bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavior of thermal spray coatings against hydrogen attack
Authors: Latorre Guillermo , Vargas Fabio , Uribe Iván 
Published: June 2024

The behavior of nickel and chrome alloys applied as thermal spray coatings to be used as protection against embrittlement by hydrogen is studied. Coatings were applied on a carbon steel substrate, under conditions that allow obtain different crystalline structures and porosity levels, in order to determine the effect of these variables on the hydrogen permeation kinetics and as a protection means against embrittlement caused this element. In order to establish behaviors as barriers and protection, hydrogen permeation and corrosion tests under stress were carried out, supported by measurements of the potential’s drop in the substrate-coating system under simultaneous conditions of stress and a corrosive agent with H2S in solution. Findings show that alloy coatings with face centered cubic structure possess greater hydrogen solubility than coatings with body centered cubic structures and than carbon steel used as substrate. Additionally, porosity inherent to the formation of this type of coating reduces hydrogen diffusion through its structure. The analysis of these results allows selecting the coating with better performance as a protection means against embrittlement by hydrogen.
Biodegradation of phenolics in oil industry wastewater
Authors: GROSSO V. J. L. , DIAZ M. M. P. , LEON G. 
Published: June 2024

Practical methods to isolate, adapt and propagate phenol biodegradatíng microorganisms were established. Fifteen different microorganism groups were obtained, capable of eliminating phenol contained in production water, sour water and waste water from Barracaberme¡a' s refinery, and dehydration water from heavy oíl-in-water emulsions. Elimination efficiencies higher than 95% in periods of time shorter than 24 h were achieved at laborotory and pilot plant scales. A continuous system using this technology was successfully implemented in April, 1994 for the treatment of waste water frorn Colombia's biggest refinery. Existing estabilizing pools were converted into bioreactors capable of handling water flow rates between 16.000 and 32.000 m3d·1. Efficiencies close to 95% have been obtained under controlled acidity, aeration and flow rate conditions. This technology is being implemented in other Ecopetrol refíneríes and production fields.
Volatile gas scavenging in the paediatric intensive care unit: Occupational health and safety assessment
Authors: Reise Katherine , Macartney Jason , La Richard , Jerath Angela , Slessarev Marat , Cuthbertson Brian H. , Ganesan Saptharishi Lalgudi , McKinnon Nicole K. 
Published: June 2024

Introduction The use of volatile anesthetic agents in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is experiencing increased interest since the availability of the miniature vapourizing device. However, the effectiveness of scavenging systems in the presence of humidifiers in the ventilator circuit is unknown. Approach (Methods) We performed a bench study to evaluate the effectiveness of the Deltasorb® scavenging system in the presence of isoflurane and active humidity by simulating both infant and child ventilator test settings. A total of four ventilators were set to ventilate test lungs, all with active humidity and a Deltasorb scavenging canister collecting exhaled ventilation gas. Two ventilators also had isoflurane delivered using the Anesthesia Conserving Device- small (ACD®-S) on the inspiratory limb (also called alternative ventilator configuration). We performed instantaneous measurements of isoflurane and continuous sampling with passive badges to measure average environmental exposure over a test period of 6.5 hours. Scavenging canisters were returned to the company, where desorption analysis showed the volume of water and isoflurane captured in each canister. Findings Both instantaneous point sampling and diffusive sampling results were below the occupational exposure limit confirming safety. The canisters collected both isoflurane and a portion of the water vapour delivered; the percentage of captured water and isoflurane collected in infants was higher than the child ventilator test settings. Practice implications (Conclusion) The tested scavenging configuration was effective in maintaining a safe working environment with active humidity and inspiratory limb (alternative) ventilator configuration of the the miniature vapourizing device.
Preparation and Preservation of Fracture Specimens
Authors: Kane William M. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This article discusses the importance of the care and handling of fracture specimens and what to look for during the preliminary field or laboratory observation and collection, the preservation of specimens, and the cleaning and preparation of fracture specimens for additional analyses. The preservation of nonmetallic specimens, medical devices, oversized components, light alloys, nondestructively tested components, and materials that are part of legal proceedings is addressed.
Fatigue Crack Growth Markers to Aid Quantitative Fractography
Authors: Barter Simon A. , Wanhill Russell J.H. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
This article discusses several examples of fatigue load histories that intentionally create artificial fracture-surface markings during testing such that they are measurable by post-test quantitative fractography (QF). It reviews a number of methods for providing fatigue fracture-surface markers to aid QF of fatigue crack growth (FCG). These methods are based on load changes, including reordering the basic load histories and/or adding loads to them. The article also provides some guidelines for obtaining recognizable FCG markers for a variety of load histories and crack-growth regimes for coupons, components, and, particularly, full-scale fatigue tests.
Generation and Characterization of a Novel Knockin Mouse Model Expressing PSEN1 D385A: Implications for Investigating Herbal Drug Effects in γ-Secretase Activity
Authors: Deng Chengeng , Cai Qingyuan , Zhang Jiani , Chang Kexin , Peng Tiantian , Liu Xiaoge , Cao Feng , Yan Xinyuan , Cheng Junshi , Wang Xu , Tan Yan , Hua Qian 
Published: June 2024

Background: Presenilin (PSEN, PS) is essential for γ-secretase function, and mutations can disrupt amyloid-β (Aβ) production in familial Alzheimer’s disease. Targeting γ-secretase is complex due to its broad involvement in physiological processes. Objective: Our aim was to create a novel knockin (KI) mouse model expressing PSEN1 D385A mutation and investigate the efficacy of a Geniposide and Ginsenoside Rg1 combination (NeuroProtect modified formula, NP-2) in restoring γ-secretase activity. Methods: Using gene manipulation, we established the PS1 D385A KI mouse model and confirmed the mutation, mRNA, and protein levels using Southern blotting, northern blotting, and western blotting, respectively. In vitro γ-secretase assay was conducted to measure γ-secretase activity, while histological analyses examined neurogenesis effects. NP-2 administration evaluated its impact on γ-secretase activity. Results: The PS1 D385A KI homozygotes displayed severe cerebral hemorrhage, postnatal lethality, developmental disorders, reduced proliferation of neural progenitor cells, and disrupted γ-secretase function. The mutation abolished PS1 protein self-shearing, leading to compromised γ-secretase activity. NP-2 intervention effectively restored γ-secretase activity in the heterozygous mice. Conclusions: PS1 D385A mutant disrupted PS1 protein self-cleaving, impairing γ-secretase activity in KI mice. NP-2 restored γ-secretase function, offering potential for novel AD treatment strategies despite the challenges posed by γ-secretase’s complex role in physiological processes.
Partially ordered set evaluation of logistics competitiveness of coastal port cites considering carbon emissions
Authors: Lu Sumei 
Published: June 2024

Aiming at the problem of logistics competitiveness of coastal cities, a logistics competitiveness evaluation method based on weighted and partially ordered set combinations is proposed. Carbon emissions and inhalable pollutant concentrations are included in the evaluation scope, and an evaluation index system for the logistics competitiveness of 17 coastal port cities is constructed. The results show that: (1) the competitiveness of the logistics industry in 17 coastal port cities in China has been continuously improved, and the catch-up effect of logistics industry development in coastal port cities such as Shenzhen, Ningbo and Qingdao is obvious. The competitiveness level of the logistics industry shows an obvious spatial imbalance. (2) The competitiveness of the logistics industry in Yingkou, Beibu Gulf and other coastal port cities is low, and the difference in competitiveness of the logistics industry in coastal port cities is the main reason for the overall imbalance. (3) The technological innovation, openness and economic development level of the city and the hinterland have a positive impact on the competitiveness of the logistics industry, and the level of economic development has the greatest contribution to the variance of the competitiveness of the logistics industry. The logistics competitiveness of 17 cities is ranked and classified. The leading cities have core diffusion effects and promote the development of the competitiveness of each city. Suggestions on improving the competitiveness of cities are conducive to the high-quality development of China’s logistics industry.
Impact of Physical Exercise on Levodopa Therapy Across Parkinson’s Disease Stages
Authors: Figura Monika , Mrozowicz Agnieszka , Milanowski Łukasz , Szlufik Stanisław , Raćkowska Emilia , Lypkan Hanna , Friedman Andrzej , Koziorowski Dariusz , Giebułtowicz Joanna 
Published: June 2024

Background: Levodopa is the gold standard of treatment in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Its clinical effect changes as the disease progresses. Wearing off is a frequent first manifestation of motor fluctuations. Some patients with advanced PD report faster wearing off after physical exercise. Objective: The aim was to assess if pharmacokinetics of levodopa is influenced by physical exercise in patients with different disease advancement. Methods: 22 patients with PD (12 untreated with levodopa and 10 with motor fluctuations) and 7 healthy controls (HC) were included. Plasma samples were collected at 9 fixed timepoints following administration of levodopa/benserazide 200/50 mg for two days: rest day and standardized physical exercise day. Clinical assessment with Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale part III (UPDRS III) was performed in fixed timepoints. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to measure levodopa concentrations. Results: No differences between the HC, levodopa naïve and advanced PD groups were observed regarding selected pharmacokinetic parameters. In advanced PD and HC no differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of levodopa with and without effort were observed. In levodopa naïve PD group higher mean residence time after rest than after exercise (168.9±48.3 min vs. 145.5±50.8 min; p = 0.026) was observed. In advanced PD group higher UPDRS III score (14.45±5.5 versus 20.9±6.1 points, p = 0.04) was observed after exercise. Conclusions: The deterioration of motor status of advanced PD patients after physical effort is not reflected by changes in pharmacokinetics but rather mediated by central mechanisms.
Comparing apartment balcony options in Toronto for usability, healthy lighting, and daylight availability
Authors: Ouyang Fion Yang 
Published: June 2024

<p>This major research project (MRP) summarizes findings of a simulation-based study that explored the possibilities of balconies as functional spaces and examined the impacts of balcony designs on daylight and healthy daylighting. This study analyzed and compared open air and glass-enclosed inset balconies for two typical unit sizes in multi-unit residential buildings (MURB) in Toronto, Canada. The simulation results were compared against the Daylight Credit in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standard and Feature 54 of the WELL Building Standard. Findings included recommendations for design options that enable balcony uses as dining, living and garden spaces, and relating to the impacts of balcony designs on building performance. Daylight availability and healthy lighting were evaluated both for the unit, and on the balcony. Future work should compare simulation findings to occupant satisfaction in field studies.</p>
Exploring Urbanization-induced Wetland Loss Within the Greater Toronto Area From 2005 to 2015
Authors: Vinotheeswaran Kaushika 
Published: June 2024

<p>The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) located in Ontario, Canada, is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in North America. Rapid urbanization within the GTA leads to increased imperviousness and surface runoff, resulting in wetland loss. Wetland cover and land cover data from the Southern Ontario Land Resource Information System was analyzed to characterize wetland loss to built-up areas and land conversions between 2005 and 2015 to evaluate the extent of urbanization-induced wetland loss. Spatial analysis determined a significant increase in the number of wetlands lost from 2005-2011 compared to 2011-2015; losses that were attributed to increased urban expansions within the GTA. Non-wetland conversions such as agricultural and impervious built-up uses to support urban expansions had a significant role in wetland loss. Wetland conservation policies must be re-evaluated to alleviate gaps in policy practice to focus on minimizing wetland loss. </p>
Effect of delayed diagnosis on neuroendocrine function in individuals with suprasellar germ cell tumors
Authors: Tong Tao , Xu Jian , Chen Han , Mo Caiyan , Liang Dan , Zhong Liyong 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThe impact of delayed diagnosis on tumor-related prognosis appears to be minimal in individuals with intracranial germ cell tumors (iGCTs). However, its effect on neuroendocrine functions remains unclear. We aimed to assess the effects of delayed diagnosis on neuroendocrine function in individuals with suprasellar GCTs.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of 459 individuals with suprasellar GCTs and categorized them into two groups based on disease duration: delayed diagnosis (&gt; 6 months) and non-delayed diagnosis (≤ 6 months). We compared endocrinological symptoms, neuroendocrine dysfunction and its grading (categorized into 0–3 grades based on severity), and recovery from neuroendocrine dysfunction in both groups.ResultsPatients with delayed diagnosis exhibited higher incidences of amenorrhea, slow growth, fatigue, and polyuria/polydipsia. Neuroendocrine dysfunction, including central adrenal insufficiency (CAI), central hypothyroidism (CHT), arginine vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D), growth hormone deficiency, hypogonadism, and hyperprolactinemia, was more pronounced in the delayed diagnosis group at diagnosis, the end of treatment, and the last follow-up. Furthermore, individuals with delayed diagnosis showed higher grades of neuroendocrine dysfunction at diagnosis (OR=3.005, 95% CI 1.929–4.845, p&lt;0.001), end of oncologic treatment (OR=4.802, 95% CI 2.878–8.004, p&lt;0.001), and last follow-up(OR=2.335, 95% CI 1.307–4.170, p=0.005) after adjusting for confounders. Finally, less recovery, particularly in CAI, CHT, and AVP-D, was seen among the group with delayed diagnosis after treatment.ConclusionAmong individuals with suprasellar GCTs, delayed diagnosis is associated with increased, more severe, and less recovered neuroendocrine dysfunction, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to reduce neuroendocrine dysfunction.
Application of amphiregulin in IVM culture of immature human oocytes and pre-insemination culture for COCs in IVF cycles
Authors: Fan Yongqi , Wang Jing , Ye Tingting , Yang Dandan , Zhang Qiqi , Zhang Chao , Yan Bo , Wang Qiushuang , Ding Ding , Chen Beili , Zou Weiwei , Ji Dongmei , Zou Huijuan , Zhang Zhiguo 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundAmphiregulin (AR) is a growth factor that resembles the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and serves various functions in different cells. However, no systematic studies or reports on the role of AR in human oocytes have currently been performed or reported. This study aimed to explore the role of AR in human immature oocytes during in vitro maturation (IVM) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) in achieving better embryonic development and to provide a basis for the development of a pre-insemination culture medium specific for cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs).MethodsFirst, we examined the concentration of AR in the follicular fluid (FF) of patients who underwent routine IVF and explored the correlation between AR levels and oocyte maturation and subsequent embryonic development. Second, AR was added to the IVM medium to culture immature oocytes and investigate whether AR could improve the effects of IVM. Finally, we pioneered the use of a fertilization medium supplemented with AR for the pre-insemination culture of COCs to explore whether the involvement of AR can promote the maturation and fertilization of IVF oocytes, as well as subsequent embryonic development.ResultsA total of 609 FF samples were examined, and a positive correlation between AR levels and blastocyst formation was observed. In our IVM study, the development potential and IVM rate of immature oocytes, as well as the fertilization rate of IVM oocytes in the AR-added groups, were ameliorated significantly compared to the control group (All P &lt; 0.05). Only the IVM-50 group had a significantly higher blastocyst formation rate than the control group (P &lt; 0.05). In the final IVF study, the maturation, fertilization, high-quality embryo, blastocyst formation, and high-quality blastocyst rates of the AR-added group were significantly higher than those of the control group (All P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionAR levels in the FF positively correlated with blastocyst formation, and AR involvement in pre-insemination cultures of COCs can effectively improve laboratory outcomes in IVF. Furthermore, AR can directly promote the in vitro maturation and developmental potential of human immature oocytes at an optimal concentration of 50 ng/ml.
Galectin-9 as an indicator of functional limitations and radiographic joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Guo Jiewen , Ai Xiaoyuan , Jia Baixue , Zhong Xiaoling , Liu Lixiong , Hu Qiu , Xie Jingyi , Hong Xiaoping , Chen Yulan , Liu Dongzhou 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundPrevious studies have revealed that Galectin-9 (Gal-9) acts as an apoptosis modulator in autoimmunity and rheumatic inflammation. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of Gal-9 as a biomarker in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially as an indicator of functional limitations and radiographic joint damage.MethodsA total of 146 patients with RA and 52 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Clinical data including disease activity, physical function, and radiographic joint damage were assessed. Functional limitation was defined as the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index &gt;1. Subjects with joint erosion &gt;0 or joint space narrowing &gt;0 were considered to have radiographic joint damage. Serum Gal-9 levels were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the association between Gal-9 and high disease activity and functional limitations, and a prediction model was established to construct predictive nomograms.ResultsSerum levels of Gal-9 were significantly increased in patients with RA compared to those in healthy controls (median 13.1 ng/mL vs. 7.6 ng/mL). Patients with RA who were older (&gt;65 years), had a longer disease duration (&gt;5 years), longer morning stiffness (&gt;60mins), elevated serum erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, and difficult-to-treat RA had significantly higher Gal-9 levels than those in the corresponding control subgroups (all p &lt;0.05). Patients with RA were divided into two subgroups according to the cut-off value of Gal-9 of 11.6 ng/mL. Patients with RA with Gal-9 &gt;11.6 ng/mL had a significantly higher core clinical disease activity index, HAQ scores, Sharp/van der Heijde modified Sharp scores, as well as a higher percentage of advanced joint damage (all p&lt;0.05) than patients with Gal-9 ≤11.6 ng/mL. Accordingly, patients with RA presenting either functional limitations or radiographic joint damage had significantly higher serum Gal-9 levels than those without (both p &lt;0.05). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a serum level of Gal-9 &gt;11.6 ng/mL was an independent risk factor for high disease activity (OR=3.138, 95% CI 1.150–8.567, p=0.026) and presence of functional limitations (OR=2.455, 95% CI 1.017–5.926, p=0.046), respectively.ConclusionGal-9 could be considered as a potential indicator in patients with RA, especially with respect to functional limitations and joint damage.
An analysis of stimulation methods used in rehabilitation equipment for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Guo Cunxiao , Cun Yongdan , Xia Bo , Chen Suyu , Zhang Can , Chen Yiping , Shan Exian , Zhang Pengyue , Tai Xiantao 
Published: June 2024

ObjectiveThis paper summarizes the research progress into stimulation methods used in rehabilitation equipment for pediatric cerebral palsy (CP) for the past 20 years from 2003 to 2023. We also provide ideas for innovative research and development of artificial intelligence-based rehabilitation equipment.MethodsThrough a certain search strategy, Keywords are searched in the China National Knowledge Network Database (CNKI), the Wanfang Database knowledge service platform, the Chongqing VIP information service, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Medline, Embase, and IEEE database. A total of 3,049 relevant articles were retrieved, and 49 articles were included that mentioned research and development of rehabilitation equipment. We excluded articles that were not specific to children with CP, were duplicated or irrelevant literature, were missing data, the full article was not available, the article did not describe the method of stimulation used with the rehabilitation equipment on children with CP, were not Chinese and English, and were the types of reviews and commentaries.ResultsPhysical stimulation is the main stimulation method of rehabilitation equipment for children with CP. Force stimulation is the main mode of physical stimulation, and there are 17 articles that have verified the clinical efficacy of force stimulation-based equipment.ConclusionResearch on the stimulation mode of pediatric cerebral palsy rehabilitation equipment is likely to focus on simulating the force of the Chinese medicine called “tuina manipulation.” When this method is combined with artificial intelligence and personalized direction we believe this will lay the foundation for future development of a novel therapy for children with CP.