bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Powder from chickling vetch valves in the production of functional biscuits
Authors: Jaboeva A.S. , Dumanisheva Z.S. , Toguzaeva A.Ch. , Shiritov A.A. , Thaitlov A.D.
Published: December 2020

Currently, it is necessary to search for non-traditional sources of plant raw materials characterized by a high content of indigestible polysaccharides having a beneficial effect on human body functions. One of the rich sources of high-molecular carbohydrates is the chickling vetch valves. The use of a new type of raw material in food production will expand the range of functional food products. The technology of powder from chickling vetch valves is developed, its organoleptic quality indicators are determined and the period of storage in warehouse premises is set. Based on the results of the study of the chemical composition of the powder, it was found that it is a valuable source of fiber, lignin, hemicellulose and pectin substances. It was found that when the powder is introduced into the recipe of biscuits in the amount of 1.1-2.2 % by weight of flour, the best organoleptic and physico-chemical quality indicators of finished products are achieved. It was found that when consuming 100 g of the developed products, the human body’s need for dietary fiber is met by 18.3-23.2 %.
Unused agricultural land in Russia - the significance and impact on the economy of agricultural production
Authors: Iovlev G.A. , Goldina I.I. , Zorkov V.S.
Published: December 2020

The problems of unused lands began to be dealt with almost immediately after the introduction of economic reforms. As a result of economic reforms, privatization in agriculture, the main agricultural enterprises - state farms, collective farms changed the form of ownership, and enterprises were also subdivided. As a result, a significant number of private enterprises, joint-stock companies of various types, agricultural cooperatives, peasant farms and private subsidiary farms appeared. Often, as a result of division and fragmentation, newly created enterprises found themselves without the appropriate material and technical base, and more often without financial resources. The next result of economic reforms was a spontaneous increase in the disparity of prices for agricultural and industrial products. As a result, it became impossible to carry out work on cultivation of agricultural crops on all available areas or to carry out work with violation of the technology of agricultural crops cultivation. As a result, the volume of acreage decreased, technologies and crop rotations were disrupted, and all this affected the financial condition of newly formed agricultural organizations. Another important reason that affects the withdrawal of agricultural land from turnover is the outflow of population from small settlements, they simply disappear. Land around these localities becomes “problematic” and is taken out of turnover. It should be noted that the next reason for the withdrawal of land from turnover is its low fertility and the presence of natural anomalies that require large material costs for the cultivation of agricultural crops. Therefore, the introduction of unused agricultural land into turnover provides for an increase in agricultural production, reducing unemployment in rural areas, and most importantly – ensuring state food security.
Identification of the features of the regions that are most preferable for the use of precision farming technologies in agricultural production
Authors: Gusev A.S. , Skvortsov E.A. , Vashukevich N.V.
Published: December 2020

As the main hypothesis, it is suggested that the existing unevenness in the number of precision farming elements used in agriculture in the subjects of the Russian Federation is related to regional characteristics and specific features of the agricultural sector of the regional economy. The purpose of the study is to identify the geographical features of the regions that are most preferable for the use of precision farming technology in agricultural production. Mathematical modeling uses data from 20 subjects of the Russian Federation on the dynamics of the introduction and use of precision farming elements and the characteristics of these regions for 14 different indicators that can in one way or another affect the introduction of these technologies. Multiple correlation was obtained using 5 characteristics of regions (the correlation coefficient was r=0.89±0.1). At the same time, two indicators (the change in the level of registered unemployment and the amount of subsidies per 1 ha of agricultural land) were inversely dependent on the result of the introduction of precision farming elements. The selected indicators determined the intensity of introduction of precision farming elements in the regions by almost 80% (the coefficient of determination was D=0.798). The identification of these features and the construction of an appropriate model allows to predict the most preferred regions for the use of precision farming elements in agricultural production based on the generalization of existing experience.
Nonparametric economic analysis of the level of technical efficiency of cattle meat production in the Krasnodar Krai in 2013-2018
Authors: Sayfetdinov Aleksandr , Sayfetdinova Polina
Published: December 2020

Calculations of estimates of the technical efficiency of production activities of agricultural organizations of the Krasnodar Krai that produce live weight gains of cattle in 2018 were performed. For this purpose, a nonparametric method is used, which compares the actual and potentially possible maximum production volumes calculated using the linear programming method for each specific commodity producer in a representative sample of enterprises and forming a broken boundary production function. The size of the potential for growth in the production of meat cattle products based on the existing livestock in the region was determined and priority areas for its implementation was identified. It was established that the main factors hindering the development of meat cattle breeding in the Krasnodar Krai are low potential of biological productivity of the livestock breeds used, use of unbalanced feed rations that lead to a large overspend of certain types of feed, and low labor productivity.
Myokarditis und COVID-19: Wo stehen wir?
Authors: Jakstaite Aiste Monika , Papathanasiou Maria , Lüdike Peter
Published: December 2020

Rasch zunehmende Evidenz und gehäufte Berichte zeigen, dass COVID-19 keine isolierte Erkrankung der Lunge ist, sondern eine Multisystemerkrankung mit wesentlicher Beteiligung des Herz-Kreislauf-Systems. Mittlerweile konnte gezeigt werden, dass bis zu 30% der COVID-19-Krankheitsverläufe mit einer Troponinerhöhung im Sinne einer Myocardial Injury assoziiert sind. Je schwerer der Krankheitsverlauf ist, desto häufiger scheint eine Herzbeteiligung zu sein. Darüber hinaus gibt es Hinweise, dass eine SARS-CoV-2-Infektion nicht nur zu akuten kardialen Komplikationen, sondern auch langfristig zu Schädigungen des Herzmuskels führen kann. Der komplexe Pathomechanismus der viralen Myokardschädigung ist in Gänze noch nicht verstanden und Gegenstand aktueller Forschung. Die Herzmuskelschädigung durch eine SARS-CoV-2-Infektion kann durch direkte Interaktion des Virus mit spezifischen Rezeptoren der Kardiomyozyten erfolgen oder indirekt als Folge der systemischen Entzündung mit
begleitender Endothelitis.
Soil-test critical values for wheat (Triticum aestivum) and canola (Brassica napus) in the high-rainfall cropping zone of southern Australia
Authors: McCaskill Malcolm R. , Riffkin Penny , Pearce Amanda , Christy Brendan , Norton Rob , Speirs Andrew , Clough Angela , Midwood Jon , Merry Angela , Suraweera Dilnee , Partington Debra
Published: December 2020

Nutrient deficiencies are considered a reason for commercial yields of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and canola (Brassica napus L.) in the high-rainfall zone (HRZ) of southern Australia being well below predicted potential yields. With the aim of developing soil-test interpretation guidelines suitable for HRZ conditions, nutrient-response experiments, 15 with wheat and 12 with canola, were conducted between 2015 and 2018. These experiments quantified responses to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in pre-sowing soil tests. The highest yielding treatment of the wheat experiments averaged 7.1 t/ha (range 2.6–10.8 t/ha), and of the canola experiments 4.2 t/ha (range 0.7–6.2 t/ha). The most frequent responses were to N and P, followed by S and K. There were no significant positive responses to Cu or Zn. Across the experiments, the 95% critical value for Colwell P in wheat was 52 mg/kg, with a 95% confidence range of 39–68 mg/kg. For canola, the critical value was 59 mg/kg, with a range of 38–139 mg/kg. These values are higher than from lower rainfall regions of Australia. Critical values for K and S were also higher than from drier regions of Australia. The Sprengel–Lieberg Law of the Minimum overestimated yield where there were multiple nutrient limitations, whereas an equivalent Law of the Product underestimated yield under these conditions. These higher critical values based on evidence from the HRZ are expected to assist in closing the yield gap for wheat and canola in the region.
Vocative melodies in Spanish and English
Authors: Robles-Puente Sergio
Published: December 2020

This study aims to describe the melodic contours used in Spanish and English calling vocatives in order to identify
cross-linguistic similarities and differences. Additionally, it also explores how the sociopragmatic factor of formality may
condition contour choices in both languages. 18 speakers of Spanish and 18 speakers of English produced a total of 432 one-word
vocatives in formal and informal situations. The analyses of the F0 contours revealed that, although Spanish and English share
multiple melodies in this speech act (e.g. L+H* L%, L* H% and L+H* !H%), some tones are language-specific (e.g. L+H* HL% for
Spanish). In addition, a General Linear Mixed Model confirmed that these contours are not equally attested in all contexts and
that the formality of the situation can condition their use.
Liability In Solidum in the Law of International Responsibility: A Comment on Guiding Principle 7
Authors: Murray Odette
Published: December 2020

The Guiding Principles on Shared Responsibility in International Law seek to address an issue hitherto unresolved in the law of international responsibility: if two or more states or organizations together cause a single harm to a victim, what are the consequences for suit and reparation? Commentators generally counsel against the use of domestic concepts such as ‘solidary liability’ or ‘joint and several liability’ in international law. This comment highlights the role of domestic analogies in the formulation of the Guiding Principles, focusing on two elements: the application of liability in solidum as the key consequence of multiple responsibility (Principle 10), and ‘concerted action’ (Principle 7) as a condition for multiple responsibility. Both of these concepts can be found in many domestic legal systems, but the Principles place differential weight on domestic analogies in the elaboration of Principles 10 and 7: Principle 10 draws useful analogies with the rationale behind liability in solidum in domestic law, while Principle 7 on concerted action does not rely on related domestic concepts. That is likely for good reason. However, responsibility based on concerted action is a novel basis for responsibility in international law, and therefore its justification is all the more important. The justification provided for Principle 7 is not fully convincing, and its scope of application is uncertain. I query whether the exploration of cognate concepts in domestic legal systems may have helped to justify the rationale for, or the scope of, responsibility based on concerted action.
Problem statement on the vessel braking within ice channel
Authors: Goncharov Vadim K , Klementieva Natalia Yu
Published: December 2020

Sailing within the ice channel that assisting icebreaker tracks is usual for difficult ice conditions in the Northern freezing seas and the Arctic region. There is the danger of emergency, namely, the collision with an icebreaker or the ahead vessel, when ones stop before insuperable ice obstacle or because the engine trouble. The paper contents analysis of the vessel braking process and formulation of the equation that gives possibility modelling this process and evaluating the distance that is necessary for safe stopping of vessel in dependence on its characteristics and ice conditions. Outcomes of investigation will be applicable for the caravan of cargo vessels forming while the icebreaker assistance.
Weighted Blankets for Insomnia in Patients with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Rosenberg Karen
Published: December 2020

According to this study:

Weighted blankets have a clinically meaningful effect on insomnia and daytime functioning in patients with co-occurring major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and attention deficit–hyperactivity disorder.
Preventing Home Dialysis Complications
Authors: Painter Donna
Published: December 2020

This article is part of a series, Supporting Family Caregivers: No Longer Home Alone, published in collaboration with the AARP Public Policy Institute. Results of focus groups, conducted as part of the AARP Public Policy Institute's No Longer Home Alone video project, supported evidence that family caregivers aren't given the information they need to manage the complex care regimens of family members. This series of articles and accompanying videos aims to help nurses provide caregivers with the tools they need to manage their family member's health care at home. Nurses should read the articles first, so they understand how best to help family caregivers. Then they can refer caregivers to the informational tear sheet—Information for Family Caregivers—and instructional videos, encouraging them to ask questions. For additional information, see Resources for Nurses.
Less common hemorrhagic coagulopathies in women
Authors: Cid Ana R.
Published: December 2020

Congenital coagulopathies are a group of hereditary conditions associated with significant hemorrhagic complications. Women with congenital coagulopathies tend to experience higher bleeding rates resulting from physiological processes and pregnancy and delivery. In these women, it is essential to recognize the symptoms and work in a coordinated way between hematologists and gynecologists.
Defining Common Features in High Impact and Highly Cited Journal Articles on Pancreatic Tumors
Authors: Sugumar Kavin , Hue Jonathan J. , Ahorukomeye Peter , Rothermel Luke D. , Ocuin Lee M. , Hardacre Jeffrey M. , Ammori John B. , Winter Jordan M.
Published: December 2020

Introduction:

Surgical researchers seek to publish their findings in esteemed surgical journals to advance science and their careers. A detailed investigation of study and manuscript attributes in a specific research area, like pancreatic neoplasia, may yield informative insights for researchers looking to maximize research impact.

Objectives:

We analyzed publications related to pancreatic surgery primarily focused on pancreatic and periampullary tumors to identify elements associated with acceptance into high impact journals and a high likelihood of future citations.

Methods:

A comprehensive review of nine surgical journals was performed between 2010 and 2019. Journals were grouped based on impact factor into high (>3), medium (1–3), and low (<1) impact categories. Each publication was annotated to identify study topic, methodology, and statistical approach. Findings were compared according to journal impact and number of citations to identify predictors of success across these 2 domains.

Results:

A total of 1044 out of 21,536 (4.8%) articles published in the index journals were related to pancreatic tumors. The most common focus of study was perioperative outcomes and complications (46.7%). There was significantly more number of authors, participating institutions, countries, and randomized clinical trials in higher impact journals as well as high-cited articles (P < 0.05). Although advanced statistical analysis was used more commonly in high-impact journals (P < 0.05), it did not translate to higher citations (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Pancreatic neoplasia continues to be extensively studied in surgical literature. Specific elements of study methodology and design were identified as potentially key attributes to acceptance in high impact journals and citation success.
Strategic vehicle fleet management–a joint solution of make-or-buy, composition and replacement problems
Authors: Redmer Adam
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an original model and a solution procedure for solving jointly three main strategic fleet management problems (fleet composition, replacement and make-or-buy), taking into account interdependencies between them.

Design/methodology/approach

The three main strategic fleet management problems were analyzed in detail to identify interdependencies between them, mathematically modeled in terms of integer nonlinear programing (INLP) and solved using evolutionary based method of a solver compatible with a spreadsheet.

Findings

There are no optimization methods combining the analyzed problems, but it is possible to mathematically model them jointly and solve together using a solver compatible with a spreadsheet obtaining a solution/fleet management strategy answering the questions: Keep currently exploited vehicles in a fleet or remove them? If keep, how often to replace them? If remove then when? How many perspective/new vehicles, of what types, brand new or used ones and when should be put into a fleet? The relatively large scale instance of problem (50 vehicles) was solved based on a real-life data. The obtained results occurred to be better/cheaper by 10% than the two reference solutions – random and do-nothing ones.

Originality/value

The methodology of developing optimal fleet management strategy by solving jointly three main strategic fleet management problems is proposed allowing for the reduction of the fleet exploitation costs by adjusting fleet size, types of exploited vehicles and their exploitation periods.
Alcohol Consumption, Cardiovascular‐Related Conditions, and ALDH2*2 Ethnic Group Prevalence in Asian Americans
Authors: Cook Won Kim , Tam Christina C. , Luczak Susan E. , Kerr William C. , Mulia Nina , Lui Camillia , Li Libo
Published: December 2020

Background

Little is known about the relationships between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related chronic conditions in Asian Americans and how such risk relationships vary among their subgroups. We examine these relationships in Asian Americans and their moderation by ethnic prevalence of a variant the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene: ALDH2*2.

Methods

Multiple logistic regression modeling was performed using a nationally representative sample of Asian‐American adults aged 30 to 70 (n = 1,720) from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) Waves 2 (2004 to 2005) and 3 (2012 to 2013). Outcomes considered were diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, CVD, any of the 3 conditions (i.e., diabetes, high cholesterol, and CVD) documented to have a J‐shaped relationship with drinking (CVDRC3), and any of the CVD‐related conditions (ANYCVD). Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health insurance coverage, and other lifestyle risk factors (smoking and obesity/overweight) were adjusted. Analyses were stratified by gender.

Results

Alcohol consumption level was positively associated only with hypertension in Asian males, with consuming 7 to 14 drinks per week associated with more than double the risk of lifetime abstinence. For females, alcohol consumption had a dose–response relationship with high cholesterol and CVDRC3. Membership in the higher ALDH2*2 ethnic group overall was associated with lower risk of CVD‐related conditions. However, compared to abstainers in lower ALDH2*2 group, females in the higher ALDH2*2 group who consumed more than 7 drinks per week had a higher risk of diabetes, hypertension, CVDRC3, and ANYCVD.

Conclusions

Asian Americans may have increased risk of CVD‐related conditions at relatively low alcohol consumption levels. Among Asian‐American females, in particular, any amount of drinking may increase risk for high cholesterol or any of the CVD‐related conditions previously documented to have a curvilinear relationship with drinking. These risks may be particularly elevated for those in ethnic groups with a high prevalence of ALDH2*2.
‘Promises turn to dust…Trust into mistrust’: Medical students' experiences of mistreatment
Authors: Kerins Joanne , Tallentire Victoria R.
Published: December 2020

Kerins and Tallentire use Mezirow’s idea of perspective transformation to argue that the transformative effects of mistreatment highlight the importance of learning environments and institutions that students can trust.
Dynamics ofmiRNAmediated regulation of legume symbiosis
Authors: Tiwari Manish , Pandey Vimal , Singh Baljinder , Bhatia Sabhyata
Published: December 2020

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation in legume nodules is important in soils with low nitrogen availability. The initiation and sustainability of symbiosis require cellular reprogramming that involves the miRNA‐mediated inhibition or activation of specific nodulation genes. The high‐throughput sequencing of small RNA libraries has identified miRNAs and their targets, which are the major players in the post‐transcriptional gene regulation (PTGS) of the different stages of legume–rhizobia symbiosis ranging from bacterial colonization and organogenesis to symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Here, we present an overview of information obtained from the miRNA libraries from nodulating tissues that have been sequenced to date. The functional analysis of miRNAs has revealed roles in phytohormone homeostasis and spatio‐temporal regulation, as well as the mobility of miRNAs and their functions in shoot to root signalling that affects diverse functions, including bacterial entry, meristem division and differentiation, nitrogen fixation and senescence. Furthermore, small RNA fragments of rhizobial origin repress complementary plant mRNAs. We also consider the roles of miRNAs in determinate or indeterminate nodules. Taken together, this overview confirms that miRNAs are master regulators of the legume–rhizobia symbiosis.
A case of cyclic hemoperitoneum in a hemodialysis patient: Encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis complicated by endometriosis and fungal peritonitis
Authors: Yılmaz Fatih , Bora Feyza , Çetinkaya Ramazan , Gelen Mustafa Tekinalp , Süleymanlar Gültekin , Ersoy Fevzi
Published: December 2020

Encapsulated peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare, but frequently fatal, long‐term complication of peritoneal dialysis. Endometriosis is a common gynecological problem but hemoperitoneum due to endometriosis has been reported to be extremely rare in hemodialysis (HD) patients. A 25‐year‐old female HD patient was admitted to our clinic with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and weight loss for last 3 months. Candida tropicalis and Candida glabrata were isolated in the fungal cultures from peritoneal fluid. Her abdominal computerized tomography scan has shown irregular peritoneal calcifications, diffuse peritoneal thickening, dilatation of the small bowel loops, and cocoon formation which all were typical for EPS. Hemoperitoneum was reported to recur for four times with intervals suggesting menstrual cycles. Her peritoneal biopsy, along with the signs of EPS, has also revealed the presence of endometriosis. The patient died with symptoms of septic shock in the first year of EPS diagnosis.
Effects of short‐term heat acclimation on whole‐body heat exchange and local nitric oxide synthase‐ and cyclooxygenase‐dependent heat loss responses in exercising older men
Authors: Fujii Naoto , McGarr Gregory W. , Notley Sean R. , Boulay Pierre , Sigal Ronald J. , Amano Tatsuro , Nishiyasu Takeshi , Poirier Martin P. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: December 2020

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does short‐term heat acclimation enhance whole‐body evaporative heat loss and augment nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐dependent cutaneous vasodilatation and NOS‐ and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐dependent sweating, in exercising older men?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Our preliminary data (n = 8) demonstrated that short‐term heat acclimation improved whole‐body evaporative heat loss, but it did not influence the effects of NOS and/or COX inhibition on cutaneous vasodilatation or sweating in older men during an exercise–heat stress. These outcomes might imply that although short‐term heat acclimation enhances heat dissipation in older men, it does not modulate NOS‐ and COX‐dependent control of cutaneous vasodilatation or sweating on the forearm.

Ageing is associated with decrements in whole‐body heat loss (evaporative + dry heat exchange), which might stem from alterations in nitric oxide synthase (NOS)‐ and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐dependent cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating. We evaluated whether short‐term heat acclimation would (i) enhance whole‐body heat loss primarily by increasing evaporative heat loss, and (ii) augment NOS‐dependent cutaneous vasodilatation and NOS‐ and COX‐dependent sweating, in exercising older men. Eight older men [mean (SD) age, 59 (8) years] completed a calorimetry and microdialysis trial before and after 7 days of exercise–heat acclimation. For the calorimetry trials, whole‐body evaporative and dry heat exchange were assessed using direct calorimetry during 30 min bouts of cycling at light, moderate and vigorous metabolic heat productions (150, 200 and 250 W/m2, respectively) in dry heat (40°C, 20% relative humidity). For the microdialysis trials, local cutaneous vascular conductance and sweat rate were assessed during 60 min exercise in the heat (35°C, 20% relative humidity) at four dorsal forearm skin sites treated with lactated Ringer solution (control), NOS inhibitor, COX inhibitor or combined NOS and COX inhibitors, via microdialysis. Evaporative heat loss during moderate (P = 0.036) and vigorous (P = 0.021) exercise increased after acclimation. Inhibition of NOS alone reduced cutaneous vascular conductance to a similar extent before and after acclimation (P < 0.040), whereas separate and combined NOS and COX inhibition had no significant effects on sweating relative to the control site (P = 0.745). Our preliminary results might suggest that short‐term heat acclimation improves evaporative heat loss, but does not significantly modulate the contributions of NOS or COX to cutaneous vasodilatation or sweating on the forearm in older men during an exercise–heat stress.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Mediate Control of Ross River Virus Infection via a Type I Interferon-Dependent, MAVS-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Haist Kelsey C. , Carpentier Kathryn S. , Davenport Bennett J. , Morrison Thomas E.
Published: December 2020

Arthritogenic alphaviruses, including Ross River virus (RRV), are human pathogens that cause debilitating acute and chronic musculoskeletal disease and are a significant public health burden. Using an attenuated RRV with enhanced susceptibility to host innate immune responses has revealed key cellular and molecular mechanisms that can mediate control of attenuated RRV infection and that are evaded by more virulent RRV strains.
Escherichia coli
Serotype O157:H7 PA20R2R Complete Genome Sequence
Authors: Uhlich Gaylen A. , Paoli George C. , Kanrar Siddhartha
Published: December 2020

Escherichia coli
serotype O157:H7 strain 20R2R is a derivative of clinical isolate PA20. Prophage excision from the coding region of a PA20 transcription factor restored RpoS-dependent biofilm formation in 20R2R, providing a model for O157:H7 stress adaptation when transitioning between clinical and environmental settings. We report here the complete 20R2R genome sequence.
CRISPR/Cas9-Based Knockout of GNAQ Reveals Differences in Host Cell Signaling Necessary for Egress of Apicomplexan Parasites
Authors: Burda Paul-Christian , Bisio Hugo , Marq Jean-Baptiste , Soldati-Favre Dominique , Heussler Volker T.
Published: December 2020

The coordinated release of apicomplexan parasites from infected host cells prior to reinvasion is a critical process for parasite survival and the spread of infection. While
Toxoplasma
tachyzoites and
Plasmodium
blood stages induce a fast disruption of their surrounding membranes during their egress from host cells,
Plasmodium
liver stages keep the host cell membrane intact and leave their host cell in host cell-derived vesicles called merosomes.
Acute gastroenteritis due toBlastocystis hominisin an adolescent boy
Authors: Bhat Yellanthoor Ramesh
Published: December 2020

Acute gastroenteritis with persistent vomiting, high degree fever and blood streaking stools often suggests bacterial aetiology in children. Authors report a 13-year-old boy presenting with acute watery diarrhoea with persistent vomiting, fever of 103°F, abdominal cramps and blood streaking stools who failed to show any response to parenteral third-generation cephalosporin for 72 hours. The stool examination revealed numerous cystic and amoeboid forms ofBlastocystis hominis. Metronidazole was started and the boy promptly responded within 24 hours. There was no recurrence of symptoms then onwards. The case highlights the crucial stool examination in case of acute diarrhoeal disease for rare aetiology.
Growth of Anodic TiO2 Nanotube Layers on Heat-Treated Titanium
Authors: Kamimura Yuka , Tsuchiya Hiroaki , Fujimoto Shinji
Published: December 2020

Anodic TiO2 nanotube layers have attracted much attention due to their potential applications. To improve the properties of the layers, the optimization of anodization condition has been considered. However, so far, the chemical aspects of anodization condition have been extensively examined, but only few works have focused on metallurgical aspects. The present work reports the effects of heat-treatment of Ti substrate on anodization behavior and resulting morphology of anodic TiO2 nanotube layer.
Investigation of the Localized Corrosion of Ni-Cr-Mo-W Alloy UNS N06022 in Aprotic Solvents at Room Temperature
Authors: Atz Dick Pedro , Kelly Robert
Published: December 2020

Syntheses of pharmaceuticals often require a series of intermediate steps involving reactions in aprotic organic solvents. Some of these solutions can be aggressive towards the metallic materials that constitute the reaction vessels used, so often corrosion-resistant alloys (CRA) such as the Ni-Cr-Mo-W UNS N06022 are employed. Such materials are expensive, but their use is required to prevent contamination of the product by metal ions. Ni-Cr-Mo-W alloys are known to exhibit outstanding corrosion resistance in reducing and oxidizing aqueous solutions as a result of their passive oxide film. However, the application of passive alloys in nonaqueous solvents raises additional concerns due to: i) limited availability of oxygen atoms for passivation; ii) different behavior of aggressive anions and acids as a result of the solvent’s physicochemical properties. Nevertheless, the literature on corrosion of CRA is focused on behavior in aqueous solutions and the literature on corrosion in organic solvents lacks information on the application of commercial alloys. The aim of this work is to investigate the corrosion of Ni-Cr-Mo-W alloys in aprotic organic solvents and to understand the influence of properties of the solvent on the susceptibility to pitting and to uniform corrosion, at room temperature.

Preliminary work was carried out with anhydrous acetonitrile solutions containing HCl and the oxidant 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ). Mass loss and electrochemical tests have shown that alloy N06022 exhibits high-rate dissolution in such conditions. The corrosion rates observed after 24 h of immersion are greater than 10 mm/year, which is remarkably high when compared with the existing literature on corrosion of Ni-Cr-Mo alloys. Moreover, in neutral acetonitrile containing chloride, N06022 undergoes pitting at much lower Cl– concentrations and temperature than in aqueous solutions. In order to understand the enhanced susceptibility to pitting and uniform corrosion in aprotic solvents, potentiodynamic polarizations and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were performed in various solution compositions, followed by surface characterization with scanning electron microscopy. The correlation of passivation and breakdown phenomena with variables of importance, namely water content, chloride concentration, and acidity will be investigated. Ultimately, this study will provide fundamental understanding of the passivity of Ni-based alloys in organic solvents, assisting the selection of materials for nonaqueous applications.
Structurally Regulating Cation Migration Suppresses Voltage Fade and Redox Asymmetry in Lithium-Rich Layered Oxides
Authors: Eum Donggun , Kim Byunghoon , Kim Sung Joo , Park Hyeokjun , Kang Kisuk
Published: December 2020

Although lithium-rich layered oxides hold the greatest promise to transcend energy-density limitations in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries because of their high reversible capacity (exceeding 250 mAh g−1) and high-voltage anionic redox chemistry, the inevitable voltage decay, or gradual decrease in the average discharge voltage during cycling remains one some of the most pernicious problems jeopardizing their real-world application. Of paramount importance in understanding the fundamentals of the voltage decay is that its essential determinant is not the transition metal (TM) migration itself but the resulting confinement of TM ions in the Li layer. Therefore, a substantive key lies in improving the intra-cycle reversibility of TM migration. In this work, reversible intra-cycle TM migration is first demonstrated by modifying the oxygen lattice of lithium-rich layered oxides. O2-type stackings inherently allow reversible intra-cycle TM migration, thus delivering outstanding voltage retention over extended cycling and far outperforming their O3-phase counterparts and other lithium-rich layered 3d metal oxides. Suppressed voltage decay arose from the retention of the pristine layered structure with highly reversible TM migration over extended cycling was revealed by various structural characterizations with the aid of first-principles calculations. Our findings indicate that tailoring the migration path of TM ions provides a viable strategy to address the critical issues of voltage decay, which may help rejuvenate the research field of lithium-rich layered oxides.
Nanostructure of Anodic Porous Alumina Fabricated By Galvanostatic Anodizing in Etidronic Acid
Authors: Iwai Mana , Kikuchi Tatsuya , Suzuki Ryosuke O. , Natsui Shungo
Published: December 2020

Galvanostatic and potentiostatic anodizing processes of aluminum leads to the formation of large-scale porous alumina. It is previously reported that self-ordered porous alumina measuring above 500 nm in cell diameter can be fabricated via two-step anodizing in etidronic acid at higher voltage more than 200 V. On the other hand, extremely little has been reported on the growth behavior and their nanostructure during galvanostatic anodizing in etidronic acid. Herein, we investigate the nanostructural characterization of the porous alumina film formed via galvanostatic anodizing in etidronic acid under various operating conditions.

Electropolished aluminum specimens were anodized at a constant current density of 0.005-500 Am-2 in 0.03-3 M etidronic acid solutions at 273-333 K. After anodizing, the porous alumina film was dissolved in a 0.20 M CrO3/0.51 M H3PO4 solution at 353 K, and the aluminum dimple array, which corresponded to the bottom shape of porous alumina, was exposed to the surface. The anodized specimens were examined by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The cell size (interpore distance) of the porous alumina was calculated using image analysis software.

Typical voltage-time curves for the formation of anodic porous alumina were obtained during galvanostatic anodizing in etidronic acid: The voltage linearly increased, gradually decreased, and then reached plateau value. However, excess current density caused oxide burning with unstable oscillation in the voltage-time curve, and non-uniform porous alumina was formed on the aluminum surface. The plateau voltage greatly increased with the current density at each operating temperature, and various porous alumina films with different nanostructures were successfully fabricated by anodizing at a wide voltage range measuring 7-218 V. Figure 1 shows the changes in the average, maximum, and minimum cell sizes with the anodizing voltage under various operating conditions. The cell sizes are directly proportional to the anodizing voltage with proportionality constants of 2.5 (average), 3.5 (maximum), and 0.7 (minimum), respectively.

Figure 1
(Invited) Preparation of Ordered through-Hole Membranes with Controlled Geometrical Structures By Two-Layer Anodization Processes
Authors: Yanagishita Takashi , Masuda Hideki
Published: December 2020

Ordered through-hole membranes, which have a unique geometrical structure composed of hexagonally arranged array of straight holes with uniform diameters, have attracted growing interest owing to its various applications such as filtration membranes, sensors, and templates. Anodization process of metals is an effective method for the preparation of ordered hole array structures of metal oxides. One advantageous point of this process is controllability of the geometrical structures of the obtained porous oxides based on the anodization conditions [1]. In addition, the naturally occurring self-ordered ordered nanoporous structures can be obtained under the appropriate anodization conditions. In our previous work, we reported a high-throughput process for the preparation of ordered alumina through-hole membranes by two-layer anodization using concentrated sulfuric acid [2-4]. In this process, the second highly soluble alumina layer is formed under the first porous alumina layer by the anodization of samples in concentrated sulfuric acid. The porous alumina through-hole membrane can be obtained by selective dissolution of the second alumina layer formed in concentrated sulfuric acid. This process allows repeated preparation of ordered through-hole membranes from a single metal substrate by repetition of the process. Based on this process, ordered TiO2 through-hole membranes were also obtained using an electrolyte containing fluoride ions[5]. The hole period of the obtained TiO2 membranes could be controlled by changing the anodizing voltage. In the present report, preparation of various types of metal oxide through-hole membranes will be presented. For example, the preparation of ideally ordered TiO2 through-hole membranes by the combination process of two-layer anodization and pretexturing of Ti was described.

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(Invited) Characterization of Cathodic Properties of Anodized Titanium By a Fast Current-Controlled Polarization
Authors: Fujimoto Shinji , Kurokawa Tetsuya , Tsuchiya Hiroaki , Miyabe Sayaka
Published: December 2020

Oxygen reduction is one of the most important reactions in corrosion process. Therefore, oxygen reduction has been extensively studied on metals and alloys, the surface of which is covered with oxide film. In general, the oxygen reduction reaction during localized corrosion is considered to occur extremely fast, but such rapid cathodic process has not been reported. In the present work, we propose an approach to investigate rapid oxygen reduction reaction, A Fast Current-Controlled Polarization, where a fast cathodic current transient is applied to metals and alloys covered with oxide film and from the resulting potential variation, the kinetics of the oxygen reduction on the surface is analyzed.

In this presentation the results on Ti will be delivered. Oxide films on Ti were produced by anodization in a phosphate buffer solution at various voltages ranging from 3 V to 50 V, resulting in different thickness and crystallinity. On the basis of the potential variation and the potential dependence of the capacitance, the oxygen reduction current-time profile during the fast current-controlled polarization was estimated and as a result the quasi-polarization curve of the oxygen reduction reaction was obtained. The quasi-polarization curves obtained for the anodized substrates were categorized into two type; the linear slope and the wide loop. These differences were attributed to the crystallinity of the oxide film on titanium. Considering the correlation between the crystallinity of anodic film and its conductivity, these results imply that the fast oxygen reduction on passivated metals will be affected by the crystallinity and resulting conductivity of oxide film. In this study, details on the fast current controlled polarization on Zr, Al and others was also presented and the different reduction kinetics will be discussed in this presentation.
(Invited) High Rate Cycling in ε-VOPO4 with Niobium Substitution for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Siu Carrie , Zuba Mateusz , Deng Zhi , Chernova Natasha , Piper Louis F.J. , Ong Shyue Ping , Whittingham M. Stanley
Published: December 2020

In order to push the energy density of current commercialized lithium-ion batteries, a second lithium must be incorporated into the cathode host without causing any structural damage during intercalation. ε-VOPO4 is a promising high energy density cathode material for lithium-ion batteries due to its ability to fully reversibly intercalate two Li+ from the two redox transitions of V3+/V4+ and V4+/V5+. As a result, ε-VOPO4 displays a high discharge capacity of 305 mAh/g at C/50 (C = 2 Li) for over 50 cycles. However, this vanadyl phosphate material experiences poor Li+ kinetics which impedes its high rate capability at the high voltage plateau. In this work, we determine if niobium substitution can improve the electrochemistry of ε-VOPO4. Through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, we investigate the incorporation of niobium in the structure and the effect on morphology. The analysis of substitution on the electrochemical performance will also be discussed alongside with X-ray absorption spectroscopy to confirm the oxidation states of the transition metals during cycling. This research is supported as part of the NorthEast Center for Chemical Energy Storage (NECCES), an Energy Frontier Research Center funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences under Award Number DE-SC0012583. CS gratefully acknowledges the financial support from Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship and Binghamton University Provost's Doctoral Summer Fellowship.
Enabling Natural Graphite in High-Voltage Aqueous Graphite || Zn Metal Dual-Ion Batteries
Authors: Rodriguez Perez Ismael , Zhang Lu , Wrogemann Jens Matthies , Driscoll Darren , Sushko Maria , Han Kee Sung , Fulton John , Engelhard Mark H , Balasubramanian Mahalingam , Viswanathan Vish , Murugesan Vijay , Li Xiaolin , Reed David , Sprenkle Vincent , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias
Published: December 2020

Graphite is regarded as a promising positive electrode (=cathode) for anion intercalation for decades due to its high operating potential (>4.50 V vs Li|Li+; > 2.22 V vs Zn|Zn2+; >1.46 V vs standard hydrogen electrode (SHE); 1.26 V vs Ag|AgCl), high abundance, low cost, low toxicity without use of any transition metals, and high overall safety. Nevertheless, due to its high operation potential, it is challenging to find suitable electrolytes, particularly in any aqueous system due to parasitic side reactions such as oxygen evolution reactions (OER) at the cathode. In this work, natural graphite (NG) is enabled as a cathode material using an aqueous system in a new “water-in-bisalt” electrolyte. We present a graphite || zinc (Zn) metal dual-ion battery (ZnG-DIB) that operates at remarkably high voltage of ˜2.3 – 2.5 V in an aqueous Zn system. Anions intercalate into a NG cathode at an on-set potential of ˜1.5 V vs Ag|AgCl (˜2.46 V vs Zn|Zn2+), delivering a reversible capacity of ˜110 mAh g–1 with high rate capability reaching a capacity of nearly 60 mAh g–1 at a charge/discharge current of 5000 mA g–1. Over 200 cycles are achieved with over 80% capacity retention in a graphite || Zn metal full-cell, showing the stability of the graphite cathode and the Zn metal negative electrode (=anode) in the electrolyte. A suite of characterization techniques collectively prove anion intercalation takes place and provide insights into the mechanism of anion intercalation into NG.
(Invited) Synthesis and Electrochemical Performance of Nb Coated/Substituted Nickel-Rich Layered Oxide Cathodes in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Xin Fengxia , Zhou Hui , Zuba Mateuse , Rana Jatinkumar , Bai Jianming , Wang Feng , Chernova Natasha , Whittingham Stan
Published: December 2020

Layered metal oxides have been considered the most important cathode materials in Li-ion batteries. Further, nickel rich LiNixCoyMn1-x-yO2 (x ≥ 0.8) cathodes are very attractive in automotive industry due to their high discharge capacities. However, the high nickel content creates a number of challenges, including high surface reactivity and structural instability. Through a wet chemistry method, Nb coated and substituted NMC 811 was prepared in a single step treatment. The coating layer and penetration of Nb can be controlled by sintering temperature. As a result, the 1st capacity loss, discharge capacity, rate performance and cycling stability were significantly improved. In addition, we found the Nb coating layer can increase the discharge capacity and Nb penetrated into NMC 811 can stabilize the structure.

Acknowledgement: This work was supported by the Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of Vehicle Technologies of the U.S. Department of Energy, through the Advanced Battery Materials Research Program (Battery500 Consortium).