bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis and prediction of land cover changes using the land change modeler (LCM) in a semiarid river basin, Iran
Authors: Khoshnood Motlagh Sajad , Sadoddin Amir , Haghnegahdar Amin , Razavi Saman , Salmanmahiny Abdolrassoul , Ghorbani Khalil 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPredicting future land cover (LC) changes is an important step in the proper planning and management of watersheds. As a susceptible area to salinity and desertification, receiving only about 195 mm rainfall annually, the Hable‐Rud River basin is especially sensitive to land use/cover changes. Based on corrected LANDSAT satellite images for the years 1986, 2000, and 2017, the LC were extracted using the maximum likelihood (ML) method. LC changes were predicted by applying the land change modeler (LCM) for the basin. The kappa index for classification in 1986, 2000, and 2017 was 75, 78, and 81%, respectively. Using LCM, the prediction was accomplished for the year 2017 with a kappa index of above 74%. The LC map was predicted for year 2040. The analysis indicates that over the past 32 years, bare land, saline land, agricultural, industrial, and residential areas have increased by about 8, 6.2, 2.7, 0.63, and 0.48%, respectively; while rangeland area was decreased by 18%. Results also indicate that given the predicted LC for year 2040 in comparison with the reference year (2017), saline land, agricultural, industrial, and residential areas will be likely to continue to increase by about 3, 1.5, 0.7, and 0.8%, respectively, whereas bare land and rangeland will most likely decrease by about 4.55 and 1.45%, respectively. The findings of this study assist in analyzing the future trends of LC changes in the basin. This information can be used as a guide for land planners and managers in future land use planning of the area.
Design of an Injectable Polypeptide Hydrogel Depot Containing the Immune Checkpoint Blocker Anti‐PD‐L1 and Doxorubicin to Enhance Antitumor Combination Therapy
Authors: Shi Yingge , Li Dong , He Chaoliang , Chen Xuesi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCombination therapy can be used to enhance the therapeutic response and decrease side effects during cancer treatment. In this study, a system is developed to locally deliver the immune checkpoint blockade antibody targeting programmed death‐ligand 1 (anti‐PD‐L1 or aPD‐L1) and doxorubicin (Dox), by an injectable, biocompatible polypeptide hydrogel as a drug depot. The localized and sustained release of Dox after the intratumoral injection of the co‐loaded hydrogel induces immunogenic tumor cell death, thus promoting an antitumor immunological response. The tumor inhibitory effect is significantly enhanced by the simultaneous release of aPD‐L1 at the tumor site thanks to its action on the inhibition of the PD‐1/PD‐L1 pathway and restoration of the tumor‐killing effect of cytotoxic T cells. Treatment of the B16F10 melanoma model with the aPD‐L1 and Dox co‐loaded hydrogel leads to a remarkable inhibition of tumor progression and prolongation of animal survival.
Electroinduced Reconfiguration of Complex Emulsions for Fabrication of Polymer Particles with Tunable Morphology
Authors: Guo Yongshun , Fang Yanxiong , Jia Kangle , Yu Yue , Yu Longfei , Li Huanling , Zhang Junjie , Zheng Xiaoshan , Huang Linjia , Wen Wu , Mai Yuliang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractContinuous morphological control of anisotropic particles is always an important challenge in the field of materials. In this study, a new strategy for continuous fabrication of polymer particles with various morphologies induced by electricity is reported using complex emulsions as template. A synthetic electro‐responsive surfactant containing ferrocene group is used to prepare complex emulsions, which contain a polymerizable monomer as inner phase. With the increasing time of electrical stimulation on the complex emulsions, hollow, hemispherical, mushroom‐like, and spherical particles are constructed successively after photopolymerization. The Marangoni effect caused by the heterogeneity in the interfacial tension at the droplet surface is the reason for the reconfigurable morphology of the complex emulsion. The controllable complex emulsions by electricity present a versatile platform for constructing fine control of the microstructure and shape anisotropy of particles having customized shapes and functionalities, opening a new possibility for designing sophisticated architectures.
Stiffness‐Dependent Intracellular Location of Cylindrical Polymer Brushes
Authors: Niederberger Antoine , Pelras Théophile , Manni Livia Salvati , FitzGerald Paul A. , Warr Gregory G. , Müllner Markus 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCylindrical polymer brushes (CPBs) are macromolecules with nanoparticle proportions. Their modular synthesis enables tailoring of their chemical composition as well as the dialing‐up of overall dimensions and physicochemical properties. In this study, two rod‐like poly[(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (PEGMA)‐based CPBs with varying stiffness but otherwise comparable features and functionality, are synthesized. Differences in particle stiffness are assessed using small angle neutron scattering (SANS). It is observed that the fate of the two CPBs within cells is distinctly different. Stiffer CPBs seem to gravitate toward the mitochondria, whereas CPBs with reduced stiffness are present in different intracellular vesicles.
Use of Nanoindentation to Mechanically Characterized Polypropylene/Cloisite 15A Nanocomposites Films Exposed to Gamma‐Irradiation
Authors: Kaci Mustapha , Touati Naima , Bourmaud Alain , Grohens Yves 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the effect of γ‐irradiation on the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP)/Cloisite 15A (5 wt %) nanocomposites is investigated by nanoindentation technique up to 100 kGy. The film samples, with an average thickness of 150 μm, are prepared by melt compounding with and without PP‐grafted‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) used as the compatibilizer at 20 wt %. Nanoindentation results show an increase in both modulus and hardness with the irradiation dose for the PP nanocomposites, being however much higher for the compatibilized sample compared to both uncompatibilized one and neat PP. FTIR spectra show a strong absorption band at 1715 cm−1 in the irradiated samples assigned to ketonic groups whose intensity increased with the dose. Further, the oxidation rate of PP nanocomposites is faster than that of neat PP. Overall, the nanoindentation results are in a good agreement with those obtained by FTIR spectroscopy.
Blockchain Technology—Applicability in the Traceability of a Product Throughout the Supply Chain
Authors: Obeidat Ramy , Ispas Adrian , Aleodor Bogdan , Bendic Vasile 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBlockchain is a common, distributed, chronological, immutable, and cryptographically secure digital register that facilitates the process of recording transactions saved on multiple computers (nodes) in different locations which allow the assets to be easily tracked throughout the entire business network, regardless of their nature. Similar to a database, it can record continuously and scalable, the information added by users, as well as all the operations performed by and between users. Each new added operation or transaction that takes place in a blockchain is called a block, which as it is added, the new link is characterized by a unique identity called hash and forms an unbroken chain of information with records that can be public and verifiable. Thus, not having a central source of recording the information, they become a very difficult target for cyber attackers who want to alter or steal information about transactions, as well as in industrial espionage situations, as it can happen in companies which have in their portfolio the distribution of irrigation systems and installations, from which it is chosen to exemplify the benefits of using blockchain for the entire operational flow of the product PE 75×2 ½ compression fitting (elbow).
Business Model for SMEs in the Field of Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Costache Andreea Cristina , Moagăr‐Poladian Gabriel , Doicin Cristian Vasile 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe paper presents a business model used by a small and medium enterprise (SME) that operates in the field of additive manufacturing, focuses on selective laser sintering technology, and using an industrial 3D printing system, Formiga P 100 from EOS. The SME develops specific parts for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), starting from the identification of the client's need, and customizing different components for various types of UAVs.[6] The decision of making these products imposes a detailed cost–benefit analysis and a new direction of commercial activity whose financial results are still under evaluation.[1] Under these circumstances, the new business model consists of set‐up a spin‐off business from the National Institute for Research and Development (NIRD) in Microtechnologies.
Advanced Polymeric Composite Product for Automotive Application
Authors: Ion Sorin Mihai , Tache Florin , Mahu Razvan Adrian , Opran Constantin Gheorghe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis long‐term study explores the development and application of a polymeric composite product with end goal to represent a light‐weight and eco‐friendly alternative to an existing car part, with current paper focusing on product development. Selecting the right constituents for an advanced polymeric composite product, having its end functional role in mind, is the foundation for a good development process. As modelling and simulation are key for predicting, defining and controlling the manufacturing process, the paper includes mathematical modelling and numerical simulations of how the structure performs during the technological process; thus, refining the concept and optimizing the process before producing industrial applications. A few samples of the polymeric composite product are manufactured where glass fibers are used as reinforcement material, due to their reduced specific weight, affordable price and widespread availability. Concrete results consequently include designing, building and testing multiple variations of the polymeric composite product manufactured in semi‐cylindrically shaped samples using a research demonstration mold. Considering obtained results, large‐scale industrial application is envisaged for automotive polymeric composite parts that would be brought to market at competitive prices.
Investigation on Geometrical Complexity Techniques for Assessing AM Feasibility
Authors: Greco Alessandro , Piccicacchi Giovanni , Manco Pasquale , De Franchi Rocco , Ambrico Michele , Caputo Francesco , Gerbino Salvatore 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCurrently, there is a growing interest of industries in applying additive manufacturing (AM) technology for generating objects with high geometrical complexity and low weight, ensuring good performance, comparable to those ones of products realized by means of traditional techniques. Anyway, it is still usual to realize AM products without focusing on the morphology of the object, hence without exploiting all the advantages of the technique. Indeed, since the several suitable AM technologies, it should be useful to know the functional characteristics of the component for the best choice of the appropriate one and its constructive complexity. In this regard, the 3D modeling strategy is extremely crucial for a proper realization of AM products. The paper deals with a study of the geometrical complexity of dashboard components of a car, based on several techniques for evaluating the geometric complexity. The latter is a fundamental element for estimating the feasibility of AM in terms of production costs and the benefits with respect to traditional molding. In detail, the study focuses on comparing several geometrical complexity evaluation techniques in order to identify the one that simplifies the calculation and better approximates the most used in literature.
Research on Optimizing of the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis Using Advanced Expert Systems
Authors: Vulpes Tiberiu Cristian , Opran Constantin Gheorghe 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFailure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is one of the most efficient and effective methods of preventing defects and other nonconformities, by assessing potential failure of component functions during the fabrication process, their causes and effects, with the purpose of identifying preventive actions which can have the consequence a higher product reliability. Modern FMEA procedures represent a new approach, in seven steps, for documenting technical risks, in order to achieve a more transparent process of design and execution of a new product. By using it in a correct and consistent way, FMEA allows the timely identification and avoidance of quality problems. Beyond its indisputable advantages, FMEA also presents a series of disadvantages due to the rather complicated formalism that it imposes and the direct presence of experts. In order to eliminate the deficiencies presented above, the paper proposes a solution for a new expert system which has the scope to optimize the FMEA. The application of research in the engineering of polymeric and composite products is being considered.
Numerical Characterization of Pretensioning of a Hybrid Joint Under Longitudinal Load
Authors: Lamanna Giuseppe , Opran Constantin G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMost mechanical structures are composed of several components of different shape, size and material. In order to guarantee the connections among such parts is often necessary to adopt different connection mechanisms. The joints represent the structure possible weak points, can be easily site of damage and rupture so their careful design plays a decisive role. In recent years, the use of polymeric composite materials has become widespread, both in the automotive, aerospace and nautical fields. They allow advantages not only in terms of durability in aggressive environments, such as sea water or chemical industry, but also in terms of effective strength‐weight ratio. In particular, the latter translates into fuel savings and a consequent reduction in costs and pollution. It is stated a weight reduction of just 1 kg, on a mid‐range routing aircraft, can save up to 3000 L of fuel per year. The scientific community is making great efforts to develop high‐performance and reliable connections. Among the types of composite joint, the one of interest for this study is called hybrid, as it combines two connection mechanisms: bolting and bonding. Numerous studies and experimental researches, conducted on both the two separate variants and their hybrid version, the comparison of the analyses shows the hybrid one offers better results in terms of strength and fatigue life. In this paper, virtual models are built to simulate traction tests; the results are compared to experimental ones in order to validate the numerical model. In particular, the study focuses on the pretensioning influence on the joint structural behavior.
Numerical and Experimental Investigation on the Influence of Tightening in a Hybrid Single Lap Joint
Authors: Lamanna Giuseppe , Perrella Michele , Opran Constantin G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHybrid mechanical joints are achieved by the simultaneous use of multiple connection mechanisms such as bolting and bonding. This technique allows to obtain advantages in terms of mechanical properties compared to simple joints such as longer fatigue life and operability in critical environmental conditions. Many parameters influence the structural behavior of the hybrid junctions in this perspective numerical simulation can play a decisive role to the cause. Using hybrid joints allows generally to obtain a more homogeneous stress distribution than bolted ones which is why, over the years, such type of joint is widely used in the automotive and naval industries as well as in the avionics, with particular reference to the residual strength in partially damaged components. In the present work, a numerical model representative of tensile tests on single lap joints characterized by adherends of different nature is presented.
Replantation of forequarter amputation: Report of two cases with successful structural, motor and sensorial results
Authors: Özkan Ömer , Özkan Özlenen , Uysal Hilmi , Leblebicioğlu Gürsel , Tombak Kadriye , Ogan Onur , Göztepe Mehmet Berke 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAlthough there have been numerous reports of major replantation of upper extremity amputations, limited numbers of above‐elbow amputation replantation have been reported. We present the technical details of two successful replantations of forequarter amputations in a nine‐year‐old girl and a three‐year‐old boy. In both cases, the forequarter was amputated due to avulsion traction injuries resulting in amputation including the entire upper limb, while the integrity of the scapula and parascapular muscles was maintained, with no injury to the glenohumeral joint. Replantation was performed, involving a shorter ischemia time with proper fixation, and vascular and neural repairs. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and motor and sensorial acquisition were quite satisfactory during follow‐up periods of 9 and 6 years, respectively. Proper fixation of the amputated part mimicking the original anatomy, radical debridement of avulsed vessels, and reconstruction of the defect using long vein grafts and neural repair while maintaining proper integrity are the most important factors in success. When the requirements are met, replantation of the forequarter in a child yields a superior outcome, from both the functional and esthetic perspectives. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report in the English literature involving two sequential cases of such high‐level replantation resulting in successful reacquisition of both viability and function.
High‐Coverage Metabolome Analysis Reveals Significant Diet Effects of Autoclaved and Irradiated Feed on Mouse Fecal and Urine Metabolomics
Authors: Su Xiaoling , Yu Jiong , Wang Nan , Zhao Shuang , Han Wei , Chen Deying , Li Liang , Li Lanjuan 
Published: April 2021

ScopeUsing metabolomics to study the relations of nutrition and health requires stringent control of the experimental conditions used in an animal model. This work investigates the diet effects of autoclaved and irradiated feed on mouse urine and fecal metabolomics.Methods and ResultsC57BL/6 mice are fed normal‐irradiation sterilized diet (n = 9), autoclave sterilized diet (n = 9), and high‐irradiation sterilized diet (n = 9) for 4 weeks. Differential chemical isotope labeling liquid chromatography mass spectrometry is used to quantify the metabolome variations of urine and feces collected at five time points. Significant differences are observed in urine or fecal metabolomes of mice fed autoclaved diet versus mice fed high‐irradiation diet or fed normal‐irradiation diet, while the differences are small between the mice fed normal‐irradiation and high‐irradiation diet. Correlation studies of metabolite changes of diet‐ and aging‐related biomarkers indicate a large overlap of significantly affected metabolites by the two factors.ConclusionsDiet can be a confounding factor that needs to be carefully considered when a metabolomics study is designed and metabolomic results of a mouse model of nutritional or other biological study are interpreted. Using the same sterilized diet for a given metabolomics project is essential to control the diet effect.
Razorback Sucker Spawning in an Intermittent Colorado Tributary
Authors: Hooley-Underwood Zachary E. , Thompson Kevin G. , Bestgen Kevin R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Endangered and endemic Razorback Suckers Xyrauchen texanus of the Colorado River basin largely spawn in main-stem rivers and reservoirs. While documenting other native fish use of two intermittent tributaries of the Gunnison River, Colorado, USA, we detected PIT-tagged Razorback Suckers during the 2015–2019 spawning seasons (April–June) and captured reproductively ready individuals. Because the species is rarely documented in small tributaries, we highlight this occurrence. Prior to 2019, up to 30 individual Razorback Suckers were detected annually in Roubideau Creek, a tributary to the Gunnison River near Delta, Colorado. In 2019, use increased as we detected 110 individual Razorback Suckers in Roubideau Creek, and, for the first time, we handled or detected seven in Cottonwood Creek. These fish represented multiple age-classes of hatchery-reared fish repatriated to the Gunnison River to aid recovery. We collected and identified 1,171 larval catostomids from Cottonwood Creek, but none were Razorback Suckers, and even though ripe adults were collected, it remains unclear if reproduction occurred. We suspect that high runoff in 2019 drove increased use of the system. Presence of Razorback Suckers in five consecutive years indicated that intermittent tributaries might be of greater importance than previously thought for this species, and these streams warrant further investigation and protection.
Efficacy and Safety of Trametinib in Non-V600 BRAF
Mutant Melanoma: A Phase II Study
Authors: Nebhan Caroline A. , Johnson Douglas B. , Sullivan Ryan J. , Amaria Roda N. , Flaherty Keith T. , Sosman Jeffrey A. , Davies Michael A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Lessons Learned
This study suggests that trametinib has significant clinical activity in non-V600 BRAF mutation and BRAF fusion metastatic melanoma, albeit in a small cohort. All patients with metastatic melanoma should undergo sequencing of the BRAF gene to identify noncanonical BRAF mutations that may indicate benefit from treatment with trametinib.

Background
Non-V600 BRAF mutations and BRAF fusions in aggregate occur in approximately 5% of all melanomas. Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has been implicated as a possible treatment strategy for these patients.

Methods
In this open-label, multicenter, phase II study, patients with advanced melanoma harboring mutations in BRAF outside V600 (non-V600) or BRAF fusions received trametinib 2.0 mg daily. Patients were divided into cohorts based on the intrinsic catalytic activity of BRAF mutation (high, cohort A; low/unknown, cohort B). The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR) for patients in cohort A; secondary endpoints included ORR in cohort B, safety, and survival in both treatment arms.

Results
Among all patients, the ORR was 33% (three of nine patients), including 67% in cohort A and 17% in cohort B. Two patients had stable disease as best response, and six patients had some degree of tumor shrinkage. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.3 months. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in all patients (100%); most (89%) were grade 1–2.

Conclusion
In contrast to recently described tumor-agnostic studies in a genetically similar population, trametinib had considerable activity in a small population of patients with melanoma harboring BRAF non-V600 mutations and fusions, providing rationale for sequencing in search of these genomic alterations.