bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Parasitoid Eretmocerus hayati Is Compatible with Barrier Cropping to Decrease Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci MED) Densities on Cotton in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Ferrante Marco , Wan Fanghao , Yang Nianwan , Lövei Gábor L.
Published: January 2020

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) cryptic species Mediterranean (MED), is a destructive insect pest worldwide. In order to contribute to controlling B. tabaci by non-chemical methods, we examined the possibility of using a combination of trap/barrier crops and a parasitoid natural enemy in cotton. We performed field experiments using cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) as trap crops and maize (Zea mays) as a barrier crop combined with periodic releases of the parasitoid Eretmocerus hayati in Hebei Province, Northern China. All treatments significantly reduced immature whitefly densities. Parasitism rate was significantly higher in cotton plots intercropped with sunflower and with perimeter-planted cantaloupe. Adult whitefly density was negatively related to parasitoid abundance and was significantly lower in cotton plots intercropped with maize than in the control plots. Intercropping was more effective than perimeter-planting at reducing B. tabaci densities and increasing yield. Parasitoid dispersal was not hampered by barrier crops, indicating that the two methods of control are compatible. These results contribute to the development of integrated pest management methods against this important pest.
Development of the New Analytic Model for Sand Deposition Particles Downstream of a Fence
Authors: Razi Peyman
Published: January 2020

Movement of sand particles is a complicated phenomenon that occurs in nature. In this paper, the main goal is to provide an analytic model for the deposition profile of sand particles downstream of a fence. The analytic model was derived with respect to governing equations and shear flows for upstream and downstream regions. In this approach, we obtain a new expression for the downstream velocity of the fence, which allows for the determination of potential areas of deposition particles by assuming a log-normal distribution profile. A discrete-phase flow (DPM) was used to inject particles in the simulation domain. The DPM gives capabilities to capture spatiotemporal velocities components, as we can define the probability of deposition particles in the downstream of the fence. The proposed model was validated with a numerical model and experimental results. The comparison with field data and numerical results shows that the deposition profile is in acceptable agreement. With some assumptions and modifications about the properties of particles, the results of this research can be extended to snow accumulation downstream of a fence.
Creatinine to Body Weight Ratio Is Associated with Incident Diabetes: Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Okamura Takuro , Hamaguchi Masahide , Obora Akihiro , Kojima Takao , Fukui Michiaki
Published: January 2020

We investigated the association between creatinine to body weight (Cre/BW) ratio and incident diabetes. In this cohort study, 9659 men and 7417 women were follow up mean (SD) 5.6 (3.5) years and 5.4 (3.4) years, respectively. For men, tertile 1 (T1; n = 3176), Cre/BW < 0.01275; tertile 2 (T2; n = 3258), 0.01275 ≤ Cre/BW < 0.0148; and tertile 3 (T3; n = 3225), Cre/BW ≥ 0.0148; and for women, T1 (n = 2437), Cre/BMI < 0.0118; T2 (n = 2516), 0.0118 ≤ Cre/BMI < 0.014; and T3 (n = 2477), Cre/BMI ≥ 0.014. Among them, 362 men and 102 women developed diabetes. The hazard ratios (HRs) of incident diabetes in the T2 group was 0.56 (95% CI 0.44–0.71, p < 0.001) in men and 0.61 (0.38–0.99, p = 0.045) in women and in the T3 group was 0.42 (0.32–0.54, p < 0.001) in men and 0.55 (0.34–0.89, p = 0.014) in women after adjusting for covariates, compared with the T1 group. Moreover, Δ0.001 incremental of Cre/BW is negatively associated with incident diabetes (adjusted HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.80–0.88, p < 0.001 for men and 0.88, 0.81–0.96, p = 0.003 for women). In conclusion, Cre/BW ratio is inversely related to incident diabetes. Checking Cre/BW ratios may predict future diabetes risks.
Morpho-Functional Evaluation of Full-Thickness Macular Holes by the Integration of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Microperimetry
Authors: Bacherini Daniela , Savastano Maria Cristina , Dragotto Francesco , Finocchio Lucia , Lenzetti Chiara , Bitossi Alice , Tartaro Ruggero , Giansanti Fabrizio , Barca Francesco , Savastano Alfonso , Caporossi Tomaso , Vannozzi Lorenzo , Sodi Andrea , De Luca Marino , Faraldi Francesco , Virgili Gianni , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: January 2020

(1) Objective: To use optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and microperimetry (MP) to evaluate the correlation between retinal structure and function in patients with idiopathic, full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) (2) Methods: This prospective, observational study included 11 eyes of 10 patients with FTMHs evaluated before surgery using OCTA and MP. MP sensitivity maps were superimposed and registered on slabs corresponding to superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) on OCTA, and on the outer plexiform layer (OPL) and the Henle fiber layer (HFL) complex in en face OCT. On these maps, mean retinal sensitivity was calculated at 2° and 4°, all centered on the FTMH. Cystic cavity extension was assessed on the slab corresponding to the OPL + HFL complex in en face OCT and DCP in OCTA using the Image J software (Version 1.49v; National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA); (3) Results: Absolute scotomas were observed corresponding to the FTMH. Additionally, rings of relative scotoma in the perilesional area were detected and correlated to the cystic spaces on en face OCT and OCTA. There was a significant correlation between reduced retinal sensitivity at 2° and 4° diameters around the FTMH and the extension of cystic areas (p < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between the extension of cystic cavities and BCVA (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: Morpho-functional analysis of FTMH using OCTA and MP, and the correlation between vascular abnormalities and impaired retinal sensitivity, may provide new, useful information. This integrated evaluation of FTMH may be useful to determine the function–structure correlation before and after vitreoretinal surgery, in order to gain a better understanding of the functional consequences induced by the morphological alterations, assessing outcomes in a more objective way, and potentially adding new surgical prognostic factors.
Intact Stimulus–Response Conflict Processing in ADHD—Multilevel Evidence and Theoretical Implications
Authors: Bluschke Annet , Mückschel Moritz , Roessner Veit , Beste Christian
Published: January 2020

Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is closely associated with deficits in cognitive control. It seems, however, that the degree of deficits strongly depends on the examined subprocess, with the resolution of stimulus–stimulus conflicts being particularly difficult for patients with ADHD. The picture is far less clear regarding stimulus–response conflicts. The current study provides multi-level behavioural and neurophysiological data on this type of conflict monitoring in children with ADHD compared to healthy controls. To account for the potentially strong effects of intra-individual variability, electroencephalogram (EEG) signal decomposition methods were used to analyze the data. Crucially, none of the analyses (behavioural, event-related potentials, or decomposed EEG data) show any differences between the ADHD group and the control group. Bayes statistical analysis confirmed the high likelihood of the null hypothesis being true in all cases. Thus, the data provide multi-level evidence showing that conflict monitoring processes are indeed partly intact in ADHD, even when eliminating possible biasing factors such as intra-individual variability. While stimulus–stimulus conflict processing has been shown to be consistently dysfunctional in ADHD, the resolution of stimulus–response conflicts is not deficient in this patient group. In comparison to other studies, the results provide novel theoretical insights into the nature of conflict control deficits in childhood ADHD.
Immune Dysregulation in HFpEF: A Target for Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Therapy
Authors: Sava Ruxandra , Pepine Carl , March Keith
Published: January 2020

Over 26 million people worldwide suffer from heart failure, a disease associated with a 1 year mortality rate of 22%. Half of these patients present heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), for which there is no available therapy to improve prognosis. HFpEF is strongly associated with aging, inflammation, and comorbid burden, which are thought to play causal roles in disease development. Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have potent immunomodulatory actions and promote tissue healing, thus representing an attractive therapeutic option in HFpEF. In this review, we summarize recent data suggesting that a two-hit model of immune dysregulation lies at the heart of the HFpEF. A first hit is represented by genetic mutations associated with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), which skew immune cells toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype, are associated with HFpEF development in animal models, and with immune dysregulation and risk of HF hospitalization in patients. A second hit is induced by cardiovascular risk factors, which cause subclinical cardiac dysfunction and production of danger signals. In mice, these attract proinflammatory macrophages, Th1 and Th17 cells into the myocardium, where they are required for the development of HFpEF. MSCs have been shown to reduce the pro-inflammatory activity of immune cell types involved in murine HFpEF in vitro, and to reduce myocardial fibrosis and improve diastolic function in vivo, thus they may efficiently target immune dysregulation in HFpEF and stop disease progression.
Incremental Value of ePLAR—The Echocardiographic Pulmonary to Left Atrial Ratio in the Assessment of Sub-Massive Pulmonary Emboli
Authors: Scalia Isabel G. , Scalia William M. , Hunter Jonathon , Riha Andrea Z. , Wong David , Celermajer Yael , Platts David G. , Fitzgerald Benjamin T. , Scalia Gregory M.
Published: January 2020

Background: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is characterized hemodynamically by abrupt obstruction in trans-pulmonary blood flow. The echocardiographic Pulmonary to Left Atrial ratio (ePLAR, tricuspid regurgitation Vmax/mitral E/e’) has been validated as a non-invasive surrogate for trans-pulmonary gradient (TPG) that accurately differentiates pre-capillary from post-capillary chronic pulmonary hypertension. This study assessed ePLAR as an incremental echocardiographic assessment tool compared with traditional measures of right ventricular pressure and function. Methods: In total, 110 (57.4 ± 17.6 years) patients with confirmed sub-massive pulmonary emboli with contemporaneous echocardiograms (0.3 ± 0.9 days) were compared with 110 age-matched controls (AMC). Results: Tricuspid velocities were higher than AMC (2.6 ± 0.6 m/s vs. 2.4 ± 0.3 m/s, p < 0.05), although still consistent with “normal” right ventricular systolic pressures (34.2 ± 13.5 mmHg vs. 25 ± 5.3 mmHg, p < 0.05) with lower mitral E/e’ values (8.2 ± 3.8 vs. 10.8 ± 5.1, p < 0.05). ePLAR values were higher than AMC (0.36 ± 0.14 m/s vs. 0.26 ± 0.10, p < 0.05) suggesting significantly elevated TPG. Detection of abnormal echocardiographic findings increased from 29% (TRVmax ≥ 2.9 m/s) and 32% (reduced tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion) to 70% with ePLAR ≥ 0.3 m/s. Conclusions: Raised ePLAR values in acute sub-massive pulmonary embolism suggest elevated trans-pulmonary gradients even in the absence of acutely increased pulmonary artery pressures. ePLAR dramatically increases the sensitivity of echocardiography for detection of hemodynamic perturbations in sub-massive pulmonary embolism patients, which may offer clinical utility in diagnosis and management.
High On-Treatment Platelet Reactivity Affects the Extent of Ischemic Lesions in Stroke Patients Due to Large-Vessel Disease
Authors: Wiśniewski Adam , Sikora Joanna , Sławińska Agata , Filipska Karolina , Karczmarska-Wódzka Aleksandra , Serafin Zbigniew , Kozera Grzegorz
Published: January 2020

Background: Excessive platelet activation and aggregation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. Correlation between platelet reactivity and ischemic lesions in the brain shows contradictory results and there are not enough data about the potential role of stroke etiology and its relationships with chronic lesions. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between platelet reactivity and the extent of ischemic lesions with the particular role of etiopathogenesis. Methods: The study involved 69 patients with ischemic stroke, including 20 patients with large-vessel disease and 49 patients with small-vessel disease. Evaluation of platelet reactivity was performed within 24 h after the onset of stroke using two aggregometric methods (impedance and optical), while ischemic volume measurement in the brain was performed using magnetic resonance imaging (in diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences) at day 2–5 after the onset of stroke. Results: In the large-vessel disease subgroup, a correlation was found between platelet reactivity and acute ischemic focus volume (correlation coefficient (R) = 0.6858 and p = 0.0068 for DWI; R = 0.6064 and p = 0.0215 for FLAIR). Aspirin-resistant subjects were significantly more likely to have a large ischemic focus (Odds Ratio (OR) = 45.00, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.49–135.36, p = 0.0285 for DWI; OR = 28.00, 95% CI = 1.35–58.59, p = 0.0312 for FLAIR) than aspirin-sensitive subjects with large-vessel disease. Conclusion: In patients with ischemic stroke due to large-vessel disease, high on-treatment platelet reactivity affects the extent of acute and chronic ischemic lesions.
Cytomegalovirus Viremia after Living and Deceased Donation in Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Jehn Ulrich , Schütte-Nütgen Katharina , Bautz Joachim , Pavenstädt Hermann , Suwelack Barbara , Thölking Gerold , Heinzow Hauke , Reuter Stefan
Published: January 2020

Despite screening, effective anti-viral drugs and risk-balanced prophylaxis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) remains a major cause of morbidity in transplant patients. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the risk factors associated with CMV viremia after kidney transplantation in a large European cohort with standardized valganciclovir prophylaxis in the present era. A special focus was placed on the comparison of living and postmortal donation. We conducted a longitudinal observational study involving 723 adult patients with a total of 3292 patient-years who were transplanted at our center between 2007 and 2015. Valganciclovir prophylaxis was administered over 100 days for CMV+ donors (D) or recipients (R), over 200 days for D+/R−, and none in D−/R−. A CMV+ donor, rejection episodes, and deceased donor transplantation were identified to be associated with increased incidences of CMV viremia. Although we did not find a reduced overall survival rate for patients with CMV viremia, it was associated with worse graft function. Since we observed a relevant number of CMV infections despite prescribing valganciclovir prophylaxis, a pre-emptive strategy in patients with (suspected) adherence restrictions could be favored. Our data can help transplant physicians educate their patients about their individual CMV risk and choose the most appropriate CMV treatment approach.
Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury in Kidney Transplantation: Relevant Mechanisms in Injury and Repair
Authors: Nieuwenhuijs-Moeke Gertrude J. , Pischke Søren E. , Berger Stefan P. , Sanders Jan Stephan F. , Pol Robert A. , Struys Michel M. R. F. , Ploeg Rutger J. , Leuvenink Henri G. D.
Published: January 2020

Ischemia and reperfusion injury (IRI) is a complex pathophysiological phenomenon, inevitable in kidney transplantation and one of the most important mechanisms for non- or delayed function immediately after transplantation. Long term, it is associated with acute rejection and chronic graft dysfunction due to interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. Recently, more insight has been gained in the underlying molecular pathways and signalling cascades involved, which opens the door to new therapeutic opportunities aiming to reduce IRI and improve graft survival. This review systemically discusses the specific molecular pathways involved in the pathophysiology of IRI and highlights new therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.
An Approach for Diver Passive Detection Based on the Established Model of Breathing Sound Emission
Authors: Tu Qiang , Yuan Fei , Yang Weidi , Cheng En
Published: January 2020

Diver breathing sounds can be used as a characteristic for the passive detection of divers. This work introduces an approach for detecting the presence of a diver based on diver breathing sounds signals. An underwater channel model for passive diver detection is built to evaluate the impacts of acoustic energy transmission loss and ambient noise interference. The noise components of the observed signals are suppressed by spectral subtraction based on block-based threshold theory and smooth minimal statistic noise tracking theory. Then the envelope spectrum features of the denoised signal are extracted for diver detection. The performance of the proposed detection method is demonstrated through experimental analysis and numerical modeling.
Diagnosing Automotive Damper Defects Using Convolutional Neural Networks and Electronic Stability Control Sensor Signals
Authors: Zehelein Thomas , Hemmert-Pottmann Thomas , Lienkamp Markus
Published: January 2020

Chassis system components such as dampers have a significant impact on vehicle stability, driving safety, and driving comfort. Therefore, monitoring and diagnosing the defects of these components is necessary. Currently, this task is based on the driver’s perception of component defects in series production vehicles, even though model-based approaches in the literature exist. As we observe an increased availability of data in modern vehicles and advances in the field of deep learning, this paper deals with the analysis of the performance of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) for the diagnosis of automotive damper defects. To ensure a broad applicability of the generated diagnosis system, only signals of a classic Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system, such as wheel speeds, longitudinal and lateral vehicle acceleration, and yaw rate, were used. A structured analysis of data pre-processing and CNN configuration parameters were investigated in terms of the defect detection result. The results show that simple Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) pre-processing and configuration parameters resulting in small networks are sufficient for a high defect detection rate.
Gentrification through Green Regeneration? Analyzing the Interaction between Inner-City Green Space Development and Neighborhood Change in the Context of Regrowth: The Case of Lene-Voigt-Park in Leipzig, Eastern Germany
Authors: Ali Lena , Haase Annegret , Heiland Stefan
Published: January 2020

Green regeneration has become a common strategy for improving quality of life in disadvantaged neighborhoods in shrinking cities. The role and function of new green spaces may change, however, when cities experience new growth. Set against this context, this paper analyzes a case study, the Lene-Voigt-Park in Leipzig, which was established on a former brownfield site. Using a combination of methods which include an analysis of housing advertisements and interviews, the paper explores the changing role of the park in the context of urban regeneration after the city’s turn from shrinkage towards new growth. It discusses whether the concept of green gentrification may help to explain this role. As a result of our analysis, we argue that Lene-Voigt-Park has indeed operated as a trigger for structural, social, and symbolic upgrades in the growing city of Leipzig, but only in combination with real estate market developments, which are the main drivers of change. The concept of green gentrification does help to better understand the role of different factors—first and foremost that of green space. We also discovered some specifics of our case that may enrich the green gentrification debate. Leipzig serves as an example for a number of regrowing cities across Europe where green gentrification might represent a challenge.
Multiplicity of Radially Symmetric Small Energy Solutions for Quasilinear Elliptic Equations Involving Nonhomogeneous Operators
Authors: Lee Jun Ik , Kim Yun-Ho
Published: January 2020

We investigate the multiplicity of radially symmetric solutions for the quasilinear elliptic equation of Kirchhoff type. This paper is devoted to the study of the L ∞ -bound of solutions to the problem above by applying De Giorgi’s iteration method and the localization method. Employing this, we provide the existence of multiple small energy radially symmetric solutions whose L ∞ -norms converge to zero. We utilize the modified functional method and the dual fountain theorem as the main tools.
Approximation Algorithm for the Single Machine Scheduling Problem with Release Dates and Submodular Rejection Penalty
Authors: Liu Xiaofei , Li Weidong
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we consider the single machine scheduling problem with release dates and nonmonotone submodular rejection penalty. We are given a single machine and multiple jobs with probably different release dates and processing times. For each job, it is either accepted and processed on the machine or rejected. The objective is to minimize the sum of the makespan of the accepted jobs and the rejection penalty of the rejected jobs which is determined by a nonmonotone submodular function. We design a combinatorial algorithm based on the primal-dual framework to deal with the problem, and study its property under two cases. For the general case where the release dates can be different, the proposed algorithm have an approximation ratio of 2. When all the jobs release at the same time, the proposed algorithm becomes a polynomial-time exact algorithm.
Evolutionary Algorithms Enhanced with Quadratic Coding and Sensing Search for Global Optimization
Authors: Hedar Abdel-Rahman , Deabes Wael , Almaraashi Majid , Amin Hesham H.
Published: January 2020

Enhancing Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs) using mathematical elements significantly contribute to their development and control the randomness they are experiencing. Moreover, the automation of the primary process steps of EAs is still one of the hardest problems. Specifically, EAs still have no robust automatic termination criteria. Moreover, the highly random behavior of some evolutionary operations should be controlled, and the methods should invoke advanced learning process and elements. As follows, this research focuses on the problem of automating and controlling the search process of EAs by using sensing and mathematical mechanisms. These mechanisms can provide the search process with the needed memories and conditions to adapt to the diversification and intensification opportunities. Moreover, a new quadratic coding and quadratic search operator are invoked to increase the local search improving possibilities. The suggested quadratic search operator uses both regression and Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network models. Two evolutionary-based methods are proposed to evaluate the performance of the suggested enhancing elements using genetic algorithms and evolution strategies. Results show that for both the regression, RBFs and quadratic techniques could help in the approximation of high-dimensional functions with the use of a few adjustable parameters for each type of function. Moreover, the automatic termination criteria could allow the search process to stop appropriately.
Triple-Layer Nanocomposite Membrane Prepared by Electrospinning Based on Modified PES with Carbon Nanotubes for Membrane Distillation Applications
Authors: Elmarghany Mohamed , H. El-Shazly Ahmed , Rajabzadeh Saeid , S. Salem Mohamed , A. Shouman Mahmoud , Nabil Sabry Mohamed , Matsuyama Hideto , Nady Norhan
Published: January 2020

In this work, a novel triple-layer nanocomposite membrane prepared with polyethersulfone (PES)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the primary bulk material and poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoro propylene) (PcH)/CNTs as the outer and inner surfaces of the membrane by using electrospinning method is introduced. Modified PES with CNTs was chosen as the bulk material of the triple-layer membrane to obtain a high porosity membrane. Both the upper and lower surfaces of the triple-layer membrane were coated with PcH/CNTs using electrospinning to get a triple-layer membrane with high total porosity and noticeable surface hydrophobicity. Combining both characteristics, next to an acceptable bulk hydrophobicity, resulted in a compelling membrane for membrane distillation (MD) applications. The prepared membrane was utilized in a direct contact MD system, and its performance was evaluated in different salt solution concentrations, feed velocities and feed solution temperatures. The results of the prepared membrane in this study were compared to those reported in previously published papers. Based on the evaluated membrane performance, the triple-layer nanocomposite membrane can be considered as a potential alternative with reasonable cost, relative to other MD membranes.
Texture and Lattice Strain Evolution during Tensile Loading of Mg–Zn Alloys Measured by Synchrotron Diffraction
Authors: Zhou Xiaohua , Ha Changwan , Yi Sangbong , Bohlen Jan , Schell Norbert , Chi Yuanqing , Zheng Mingyi , Brokmeier Heinz-Günter
Published: January 2020

To explore the effect of neodymium (Nd) on the deformation mechanisms of Mg–Zn alloys, texture and lattice strain developments of hot-rolled Mg–Zn (Z1) and Mg–Zn–Nd (ZN10) alloys were investigated using in situ synchrotron diffraction and compared with elasto-viscoplastic self-consistent simulation under tensile loading. The Nd-containing ZN10 alloys show much weaker texture after hot rolling than the Nd-free Z1 alloy. To investigate the influence of the initial texture on the texture and lattice strain evolution, the tensile tests were carried out in the rolling and transverse direction. During tension, the {002}<100> texture components develop fast in Z1, which was not seen for ZN10. On the other hand, <100> fiber // loading direction (LD) developed in both alloys, although it was faster in ZN10 than in Z1. Lattice strain investigation showed that <101> // LD-oriented grains experienced plastic deformation first during tension, which can be related to basal slip activity. This was more apparent for ZN10 than for Z1. The simulation results show that the prismatic slip plays a vital role in the plastic deformation of Z1 directly from the beginning. In contrast, ZN10 plastic deformation starts with dominant basal slip but during deformation prismatic slip becomes increasingly important.
Grain Refinement of Ti-15Mo-3Al-2.7Nb-0.2Si Alloy with the Rotation of TiB Whiskers by Powder Metallurgy and Canned Hot Extrusion
Authors: Hou Jiabin , Gao Lin , Cui Guorong , Chen Wenzhen , Zhang Wencong , Tian Wenguang
Published: January 2020

In situ synthesized TiB whiskers (TiBw) reinforced Ti-15Mo-3Al-2.7Nb-0.2Si alloys were successfully manufactured by pre-sintering and canned hot extrusion via adding TiB2 powders. During pre-sintering, most TiB2 were reacted with Ti atoms to produce TiB. During extrusion, the continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX) of β grains was promoted with the rotation of TiBw, and CDRXed grains were strongly inhibited by TiBw with hindering dislocation motion. Eventually, the grain sizes of composites decreased obviously. Furthermore, the stress transmitted from the matrix to TiBw for strengthening in a tensile test, besides grain refinement. Meanwhile, the fractured TiBw and microcracks around them contributed to fracturing.
Optimum Strength Distribution for Structures with Metallic Dampers Subjected to Seismic Loading
Authors: Donaire-Ávila Jesús , Benavent-Climent Amadeo
Published: January 2020

A key aspect of the seismic design of structures is the distribution of the lateral strength, because it governs the distribution of the cumulative plastic strain energy (i.e., the damage) among the stories. The lateral shear strength of a story i is commonly normalized by the upward weight of the building and expressed by a shear force coefficient αi. The cumulative plastic strain energy in a given story i can be normalized by the product of its lateral strength and yield displacement, and expressed by a plastic deformation ratio ηi. The distribution αi/α1 that makes ηi equal in all stories is called the optimum yield-shear force distribution. It constitutes a major aim of design; a second aim is to achieve similar ductility demand in all stories. This paper proposes a new approach for deriving the optimum yield-shear force coefficient distribution of structures without underground stories and equipped with metallic dampers. It is shown, both numerically and experimentally, that structures designed with the proposed distribution fulfil the expected response in terms of both damage distribution and inter-story drift demand. Moreover, a comparison with other distributions described in the literature serves to underscore the advantages of the proposed approach.
Mechanism of CaF2 under Vacuum Carbothermal Conditions for Recovering Nickel, Iron, and Magnesium from Garnierite
Authors: Wang Qiang , Gu Xupeng , Qu Tao , Shi Lei , Luo Mingyang , Yang Bin , Dai Yongnian
Published: January 2020

Nickel laterite ore is divided into three layers and the garnierite examined in this study belongs to the third layer. Garnierite is characterized by high magnesium and silicon contents. The main contents of garnierite are silicates, and nickel, iron, and magnesium exist in silicates in the form of lattice exchange. Silicate minerals are difficult to destroy so are suitable for smelting using high-temperature pyrometallurgy. To solve the problem of the large amounts of slag produced and the inability to recycle the magnesium in the traditional pyrometallurgical process, we propose a vacuum carbothermal reduction and magnetic separation process to recover nickel, iron, and magnesium from garnierite, and the behavior of the additive CaF2 in the reduction process was investigated. Experiments were conducted under pressures ranging from 10 to 50 Pa with different proportions of CaF2 at different temperatures. The experimental data were obtained by various methods, such as thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The analysis results indicate that CaF2 directly reacted with Mg2SiO4, MgSiO3, Ni2SiO4, and Fe2SiO4, which were isolated from the bearing minerals, to produce low-melting-point compounds (FeF2, MgF2, NiF2, etc.) at 1315 and 1400 K. This promoted the conversion of the raw materials from a solid–solid reaction to a liquid–liquid reaction, accelerating the mass transfer and the heat transfer of Fe–Ni particles, and formed Si–Ni–Fe alloy particles with diameters of approximately of 20 mm. The smelting materials appeared stratified, hindering the reduction of magnesium. The results of the experiments indicate that at 1723 K, the molar ratio of ore/C was 1:1.2, the addition of CaF2 was 3%, the recovery of Fe and Ni reached 82.97% and 98.21% in the vacuum carbothermal reduction–magnetic separation process, respectively, and the enrichment ratios of Fe and Ni were maximized, reaching 3.18 and 9.35, respectively.
Extraction of Rare Earth Elements from Phospho-Gypsum: Concentrate Digestion, Leaching, and Purification
Authors: Brückner Lisa , Elwert Tobias , Schirmer Thomas
Published: January 2020

Rare earth-bearing gypsum tailings from the fertilizer industry are a potential source for an economically viable and sustainable production of rare earth elements. Large quantities are generated inter alia in Catalão, Brazil, as a by-product in a fertilizer production plant. Hitherto, the gypsum has been used as soil conditioner in agriculture or was dumped. The cooperative project, “Catalão Monazite: Economical exploitation of rare earth elements from monazite-bearing secondary raw materials,” intends to extract rare earth elements from these gypsum tailings. In this paper, a chemical process route to obtain a mixed rare earth carbonate from a monazite concentrate, was investigated. The results of the digestion, leaching, and precipitation experiments are presented and discussed herein. This includes reagent choice, process parameter optimization through experimental design, mineralogical characterization of the feed material and residues, purification of the leach solution, and precipitation of the rare earth as carbonates. The results showed that a rare earth extraction of about 90% without the mobilization of key impurities is possible during a sulfuric acid digestion with two heating stages and subsequent leaching with water. In the following purification step, the remaining impurities were precipitated with ammonium solution and the rare earth elements were successfully recovered as carbonates with a mixture of ammonium solution and ammonium bicarbonate.
Effect of Heterogeneous Microstructure on Refining Austenite Grain Size in Low Alloy Heavy-Gage Plate
Authors: Yuan Shengfu , Xie Zhenjia , Wang Jingliang , Zhu Longhao , Yan Ling , Shang Chengjia , Misra R. D. K.
Published: January 2020

The present work introduces the role of heterogeneous microstructure in enhancing the nucleation density of reversed austenite. It was found that the novel pre-annealing produced a heterogeneous microstructure consisting of alloying elements-enriched martensite and alloying-depleted intercritical ferrite. The shape of the martensite at the prior austenite grain boundary was equiaxed and acicular at inter-laths. The equiaxed reversed austenite had a K-S orientation with adjacent prior austenite grain, and effectively refined the prior austenite grain that it grew into. The alloying elements-enriched martensite provided additional nucleation sites to form equiaxed reversed austenite at both prior austenite grain boundaries and intragranular inter-lath boundaries during re-austenitization. It was revealed that prior austenite grain size was refined to ~12 μm by pre-annealing and quenching, while it was ~30 μm by conventional quenching. This is a practical way of refining transformation products by refining prior austenite grain size to improve the strength, ductility and low temperature toughness of heavy-gage plate steel.
Angle-Sensitive Photonic Crystals for Simultaneous Detection and Photocatalytic Degradation of Hazardous Diazo Compounds
Authors: Maeno Kenichi , Patel Bhargav R. , Endo Tatsuro , Kerman Kagan
Published: January 2020

Congo Red (CR) and Amido Black 10B (AB-10B) are anionic diazo dyes, which are metabolized to produce a bioaccumulative and persistent carcinogen, benzidine. In this regard, an angle sensitive sensor composed of photonic crystal supported photocatalyst was fabricated for the simultaneous detection and photocatalytic degradation of diazo dyes from aqueous solutions. Reflectance spectroscopy was used in the detection of CR and AB-10B, which was based on the emergence of the incident angle dependent reflection peaks from the TiO2 coated two-dimensional photonic crystal (2D-PhC) surfaces and their subsequent quenching due to the presence of dye molecules whose absorbance peak intensity overlapped the reflection peak intensity of TiO2 at the respective angle. Interestingly, ultraviolet (UV) mediated photocatalytic degradation of CR and AB-10B was achieved using the same TiO2 coated 2D-PhC surfaces. 2D-PhC underneath the TiO2 layer was able to confine and localize the light on the TiO2 coated 2D-PhC surface, which enhanced the light absorption by dye molecules on the TiO2 surface and the photocatalytic efficiency in the degradation of CR and AB-10B. Finally, this proof-of-concept study demonstrated the fabrication of copolymer film based photonic crystal supported photocatalytic device, which can be used for developing miniaturized sensors competent in on-field detection and degradation of pollutants.
A Programmable Nanofabrication Method for Complex 3D Meta-Atom Array Based on Focused-Ion-Beam Stress-Induced Deformation Effect
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Xia Yuyu , Mao Yifei , Huang Yun , Zhu Jia , Xu Jun , Zhu Rui , Shi Lei , Wu Wengang
Published: January 2020

Due to their unique electromagnetic properties, meta-atom arrays have always been a hotspot to realize all kinds of particular functions, and the research on meta-atom structure has extended from two-dimensions (2D) to three-dimensions (3D) in recent years. With the continuous pursuit of complex 3D meta-atom arrays, the increasing demand for more efficient and more precise nanofabrication methods has encountered challenges. To explore better fabrication methods, we presented a programmable nanofabrication method for a complex 3D meta-atom array based on focused-ion-beam stress-induced deformation (FIB-SID) effect and designed a distinctive nanostructure array composed of periodic 3D meta-atoms to demonstrate the presented method. After successful fabrication of the designed 3D meta-atom arrays, measurements were conducted to investigate the electric/magnetic field properties and infrared spectral characteristics using scanning cathodoluminescence (CL) microscopic imaging and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which revealed a certain excitation mode induced by polarized incident IR light near 8 μm. Besides the programmability for complex 3D meta-atoms and wide applicability of materials, a more significant advantage of the method is that a large-scale array composed of complex 3D meta-atoms can be processed in a quasi-parallel way, which improves the processing efficiency and the consistency of unit cells dramatically.
Dye-Doped ZnO Microcapsules for High Throughput and Sensitive Optofluidic Micro-Thermometry
Authors: Ghifari Najla , Rassouk Sara , Hayat Zain , Taleb Abdelhafed , Chahboun Adil , El Abed Abdel I.
Published: January 2020

The main objective of this work is to show the proof of concept of a new optofluidic method for high throughput fluorescence-based thermometry, which enables the measure of temperature inside optofluidic microsystems at the millisecond (ms) time scale (high throughput). We used droplet microfluidics to produce highly monodisperse microspheres from dispersed zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals and doped them with rhodamine B (RhB) or/and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G). The fluorescence intensities of these two dyes are known to depend linearly on temperature but in two opposite manner. Their mixture enables for the construction of reference probe whose fluorescence does not depend practically on temperature. The use of zinc oxide microparticles as temperature probes in microfluidic channels has two main advantages: (i) avoid the diffusion and the adsorption of the dyes inside the walls of the microfluidic channels and (ii) enhance dissipation of the heat generated by the focused incident laser beam thanks to the high thermal conductivity of this material. Our results show that the fluorescence intensity of RhB decreases linearly with increasing temperature at a rate of about −2.2%/°C, in a very good agreement with the literature. In contrast, we observed for the first time a nonlinear change of the fluorescence intensity of Rh6G in ZnO microparticles with a minimum intensity at a temperature equal to 40 °C. This behaviour is reproducible and was observed only with ZnO microparticles doped with Rh6G.
Effects of Foliar Treatment with a Trichoderma Plant Biostimulant Consortium on Passiflora caerulea L. Yield and Quality
Authors: Şesan Tatiana Eugenia , Oancea Anca Olguța , Ştefan Laura Mihaela , Mănoiu Vasile Sorin , Ghiurea Marius , Răut Iuliana , Constantinescu-Aruxandei Diana , Toma Agnes , Savin Simona , Bira Adriana Florina , Pomohaci Cristian Mihai , Oancea Florin
Published: January 2020

The influence of spore concentration on the ability of a Trichoderma consortium to colonize the Passiflora caerulea phyllosphere was evaluated by determining the effects of foliar treatments with two spore concentrations, in two repeated treatments, on the morphological, physiological, and ultrastructural characteristics, and on the yield and quality of P. caerulea. The studied crop quality features were related to its nutraceutical use: the accumulation of polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and effects on mouse fibroblast L929 cells. The Trichoderma consortium consisted of two strains, T. asperellum T36b and T. harzianum Td50b, and the concentrations used were 106 colony forming units (cfu)/mL and 108 cfu/mL. As a reference treatment, a commercial product that was based on herbs and algal extracts was used. As compared to the negative control, the treatment with the Trichoderma consortium at 108 cfu/mL concentration determines the accumulation of higher level of polyphenols and flavonoids and increased antioxidant activity. This enhancement of P. caerulea quality characteristics after treatment with the higher concentration of Trichoderma consortium was associated with larger leaves, increased number and size of chloroplasts, improved plant physiology characteristics, and an increased yield. The treatment with high concentration of Trichoderma consortium spores promotes phyllosphere colonization and benefits both crop yield and quality.
An Update on the Genus Aeromonas: Taxonomy, Epidemiology, and Pathogenicity
Authors: Fernández-Bravo Ana , Figueras Maria José
Published: January 2020

The genus Aeromonas belongs to the Aeromonadaceae family and comprises a group of Gram-negative bacteria widely distributed in aquatic environments, with some species able to cause disease in humans, fish, and other aquatic animals. However, bacteria of this genus are isolated from many other habitats, environments, and food products. The taxonomy of this genus is complex when phenotypic identification methods are used because such methods might not correctly identify all the species. On the other hand, molecular methods have proven very reliable, such as using the sequences of concatenated housekeeping genes like gyrB and rpoD or comparing the genomes with the type strains using a genomic index, such as the average nucleotide identity (ANI) or in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (isDDH). So far, 36 species have been described in the genus Aeromonas of which at least 19 are considered emerging pathogens to humans, causing a broad spectrum of infections. Having said that, when classifying 1852 strains that have been reported in various recent clinical cases, 95.4% were identified as only four species: Aeromonas caviae (37.26%), Aeromonas dhakensis (23.49%), Aeromonas veronii (21.54%), and Aeromonas hydrophila (13.07%). Since aeromonads were first associated with human disease, gastroenteritis, bacteremia, and wound infections have dominated. The literature shows that the pathogenic potential of Aeromonas is considered multifactorial and the presence of several virulence factors allows these bacteria to adhere, invade, and destroy the host cells, overcoming the immune host response. Based on current information about the ecology, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of the genus Aeromonas, we should assume that the infections these bacteria produce will remain a great health problem in the future. The ubiquitous distribution of these bacteria and the increasing elderly population, to whom these bacteria are an opportunistic pathogen, will facilitate this problem. In addition, using data from outbreak studies, it has been recognized that in cases of diarrhea, the infective dose of Aeromonas is relatively low. These poorly known bacteria should therefore be considered similarly as enteropathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter.
Warding Off Recurrent Yeast and Bacterial Vaginal Infections: Lactoferrin and Lactobacilli
Authors: Superti Fabiana , De Seta Francesco
Published: January 2020

Vaginal infections are the most prevalent women’s health problem. Incompetent diagnosis, inappropriate treatments, and antibiotic resistance are the main causes of the unsatisfactory results of conventional, antimicrobic treatment for these infections. Research has thus been conducted to identify new treatments for these genital diseases. The significant enhancement in our knowledge of vaginal microbiota has permitted the development of new, nonpharmacological strategies for the treatment of vaginal infections that seek to restore the balance of vaginal microflora, as opposed to modifying its components. Among these approaches, bioactive compounds, such as probiotics and nutraceutical proteins (such as lactoferrin), deserve particular attention. The aim of this review is to examine the role of probiotics (mainly Lactobacillus spp.) and lactoferrin as new strategies for counteracting bacterial and fungal vaginal infections.
Inter-Versus Intra-Host Sequence Diversity of pH1N1 and Associated Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Al Khatib Hebah A. , Al Maslamani Muna A. , Coyle Peter V. , Thompson I. Richard , Farag Elmoubasher A. , Al Thani Asmaa A. , Yassine Hadi M.
Published: January 2020

The diversity of RNA viruses dictates their evolution in a particular host, community or environment. Here, we reported within- and between-host pH1N1virus diversity at consensus and sub-consensus levels over a three-year period (2015–2017) and its implications on disease severity. A total of 90 nasal samples positive for the pH1N1 virus were deep-sequenced and analyzed to detect low-frequency variants (LFVs) and haplotypes. Parallel evolution of LFVs was seen in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene across three scales: among patients (33%), across years (22%), and at global scale. Remarkably, investigating the emergence of LFVs at the consensus level demonstrated that within-host virus evolution recapitulates evolutionary dynamics seen at the global scale. Analysis of virus diversity at the HA haplotype level revealed the clustering of low-frequency haplotypes from early 2015 with dominant strains of 2016, indicating rapid haplotype evolution. Haplotype sharing was also noticed in all years, strongly suggesting haplotype transmission among patients infected during a specific influenza season. Finally, more than half of patients with severe symptoms harbored a larger number of haplotypes, mostly in patients under the age of five. Therefore, patient age, haplotype diversity, and the presence of certain LFVs should be considered when interpreting illness severity. In addition to its importance in understanding virus evolution, sub-consensus virus diversity together with whole genome sequencing is essential to explain variabilities in clinical outcomes that cannot be explained by either analysis alone.