bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid aging and nitriding treatment of nickel aluminum bronze by plasma-based ion implantation
Authors: da Silva João Miguel de O A , Kurelo Bruna C E S , de Oliveira Willian R , Pukasiewicz Anderson G M , de Souza Gelson B , Brunatto Silvio F 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Nickel-aluminum bronzes (NABs) comprise a versatile group of copper-based age hardenable quaternary alloys. Their composition usually comprises aluminum, nickel, iron, and manganese, besides copper. These alloys have a large range of applications, from architectural use to naval propellers. In the present work, a case study of a specific NAB alloy of technical importance was performed aiming to investigate the difference in wear resistance between samples that were aged and samples that received a novel hybrid aging + nitriding treatment carried out on a plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) apparatus. Both regular aging and the hybrid treatment were carried out for solution-treated coin-shaped specimens, with martensitic matrix, in a PIII chamber under a nitrogen-based atmosphere. Three different voltage biases, 8, 10, and 12 kV, resulted in three distinct treatment temperatures, 370, 400 and 470 °C, for treatment times of 180 and 90 min, being the latter (90 min) used together with the smaller voltage (370 °C) for comparison purposes. From the coin-shaped sample, it was possible to study the two distinct treatments: i) the flat-surface-side exposed to plasma was subjected to the hybrid treatment; ii) the other flat-side (directly supported on the sample holder) was only aging-treated (hereafter termed ‘aged only’). Such methodology allowed to infer the bulk effects on the surface modification process. The XRD patterns of the hybrid-mode treated (hereafter termed ‘aged + nitrided’) surfaces showed formation of nitrogen-expanded phases, these surfaces showing hardness gains varying on the 11%–27% range when compared to the respective surfaces aged only. Scratch tests, in association with hardness and elastic modulus measurements, showed the role of the aging on the elasto-plastic response of both aged only and aged + nitrided surfaces. The nitriding resulted in significant gains of wear resistance for PIII carried out at the lowest temperatures: 43% and 41% less volume loss than the respective aged only surfaces for the treatments at 370 °C for 90 min and 180 min, respectively. Differently, the treatments at the highest temperature (450 °C) resulted in the worst wear performances, since the bulk over-aging surpassed any strength delivered by nitriding.
Tribological behaviour of a multilayer CrN/DLC coating obtained using PVD-MS
Authors: Delfin Francisco A , Brühl Sonia P 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Diamond-like Carbon (DLC) coatings are used as protective layers for steel components due to their hardness, chemical inertia and interesting tribological properties. Reducing wear and friction coefficient is of great importance for industries today in order to increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions to the environment. In this paper, a multilayer CrN/DLC coating is analysed. It was deposited using a commercial Plasma Enhanced Magnetron Sputtering over nitrided and not nitrided mild-alloy steel AISI 4140, produced for the first time in Argentina, at the firm Coating.Tech by Flubetech-Tantal. The base of the coating is an anchor layer made of CrN and the top layer is a chromium-dopped hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C:H:Cr), which provides excellent tribological properties. Wear tests were carried out in a Pin-on-Disk apparatus, using an Al2O3 ball as counterpart, with Hertzian contact stress from 1370 up to 1460 MPa. The friction coefficient was μ ∼ 0.1, which is 80% less than the untreated steel and the wear volume loss was reduced several times. The adhesion was evaluated by means of Scratch Test, where major improvement was noticed in the samples which were nitrided as pre-treatment, increasing critical load from 25 N up to 65 N.
Preparation and electrochemical properties of Na3V2(PO4)3/C cathode materials from spent electroless nickel plating bath
Authors: Xu Wen , Yang Hongjian , Liu Wanmin , Qin Mulan , Bin Shen  , Wang Weigang , Zhou Haoliu 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Through a sol-gel method, a honeycomb-like Na3V2(PO4)3/C cathode material for sodium-ion batteries was synthesized from a spent electroless nickel plating bath. The obtained Na3V2(PO4)3/C exhibited excellent electrochemical properties, with the initial discharge capacity of 108.3 mAh·g−1 at 0.2 C and the capacity retention of 99.3% after 300 cycles, which was comparable to that of powders prepared from chemical reagents. This study will be helpful for the value-adding utilization of the spent electroless nickel plating bath.
Effect of MnO2 morphology on the thermal properties and combustion behavior of nano-Al/MnO2 thermite
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Liu Jun , Zhao Futian , Xiao Zhimin 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Al/granular MnO2 and Al/rod MnO2 thermite samples were prepared to investigate the effects of different morphologies of MnO2 on the thermal properties and combustion behavior of nano-Al/MnO2 thermite. The morphology and thermal properties of the thermite were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC results show that the Al/rod MnO2 releases 1274.39 J·mol−1 heat, which is 292.58 J·mol−1 more than the Al/granular MnO2. The initial reaction temperature of Al/rod MnO2 is 567.39 °C, which is delayed by 17.39 °C versus 550 °C of Al/granular MnO2. Non-isothermal thermodynamic analysis was used to measure the activation energy of Al/rod MnO2 to be 234.36 kJ·mol−1, which is 46.53 kJ·mol−1 higher than that of Al/granular MnO2. This corresponds to an increase in the ignition temperature in the DSC curve and indicating a higher safety profile. In the open burning experiment, the burning time of Al/granular MnO2 was longer and sparks sputtered around the flame. The Al/rod MnO2 has a large combustion flame and a fast combustion rate. The light intensity peaks of the two groups of samples are close in the light intensity test. The light intensity existence time of Al/rod MnO2 is 0.0146 s, which is 0.094 s shorter than Al/granular MnO2. This shows that the combustion rate of Al/rod MnO2 is much faster than that of Al/granular MnO2. The closed-tube combustion experiment shows that the combustion wave velocity of Al/rod MnO2 increases first and then decreases; the maximum wave velocity reaches 339.6 m·s−1, and Al/granular MnO2 cannot self-propagate combustion in the microporous environment. In the constant volume combustion experiment, the peak combustion pressure of Al/rod MnO2 is 0.938 Mpa, and the peak value of Al/granular MnO2 combustion pressure is 0.581 Mpa; the difference is obvious. This shows that the rod MnO2 gas production performance is better. According to the duration of the pressure peak, the burning speed of Al/rod MnO2 in the light intensity test is confirmed again to be much faster than that of Al/granular MnO2. The Al/rod MnO2 is better than Al/granular MnO2 in thermal and combustion performance and is also safer. This provides a basis for future performance and safety research on aluminothermic materials.
Detection of hearing losses (HL) via transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions: towards an automatic classification
Authors: Zimatore Giovanna , Cavagnaro Marta , Skarzynski Piotr H , Hatzopoulos Stavros 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) are routinely used in the hearing assessment of the auditory periphery. The major contribution of TEOAEs is the early detection of hearing losses in neonates, children, and adults. The evaluation of TEOAE responses by specific signal decomposition techniques offers numerous advantages for current and future research. One methodology, based on recurrence quantification analysis (RQA), can identify adult subjects presenting sensorineural hearing impairments. In two previous papers, the RQA-based approach was successfully applied in identifying and classifying cases presenting noise and age related hearing losses. The current work investigates further two aspects of the previously proposed RQA-based analysis for hearing loss detection: (i) the reliability of a Training set built from different numbers of ears with normal hearing, and (ii) the threshold set of values of the key hearing loss detecting parameter RAD2D. Results: The Training set built from 158 healthy ears was found to be quite reliable and a similar but slightly minor performance was observed for the training set of 118 normal subjects, used in the past; the proposed ROC-curve method, optimizing the values of RAD2D, shows improved sensibility and specificity in one class discrimination. Conclusions. A complete and simplified procedure, based on the combined use of the traditional TEOAE reproducibility value and on values from the RQA-based RAD2D parameter, is proposed as an improved automatic classifier, in terms of sensitivity and specificity, for different types of hearing losses.
Mapping potential surface contributions to reflected solar radiation
Authors: Smoliak Brian V , Gelobter Michel , Haley Jeff T 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Modifying Earth’s albedo is one of the strategies considered to reduce its energy imbalance and slow global warming by reflecting solar energy. Atmospheric contributions to reflected solar radiation through stratospheric aerosols or cloud brightening have received considerable attention; however, the efficacy of surface interventions is less understood. We address this gap by estimating the potential for surface contributions to reflected solar radiation at approximately 30 km resolution using a simple radiative transfer model. Long-term average annual-mean incoming and outgoing top-of-atmosphere and surface solar fluxes are input to determine atmospheric shortwave optical properties (i.e., transmittance, absorptance, and reflectance), which can be used with surface albedo to estimate surface-reflected outgoing solar radiation. A comparison of reanalysis- and satellite-based input datasets shows good agreement. The results indicate global annual-mean surface-reflected outgoing solar radiation potential of 109 Wm−2, nearly a factor of five larger than the actual value, and local areas where it could be increased above 200 Wm−2 with surface albedo enhancement. Regions with particularly strong potential include Andean South America, the Middle East, southwestern North America, southwestern Africa, Australia, and the sub-equatorial tropical oceans. Future research could extend the methods to account for seasonal variations and the potential to mitigate extreme heat events in particular.
In-situ structural evolution of Bi2O3 nanoparticle catalysts for CO2 electroreduction
Authors: Wang Hongbo , Tang Chongyang , Sun Bo , Liu Jiangchao , Xia Yan , Li Wenqing , Jiang Changzhong , He Dong , Xiao Xiangheng 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Under the complex external reaction conditions, uncovering the true structural evolution of the catalyst is of profound significance for the establishment of relevant structure–activity relationships and the rational design of electrocatalysts. Here, the surface reconstruction of the catalyst was characterized by ex-situ methods and in-situ Raman spectroscopy in CO2 electroreduction. The final results showed that the Bi2O3 nanoparticles were transformed into Bi/Bi2O3 two-dimensional thin-layer nanosheets (NSs). It is considered to be the active phase in the electrocatalytic process. The Bi/Bi2O3 NSs showed good catalytic performance with a Faraday efficiency (FE) of 94.8% for formate and a current density of 26 mA cm−2 at −1.01 V. While the catalyst maintained a 90% FE in a wide potential range (−0.91 V to −1.21 V) and long-term stability (24 h). Theoretical calculations support the theory that the excellent performance originates from the enhanced bonding state of surface Bi-Bi, which stabilized the adsorption of the key intermediate OCHO* and thus promoted the production of formate.
Romeo at the Girls’ School: Fantasy of the Girls’ Queer Teen Adaptation of Shakespeare
Authors: Jeon Ja Young 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
This article adopts a transnational approach to the practice of cross-gender casting and the queer fascination with women playing Shakespeare’s male roles. It offers a case study of the South Korean film Fantasy of the Girls (Jungmin Ahn, 2018), exploring the film’s both strategic transgression of gender norms and boundary-crossing adaptation in the transnational context. Fantasy of the Girls features an all-women school theatre group staging Romeo and Juliet and joins similar cross-cast Shakespeare productions in exploring the interaction between the narrative text and the actor’s gendered embodiment, including in terms of the potent effect of gender-transgressive casting on audiences. To trace the ways in which the film uses the device of cross-cast Shakespearean performance to consider young South Korean women’s queer desires, and to examine the special geo-cultural contexts at play, I turn to a distinctive form of queer youth culture which emerged in 1990s South Korea: iban. In this cultural practice, cross-dressing functions as a crucial means of identity production, as another, albeit implicit, reference underpinning the gender-nonconforming Hanam’s performance of Romeo. The coming-of-age film offers a reflection on the connection between the iban fantasy and Shakespeare’s text, which, in turn, provides a model for identity construction, through which the queer teen girls can voice and explore desires that are otherwise inexpressible. Ultimately, Fantasy of the Girls leverages Shakespeare to foreground the unique experiences of queer teen girls in twenty-first century South Korea.
Management of a Large Quantity of Permanent Gluteal Copolyamide Fillers (Aqualift/Activegel): Literature Review and Algorithm
Authors: Elahi Leslie , Ulrich Franzisca , Raffoul Wassim , Rossi Severin Alexander 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Buttock augmentation is a commonly performed aesthetic surgery. Several methods have been described, but only the use of implants or autologous fat is consensually deemed safe and effective. Synthetic fillers in gluteal augmentation have been described despite potential severe long-term complications, both medical and aesthetic. The aim of this study is to report a series of 2 consecutive cases who underwent buttock and hip augmentation with large volumes of permanent copolyamide filler requiring surgical removal due to significant complications. Based on these cases and a review of recent literature, a management algorithm is proposed. The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 2 consecutive cases of failed copolyamide filler augmentations in the gluteal and inguinal regions. The authors conducted a literature overview using PubMed (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) and Google Scholar (Google, Mountain View, CA) to include all articles concerning the removal of large quantities of permanent copolyamide fillers. Based on the physical properties of copolyamide, resection of the filler was performed by percutaneous aspiration with liposuction cannulas, with varying infiltration protocols. Both cases showed successful removal of major parts of the filler; however, residual material tended toward migration, requiring a secondary intervention. Hydrated low-pressure aspiration can manage nonintegrated gluteal copolyamide filler but will achieve only partial resection. Literature shows that radical excision is possible, however, with major drawbacks in function and aesthetics. Moreover, in acute inflammation and infection, an open approach should be preferred.

Level of Evidence: 5
PRES: a webserver for decoding the functional perturbations of RNA editing sites
Authors: Lv Dezhong , Xu Kang , Yang Changbo , Liu Yujie , Luo Ya , Zhou Weiwei , Zou Haozhe , Cai Yangyang , Ding Na , Li Xia , Shao Tingting , Li Yongsheng , Xu Juan 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Rapid progresses in RNA-Seq and computational methods have assisted in quantifying A-to-I RNA editing and altered RNA editing sites have been widely observed in various diseases. Nevertheless, functional characterization of the altered RNA editing sites still remains a challenge. Here, we developed perturbations of RNA editing sites (PRES; http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/PRES/) as the webserver for decoding functional perturbations of RNA editing sites based on editome profiling. After uploading an editome profile among samples of different groups, PRES will first annotate the editing sites to various genomic elements and detect differential editing sites under the user-selected method and thresholds. Next, the downstream functional perturbations of differential editing sites will be characterized from gain or loss miRNA/RNA binding protein regulation, RNA and protein structure changes, and the perturbed biological pathways. A prioritization module was developed to rank genes based on their functional consequences of RNA editing events. PRES provides user-friendly functionalities, ultra-efficient calculation, intuitive table and figure visualization interface to display the annotated RNA editing events, filtering options and elaborate application notebooks. We anticipate PRES will provide an opportunity for better understanding the regulatory mechanisms of RNA editing in human complex diseases.
Similar functional networks predict performance in both perceptual and value-based decision tasks
Authors: Izakson Liz , Gal Shachar , Shahar Moni , Tavor Ido , Levy Dino J 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThere are numerous commonalities between perceptual and preferential decision processes. For instance, previous studies have shown that both of these decision types are influenced by context. Also, the same computational models can explain both. However, the neural processes and functional connections that underlie these similarities between perceptual and value-based decisions are still unclear. Hence, in the current study, we examine whether perceptual and preferential processes can be explained by similar functional networks utilizing data from the Human Connectome Project. We used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data to predict performance of 2 different decision-making tasks: a value-related task (the delay discounting task) and a perceptual task (the flanker task). We then examined the existence of shared predictive-network features across these 2 decision tasks. Interestingly, we found a significant positive correlation between the functional networks, which predicted the value-based and perceptual tasks. In addition, a larger functional connectivity between visual and frontal decision brain areas was a critical feature in the prediction of both tasks. These results demonstrate that functional connections between perceptual and value-related areas in the brain are inherently related to decision-making processes across domains.
Modeling the Effectiveness of Healthcare Personnel Reactive Testing and Screening for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron Variant Within Nursing Homes
Authors: Zipfel Casey M , Paul Prabasaj , Gowler Camden D , Reddy Sujan C , Stone Nimalie D , Jacobs Slifka Kara , Slayton Rachel B 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant has been hypothesized to exhibit faster clearance (time from peak viral concentration to clearance of acute infection), decreased sensitivity of antigen tests, and increased immune escape (the ability of the variant to evade immunity conferred by past infection or vaccination) compared to prior variants. These factors necessitate reevaluation of prevention and control strategies, particularly in high-risk, congregate settings like nursing homes that have been heavily impacted by other coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variants. We used a simple model representing individual-level viral shedding dynamics to estimate the optimal strategy for testing nursing home healthcare personnel and quantify potential reduction in transmission of COVID-19. This provides a framework for prospectively evaluating testing strategies in emerging variant scenarios when data are limited. We find that case-initiated testing prevents 38% of transmission within a facility if implemented within a day of an index case testing positive, and screening testing strategies could prevent 30% to 78% of transmission within a facility if implemented daily, depending on test sensitivity.
Personalizing treatment in end-stage kidney disease: deciding between haemodiafiltration and haemodialysis based on individualized treatment effect prediction
Authors: van Kruijsdijk Rob C M , Vernooij Robin W M , Bots Michiel L , Peters Sanne A E , Dorresteijn Jannick A N , Visseren Frank L J , Blankestijn Peter J , Debray Thomas P A ,   The HDF Pooling Project investigators, Bots Michiel L , Blankestijn Peter J , Canaud Bernard , Davenport Andrew , Grooteman Muriel P C , Nubé Menso J , Peters Sanne A E , Morena Marion , Maduell Francisco , Torres Ferran , Ok Ercan , Asci Gulay , Locatelli Francesco 
Published: June 2022

ABSTRACT

Background
Previous studies suggest that haemodiafiltration reduces mortality compared with haemodialysis in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), but the controversy surrounding its benefits remains and it is unclear to what extent individual patients benefit from haemodiafiltration. This study is aimed to develop and validate a treatment effect prediction model to determine which patients would benefit most from haemodiafiltration compared with haemodialysis in terms of all-cause mortality.

Methods
Individual participant data from four randomized controlled trials comparing haemodiafiltration with haemodialysis on mortality were used to derive a Royston-Parmar model for the prediction of absolute treatment effect of haemodiafiltration based on pre-specified patient and disease characteristics. Validation of the model was performed using internal-external cross validation.

Results
The median predicted survival benefit was 44 (Q1–Q3: 44–46) days for every year of treatment with haemodiafiltration compared with haemodialysis. The median survival benefit with haemodiafiltration ranged from 2 to 48 months. Patients who benefitted most from haemodiafiltration were younger, less likely to have diabetes or a cardiovascular history and had higher serum creatinine and albumin levels. Internal–external cross validation showed adequate discrimination and calibration.

Conclusion
Although overall mortality is reduced by haemodiafiltration compared with haemodialysis in ESKD patients, the absolute survival benefit can vary greatly between individuals. Our results indicate that the effects of haemodiafiltration on survival can be predicted using a combination of readily available patient and disease characteristics, which could guide shared decision-making.