bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of novel Mica@reduced graphene oxide fixed rotating disk reactor in treatment of anaerobically reduced textile dyeing wastewater containing aromatic amines
Authors: Sohrabpour Keivan , Mohamadi Somayeh , Abdollahzadeh Sharghi Elham , Abdouss Majid 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnaerobically reduced textile dyeing wastewater containing aromatic amines can cause serious environmental problems as a consequence of their toxicity.RESULTSThe performance of a novel design, laboratory‐scale mica@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) reactor fixed on three rotating disks was evaluated for the removal of anaerobically reduced textile dyeing wastewater containing aromatic amines. Fourier‐transform infrared and UV–visible spectroscopy analyses of wastewater after anaerobic treatment revealed that it contained high aromatic compound concentrations. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed that the rGO nanosheets were deposited on the mica surface by the spin‐coating method aromatic amines adsorbent. The effects of wastewater initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration (100, 500 and 1500 mg L–1), pH (5, 7 and 9) and processing temperature (293, 303 and 313 K) on the aromatic compounds and COD removal using the designed reactor were investigated. The results indicated that aromatic molecule adsorption occurred faster with higher wastewater COD concentration. Also, increase in pH improved the mica@rGO adsorption. Likewise, the increase in temperature caused swelling in the stacked graphene layers, resulting in new surfaces for adsorption, leading to an increase in reactor efficiency. The experimental results indicated that the adsorption process fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo‐second‐order reaction kinetics. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption was spontaneous.CONCLUSIONThe improvement in the removal of aromatic molecules by Mica@rGO indicates that the novel designed reactor has a great potential for the treatment of textile wastewater. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Ultrasonographic characteristics of Killian‐Jamieson diverticula
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Jie‐Fu , Gu Chang‐Jiang , Ding Su‐Jun , Zhou Shui‐Xiu , Chen Xiao‐Yang , Ni Xue‐Jun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeA Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum (KJD) may be mistaken for a thyroid nodule on ultrasound (US). The purpose of this retrospective study was to search for specific US features that would help differentiate between KJD and thyroid nodules.MethodsA total of 12 patients with KJD who had undergone an US examination of the neck were identified. The size, shape, boundary, echopattern, location, color flow signals on color Doppler US of KJD and the relationship between the lesion and esophageal wall were analyzed. The change of size, shape and internal echotexture were also observed when the lesion was compressed with the probe and when the patient was asked to drink water.ResultsAll KJD were confirmed by barium esophagography. All KJD were posterior to the left thyroid lobe on US, and were associated with a semicircular hypoechoic anterior wall. The internal echotexture was heterogeneous. In eight cases, the connection to the esophageal wall was seen. When compressing with the US probe or when the patients swallowed water, the size, shape or internal echotexture of the lesion changed.ConclusionThe specific criteria for US diagnosis of KJD included the connection to the esophageal wall and the fact that the internal echotexture, shape and size of KJD changed in real‐time when the patient swallowed water or when the lesion was compressed with the transducer.
Effect of winter cover crops on soil nutrients in two row‐cropped watersheds in Indiana
Authors: Christopher Sheila F. , Tank Jennifer L. , Mahl Ursula H. , Hanrahan Brittany R. , Royer Todd. V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe midwestern United States is a highly productive agricultural region, and extended crop‐free periods in winter/spring can result in nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) losses to waterways that degrade downstream water quality. Planting winter cover crops can improve soil health while reducing nutrient leaching from farm fields during the fallow period. In this study, we used linear mixed effects models and multivariate statistics to determine the effect of cover crops on soil nutrients by comparing fields with cover crops (n = 9) versus those without (n = 6) in two Indiana agricultural watersheds: the Shatto Ditch Watershed, which had >60% of croppable acres in winter cover crops, and the Kirkpatrick Ditch Watershed, which had ∼20%. We found that cover crops decreased soil nitrate‐N by >50% and that the magnitude of reduction was related to the amount of cover crop biomass. In contrast, cover crops had variable effects on water extractable P and Mehlich III soil test P. Finally, cover crop biomass significantly increased soil N mineralization and nitrification rates, demonstrating that cover crops have the potential to supply bioavailable N to cash crop after termination. Our study showed that widespread implementation of winter cover crops holds considerable promise for reducing nutrient loss and improving soil health. The degree to which these results are generalizable across other systems depends on factors such as climate, soil characteristics, and past and current agronomic practices.
Association of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Glycemic Control With Intracranial Plaque Characteristics in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Li Xiao , Sun Beibei , Wang Lingling , Zhang Jin , Zhang Jianjian , Zhao Zizhou , Wu Hengqu , Liu Xiaosheng , Zhou Yan , Mossa‐Basha Mahmud , Tirschwell David L. , Xu Jianrong , Zhao Huilin , Zhu Chengcheng 
Published: March 2021

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has shown to be associated with carotid plaque vulnerability. However, the impact of T2DM on intracranial artery atherosclerosis is not well‐understood.PurposeTo evaluate the association of diabetes and glycemic control with intracranial atherosclerotic plaque characteristics identified by three‐dimensional contrast enhanced MR vessel wall imaging in patients after acute ischemic stroke.Study TypeProspective.PopulationTwo hundred and eighty‐eight symptomatic patients with acute ischemic stroke due to intracranial atherosclerotic plaque.Field Strength/SequenceT1WI volume isotropic turbo spin‐echo acquisition sequence at 3.0 T.AssessmentClinical profiles, blood biomarkers, the number of intracranial plaques, plaque enhanced score, and the features (location, luminal stenotic rate, intraplaque hemorrhage, length, burden, enhancement grade, and ratio) of culprit plaque (defined as the most stenotic lesion ipsilateral to the ischemic event) and nonculprit plaque were analyzed by three radiologists.Statistical TestsAnalysis of variance (ANOVA), Shapiro–Wilk normality test, Levene's test, ANOVA with Bonferroni post‐hoc test, Kruskal Wallis H test with subsequent pairwise comparisons, chi‐square with Bonferroni post‐hoc test, generalized linear regression, Pearson correlation test, Kendall's W and intra‐class correlation coefficient.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty‐five participants (age 60 ± 10 years, 58.7% male) with 958 intracranial plaques were included. More intracranial plaques were found in the T2DM group than the non‐T2DM group (4.80 ± 2.22 vs. 3.60 ± 1.78, P < 0.05). Patients with poorly‐controlled T2DM exhibited higher culprit plaque enhancement ratio than patients with well‐controlled T2DM and non‐T2DM (2.32 ± 0.61 vs. 1.60 ± 0.62 and 1.39 ± 0.39; respectively, P < 0.05). After adjusting for other clinical variables, T2DM was independently associated with increased intracranial plaque number (β = 0.269, P < 0.05), and HbA1c level was independently associated with culprit plaque enhancement ratio (β = 0.641, P < 0.05) in multivariate analysis.Data ConclusionT2DM is associated with an increased intracranial plaque number. Higher HbA1c is associated with stronger plaque enhancement. 3D contrast enhanced MR vessel wall imaging may help better understand the association of T2DM and glycemic control with intracranial plaque.Level of Evidence1Technical Efficacy Stage3
HIV‐1 subtypes and drug resistance in children during antiretroviral therapy in Brazil
Authors: de Andrade Arrais Claudia R. , Lima Kledoaldo , Barreiros Marta , Rodrigues Jessyca K. F. , Sousa Nilviane P. S. , Costa Daniel D. , Santos Francisco D. R. P. , Pereira Gerson F. M. , e Silva Viana Antonia I. , Barros Allan K. , Leal Élcio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe evaluate the genetic characterization of 132 HIV‐1 pol sequences from children and adolescents undergoing antiretroviral therapy in Northeast Brazil. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses were performed using the maximum likelihood method using SeaView version 4 and SIMPLOT software. Most individuals harbored HIV‐1 B (84.8%) and BF recombinants (9.8%), although other non‐B subtypes were detected: HIV‐1 C (1.5%), HIV‐1 F (2.4%), and BC recombinants (1.5%). Antiretroviral resistance was 47% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 38.7%–55.4%). Non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) showed higher frequencies of primary mutations, with 40.9% (95% CI: 32.9%–49.4%), followed by nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) and protease inhibitors (PIs) with 34.8% (95% CI: 27.3–43.3) and 6.1% (95% CI: 3.1%–11.5%), respectively. Among NRTIs, higher resistance levels were observed for abacavir, emtricitabine, and lamivudine; for NNRTI, nevirapine and efavirenz. The most common primary mutations found were M184V (29.5%), K103N (25%), M41L (9.8%), T215Y (8.3%), and G190A (8.3%). Our findings highlight the importance of surveillance of resistance mutations, which contributes to the continuous updating and implementation of preventive measures to decrease mother‐to‐child‐transmission and transmitted drug resistance.
Residual behavior and dietary intake risk assessment of flonicamid, dinotefuran and its metabolites on peach trees
Authors: Xu Feng , Du Gongming , Xu Duo , Chen Liuyang , Zha Xinxin , Guo Zhenyu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDFlonicamid and dinotefuran are widely applied to control pests and diseases in various economic crops arousing much public concerns about the potential risk to human health. In this study, the multi‐determination and residual behavior of flonicamid–dinotefuran mixture on peach trees were investigated. The chronic risk of long‐term dietary intake for Chinese consumers was evaluated.RESULTSAn optimized QuEChERS method combined with ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) analysis for simultaneous determination of flonicamid, dinotefuran and its metabolites was established to analyze the residual dissipation and terminal residues in peach matrices. The results demonstrated that (i) a satisfactory linearity relationship with the detector response and the correlation coefficient R2 > 0.999, the average recoveries of these four analytes ranged from 94 to 108%, the relative standard deviation was between 1.0% and 8.8%, and the limit of the quantitation was 0.02 mg kg−1; (ii) the dissipation behaviors of flonicamid and dinotefuran followed with the first‐order dynamic kinetics model, and the half‐lives were 6.9–12.4 days and 8.1–15.1 days, respectively; (iii) the recommended preharvest interval (PHI) was 21 days, the risk quotient (RQ) values of flonicamid and dinotefuran were 16.6 and 20.7%, respectively, which were significantly less than 100%.CONCLUSIONThe established analytical method met the detection requirement in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. Additionally, the results indicated that the potential dietary intake risk of the flonicamid–dinotefuran mixture on peach trees was negligible. This work can be utilized in the safe and responsible use of flonicamid–dinotefuran mixture and provide guidance for establishing its maximum residue limit (MRL) in China. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultrasound‐Guided Perimeniscal Injections
Authors: Coll Clemence , Coudreuse Jean‐Marie , Guenoun Daphne , Bensoussan Laurent , Viton Jean‐Michel , Champsaur Pierre , Le Corroller Thomas 
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesTo anatomically describe the ultrasound (US)‐guided perimeniscal injection technique, and evaluate its feasibility in the treatment of meniscal pain.MethodsThis work was initially undertaken in four cadaveric specimens with US‐guided medial and lateral perimeniscal injection of China ink, followed by cadaveric dissection to assess injectate distribution, and potential injury to intra‐articular and peri‐articular structures. Then, 35 consecutive patients who underwent US‐guided perimeniscal corticosteroid injection under local anesthesia for the treatment of symptomatic medial (30/35) or lateral (5/35) degenerative meniscal tear were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical outcome was assessed using a 0–10 numerical verbal rating scale (VRS) to evaluate severity of pain before, during, and after procedure at 6 weeks follow‐up.ResultsSeven of eight (87.5%) ex vivo injections were accurate. A single inaccurate medial perimeniscal injection infiltrated the tibial collateral ligament instead of the perimeniscal area. No anatomical specimen exhibited intrameniscal injection or injury to regional structures. All procedures (35/35) performed clinically were technically successful. Median VRS scores were: 7 (range, 3–9) before procedure, 5 (range, 0–10) during procedure, and 1.5 (range, 0–9) after procedure at 6 weeks follow‐up (P <.0001). No complication was observed.ConclusionsUS‐guided perimeniscal injections can accurately and safely deliver injectates in the perimeniscal area. In addition, our data suggest that perimeniscal corticosteroid injection provides significant symptom relief at 6 weeks in patients with meniscal pain. Further studies with long‐term follow‐up will be required to evaluate the role of perimeniscal injections in the nonoperative management of meniscal pathology.
A comparison between corrosion performances of titanium grade 2 and 7 in strong reducing acids
Authors: Casanova Luca , Gruarin Matteo , Pedeferri MariaPia , Ormellese Marco 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTitanium has a good corrosion resistance, owing to a thin, compact oxide layer that is formed spontaneously when the metal is exposed to the environment. However, even titanium can be subject to corrosion, for example, when exposed to reducing strong acids. This paper aims to analyze the differences in corrosion resistance of commercially pure titanium (Ti grade 2) and the most resistant Ti–Pd alloy (Ti grade 7, ∼0.2% Pd) in a strong reducing acid environment. Immersion tests, with results collected in the form of corrosion rates, are provided in the first part of the present work. Corrosion morphology is investigated using optical microscopy and laser profilometry. Then, an electrochemical characterization of both metals has been performed by means of cathodic polarization tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and linear polarization resistance. Weight loss data, electrochemical tests, and corrosion morphology are in good agreement: H2SO4, HCl, and oxalic acid are the most aggressive chemicals for commercially pure titanium. In such conditions, the use of Ti grade 7 appears mandatory.
Stochastic impulse control of nonsmooth dynamics with partial observation and execution delay: Application to an environmental restoration problem
Authors: Yoshioka Hidekazu , Yaegashi Yuta 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNonsmooth dynamics driven by stochastic disturbance arise in a wide variety of engineering problems. Impulsive interventions are often employed to control stochastic systems; however, the modeling and analysis subject to execution delay have been less explored. In addition, continuously receiving information of the dynamics is not always possible. In this article, with an application to an environmental restoration problem, a continuous‐time stochastic impulse control problem subject to execution delay under discrete and random observations is newly formulated and analyzed. The dynamics have a nonsmooth coefficient modulated by a Markov chain, and eventually attain an undesirable state like a depletion due to the nonsmoothness. The goal of the control problem is to find the most cost‐efficient policy that can prevent the dynamics from attaining the undesirable state. We demonstrate that finding the optimal policy reduces to solving a nonstandard system of degenerate elliptic equations, the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation (HJBE), which is rigorously and analytically verified in a simplified case. The associated Fokker–Planck equation (FPE) for the controlled dynamics is derived and solved explicitly as well. The model is finally applied to numerical computation of a recent river environmental restoration problem. The HJBE and FPE are successfully computed, and the optimal policy and the probability density functions are numerically obtained. The impacts of execution delay are discussed to deeper analyze the model.
Monitoring retinal pathology and cerebral injury in sickle cell disease using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in pediatric patients
Authors: Jin Jing , Kandula Vinay , Miller Robin E. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to confirm the correlation between sickle cell disease (SCD) genotype and retinal damage identified by spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT), and examine a potential link between hypoxic ischemic injury in the retina and brain.MethodsIn this prospective, observational case series, 117 patients (56 males) aged 5–20 years with SCD (36 SC, 68 SS, eight Sβ+ thalassemia, five Sβ0 thalassemia) underwent ophthalmologic examination including funduscopy and SD‐OCT imaging. Comparison of SCD genotypes and association between ocular findings and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in subjects with SS/Sβ0 genotype were investigated.ResultsVisual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 20/40. On funduscopic exam, 16 of 117 (13.7%) had retinopathy; 69 of 117 (59.0%) showed inner retina thinning on SD‐OCT. Patients with SS/Sβ0 showed a higher frequency of sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) change (68.5% vs. 47.2%), bilateral SCR (49.9% vs. 25.0%), and foveal involvement (15.1% vs. 0) than the SC genotype. While funduscopic findings in our cohort with SS/Sβ0 genotype showed no correlation with CVD, 20 of 21 patients with CVD had abnormal SD‐OCT. Elevated reticulocyte percentage and aspartate aminotransferase are associated with SD‐OCT changes and CVD.ConclusionsSD‐OCT was better than funduscopy in detecting retinal changes, higher frequency, and more extensive retinal changes in the more severe SCD genotypes SS and Sβ0 as compared with SC. The correlation between abnormal SD‐OCT and CVD strongly suggests that retinal exam using SD‐OCT may aid in detection and monitoring SCD‐related CVD. Retinopathy may be another component of the hemolytic subphenotype of SCD.
An in‐depth field validation of “DUSST”: A novel low‐maintenance soiling measurement device
Authors: Muller Matthew , Micheli Leonardo , Solas Alvaro F. , Gostein Michael , Robinson Justin , Morely Kenny , Dooraghi Michael , Alghamdi Yusif A. , Almutairi Zeyad A. , Almonacid Florencia , Fernandez Eduardo F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study presents indoor and field validation results for two versions of the “DUSST” optical soiling sensor, intended to be a low‐cost and low‐maintenance device for measuring photovoltaic soiling losses. Indoor testing covers irradiance calibration and temperature dependencies, which are necessary to achieve high accuracy, low uncertainty field measurements. Field testing includes an array of different environments including Saudi Arabia, California, Utah, and Colorado. DUSST versions include a configuration with a 530‐nm light emitting diode (LED) (discussed in previous work) and a unit with seven white LEDs and a polycarbonate collimating optic. The new design increases light intensity fivefold and demonstrates a single linear calibration coefficient is effective to measure soiling losses as high as 75%. Field data from Utah and California demonstrate that daily soiling loss measurements and soiling rate calculations closely match both reference cell and full‐size module measurements of soiling losses and soiling rates. Corrective methods employed on the Utah DUSST sensor suggest that it is possible to achieve measurement errors as low as ±0.1% at two standard deviations. Field data from both Colorado and Saudi Arabia demonstrate that LED lens soiling can occur and that further design optimizations are needed. The lesson learned from all the field deployment locations suggests directions for future design improvements.
Picturing the future of food
Authors: Casto Anna L. , Schuhl Haley , Tovar Jose C. , Wang Qi , Bart Rebecca S. , Fahlgren Noah , Gehan Malia A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHigh‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) has emerged as one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving spaces within plant science. The successful application of phenotyping technologies will facilitate increases in agricultural productivity. High‐throughput phenotyping research is interdisciplinary and may involve biologists, engineers, mathematicians, physicists, and computer scientists. Here we describe the need for additional interest in HTP and offer a primer for those looking to engage with the HTP community. This is a high‐level overview of HTP technologies and analysis methodologies, which highlights recent progress in applying HTP to foundational research, identification of biotic and abiotic stress, breeding and crop improvement, and commercial and production processes. We also point to the opportunities and challenges associated with incorporating HTP across food production to sustainably meet the current and future global food supply requirements.
Detectable Signature of Quantum Friction on a Sliding Particle in Vacuum
Authors: Lombardo Fernando C. , Decca Ricardo S. , Viotti Ludmila , Villar Paula I. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSpatially separated bodies in a relative motion through vacuum experience a tiny friction force known as quantum friction (QF). This force has so far eluded experimental detection due to its small magnitude and short range. Quantitative details revealing traces of the QF in the degradation of the quantum coherence of a particle are presented. Environmentally induced decoherence for a particle sliding over a dielectric sheet can be decomposed into contributions of different signatures: one solely induced by the electromagnetic vacuum in the presence of the dielectric and another induced by motion. As the geometric phase (GP) has been proved to be a fruitful venue of investigation to infer features of the quantum systems, herein it is proposed to use the accumulated GP acquired by a particle as a QF sensor. Furthermore, an innovative experiment designed to track traces of QF by measuring the velocity dependence of corrections to the GP and coherence is proposed. The experimentally viable scheme presented can spark renewed optimism for the detection of non‐contact friction, with the hope that this non‐equilibrium phenomenon can be readily measured soon.