bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review of Parameters Affecting Rail Break Gap Size Using Analytical Methods
Authors: Potvin Max , Trizotto Matheus , Dersch Marcus , Edwards J. Riley , de Oliveira Lima Arthur
Published: June 2021

Management of continuous welded rail (CWR) stress is critical to maintaining railroad safety. To successfully manage the stress-state of the rail, knowing the rail neutral temperature (RNT) is critical. RNT is defined as the temperature at which the net longitudinal force in the rail is zero. If the RNT is set too low/high then the rail would buckle/pull apart and create unsafe operation conditions. To reduce unsafe operating conditions, researchers have previously developed guidelines for managing RNT maintenance activities. However, there remains an opportunity to improve these guidelines given there have been 24 derailments caused by buckled track between 2009 and 2018. Therefore, a research program has been established to improve current guidelines. It is difficult to manage the stress of CWR because the RNT is difficult to quantify, and has been shown to change over time, tonnage, or as a result of maintenance (tamping, etc.). Further, rail breaks may lead to local changes in RNT, leading to the need for RNT readjustment. Current guidelines estimate prevalent RNT before a rail break/cut based on rail gap size. Therefore, as a part of a broader research program, this paper reviews an analytical method presented by Kerr that quantifies rail break gap length and identifies the roles of longitudinal track resistance and stiffness. Results indicate that plastic track displacements driven by longitudinal track resistance dominate, and the longitudinal track stiffness has limited influence. This paper also identifies limitations of this analytical approach and documents recommendations for improved models.
Analysis of cytoplasmic antigens of the yeast and mycelial phases of Candida albicans by two-dimensional electrophoresis
Authors: Manning M , Mitchell T G
Published: June 2021

The extent of the macromolecular change accompanying yeast to mycelium morphogenesis of Candida albicans was analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of the cytoplasmic proteins of the two growth forms after antibody cross-absorption experiments. Pure cultures of yeasts and true hyphae (i.e., without concomitant production of pseudohyphae) were grown in a synthetic low-sulfate medium (LSM). The two strains selected for this study were strain 4918, which produces pure mycelial (M) cultures in LSM at 37 degrees C (designated 4918-37M) and yeasts (Y) at 24 degrees C (4918-24Y), and strain 2252, which produces yeasts exclusively at both 24 and 37 degrees C in LSM (2252-24Y and 2252-37Y). The proteins of both strains were labeled at both temperatures with [35S]sulfate, and cytoplasmic fractions were prepared by mechanical disruption and ultracentrifugation. Rabbits were immunized with the 4918-24Y and 4918-37M cytoplasmic fractions to produce anti-yeast-phase and anti-mycelial-phase hyperimmune sera. Each radiolabeled cytoplasmic fraction was absorbed with anti-mycelial-phase immunoglobulin, anti-yeast immunoglobulin, and immunoglobulin from normal rabbit serum. Staphyloccal protein A was used to remove immune complexes. The labeled, nonabsorbed proteins were also analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Highly reproducible protein spot patterns were obtained which defined hundreds of proteins in each extract. The specificity of the immunoglobulin hundreds of proteins in each extract. The specificity of the immunoglobulin preparations was extremely broad, and as many as 168 cytoplasmic antigens were detected. Eighty-three antigens were recognized in the mycelial-phase extract only by the anti-mycelial-phase immunoglobulin. However, comparative analysis revealed that all of these proteins were present in at least one other extract. Therefore, none of them was unique to the mycelial morphology. Eleven antigens were detected in the 2252-37Y extract that were not present in the extracts from strain 4918, which indicates that proteins obtained from different strains may express similar antigenic determinants, but differ in their physiochemical properties.
In Vitro Effect of Tobacco Smoke Components on the Functions of Normal Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Corberand Joël , Laharrague Patrick , Nguyen Françoise , Dutau Guy , Fontanilles Anne Marie , Gleizes Bernard , Gyrard Elisabeth
Published: June 2021

The function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) has previously been shown to be impaired in smokers in comparison with healthy nonsmokers. Potent inhibition of PMN chemotaxis has been achieved with whole tobacco smoke, the gas phase of smoke, and a water-soluble extract of whole smoke. In the present work several aspects of PMN function were studied after exposure to water-soluble fraction of the particle phase of tobacco smoke collected on glass fiber filters. These tests included capillary tube random migration, chemotaxis under agarose, phagocytosis of yeasts, Nitro Blue Tetrazolium dye reduction, and whole-blood bactericidal activity. The water extract of the particle fraction of smoke had a high content of nicotine when compared with the levels achieved in plasma of smokers and a much lower concentration of aldehydes when compared with the gas phase of smoke. It had no cytotoxic effect and did not affect phagocytosis, oxygen consumption, or bactericidal activity. Nitro Blue Tetrazolium reduction of both resting and stimulated PMNs was significantly decreased only with the most concentrated solution. The tested solutions exerted a dose-related depressive effect on capillary tube random migration, whereas the random migration measured in the agarose chemotaxis test was normal. Nevertheless, the chemotactic response to a caseine solution was significantly decreased. The same tests were performed in the presence of several concentrations of a nicotine solution and the only test to be affected was the capillary tube random migration, and, that only at a very high concentration. The results of this study contribute to the more precise delineation of the extent of the dysfunction of PMNs exposed to tobacco smoke components and indicate that deleterious products are released from the particle phase of the smoke, which deposits all along the respiratory tree.
Purification and characterization of two components of botulinum C2 toxin
Authors: Ohishi I , Iwasaki M , Sakaguchi G
Published: June 2021

Two dissimilar proteins, designated as components I and II, of botulinum C2 toxin elaborated by strain 92-13 were purified to a homogeneous state. The molecular weights determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis were 55,000 for component I and 105,000 for component II. Whereas each component showed no or feeble toxicity even after being treated with trypsin, the toxicity was elicited when these two components were mixed and trypsinized. The toxicity of the mixture of components I and II at a ratio of 1:2.5 on a protein basis was 2.2 X 10(4) mouse intraperitoneal 50% lethal doses per mg of protein and increased by 2,000 times or more when treated with trypsin. These results indicate that the molecular characteristics of botulinum C2 toxin differ from those of the toxin of Clostridium botulinum types A through F in that C2 toxin is constructed with two separate protein components, which are not covalently held together, and that its toxicity is elicited by cooperation of the two components.
Role of Adherence in the Pathogenesis of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Lung Infection in Cystic Fibrosis Patients
Authors: Woods Donald E. , Bass Joe A. , Johanson W. G. , Straus David C.
Published: June 2021

A correlation has been demonstrated between the in vitro adherence of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
to upper respiratory tract epithelium and colonization of the respiratory tract by this organism. Twenty patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and 20 age-matched controls were examined in this study. All of the CF patients but none of the controls were colonized with
P. aeruginosa
at the time of study.
P. aeruginosa
adherence to isolated epithelial cells, as determined by an in vitro assay, was 19.1 ± 1.1 bacteria per buccal epithelial cell in the CF patients and 2.3 ± 0.3 bacteria per cell in the controls (
P
< 0.01).
P. aeruginosa
strains of the mucoid colony type adhered in significantly lower numbers to buccal epithelial cells than did strains of the rough colony type (1.8 + 0.1 versus 24.8 ± 0.9,
P
< 0.001). This difference might explain the common observation that the initial pseudomonas colonization of the respiratory tract of CF patients is due to organisms of the rough colony type. We have further demonstrated that increased
P. aeruginosa
adherence in vitro varies directly with the loss of a protease-sensitive glycoprotein, fibronectin, from the cell surface, as well as increased levels of salivary proteases in CF patients. When examined by a direct radioimmune binding assay, buccal cells from CF patients possessed only 17% of the total cell surface fibronectin present on similar cells obtained from controls. Salivary protease levels, as measured by
125
I release from an
125
I-labeled insoluble fibrin matrix, were increased about threefold in CF patients versus controls. Thus, colonization of the respiratory tract by
P. aeruginosa
in CF patients correlates well with buccal cell adherence of this organism; increased adherence is associated with decreased amounts of fibronectin on respiratory epithelial cell surfaces and increased levels of salivary proteases.
Changes in Intestinal Fluid Transport and Immune Responses to Enterotoxins Due to Concomitant Parasitic Infection
Authors: Ljungström Inger , Holmgren Jan , Huldt Gunnel , Lange Stefan , Svennerholm Annmari
Published: June 2021

The effect of a parasitic infection on enterotoxic diarrhea and on local and systemic formation of antibody to the toxin after immunization was studied in mice.
Trichinella spiralis
infection was chosen as the model, since the effects of the parasite when residing in both intestinal and extraintestinal sites can be studied. It was found that during the intestinal stage of the infection, the fluid response to cholera toxin as well as dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine 3′,5′ -monophosphate was greatly enhanced and that this was associated with a marked reduction in the absorption of fluid from the intestine. Later in the infection (migration stage), fluid accumulation in response to cholera toxin was significantly reduced, whereas absorption was normal and secretion in response to dibutyryl-cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-monophosphate was somewhat increased. Still later in the infection (muscular stage), the fluid-secretory response to cholera toxin was normal. There was a drastic depression of local formation of antitoxin of both immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin classes in mice given the first two of four oral immunizations with cholera toxin during the intestinal stage of
T. spiralis
infection. When the priming was given before or after the intestinal stage, the local antitoxin response was not affected. The titers of circulating antibodies were also depressed in mice given the first immunizations during the intestinal stage. In addition, significant though less pronounced depression of the serum antibody response was observed in mice primed during the extraintestinal stage.
Properties of a Hemolysin Produced by Group B Streptococci
Authors: Marchlewicz Ben A. , Duncan James L.
Published: June 2021

A hemolysin that appears to be responsible for the zones of beta-hemolysis surrounding colonies of group B streptococci (
Streptococcus agalactiae
) on blood agar plates has been isolated and partially purified. No soluble hemolysin was detectable in the supernatants of streptococcal cultures grown in several types of media. However, hemolytic activity was detected when streptococci were incubated with erythrocytes, and soluble hemolysin was isolated when bacterial suspensions were incubated in the presence of a variety of agents, including calf serum, albumin, Tween 80, and starch. Glucose and other fermentable carbohydrates stimulated hemolysin production, and metabolic inhibitors greatly reduced the titer of hemolysin that could be recovered, suggesting that cellular metabolism is necessary for hemolysin production or release. The soluble hemolysin was concentrated by ammonium sulfate precipitation and partially purified by gel filtration. Agents known to inhibit other streptococcal hemolysins, including phospholipids, trypan blue, proteases, and cholesterol, were tested for their effect on the group B hemolysin. Only the phospholipids inhibited hemolysin activity. The group B streptococcal hemolysin appears to be similar to, but distinct from, streptolysin S produced by
Streptococcus pyogenes.
Differential Alterations in Host Peripheral Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Chemiluminescence During the Course of Bacterial and Viral Infections
Authors: McCarthy James P. , Bodroghy Robert S. , Jahrling Peter B. , Sobocinski Philip Z.
Published: June 2021

Previous studies have shown that stimulation of the oxidative metabolism in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) by in vitro phagocytosis of various microorganisms results in photon emission, termed chemiluminescence (CL). Studies were conducted to determine whether bacterial and viral infections induce enhanced basal endogenous host peripheral PMN CL in the absence of in vitro phagocytic stimulation. Nonimmune rats and guinea pigs as well as immune rats were inoculated with various doses (10
5
to 10
7
) of live vaccine strain
Francisella tularensis
(per 100 g of body weight). In addition, nonimmune guinea pigs were inoculated with 40,000 plaque-forming units of Pichinde virus. Luminol-assisted endogenous PMN CL was measured at various time intervals after inoculation of microorganisms. Enhanced endogenous PMN CL was detected as early as the appearance of fever (12 h) in nonimmune animals infected with
F. tularensis
. Addition of sodium azide,
N
-ethylmaleimide, superoxide dismutase, or catalase to the CL reaction mixture containing PMN from infected animals significantly decreased the CL response. Immune rats challenged with
F. tularensis
exhibited resistance to infection and a decreased PMN CL compared with nonimmune rats 24 and 48 h after inoculation. However, the CL response from immune rats was significantly elevated, compared with control values. In contrast to the results obtained with the model bacterial infection, PMN isolated from guinea pigs inoculated with Pichinde virus failed to exhibit enhanced CL, compared with controls, despite significant viremia and fever. Results suggest that enhanced endogenous CL during bacterial infection occurs through mechanisms involving increased PMN oxidative metabolism and the subsequent generation of microbicidal forms of oxygen. Further, measurement of endogenous PMN CL may have diagnostic and prognostic value in infectious diseases.
Mycobacterium chelonei iatrogenic infections
Authors: Foz A , Roy C , Jurado J , Arteaga E , Ruiz J M , Moragas A
Published: June 2021

We report on two outbreaks of Mycobacterium chelonei subsp. abscessus cutaneous infections, which occurred between June 1974 and April 1975 in a series of 24 patients (15 studied bacteriologically) subjected to venous stripping for varicose veins. The source of infection was the aqueous solution of merbromin used in presurgical care.
Effects of two blood culture anticoagulants on growth of Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Rintala L , Pollock H M
Published: June 2021

Tests of 25 strains of Neisseria meningitidis for sensitivity to sodium polyanethol sulfonate (SPS) showed that the sensitivity of strains varied with both inoculum size and SPS concentration. In Trypticase soy broth (TSB), 2 out of 13 strains were sensitive to 0.05% SPS, whereas 8 out of 13 strains were sensitive to the same concentration of SPS in brain heart infusion (BHI). In artificial blood cultures with six strains of meningococci, the addition of 10% defibrinated blood was found to eliminate the sensitivity of all six strains to SPS in BHI, but not of the two strains in TSB. Addition of 1.2% gelatin to artificial blood cultures eliminated the inhibitory effect of 0.05% SPS, whereas the addition of 1% yeast extract to blood cultures containing 0.025% or 0.05% SPS enhanced the inhibitory effect of this anticoagulant. None of the 13 strains tested was inhibited by 0.05% sodium amylosulfate in TSB or BHI alone or in artificial blood cultures with these media.
Identification and grouping of Neisseria meningitidis directly on agar plates by coagglutination with specific antibody-coated protein A-containing staphylococci
Authors: Zimmerman S E , Smith J W
Published: June 2021

It has been shown that Neisseria meningitidis can be grouped by coagglutination directly upon growth on sheep blood or chocolate agar plates. All positive reactions were group specific, and only a single colony was required for a positive reaction. There was variation seen in the effectiveness of commercial antisera in preparing sensitive reagents. Certain throat and sputum isolates of group Z organisms failed to react by coagglutination, although they would react directly with antiserum in whole-cell agglutination. This problem remains unresolved but may not be greatly significant in laboratory use of this method since group Z is rarely associated with disease.
Catalase-negative Escherichia coli isolated from blood
Authors: Funada H , Hattori K I , Kosakai N
Published: June 2021

A catalase-negative variant of Escherichia coli was isolated from the blood of a patient with acute leukemia who had been treated with various antibiotics and gentamicin. This small-colony variant grew almost as actively under anaerobic conditions as its large-colony revertant or E. coli NIHJ JC-2. The variant was resistant to gentamicin, in contrast with the revertant. Streptomycin and hemin stimulated growth of the variant slightly. With repeated subculturing the variant tended to increase slightly in colony size with coincident recovery of weak catalase production. The possibility that such a variant may have been induced by gentamicin was indicated.
Method for determining bioburden of surgical gloves
Authors: Lammerding A M , Day D F
Published: June 2021

A washing procedure that removed maximum numbers of contaminating microorganisms from whole surgical gloves was developed. Washing, coupled with membrane filtration, proved to be a simple and effective method for bioburden determinations on whole gloves.
Disseminated infection by Fusarium moniliforme during treatment for malignant lymphoma
Authors: Young N A , Kwon-Chung K J , Kubota T T , Jennings A E , Fisher R I
Published: June 2021

Disseminated infection caused by Fusarium moniliforme is described in a 32-year-old granulocytopenic man with malignant lymphoma being treated with cytotoxic drugs and corticosteroids. Infected skin denuded by antecedent severe varicella-zoster infection was the probable source of fungemia. F. moniliforme grows rapidly on common mycological media as a lavender- to violet-colored mold at 25 to 37 degrees C. Its aerial hyphae produce fusoid macroconidia and characteristic fusiform microconidia in chains. The morphology of hyphae in tissue closely resembles species of Aspergillus and is not diagnostically specific. Morphological characteristics which distinguish cultures of F. moniliforme from other medically important species of Fusarium are discussed.
Using the Primary Literature in an Allied Health Microbiology Course
Authors: BREAKWELL DONALD P.
Published: June 2021

A strategy was adapted for using the primary literature to foster active learning in an allied health microbiology course. Recent journal articles were selected that underscored the fundamental microbiological principles to be learned in each course unit. At the beginning of the semester, students were taught the relationship between the layout of scientific articles and the scientific method. During the rest of the semester, students were oriented to the topic of each paper by viewing videos from
Unseen Life on Earth: an Introduction to Microbiology,
reading assigned pages from the text, and participating in mini-lectures and discussions. After all preparatory material was completed, a paper was read and discussed in small groups and as a class. Students were assessed using daily reading quizzes and end-of-unit concept quizzes. While reading quizzes averaged approximately 93%, concept quiz grades averaged approximately 82%. Student recognition of the terms used in each unit’s scientific article was assessed with pre-read and post-read wordlists. For the self-assessment, the percent change between pre-read and post-read word cognition was, as expected, highly significant. Approximately 80% of students agreed that reading the scientific articles was a valuable part of the class and that it provided meaning to their study of microbiology. Using the primary scientific literature facilitated active learning in and out of the classroom. This study showed that introducing the scientific literature in an allied health microbiology class can be an effective way of teaching microbiology by providing meaning through the current literature and understanding of the scientific method.
Genomic Data of
Acaciella
Nodule Ensifer mexicanus ITTG R7
T
Authors: Rincón-Rosales Reiner , Rogel Marco A. , Guerrero Gabriela , Rincón-Molina Clara Ivette , López-López Aline , Manzano-Gómez Luis Alberto , Ruíz-Valdiviezo Víctor Manuel , Martínez-Romero Esperanza
Published: June 2021

We report the complete genome sequence of
Ensifer mexicanus
ITTG R7
T
, a nitrogen-fixing bacterium isolated from nodules of
Acaciella angustissima
plants growing naturally in Chiapas, Mexico. The genome is distributed in four replicons comprising one 4.31-Mbp chromosome, one 1,933-Kb chromid, and two plasmids of 436 and 455 Kb.
Supplemental Material: Virtual Outcrops in a Pocket: The Smartphone as a Fully Equipped Photogrammetric Data Acquisition Tool
Authors: Corradetti Amerigo , al. et
Published: June 2021

Video of the registration procedure in Metashape and OpenPlot. Metashape reports.
Bullous pemphigoid-like rash revealing hypereosinophilic syndrome
Authors: Khallaayoune Mehdi , Sialiti Sanae , Meziane Mariame , Senouci Karima
Published: June 2021

Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a rare haematologic disorder characterised by unexplained, persistent eosinophilia with organ involvement. We report the case of a 74-year-old patient who presented with a pemphigoid-like bullous rash as the only manifestation of an HES. This report highlights the importance of the dermatological manifestations of this potentially life-threating condition that may initially present as a skin-limited disease. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a very common autoimmune blistering dermatosis that may share common clinical and histological features or associate with an HES. HES should be considered when patients diagnosed with BP demonstrate atypical course under corticosteroids and/or recalcitrant blood eosinophilia.
Efficient separation of propylene and propane on SAPO-17 molecular sieve
Authors: Tong Yansi , Xing Jiacheng , Lou Caiyi , Yuan Danhua , Huang Wei , Chen Zhaoan , Liu Zhongmin , Xu Yunpeng
Published: June 2021

In this study, the separation performance of propylene and propane on SAPO-17 molecular sieve was investigated by static and dynamic adsorption. The adsorbent possessed good regeneration behavior because the strong adsorption of propylene at room temperature was eliminated by ion exchange treatment. Dynamic adsorption experiments revealed that the kinetic separation selectivity of propylene and propane was as high as 1980, which could be attributed to the energy barrier difference when diffusing through the eight-membered ring of SAPO-17 molecular sieve. The breakthrough experiments verified the good separation performance of the SAPO-17 adsorbent, which suggests that it has considerable application potential in propylene/propane separation.
Recognizing Lexicographically Smallest Words and Computing Successors in Regular Languages
Authors: Fleischer Lukas , Shallit Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

For a formal language [Formula: see text], the problem of language enumeration asks to compute the length-lexicographically smallest word in [Formula: see text] larger than a given input [Formula: see text] (henceforth called the [Formula: see text]-successor of [Formula: see text]). We investigate this problem for regular languages from a computational complexity and state complexity perspective. We first show that if [Formula: see text] is recognized by a DFA with [Formula: see text] states, then [Formula: see text] states are (in general) necessary and sufficient for an unambiguous finite-state transducer to compute [Formula: see text]-successors. As a byproduct, we obtain that if [Formula: see text] is recognized by a DFA with [Formula: see text] states, then [Formula: see text] states are sufficient for a DFA to recognize the subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] composed of its lexicographically smallest words. We give a matching lower bound that holds even if [Formula: see text] is represented as an NFA. It has been known that [Formula: see text]-successors can be computed in polynomial time, even if the regular language is given as part of the input (assuming a suitable representation of the language, such as a DFA). In this paper, we refine this result in multiple directions. We show that if the regular language is given as part of the input and encoded as a DFA, the problem is in [Formula: see text]. If the regular language [Formula: see text] is fixed, we prove that the enumeration problem of the language is reducible to deciding membership to the Myhill-Nerode equivalence classes of [Formula: see text] under [Formula: see text]-uniform [Formula: see text] reductions. In particular, this implies that fixed star-free languages can be enumerated in [Formula: see text], arbitrary fixed regular languages can be enumerated in [Formula: see text] and that there exist regular languages for which the problem is [Formula: see text]-complete.
Errata to equivalence of Milnor and Milnor–Lê fibrations for real analytic maps
Authors: Cisneros-Molina José Luis , Menegon Aurélio
Published: June 2021

In the proof of Theorem 3.7 of the original paper Internat. J. Math. 30(14) (2019) 1950078, 1–25, two inequalities are used that do not hold in general. In this note, we prove an extra propositions which allows us to give a proof of Theorem 3.7 without using the aforementioned inequalities. Hence, all the results in the original paper are valid. We have also posted a corrected version in the arXiv.
PREPARATION AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF PLD-BASED FORSTERITE–HYDROXYAPATITE NANOCOMPOSITE COATING ON STAINLESS STEEL 316L
Authors: PRAKASH P. SHAKTI , PAWAR SURYAPPA JAYAPPA , TEWARI RAVI PRAKASH
Published: June 2021

The present work deals with the fabrication of forsterite–hydroxyapatite (FS–HA) hybrid coatings on stainless-steel 316L using the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The stainless steel (SS 316L) as a metallic implant is widely used in hard tissue applications. The XRD studies have confirmed the crystalline behavior of synthesized FS powder with an average crystallite size of 54[Formula: see text]nm. The synthesized FS powder was mixed in different compositions (10, 20, 30[Formula: see text]wt.%) into HA for preparing PLD targets (pellets). The XRD of the prepared pellets by UTM has confirmed both phases of FS and HA. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the coated samples depicted the successful deposition of composite powders on the substrates (SS 316[Formula: see text]L). The Ellipsometer was used to investigate the thickness of different substrates and it was found as 243, 251, 255, and 257[Formula: see text]nm for CP1, CP2, CP3, and CP4, respectively. The bioactivity of the coated substrates with different compositions (pure HA, 10%, 20%, 30%, and pure FS) was investigated by immersing the samples in simulated body fluid (SBF) for 14[Formula: see text]days. The same samples were then characterized by SEM which confirms the apatite layer formation that reflects the bioactivity. The addition of FS powder into HA will stimulate the apatite formation which enhances the bioactivity. The Raman Spectroscopy of coated samples reveals the successful deposition of different compositions of FS–HA nanocomposite. The peaks of Raman spectroscopy were corresponding to the XRD results of the pellets (different compositions of FS–HA). The antimicrobial activity of different compositions of FS–HA against Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria also showed a significant zone of inhibition. The bioactivity and antimicrobial behavior of FS–HA along with successful deposition by PLD have shown better potential applications for biomedical implant coating.
An Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multi-Objective Goal Programming Approach to Portfolio Selection
Authors: Yu Gao-Feng , Li Deng-Feng , Liang De-Cui , Li Guang-Xu
Published: June 2021

Portfolio selection can be regarded as a type of multi-objective decision problem. However, traditional solution methods rarely discussed the decision maker’s nonsatisfaction and hesitation degrees with regard to multiple objectives and they require many extra binary variables, which lead to tedious computational burden. Based on the above, the aim of this paper is to develop a new and unified intuitionistic fuzzy multi-objective linear programming (IFMOLP) model for such portfolio selection problems. The nonmembership functions are constructed by the pessimistic, optimistic, and mixed approaches so as to perfect the traditional intuitionistic fizzy (IF) inequalities and IF theory. The decision maker’s hesitation degrees with regard to multiple objectives are represented by using IF inequalities, and the new IFMOLP model based on IF inequalities is proposed. The IFMOLP problems are solved by the S-shaped membership functions without extra binary variables required by the piecewise-linear method. Finally, the portfolio selection model under IF environments based on IFMOLP is established, and a real example is analyzed to demonstrate its validity and superiority. The developed unified IFMOLP model and method can not only effectively solve multi-objective decision problems with nonsatisfaction and hesitation degrees but also remarkably reduce the complexity of the nondeterministic polynomial-hard problems.
Synthesis of CuInS2/ZnS Nanocrystals with Thick Shell: The Effect of Temperature and Sulfur Precursor
Authors: Huang Bo , Zhang Huichao
Published: June 2021

As heavy-metal-free alternatives to Cd- and Pb-containing semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), ternary I–III–VI2 compounds NCs have been actively studied, especially the CuInS2 NCs. Recently, it has been found that thick ZnS shelling can greatly improve the photochemical stability of such NCs, which undoubtedly enhances their application potential although it is still limited by the development of synthetic methods. This paper provides a facile method for preparation of thick-shell CuInS2/ZnS NCs. The effects of reaction temperatures ([Formula: see text]C and [Formula: see text]C) and sulfur precursors (dodecanethiol and sulfur powder) on the shell overgrowth are discussed in detail. When low reaction temperature ([Formula: see text]C) and inactive sulfur precursor are used, the overgrowth of ZnS shell is considerably slow and raising temperature have a limited impact on the particles’ size. On the contrary, high reaction temperature and reactive sulfur precursor can effectively improve the overgrowth rate of ZnS shell, and then thick-shell CuInS2/ZnS NCs can be received. Furthermore, a high-speed centrifugation method is used to screen out product NCs with a relatively uniform size.
Experiment and analysis on chaotic characteristics vibration mill with variable rotational speed
Authors: Yang Xiaolan , Gao Yuan , Jia Minping
Published: June 2021

In an attempt to improve the current low efficiency and high consumption situation of vibration mills, this paper analyses the chaotic motion characteristics of the system and the movement of vibration mill. The complex stiffness-dispersion coupling of the system is also studied, so as to investigate the effect of the system’s chaotic motion characteristics on the efficiency improvement and energy consumption reduction. Based on the ADAMS software, this paper establishes a simplified vibration mill mechanical model, analyzes the singularity and stability of the system, and determines the critical speed at which the vibration motor becomes chaotic according to the bifurcation diagram. Then the chaotic state of the grinding machine with sinusoidal variation in its motor speed is studied based on the Poincaré principle, singular attractor and maximum Lyapunov exponent. Lastly, a 200[Formula: see text]h vibration test on diamond powder with an average particle size of 10 [Formula: see text]m was carried out. Test results under the two operating conditions of variable and constant speeds are compared and analyzed. Our results show that with variable speed the vibration mill achieved higher grinding efficiency but smaller particle grain size. The research elaborated in this paper provides a valuable reference for the engineering application of the chaotic characteristics of vibration mill.
Calculation of Structural, Electronic and Optical Properties of Double Perovskite Ca2CrNbO6
Authors: Benosmane W. , Benatmane S. , Bentata R. , Benstaali W.
Published: June 2021

The structural electronic and magnetic properties of the double perovskite Ca2CrNbO6 in the cubic structure are investigated using the empirical full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method within the framework of the spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT). These properties are calculated using the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA), [Formula: see text] and modified Becke–Johnson mBJ-GGA. In addition, the real and imaginary parts of the optical dielectric function and the reflectivity, and the refractive spectra are computed and the main features shown by their spectra are ascertained on the base of the investigation of density of states.
Leveraging Neural Networks and Genetic Algorithms to Refine Electrode Properties in Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Tenny Kevin M. , Braatz Richard D. , Chiang Yet-Ming , Brushett Fikile R.
Published: June 2021

Redox flow batteries are a nascent, yet promising, energy storage technology for which widespread deployment is hampered by technical and economic challenges. A performance-determining component in the reactor, present-day electrodes are often borrowed from adjacent electrochemical technologies rather than specifically designed for use in flow batteries. A lack of structural diversity in commercial offerings, coupled with the time constraints of wet-lab experiments, render broad electrode screening infeasible without a modeling complement. Herein, an experimentally validated model of a vanadium redox flow cell is used to generate polarization data for electrodes with different macrohomogeneous properties (thickness, porosity, volumetric surface area, and kinetic rate constant). Using these data sets, we then build and train a neural network with minimal average root-mean squared testing error (17.9 ± 1.8 mA cm−2) to compute individual parameter sweeps along the cell polarization curve. Finally, we employ a genetic algorithm with the neural network to identify electrode property values for improving cell power density. While the developed framework does not supplant experimentation, it is generalizable to different redox chemistries and may inform future electrode design strategies.
Pt-Catalyzed D-Glucose Oxidation Reactions for Glucose Fuel Cells
Authors: Huang Ji , Simons Philipp , Sunada Yusuke , Rupp Jennifer L. M. , Yagi Shunsuke
Published: June 2021

The Pt-catalyzed D-glucose oxidation reaction in neutral electrolytes was investigated for implantable power applications. A reaction mechanism involving two possible oxidation pathways, namely direct and OHads-mediated oxidation, was proposed based on the mass change during electrochemical measurement. PtPd and Pt2Pd were synthesized as anodic catalysts by a solvothermal method, and single-chamber glucose-air fuel cells using a neutral aqueous electrolyte were prototyped successfully. Higher fuel cell performance was achieved with the PtPd catalyst, with a maximum power density of 27.6 μW cm−2 and open-circuit voltage of 0.616 V. Collectively, the present study contributes to maximize the performance of glucose fuel cells.
Right Anterior Minithoracotomy Is an Alternative, Less Invasive Approach to Median Sternotomy during Aortic Valve Replacement for Patients with Low Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Qu Zheng , You Bin , Li Ping
Published: June 2021

The concept of minimally invasive cardiac surgery has been put forward for more than decades and continued to develop. Recently, minimally invasive aortic valve surgery is established as a safe and effective treatment for various aortic valvular heart diseases and ascending aorta disorders. This study is aimed at analyzing the safety and effectiveness of aortic valve replacement (AVR) through right anterior minithoracotomy for the treatment of patients with low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Retrospective analyses of 43 cases with low LVEF undergoing AVR through median sternotomy and 43 cases with low LVEF undergoing AVR through right anterior minithoracotomy were performed. Extracorporeal circulation time and aortic cross-clamping time were longer in patients undergoing AVR through right anterior minithoracotomy than those in patients undergoing AVR through median sternotomy (

P
<
0.05

). Patients undergoing AVR through right anterior minithoracotomy exhibited declines in the cardiac surgery intensive care unit (CSICU) stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and the length of hospital stay than those undergoing AVR through median sternotomy (

P
<
0.05

). The volumes of 24 h chest drainage were reduced in patients undergoing AVR through right anterior minithoracotomy compared with those undergoing AVR through median sternotomy (

P
<
0.05

). The incidence rates of blood transfusion within 24 h and postoperative atrial fibrillation were lower in patients undergoing AVR through right anterior minithoracotomy than those in patients undergoing AVR through median sternotomy (

P
<
0.05

). As for cardiac function, patients with right anterior minithoracotomy had decreased left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) but increased LVEF and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) when compared to median sternotomy (

P
<
0.05

). With regard to inflammatory response, the serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in patients with right anterior minithoracotomy were much lower than those in median sternotomy (

P
<
0.05

). All these results indicate that right anterior minithoracotomy is an alternative, less invasive approach to median sternotomy during AVR for patients with low LVEF.
Lipid Accumulation Product Is More Related to Insulin Resistance than the Visceral Adiposity Index in the Maracaibo City Population, Venezuela
Authors: Bermúdez Valmore , Salazar Juan , Fuenmayor Jorge , Nava Manuel , Ortega Ángel , Duran Pablo , Rojas Milagros , Añez Roberto , Rivas-Montenegro Alejandra , Angarita Lissé , Chacín Maricarmen , Cano Clímaco , Velasco Manuel , Rojas Joselyn
Published: June 2021

Background. Visceral adiposity is related to insulin resistance (IR), a metabolic state considered as a risk factor for other cardiometabolic diseases. In that matter, mathematical indexes such as the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and the lipid accumulation product (LAP) could indirectly assess IR based on visceral adiposity. Objective. To evaluate the association and diagnostic accuracy of VAI and LAP to diagnose IR in the adult population of Maracaibo city. Methods. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study with multistage sampling. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were built to determine VAI and LAP cutoff points to predict IR. A set of logistic regression models was constructed according to sociodemographic, psychobiologic, and metabolic variables. Results. 1818 subjects were evaluated (51.4% women). The area under the curve (AUC) values for LAP and VAI were 0.689 (0.665–0.714) and 0.645 (0.619–0.670), respectively. Both indexes showed a higher IR risk in the upper tertile in bivariate analysis. However, in the logistic regression analysis for the IR risk, only the 2nd (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.37–2.65;

p
<
0.01

) and 3rd (OR: 5.40; 95% CI: 3.48–8.39;

p
<
0.01

) LAP tertiles showed a significant increase. This behaviour was also observed after adjusting for hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CPR). Conclusion. Although both indexes show a low predictive capacity in individuals with IR in the Maracaibo city population, the LAP index was more strongly associated with IR.
Improvement of Heat Pipe Solar Collector Thermal Efficiency Using Al2O3/Water and TiO2/Water Nanofluids
Authors: Ünvar Sinan , Menlik Tayfun , Sözen Adnan , Ali Hafız Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Heat pipe solar collectors (HPSCs) are heat exchangers that carry heat based on the phase change of the heat pipe working fluid. It is aimed to increase the operating temperature range of solar collectors by changing the phase of the working fluid in the heat pipe at low temperature. For this reason, it has become widespread to use nanofluids obtained by mixing nanosized metal oxides with the base fluid in certain proportions in order to increase both the thermal conductivity of the heat pipe working fluids and to increase the specific heat closures. The main purpose of this study, which was conducted to evaluate the performance of HPSCs, is to increase performance, and an experimental study has been conducted in this direction. For this purpose, an HPSC designed and manufactured was used. Al2O3-water and TiO2-water nanofluids containing 2% nanoparticles were used in order to increase performance in the study. HPSC used in the study consists of 8 heat pipes with a length of 100 cm. The experiments were carried out for pure water and nanofluids, and their efficiency and strength were compared. The highest value of instantaneous efficiency was calculated as 48% when pure water was used as the working fluid, 58% for Al2O3-water nanofluid, and 64% for TiO2-water nanofluid. The instantaneous power obtained using pure water was determined as 135.66 W, 167.96 W for Al2O3-water nanofluid, and 184.03 W for TiO2-water nanofluid. The improvement in efficiency was determined as 20.8% for Al2O3-water nanofluid and 33.3% for TiO2-water nanofluid. Improvement in powers was found to be 23.8% for Al2O3-water nanofluid and 35.6% for TiO2-water nanofluid.
Application of Modified Hoek–Brown Strength Criterion in Water-Rich Soft Rock Tunnel
Authors: Deng Xianghui , Wang Yuncai , Wang Rui , Xia Daohong , Zhao Zhiqing
Published: June 2021

When a tunnel is excavated in the water-rich soft rock stratum, the strength of the soft rock is greatly reduced due to the seepage of groundwater. The condition may result in engineering accidents, such as large deformation, limit invasion, and even local collapse of the tunnel. Therefore, it is very important to research the stability of the surrounding rock in the water-rich soft rock tunnel. The water-rich disturbance factor considering the seepage influence of groundwater and blasting disturbance is proposed, and the generalized Hoek–Brown strength criterion is modified on the basis of the immersion softening test of soft rock. In accordance with the classical elastic–plastic mechanics theory, the stress, strain, and displacement calculation formulas of the tunnel surrounding rock are derived. The displacement of tunnel surrounding rock is analyzed using the derived formula and the modified Hoek–Brown strength criterion and then compared with the measured value. Results show that the displacement of surrounding rock, which is calculated by modified Hoek–Brown strength criterion considering water-rich disturbance factor and the displacement calculation formula, is close to the measured deformation of surrounding rock in water-rich soft rock tunnel, and the error is small. Therefore, the modified Hoek–Brown strength criterion can be applied to the water-rich soft rock tunnel, and the derived displacement calculation formula can accurately calculate the deformation of tunnel surrounding rock. It is of great significance to the study of surrounding rock stability of water-rich soft rock tunnel.
Analysis of Smooth Implementation of Industry Poverty Alleviation considering Government Supervision
Authors: Yao Haifeng , Fu Jiangyue
Published: June 2021

Vigorous implementation of industrial poverty alleviation is the fundamental path and core power of poverty alleviation in impoverished areas. Enterprises and poor farmers are the main participants in industry poverty alleviation. Government supervision measures regulate their behaviors. This study investigates how to smoothly implement industry poverty alleviation projects considering government supervision. A game model is proposed based on the evolutionary game theory. It analyses the game processes between enterprises and poor farmers with and without government supervision based on the proposed model. It is shown that poverty alleviation projects will fail without government supervision given that the equilibrium point (0, 0) is the ultimate convergent point of the system but will possibly succeed with government supervision since the equilibrium points (0, 0) and (1, 1) are the ultimate convergent point of the system, where equilibrium point (1, 1) is our desired results. Different supervision modes have different effects on the game process. This study considers three supervision modes, namely, only reward mode, only penalty mode, and reward and penalty mode, and investigates the parameter design for the reward and penalty mode. The obtained results are helpful for the government to develop appropriate policies for the smooth implementation of industry poverty alleviation projects.
Protracted COVID-19 during Treatment of Facial Palsy
Authors: Hasibi Mehrdad , Seyed Ahadi Maral , Abdollahi Hamed , Jafari Mehrdad
Published: June 2021

Neurologic manifestations are increasingly reported as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues. This is a report of a COVID-19 patient with Bell's palsy. Case Summary. A 52-year-old man with fever and malaise was tested positive for COVID-19. After a week, he developed right-sided peripheral facial palsy and was treated with corticosteroids in conjunction with antiviral treatment which resulted in complete recovery. Discussion. Concomitant treatment of corticosteroids and antiviral treatment can decrease morbidity in patients with COVID-19-related Bell's palsy.
Dynamic Reliability Prediction of Bridges Based on Decoupled SHM Extreme Stress Data and Improved BDLM
Authors: Fan Xueping , Liu Yuefei
Published: June 2021

Bridge health monitoring system has produced a huge amount of monitored data (extreme stress data, etc.) in the long‐term service periods; how to reasonably predict structural dynamic reliability with these data is one key problem in structural health monitoring (SHM) field. In this paper, considering the coupling, randomness, and time variation of SHM data, firstly, the coupled extreme stress data, which are considered as a time series, are decoupled into high‐frequency and low‐frequency data with the moving average method. Secondly, Bayesian dynamic linear models (BDLM) without priori monitoring error data (e.g., unknown monitored error variance) are built to dynamically predict the decoupled extreme stress; furthermore, the dynamic reliability of bridge members is predicted with the built BDLM and first‐order second moment (FOSM) reliability method. Finally, an actual example is provided to illustrate the feasibility and application of the proposed models and methods. The research results of this paper will provide the theoretical foundations for structural reliability prediction.