alloys D16ChATW and 2024-T351 are proposed and tested. Damage accumulation patterns are established for these alloys in the initial state and after dynamic non-equilibrium processes (DNP) of different intensity that occur at maximum cycle stresses σmax from 340 to 440 MPa, cycle asymmetry coefficients R = 0.1 and load frequency f = 110 Hz. The main model parameters are the initial alloy hardness HV and the limiting parameters of scatter of hardness values m. These parameters are evaluated in the process of cyclic loading with fixed maximum stresses of the cycles. Relative values me are also considered. For the alloys in the initial state, the proposed models are shown to be in good agreement with the experimental results. Conversely, structural changes taking place in alloys after DNP complicate the prediction of their fatigue life.
Stress Triaxiality and Lode Angle Parameter Characterization of Flat Metal Specimen with Inclined Notch
Authors: Peng Jian , Zhou Peishuang , Wang Ying , Dai Qiao , Knowles David , Mostafavi Mahmoud
Published: October 2021

The stress state has an important effect on the deformation and failure of metals. While the stress states of the axisymmetric notched bars specimens are studied in the literature, the studies on the flat metal specimen with inclined notch are very limited and the stress state is not clearly characterized in them. In this paper, digital image correlation and finite element simulations are used to study the distribution of strain and stress state, that is stress triaxiality and Lode angle parameter. Flat specimen with inclined notch was tested to extract the full field strain evolution and calculate stress state parameters at three locations: specimen centre, notch root and failure starting point. It is found that compared with the centre point and the notch root, the failure initiation point can better characterize the influence of the notch angle on the strain evolution. Conversely, the centre point can more clearly characterize the effect of the notch angle on stress state, since the stress states at the failure point and the notch root change greatly during the plastic deformation. Then the calculated stress state parameters of the flat metal specimen with inclined notch at the centre point are used in Wierzbicki stress state diagram to establish a relationship between failure mode and stress state.
Validation of a Microstructure-Based Model for Predicting the High Strain Rate Flow Properties of Various Forms of Additively Manufactured Ti6Al4V(ELI) Alloy
Authors: Muiruri Amos , Maringa Maina , du Preez Willie
Published: October 2021

To increase the acceptance of direct metal laser sintered Ti6Al4V(Extra Low Interstitial—ELI) in industry, analytical models that can quantitatively describe the interrelationships between the microstructural features, field variables, such as temperature and strain rate, and the mechanical properties are necessary. In the present study, a physical model that articulates the critical microstructural features of grain sizes and dislocation densities for use in predicting the mechanical properties of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V(ELI) was developed. The flow stress curves of different microstructures of the alloy were used to obtain and refine the parameters of the physical model. The average grain size of a microstructure was shown to influence the athermal part of yield stress, while the initial dislocation density in a microstructure was seen to affect the shape of the flow stress curve. The viscous drag effect was also shown to play a critical role in explaining the upturn of flow stress at high strain rates. The microstructure-based constitutive model developed and validated in this article using experimental data showed good capacity to predict the high strain rate flow properties of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V(ELI) alloy.
Renovation of Crystallizer Surface Using Electrodeposited Alloy Coating to Increase High-Temperature Abrasion Resistance
Authors: Brezinová Janette , Hagarová Mária , Jakubéczyová Dagmar , Baranová Gabriela , Prentkovskis Olegas
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with the evaluation of mechanical and tribological properties of Ni-Co galvanic coatings at elevated temperatures. The coatings were deposited on the copper surface, which in practice is the material of the crystallizer. Ni-Co coatings are manufactured to increase the abrasion resistance of the crystallizer surface at elevated operating temperatures. The microhardness (HV0.05) measurements of the coating at 400 °C were used to determine its mechanical properties. The Ball-on-Disc Test was used to determine the tribological properties of the coatings at 400 °C. The mechanical and tribological properties of Ni-Co coatings at elevated temperature were compared to the results of experiments performed at room temperature. When heated to 400 °C, HV0.05 decreased by 9.5 to 22% (depending on Co content in the coating) compared to the values that were measured at 23 °C. The change in the COF for the Ni-Co coating at 400 °C was from 0.680 to 0.750 depending on the Co amount compared to the values at 23 °C. The COF values at room temperature ranged from 0.373 to 0.451. The places with higher wt. % Co had better friction properties than the places with lower wt. % Co.
Multi-Omics Analysis to Generate Hypotheses for Mild Health Problems in Monkeys
Authors: Hamano Fumie , Tokuoka Suzumi M. , Ishibashi Megumi , Yokoi Yasuto , Tourlousse Dieter M. , Kita Yoshihiro , Sekiguchi Yuji , Yasui Hiroyuki , Shimizu Takao , Oda Yoshiya
Published: October 2021

Certain symptoms associated with mild sickness and lethargy have not been categorized as definitive diseases. Confirming such symptoms in captive monkeys (Macaca fascicularis, known as cynomolgus monkeys) can be difficult; however, it is possible to observe and analyze their feces. In this study, we investigated the relationship between stool state and various omics data by considering objective and quantitative values of stool water content as a phenotype for analysis. By examining the food intake of the monkeys and assessing their stool, urine, and plasma, we attempted to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the health status of individual monkeys and correlate it with the stool condition. Our metabolomics data strongly suggested that many lipid-related metabolites were correlated with the stool water content. The lipidomic analysis revealed the involvement of saturated and oxidized fatty acids, metallomics revealed the contribution of selenium (a bio-essential trace element), and intestinal microbiota analysis revealed the association of several bacterial species with the stool water content. Based on our results, we hypothesize that the redox imbalance causes minor health problems. However, it is not possible to make a definite conclusion using multi-omics alone, and other hypotheses could be proposed.
Association of Cesarean Delivery and Formula Supplementation with the Stool Metabolome of 6-Week-Old Infants
Authors: Hoen Anne G. , Coker Modupe O. , Madan Juliette C. , Pathmasiri Wimal , McRitchie Susan , Dade Erika F. , Doherty Brett T. , Sumner Susan , Karagas Margaret R.
Published: October 2021

Cesarean delivery and formula feeding have both been implicated as important factors associated with perturbations to the infant gut microbiome. To investigate the functional metabolic response of the infant gut microbial milieu to these factors, we profiled the stool metabolomes of 121 infants from a US pregnancy cohort study at approximately 6 weeks of life and evaluated associations with delivery mode and feeding method. Multivariate analysis of six-week stool metabolomic profiles indicated discrimination by both delivery mode and diet. For diet, exclusively breast-fed infants exhibited metabolomic profiles that were distinct from both exclusively formula-fed and combination-fed infants, which were relatively more similar to each other in metabolomic profile. We also identified individual metabolites that were important for differentiating delivery mode groups and feeding groups and metabolic pathways related to delivery mode and feeding type. We conclude based on previous work and this current study that the microbial communities colonizing the gastrointestinal tracts of infants are not only taxonomically, but also functionally distinct when compared according to delivery mode and feeding groups. Further, different sets of metabolites and metabolic pathways define delivery mode and diet metabotypes.