bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lead acetate ecotoxicity in tropical soils
Authors: Alexandrino Rômulo CS , Lima Francielle , Martins Gabriel C , Natal-da-Luz Tiago , Sousa José Paulo , Guilherme Luiz Roberto Guimarães , Marques João José 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Lead acetate (AcPb) is an important raw material used in chemical industries worldwide. The potential toxicity of AcPb is generally attributed to the presence of Pb. However, the effect of AcPb on the environment as a whole is still poorly known. This study aimed to evaluate AcPb toxicity on three standard species of soil invertebrates and two plant species using ecotoxicology tests. Three tropical soils (Oxisol, Inceptisol, and Tropical Artificial Soil (TAS)) were contaminated with different concentrations of AcPb and one dose of K-acetate (positive control). These soils were used in tests with Eisenia andrei (earthworm), Folsomia candida (springtail), Enchytraeus crypticus (enchytraeid), Zea mays (maize), and Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean). Dose-response curves obtained in the laboratory tests were used to estimate the EC50 values for each species. Among invertebrates, the highest sensitivity to AcPb was observed for E. crypticus in the TAS (EC50 = 29.8 mg AcPb kg− 1), whereas for E. andrei and F. candida the highest sensitivity was observed in the Oxisol (EC50 = 141.9 and 1835 mg AcPb kg− 1, respectively). Folsomia candida was the least sensitive invertebrate species to AcPb in all soils. Among plant species, Z. mays was less sensitive (EC50 = 1527.5 mg AcPb kg− 1) than P. vulgaris (EC50 = 560.5 mg AcPb kg− 1) in the Oxisol. The present study evidenced that the toxicity of AcPb should not be attributed uniquely to the presence of Pb, as the treatment containing uniquely Ac provoked the same toxicity as the highest dose of AcPb.
A Multi-dimensional Online Survey of Experts, Patients and the Public on Early Detected Scoliosis in Fetus Caused by Spinal Hemivertebra
Authors: Liu Jingwei , Zhang Yiqi , Hai Yong , Pan Aixing 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In recent years, with the increasing number of women in advanced maternal age and standardized protocol of prenatal examination in China, more fetuses have been detected with scoliosis caused by hemivertebra (HV). The objective of this study was to obtain the responses of different populations on early detected scoliosis in fetuses caused by spinal hemivertebra through a multi-dimensional survey. A self-administered anonymous web and social media-based multi-dimensional online survey were conducted. Four short questionnaires concerning fetuses with scoliosis secondary to hemivertebra were sent to spine/orthopedic surgeons, obstetricians/ultrasonologists, scoliosis patients, and the non-medical general public separately. Survey items mainly included whether continue the pregnancy, the responses of different populations, whether they have knowledge of HV and what they wanted to know most about HV among the general public group, etc. All the questions were single choice questions, and additional responses could be added if needed. A total of 5586 respondents including 647 spine surgeons, 227 orthopaedic surgeons, 350 obstetricians, 54 ultrasonologists, 246 scoliosis patients and 4062 general public participated in the survey. 41.89% spine surgeons, 25.99% orthopedic surgeons, 6.57% obstetricians, 17.48% scoliosis patients and 19.23% general public chose to continue pregnancy and seek treatment after birth. 4.02% spine surgeons, 7.49% orthopedic surgeons, 3.71% obstetricians, 26.83% scoliosis patients and 14.28% non-medical general public suggested or chose to terminate the pregnancy. 54.10% spine surgeons, 66.52% orthopedic surgeons suggested explain the pros and cons to the parents and let them make their own choices.
Multifunctional Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) and Styrene Butadiene Rubber Blend Magneto-responsive Nanocomposites Based on Hybrid Graphene Oxide and Fe3O4: Synthesis, Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Essabir Hamid , Raji Marya , Rodrigue Denis , Bouhfid Rachid , Qaiss Abou el kacem 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Functional nanocomposites based on a blend of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) as the matrix reinforced by a hybrid nanofiller system of graphene oxide nanosheets (GOn) and ferromagnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) at different weight ratios (3.75:1.25; 2.5:2.5 and 1.25:3.75) were successfully prepared and characterized to determine the effect of nanofillers hybridization in improving the structural,mechanical, dielectric/electrical, magnetic and thermal properties of a polymer blend (PVDF-SBR) for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications. Due to the synergy between both nanofillers, it was found that the Young’s modulus of the nanocomposite containing 5 wt.% of the hybrid nanofiller was significantly improved (87%), while the strain at yield remained constant due to the low particle content and the rubbery effect of the SBR copolymer. In addition, the degradation temperature of the matrix was shifted from 464°C to 472 °C with the addition of 2.5:2.5 of GOn:Fe3O4. Finally, the hybrid reinforcement also had a positive effect on the electrical and magnetic properties of the nanocomposites with an improvement that exceeds 30%. By careful selection of synthetic techniques and understanding/exploiting the unique physics of the polymeric nanocomposites in such materials, novel functional polymer-inorganic nanocomposites can be designed and fabricated for new interesting in magneto applications such as superparamagnetism, electromagnetic wave absorption, and electromagnetic interference shielding.
Assessment of Laparoscopic Instrument Reprocessing in Rural India: A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Robertson Daniel , Gnanaraj Jesudian , Wauben Linda , Huijs Jan , Samuel Vasanth Mark , Dankelman Jenny , Horeman-Franse Tim 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Laparoscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that uses long slender instruments that require much smaller incisions than conventional surgery. This leads to faster recovery times, fewer infections and shorter hospital stays. For these reasons, laparoscopy could be particularly advantageous to patients in low to middle income countries (LMICs). Unfortunately, sterile processing departments in LMIC hospitals are faced with limited access to equipment and trained staff and poses an obstacle to safe surgical care. The reprocessing of laparoscopic devices requires specialised equipment and training. Therefore, when LMIC hospitals invest in laparoscopy, an update of the standard operating procedure in sterile processing is required. Currently, it is unclear whether LMIC hospitals, that already perform laparoscopy, have managed to introduce updated reprocessing methods that minimally invasive equipment requires. The aim of this study was to identify the laparoscopic sterile reprocessing procedures in rural India and to test the effectiveness of the sterilisation equipment.
Methods
We assessed laparoscopic instrument sterilisation capacity in four rural hospitals in different states in India using a mixed-methods approach. As the main form of data collection, we developed a standardised observational checklist based on reprocessing guidelines from several sources. Steam autoclave performance was measured by monitoring the autoclave cycles in two hospitals. Finally, the findings from the checklist data was supported by an interview survey with surgeons and nurses.
Results
The checklist data revealed the reprocessing methods the hospitals used in the reprocessing of laparoscopic instruments. It showed that the standard operating procedures had not been updated since the introduction of laparoscopy and the same reprocessing methods for regular surgical instruments were still applied. The interviews confirmed that staff had not received additional training and that they were unaware of the hazardous effects of reprocessing detergents and disinfectants.
Conclusion
As laparoscopy is becoming more prevalent in LMICs, updated policy is needed to incorporate minimally invasive instrument reprocessing in medical practitioner and staff training programmes. While reprocessing standards improve, it is essential to develop instruments and reprocessing equipment that is more suitable for resource-constrained rural surgical environments.
Ammonia Room Temperature Gas Sensor Using Different TiO2 Nano-structure
Authors: Shooshtari Mostafa , Salehi Alireza 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In this study, TiO2 Nano-structure were synthesized by three different processes including nanowires, nanoparticles and thin- films. The morphology and crystal structure of the three different TiO2 structures deposited on quartz glasses were characterized by XRD, SEM and FTIR. It has been found that nanowires and nanoparticles showed only the anatase phase while the thin-film exhibited both anatase and rutile phases. The three TiO2 Nano-structures were then used to fabricate gas sensors for ammonia (NH3) detection at different concentrations and various conditions. The samples fabricated with thin-film TiO2 towards 50 ppm NH3 showed a response value of 5% at room temperature, whereas the other two samples exhibited much higher values towards similar condition NH3 at room temperature. Samples with nanowires showed a three-fold increase and samples with nanoparticles exhibit a two-fold increase in response value. We have found that the response of all samples increases with elevating the operating temperature up to 200°C. Increasing the operating temperature improved the nanoparticle sensing conditions more than the other two samples. The samples using nanoparticles showed a 33% increase in response towards 50 ppm NH3 at 200°C compared to the samples with thin films at similar conditions. Further, response and recovery time were investigated and reported in this study.
The Discriminatory Power of Vocal Features in Detecting Mental Illnesses Under Complex Context
Authors: Pan Wei , Shenhav Liat , Afshan Amber , Alwan Abeer , Flint Jonathan , Liu Tianli , Hu Bin , Zhu Tingshao 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Vocal features have been proposed as a way to identify depression by distinguishing depression from healthy controls, but while there have been some claims for success, the degree to which changes in vocal features are specific to depression has not been systematically studied. In particular, it is not clear whether vocal features are characteristic of mental ill health in general, rather than characteristic of different psychiatric diagnoses. We examined the performance of vocal features in recognizing three diseases (depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) in comparison with healthy controls and in pairwise comparison with each disease in turn.Methods: We sampled 32 bipolar disorder patients; 106 depression patients, 114 healthy controls and 20 schizophrenia patients. We extracted i-vectors from MFCCs features, and built logistic regression models with ridge regularization and 5 fold cross validation on the training set, then applied models to the test set.Results: Our results showed that AUC score for classifying depression and bipolar disorder is 0.5 (F-score = 0.44). For other comparisons, AUC scores range from 0.75 to 0.92 (F-score ranges from 0.73 to 0.91). The performance (AUC) of depression and bipolar disorder classification model is significantly worse than the performance of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia classification model (corrected P < 0.05). We found no significant difference in pairwise ROC difference tests among the remaining classification tasks.Conclusions: Vocal features have robust discriminatory power not only in classifying depression and health, but also in pairwise classification among different mental illness.
Transcription of the Hydrogenase Gene during H2 Production in Scenedesmus Obliquus and Chlorella Vulgaris
Authors: Ordóñez Yahaira de Jesus Tamayo , Gutiérrez Benjamin Abraham Ayil , Marin Alejandro Ruiz , Ordóñez Francisco Alberto Tamayo , Davila Ileana Maria Mayela Moreno , González Leopoldo Ríos , Garza Jose Antonio Rodriguez de la , Heredia Juan Carlos Robles , Ordoñez Maria Concepcion Tamayo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
There is ongoing research related to the production of molecular hydrogen today and algae have proven to be good biological models for producing several compounds of interest. We analyzed how genetic variations in hydrogenase genes (hyd) can affect the production of molecular hydrogen in the algae Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus. Through isolation and genetic characterization of hyd genes in S. obliquus and C. vulgaris, we made in-silico 3D modeling of the hydrogenase proteins and compared these in 11 algal genera. The 3D structure of hydrogenases indicated its structural conservation in 10 genera of algae, and the results of our grouping according to the aa characteristics of the proteins showed the formation of two groups, which were unrelated to the algae’s phylogenetic classification. By growing C. vulgaris and S. obliquus in anaerobic conditions (in darkness) during 24 h and after exposing the cultures to light, we observed H2 production values of 9.0 ± 0.40 mL H2/L and 16 ± 0.50 mL H2/L, respectively. The highest global relative expression of hyd genes was reached during the first 30 min of exposure to light. The behavior of the expression of the hyd genes in these species of algae proved to be species specific and involved in the production of H2. Future identification of isoforms of hyd genes in algae would allow a better understanding of the regulation of the hydrogenase enzyme.
Performance Evaluation of symmetric 8×10 Gbps TWDM-PON incorporating Polarization Division Multiplexed Modulation Techniques under fiber-impairments
Authors: Kumari Meet , Sharma Reecha , Sheetal Anu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Today’s access networks are in high demand to fulfill the high bandwidth requirement because of extensive improvement in high transmission rate applications for cloud computing, big data analytics, and other next-generation 5G smart applications. This exponential growth of high capacity and broadband access technologies comprise an essential trend in the development of a passive optical network (PON) access network. In this paper, 80/80 Gbps time wavelength division multiplexing PON (TWDM-PON) incorporating polarization division multiplexing (PDM) based Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) and electroabsorption modulator (EAM) techniques have been proposed. The performance of the system consisting of different polarized multiplexed modulation techniques is investigated in both downstream and upstream data transmission for variable transmission distance and received optical power in terms of bit error rate (BER), eye diagrams, power budget (PB) and receiver sensitivity (RS). The results show that the 4×20/20 Gbps PDM-EAM modulated signals over 100 km fiber distance at -60 dBm RS and 70 dB PB are successfully transmitted under fiber non-linearities. The proposed TWDM-PON system provides a next-generation long-reach access network from urban to rural areas.
A Robust 3D Self-powered Photoelectrochemical type Photodetector based on MoSe2 Nanoflower
Authors: Wang Kai , Wu Jie , Chen Gexiang , Qiao Hui , Zhou Yang , Li Jun , Qi Xiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Molybdenum selenide (MoSe2) has been extensively studied in recent years due to its strong absorption for sunlight and unique band structure. Herein, a self-assembly three-dimensional (3D) MoSe2 nanoflowers were prepared by a two-step process. Significantly, the photodetection device based on MoSe2 nanoflowers exhibited a maximum responsivity about 12.39mA/W and a rapid photo-response time about 0.15s at 0V bias under simulated sunlight exposure benefiting from its large specific surface area and unique morphologic structure. Meanwhile, we demonstrated the outstanding stability after two weeks of the photodetection device. In this way, the MoSe2 nanoflower-based photodetectors enriched the basic research of molybdenum selenide and provided some reference for the following researches based on molybdenum selenide.
Enhanced-coherence all-nitride superconducting qubit epitaxially grown on Si substrate
Authors: Kim Sunmi , Terai Hirotaka , Yamashita Taro , Qiu Wei , Fuse Tomoko , Yoshihara Fumiki , Ashhab Sahel , Inomata Kunihiro , Semba Kouichi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
We have developed superconducting qubits based on NbN/AlN/NbN epitaxial Josephson junctions on Si substrates which promise to overcome the drawbacks of qubits based on Al/AlOx/Al junctions. The all-nitride qubits have great advantages such as chemical stability against oxidation (resulting in fewer two-level fluctuators), feasibility for epitaxial tunnel barriers (further reducing energy relaxation and dephasing), and a larger superconducting gap of ~ 5.2 meV for NbN compared to ~ 0.3 meV for Al (suppressing the excitation of quasiparticles). Replacing conventional MgO by a Si substrate with a TiN buffer layer for epitaxial growth of nitride junctions, we demonstrate a qubit energy relaxation time \({T}_{1}=16.3 {\mu }\text{s}\) and a spin-echo dephasing time \({T}_{2}=21.5 {\mu }\text{s}\). These significant improvements in quantum coherence are explained by the reduced dielectric loss compared to previously reported NbN-based qubits with MgO substrates (\({T}_{1}\approx {T}_{2}\approx 0.5 {\mu }\text{s}\)). These results are an important step towards constructing a new platform for superconducting quantum hardware.
Multi-Scale Coherent Magnetic Field from Atomic Medium to L1544 Molecular Core
Authors: Ching Tao-Chung , Li Di , Heiles Carl , Li Zhi-Yun , Qian Lei , Yue Youling , Tang Jing , Jiao Sihan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Magnetic fields play an important role in the evolution of interstellar medium and star formation. As the only direct tracer of interstellar field strength, credible Zeeman measurements remain sparse due to rather limited number of spectral lines with discernible Zeeman effect, particularly for cold, molecular gas. Here we report the detection of a magnetic field of 3.8 ± 0.3 μG through a new tracer, the HI narrow self-absorption (HINSA), toward the prestellar core L1544 of the Taurus molecular cloud using the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). A combined analysis of the Zeeman measurements of quasar HI absorption, HI emission, OH emission, and HINSA reveals a coherent magnetic field from the atomic cold neutral medium (CNM) to the molecular envelope of the L1544. We find that the molecular envelope traced by HINSA is already magnetically supercritical, with a field strength comparable to that in the surrounding diffuse, magnetically subcritical CNM despite a large increase in density. The reduction of the magnetic flux relative to the mass, necessary for star formation, thus seems to happen during the transition from the diffuse CNM to the molecular gas traced by HINSA, earlier than envisioned in the classical picture where magnetically supercritical cores capable of collapsing into stars form out of magnetically subcritical envelopes. The HINSA Zeeman effect opens up a new window on the interstellar magnetic field that is poised for rapid growth in the era of Square Kilometer Array and its precursors.
The 16S rRNA gene sequencing of gut microbiota in chickens infected with different virulent Newcastle disease virus
Authors: Tong Lina , Ren Shanhui , Wang Wen , Wang Jianling , Wang Jie , Qu Yang , Adam Fathalrhman Eisa Addoma , Li Zengkui , Yang Zengqi , Gao Xiaolong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is pathogenic to chickens, which is characterized by dyspnea, diarrhea, nervous disorder and hemorrhages. However, the influence of different virulent NDV infection on the host gut microbiota composition is still poorly understood. In this study, twenty 21-day-old specific pathogen free chickens were inoculated with either the velogenic Herts33 NDV strain, lentogenic La Sota NDV strain or sterile phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Through 16S rRNA sequencing, the collected fecal samples of control and NDV infected chickens were examined.
Results

The results showed that the gut microbiota were mainly dominated by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria in both healthy and NDV infected chickens. NDV infection altered the structure and composition of gut microbiota. As compared to PBS group, phylum Firmicutes were remarkably reduced, whereas Proteobacteria was significantly increased in velogenic NDV infected group. While the gut community structure has no significant differences between lentogenic NDV infected group and PBS group at phylum level. At genus level, Escherichia-Shigella was significantly increased in both velogenic and lentogenic NDV infected groups, but the lactobacillus was only remarkably decreased in velogenic NDV infected group. Collectively, different virulent NDV infection resulted in a different alteration of the gut microbiota in chickens, including a loss of probiotic bacteria and a expansion of pathogenic bacteria.
Conclusion

These results indicated that NDV with different virulence have different impact on chicken gut microbiota and may provide new insights into the intestinal pathogenesis of NDV.
Superlubric Polycrystalline Graphene Interfaces
Authors: Gao Xiang , Ouyang Wengen , Urbakh Michael , Hod Oded 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The effect of corrugated grain boundaries on the frictional properties of extended graphitic contacts incorporating a polycrystalline surface are investigated. The friction is found to be dominated by shear induced buckling and unbuckling of corrugated grain boundary dislocations, leading to a nonmonotonic behavior of friction with normal load and temperature. The underlying mechanism involves two competing effects, where an increase of dislocation buckling probability is accompanied by a decrease of the dissipated energy per buckling event. These effects are well captured by a phenomenological two-state model, that allows for characterizing the tribological properties of any large-scale polycrystalline layered interface, while circumventing the need for demanding atomistic simulations. The resulting negative differential friction coefficients obtained in the high-load regime can reduce the expected linear scaling of grain-boundary friction with surface area and restore structural superlubricity at increasing length-scales.
Radiation Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/ Acrylamide/ TiO2/ SiO2&nbsp;Nanocomposite for Removal of Metal Ion and Dye From Waste Water
Authors: Elbarbary Ahmed , Gad Yasser H. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
An effective and novel adsorbent of poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyacrylamide/TiO2/SiO2 (PVA-co-AAm/TiO2/SiO2) nanocomposite synthesized by γ-irradiation polymerization of PVA and AAm in presence of TiO2/SiO2 nanoparticles at different irradiation doses (10, 30 and 50 kGy) for removal of Cu(II) ions and basic blue 3 dye from their aqueous solutions. FT-IR, TEM, XRD, SEM, EDS and DLS analyzed the chemical properties of nanocomposites. The nanocomposite prepared at 30 kGy (PVA-co-AAm/TiO2/SiO2-30) shows high swelling of 197.7 (%) and gelation of 93.1 %. The adsorption capacity (mg/g) and removal (%) of basic blue 3 dye and Cu(II) ions onto nanocomposites by varying experimental conditions were investigated. The PVA-co-AAm/TiO2/SiO2-30 showed high adsorption capacity 3 folds rather than PVA-co-AAm. The equilibrium adsorption for basic blue 3 dye and Cu(II) was 123.9 mg/g and 190.3 mg/g with removal of 82.6 and 95.1 %, respectively. The results of the adsorption of dye or metal ions follow the Pseudo-second order adsorption kinetic, fit with the Langmuir isotherm and the adsorption process is endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The results revealed that the PVA-co-AAm/TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposites could be employed as an effectual adsorbent for adsorption of basic blue dye and Cu(II) ions from wastewater with high adsorption capacity and recovery.