bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Larger floods of Himalayan foothill rivers sustained flows in the Ghaggar–Hakra channel during Harappan age
Authors: Singh Ajit , Jain Vikrant , Danino Michel , Chauhan Naveen , Kaushal Rahul Kumar , Guha Shantamoy , Prabhakar V. N. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTThe human–landform interaction in the region of the Ghaggar–Hakra palaeochannel in the northwest Indo‐Gangetic plains during the Bronze Age Indus/Harappan civilisation (~4.6–3.9 thousand years before the present, ka bp) remains an enigmatic case due to a paucity of evidence regarding the hydrology of the then existing river. Here, we estimated the palaeohydrology of the foothill Markanda River in the sub‐Himalayan catchment of the Ghaggar–Hakra (G–H) palaeochannel. Our morphology and chronology results show aggradation of a fan (57.7 ka) during the Late Pleistocene and T–1 to T–5 fluvial terraces (13.1 to 6.0 ka) during the terminal Pleistocene to Holocene, and deposition of palaeoflood sediments (3.9–3.8 ka) over the T–3 terraces during the Late Holocene. Considering the known uplift rates along the Himalayan frontal thrust, and our estimated aggradation rates, we derived channel palaeogeometry and calculated peak discharge at the site of palaeoflood deposits. We conclude that the Markanda River's peak discharge was several orders of magnitude higher during the Late Holocene than the modern‐day peak discharge of 100‐year return period. The palaeoflood deposits represent larger flooding of the foothill rivers that sustained flows in the downstream reaches of the Ghaggar–Hakra palaeochannel during the Late Harappan civilisation.
Photosynthesis, fluorescence, and nutrition of Zhonglan No. 2, a new alfalfa cultivar
Authors: Cui Guangxin , Tian Fuping , Hu Yu , Wei Xiaoxing , Zhu Xinqiang , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Chunmei , Li Jinhua , Degen Abraham Allan , Duan Huirong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe years after planting play an important role in the above‐ground biomass and nutritive value of alfalfa. Zhonglan No. 2 (Medicago sativa L. cv. Zhonglan No. 2) is a new breeding alfalfa cultivar characterized by high drought tolerance and high yield. To determine the optimum time for utilization of Zhonglan No. 2, we examined growth traits, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic and fluorescence parameters, and composition and nutritive values at the late vegetative and early flowering stages of the first stubble in the second, third, fourth, sixth, and eleventh years after planting.RESULTSIn general, the height and leaf area decreased with increasing number of years after planting. At the late vegetative stage, the fourth‐year alfalfa exhibited higher stomatal conductance (Gs) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), and better water use efficiency, and at the early flowering stage, the fourth‐year alfalfa had the highest (P < 0.05) leaf net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and carboxylation efficiency (CE). Total digestible nutrients did not differ among years, but, in the early flowering stage, crude protein content decreased with years (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and total antioxidant capacity did not differ among years after planting, suggesting aging did not impose oxidative stress on this alfalfa cultivar.CONCLUSIONSBased on height, chlorophyll content, crude protein (CP) content, and photosynthetic and fluorescence parameters, the fourth year after planting, at the early flowering stage, was the best for using Zhonglan No. 2. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prognostic importance of lymph node count and ratio in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: Results from a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Detering Robin , Meyer Vincent M. , Borstlap Wernard A.A. , Beets‐Tan Regina G.H. , Marijnen Corrie A.M. , Hompes Roel , Tanis Pieter J. , van Westreenen Henderik L. ,   the Dutch Snapshot Research Group
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the prognostic value of lymph node count (LNC) and lymph node ratio (LNR) in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT).MethodsPatients who underwent neoadjuvant CRT and total mesorectal excision (TME) for Stage I–III rectal cancer were selected from a cross‐sectional study including 71 Dutch centres. Primary outcome parameters were disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Prognostic significance of LNC and LNR (cut‐off values 0.15, 0.20, 0.30) was tested for different (sub)groups.ResultsFrom 2095 registered patients, 458 were included, of which 240 patients with LNC < 12 and 218 patients with LNC ≥ 12. LNC was not significantly associated with DFS (p = 0.35) and OS (p = 0.59). In univariable analysis, LNR was significantly associated with DFS and OS in the whole cohort and LNC subgroups, but not in multivariable analysis.ConclusionsLNC was not associated with long‐term oncological outcome in rectal cancer patients treated with CRT, nor was LNR when corrected for N‐stage. However, LNR might be used to identify subgroups of node‐positive patients with a favourable outcome.
The spatial agglomeration of the MICE industry
Authors: Bernini Cristina , Emili Silvia , Medei Renato 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMICE is one of the most profitable sectors of the tourism industry, with an effective impact on local economies. However, the investigation of its spatial agglomeration has not been fully explored. In this study, we use information on the venues' characteristics and territorial distribution to identify convention firms' agglomeration in Emilia‐Romagna (Italy), through a constrained clustering algorithm. This approach enables the inclusion of both non‐geographical aspects, measured by the Krugman sectoral index, and geographical information. Findings show the existence of developed and developing convention agglomerations, with different MICE offers. Using convention demand data, we improve the cluster's profiles and propose some managerial strategies.
New polymer composites improve silty clay soil microstructure: an evaluation using NMR
Authors: Huang Wei , Du Jiaxin , Sun Hao , Zhou Cuiying , Liu Zhen , Zhang Lihai 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSoil erosion is a major environmental threat. The purpose of this study was to develop new polymer soil improvers that could mitigate the risk of soil erosion by modifying the microstructure of the soil and improving the ecological self‐repair ability. In particular, this study investigated new polymer composites (ADNB) based on different combination ratios of nano‐aqueous adhesive (NAB) and superabsorbent resin (SARn). The effects of different types of ADNB on soil water characteristics and pore size distribution were systematically investigated using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In addition, an empirical model based on experimental data was developed to describe the effects of ADNB on the soil‐water characteristic curves. The results showed that in comparison to natural soil, the application of ADNB could significantly increase the peak signal strength of the relaxation time curve. In addition, ADNB can effectively reduce the number of pores with diameters of 1.11–8.3 μm, increase the number of pores with diameters of 0.5–1.8 μm, but had little effect on the number of pores with diameters of 0–0.5 μm. Through NMR imaging analysis, the effects of ADNB on soil moisture absorption and storage were quantified. The results showed that the ratio and content of ADNB have an obvious effect on the soil‐water characteristic curve under low suction but showed little effect under high suction conditions, indicating that the water‐holding capacity has been improved.
Nutrient fluxes from rivers, groundwater, and the ocean into the coastal embayment along the Sanriku ria coast, Japan
Authors: Nakajima Toshimi , Sugimoto Ryo , Kusunoki Takahiro , Yokoyama Katsuhide , Taniguchi Makoto 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExternal nutrient supply from the land and ocean is crucial for sustaining high primary productivity in coastal seas. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is recognized as one of the most important sources of terrestrial nutrients. However, the relative importance of SGD‐derived nutrients from different sources in coastal ecosystems controlled by offshore exchange has not been well quantified. Here, we assessed water and nutrient budgets in the semi‐enclosed bay along the Sanriku ria coast, where the intrusion of nutrient‐enriched oceanic water is substantial. We conducted seasonal sampling campaigns and monitored the groundwater level throughout the year. Water and nutrient fluxes from fresh groundwater, saline groundwater, river water, and oceanic water were estimated using a hydrological method and radium (Ra) mass balance model. The results indicated that oceanic water was a dominant source, accounting for 99.5%, 86%, 97%, and 84% of the total influx of water, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved inorganic phosphorus, and dissolved silica, respectively. Although the mean fluxes of land‐derived nutrients were small, the contribution increased to 28–59% in October, when nutrient fluxes of oceanic water weakened. Of the terrestrial sources, SGD dominated (41–94%), particularly saline SGD (>99% of total SGD). We concluded that an efficient supply of the primary limiting nutrient from land to the coastal ecosystem can accelerate coastal primary production during certain seasons, even if oceanic nutrients are typically the dominant source.
Pico‐ and nanoplankton communities on a near to offshore transect along the continental shelf of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Kurtay Gulce , Prevost Hans J. , Stauffer Beth A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHurricane Harvey delivered over 124 trillion liters of freshwater to the Texas–Louisiana coast and the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) in late August‐early September 2017. Environmental conditions, size‐fractionated phytoplankton biomass, and pico‐ and nanoplankton abundances (picocyanobacteria, picoeukaryotes, autotrophic, and heterotrophic nanoplankton) were characterized along nearshore‐offshore transects prior to Hurricane Harvey (late July 2017) and in the 3 weeks to 6 months following the storm (September 2017 to March 2018). To understand the extent to which observed changes in the aquatic environment and plankton communities could be attributed to Hurricane Harvey (vs. seasonal or interannual variability), salinity, temperature, and phytoplankton biomass from historical data (2006–2018) were also analyzed. Nearshore stations from September and October 2017 showed significantly lower salinities and overall phytoplankton biomass compared to historical data. Inorganic nitrogen concentrations were minimal in October. Pico‐ and nanoplankton abundances were lower in September and October than prior to the storm, with the exception of picocyanobacteria. In contrast, post‐storm biomass at mid‐shelf stations was within the historical average, while pico‐ and nanoplankton abundances were higher. Offshore stations showed little change in biomass or abundances following the storm. Pre‐storm assemblages of pico‐ and nanoplankton in July 2017 were distinct from those in post‐storm months, and variance in these assemblages and specific group abundances was tied to inorganic nutrients, salinity, and temperature. These results point to significant changes in important members of the plankton that occurred in GOM continental shelf waters following a major hurricane, with important implications for oceanic food webs and biogeochemical cycles.
Current Situation and Challenges in Vitreous Substitutes
Authors: Mondelo‐García Cristina , Bandín‐Vilar Enrique , García‐Quintanilla Laura , Castro‐Balado Ana , del Amo Eva M. , Gil‐Martínez María , Blanco‐Teijeiro María José , González‐Barcia Miguel , Zarra‐Ferro Irene , Fernández‐Ferreiro Anxo , Otero‐Espinar Francisco J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVitreo‐retinal disorders constitute a significant portion of treatable ocular diseases. These pathologies often require vitreo‐retinal surgery and, as a consequence, the use of vitreous substitutes. Nowadays, the vitreous substitutes that are used in clinical practice are mainly divided into gases (air, SF6, C2F6, C3F8) and liquids (perfluorocarbon liquids, silicone oils, and heavy silicone oils). There are specific advantages and drawbacks to each of these, which determine their clinical indications. However, developing the ideal biomaterial for vitreous substitution continues to be one of the most important challenges in ophthalmology, and a multidisciplinary approach is required. In this sense, recent research has focused on the development of biocompatible, biodegradable, and injectable hydrogels (natural, synthetic, and smart), which also act as medium and long‐term internal tamponade agents. This comprehensive review aims to cover the main characteristics and indications for use of the extensive range of vitreous substitutes that are currently used in clinical practice, before going on to describe the hydrogels that have been developed recently and which have emerged as promising biomaterials for vitreous substitution.
Comparison of the in vitro corrosion behavior of biodegradable pure Zn in SBF, 0.9% NaCl, and DMEM
Authors: Zhu Xinglong , Guo Pushan , Yang Lijing , Xu Cheng , Geng Fang , Shen Jianwei , Lu Ting , Sun Wensheng , Song Zhenlun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractZn‐based alloys are considered to be the new biodegradable implant materials due to their suitable degradation rate and good biocompatibility. The biocorrosion behavior of pure Zn in 0.9% NaCl, simulated body fluid, and Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) was investigated by electrochemical and immersion tests. These tests revealed that pure Zn has the lowest corrosion rate in DMEM and the highest in 0.9% NaCl. Aggressive Cl− has an important effect on the corrosion process. Buffering agents, amino acids, and glucose have a close connection with corrosion resistance. Among the three solutions, DMEM with a similar ion concentration and necessary nutriments is recommended as the more suitable choice for estimating biodegradable alloys' in vitro degradation.
Multicomponent Spiropolymerization of Diisocyanides, Diethyl Acetylenedicarboxylate, and Halogenated Quinones
Authors: Zhu Guinan , Fu Weiqiang , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Cai Zhengxu , Zhi Junge , Dong Yuping 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMulticomponent spiropolymerization (MCSP) provides an efficient synthetic tool for the construction of spiropolymers based on nonspiro monomers. In this study, a method of MCSP using diisocyanides 1, diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate 2, and halogenated quinones 3 is developed for the in situ construction of bis‐spiropolymers with high molecular weights (Mw up to 29 200) and good yields (up to 87.7%) under mild reaction conditions. The structure of the obtained bis‐spiropolymers is confirmed by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Halogenated bis‐spiropolymers show good thermal stability, good solubility, and film‐forming ability. The photosensitizer rhodamine B is used as a doping agent to induce the photodegradation of the polymer P1a3c into small‐molecule segments, which results in the slow release of halogenated spiro‐groups under irradiation with simulated sunlight. This finding reveals that P1a3c has the potential to be applied in pesticides. Therefore, this MCSP is a novel method for preparing halogen‐containing bis‐spiropolymers, which accelerates the development of multifunctional polymer materials.
Newly Found Digital Memory Characteristics of Pyrrolidone‐ and Succinimide‐Based Polymers
Authors: Ryu Wonyeong , Xiang Li , Jin Kyeong Sik , Kim Hyun‐Joong , Kim Hong‐Chul , Ree Moonhor 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study reports for the first time the excellent nonvolatile and volatile digital memory characteristics of polymers bearing 2‐pyrrolidone and succinimide moieties. A series of new polymers is synthesized from poly(ethylene‐alt‐maleic anhydride) and four alcohol derivatives with and without 2‐pyrrolidone and succinimide moieties. All polymers, including polyvinylpyrrolidone, are found to be thermally stable up to 195 °C or higher, and characterized regarding their molecular orbital energy levels, bandgap, and resistive digital memory behaviors. Excitingly, the polymers bearing either 2‐pyrrolidone or succinimide moiety demonstrate p‐type digital memory behaviors with high ON/OFF current ratios and long reliabilities. Nonvolatile digital memory performance is achieved over the film thickness range of 10–80 nm, whereas volatile digital memory is demonstrated over a much narrower range of film thickness. All digital memory performances can be originated from the 2‐pyrrolidone and succinimide moieties possessing high affinity and stabilization power to charges via charge traps and transformations based on a hopping conduction process. Hence, these new polymers are suitable for the production of high‐performance p‐type nonvolatile and volatile digital memory devices. Moreover, 2‐pyrrolidone and succinimide can be used as new and economical electroactive building blocks for the development of advanced digital memory materials.
The isothermal section of the Al‐Si‐B ternary system at 700 °C and its applications
Authors: Wu H. , Liu Y. , Liu Y. , Tu H. , Wang J. , Su X. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe isothermal section of the Al−Si−B ternary system at 700 °C has been calculated using FactSage software and experimentally determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and x‐ray powder diffraction(XRD). The calculated results show that there are six three‐phase regions in the isothermal section: Liquid‐Al+AlB2+(Si), AlB2+AlB12+(Si), (Si)+AlB12+SiB3, AlB12+SiB3+SiB6, AlB12+SiB6+SiB14, AlB12+SiB14+(B). Four three‐phase regions of Liquid‐Al+AlB2+(Si), AlB2+AlB12+(Si), (Si)+AlB12+SiB3 and AlB12+SiBn+(B) were confirmed experimentally, which are consistent with calculated results. The small AlB2 particles in the Al‐3B alloy have good refining effect on the primary α‐Al phase in the Al‐10Si alloy, which greatly refines the microstructure and improves the mechanical properties of the Al‐10Si alloy.
Investigation of the corrosion behavior of aluminum bronze alloy in alkaline environment
Authors: Asgari M. , Foratirad H. , Golabadi M. , Karimi M. , Gholami M.G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this study, the effect of amino‐based additives including ammonia, ethanolamine and a mixture of two additives on the pH change of condenser water and corrosion behavior of aluminum bronze alloy as a structural material of condenser were investigated. The results of polarization curves, wheel tests and inductively coupled plasma showed that by increasing the pH from 8.5 to 10.5, the corrosion rate of aluminum bronze alloy and the dissolution rate of alloying elements are increased. The effect of amino‐based additives at the same pH is similar to each other. A comparison of corrosion rates determined by polarization curves. The corrosion rates for solutions contained ammonia and ethanolamine additives at pH = 10.5, were 2.92 ⋅ 10−2 and 4.55 ⋅ 10−2 mm/y respectively. The wheel test results indicated that the corrosion rates of solutions containing different additives increased to 1.1028 mm/y and 0.4504 mm/y for solutions containing ammonia and ethanolamine, respectively. Therefore, due to similar environmental conditions in the condenser and the wheel test because of the presence perturbation and biphasic fluid, it can be concluded that at pH above 10, aluminum bronze alloy has lower corrosion rate in the cooling water containing ethanolamine than ammonia additives.
Effects of process parameters on the microstructure of iron coating fabricated on pure aluminum by immersion plating
Authors: Zhu X.C. , Sun J. , Chen Z. , Li Y. , Du X.D. , Wu Y.C. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this paper, an iron coating was designed to fabricate on the surface layer of pure aluminum. The effects of process parameters such as immersion plating method, durations and temperatures on the microstructure of iron coating were studied systematically. The experimental results showed that the quality of the iron coating fabricated on the sample by one‐step immersion plating is better than that obtained by two‐step immersion plating. The iron coating obtained by one‐step immersion plating for 1 min is continuous and without obvious gaps and cavities. With the immersion time increased to 3 min and 5 min, the coating is uneven and easy to fall off from the surface of sample. Additionally, due to that the higher temperature increases the efficiency of displacement reaction, the quality of the coating obtained at 40 °C is better than that obtained at 55 °C and 65 °C. Consequently, the optimal immersion plating parameters were one‐step immersion plating, 1 min, and 40 °C. This paper provides a novel method to prepare an iron coating as a pretreatment for electroplating of aluminum.
Mechanical, machining and corrosion properties of Al5083‐carbon nanotubes composite produced by friction stir processing
Authors: Prabhakar G.V.N.B. , Dumpala L. , Ravikumar N. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the current work, composites of Al5083 aluminum alloy and carbon nanotubes were developed by friction stir processing. Grain size reduction was observed in the composite from a starting size of 115 μm±4.6 μm to 11 μm±3.3 μm. Higher hardness, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were measured for the composite at the cost of losing ductility compared with friction stir processed Al5083 and base alloy. This behavior can be understood by considering the influence of grain size and carbon nanotubes. Machining studies carried out by conducting drilling experiments demonstrate decreasing cutting forces for the composite compared with friction stir processed Al5083. However, compared with base alloy, composite exhibited higher cutting forces at all of the cutting parameters. Corrosion behavior of the materials assessed by electrochemical tests demonstrates the promising effect of grain refinement on enhancing the corrosion resistance of friction stir processed Al5083. However, presence of carbon nanotubes marginally decreased the corrosion resistance of composite compared with friction stir processed Al5083. From the results, it can be understood that the addition of carbon nanotubes significantly enhance the mechanical properties and machinability. However, addition of carbon nanotubes on decreasing the corrosion performance is a noteworthy observation.