bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of titanium oxide layer thickness on thermally oxidized NiTi alloy based on color variations
Authors: Ng C.W. , Mahmud A.S. , Ahmad M.N. , Razali M.F. , Liu Y. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis paper studies the estimation of titanium oxide (TiO2) thickness on a thermally oxidized nickel titanium (NiTi) alloy based on its surface color. The NiTi plate specimens were subjected to oxidation at temperatures from 450 °C to 900 °C for different duration to induce the formation of oxide layers of different thicknesses. The oxide thickness of the specimens oxidized from 650 °C to 900 °C was measured by means of scanning electron microscopy. A fitting curve was generated from the measured thicknesses, and further extrapolated to predict the oxide thickness for specimens heated at lower temperature of 450 °C to 600 °C. The oxide thickness estimation was done using thin‐film optical interference, with reference to the observed color of the oxidized surface. The thin‐film optical interference approach showed accurate measurement of oxide thickness as compared to the extrapolated data, highlighting the applicability of this measurement technique.
Surface characterization of a modified cold work tool steel treated by powder‐pack boronizing
Authors: Belaid M. , Fares M.L. , Assalla O. , Boukari F. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe present work examines the effects of pack‐boronizing treatment on the surface characteristics of modified industrial cold‐work tool steel intended for polymer crushing. Particular attention is paid to optimizing the process parameters to improve the tool surface properties and thus achieve a satisfactory tool life. To this end, a series of samples were subjected to boronizing treatment within the temperature range from 800 °C to 1000 °C for soaking periods of 2 h, 4 h, 6 h and 8 h. The structural and mechanical properties of the modified metal surface were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, microhardness testing and pin‐on‐disk tribotesting. The adhesion quality of the boride layer‐substrate was carried out using the adhesion test Daimler Benz Rockwell‐C. The corrosion properties were determined by the electrochemical polarization method. Experimental results showed that the optimum temperature‐temporal conditions of 900 °C/4 h that are the intermediate processing parameters led to a better compromise between the intended properties, in terms of resistance to wear and corrosion, as well as adhesion quality.
Carbon fibre‐graphene composite polylactic acid (PLA) material for COVID shield frame
Authors: Mohammed Basheer E.P. , Marimuthu K. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractChallenges in the development of carbon fibre and graphene reinforced composite polylactic acid material is reserved in this research. A screw extrusion process is used to blend the carbon fibre particle (1 wt.%) and graphene (1 wt.%) with poly lactic acid pellets (98 wt.%) to extrude and draw a continuous composite poly lactic acid wire. The size of the wire drawn is 1.75 mm and it is found uniform in shape. Through electron microscope, the dispersion of carbon fibre and graphene in the polylactic acid material is confirmed with good bonding. Subsequently, the presence of carbon fibre and graphene reinforcement in polylactic acid material is confirmed through the x‐ray diffraction peaks. The composite polylactic acid material developed through screw extrusion is to build a mechanical test sample. The strength of composite polylactic acid material is 31 MPa and 3D printed composite polylactic acid material is 63 MPa. The density of the composite material is found increased in 3D printed material than the raw polylactic acid material. With valid mechanical and thermal properties of composite polylactic acid material, a commercial product is developed. An autoclavable COVID ‐19 face shield is designed and developed through Fused filament fabrication 3D printer and the same was implemented.
Multilayer antireflection coatings design for SiO2‐passivated silicon solar cells
Authors: Xiao X.J. , Zhu H.M. , Liu Z.M. , Tu J.L. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBoth the passivation and good antireflection effect can improve the power conversion efficiency of the crystalline silicon solar cells. In this study, we simulated and optimized HfO2 single‐layer, SiO2/SiC double‐layer, and MgF2/HfO2/SiC triple‐layer antireflection coatings and obtained the optimal optical parameters based on the optical transfer matrix. In addition, we analyzed the influence of HfO2, SiO2/SiC, and MgF2/HfO2/SiC antireflection coatings on the performance of the crystalline silicon solar cell. The results indicated that the HfO2, SiO2/SiC, and MgF2/HfO2/SiC antireflection coatings increased the power conversion efficiency of the crystalline silicon solar cell from 12.17 % to 17.13 %, 18.57 %, and 18.85 %, respectively. For cost‐saving, the SiO2/SiC double‐layer antireflection coating is a good choice for the crystalline silicon solar cell.
Histone demethylase JMJD1A in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance
Authors: Jeon Hee‐Young , Ryu Hyunju , Pornour Majid , Qi Jianfei 
Published: January 2022

AbstractJMJD1A (also called lysine demethylase 3A [KDM3A]) belongs to the Jumonji C family of histone demethylases. It specifically removes the repressive mono‐ or di‐methyl marks from histone H3 at lysine 9 and thus contributes to the activation of gene transcription. JMJD1A plays a key role in a variety of biological processes such as spermatogenesis, metabolism, sex determination, and stem cell activity. JMJD1A is upregulated in various types of cancers and can promote cancer development, progression, and therapeutic resistance. JMJD1A can epigenetically regulate the expression or activity of transcription factors such as c‐Myc, androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER), β‐catenin, and so on. Expression and activity of JMJD1A in cancer cells can be regulated at transcriptional, post‐transcriptional, and post‐translational levels. Targeting JMJD1A may repress the oncogenic transcription factors as a potential anticancer therapy.
A structural investigation of organic battery anode materials by NMR crystallography
Authors: Whewell Tommy , Seymour Valerie R. , Griffiths Kieran , Halcovitch Nathan R. , Desai Aamod V. , Morris Russell E. , Armstrong A. Robert , Griffin John M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractConjugated alkali metal dicarboxylates have recently received attention for applications as organic anode materials in lithium‐ and sodium‐ion batteries. In order to understand and optimise these materials, it is important to be able to characterise both the long‐range and local aspects of the crystal structure, which may change during battery cycling. Furthermore, some materials can display polymorphism or hydration behaviour. NMR crystallography, which combines long‐range crystallographic information from diffraction with local information from solid‐state NMR via interpretation aided by DFT calculations, is one such approach, but this has not yet been widely applied to conjugated dicarboxylates. In this work, we evaluate the application of NMR crystallography for a set of model lithium and sodium dicarboxylate salts. We investigate the effect of different DFT geometry optimisation strategies and find that the calculated NMR parameters are not systematically affected by the choice of optimisation method, although the inclusion of dispersion correction schemes is important to accurately reproduce the experimental unit cell parameters. We also observe hydration behaviour for two of the sodium salts and provide insight into the structure of an as‐yet uncharacterised structure of sodium naphthalenedicarboxylate. This highlights the importance of sample preparation and characterisation for organic sodium‐ion battery anode materials in particular.
Mass effect of the distal triceps brachii muscle on ulnar nerve movement during elbow flexion
Authors: Jeong Ha Mok , Kim Jeong Min , Kang Seok , Yoon Joon Shik 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsHypertrophic triceps brachii contributes to ulnar nerve movement, but the location of the mass effect of the triceps brachii muscle is not known. In this study we aimed to determine the mass effect of the distal medial head of the triceps brachii (DMTB) muscle on ulnar nerve movement.MethodsIn 48 arms, movement of the ulnar nerve at the medial epicondyle and muscle thickness (medial and long head of the triceps brachii [MLTB], medial head of the triceps brachii [MTB], DMTB, and biceps brachii [BB]) were measured using ultrasonography.ResultsUlnar nerve movement at the elbow was consistently correlated with the DMTB muscle thickness (horizontal ulnar nerve movement at the elbow [HM] / vertical ulnar nerve movement at the elbow [VM] with 90° elbow flexion: r = 0.668 / r = 0.313, HM/VM with full elbow flexion: r = 0.481 / r = 0.391). With multiple linear regression, the DMTB was the most important muscle with regard to contribution of thickness to ulnar nerve movement. Individuals with partial and complete dislocation showed a thicker DMTB than those without dislocation.DiscussionOur data suggest that the mass effect of the triceps brachii muscle is exerted primarily by its distal portion. When ulnar nerve dislocation is observed, thickness and anatomical variation of DMTB in the retrocondylar area during elbow flexion should be assessed.
A modified biogeography‐based optimization algorithm based on cloud theory for optimizing a fuzzy PID controller
Authors: Li Xiang , Chen Jianjun , Zhou Dingshan , Gu Qingdong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn recent years, the heuristic algorithms used to improve the PID controller have attracted increasing attention. Additionally, there have been many significative explorations into the field of the fuzzy PID controller. Therefore, this article presents a modified biogeography‐based optimization (BBO) algorithm to optimize the fuzzy PID controller. We utilize cloud theory to adapt migration operator and mutation operator of the BBO algorithm to enhance its exploration ability and exploitation ability for better convergence speed and accuracy. The final algorithm is called cloud theory‐biogeography‐based optimization algorithm (CTBBO). The great performance of the CTBBO algorithm is illustrated in the benchmark functions testing compared with other heuristic algorithms. Lastly, the CTBBO algorithm was used in an engineering case—optimizing the fuzzy PID controller in a 180°C‐die heater to demonstrate its practical application value.
Relationship between torus mandibularis and mandibular cortical bone width using computed tomography
Authors: Ito Kotaro , Itakura Go , Muraoka Hirotaka , Hirahara Naohisa , Sawada Eri , Tokunaga Satoshi , Kaneda Takashi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between mandibular cortical width (MCW) and torus mandibularis (TM) using computed tomography (CT).Materials and methodsThis retrospective case–control study included 34 patients with TM and 34 age‐ and sex‐matched patients without TM who underwent CT at our hospital between April 2017 and December 2020. TM was identified by a radiologist from CT scans as an exostosis continuous with the lingual cortical bone of the mandible. Patients with a history of bisphosphonate use, malignancy, or mandibular fractures were excluded from this study. The MCW was measured by estimating the thickness of the cortical bone at the lower edge of the bilateral mandible using a CT coronal slice and calculating the average value. Nonparametric Mann–Whitney U tests were used to assess the differences in continuous variables based on the MCW and mandibular cortical index status.ResultsThe MCW was significantly associated with the TM.ConclusionThe results of this study suggested that the MCW may be associated with the development of TM. MCW on CT images may help predict the future development of TM.
Evaluation of mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of corn husk modified pumice powder reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Sari Nasmi Herlina , Setyawan Paryanto Dwi , Thiagamani Senthil Muthu Kumar , Suteja  , Tamimi Roby , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart 
Published: January 2022

AbstractResearchers are continuously working to improve the mechanical characteristics of polymer composites by various approaches such as fiber treatment, filler addition, and others. In this study, mechanical, thermal, and morphological characteristics of composites produced from corn husk waste fibers treated with pumice powder were examined. Corn husk (CHF) and pumice powder (SBA) were mixed in polyester matrix at varied volume fractions of 5:30, 10:25, 15:20, 20:15, 25:10, and 30:5. The results demonstrate that infusing SBA into the CHF composite enhanced the interfacial adhesion between the CHF and the polyester matrix. As a result, the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the SBA/CHF composites were significantly improved. The composite with 5:30 volume fraction (JPA) exhibited the highest values of tensile strength (18.61 MPa), tensile modulus (3.23 GPa), flexural strength (36.12 MPa), and flexural modulus (3.39 GPa) among all the composites and the polymer matrix which was attributed to the strong SBA/CHF interface bonds in the composites. While the lowest values recorded for the composite specimens were due to a large number of CHF pullouts. Similarly, JPA composites outperformed the other composites in terms of thermal stability. The morphological study indicated that CHF pullout increased with an increased quantity of CHF and dropped as the amount of SBA increased and was distributed equally in the composite. According to the findings, the CHF/SBA composites had better mechanical characteristics than the fiber‐glass composites.
Novel poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) based carriers as potential ocular drug delivery systems for timolol maleate
Authors: Nikolova Denitsa , Ruseva Konstans , Tzachev Christo , Christov Lachezar , Vassileva Elena 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPolyzwitterions are biocompatible and protein‐adsorption‐resistant polymers which makes them very attractive for pharmaceutical applications, especially as drug and gene delivery systems. Two different poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSB) based vehicles were synthesised in the present study using reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, namely linear macromolecules and a crosslinked network as microgels, in order to be tested as ocular drug delivery systems for timolol maleate (TM). The differences in their structure were expected to result in different physicochemical properties as well as in different performances as potential ocular drug delivery systems. The PSB vehicles' structure and properties were investigated using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements and SEM. The drug entrapment efficiency of TM in both PSB carriers was determined and the TM release profiles were monitored. In this way, the relationship between the PSB vehicles' structure and the TM release profiles was outlined. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Banana green peels extract protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in high‐fat‐fed mice through modulation of lipid metabolism and inflammation
Authors: Barroso Wermerson Assunção , Serra Mariana Barreto , Abreu Iracelle Carvalho , Barbeiro Hermes Vieira , Fiamoncini Jarlei , de Alvarenga José Fernando Rinaldi , de Souza Heraldo Possolo , de Lima Thais Martins 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe investigate the effect of the banana green peels extract (BPE) as a preventive treatment against NAFLD in high‐fat diet fed mice. Mice received daily doses of 100 or 250 mg/kg of BPE for 12 weeks along with the high‐fat diet. BPE reduced weight gain (p < .0001), adipose tissue hypertrophy (p < .0001), and improved glucose homeostasis (p < .0001). Plasma levels of glucose‐dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol, non‐esterified fatty acids, aspartate and alanine transaminase, leptin, and resistin were decreased in BPE treated mice (p < .05). BPE effects on lipid metabolism were associated with decreased gene expression of lipogenic enzymes and increased expression of enzymes related to fatty acid and cholesterol degradation (p < .05). Plasma and liver bile acid (BA) profiles were modulated by BPE, with positive correlations between specific BA and UCP‐1, CPT‐1 and PGC‐1β expression in brown adipose tissue (p < .05). BPE reduced hepatic steatosis and inflammation, possibly due to reduced p65 NF‐κB nuclear translocation (p < .05) and modulation of oxidative stress (p < .05). These data indicate that BPE is a source of phytochemical compounds with promising effects toward the prevention of metabolic disorders associated with obesity.
Pulmonary vascular distensibility with passive leg raise is comparable to exercise and predictive of clinical outcomes in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kozitza Callyn J. , Dharmavaram Naga , Tao Ran , Tabima Diana M. , Chesler Naomi C. , Raza Farhan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPulmonary vascular distensibility (α) is a marker of the ability of the pulmonary vasculature to dilate in response to increases in cardiac output, which protects the right ventricle from excessive increases in afterload. α measured with exercise predicts clinical outcomes in pulmonary hypertension (PH) and heart failure. In this study, we aim to determine if α measured with a passive leg raise (PLR) maneuver is comparable to α with exercise. Invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET) was performed with hemodynamics recorded at three stages: rest, PLR and peak exercise. Four hemodynamic phenotypes were identified (2019 ECS guidelines): pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (n = 10), isolated post‐capillary (Ipc‐PH) (n = 18), combined pre‐/post‐capillary PH (Cpc‐PH) (n = 15), and Control (no significant PH at rest and exercise) (n = 7). Measurements of mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary artery wedge pressure, and cardiac output at each stage were used to calculate α. There was no statistical difference between α‐exercise and α‐PLR (0.87 ± 0.68 and 0.78 ± 0.47% per mmHg, respectively). The peak exercise‐ and PLR‐based calculations of α among the four hemodynamic groups were: Ipc‐PH = Ex: 0.94 ± 0.30, PLR: 1.00 ± 0.27% per mmHg; Cpc‐PH = Ex: 0.51 ± 0.15, PLR: 0.47 ± 0.18% per mmHg; PAH = Ex: 0.39 ± 0.23, PLR: 0.34 ± 0.18% per mmHg; and the Control group: Ex: 2.13 ± 0.91, PLR: 1.45 ± 0.49% per mmHg. Patients with α ≥ 0.7% per mmHg had reduced cardiovascular death and hospital admissions at 12‐month follow‐up. In conclusion, α‐PLR is feasible and may be equally predictive of clinical outcomes as α‐exercise in patients who are unable to exercise or in programs lacking iCPET facilities.
Resection of a capillary haemangioma using robotic‐assisted thoracic surgery: A case report
Authors: Ohashi Takuya , Kawago Mitsumasa , Hirai Yoshimitsu , Kiyoi Megumi , Miyasaka Miwako , Yata Yumi , Kawaji Mari , Fusamoto Aya , Iguchi Hideto , Nakanishi Hitomi , Nishimura Yoshiharu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCapillary haemangioma is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively because of its rarity and nonspecific imaging findings. In this report, we describe a case of capillary haemangioma diagnosed by robot‐assisted thoracic surgery (RATS). A 72‐year‐old man was incidentally found to have an anterior mediastinal tumour on chest computed tomography. The preoperative imaging findings were indicative of thymoma, and surgical treatment by RATS was selected. The intraoperative findings suggested that the tumour was a haemangioma originating from the pericardiophrenic vein. The pathological findings revealed a well‐defined tumour with capillaries in a vascular‐like structure and some thrombus formation. The pathological diagnosis was capillary haemangioma. The patient was discharged unaided at 7 days postoperatively and no recurrence was observed at 16 months postoperatively.
Pre‐service English teachers’ understanding about preparing to teach reading skills in secondary schools
Authors: Reynolds Barry Lee , Yu Melissa H. , Li Mo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTeacher education in the English as a foreign language context has witnessed a shift from only emphasising expert‐generated professional theories to combining such theories with teacher‐generated personal theories. However, little is known about whether such a combination is beneficial in preparing pre‐service English teachers to teach reading skills. Theoretically informed by the notion of local knowledge, post‐transmission and postmodernism, the present multiple‐case qualitative study aimed at investigating eight secondary school pre‐service English teachers’ learning experience (i.e., knowledge gained about expert‐generated professional theories) and teaching practice in a Teaching Reading and Writing education course (i.e., knowledge of the teacher‐generated personal theories). Data was collected and triangulated from multiple sources, including lesson plans, teaching videos and transcripts of these recordings, and the teacher educator's written feedback on both the lesson plans and the teaching. Results revealed that scanning and skimming were two primary reading skills that the pre‐service teachers perceived to be significant in teaching English reading. However, there was a mismatch between what they planned to teach and what they actually taught. This mismatch did not necessarily indicate incompetency at teaching but instead reflected their individualised personal theories. Implications for fostering pre‐service teachers’ autonomy as practitioners were discussed.
Context and implicationsRationale for this studyEnglish as a foreign language teacher training literature has taken a deficient perspective of local English teacher education without consideration of local pre‐service teacher needs.Why the new findings matterCritically evaluating the suggestions provided by teacher education literature when assessing local teaching approaches can potentially lead to more relevant teacher education outcomes.Implications for language teacher educatorsWhen educating student teachers, teacher educators may be accustomed to taking a deficient perspective by designing course content and instructing student teachers in knowledge they believe to be important without considering student teachers’ existing local knowledge or needs. The global influence of mainstream language learning ideologies prevalent in language teaching materials and teacher training materials should be critically evaluated. It is important for teacher educators to consider local teacher needs and get a good understanding of the local context prior to providing teacher education. Otherwise, the teacher educators run the risk of suggesting change that is unrealistic and impracticable.