bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of process conditions on the evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of AA3003 vacuum furnace brazing joints
Authors: Eivani A R , Ahmadian M , Vafaeenezhad H 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In this study, vacuum furnace brazing was used for joining AA3003 alloy with different thicknesses of 0.6 and 3 mm using BALSI-4 filler metal. Firstly, the samples were degreased using water and soap and then cleaned with acetone. The set-up was assembled and pre-heated for two-steps at 235 and 339 °C and subsequently, moved to furnace. Vacuum brazing was conducted at temperature range of 590 to 630 °C for different holding times of 5 and 10 min followed by furnace cooling. After primary visual checking, three samples for each thickness were selected for evaluation of microstructure and mechanical properties. Results indicated that furnace temperature and holding time significantly influenced microstructural evolution and mechanical properties. This effect was attributed to the distribution of Si and its relevant eutectic and pro-eutectic phases. It was deduced that the amount and distribution of such phases together with joint assembling design controlled the mechanical and fracture behavior. Furthermore, it was found that the quantitative amounts of pro-eutectic Si and Al–Si eutectic phases significantly increased the hardness of the joint. Therefore, the joint brazed at 610 °C and dwelling time of 10 min was identified to offer the optimal mechanical properties.
Effect of regular and core shell nano fillers on the partial discharge and tracking performance of low density polyethylene
Authors: Awan Hassan Ahmed , Amin Salman , Rahman Taqi ur , Asad Usama , Awais Muhammad 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Solid insulation materials are the backbone for all kinds of outdoor insulation applications. Environmental stresses degrade every outdoor insulation material with the passage of time. Internal partial discharges and external surface tracking are the two major factors governing the health of outdoor insulation. Best outdoor insulation is the one having lowest level of partial discharge and highest resistance to tracking. Improvement in tracking resistance of polymeric insulation materials has been a concern of many researchers. This study investigates the improvement in partial discharge and tracking resistance of LDPE under the effect of three different nano fillers including SiO2, TiO2, TiO2@SiO2. A very little has been reported on the effect of these nano fillers on the tracking performance of LDPE. TiO2@SiO2 is a novel core–shell nano filler. No study has reported the effect of these core–shell nano fillers on the partial discharge and tracking performance of LDPE. It has been observed in this study that core–shell nano fillers are much more efficient in improving partial discharge and tracking resistance of solid insulation materials than ordinary nano fillers.
Degradation of reactive dye using heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts: ZnFe2O4 and GO-ZnFe2O4 composite
Authors: Nadeem Nimra , Zahid Muhammad , Tabasum Asma , Mansha Asim , Jilani Asim , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Bhatti Haq Nawaz 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Dyes, being potential pollutants, need alarming attention for their degradation from wastewater. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are among the most effective methodology for the degradation of pollutants. In the present study, the heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalysts (ZnFe2O4 and graphene oxide based ZnFe2O4 composite) were prepared and used to study the degradation of synzol red reactive dye. The prepared catalysts were well characterized by using SEM, FTIR and XRD analysis. The effect of various parameters like pH, catalysts dosage, H2O2 dosage, effect of dye concentration and irradiation time during heterogeneous photo-Fenton processes was studied. The results showed 57% and 94% degradation of dye under optimized conditions (e.g. pH = 3, Catalysts dose = 75 mg l−1 for ZnFe2O4 and 50 mg l−1 for GO- ZnFe2O4, H2O2 dose = 27 mM and irradiation time of 60 min) was observed for ZnFe2O4 and GO-ZnFe2O4, respectively. A comparison of degradation potential of catalysts using various light sources like UV-254 nm, ambient solar light and white LED, was studied. The current findings support the application of solar and LED light for the degradation of organic pollutants in wastewater. The stability and reusability of these catalysts for the degradation of the dye were also studied. The GO- ZnFe2O4 composite showed negligible iron leaching and no considerable reduction in degradation efficiency upto six consecutive cycles of reusability. It has been found that the composite (GO–ZnFe2O4) showed enhanced degradation of dye as compared to ZnFe2O4.
Effect of Ni doping on the structural, optical and photocatalytic activity of MoS2, prepared by Hydrothermal method
Authors: Khan M I , Hasan M S , Bhatti K A , Rizvi Hina , Wahab A , Rehman Shafique-ur , Afzal Muhammad Javaid , Nazneen Ameena , Fiaz khan M , Nazir Arif , Iqbal Munawar 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are promising materials for photocatalytic functions. In class of TMDs, MoS2 is comprehensively explored as a co-catalyst due to the extraordinary activity for photocatalytic activity of organic dye degradation. But the catalytic activities of MoS2 are generated through S ions on depiction edges. Also numerous of S ions existed on basal planes are catalytically inactive. The insertion of external metals in MoS2 organism is extensive way for activation of basal planes surface to enhance concentration of catalytically active sites. For this purpose, nanoparticles of Nickel (Ni) doped MoS2 are prepared by hydrothermal technique. Structural and morphological analysis are characterized by XRD and SEM, respectively. XRD results showed that Ni is completely doped into MoS2. SEM showed that pure MoS2 has sheet like structure and Ni doped MoS2 has mix disc and flower like structure. Band gap energy was observed in declining range of 2.30–1.76 eV. The photocatalytic activity of pure MoS2 and Ni doped MoS2 were evaluated by degrading MB and RhB dyes under UV light irradiation. MB dye degradation of MB was 71% for pure MoS2. For 1% to 5% Ni doping in MoS2, MB dye degradated from 85% to 96%. It means that MB dye degradation of MB was enhanced continuously by increasing the concentration of Ni doping. RhB dye degradation of RhB was 62% for pure MoS2. For 1% to 5% Ni doping in MoS2, the RhB dye degradated from 77% to 91%.
Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of WO3 nanostructures: Effect of reaction time
Authors: Tehrani Fatemeh Shariatmadar , Ahmadian Hamidreza , Aliannezhadi Maryam 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
1-D and 2-D WO3 nanostructures were successfully prepared by hydrothermal technique as a low temperature, low cost, compatible with the environment, and powerful method with controllability of particle size, shape, and stoichiometry. The effect of hydrothermal duration time was studied to investigate morphological, structural and optical properties and to propose the possible growth mechanisms of WO3 nanostructures. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) analyses were done on the samples synthesized at different hydrothermal duration times of 6, 12, 24, and 36 h. The results indicated that the morphology evolutions of nanostructures strongly depend on hydrothermal duration time and concentration of capping agents. Two crystal phase transitions in accordance with the morphology evolution were also observed. The absorption edge of the samples exhibited a blue- and then red-shift by increasing the reaction time. The bandgaps of the samples were almost independent of the reaction time and the samples were transparent in a wide range of the visible light region. So, they can be regarded as excellent candidates for optoelectronic devices.
Mechanical, thermal and rheological characterization of polystyrene/organoclay nanocomposites containing aliphatic elastomer modifiers
Authors: Dike Ali Sinan , Yilmazer Ulku 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In this study, organoclay containing polystyrene (PS) based nanocomposites were prepared by extrusion in the presence of aliphatic elastomer modifiers. Three different types of aliphatic elastomeric materials and three different types of organoclays were used. Their effects on the morphology, and mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PS were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD), tensile and impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and melt flow index measurements, respectively. Lotader AX8900, Lotader AX8840 and Lotader 2210 were chosen as the aliphatic elastomeric compatibilizers; and Cloisite 15 A, Cloisite 25 A and Cloisite 30B were chosen as the organoclays. The organoclay content was kept constant at 2 wt% and elastomer content was kept constant at 5 wt% throughout the study. Significant improvement is observed on the basal spacing for 30B containing samples according to XRD analysis. SEM studies indicate that the clay particles mostly reside between the PS matrix and the spherical elastomeric domains. Additions of elastomer and organoclay decrease the MFI value of PS. Mechanical test results show that, improvement is observed in elongation at break of unfilled PS with the addition of elastomers. Organoclay addition increases the tensile modulus of PS. According to thermal characterizations, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PS decreases with elastomer addition, whereas organoclay addition shifts Tg values to higher temperatures.
RSM applied to PS/SBRr/SEBS Blends. Proper tool for maximized properties
Authors: Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto , Ferreira Eduardo da Silva Barbosa , Siqueira Danilo Diniz , Araújo Edcleide Maria , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Reusing rubber waste from footwear industry emerges as great practise in order to reduce environmental damage on natural ecosystems. Based on this target, the present work aimed to apply the response surface methodology (RSM) to polystyrene/styrene-butadiene PS/SBRr blends compatibilized with styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS). A mixture planning was applied to PS/SBRr/SEBS blends in order to investigate mechanical and thermomechanical behaviors as response variables. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the morphology of investigated blends, which were melt extruded in a corrotational twin screw extruder and specimens were injection moulded. High impact strength, toughness, elongation at break and thermal deflection temperature (HDT) were achieved at SEBS rich region (∼10%). At PS rich region, tensile strength, Shore D hardness and Vicat softening temperature (VST) were more expressive. Related to morphological character, blends with 10% SEBS presented the highest interfacial adhesion, with high level of plastic deformation. Gathered results show that depending on the composition, properties significantly change, being RSM a proper tool to preview trends on mechanical and thermomechanical properties. In general, PS/SBRr/SEBS blends may be properly used as packaging and building applications.
An extremely low-frequency magnetic field can affect CREB protein conformation which may have a role in neuronal activities including memory
Authors: Darwish Saqer M , Darwish Anthar S , Darwish Deya S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was exposed to an extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) of the range (−2.4–2.4) mT intensity and at a frequency of 50 Hz. The effects of exposure were investigated in the mid-infrared region using Fourier spectroscopic analysis. The purpose of this experiment is to simulate the exposure of neuronal proteins to a low magnetic field which may naturally occur in the brain due to electrical impulse signals. The experimental results showed inconsistent fluctuations in peak positions, band shape, and intensities for several bands in the amide II, amide IV and amide VI regions. This can be due to two factors. The first suggests that hydrogen bonds can alter the frequency of stretching vibrations depending on the increase or decrease of strain on the vibrations. The second is that all these bands are caused by bending vibrations in combinations with other vibrations, which makes these vibrations susceptible to magnetic field influence. Spectra analysis showed that once the CREB protein was exposed to a magnetic field, it induces a genuine reaction changing the secondary structure and producing changes that can have a lasting effect. The resulting conformational changes in brain proteins may have an effective role in signal transduction, learning and memory formation.
Magnetic field sensors in fused silica fabricated by femtosecond laser micromachining
Authors: Maia João M , Amorim Vítor A , Viveiros Duarte , Marques P V S 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Based on the characteristics of ferrofluids, a monolithic optofluidic device for magnetic field sensing is proposed and demonstrated. The device consists of a Fabry–Pérot interferometer, composed by an optical waveguide orthogonal to a microfluidic channel, which was fabricated inside a fused silica substrate through femtosecond laser micromachining. The interferometer was first optimized by studying the influence of the waveguide writing parameters on its spectral properties. Waveguides written at higher pulse energies led to a decrease of the signal-to-noise ratio, due to an enhancement of micrometer sized defects associated with Mie scattering. Fringe visibility was also maximized for waveguides written at lower scanning speeds. Making use of the tunable refractive index property exhibited by magnetic fluids, the interferometer was then tested as a magnetic field sensor by injecting a ferrofluid inside the microfluidic channel. A linear sensitivity of −0.25 nm/mT was obtained in the 9.0–30.5 mT range with the external field parallel to the waveguide axis.
New horizons in iron deficiency anaemia in older adults
Authors: Burton Jennifer Kirsty , Yates Luke C , Whyte Lindsay , Fitzsimons Edward , Stott David J 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is common in older adults and associated with a range of adverse outcomes. Differentiating iron deficiency from other causes of anaemia is important to ensure appropriate investigations and treatment. It is possible to make the diagnosis reliably using simple blood tests. Clinical evaluation and assessment are required to help determine the underlying cause and to initiate appropriate investigations. IDA in men and post-menopausal females is most commonly due to occult gastrointestinal blood loss until proven otherwise, although there is a spectrum of underlying causative pathologies. Investigation decisions should take account of the wishes of the patient and their competing comorbidities, individualising the approach. Management involves supplementation using oral or intravenous (IV) iron then consideration of treatment of the underlying cause of deficiency. Future research areas are outlined including the role of Hepcidin and serum soluble transferrin receptor measurement, quantitative faecal immunochemical testing, alternative dosing regimens and the potential role of IV iron preparations.
Determining Early Remodeling Patterns in Diabetes and Hypertension Using Cardiac Computed Tomography: The Feasibility of Assessing Early LV Geometric Changes
Authors: Walpot Jeroen , Inácio Joao R , Massalha Samia , Hossain Alomgir , Small Gary R , Crean Andrew M , Yam Yeung , Rybicki Frank , Dwivedi Girish , Chow Benjamin J W 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThere is conflicting data on early left ventricle (LV) remodeling in diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN). This study examines the feasibility of cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to detect early LV geometric changes in patients with DM and HTN.METHODSConsecutive patients (n = 5,992) who underwent prospective electrocardiography (ECG)-triggered (mid-diastolic) CCTA were screened. Patients with known structural heart disease or known LV dysfunction were excluded. Left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mid-diastolic volume (LVMDV), and LV concentricity (LVM/LVMDV) were measured and indexed to body surface area.RESULTSA total of 4,283 patients were analyzed (mean age 57 ± 10.69 years, female 46.7%). DM, HTN, and HTN + DM were present in 4.1%, 35.8% and 10.6% of patients, respectively. Compared to normal patients, HTN and HTN + DM patients had increased LVM indexed to body surface area (LVMi) (56.87 ± 17.24, 59.26 ± 13.62, and 58.56 ± 13.09, respectively; P &lt; 0.05). There was no difference in LVMi between normal subjects and patients with DM (56.39 ± 11.50, P = 0.617).Concentricity indices were higher in patient with HTN (1.0456 ± 0.417; P &lt; 0.001), DM (1.109 ± 0.638; P = 0.004), and HTN + DM (1.083 ± 0.311, P &lt; 0.001) than normal individuals (0.9671 ± 0.361). There was no overlap of the 95% confidence intervals in the composite of concentricity indices and LVMi between the different groups.CONCLUSIONSCCTA measures of LVM and concentricity index may discriminate patients with HTN and DM before overt structural heart disease.
A Cautionary Tale and Update on Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
Authors: Ghosh Trina , Duncavage Eric , Mehta-Shah Neha , McGuire Patricia A , Tenenbaum Marissa , Myckatyn Terence M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Breast implant–associated anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) was first recognized by the World Health Organization in 2016. The total number of cases worldwide continues to increase, with &gt;800 cases confirmed through a combination of Food and Drug Administration data, verified reports, and registries. To date, 33 deaths have been reported. Typical presentation includes a late seroma containing monoclonal T cells that are CD30 positive and anaplastic lymphoma kinase negative. We present a review of the current literature and report on 3 cases of BIA-ALCL at our institution, which serve to illustrate our approach to diagnosis and management of this disease. In 2 cases, the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL was not initially confirmed due to an incomplete workup but was recognized upon explantation. The seroma fluid was sent for flow cytometry. Initially, the cells were reported as morphologically suspicious for malignancy with phenotypically normal T cells based on standard CD3+ T-cell gating. Subsequent cytology specimens were reported as consistent with recurrent adenocarcinoma. However, upon regating of flow-cytometry data, a population of CD30+, CD3– T cells was noted and the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL was confirmed by immunohistochemical stains of the excised breast capsule specimen. Given the increasing incidence of this disease, as plastic surgeons we must stay informed to order the correct workup to avoid misdiagnosis and be prepared to appropriately refer affected patients to centers with multidisciplinary teams experienced in the management of BIA-ALCL.

Level of Evidence: 4
The bioinformatics toolbox for circRNA discovery and analysis
Authors: Chen Liang , Wang Changliang , Sun Huiyan , Wang Juexin , Liang Yanchun , Wang Yan , Wong Garry 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are a unique class of RNA molecule identified more than 40 years ago which are produced by a covalent linkage via back-splicing of linear RNA. Recent advances in sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools have led directly to an ever-expanding field of types and biological functions of circRNAs. In parallel with technological developments, practical applications of circRNAs have arisen including their utilization as biomarkers of human disease. Currently, circRNA-associated bioinformatics tools can support projects including circRNA annotation, circRNA identification and network analysis of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). In this review, we collected about 100 circRNA-associated bioinformatics tools and summarized their current attributes and capabilities. We also performed network analysis and text mining on circRNA tool publications in order to reveal trends in their ongoing development.
Closing the circle: current state and perspectives of circular RNA databases
Authors: Vromman Marieke , Vandesompele Jo , Volders Pieter-Jan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed RNA molecules that have been linked to various diseases, including cancer. However, a precise function and working mechanism are lacking for the larger majority. Following many different experimental and computational approaches to identify circRNAs, multiple circRNA databases were developed as well. Unfortunately, there are several major issues with the current circRNA databases, which substantially hamper progression in the field. First, as the overlap in content is limited, a true reference set of circRNAs is lacking. This results from the low abundance and highly specific expression of circRNAs, and varying sequencing methods, data-analysis pipelines, and circRNA detection tools. A second major issue is the use of ambiguous nomenclature. Thus, redundant or even conflicting names for circRNAs across different databases contribute to the reproducibility crisis. Third, circRNA databases, in essence, rely on the position of the circRNA back-splice junction, whereas alternative splicing could result in circRNAs with different length and sequence. To uniquely identify a circRNA molecule, the full circular sequence is required. Fourth, circRNA databases annotate circRNAs’ microRNA binding and protein-coding potential, but these annotations are generally based on presumed circRNA sequences. Finally, several databases are not regularly updated, contain incomplete data or suffer from connectivity issues. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the current circRNA databases and their content, features, and usability. In addition to discussing the current issues regarding circRNA databases, we come with important suggestions to streamline further research in this growing field.
ChemBioServer 2.0: an advanced web server for filtering, clustering and networking of chemical compounds facilitating both drug discovery and repurposing
Authors: Karatzas Evangelos , Zamora Juan Eiros , Athanasiadis Emmanouil , Dellis Dimitris , Cournia Zoe , Spyrou George M 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Summary
ChemBioServer 2.0 is the advanced sequel of a web server for filtering, clustering and networking of chemical compound libraries facilitating both drug discovery and repurposing. It provides researchers the ability to (i) browse and visualize compounds along with their physicochemical and toxicity properties, (ii) perform property-based filtering of compounds, (iii) explore compound libraries for lead optimization based on perfect match substructure search, (iv) re-rank virtual screening results to achieve selectivity for a protein of interest against different protein members of the same family, selecting only those compounds that score high for the protein of interest, (v) perform clustering among the compounds based on their physicochemical properties providing representative compounds for each cluster, (vi) construct and visualize a structural similarity network of compounds providing a set of network analysis metrics, (vii) combine a given set of compounds with a reference set of compounds into a single structural similarity network providing the opportunity to infer drug repurposing due to transitivity, (viii) remove compounds from a network based on their similarity with unwanted substances (e.g. failed drugs) and (ix) build custom compound mining pipelines.

Availability and implementation
http://chembioserver.vi-seem.eu.