bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solutions of the Ricci soliton equation for a large class of Siklos spacetimes
Authors: Calvaruso Giovanni
Published: January 2021

We determine and describe all the Ricci solitons within a very large class of Siklos metrics. As an application, the Ricci soliton equation is completely solved for several classes of Siklos metrics admitting additional Killing vector fields (in particular, for several homogeneous ones).
FINANCIAL INTEGRATION, ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN VIETNAM
Authors: HA NGUYEN MINH , NGOC BUI HOANG , MCALEER MICHAEL
Published: January 2021

The paper investigates the impact of financial integration and energy consumption on economic growth in Vietnam during the period 1986–2017. By applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag ARDL) approach proposed by Pesaran et al. [Pesaran, MH, Y Shin and RJ Smith (2001). Bounds testing approaches to the analysis of level relationships. Journal of Applied Econometrics, 16(3), 289–326.] and the bounds cointegration test, the empirical results show the existence of long-term cointegration among all the variables, and that an increase in financial integration leads to an increase in economic growth in the long run. There is a positive impact of energy consumption on growth in both the short run and long run. The causality test of Toda and Yamamoto [Toda, HY and T Yamamoto (1995). Statistical inference in vector autoregressions with possibly integrated processes. Journal of Econometrics, 66(1–2), 225–250.] confirm that there is bi-directional causality between the pairs, financial integration and economic growth, and energy consumption and growth, which support the feedback hypothesis. However, there is only uni-directional causality from energy consumption to financial integration. The empirical results should be of major empirical importance for public policy decision-makers to plan sustainable development goals for Vietnam.
Examination on the Ecological Civilization Governance System and Capacity With the Case of COVID-19 Pandemic: Review and Improvement
Authors: PAN Jiahua , ZOU Ji , WANG Tongsan , LI Hongwei , QIN Zunwen , WU Shunze , YE Jiang , YE Qian , ZHANG Yongsheng , ZHOU Hongchun , ZHUANG Guiyang
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 disease broke out globally, bringing great challenges to public health security and increasing the difficulties in constructing ecological civilization governance system. Under the leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese Government and people have fought against the disease with courage and put people’s health and safety first. Through hard work, China has made achievements in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerated the restoring of work and life back to normalcy. While continuing to control the pandemic domestically, China promotes the building of a human community with shared destiny, and plays an active role in promoting global cooperation in public health, contributing extraordinarily to global public health and world economy. Guided by Xi Jinping’s Thought of Ecological Civilization, China has endeavored for modernization characterized by harmonious coexistence between man and nature. In response to the current crisis in public health and the challenges facing human–nature harmony thus incurred, the Editorial Department of Chinese Journal of Urban and Environmental Studies has co-hosted a seminar with CASS Thinktank for Eco-civilization Studies, aiming at brainstorming on and enhancing faith in continuing the building of an ecological civilization after completing the construction of a moderately well-off society in all respects. This paper intends to call for other countries to exchange and cooperate in building ecological civilization and building the world into a beautiful home for all.
Cu Dissolution during Over-Discharge of Li-Ion Cells to 0 V: A Post-Mortem Study
Authors: Flügel Marius , Kasper Michael , Pfeifer Claudia , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens Margret , Waldmann Thomas
Published: January 2021

Cu dissolution in Li-ion cells during over-discharge to 0 V was investigated by Post-Mortem analysis. Commercial 18650 type cells with graphite anode and NMC/LMO cathodes as well as pilot-scale pouch full cells with graphite/NMC chemistry with reference electrode were investigated. The effects of discharge time at 0 V in the range of 100 h to 1000 h for fresh cells as well as the effect of cells cycled under Li deposition conditions were considered. For comparison, electrodes from cells discharged to the end-of-discharge voltage (2.0 V) were examined. By extensive Post-mortem analysis using inductively coupled plasma (ICP-OES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with BSE and SE detectors, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES), we show that Cu compounds are present on the anode surface and on the cathode from cells, which were over-discharged. Cross-sections show that the Cu originates from pitting corrosion of the negative current collector. Combined electrochemical/ICP-OES measurements in commercial cells as well as reference electrode measurements in 3-electrode pouch full cells suggest that Cu is dissolved as Cu+ ions.
Metal-and Oxidant-Free Electrochemical Synthesis of Aryl Sulfides
Authors: Wang Xin-Xing , Chen Cheng , Shi Hai-Zhu , Zhang Guo-Wei , Tang Yu , Zhang Chun-Gu , Wu Ming-Yu , Feng Shun
Published: January 2021

A metal- and oxidant-free electrochemical synthesis of aryl sulfides was developed through a C–H sulfidation reaction of arenes and disulfides. Compared with traditional organic synthesis methods, this direct electrochemical approach efficiently generates aryl sulfides under catalyst- and oxidant-free conditions with the superiorities of wide substrate compatibility, mild reaction condition and waster free. At room temperature, various aryl thiols could be transformed smoothly in an undivided cell. Based on cyclic voltammetry (CV) and control experiments, the possible reaction mechanism was also proposed. The gram-scale synthesis emphasizes the practicability of this electrochemical strategy.
Polyethylene Glycol-Based Single Organic Additive for Through Silicon Via Filling and its Structural Modification Effect
Authors: Sung Minjae , Lee Yoonjae , Lee Myunghyun , Jeon Youngkeun , Lim Taeho , Kim Young Gyu , Kim Jae Jeong
Published: January 2021

In this study, a polyethylene glycol-based organic additive, with quaternary ammonium cation functional groups linked to a naphthalene rings at both ends was synthesized, for through silicon via (TSV) filling. The synthesized additive strongly suppressed Cu electrodeposition under convection and successfully bifurcated the deposition surface of TSVs into active and passive regions, allowing defect-free TSV filling. However, there was a variation in TSV filling uniformity depending on the additive chain length. The chain length was adjusted using polyethylene glycol of various molecular weights as a starting material for the additive. The electrochemical investigation revealed that the chain length was related to the re-adsorption rate during Cu electrodeposition, which is critical in TSV filling. At the optimal chain length, uniform and defect-free bottom-up TSV filling was successfully achieved and TSV filling time was reduced to 500 s.
PressION: An All-Fabric Piezoionic Pressure Sensor for Extracting Physiological Metrics in Both Static and Dynamic Contexts
Authors: Homayounfar S. Zohreh , Kiaghadi Ali , Ganesan Deepak , Andrew Trisha L.
Published: January 2021

The strategy of detecting physiological signals and body movements using fabric-based pressure sensors offers the opportunity to unobtrusively collect multimodal health metrics using loose-fitting, familiar garments in natural environments. (A. Kiaghadi, S. Z. Homayounfar, J. Gummeson, T. Andrew, and D. Ganesan, Proc. ACM Interact. Mob. Wearable Ubiquitous Technol., 3, 1–29 (2019)). However, many sensing scenarios, such as sleep and posture monitoring, involve an added static pressure from exerted body weight, which overpowers weaker pressure signals originating from heartbeats, respiration and pulse and phonation. Here, we introduce an all-fabric piezoionic pressure sensor (PressION) that, on account of its ionic conductivity, functions over a wide range of static and dynamic applied pressures (from subtle ballistic heartbeats and pulse waveforms, to larger-scale body movements). This piezoionic sensor also maintains its pressure responsivity in the presence of an added background pressure and upon integration into loose-fitting garments. The broad ability of PressION to record a wide variety of physiological signals in realistic environments was confirmed by acquiring heartbeat, pulse, joint motion, phonation and step data from different body locations. PressION’s sensitivity, along with its low-cost fabrication process, qualifies it as a uniquely useful sensing element in wearable health monitoring systems.
Impedimetric Biosensor for Monitoring Complementary DNA from Hepatitis B Virus Based on Gold Nanocrystals
Authors: Shariati Mohsen
Published: January 2021

A highly sensitive label free electrochemical impedance biosensor based on gold nanocrystals (AuNCs) for hepatitis B virus (HBV) detection in blood serum was reported. A functional platform for measuring the geno-biosensor sensitivity for detecting HBV DNA based on AuNCs electrode was materialized. The adjusted morphologies of 50–100 nm beaded AuNCs on the In2O3 support layer were materialized and characterized by a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and a high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The bio-sensing measurements were conducted by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) approach under redox reactions process. The HBV DNA probe (ssDNA) was immobilized on the AuNCs surface by forming a special bond between ssDNA and gold. The DNA target was diagnosed using ssDNA/AuNCs biosensor through EIS measurements in concentration ranges from 0.1 pM to 0.1 μM with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.1 fM. The selectivity property of the biosensor was investigated and it could distinctively distinguish the complementary DNA target from the non-complementary DNA, 1-, 2- and 3-mismatch targets. Finally, the capability of the electrode for detection of the HBV in blood serum samples was explored and biosensor showed interesting results in the HBV DNA sensing as a potential candidate for practical applications.
Communication—Evaluation of Fluorescent Temperature Sensor Materials in Low Temperature Region
Authors: Aizawa Hiroaki , Miyazaki Yukari , Katsumata Toru , Komuro Shuji
Published: January 2021

A fluorescent temperature sensor using temperature dependence of fluorescent inorganic materials is studied for low temperature measurement. Ruby (chromium ions doped sapphire) is used as a sensor head of the fluorescence thermometer because of long photoluminescence (PL) lifetime and visible emission. In this research, ruby crystal is found to be useful as the sensor head for fluorescence thermometer. In addition, the ruby crystal is potentially useful material for the sensor head crystals to measure low temperature below 0 °C.
Long-Term Experience with a 5/15kW-Class Reversible Solid Oxide Cell System
Authors: Peters Ro. , Frank M. , Tiedemann W. , Hoven I. , Deja R. , Kruse N. , Fang Q. , Blum L. , Peters R.
Published: January 2021

A 5/15 kW-class reversible Solid Oxide Cell (rSOC) system was developed and experimentally investigated at the Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH. The main component of this system is the well-established Jülich Integrated Module, which consists of four 10-layer SOC sub-stacks with an active cell area per layer of 320 cm2. The other necessary system components, such as the evaporator, condenser and blowers are compactly arranged in the vicinity of the Integrated Module. The system’s total operation time was more than 9000 h, in detail 2607 h in fuel cells, 6043 h in electrolysis and 448 h in hot standby mode. In fuel cell mode, a power of 5374 WDC at 0.5 A cm−2 at a fuel utilization of 97.3% was delivered, which resulted in a DC electrical system’s efficiency of 62.7% (LHV). Furthermore, in electrolysis mode, a power of −14347 WDC was consumed at 0.89 A cm−2. At this operating point, the system’s DC efficiency reached 70% at a steam utilization of 85%.
An Energy and Power Dense Aqueous Zinc-Ion Hybrid Supercapacitor with Low Leakage Current and Long Cycle Life
Authors: Ramavath Janraj Naik , Raja M. , K Balakumar , R Kothandaraman
Published: January 2021

Imparting high energy density to already power dense capacitor leads to hybrid supercapacitor (SC), which is most sought after in automobile, heavy-duty electronics application, and internet of things. The hybrid SCs with lithium or sodium ion chemistry demand organic electrolytes for their operation, which is environmental unfriendly and poses fire-hazard. As an alternative, here we report a low cost and highly safe energetic hybrid SC based on zinc-ion chemistry operated in 3 M ZnSO4 with high surface area (1018 ± 4 m2 g−1) hierarchical porous carbon cathode material derived from the Tamarindusindica seeds (ACTS-800), a bio-source. The hybrid SC demonstrates a maximum energy density of 127 (± 3) Wh kg−1 (254 μWh cm−2) at 0.1 A g−1 and power density of 7920 (± 24) W kg−1 (15.84 mW cm−2) at 10 A g−1. Besides having excellent power/energy density values, ∼ 100% capacity retention over 5000 galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles was observed. The most interesting feature of this SC is its low open-circuit voltage decay (34% in 60 h) and low leakage current density (11 mA g−1), which allows it to hold charge for longer duration qualifying it as one of the best aqueous SC known in the literature.
Multi-Mode Heat Transfer Simulations of the Onset and Propagation of Thermal Runaway in a Pack of Cylindrical Li-Ion Cells
Authors: Mishra Dhananjay , Jain Ankur
Published: January 2021

Strategies to prevent or minimize propagation of thermal runaway in a pack of Li-ion cells are critically needed to ensure safe operation, storage and transportation. While significant literature already exists on thermal runaway simulations, several key questions of practical relevance have remained unaddressed. This work presents multi-mode heat transfer simulations to predict the onset and propagation of thermal runaway in a pack of cylindrical Li-ion cells. The impact of inter-cell gap and thermal properties of the interstitial material on onset and propagation of thermal runaway is studied. It is shown that high interstitial thermal conductivity promotes thermal runaway propagation. However, too low a thermal conductivity results in heat localization in the trigger cell, also leading to thermal runaway. An optimum range of interstitial material thermal conductivity is thus identified. The impact of trigger cell position on propagation is investigated. It is shown that, depending on external conditions, either the center or the corner position may be more susceptible to propagation. Finally, it is shown that radiation and natural convection play a key role in thermal runaway propagation. It is expected that the trade-offs identified here will help minimize the onset and propagation of thermal runaway in Li-ion battery packs.
Core-Shell AgPdPt Composite Catalyst Advanced Electrochemical Activity
Authors: Tu Maomao , Shi Jingling , Ying Ye , Zheng YunShan , Wen Ying , Yang Haifeng
Published: January 2021

Three kinds of tri-metallic catalysts with core–shell structure are synthesized, in which the outer shell is alloy of Pt and Ag, and the inner core consists of Ag and Pd. Amongst, the composite catalyst with atomic ratio of Ag, Pd and Pt equaling to 1:1.4:1.2 (denoted as Ag1Pd1.4Pt1.2) has the greatest total mass activity (3310.7 mA mgmetal
−1), which is much higher than commercial Pt-Ru, Pt- and Pd-based catalysts reported previously. The superior catalytic activity for methanol oxidation should be due to the high amount of Pt alloyed with the least Ag in outer shell and boundary of PtAg outer shell and AgPd inner core composed of tiny nanoclusters, endowing synergistic effect from the electronic structure, numerous defeats, and available great internal and external surface areas. In addition, Ag1Pd1.4Pt1.2 catalyst about 250 nm at mesoscopic scale shows improved stability to large extent. Meanwhile, the presence of Pd in Ag1Pd1.4Pt1.2 contributes outstanding ability against CO poisoning. This work may pave a promising way to prepare core–shell composite catalyst with high catalytic performance for fuel cell application.
Precision Deep Reactive Ion Etching of Monocrystalline 4H-SiCOI for Bulk Acoustic Wave Resonators with Ultra-Low Dissipation
Authors: Hamelin B. , Yang J. , Ayazi F.
Published: January 2021

Integrated mechanical resonators with high quality factors (Q) made in high acoustic velocity materials are essential for a wide range of applications, including chemical sensors, timing resonators, and high-performance inertial sensors for navigation in GPS-occluded environments. While silicon is the most popular substrate for the implementation of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonators, SiC exhibits an exceptionally small intrinsic phononic dissipation due to its low Akhiezer damping limit. This paper reports on the latest developments of precision deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) of monocrystalline 4H SiC-on-Insulator (SiCOI) substrates with the aim to fully take advantage of the exquisite mechanical properties of crystalline SiC. To wit, capacitive Lamé mode micromechanical resonators exhibit ƒ·Q products beyond 1 × 1014 Hz independent of crystalline orientation. The contribution of surface roughness to dissipation and practical considerations to etch mirror-polished trenches in SiCOI substrates are discussed, paving the way towards micromechanical monocrystalline SiC resonators with Qs beyond 100 Million.
Differential effects of bile acids on the postprandial secretion of gut hormones: a randomized crossover study
Authors: McGlone Emma Rose , Malallah Khalefah , Cuenco Joyceline , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J. , Holst Jens J. , Vincent Royce P. , Ling Charlotte , Khan Omar A. , Verma Surabhi , Ahmed Ahmed R. , Walters Julian R. F. , Khoo Bernard , Bloom Stephen R. , Tan Tricia M. M.
Published: January 2021

Oral CDCA and UDCA have different effects on gut and pancreatic hormone secretion. A single dose of CDCA increased fasting secretion of the hormones GLP-1 and OXM with an accompanying increase in insulin secretion. CDCA also reduced postprandial GIP secretion, which was associated with reduced insulin. In contrast, UDCA did not change gut hormone secretion fasting or postprandially. Oral CDCA could be beneficial to patients with obesity and diabetes.
Stability, Global Dynamics, and Social Welfare of a Two-Stage Game under R&D Spillovers
Authors: Zhou Wei , Chu Tong , Wang Xiao-Xue
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a repeated two-stage oligopoly game where two boundedly rational firms produce homogeneous product and apply gradient adjustment mechanism to decide their individual R&D investment is considered. Results concerning the equilibrium in the built model and the stability are discussed. The effects of system parameters on the complex dynamical behaviors of the built game are analyzed. We find that the system can lose stability through a flip bifurcation or a Neimark–Sacker bifurcation. In addition, the coexistence of multiattractors is also discussed using the so-called basin of attraction. At the end of this research, the social welfare of the given duopoly game is also studied.
Inhibition of PTEN Ameliorates Secondary Hippocampal Injury and Cognitive Deficits after Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Involvement of AKT/FoxO3a/ATG‐Mediated Autophagy
Authors: Zhao Manman , Gao Junling , Cui Changmeng , Zhang Yanan , Jiang Xiaohua , Cui Jianzhong
Published: January 2021

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) commonly causes secondary hippocampal damage and delayed cognitive impairments, but the mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we sought to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying these hemorrhagic outcomes in a rat autologous blood model of ICH. First, a significant increase in phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression was observed in nonhemorrhagic ipsilateral hippocampus. However, systemic administration of PTEN inhibitor BPV or hippocampal injection of PTEN siRNA could prevent hippocampal neuronal injury and cognitive dysfunctions after ICH. Furthermore, we also found that ICH robustly triggered autophagic neuronal death in the ipsilateral hippocampus, but which were strongly reduced by PTEN knockdown. Notably, suppression of autophagy effectively attenuated poststroke hippocampal inflammation, neuronal damage, and cognitive decline, suggesting the beneficial effects of PTEN deletion was associated with autophagy inactivation. Specifically, PTEN antagonized the PI3K/AKT signaling and downstream effector FoxO3a phosphorylation and subsequently enhanced nuclear translocation of FoxO3a to drive proautophagy gene program, but these changes were diminished upon PTEN inhibition. More importantly, lentivirus‐mediated FoxO3a overexpression apparently abrogated the antiauotphagy effect of PTEN deletion via enhancing autophagy‐related gene (ATG) transcription. Collectively, these results suggest that knockdown of PTEN alleviated progressive hippocampal injury and cognitive deficits by suppression of autophagy induction involving the AKT/FoxO3a/ATG axis after ICH. Thus, this study provides a novel and promising therapeutic target for the treatment of hemorrhagic stroke.
Oral Health, Caries Risk Profiles, and Oral Microbiome of Pediatric Patients with Leukemia Submitted to Chemotherapy
Authors: Wang Yan , Zeng Xinyi , Yang Xue , Que Jiajia , Du Qin , Zhang Qiong , Zou Jing
Published: January 2021

Background. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment modality used for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but inevitably causes microbiota‐related oral complications. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of chemotherapy on oral health status, caries risk, and oral microbiome in pediatric patients with ALL. Methods. Thirty‐nine children with ALL receiving chemotherapy were enrolled, and a gender‐, age‐, dentition stage, and socioeconomic class matched healthy counterpart were recruited. Demographic information and overall health condition were obtained through the questionnaire and medical records. Oral examination was performed to assess caries and salivary status, plaque index, and other oral manifestations. Cariogram was used to assess the overall caries risk. Supragingival samples of thirteen ALL subjects and their counterparts were randomly selected to perform a 16S ribosomal RNA gene 454 pyrosequencing. Raw sequence data were screened, trimmed, and filtered using Seqcln and MOTHUR. Results. The prevalence of dental caries, gingivitis, oral mucositis, xerostomia, and candidiasis in ALL groups was higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). Children with ALL demonstrated higher caries risk compared to healthy controls (HC) based upon Cariogram (p < 0.05). The oral microbial structure of ALL patients receiving chemotherapy is different from that of healthy controls. Oral microbiota of ALL groups showed less alpha diversity and significant differences in the composition of the oral microbiome compared to healthy controls. Conclusions. ALL patients receiving chemotherapy demonstrated compromised oral health, high caries risk, alteration of caries‐related factors, and dysbiosis of oral microbiota. These findings may be of clinical importance in developing better strategies for personalized preventive management of oral diseases for pediatric children with ALL.
Damage Identification of Prefabricated Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert Based on Improved Fuzzy Clustering Algorithm and Acoustic Emission Parameters
Authors: Gong Yafeng , Lin Siyuan , He Feng , He Yang , Song Jiaxiang
Published: January 2021

Prefabricated box culvert is a new structure in road engineering, whose health is very important to road safety. The use of acoustic emission (AE) as a detection method and the use of other improved algorithms to evaluate the damage of prefabricated box culverts are still insufficient. In this paper, two kinds of prefabricated box culverts are tested and studied, and the damage process of the box culverts is analysed based on the AE parameters of the box culvert using the traditional fuzzy C‐means method (FCM). In addition, an improved algorithm based on the combination of grid density and distance (G‐DFCM) was proposed, which was simulated and applied to the AE data analysis of the prefabricated box culvert. The research results show that the application effect of the G‐DFCM algorithm is good, which not only overcomes the shortcomings of the original algorithm but also improves the effectiveness of the algorithm. This work can provide a supplement to the damage identification of fabricated box culverts.
Transshipment Vehicle Routing with Pickup and Delivery for Cross-Filling
Authors: Rim Suk-Chul , Vu Hang T. T.
Published: January 2021

Distribution centers (DCs) typically receive orders from the customers (mostly retail stores) located in their vicinity and deliver the ordered goods the next day morning. To maintain high item fill rate, DCs have to hold a high level of inventory, which will increase inventory cost. As an alternative, cross-filling is that, after closing the daily order receipt, DCs exchange surplus items during the night to reduce the shortage. The economic justification of such cross-filling will depend on the tradeoff between extra transshipment and handling cost versus saved shortage cost. In this paper, as an extension of Rim and Jiang, 2019, vehicles are allowed to drop and pick up items at the intermediate DCs in the route. We present a genetic algorithm to determine the routes and amount to pick up/drop at each DC to minimize the total cost.
A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Combined Antibiotic Spacer with Ilizarov Methods in the Treatment of Infected Nonunion of Tibia
Authors: Deng Zhibo , Mu Yuexi , Sun Xianding , Xu Yongqing , Li Fubing , Yin Liangjun
Published: January 2021

Background. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate current studies available reporting the antibiotic spacer combined with Ilizarov methods in the treatment of infected nonunion of tibia and to perform meta‐analysis of bone results and infection recurrence to assess the efficacy of an antibiotic spacer combined with Ilizarov methods. Methods. The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and CBM (Chinese Biological Medicine) databases were searched for articles published between January 2000 and July 2020. Assessment of study quality was performed using a modified version of the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Effect size and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the main outcome. Heterogeneity was assessed. Fixed‐effect modeling and Stata version 15.1 were used to analyze the data. Sensitivity analyses were conducted with the evidence of heterogeneity. Results. 11 studies involving 210 patients with infected nonunion of tibia were finally included in our meta‐analysis. Bone results and infection recurrence were analyzed based on the single‐arm meta‐analysis. The average of external fixation index (EFI) was 46.88 days/cm in all studies included. The excellent rate in bone results and the rate of infection recurrence was 65% (95% CI: [0.22, 0.97], I2 = 0.0%, P = 0.932) and 6.99% (95% CI: [0.052, 0.325], I2 = 0.0%, P = 1.000) in patients with infected nonunion of tibia treated with an antibiotic spacer combined with Ilizarov methods. Conclusions. Our meta‐analysis revealed that the patients with infected nonunion of tibia treated with an antibiotic spacer combined with Ilizarov methods had a high rate of excellent bone results and a low rate of infection recurrence. Therefore, combining the antibiotic spacer with Ilizarov methods may be an applicable choice for repairing and reconstructing infected nonunion of tibia.
Irregularity Measures of Subdivision Vertex-Edge Join of Graphs
Authors: Zheng Jialin , Akhter Shehnaz , Iqbal Zahid , Shafiq Muhammad Kashif , Aslam Adnan , Ishaq Muhammad , Aamir Muhammad
Published: January 2021

The study of graphs and networks accomplished by topological measures plays an applicable task to obtain their hidden topologies. This procedure has been greatly used in cheminformatics, bioinformatics, and biomedicine, where estimations based on graph invariants have been made available for effectively communicating with the different challenging tasks. Irregularity measures are mostly used for the characterization of the nonregular graphs. In several applications and problems in various areas of research like material engineering and chemistry, it is helpful to be well-informed about the irregularity of the underline structure. Furthermore, the irregularity indices of graphs are not only suitable for quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) and quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) studies but also for a number of chemical and physical properties, including toxicity, enthalpy of vaporization, resistance, boiling and melting points, and entropy. In this article, we compute the irregularity measures including the variance of vertex degrees, the total irregularity index, the

σ

irregularity index, and the Gini index of a new graph operation.
Glycemic Control of Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Referral Hospitals of Amhara Region, Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Feleke Berhanu Elfu , Feleke Teferi Elfu , Kassahun Melkamu Beyene , Adane Wondemu Gebrekirose , Fentahun Netsanet , Girma Abel , Alebachew Alamirew , Misgan Eyaya , Desyibelew Hanna Demelash , Bayih Mulat Tirfie , Seid Omer
Published: January 2021

Background. Glycemic control is the level of glucose in diabetes patient. Evidence regarding glycemic control is scarce in resource‐limited settings, and this study was conducted to generate information regarding the prevalence and predictors of glycemic control among diabetes mellitus patients attending their care from the referral hospitals of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. Methods. A cross‐sectional study design was implemented. A simple random sampling technique was used. Data were collected from March 2018 to January 2020. The data were collected using interviews, chart review, and blood samples. Hemoglobin A1c was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Data were entered into Epi‐info software and analyzed by SPSS software. Descriptive statistics were used to estimate the prevalence of glycemic control; linear regression was used to identify the predictors of HbA1c. Results. A total of 2554 diabetes patients were included giving for the response rate of 95.83%. The mean age of the study participants was 54.08 years [SD (standard deviation) ± 8.38 years]. The mean HbA1c of the study participants was 7.31% [SD ± 0.94%]. Glycemic control was poor in 55.32% [95% CI: 53.4%‐57.25%] of diabetes patients. The glycemic control of diabetes patients was determined by BMI (β 0.1; [95% CI: 0.09‐0.1]), type 2 diabetes (β ‐0.14; [95% CI: ‐0.11‐0.16]), age (β 0.22; [95% CI: 0.02‐0.024]), duration of the disease (β 0.04; [95% CI: 0.037‐0.042]), the presence of hypertension (β 0.12; [95% CI:0.09–0.16]), regular physical exercise (β ‐0.06; [95% CI: ‐0.03‐0.09]), medication adherence (β ‐0.16; [95% CI: ‐0.14‐0.18]), and male (β 0.34; [95% CI: 0.31‐.037]). Conclusion. The glycemic control of diabetes patients was poor, and it needs the attention of decision‐makers.
Use of a Metallic Complex Derived from Curcuma Longa as Green Corrosion Inhibitor for Carbon Steel in Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Florez-Frias E. A. , Barba V. , Lopez-Sesenes R. , Landeros-Martínez L. L. , los Ríos J. P. Flores-De , Casales M. , Gonzalez-Rodriguez J. G.
Published: January 2021

A tin-containing metallic complex derived from Curcuma longa, bis[1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dionato-κO,κO′]bis(butyl), has been obtained and used as a green corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 0.5 M sulfuric acid by using weight loss, electrochemical techniques, and the Density Functional Theory. It was found that the obtained metallic complex greatly decreases the steel corrosion rate by adsorption according to a Frumkin model in a weak, physical type of adsorption. Inhibitor efficiency increased with its concentration, and it acted as a mixed type of inhibitor. Results were supported by quantum-chemical research in order to examine the relationship between structural and electronic properties and the inhibitor efficiency.
Complications of Tranexamic Acid in Orthopedic Lower Limb Surgery: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Reale Davide , Andriolo Luca , Gursoy Safa , Bozkurt Murat , Filardo Giuseppe , Zaffagnini Stefano
Published: January 2021

Objective. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is increasingly used in orthopedic surgery to reduce blood loss; however, there are concerns about the risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate TXA safety in patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgical procedures. Design. A meta‐analysis was performed on the PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases in January 2020 using the following string (Tranexamic acid) AND ((knee) OR (hip) OR (ankle) OR (lower limb)) to identify RCTs about TXA use in patients undergoing every kind of lower limb surgical orthopedic procedures, with IV, IA, or oral administration, and compared with a control arm to quantify the VTE complication rates. Results. A total of 140 articles documenting 9,067 patients receiving TXA were identified. Specifically, 82 studies focused on TKA, 41 on THA, and 17 on other surgeries, including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, intertrochanteric fractures, and meniscectomies. The intravenous TXA administration protocol was studied in 111 articles, the intra‐articular in 45, and the oral one in 7 articles. No differences in terms of thromboembolic complications were detected between the TXA and control groups neither in the overall population (2.4% and 2.8%, respectively) nor in any subgroup based on the surgical procedure and TXA administration route. Conclusions. There is an increasing interest in TXA use, which has been recently broadened from the most common joint replacement procedures to the other types of surgeries. Overall, TXA did not increase the risk of VTE complications, regardless of the administration route, thus supporting the safety of using TXA for lower limb orthopedic surgical procedures.
Effect of Renal and Left Ventricular Function on Serial Pulmonary Arterial Pressure Changes after Device Closure of Atrial Septal Defect
Authors: Shin Chul , Yoon Young Won , Kim In-Soo , Kim Jong-Youn , Min Pil-Ki , Lee Byoung Kwon , Hong Bum-Kee , Rim Se-Joong , Kwon Hyuck Moon , Choi Eui-Young
Published: January 2021

Background. The age of candidates for device closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) has been increasing. Thus, concerns exist about dyspnea aggravation or atrial fibrillation development after device closure due to augmentation of left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) preload. This study aimed to examine patterns and determinants of serial pulmonary arterial pressure and left ventricular filling pressure changes after device closure of ASD. Methods. Among the 86 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous device closure of ASD, those with end-stage renal disease or those without pre- or postprocedural Doppler data were excluded. The clinical, transesophageal, and transthoracic echocardiographic findings of 78 patients were collected at baseline, one-day postprocedure, and one-year follow-up. Results. The mean age of study patients was 49.8 ± 15.0 years, and the average maximal defect diameter and device size were 20.2 ± 6.0 mm and 23.8 ± 6.4 mm. Four patients (5.6%) underwent new-onset atrial fibrillation, and five patients (6.4%) took diuretics within one-year after closure. Some patients (n = 21; 27%) exhibited paradoxically increased tricuspid regurgitant velocity (TRV) one-day postprocedure; they also were older with lower e’, glomerular filtration rate, and LV ejection fraction and a higher LA volume index. However, even in these patients, TRV deceased below baseline levels one-year later. Both E/e’ and LA volume index significantly increased immediately after device closure, but all decreased one-year later. Larger defect size and higher TRV were significantly correlated with immediate E/e’ elevation. Conclusion. In older, renal, diastolic, and systolic dysfunctional patients with larger LA and scheduled for larger device implantation, peri-interventional preload reduction therapy would be beneficial.
Protective Effects of Inflammation of Curcumae Longae Rhizoma 30% EtOH Extract on Acute Reflux Esophagitis Rats
Authors: Lee Jin A. , Shin Mi-Rae , Kim Min Ju , Lee Ji Hye , Park Hae-Jin , Roh Seong-Soo
Published: January 2021

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is induced by the reflux of stomach contents or gastric acid, pepsin into the esophagus for prolonged periods of time due to defection of the lower esophageal sphincter. Reflux esophagitis is a disease found in less than 50% of GERD patients. This study is aimed at evaluating the protective effect of Curcumae longae Rhizoma 30% EtOH extract (CLR) in acute reflux esophagitis (ARE) rats. CLR measured antioxidant activity through in vitro experiments. Based on the results, we performed experiments in vivo. Before 90 min ARE induction, CLR was administered orally by concentration. ARE was derived by linking the metastatic junction between pylorus and forestomach and corpus in Sprague‐Dawley rats. And rats were sacrificed 5 h after surgery. We analyzed the expression of antioxidant and inflammatory‐related markers by western blot and observed the production of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite (ONOO-), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS). The administration of CLR reduced esophagus tissue damage in rats with acute reflux esophagitis and decreased the elevated ALT, AST, ROS, ONOO-, and TBARS. In addition, CLR effectively increased antioxidant‐related factors and reduced inflammatory protein. Overall, these results suggest that CLR would be used as a therapeutic material in protection and treatment for ARE. Overall, CLR treatment informed that markedly ameliorated inactivation of NF‐κB led to the inhibition of the expressions of proinflammatory proteins. These results suggest that CLR would be used as a therapeutic material in protection and treatment for ARE.
Osteocalcin Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice through GPRC6A
Authors: Zhang Mingliang , Nie Xiaomin , Yuan Yeqing , Wang Yansu , Ma Xiaojing , Yin Jun , Bao Yuqian
Published: January 2021

Osteocalcin is a bone-derived hormone that plays an important role in the crosstalk between bone and energy metabolism. Previous studies have found that treatment with uncarboxylated osteocalcin can protect mice from high-fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the potential mechanisms remain unclear. Although the G protein-coupled receptor family C group 6 subtype A (GPRC6A) is the putative receptor of osteocalcin, there is no direct evidence showing that GPRC6A mediates the effects of uncarboxylated osteocalcin in alleviating NAFLD in mice. We aimed to figure out this using liver-specific GPRC6A knockout (GPRC6ALKO) mice. Consistent with previous studies, uncarboxylated osteocalcin significantly protected high-fat diet-fed wild-type mice from obesity and NAFLD, while it did not protect high-fat diet-fed GPRC6ALKO mice from NAFLD. Differential mRNA expression of lipogenesis and lipolysis between GPRC6ALKO mice and control mice revealed that GPRC6A mediated the effects of osteocalcin in alleviating NAFLD through inhibiting lipid synthesis and promoting lipolysis. In conclusion, this study found that uncarboxylated osteocalcin alleviates NAFLD in mice through the GPRC6A signaling pathway. Our study suggests that liver GPRC6A may be a potential target for treating NAFLD.
Affectionate Touch in the Context of Breastfeeding and Maternal Depression Influences Infant Neurodevelopmental and Temperamental Substrates
Authors: Hardin Jillian S. , Jones Nancy Aaron , Mize Krystal D. , Platt Melannie
Published: January 2021

Background: While numerous studies have demonstrated maternal depression’s influence on infant brain development, few studies have examined the changes that occur as a consequence of co-occurring experiential factors that affect quality of mother and infant affectionate touch as well as infant temperament and neurophysiological systems. The aim of the study was to examine the interactive effects of maternal depression and breastfeeding on mother and infant affectionate touch and infant temperament and cortical maturation patterns across early development. Methods: 113 mothers and their infants participated when infants were 1 and 3 months of age. Questionnaires to assess maternal depressive symptoms, feeding, and temperament were completed. Tonic EEG patterns (asymmetry and left and right activity) were collected and the dyads were video-recorded during feeding to assess mother and infant affectionate touch patterns. Results: Data analysis showed that EEG activity and mother-infant affectionate touch differed as a function of mood and feeding method. Notably, only infants of depressed mothers that bottle-fed showed right frontal EEG asymmetry and attenuated change in the left frontal region across 3 months. Breastfeeding positively impacted affectionate touch behaviors and was associated with increased left and decreased right frontal EEG activation even for depressed groups. Furthermore, a model incorporating physiology, maternal depression, touch, temperament, and feeding indicated significant prediction for infant affectionate touch (with breastfeeding and affectively positive temperament demonstrating the strongest prediction). Con­clusion: The findings suggest that breastfeeding and the infant’s positive temperament influence mother-infant affectionate touch patterns and result in neuroprotective outcomes for infants, even those exposed to maternal depression within early development.
Cell-Free DNA and Clinical Characteristics in Patients with Small Intestinal or Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Oversoe Stine Karlsen , Sorensen Boe Sandahl , Tabaksblat Elizaveta Mitkina , Gronbaek Henning , Kelsen Jens
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare and characterized by a heterogeneous clinical course and an unmet need for better prognostic markers. Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has prognostic value in other malignancies but is not previously investigated in NETs. We studied cfDNA levels in patients with mainly low-grade small intestinal NET ­(siNET) or pancreatic NET (pNET) and evaluated the prognostic potential of cfDNA. Materials and Methods: We included 70 NET patients, siNET (n = 50) and pNET (n = 20). Plasma cfDNA levels were determined by droplet digital PCR for the beta-2-microglobulin gene every 6 months during a period of 3 years, including in a subgroup of 19 patients during peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) therapy. Results: cfDNA levels were higher in both siNET and pNET compared to a previously established healthy cohort (p < 0.0001). ­cfDNA levels did not predict overall survival (crude hazard ratio [HR] 0.95 [0.57–1.58], p = 0.837, adjusted for smoking status HR 0.77 [0.51–1.17], p = 0.22). The impact of cfDNA level on progression-free survival showed different trends in siNET and pNET. There was no effect of PRRT treatment on cfDNA levels and no difference in cfDNA levels between patients with and without progressive disease after PRRT (ANOVA p = 0.66). cfDNA levels were significantly higher in never-smokers and previous smokers than in current smokers (p = 0.029). Discussion/Conclusion: cfDNA levels are higher in NET patients than in healthy controls; however, there was no association with prognosis, and cfDNA levels were unaffected by PRRT. Our observations suggest that cfDNA levels are not associated with the disease course in low-grade NET in contrast to other malignancies.
Biological and Psychological Stress Correlates Are Linked to Glucose Metabolism, Obesity, and Gender Roles in Women
Authors: Kautzky Alexander , Heneis Kathrin , Stengg Karin , Fröhlich Sabine , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra
Published: January 2021

Objectives: Psychological stress affects central as well as peripheral metabolism and hormone trafficking via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Stress thereby plays a decisive role in the etiology and progression of overweight and obesity, leading to several chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and mental health disorders. The interplay of biological and psychometric correlates of stress, anthropometric, immunological, and metabolic parameters and psychosocial factors such as gender roles, however, remains poorly understood. Methods: In this exploratory study, 43 healthy women were assessed for glucose metabolism by an oral glucose tolerance test and computation of functional parameters for insulin secretion, sensitivity, and resistance. Further, the fatty liver index (FLI) and anthropometric parameters body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, body fat, and lean mass were assessed. Psychological stress assessment included the “Brief Symptom Inventory” (BSI), the “Burnout Dimensions Inventory” (BODI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Biological stress response was evaluated with heart rate variability and cortisol levels. Finally, gender role self-identification was assessed with the “Bem Sex-Role Inventory” (BSRI). Generalized linear models were computed for exploratory association with psychometric outcome. Uncorrected p values are reported. Results: Burnout and PSS scores were associated with insulin secretion, sputum cortisol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, anthropometric measures, and gender role. BSI ratings for psychiatric symptom dimensions were associated with insulin resistance, sex hormones, anthropometric measures, and gender role. Female self-identification was associated with higher BMI as well as body fat and a higher FLI. Conclusions: Considering the increased risk of unfavorable metabolic, cardiovascular, and also mental health outcome in obese women, a higher BMI in women with predominant female gender self-identification may be relevant for clinical risk assessment. The broad range of interacting biological, psychological, and gender-related parameters calls for an integrative management of both mental and endocrinological health. However, the exploratory nature of the study requires replication in larger samples before definite conclusion can be drawn.
Risk Factors for Recurrent Myopic Macular Hole Retinal Detachment after Silicone Oil Removal in Patients with Open Flat Macular Hole
Authors: Ghoraba Hamouda Hamdy , Mansour Hosam Othman , Elsayed Mohamed Ahmed Abdelhafez , Zaky Adel Galal , Heikal Mohamed Amin , Abdelfattah Haithem Mamoun , Elgouhary Sameh Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Objective: To evaluate the risks that might be associated with recurrent macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) after silicone oil (S.O) removal in myopic patients with open flat macular hole (MH). Methods: In this retrospective series, we assessed the different factors that might be associated with recurrent MHRD after S.O removal in 48 eyes with open flat MH that underwent S.O removal after successful MHRD repair. We divided the enrolled eyes into 2 groups: group 1 included 38 eyes with flat open MH and flat retina after S.O removal, and group 2 included 10 eyes with flat open MH and recurrent MHRD after S.O removal. Results: Ten of 48 eyes (20.8%) with open flat MH developed recurrent MHRD after S.O removal. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that MH at the apex of PS, MH minimum diameter, hole form factor (HFF), and MH index (MHI) were significant risk factors for recurrent MHRD after S.O removal in myopic patients with open flat MH. Conclusions: If there is a “flat open” MH that is large, located at the apex of PS, or with an HHF or MHI <0.9–0.5, there is a high chance of recurrent MHRD after S.O removal.