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2022-07-01 | Results of experimental and theoretical studies are used to extend understanding of thermal and deformation stability of untransformed austenite in the martensitic-austenitic (MA) component of low-carbon steel bainitic structure. Analysis of the effect of compressive hydrostatic stresses developing during dilatation on austenite stabilization makes it possible to obtain relationships for determining the temperature of the start of martensitic transformation in the MA-component as a function of its volume fraction in the steel structure in order to find the level of deformation due to strain-induced martensitic transformation. | Role of Bainitic Structure Martensitic-Austenitic Component in Pipe Steel Property Formation. 2. Austenite Deformation and Thermal Stability | 10.1007/s11041-022-00774-1 |
2022-07-01 | In this paper, an 18nm dopingless asymmetrical junctionless (AJ) double gate (DG) MOSFET has been designed for suppressed short channel effects (SCEs) for low power applications. A desired ON and OFF state current ratio with subthreshold performance parameters under limit, is the major focus of the proposed transistor. Different sensitivity parameters of dopingless AJ DG MOSFET such as drain extension, length of gate overlapping and oxide thickness are compared with the AJ DG MOSFET with doped channel region. The ON-state current obtained is 3.80 x 10 − 6 $${10}^{-6 }$$ A/µm with reduced OFF-state leakage current up to1.37 x 10 − 17 $${10}^{-17 }$$ A/µm. The subthreshold slope (SS) and drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL) of the device obtained are 59.5 mV/decade and 10.5 mV/V respectively. Temperature analysis of proposed device at various temperature such as 250 K,300 K, 350 and 400 K shows a small variation in OFF-state current (< 15 %). Additionally, a p-channel AJ DG MOSFET along with n-channel AJ DG MOSFET are designed and their performance is evaluated for CMOS inverter circuit and 6T SRAM cell. All design and analysis have been done with a 2D/3D Visual TCAD device simulator. | 18nm n-channel and p-channel Dopingless Asymmetrical Junctionless DG-MOSFET: Low Power CMOS Based Digital and Memory Applications | 10.1007/s12633-021-01417-5 |
2022-07-01 | In this work, based on the sol-gel method combined with spray granulation technology, a novel process method to prepare Yttria stabilized ZrO 2 beads with 5–50 µm diameter, 123 nm grains size, few pores, solid internal structure and well spherical type is proposed. These advantages can greatly improve the beads density, and decline the sintering temperature. The optimum preparation parameters, including sol and spray parameters, baking and sintering conditions, are obtained through the investigation of experimental conditions. The SEM test results of the surface and cross section morphologies show that the beads have solid structure and there is good consistency between the surface and interior of the beads. The average grain size of test results is about 123 nm. The XRD test results demonstrate that no monoclinic phase exists in the beads. The sintering temperature of the new process is only 1200 °C. In this work, based on the sol-gel method combined with spray granulation technology, a novel process method to prepare Yttria stabilized ZrO 2 beads with 5–50 µm diameter, 123 nm grains size, few pores, solid internal structure and well spherical type is proposed. These advantages can greatly improve the beads density, and decline the sintering temperature. The processes of the method mainly contain: sol preparation, spray forming process, organic compound discharging and sintering. The optimum preparation parameters, including sol and spray parameters, baking and sintering conditions, are obtained through the investigation of experimental conditions. The tested density result of the prepared beads is about 6.024 g/cm 3 which is higher than for the traditional process. The SEM test results show that the diameter of the prepared Yttria stabilized ZrO 2 beads is range from 5 to 50 µm with good sphericity. The surface and cross section morphologies show that the beads have solid structure and there is good consistency between the surface and interior of the beads. The average grain size is about 123 nm, no pores between grains. The XRD test results demonstrate that no monoclinic phase exists in the beads. The sintering temperature of the new process is only 1200 °C. A novel method to prepare Yttria stabilized ZrO 2 beads with 5–50 µm diameter is proposed. The optimum parameters of experiment conditions are studied and obtained. The beads have characteristics of few pores, solid internal structure and well spherical type. This process has low sintering temperature that is only 1200 °C. | Novel process of preparation of Yttria stabilized ZrO2 small sizes beads using sol-gel method combined with spray granulation technology | 10.1007/s10971-022-05782-4 |
2022-07-01 | Metamaterials are an emerging type of man-made material capable of obtaining some extraordinary properties that cannot be realized by naturally occurring materials. Due to tremendous application foregrounds in wave manipulations, metamaterials have gained more and more attraction. Especially, developing research interest of low-frequency vibration attenuation using metamaterials has emerged in the past decades. To better understand the fundamental principle of opening low-frequency (below 100 Hz) band gaps, a general view on the existing literature related to low-frequency band gaps is presented. In this review, some methods for fulfilling low-frequency band gaps are firstly categorized and detailed, and then several strategies for tuning the low-frequency band gaps are summarized. Finally, the potential applications of this type of metamaterial are briefly listed. This review is expected to provide some inspirations for realizing and tuning the low-frequency band gaps by means of summarizing the related literature. | A brief review of metamaterials for opening low-frequency band gaps | 10.1007/s10483-022-2870-9 |
2022-07-01 | Properties, production methods, and fields of application for finely dispersed activated α-aluminum oxide are considered. Information about international and Russian manufacturers of reactive alumina used in the production of engineering ceramics and low-cement refractory cast mixes is presented. Characteristics of reactive alumina produced by different companies are provided. | Research in the Area of Preparing Activated Alumina. Part 1. Methods for Preparing Reactive Alumina | 10.1007/s11148-022-00694-w |
2022-07-01 | An energy-efficient high throughput pre-treatment of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) using a fast, reactive extrusion (REX) assisted oxidation technique followed by bacterial attachment as an indicator for bio-amenability was studied. Silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) was selected as a model oxidizing and catalytic reagent with the REX process demonstrated to be effective both in the presence and absence of the catalyst. Optimized 5-min duration pre-treatment conditions were determined using Box–Behnken design (BBD) with respect to screws speed, operating temperature, and concentration of SiO 2 . The crystallinity index, carbonyl index and weight loss (%) of LDPE were used as the studied responses for BDD. FTIR and DSC spectra of the residual LDPE obtained after pre-treatment with the REX assisted oxidation technique showed a significant increase in residual LDPE carbonyl index from 0 to 1.04 and a decrease of LDPE crystallinity index from 29 to 18%. Up to fivefold molecular weight reductions were also demonstrated using gel permeation chromatography. Optimum LDPE pre-treatment with a duration of 5 min was obtained at low screw speed (50 rpm), operating temperature of 380–390 °C and variable concentration of SiO 2 (0 and 2% (w/w)) indicating that effective pre-treatment can occur under noncatalytic and catalysed conditions. Biofilms were successfully formed on pre-treated LDPE samples after 14 days of incubation. Furthermore, the technique proposed in this study is expected to provide a high throughput approach for pre-treatment of pervasive recalcitrant PE-based plastics to reduce their bio inertness. | Rendering Bio-inert Low-Density Polyethylene Amenable for Biodegradation via Fast High Throughput Reactive Extrusion Assisted Oxidation | 10.1007/s10924-022-02400-w |
2022-07-01 | The demand for low-carbon MgO–C refractories is ever growing to meet the development of advanced steelmaking technologies and efficient energy conservation. Meanwhile, to improve the oxidation resistance and inhibit the weakness of low-carbon MgO–C refractories, antioxidants are necessary. The application of ternary carbides that focused on improving the oxidation performance of MgO–C refractories has been explored, and the ternary carbides including Al 4 O 4 C, Al 8 B 4 C 7 , Al 4 SiC 4 , Ti 2 AlC, Ti 3 AlC 2 , and Ti 3 SiC 2 have been proved effective. The crystal structure, physical properties, oxidation behavior, and synthesis of these ternary carbides were summarized, and their oxidation mechanism in assisting anti-oxidation of MgO–C refractories was discussed. In addition, the potential aspects related to the usage and development of ternary carbides in low-carbon MgO–C refractories were proposed. | Enhanced oxidation resistance of low-carbon MgO–C refractories with ternary carbides: a review | 10.1007/s42243-022-00804-5 |
2022-07-01 | The physicochemical basis for the formation of deposits on equipment in petroleum and natural gas processing plants has been examined. Feasibility was established for the use of magnetic methods in the petroleum and natural gas industry for extraction, transport, storage, and processing of the hydrocarbon feedstock resulting in a change in the dispersion of oil systems in combination with various other procedures. We have attempted to expand our understanding of the mechanism of formation of deposits at high, moderate, and low temperatures over time, especially during magnetic treatment of complex polydisperse hydrocarbon systems. | Deposit Formation in Equipment for the Petroleum and Natural Gas Industry | 10.1007/s10553-022-01413-4 |
2022-07-01 | Isothermal compression tests with different conditions were performed on an as-extruded WZ-A3 alloys with different level of boron and carbon. The results show that low angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and γ ′ phases with diameter greater than 300 nm increase rapidly and Σ3 twin boundaries (TBs) decrease after hot compression deformation at lower temperature for as-extruded alloys . In addition, compared to that of as-extruded state, the grains are refined after hot compression as the compression temperature decreases. The H B\C sample (alloy with higher B and C content) has more LAGBs and less TBs as well as lower complete recrystallization zone fraction compared with those for the L B\C sample (alloy with lower B and C content) for all the same compression conditions performed. Furthermore, under all identical compression conditions performed, the H B\C sample shows a higher peak stress ( σ p ) than that of the L B\C sample. The H B\C sample has larger area fraction and smaller average size of γ′ phases (>300 nm) than that of the L B\C sample for all the same compression conditions performed. Hence, more γ′ particles (>300 nm) in H B\C have larger average inhibition force for boundaries migration compared with that in L B\C during hot compression deformation. The area fraction of γ′ phase (>300 nm) decreases with increasing of deformation temperatures and shows different variation characteristic with small amplitude decreasing of strain rate at different constant deformation temperatures. More γ ′ phases exist in samples compressed at lower temperature, inhibiting dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior. In addition, the dissolution rate of fine γ′ phases is faster in the L B\C sample than that in the H B\C sample especially at 1100 °C compression temperature. Boron mainly stabilizes γ′ phases by inhibiting diffusion of solute atoms (Al, Ti) during hot compression and carbon mainly contributes to the precipitation of carbides. Continuous DRX (CDRX) and discontinuous DRX (DDRX) both happen during hot compression for the as-extruded WZ-A3 alloy. | Effect of Boron and Carbon on the Hot Deformation Behavior of a Novel Third Generation Nickel-Based Powder Metallurgy Superalloy WZ-A3 | 10.1007/s11665-022-06674-y |
2022-07-01 | The cylinder head is one of the most complex and concentrated load components of the engine, playing an important role in the safety and reliability of the engine. In this paper, the finite element method is used to simulate the casting and heat treatment process of cylinder head. The distribution characteristics of microstructure, shrinkage porosity defects as well as mechanical properties are analyzed, and the mechanical properties simulation results were verified by experimental data. The results show that the microstructure varies significantly at different regions and is related to local cooling rate. The shrinkage porosity defects are mainly distributed in the thick walls and thin–thick wall junctions, but the porosity value is small and the effect on the mechanical properties could be ignored. The mechanical properties of different cylinders are similar, but there are obvious differences at the top plate, force wall and bottom plate in each cylinder, with a maximum difference of 12%. The large discrepancies of microstructure, shrinkage porosity defects as well as mechanical properties in cylinder head are caused by the different local filling and cooling conditions in the casting process. | Study on the Distribution Characteristics of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties Within the Cylinder Head of Low-Pressure Sand Cast Aluminum Alloy | 10.1007/s40962-021-00678-5 |
2022-07-01 | The development of Li-S batteries (LSBs) is hindered by the low utilization of S species and sluggish redox reaction kinetics. Polar metal oxides always possess high adsorption to polar S species, while conductive metal nitrides show fast electron transport and ensure fast redox reaction of S species. The combination merits of metal oxides and metal nitrides in one provide an effective strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of LSBs. In this work, defect design of niobium oxynitrides highly dispersed on graphene (NbON-G) is evaluated as effective trapper and catalyst for S species. Owning to the effective structural merits including enriched active sites, alleviated volume variation, defect modulated electronic property, and in-situ chemisorption and catalytic conversion of soluble lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), the LSBs with NbON-G modified separator show remarkably enhanced performance compared to NbN-G and Nb 2 O 5 -G. Surprisingly, even at low temperature of −40 °C, the LSBs with NbON-G can operate for 1,000 cycles with 0.04% capacity decay per cycle (Rate: 2 C). | Enhanced polysulfide redox kinetics by niobium oxynitrides via in-situ adsorptive and catalytic effect in wide temperature range | 10.1007/s12274-022-4295-5 |
2022-07-01 | Low level radioactive liquid waste (LLW) contains various radioisotopes like 125 Sb, 106 Ru, 99 Tc and traces of 137 Cs, 134 Cs, 90 Sr. Chemical co-precipitation method is effectively used for removal of most of the radionuclides. However, the effluent still contains traces of 125 Sb and needs further processing. The present study aims at the removal of 125 Sb from LLW using inorganic sorbents Na 0.66 Ce 1.33 Zr 2 O 7 and Ce 2 MgZrO 7 . These sorbents were prepared via gel-combustion method and thoroughly characterized by XRD, SEM and BET surface area measurement. The distribution coefficient (K d ) was evaluated as a function of various parameters like total dissolved salts, effect of concentration, etc. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were plotted and the data is discussed in this paper. | Evaluation of cerium–zirconium mixed oxides for separation of 125Sb from radioactive liquid waste | 10.1007/s10967-022-08369-z |
2022-07-01 | Leachate from the secured landfill sites and open dumpsite seems to be threat to environment, which requires an immediate attention to investigate a suitable solution in handling the waste and its impact on disposal based on the hierarchy. A significant concentration of COD (1307–2166 mg/L) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH 3 –N) (686–746 mg/L) was found to be high in the dumpsite when compared to other parameters (BOD and TSS) studied. A suitable solution identified for reducing the COD and NH 3 –N levels using rice husk ash (RHA) as adsorbent. Factors considered are pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosage with different values to find the optimum lowering of COD and NH 3 –N concentrations. Treatment adopted with optimal adsorbent dosage of 30 g, contact period as 60 min, and with pH 6 for NH 3 –N, and pH 7 for COD. Finally, COD and NH 3 –N removal efficiency varies between 15.8 and 26.6% and 9.4 and 26.6% with different adsorbent dosages. Similarly, COD and NH 3 –N removal effectiveness is 15.5–36.2% and 20.1–33.6% at different contact times. Typically, for various pH, COD and NH 3 –N reduction was 29.6–47.4% and 18.7–47.4%. | Utilization of rice husk ash for the treatment of leachate generated from Perungudi semi-urban solid waste dumping site of Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, India | 10.1007/s10163-022-01421-w |
2022-07-01 | Two types of plastic carriers low-density polyethylene (LDPET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPET) were used as a support material for biofilm formation during anaerobic co-digestion of agricultural wastes. LDPET and HDPET were added separately to different reactors containing binary substrates: corn straw and cauliflower leaves (G 1), corn straw and cow dung (G 2), while ternary substrates corn straw, cauliflower leaves, and cow dung were used in G 3. Reactors containing either HDPET or LDPET carriers supported the enhancement of biogas and biomethane. Maximum daily biomethane (333.43 and 368.35 mL/day) was achieved after HDPET addition to G1 and G2 at day 10 and 12, respectively. The accumulative biomethane were significantly enhanced ( p < 0.05) by 17.14% and 23.52%, compared with reactors having LDPET carriers 11.89% and 5.53%, respectively. HDPET addition to ternary substrates (G 3) resulted in highest biomethane production (31.61%) and total solids (31.70%) and volatile solid (61.63%) removal. The major short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) detected in all groups were acetic acid (4–5 g/L) and propionic acid (2–3 g/L), and their conversion to biomethane was the highest with HDPET. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the supporting materials showed that the plastic carriers support the biofilm formation especially in the case of HDPET. This study demonstrated that addition of cost-effective plastic carrier (HDPET) to anaerobic digestion system supported the formation of biofilm, leading to significantly increase in substrate utilization and biomethane production. Graphical abstract | Biomethane enhancement via plastic carriers in anaerobic co-digestion of agricultural wastes | 10.1007/s13399-020-00779-x |
2022-07-01 | Welding technology is widely used in the steel structure forming process. After welding, there is uneven residual deformation in the structure, resulting in welding residual stress. In this paper, the damage process of beam-column joints in steel frames under ultra-low cycle fatigue loading was simulated by ABAQUS software. The crack initiation position of the joints was obtained. On this basis, the influence of welding residual stress on the development of tensile and bending fatigue damage of beam-column joints in steel frames was analyzed. In parallel, the effect of welding residual stress on the fatigue damage process of joints with different loading modes and different beam flange widths was discussed. The results show that during ultra-low cycle tensile and bending fatigue, cracks are both initiated at the welding holes of the beam flange, but the cycle number required for crack initiation is different, and the cycle number to failure of bending fatigue is greater. The residual stress can accelerate crack initiation and advance approximately two cycles. For bending fatigue damage, the crack first originates from the flange in tension first, and the average cycle number to failure of the flange is 12.85% more than that of the other flange. With the flange width decreasing from 150 to 130 mm, the cycle number to failure affected by residual stress rises from 5.30 to 13.56%. With the increase in cycle number, the damage development of a single cycle is more affected by the residual stress, the increasing trend of the fracture index remains unchanged, and the growth rate becomes faster. | Influence of Welding Residual Stress on Ultra-Low Cycle Fatigue Properties of Beam-Column Joints in Steel Frame | 10.1007/s11223-022-00450-y |
2022-07-01 | In this study, a fluorescent reagent, 4-((aminooxy)methyl)-7-hydroxycoumarin (AOHC), was for the first time applied to label the low-molecular-mass aldehydes (LMMAs) through reductive oxyamination reaction to afford single N,O -substituted oxyamine derivatives at room temperatures with derivatization efficiencies as high as 96.8%. In the following high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection analysis, 12 LMMAs, including furfurals, aromatic aldehydes, and aliphatic aldehydes, were baseline-separated on an ODS column and detected with low limits of detection (LODs) (0.2–50 nM), and good precisions (intraday relative standard deviations [RSDs] were 2.40–4.68%, and interday RSDs were 4.65–8.91%). This approach was then adopted to analyze six alcoholic beverages and five dairy products, and nine LMMAs with concentrations in the 0.28–798.16 μM range were successfully detected with excellent accuracies (recoveries were 92.2–106.2%). Finally, the results were statistically analyzed and discussed. The proposed method has several advantages, including high sensitivity, room-temperature labeling, and the avoidance of further extraction and/or enrichment procedures, demonstrating its great utility for monitoring LMMAs in various complex matrices. | Highly sensitive analysis of low-molecular-mass aldehydes in beverages using a hydroxylamine reagent by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection | 10.1007/s00216-022-04132-1 |
2022-07-01 | In this work, the junctionless (JL) feature is incorporated in a newly invented device called vertical super-thin body (VSTB) FET and a comparative exploration of DC and analog/RF figures of merit (FoM) is reported for various gate dielectric materials with high-k (Si 3 N 4 /HfO 2 ) and low-k (SiO 2 ) in this novel device through a properly calibrated Sentaurus TCAD tool. A significant minimization of short channel effects by Si 3 N 4 and HfO 2 is reflected in all the DC FoM. With respect to SiO 2 , off-state leakage current and on-to-off current ratio improves by five (three) orders of magnitude, whereas on current increases by 4.93 (11.83) μA for HfO 2 (Si 3 N 4 ). Further, using HfO 2 (Si 3 N 4 ) as gate dielectric instead of SiO 2 , induces a drop of 23.3 (13.91) mV/V in subthreshold swing. The core reason behind such beneficial impact of higher dielectric constant ( ε r ) on DC FoM is explained through off-state energy band diagram and bulk electrostatic potential of the device. Besides, though HfO 2 /Si 3 N 4 increases gate capacitance ( C gg ) and gate-drain capacitance ( C gd ), both C gg / C gd exhibits extremely low values for all the gate dielectrics. Such an attribute helps in achieving higher unit gain cut-off frequency and gain-bandwidth-product. A higher ε r also influences other analog/RF parameters favorably. It is observed that compared to SiO 2 , HfO 2 (Si 3 N 4 ) enhances peak values of transconductance, intrinsic gain, transconductance frequency product, gain frequency product, and gain transconductance frequency product by 37.74 (13.16) μA, 48.08 (24.91), 0.832 (0.278) THz/V, 1.01 (0.465) THz, 34.3 (22.8) THz/V, respectively. This study is intended to establish a broader understanding about the influence of high-k gate dielectrics on the performance of JL VSTB FET. | An Insight into the DC and Analog/RF Response of a Junctionless Vertical Super-Thin Body FET towards High-K Gate Dielectrics | 10.1007/s12633-021-01393-w |
2022-07-01 | This paper reviews the previous literature on the alloy composition design of low-density steel (LDS), focusing on the effect of Al, Mn, Ni, and other alloy elements on the formation of the steel matrix and second phase, and provides classification. The microstructure of LDS after processing includes the matrix structure, к-carbide, and B2 (FeAl, NiAl, or MnAl) phase of ferritic LDS, austenitic LDS, and dual-phase LDS. The influence of alloy elements on the corrosion resistance of LDS is derived from the addition of Al and Mn for metallurgy. Additionally, the influence of Cr and Mo addition on the corrosion resistance improvement was studied. The electrochemical properties of the corrosion process in LDS are discussed. Further, the microstructure of LDS affects the corrosion resistance properties including pitting corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, and SCC (stress corrosion cracking). Finally, future research directions are proposed. | Recent Advances on the Corrosion Resistance of Low-Density Steel: A Review | 10.1007/s40195-021-01369-0 |
2022-07-01 | In this study, varying Mo contents were added in weathering bridge steels to clarify the role of Mo in governing toughness of the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) in detail. The simulated CGHAZ containing Mo contents from 0.05 to 0.50 wt.% was prepared using a Gleeble 3500 simulator under welding heat input 20 kJ/cm. Optical microscopy, electron back-scattering diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were performed to examine the microstructure. The Charpy V-notch impact test was carried out at −40 °C to measure low-temperature impact toughness. Results showed that the microstructure in the CGHAZ of all tested steels consisted of granular bainite and lath bainite (LB), in which martensite–austenite (M–A) constituents were found in various morphologies. With Mo content increased, LB increased and refined, while M-A constituents varied in morphology and fraction. The low-temperature impact toughness decreased from 271 to 106 J with Mo contents from 0.05 to 0.50 wt.%. Analyzing various factors affecting toughness one by one, slender M–A constituents severely deteriorated low-temperature impact toughness in the Mo-bearing CGHAZ. | Mo Content Effect on Microstructures and Toughness of the Simulated Coarse-Grained Heat-Affected Zone of Weathering Bridge Steels | 10.1007/s11665-022-06687-7 |
2022-07-01 | Abstract The neutron diffraction studies of powder samples from the family of A 2 MnTeO 6 tellurates (А = Ag, Tl) were performed at room and low temperatures. The specific features of their crystal structure were investigated, and the partial substitution of Mn and Te atoms was revealed. The spin structure of Ag 2 MnTeO 6 was determined in an ordered state at Т = 1.6 K by symmetry and full-profile analysis. It represented a non-collinear 120° triangular structure in the ab plane and a spin helicoid along the c -axis with the propagation vector k = (1/3 1/3 1/3). The neutron diffraction measurements of Tl 2 MnTeO 6 did not reveal any additional reflections associated with the organization of long-range magnetic order up to Т = 1.6 K. The studied compounds were compared with the powders belonging to the same family and the earlier published results, which served to reveal a similarity between their crystal and magnetic structures and Na 2 MnTeO 6 and a radically different type of their magnetic ordering as compared to Li 2 MnTeO 6 . | Neutron Diffraction Study of the Effect of Changes in the Crystal Structure of A2MnTeO6 (A = Ag, Tl) on the Spin Configuration | 10.1134/S0031918X22070171 |
2022-07-01 | The study on the metallurgical quality of steel, structural state, and mechanical properties of hot-rolled steel was performed on the metal of eight industrial melts. This steel is used for the production of cold-rolled steel of the 340 MPa strength class or grade HC340LA annealed in bell-type furnaces. The results demonstrate the possibility of economical alloying and microalloying of steel and directions for optimizing the smelting, ladle processing, continuous casting, and steel hot rolling technologies. | Creation of an Effective Technology for the Production of Cold-Rolled High-Strength Low-Alloy Steels with High and Stable Properties. Part 1. Hot-rolled Products | 10.1007/s11015-022-01323-0 |
2022-07-01 | The aim of this study was to verify if exposure to the far-IR emitted by fabric (FIR) is able to improve the neuromuscular performance of the knee extensors of resistance-trained males regardless of changes of the temperature. It is a crossover, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. Fourteen resistance-trained males (age: 24.3 ± 4 years; body mass: 82.8 ± 11.3 kg; height: 176.3 ± 4.2 cm) were randomly assigned to one of initial conditions: FIR ( n = 7) or placebo ( n = 7). After 4 days, the participants were submitted to neuromuscular tests in an isokinetic dynamometer (maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC) and fatigue test). After a week of washout, participants performed the other condition. We measured peak torque (Nm), total work (J), fatigue index (%), root mean square (mV), median frequency (Hz), and temperature (°C) of thigh. The FIR was worn for 82 ± 19 h before the experimental session, totaling 317 ± 74 kJ of energy irradiation. There was a significant increase ( p < 0.05) for pre-MVC (318.5 ± 68.7 Nm) and post-MVC (284.1 ± 58.2 Nm), and a trend ( p = 0.055) for significant increase for total work (4,122.2 ± 699.8 J) on FIR condition regardless of none change on temperature and electromyographic (EMG) signals. FIR improved the neuromuscular performance of knee extensors in resistance-trained males regardless of changes on temperature and EMG. The present results suggest that the FIR could optimize the neuromuscular performance with 82 ± 19 h of wear. | Far-infrared-emitting fabric improves neuromuscular performance of knee extensor | 10.1007/s10103-022-03523-1 |
2022-07-01 | Background During an earthquake, an enormous amount of elastic strain energy is released which can be measured by the intensity of shaking in terms of PGA (Peak Ground Acceleration). This strain energy is the input energy which can be dissipated through dampers in the building. Passive energy dissipation devices exhibit great performance either in low peak ground acceleration or at high peak ground acceleration. A hybrid damper is a combination of two or more dampers into a single device which compensates their weakness to strength. Review factor This paper presents a state-of-the-art review on hybrid passive energy dissipating devices. Hybrid dampers can dissipate more seismic energy than the individual damper. Hybrid damper enhances the seismic performance of structure by decreasing inter-storey drift, roof displacement, base shear and floor acceleration. In this review paper an overview of hybrid dampers and their performance are discussed in detail. Conclusion The significance of hybrid dampers used by various researchers are presented and highlighted. It is observed that a few types of the dampers are combined and designed as hybrid damper so far. Many numerical analyses and a few experimental tests are carried out for the hybrid dampers, and limited research is available for its implementation in concrete structures. It is concluded that there is numerous scope for the development, design and implementation of hybrid dampers in structures as these dampers show superior vibration control characteristics. | A State of Art Review on Hybrid Passive Energy Dissipating Devices | 10.1007/s42417-022-00492-1 |
2022-07-01 | Abstract Skyrmion-based devices are promising candidates for non-volatile memory and low-delay time computation. Many skyrmion-based devices execute operation by controlling skyrmion trajectory, which can be impeded by the skyrmion Hall effect. Here, the design of skyrmion-based arithmetic devices built on synthetic antiferromagnetic (SyAF) structures is presented, where the structure can greatly suppress skyrmion Hall effect. In this study, the operations of skyrmion-based half adder, full adder, and XOR logic gate are executed by introducing geometric notches and tilted edges, which can annihilate or diverge skyrmion. Performance of these skyrmion-based devices is evaluated, where the delay time and energy-delay product of the single-bit full adder are 1.95 ns and 2.50 × 10 −22 Js, which are only 12% and 79% those of the previously proposed skyrmion-based single-bit full adder. This improvement is significant in the construction of ripple-carry adder and ripple-carry adder-subtractor. Therefore, our skyrmion-based SyAF arithmetic device is a promising candidate to develop high-speed spintronic devices. Graphical abstract 磁斯格明子可用于构建非易失性存储器和低延迟计算器件。许多斯格明子器件通过调控斯格明子的位置来实现功能, 因此可能被斯格明子霍尔效应影响。本文基于微磁学模拟方法, 利用合成反铁磁体中没有斯格明子霍尔效应的特性, 提出一种基于合成反铁磁斯格明子的逻辑运算器件。通过引入特别设计的边界和凹槽对斯格明子进行引导和消除, 实现了基于斯格明子的半加器、全加器和异或门。其中新设计的斯格明子单比特全加器的延迟时间为1.95 ns、能量延迟积为2.50 × 10 –22 Js, 仅为之前设计性能的12%和79%, 对基于斯格明子的波纹进位加法器和加减法器的构建具有重要意义。基于合成反铁磁斯格明子的逻辑运算器件有望成为超高速自旋电子器件的制备原件。 | Single-bit full adder and logic gate based on synthetic antiferromagnetic bilayer skyrmions | 10.1007/s12598-022-01981-8 |
2022-07-01 | Abstract Attention is focused on the development and investigation of materials for microtubular (MT) hydrogen-selective membranes. MT supports based on NiO–Al 2 O 3 and NiO–YSZ composites are prepared; the structure and morphology of MT supports before and after their reduction are studied by the methods of X-ray diffraction and (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM); the optimal parameters for the reduction are selected. The density of MT supports is studied as well as the microhardness of MT supports based Ni–YSZ. For the first time, the gastight nickel layer is deposited on the MT support surface by the dip-coating method. | Development and Investigation of Materials for Microtubular Hydrogen-Selective Membranes | 10.1134/S1023193522070126 |
2022-07-01 | Developing electrocatalysts with ultralow platinum (Pt) content for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is essential. In this work, we electrodeposited Pt nanoparticles on the composite carrier of polypyrrole (PPy) nanowires and MXene materials, thereby obtaining a catalyst with a mixed structure consisting of three materials with different dimensions, namely zero-dimensional (0D) platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs ), one-dimensional (1D) PPy nanowires and two-dimensional (2D) MXene nanosheets. The PPy nanowires were compounded with MXene nanosheets, which enhanced the conductivity of the catalytic carrier and provided more active sites. The overpotential of the electrocatalyst with ultralow Pt loading (17.11 μg cm ‒2 ) is 40 mV when the current density is 10 mA cm −2 , which is very close to the commercial 20 wt% Pt/C (41 mV). The catalyst exhibits high turnover frequencies (2.21 H 2 s −1 in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 ) at 100 mV and has relatively good stability due to the composite structural characteristics of 1D and 2D materials. This research provides a direction for the design and development of other MXene-based electrocatalysts and more conductive polymers. | Low-Pt Amount Supported Polypyrrole/MXene 1D/2D Electrocatalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution Reaction | 10.1007/s12678-022-00731-9 |
2022-07-01 | Abstract This review is aimed at the generalization of structures, electronic and functional properties of early transition metal (Groups 4-7) chalcogenides (ETMCs) ( M = Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Re). The structures of various chalcogenides, the preparation of nanomaterials based on them, the effect of the electronic properties of metals and chalcogens on the structural and functional features of metal chalcogenides are considered. The nature of polymerization in ETMCs and redox properties of chalcogens are discussed. | STRUCTURAL AND CHEMICAL FEATURES OF CHALCOGENIDES OF EARLY TRANSITION METALS | 10.1134/S002247662207006X |
2022-07-01 | In this paper, we discuss using the Casimir force in conjunction with a MEMS parametric amplifier to construct a quantum displacement amplifier. Such a mechanical amplifier converts DC displacements into much larger AC oscillations via the quantum gain of the system which, in some cases, can be a factor of a million or more. This would allow one to build chip scale metrology systems with zeptometer positional resolution. This approach leverages quantum fluctuations to build a device with a sensitivity that can’t be obtained with classical systems. | Zeptometer Metrology Using the Casimir Effect | 10.1007/s10909-021-02650-3 |
2022-07-01 | Low-temperature binder jetting is an encouraging approach to print hydroxyapatite composite. In this method, many design parameters such as binder and powder properties must be optimized to obtain appropriate mechanical properties. For binder jetting of 3D printable hydroxyapatite powder, a water-based solvent and water-soluble polymeric adhesives were used in this study. For this purpose, hydroxyapatite, carboxymethyl chitosan, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and dextrin were blended by different combinations and routes. Powder characterization and assessment of compressive strength were performed to identify the optimal powder composition. Results show that using a mixture of hydroxyapatite and biocompatible polymers with optimized flowability and packing density via Dinger-Funk equation resulted in the preparation of 3D printable powder. Post-treatment of printed parts in chitosan solution increased the compressive strength and Young’s modulus. | Binder Jetting of Hydroxyapatite/Carboxymethyl Chitosan/Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Dextrin Composite: The Role of Polymeric Adhesive and Particle Size Distribution on Printability of Powders | 10.1007/s11665-022-06671-1 |
2022-07-01 | Digital Twins (DT) models are gaining special attention in the management and maintenance of facilities. The quality of data contained in these models may be enhanced by the use of processed information coming from long-term Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). In this case real time processing and updating in systems using sensor networks for SHM need low latency and reliable communication. This paper presents a solution for exploiting DT models for SHM and early warning solutions improvement. The case study scenario resides within the 5G experimentation in the city of L’Aquila and it exploits a highly adaptable sensor board and a 5G Multi-Access Edge Computing architecture. | Design and evaluation of 5G-based architecture supporting data-driven digital twins updating and matching in seismic monitoring | 10.1007/s10518-022-01329-8 |
2022-07-01 | In Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen), we quantified the zonation of visually dominant macroalgal taxa and of detached macroalgae from underwater videos taken in summer 2009 at six transects between 2 and 138 m water depth. For the first time, we provide information on the occurrence of deep water red algae below the kelp forest and of detached macroalgae at water depth > 30 m. The presence and depth distribution of visually dominant red algae were especially pronounced at the outer fjord, decreased with proximity to the glacial front and they were absent at the innermost locations. Deepest crustose coralline red algae and foliose red algae were observed at 72 and 68 m, respectively. Brown algae were distributed along the entire fjord axis at 2–32 m. Green algae were only present at the middle to inner fjord and at areas influenced by physical disturbance at water depths of 2–26 m. With proximity to the inner fjord the depth distribution of all macroalgae became shallower and only extended to 18 m depth at the innermost location. Major recipients of detached macroalgae were sites at the shallower inner fjord and at the middle fjord below the photic zone at depths to 138 m. They may either fuel deep water secondary production, decompose or support carbon sequestration. Univariate and community analyses of macroalgal classes including detached macroalgae across transects and over depths reveal a considerable difference in community structure between the outermost sites, the central part and the inner fjord areas, reflecting the strong environmental gradients along glacial fjords. | Video survey of deep benthic macroalgae and macroalgal detritus along a glacial Arctic fjord: Kongsfjorden (Spitsbergen) | 10.1007/s00300-022-03072-x |
2022-07-01 | The development of low-carbon refractories is of great significance, but it is limited by the deteriorated properties that resulted from the decreased graphite content. Incorporating composite powders has proved to be effective in improving the properties of low-carbon refractories. The recent progress in the synthesis of composite powders including modified graphite, nanocarbon-containing composite powders, oxide/non-oxide and non-oxide composite powders and their applications in low-carbon refractories were reviewed, and the future development of composite powder technology was prospected. | Recent progress in synthesis of composite powders and their applications in low-carbon refractories | 10.1007/s42243-022-00806-3 |
2022-07-01 | Enzymatic hydrolysis using β-mannanase and α-galactosidase is necessary to produce low molecular weight galactomannan (LMW-GM) from galactomannans (GM) in the leguminous seeds. In this study, different ratios of avicel and melibiose were used as the inductors (carbon sources) for Trichoderma reesei to metabolize the enzyme cocktail containing β-mannanase and α-galactosidase using one-pot fermentation technology. The obtained enzyme cocktail was used to efficiently produce LMW-GM from GM in Sesbania cannabina seeds. Results showed that 15 g/L avicel and 10 g/L melibiose were the best carbon sources to prepare enzyme cocktail containing β-mannanase and α-galactosidase with activities of 3.69 ± 0.27 U/mL and 0.51 ± 0.02 U/mL, respectively. Specifically, melibiose could effectively induce the metabolite product of α-galactosidase by T. reesei , which showed good performance in degrading the galactose substituent from GM backbone. The degradation of galactose alleviated the spatial site-blocking effect for enzymatic hydrolysis by β-mannanase and improved the yield of LMW-GM. This research can lay the foundation for the industrial technology amplification of LMW-GM production for further application. | Using One-pot Fermentation Technology to Prepare Enzyme Cocktail to Sustainably Produce Low Molecular Weight Galactomannans from Sesbania cannabina Seeds | 10.1007/s12010-022-03891-y |
2022-07-01 | Low-platinum (Pt) alloy catalysts hold promising application in oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysis of proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Although significant progress has been made to boost the kinetic ORR mass activity at low current densities in liquid half-cells, little attention was paid to the performance of Pt-based catalysts in realistic PEMFCs particularly at high current densities for high power density, which remains poorly understood. In this paper, we show that, regardless of the kinetic mass activity at the low current density region, the high current density performance of the low-Pt alloy catalysts is dominantly controlled by the total Pt surface area, particularly in low-Pt-loading H 2 -air PEMFCs. To this end, we propose two different strategies to boost the specific Pt surface area, the post-15-nm dealloyed nanoporous architecture and the sub-5-nm solid core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) through fluidic-bed synthesis, both of which bring in comparably high mass activity and high Pt surface area for large-current-density performance. At medium current density, the dealloyed porous NPs provide substantially higher H 2 -air PEMFC performance compared to solid core-shell catalysts, despite their similar mass activity in liquid half-cells. Scanning transmission electron microscopy images combined with electron energy loss spectroscopic imaging evidence a previously unreported “semi-immersed nanoporous-Pt/ionomer” structure in contrast to a “fully-immersed core-shell-Pt/ionomer” structure, thus favoring O 2 transport and improving the fuel cell performance. Our results provide new insights into the role of Pt nanostructures in concurrently optimizing the mass activity, Pt surface area and Pt/Nafion interface for high power density fuel cells. | Engineering nanoporous and solid core-shell architectures of low-platinum alloy catalysts for high power density PEM fuel cells | 10.1007/s12274-022-4238-1 |
2022-07-01 | Corn steep liquor (CSL) is a by-product of the wet milling process and contains mostly crude proteins, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, reducing sugars, organic acids, enzymes and other nutrients. The concentration of organic matter in the CSL is high and the yield is large. If directly discharged into the integrated wastewater treatment system, the load and cost of wastewater treatment will be greatly increased. On the other hand, most of the organic matter in the CSL is a valuable resource that can be reused and recovered, and has a significant resource potential. How to develop and utilize CSL has become a major problem faced by enterprises and society. In recent years, people have done a lot of research on the comprehensive utilization of CSL. CSL is commonly used as an inexpensive source of nitrogen, carbon or vitamins in the production of glutamate, antibiotics, lactic acid and other biotechnologies. This article reviews the active ingredients of CSL and their analytical methods, as well as its use for microbial culture medium, low-cost animal feed, biosurfactant, and biostimulant. | Corn Steep Liquor: Green Biological Resources for Bioindustry | 10.1007/s12010-022-03904-w |
2022-07-01 | Background Synthesized gallium nanoparticles synthesized by grape seed extract were characterized with spherical shape and size range less than100 nm, possessing the functional groups of the biological material. The purpose of this study is to evaluate gallium nanoparticles synthesized by grape seed extract, as an antitumor agent with low dose of γ-radiation against hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. Aim of work This work aimed to evaluate the antitumor effect of gallium nanoparticles synthesized (GaNPs) by grape seed extract and the co-binded treatment with low dose of γ-radiation on hepatocellular carcinoma in rats, through evaluating their effect on signaling pathways and tumor markers. Results Cytotoxic activity of GaNPs synthesized by grape seed extract was estimated by mediated cytotoxicity assay on HepG2 cell line that recorded IC 50 of 388.8 μg/ml. To achieve these goals, eighty Wistar male rats (120−150 g) will be divided into eight groups, each of 10 rats. The animals are administered with diethylnitrosamine to induce hepatocellular carcinoma and then orally administered with GaNPs synthesized by grape seed extract (38.5 mg/kg) in combination with the exposure of the total body to a low dose of γ-radiation (0.5 Gy). The treatment modulated plasma vascular endothelial growth factor and alpha-fetoprotein. In addition, the immunoblotting results of nuclear factor-kappa beta showed a marked downregulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase alongside, significantly elevating the level of Sirtuin-3 and caspase-3. Conclusions It can be concluded that the combined treatment with GaNPs synthesized by grape seed extract and low dose γ-radiation may have antineoplastic activity against hepatocarcinogenesis by inhibiting signal pathways extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and stimulating apoptotic protein. | Regulation of Sirtuin-3 and ERK1/2/p38MAPK by the combination Ga nanoparticles/γ-radiation low dosage: an effective approach for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma | 10.1186/s43141-022-00385-6 |
2022-07-01 | In the present study, new para -aminobenzoic acid (PABA) grafted on the silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @Pr-PABA) was prepared and its structure was properly confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray detector (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), N 2 adsorption–desorption technique (BET) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 @Pr-PABA nanocomposite was used as a novel, highly efficient and synergistic recoverable organocatalyst for the synthesis of biologically active 2,3-disubstituted-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1 H )-one derivatives via on-water and one-pot three-component condensation of isatoic anhydride, aromatic aldehydes and aromatic or aliphatic amines under reflux conditions. Transition metal-free process, the use of a naturally occurring component and environmental-friendly properties of the catalyst as well as solvent, cost-effectiveness, low catalyst loading, convenient work-up and reusability of the catalyst are some of the remarkable advantages of this green protocol. Graphical abstract | Para-Aminobenzoic acid grafted on silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles: a highly efficient and synergistic organocatalyst for on-water synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones | 10.1007/s11164-022-04736-3 |
2022-07-01 | Transition metal sulfides with homogeneous multi-metallic elements promise high catalytic performance for water electrolysis owing to the unique structure and highly tailorable electrochemical property. Most existing synthetic routes require high temperature to ensure the uniform mixing of various elements, making the synthesis highly challenging. Here, for the first-time novel carbon fiber supported high-entropy Co-Zn-Cd-Cu-Mn sulfide (CoZnCdCuMnS@CF) nanoarrays are fabricated by the mild cation exchange strategy. Benefiting from the synergistic effect among multiple metals and the strong interfacial bonding between high-entropy Co-Zn-Cd-Cu-Mn sulfide nanoarrays and the carbon fiber support, CoZnCdCuMnS@CF exhibits superior catalytic activity and stability toward overall water splitting in alkaline medium. Impressively, CoZnCdCuMnS@CF only needs low overpotentials of 173 and 220 mV to reach the current density of 10 mA·cm −2 , with excellent durability for over 70 and 113 h for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) respectively. More importantly, the bifunctional electrode (CoZnCdCuMnS@CF∥CoZnCdCuMnS@CF) for overall water splitting can deliver a small cell voltage of 1.63 V to afford 10 mA·cm −2 and exhibit outstanding stability of negligible decay after 73 h continuous operation. This work provides a viable synthesis route toward advanced high-entropy materials with great potential applications. | Carbon-supported high-entropy Co-Zn-Cd-Cu-Mn sulfide nanoarrays promise high-performance overall water splitting | 10.1007/s12274-022-4304-8 |
2022-07-01 | Children’s plastic toys may contain toxic metals to which infants and young children can be orally exposed and may pose acute or chronic adverse health effects. This research aims to evaluate the total metal concentrations (TMCs) of Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Mn in children’s plastic toys bought in the local markets of Karachi, Pakistan, and compare TMCs to different toy safety regulatory limits. A total of 44 children’s plastic toys sourced in the Karachi local markets were analyzed by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer for contamination of hazardous elements. Toy samples were divided into two groups: plastic toys (DCT) and plastic toys with paints or coatings (DPCT). For plastic toys, 83% (19) of samples had TMCs that exceeded European Union (EU) toy safety regulation limits for Pb, and 65% (15) of samples that exceeded for Cd. For plastic toys with paints or coating, 43% (9) of samples had TMCs that exceeded EU migration limits for Pb and 24% (5) for Cd. More than 20 samples exceeded the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC), Canadian, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) toy safety regulation limits. In toy samples ( n = 44), very high TMCs of Pb (64%), Cd (45%), Cr (5%), and Ni (2%) were observed. Zn, Cu, and Mn TMCs existed but were below the regulation limits. The contamination levels of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni and smaller extent of Zn, Cu, and Mn still pose health issues in children and may cause serious problems in their health. Graphical abstract | Contamination by hazardous elements in low-priced children’s plastic toys bought on the local markets of Karachi, Pakistan | 10.1007/s11356-022-19362-0 |
2022-07-01 | This paper explores the Vertical tunnel FET with the introduced layer of SiGe within the channel/source junction using TCAD. As Tunnel FETs smothered the 60 mV/decade confinement level through the utilization of quantum-mechanical B2BT to enhance this circuit’s efficiency for low-power applications. The vertical analysis of the source channel and drain will enhance the scalability of the device. Moreover, integration of 2 nm pocket Silicon germanium layer into the channel leads to aggressive improvements in V T numerical simulations, Subthreshold swing (SS) found to be 29.07 mV/decade, high on/off current ratio of 10 9 in 50 nm channel. To avoid the problem like random dopant fluctuation (RDF), this draft deals with the doping charge plasma technique with the uniform doping of 1 × 10 15 cm −3 with integrated pocket SiGe layer for biosensing application. The p + and n + source and drain created by inducing the optimized work function which sense the neutral and charge biomolecules by introducing the dimensional cavity. The paper also investigates the effect of the length and thickness variation on the cavity to its drain current characteristics. In biomedical field, this research contributing a major analysis for sensing different charged biomolecules. | Design and Investigation of SiGe Heterojunction Based Charge Plasma Vertical TFET for Biosensing Application | 10.1007/s12633-021-01384-x |
2022-07-01 | Bacterial cellulose (BC) aerogel has great potential in treating oil spill and organic pollutant. However, its inherent hydrophilicity and poor rigidity limit its practical application and recyclability. In this study, elastically compressible and high oil-absorbing aerogels were developed by freeze-drying aqueous suspensions with appropriate BC concentrations, followed by a chemical vapor deposition of methyltrimethoxysilane with ammonia as catalyst. The modified aerogel shows high water contact angle of 142° and enhanced compression resistance. The effect of BC concentration on the absorption capacity and recyclability of aerogel has been investigated. The results show that the aerogel prepared with 0.3 wt% BC exhibits simultaneously high absorption capacity (121.8–284.1 g/g) and excellent recyclability. Futhermore, the aerogel could also separate chloroform-water mixture by gravity-driven filtration, giving the separation efficiency of 96.7%. Therefore, this economical green aerogel provides a feasible strategy for solving oil leakage in industry. | Recyclable Bacterial Cellulose Aerogel for Oil and Water Separation | 10.1007/s10924-021-02369-y |
2022-07-01 | Background The effect of fish oil-containing lipid emulsions on preventing parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is not known. Thus, we conducted a meta-analysis to identify any prevention effect. Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched up to 26 January 2021 for studies related to the preventive effect of fish oil-containing lipid emulsions and fish oil-free lipid emulsions on cholestasis in VLBW infants. Revman 5.3 was used to synthesize the results. A fixed-effect model was used to summarize the data when the heterogeneity was non-significant ( I 2 < 50%), and a random-effects model was used when the heterogeneity was significant ( I 2 > 50%). Results Of 728 articles, 11 randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis indicated that fish oil-containing lipid emulsion reduced the occurrence of PNAC significantly with risk ratio (RR) = 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–0.80, P = 0.002. The heterogeneity was non-significant with I 2 = 23%. Subgroup analysis based on parenteral nutrition duration and median birth weight was performed. The synthesis results for patients with parenteral nutrition duration exceeding 14 days revealed I 2 = 35% ( P = 0.15) and pooled RR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.30–0.73, P = 0.0008; and for patients with duration less than 14 days revealed I 2 = 0% ( P = 0.72) and pooled RR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.39–3.35, P = 0.81. The synthesis for patients with birth weight more than 1000 g revealed I 2 = 0% ( P = 0.41) and pooled RR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.26–1.18, P = 0.12; and for patients with birth weight below 1000 g revealed I 2 = 44% ( P = 0.11) and pooled RR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.33–0.85, P = 0.009. Conclusions The fish oil-containing lipid emulsion can reduce the occurrence of PNAC in VLBW infants based on the available original randomized controlled trial studies, especially for patients with parenteral nutrition duration exceeding 14 days and extremely low birth weight infants. Future studies should be performed before a definitive conclusion can be established. | Fish oil-containing lipid emulsions prevention on parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in very low birth weight infants: a meta-analysis | 10.1007/s12519-022-00536-2 |
2022-07-01 | The present study is concerned with the low-frequency self-excited instabilities frequently occurring in aero-engine combustors operated with Jet A-1 fuel under pilot-mode non-premixed conditions. Here we perform extensive measurements of pressure oscillations and high-speed flame visualization to investigate several key aspects of non-premixed spray combustion dynamics associated with a dual-swirl pressure atomization nozzle. Our measurements show that the low-frequency instabilities in non-premixed combustion are intense at near-stoichiometric mixture ratios, with a strong negative correlation with inlet air temperature. The development of low-frequency instabilities is attributable to the interaction between several distinctive reaction regions with different characteristic timescales, involving periodically emerging partially-premixed flames near the injector face and downstream propagating non-premixed reaction regions. | Experimental investigation of low-frequency instabilities of dual-swirl pressure-atomization spray flames | 10.1007/s12206-022-0627-3 |
2022-07-01 | The structural state and mechanical properties of cold-rolled steel of strength class 340 MPa or grade HC340LA of the current production, annealed in bell-type furnaces, were examined on the metals of eight industrial melts. The results demonstrate the expediencies of using an economical alloying and microalloying system and optimizing the technologies for smelting, hot and cold rolling, and recrystallization annealing of steel. | Creation of an Effective Technology for the Production of Cold-Rolled High-Strength Low-Alloy Steels with High and Stable Properties. Part 2. Cold-rolled Products | 10.1007/s11015-022-01337-8 |
2022-07-01 | Trees in general are very tolerant of aluminum (Al, mainly Al 3+ at pH ≦ 5.0), and the small effects seen in the contaminated soils may mislead people that the contamination is unimportant. The key point of this study was to characterize the Al toxicity for Masson pine ( Pinus massoniana Lamb). The objectives were to discover the specific eco-physiological relationship between pine root growth and rhizosphere Al, and to investigate the Al effects on the root-released compounds of sugars, organic acids, amino acids, secondary metabolites, as well as rhizosphere pH and endogenous hormones. Masson pine seedlings were cultivated on a hydroponic setup. Through comprehensive dose-gradient experiments, the Al-triggered root-released compounds were determined by chromatography or spectroscopy. This study gives an important evidence of the Al-toxicity effects on the composition of root-released compounds and the root growth of Masson pine. Results showed that higher rhizospheric Al at pH 4.5 might contribute to increased release of glucose, and also could accelerate the release of oxalic acid and malic acid. The total of secreted amino acids were correlated with the rhizosphere Al. Zero additional Al induced no rhizosphere pH elevation, but Al-induced rhizosphere acidification (pH from 4.50 to 4.22) was observed et al. 100 µM. Greater additions of Al (> 300 µM) suppressed the rhizosphere acidification at pH 3.92. Added Al had a negative effect on the dry weight of pine roots, but an opposite effect on Al accumulated in the roots was observed. Four endogenous hormones were also determined in the pine roots. Gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) decreased, whereas abscisic acid (ABA) simultaneously increased with the addition of Al. Their inflexional concentrations were most frequently observed et al. 100 µM, which might be the threshold of Al toxicity for Masson pine. The secondary metabolites assayed have been studied in relation to the rhizospheric Al. The rhizosphere Al species at low pH could trigger pine roots to release the sugars (glucose, fructose + aldose), organic acids (oxalic acid, and malic acid), amino acids, secondary metabolites, and endogenous hormones. Meanwhile exposure of growing root apices to toxic Al concentrations inhibited the growth of pine roots. This is an extensive study, which can help understanding the toxicity of Al to this important pioneer species of acid forest soils in south China. Graphical abstract | Influence of aluminum at low pH on the rhizosphere processes of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb) | 10.1007/s10725-022-00816-x |
2022-07-01 | The compressor is widely used in multi-operand addition, and multiplication. Enhancing the performance of the compressor affects the capability of the multiplier, which influences the efficiency of the digital signal processor. Therefore, improving the performance of the compressor has attracted the interest of the researchers. Metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) has been replaced by fin-shaped field effect transistor (FinFET), owing to its superior channel control, ease of fabrication, high scalability, and ability to tackle the short channel effects (SCEs). In this paper, a novel structure 4:2 compressor is proposed, and analyzed. The proposed 4:2 compressor is simulated, and compared with the existing 4:2 compressors using Cadence’s Virtuoso tool at 16 nm FinFET technology. The effect of process, and power supply voltage (VDD) variations have been investigated. The proposed compressor has a lower value of power dissipation, power delay product (PDP), and energy delay product (EDP) as compared to the existing compressors. Simulation results show that the proposed compressor is improving the power dissipation by 48.43%, PDP by 45.43%, and EDP by 42.25% as compared to the best reported available design. | A Novel Low Power 4:2 Compressor using FinFET Devices | 10.1007/s10470-022-01989-1 |
2022-07-01 | Recently, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have attracted significant attention in the academic and industry fields. In this work, we firstly report a fully encapsulated double-arch structure triboelectric nanogenerator (FDA-TENG). The FDA-TENG can monitor race walking. The designed dual working unit can output the motion information of the same immovable part of the foot. In addition, the FDA-TENG can achieve good electrical output performance. From the results, the maximum instantaneous power of the FDA-TENG can reach 3.16 mW at 10 MΩ. Additionally, the FDA-TENG can obtain open-circuit voltage ( V oc ) of 500 V. The short-circuit current ( I sc ) of the FDA-TENG is 37.4 µA. We also investigated the electrical output performance of the FDA-TENG under different inflation volumes. Additionally, the FDA-TENG has good moisture resistance and water resistance. The FDA-TENG can monitor athletes' race walking, and the results can be used to determine whether they commit a violation. This design will facilitate advancements in intelligent sports monitors. | A Triboelectric Sensor with a Dual Working Unit for Race Walking Motion Monitoring | 10.1007/s11664-022-09597-5 |
2022-07-01 | The advanced oxidation processes (AOP) employ free radicals generated from the photolysis of H 2 O 2 by UV radiation to decompose the contamination in foods. This study aims at applying AOP to reduce the aflatoxins in peanuts. Radiations in UV-C or UV-A range combined with H 2 O 2 solution efficiently degraded aflatoxins in the model solution. The degradation compound, aflatoxin B2a, was also degraded by AOP. Whole peanut kernels artificially spiked with aflatoxins subjected to 1 h AOP (2.76 mW/cm 2 UV-C, 1 g/hg H 2 O 2 ) reduced 33% of aflatoxins. In fungus inoculated whole kernels treated with AOP, the reduction of aflatoxins was not significant, whereas in fungus inoculated milled kernels, AOP treatment significantly reduced 60% of aflatoxins. The residual H 2 O 2 in peanuts was completely removed by drying the peanuts at 35 °C for 12 h to meet US FDA’s requirement. The oil quality was slightly affected by the AOP treatment in whole kernels, but more severe influence on oil quality was observed in the milled kernels. The color of whole kernels slightly darkened but not considerably affected its appearance. | Decomposing Aflatoxins in Peanuts Using Advanced Oxidation Processes by UV and H2O2 | 10.1007/s11947-022-02844-x |
2022-07-01 | In this work, we present a structural investigation of sub-monolayer films of germanium on Ag(1 1 0) by means of photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and diffraction (XPD), as well as low-energy electron diffraction (LEED). Since the rising progress in the synthesis of various kinds of nanoribbons, also germanium nanoribbons (Ge-NR) have been synthesized on Ag(1 1 0), recently. Here, we focus on their structural evolution and found the formation of two different phases of germanium at coverages of $${0.5}\, \hbox {ML}$$ 0.5 ML and $${0.7}\,\hbox {ML}$$ 0.7 ML , differing fundamentally from predicted nanoribbon structures. By means of LEED measurements, we obtained evidence for germanium superstructures which are not aligned along the $$[{\overline{1}}\;1\;0]$$ [ 1 ¯ 1 0 ] -direction, as expected for nanoribbon growth. Using synchrotron-based high-resolution XPS and XPD experiments of the Ge 3d and Ag 3d core-levels, we resolved the local chemical and atomic order of the germanium films. Thus, the strong internal bonding of the buckled germanium film and a weak Van-der-Waals interaction between silver and germanium were discovered. Moreover, XPD-simulations delivered a detailed model of the structural arrangement of the preliminary nanoribbon phase, which also provided an approach to identify the origin of the two chemically shifted components in the Ge 3d signal by applying a component-wise decomposition of the XPD data. | Revealing the nano-structures of low-dimensional germanium on Ag(1 1 0) using XPS and XPD | 10.1007/s13204-022-02478-7 |
2022-07-01 | In the present research, mechanical properties, water absorption, and thermal stability of wood-poly(vinyl chloride)/low-density polyethylene (wood-PVC/LDPE) composite were improved via nanoclay addition. The presence of LDPE and Cloisite 30B at variable contents was studied. The composites were prepared by melt compounding and then compression molding. The morphology, mechanical, physical, and thermal properties of the composites were investigated. The micrographs of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed an appropriate coherence existing between lignocelluloses filler and PVC/LDPE matrix. The results revealed that the composite with 30 phr (parts per hundred) LDPE showed the best impact strength as 2887.33 kJ/m 2 . Besides, adding 3 phr nanoclay to the composite improved the impact strength by about 14 % and decreased the water absorption by 61 % compared to the PVC/wood composite. Also, the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the nanocomposite was 4.5×10 −5 1/°C. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern reflected that exfoliated structure was developed in the optimum compound. The obtained results recommended that the optimum properties could be attained using LDPE of 30 phr and 3 phr Cloisite 30B in the wood-PVC composite. | Mechanical and Thermal Expansion Properties of Wood-PVC/LDPE Nanocomposite | 10.1007/s12221-022-4821-9 |
2022-07-01 | In the present investigation, biocorrosion behaviour of novel Mg-based multicomponent low-entropy alloy (Mg 70 Al 18 Zn 6 Ca 4 Y 2 LEA), fabricated using disintegrated melt deposition technique has been evaluated. The electrochemical behaviour of this Mg LEA alloy at different simulated body fluid solutions, such as [artificial blood plasma (ABP), pH 7.4], [phosphate buffer saline (PBS), pH 7.4], [Hank’s balanced salt solution (HBSS), pH 7.4] and artificial saliva solution (ASS, pH 6.2) has been studied using Potentio-dynamic polarization test followed by qualitative analysis attained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Further, the surfaces of the corroded samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy and its chemical composition were analysed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results show significant passive behaviour and improved corrosion resistance for sample in ASS solution compared to the ABP, PBS and HBSS. The rank of the Mg LEA alloy based on the corrosion resistance is in the following order: ABP<HBSS<PBS<ASS. Pitting corrosion was observed in ABP, PBS and HBSS solution system. Further, EIS analysis was conducted to confirm the electrochemical behaviour of Mg-LEA alloy. Various electrochemical parameters obtained from equivalent circuit provide insights on corrosion mechanisms. Graphical abstract | Biocorrosion studies of a novel Mg70Al18Zn6Ca4Y2 low entropy multicomponent alloy in different simulated body fluids | 10.1007/s10800-022-01685-y |
2022-07-01 | Abstract The quantitative monitoring of kinetic parameters for the interaction of biomolecules is demanded in many fields of fundamental and applied research. In this study, some compact biosensor devices, which are characterized by high energy efficiency and provide ultrasensitive real-time registration of changes in the thickness of biomolecular complexes on widely available disposable sensor chips, have been developed on the basis of low-coherence interferometry. These instruments are electrically and optically safe, can be powered and controlled by a laptop USB port, and have passive drift-suppressing thermal insulation. The potentialities of these instruments are demonstrated on the kinetic characterization of antibodies as an example to select the most efficient ones as immunoassays for the brain natriuretic peptide, which is a marker of cardiovascular diseases. The devices and methods developed provide for efficient selection of optimal biorecognizing agents for in vitro diagnosis, targeted nanopreparation delivery, etc. | Registering the Kinetics of Intermolecular Interactions by Low-Coherence Interferometry for the Development of Biomarker Immunoassays for Cardiovascular Diseases | 10.1134/S1028335822070035 |
2022-07-01 | Background Previous research has revealed links between air pollution exposure and metabolic syndrome in adults; however, these associations are less explored in children. Objective This study aims to investigate the association between traffic-related air pollutants (TRAP) and biomarkers of metabolic dysregulation, oxidative stress, and lung epithelial damage in children. Methods We conducted cross-sectional analyses in a sample of predominantly Latinx, low-income children ( n = 218) to examine associations between air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ), nitrogen oxides (NO x ), elemental carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide (CO), fine particulates (PM 2.5 )) and biomarkers of metabolic function (high-density lipoprotein (HDL), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), oxidative stress (8-isoprostane), and lung epithelial damage (club cell protein 16 (CC16)). Results HDL cholesterol showed an inverse association with NO 2 and NO x , with the strongest relationship between HDL and 3-month exposure to NO 2 (–15.4 mg/dL per IQR increase in 3-month NO 2 , 95% CI = –27.4, –3.4). 8-isoprostane showed a consistent pattern of increasing values with 1-day and 1-week exposure across all pollutants. Non-significant increases in % HbA1c were found during 1-month time frames and decreasing CC16 in 3-month exposure time frames. Conclusion Our results suggest that TRAP is significantly associated with decreased HDL cholesterol in longer-term time frames and elevated 8-isoprostane in shorter-term time frames. TRAP could have the potential to influence lifelong metabolic patterns, through metabolic effects in childhood. | Traffic-related air pollution, biomarkers of metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and CC16 in children | 10.1038/s41370-021-00378-6 |
2022-07-01 | Abstract The sedimentary basin of the Moscow syneclise is located in the central part of the East European craton. It is characterized by detailed drilling coverage and an extremely high degree of geological knowledge. During the Devonian the basin was exposed to laterally non-uniform crustal subsidence after a long period of erosion. Considering the large thickness of the ancient lithosphere, this subsidence regime could only take place here in connection with rock contraction in the lower part of the crust as a result of prograde metamorphism catalyzed by the infiltration of mantle fluids. Their inflow into the lithosphere of the East European craton is evidenced by the wide occurrence of basite and kimberlite magmatism during the Devonian. The lateral distribution of subsidence throughout the syneclise changed significantly over periods of several million years. This indicates the corresponding changes in the rate of inflow of the deep fluids into the ancient lithosphere and their high surface activity. This property of the fluids enabled their rapid infiltration into the mantle lithosphere and inflow into the crust over the entire syneclise. The long-term inflow of the deep fluids into the continental lithosphere, which frequently changed in time and space, is a hitherto unknown phenomenon not related to large-scale convection in the mantle or to the rise of large plumes. It could have been the cause of the formation of many intraplate sedimentary basins on the continents. | Non-Uniform Crustal Subsidence due to the Infiltration of Mantle Fluids: A Case Study of the Moscow Syneclise during the Middle Devonian | 10.1134/S1028334X22070030 |
2022-07-01 | Abstract The possibility of generation of lower hybrid waves in meteoroid wakes upon their interaction with the Earth’s ionosphere is analyzed. The lower hybrid waves are driven as a result of development of the Buneman-type instability due to motion of meteoroid-wake plasma relative to the Earth’s magnetic field. Magneto-modulational processes that are induced by existence of the lower hybrid waves in plasma and leading to generation of quasi-stationary perturbations of magnetic field are discussed. It is demonstrated that these perturbations are of the same order of magnitude as magnetic fields induced by meteoroids passing through the Earth’s atmosphere. | Lower Hybrid Waves upon Interaction of Meteor Wakes with the Earth’s Ionosphere | 10.1134/S1063780X22600384 |
2022-07-01 | The development of the energy sector has played a major role in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and pollution. The situation thus necessitates rigorous actions for climate compatible development (CCD). The energy sector is context-dependent, due to which response strategies for CCD are quite challenging particularly in the context of energy crises and the actors’ capacity issue in developing countries. This study was aimed at exploring the role of government actors involved in governing the energy sector, with the objective to assess their capacity using a set of principles, criteria, and indicators (PCIs). The study attempted to answer the question: is the capacity of the line departments involved in energy governance adequate to achieve the targets set under SDG-7 and SDG-13? For this purpose, the study employed a combination of “Rules-based” and “Rights-based” governance approaches at all tiers of governance, i.e., federal, provincial, and district levels. Actors’ capacity was assessed by developing a governance index based on the scoring of PCIs. Three hundred forty key informant interviews (KIIs) and 17 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted at federal, provincial, and district levels where respondents were asked to score each of the indicators. Responses were then statistically analyzed and validated. The findings revealed that departments at the federal level are playing an effective role and are adequately equipped to align SDG-7 and SDG-13 with energy sector development. However, departments at the provincial and district levels are still lagging behind to achieve the desired objectives, which demonstrate the need to enhance the capacities of provincial and district line departments. | Mix-method modelling of actors’ capacity for environmental sustainability and climate compatible development in energy sector | 10.1007/s11356-022-19399-1 |
2022-07-01 | Mild to moderate-intensity endurance exercise training combined with hind-limb blood flow restriction (BFR) induces elderly heart rejuvenation and improves cardiac inotropy and resistance to ischemia. However, the mediators of these beneficial effects are still not well known. The present study investigated the possible role of some important molecules in the mediatory of this model of exercise training in the promotion of heart health in aged rats. Male old Wistar rats randomly were divided into control-sham (CTL), hind limbs blood flow restriction (BFR), sham-operated plus 10 weeks’ treadmill exercise training (Ex), and BFR plus exercise (BFR + Ex) groups. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), contractility, and Tau indices were measured. ELISA and western blot tests were used for measuring determined cardiac biochemical factors. BFR + Ex displayed significantly lower LVEDP ( P < 0.05 and P < 0.01 vs. Ex, and other groups, respectively), improved heart cardiac contractility ( P < 0.01), and significantly reduced Tau index in comparison with other groups. BFR + Ex significantly reduced both BAX and BAX to BCL2 ratio ( P < 0.05) and as well MDA to TAC ratio ( P < 0.05, compared to the CTL group). Also, BFR + Ex significantly increased the level of klotho ( P < 0.05) and PGC1-α ( P < 0.001) proteins compared to the CTL group but had no significant effect on P-STAT3 expression. Exercise training alone increased Apelin protein ( P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that mild to moderate BFR endurance training improves heart performance in the aging rat partly through ameliorating apoptosis, recovering redox balance, improving the longevity factor klotho, and increasing the key energy metabolism regulator PGC1-α. | Promotion of aging heart function and its redox balance following hind-limb blood flow restriction plus endurance exercise training in rats: klotho and PGC1-α as involving candidate molecules | 10.1007/s00424-022-02702-x |
2022-07-01 | The aim of this study was to evaluate photobiomodulation effects on mRNA relative levels from genes of base excision repair and genomic stabilization in heart tissue from an experimental model of acute lung injury by sepsis. For experimental procedure, animals were randomly assigned to six main groups: (1) control group was animals treated with intraperitoneal saline solution; (2) LASER-10 was animals treated with intraperitoneal saline solution and exposed to an infrared laser at 10 J cm −2 ; (3) LASER-20 was animals treated with intraperitoneal saline solution and exposed to an infrared laser at 20 J cm −2 ; (4) acute lung injury (ALI) was animals treated with intraperitoneal LPS (10 mg kg −1 ); (5) ALI-LASER10 was animals treated with intraperitoneal LPS (10 mg kg −1 ) and, after 4 h, exposed to an infrared laser at 10 J cm −2 and (6) ALI-LASER20 was animals treated with intraperitoneal LPS (10 mg kg −1 ) and, after 4 h, exposed to an infrared laser at 20 J cm −2 . Irradiation was performed only once and animal euthanasias for analysis of mRNA relative levels by RT-qPCR. Our results showed that there was a reduction of mRNA relative levels from ATM gene and an increase of mRNA relative levels from P53 gene in the heart of animals with ALI when compared to the control group. In addition, there was an increase of mRNA relative levels from OGG1 and APE1 gene in hearts from animals with ALI when compared to the control group. After irradiation, an increase of mRNA relative levels from ATM and OGG1 gene was observed at 20 J cm −2 . In conclusion, low-power laser modulates the mRNA relative levels from genes of base excision repair and genomic stabilization in the experimental model of acute lung injury evaluated. Graphical abstract | Low-power infrared laser modulates mRNA levels from genes of base excision repair and genomic stabilization in heart tissue from an experimental model of acute lung injury | 10.1007/s43630-022-00221-3 |
2022-07-01 | Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and methylene blue (MB) were proved to have neuroprotective effects. In this study, we evaluated the preventive effects of LLLT and MB alone and in combination to examine their efficacy against sleep deprivation (SD)–induced cognitive impairment. Sixty Balb/c male mice were randomly divided into five groups as follows: wide platform (WP), SD, LLLT, MB, LMB (treatment with both LLLT and MB). Daily MB (0.5 mg/kg) was injected for ten consecutive days. An 810-nm, 10-Hz pulsed laser was used in LLLT every other day. We used the T-maze test, social interaction test (SIT), and shuttle box to assess learning and memory and PSD-95, GAP-43, and synaptophysin (SYN) markers to examine synaptic proteins levels in the hippocampus. Our results showed that SD decreased alternation rate in the T-maze test, sociability and social novelty in SIT, and memory index in the shuttle box. Single treatments were not able to reverse these in most of the behavioral parameters. However, behavioral tests showed a significant difference between combined therapy and the SD group. The levels of synaptic plasticity markers were also significantly reduced after SD. There was a significant difference between the MB group and SD animals in GAP-43 and SYN biomarkers. Combination treatment with LLLT and MB also increased GAP-43, PSD-95, and SYN compared to the SD group. We found that the combined use of LLLT and MB pretreatment is more effective in protecting SD-induced cognitive impairment, which may be imparted via modulation of synaptic proteins. | Pretreatment with combined low-level laser therapy and methylene blue improves learning and memory in sleep-deprived mice | 10.1007/s10103-021-03497-6 |
2022-07-01 | Background EOX (epirubicin, oxaliplatin, and capecitabine) is one of the standard regimens for metastatic or locally advanced gastric cancer (GC). A new combination based on fractional docetaxel (low-TOX) has been developed in an attempt to increase the efficacy of EOX and reduce the heavy toxicity of classical docetaxel regimens. Methods Overall, 169 previously untreated GC patients were randomized between EOX ( arm A ) and low-TOX ( arm B ). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), while secondary ones were overall survival (OS), overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and tolerability. The study was designed to detect a 35% (80% power at a two-sided 5% significance level) PFS increase with low-TOX and an interim analysis for futility was planned after the first 127 events. Results At the cut-off date of interim analysis, median PFS was 6.3 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.0–8.1] in arm A vs 6.3 months (95% CI 5.0–7.8) in arm B , without statistical difference. OS was comparable in the two arms: 12.4 in arm A (95% CI 9.1–19.2) vs 11.5 months in arm B (95% CI 8.6–15.0). ORR was 33% and 24%, while DCR was 68% and 67%, respectively. Treatment modification (91% vs 78%, P = 0.017) and number of patients with CTC grade ≥ 3 adverse events (42 vs 35) were higher in arm B. Conclusions A triplet regimen based on the fractional dose of docetaxel achieves no improvement over EOX which remains a potential standard treatment in many patients with inoperable, locally advanced or metastatic GC. | A randomized phase III study of fractionated docetaxel, oxaliplatin, capecitabine (low-tox) vs epirubicin, oxaliplatin and capecitabine (eox) in patients with locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer: the lega trial | 10.1007/s10120-022-01292-y |
2022-07-01 | Purpose The level of 6-sulfatoxy-melatonin (SaMT), a metabolite of melatonin, in first-void morning urine reflects blood melatonin levels from the previous night. We investigated the association between urine SaMT and sleep quality deterioration in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) treated with intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin induction therapy (iBCG). Methods We enrolled 51 patients who received iBCG once weekly for 6 or 8 weeks. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed with questionnaires including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (QLQC30). Questionnaires were completed before (baseline), during, at completion, and 1 and 3 months after iBCG. Melatonin and SaMT levels at baseline were measured in serum and first-void morning urine samples, respectively. Results Based on changes in the QLQC30 insomnia subscale, 28 (55%) patients experienced sleep quality deterioration (deterioration group). Urine SaMT values in the deterioration group were lower than those in the non-deterioration group (P = 0.0015; 7.5 vs 15.4 ng/mg creatinine, respectively). Nocturia scores in the non-deterioration group decreased over time, while those of the deterioration group remained high after completion of iBCG. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that low urine SaMT levels (≤ 9.6 ng/mg creatinine), high IPSS nocturia scores at baseline, and high IPSS storage subscores at baseline were associated with BCG-induced sleep quality deterioration. Conclusions This study confirmed the association among urine SaMT levels, nocturia, and sleep disturbance in patients with NMIBC who receive iBCG. We should be aware of treatment-induced impairments to aid in appropriate decision-making. | Association between urine 6-sulfatoxy-melatonin level and intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin treatment–induced sleep quality deterioration in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer | 10.1007/s00520-022-07043-0 |
2022-07-01 | In thirst for economic growth, economies are engaged in anti-environmental activities that drive them towards climate change and CO 2 emissions. Extensive CO 2 emissions is a serious threat around the globe, especially in low-income countries that can prove detrimental to the environment. To prevent the worst impacts of carbon emission, it becomes necessary to explore the cause of CO 2 emissions. In this vein, this work is conducted to evaluate the determinants of CO 2 emissions in low-income countries spanning from 2000 to 2020. For estimation of models, panel data techniques are employed. The outcome of the study revealed that trade FDI, urbanization, and GDP per capita are the main contributing factors to environmental degradation. Trade openness has also impacted environmental degradation positively but insignificantly. In contrast, population density and domestic credit to private sector (DCPS) have negatively impacted low-income countries’ carbon emissions. The study extended important policy implications to low-income countries’ governments and environmental policymakers. | Determinants of CO2 emissions: exploring the unexplored in low-income countries | 10.1007/s11356-022-19319-3 |
2022-07-01 | Abstract High-resolution low-frequency dielcometry is used to study changes in the structure aqueous solutions of electrolyte salts in the 10 −2 –10 −6 М range of concentrations. Changes are recorded according to differences in tangent $$\tan \delta $$ of dielectric loss, which reflects reactive processes in solution. All experiments are performed at room temperature. Experimental results in the 50–1000 kHz range of frequencies are presented as dependences of the dielectric loss tangent on the logarithm of frequency ω of the excitation of an oscillatory circuit. A glass test tube with the considered solution of electrolyte salt is placed in the inductance coil of the circuit. The observed dependences are of a pronounced spectral nature. The positions of the peaks in the spectra are reliably reproduced and characterize the cationic and anionic composition of a solution. Changes in the concentration in the observed spectra allow aqueous solutions of electrolyte salts to be attributed to classical solutions. | Changes in the Structure and Appearance of Elemental Peaks in Low-Frequency Dielcometric Absorption Spectra of Dilute Aqueous Solutions of Electrolytes | 10.1134/S0036024422070135 |
2022-07-01 | Clustering sensor nodes is an efficient approach of modeling the routing algorithms for the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) that enhance the energy efficiency and network lifetime. The cluster heads (CHs) present in the clustered WSNs represent the key nodes. Since they accomplish several tasks, more energy is being consumed. Hence, it remains a significant conflict for choosing the optimal CHs. Most of the WSN routing protocol's labels particular conflicts with the “Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy” (LEACH) protocol. The challenge for the WSN protocols is to maintain high scalability and expand the lifespan of the network. The major challenge in enhancing the WSNs is energy efficiency. Since communication occupies many portions of the energy consumption, and efficient solution to handle this problem is effective routing. The main intention of this paper is to develop the energy-efficient routing for WSN using a hybrid meta-heuristic-based LEACH protocol. Here, the optimal CH selection is accomplished by the hybrid meta-heuristic algorithm with Sail Fish Optimization (SFO) and Jaya Algorithm (JA), and the so formed algorithm is called Limit-based Jaya Sail Fish Optimization (L-JSFO). A Multi-objective function is considered with significant constraints like “energy, distance, delay, trusts of nodes, load, and Quality of Service (QoS)”. Finally, this paper compares the proposed meta-heuristic-based LEACH protocol against other WSN routing protocols. The simulation outcomes described that the proposed protocol exceeded the benchmarked protocols in terms of energy efficiency and load balancing, and proves the enhanced network lifetime. | A new routing protocol for WSN using limit-based Jaya sail fish optimization-based multi-objective LEACH protocol: an energy-efficient clustering strategy | 10.1007/s11276-022-02963-5 |
2022-06-30 | This study was conducted in the Lower Areb small-scale irrigation scheme for one crop season from March to May 2018 to evaluate the hydraulic performance of the scheme by estimating the hydraulic performance indicators, physical performance indicators, and maintenance performance indicators. The primary data, including water flow rate, soil physical properties, and water infiltration, were collected. The secondary data collected were climatic, crop data, and data from different reports and design documents including the irrigation water users' interviews. The hydraulic performance of the irrigation scheme was evaluated by estimating adequacy, efficiency, dependability, and equity indicators at nine selected offtakes; three each at the head, middle, and tail reaches of the scheme. The physical performance and maintenance indicators were determined using the irrigation ratio, the sustainability of the irrigated area, the effectiveness of infrastructure, and the water surface elevation ratio. The data were analyzed using CROPWAT 8.0, ARC GIS 10.1 software, and Microsoft Excel 2013. The overall average values of adequacy, efficiency, dependability, and equity were found to be 0.89, 0.91, 0.096, and 0.07, respectively. Therefore, dependability, equity, and efficiency were under good condition and adequacy was under fair condition. The irrigation ratio and sustainability of irrigated areas were 54% and 123%, respectively. The effectiveness of infrastructure and water surface elevation ratios were 73.33% and 94%, respectively. | Evaluation of hydraulic performance on Lower Areb small-scale irrigation scheme Amhara, Ethiopia | 10.1007/s40899-022-00697-y |
2022-06-28 | The energy sector is undergoing a fundamental transformation, with a significant investment in low-carbon technologies to replace fossil-based systems. In densely populated urban areas, deep boreholes offer an alternative over shallow geothermal systems, which demand extensive surface areas to attain large-scale heat production. This paper presents numerical calculations of the thermal energy that can be extracted from the medium-deep borehole heat exchangers in the low-enthalpy geothermal setting at depths ranging from 600 to 3000 m. We applied the thermogeological parameters of three locations across Finland and tested two types of coaxial borehole heat exchangers to understand better the variables that affect heat production in low-permeability crystalline rocks. For each depth, location, and heat collector type, we used a range of fluid flow rates to examine the correlation between thermal energy production and resulting outlet temperature. Our results indicate a trade-off between thermal energy production and outlet fluid temperature depending on the fluid flow rate, and that the vacuum-insulated tubing outperforms a high-density polyethylene pipe in energy and temperature production. In addition, the results suggest that the local thermogeological factors impact heat production. Maximum energy production from a 600-m-deep well achieved 170 MWh/a, increasing to 330 MWh/a from a 1000-m-deep well, 980 MWh/a from a 2-km-deep well, and up to 1880 MWh/a from a 3-km-deep well. We demonstrate that understanding the interplay of the local geology, heat exchanger materials, and fluid circulation rates is necessary to maximize the potential of medium-deep geothermal boreholes as a reliable long-term baseload energy source. | The deeper the better? A thermogeological analysis of medium-deep borehole heat exchangers in low-enthalpy crystalline rocks | 10.1186/s40517-022-00221-7 |
2022-06-28 | Dayside transients, such as hot flow anomalies, foreshock bubbles, magnetosheath jets, flux transfer events, and surface waves, are frequently observed upstream from the bow shock, in the magnetosheath, and at the magnetopause. They play a significant role in the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. Foreshock transient phenomena, associated with variations in the solar wind dynamic pressure, deform the magnetopause, and in turn generates field-aligned currents (FACs) connected to the auroral ionosphere. Solar wind dynamic pressure variations and transient phenomena at the dayside magnetopause drive magnetospheric ultra low frequency (ULF) waves, which can play an important role in the dynamics of Earth’s radiation belts. These transient phenomena and their geoeffects have been investigated using coordinated in-situ spacecraft observations, spacecraft-borne imagers, ground-based observations, and numerical simulations. Cluster, THEMIS, Geotail, and MMS multi-mission observations allow us to track the motion and time evolution of transient phenomena at different spatial and temporal scales in detail, whereas ground-based experiments can observe the ionospheric projections of transient magnetopause phenomena such as waves on the magnetopause driven by hot flow anomalies or flux transfer events produced by bursty reconnection across their full longitudinal and latitudinal extent. Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), hybrid, and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations are powerful tools to simulate the dayside transient phenomena. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the present understanding of dayside transient phenomena at Earth and other planets, their geoeffects, and outstanding questions. | Dayside Transient Phenomena and Their Impact on the Magnetosphere and Ionosphere | 10.1007/s11214-021-00865-0 |
2022-06-28 | In this work, Co 3 O 4 /Co 9 S 8 composite microspheres were prepared to eliminate electromagnetic wave (EMW) radiation and interference problems especially toward low-frequency EMW. The results show that with 20 wt% loading ratio of Co 3 O 4 /Co 9 S 8 in 2.5 mm paraffin matrix, the minimum reflection loss (RL min ) can be − 44.3 dB at 11.84 GHz. The analysis of EMW attenuation mechanism suggests that the outstanding EMW absorption efficiency is due to the large specific surface area and the improved impedance matching and interfacial polarizations between Co 3 O 4 and Co 9 S 8 components. Specially, as the loading ratio of Co 3 O 4 /Co 9 S 8 component is 40 wt%, the sample presents optimal RL min of − 52 dB at 2.72 GHz. Apparently, the Co 3 O 4 /Co 9 S 8 composite has better EMW absorption performance at low frequency. The excellent EMW abortion property at low frequency is attributed to the good matching between permittivity and impedance of the Co 3 O 4 /Co 9 S 8 composite. Graphical abstract | Nanosheet assembled hierarchical Co3O4/Co9S8 microspheres for low-frequency electromagnetic wave absorption | 10.1557/s43578-022-00594-2 |
2022-06-24 | Astronomical detection at infrared wavelengths is crucial in astrophysics due to the critical information in this wavelength range. Blocked impurity band (BIB) infrared detectors are desirable for space-based astronomical observation due to their broad response range, low dark currents, high quantum efficiencies, and excellent radiation resistance. In this review, typical BIB device structures and device physics development are first introduced. Subsequently, we discuss progress in Si-based BIB detectors with different doping types and emphasize their applications in space-based infrared detection. Additionally, we discuss recent efforts on pixel performance optimization, response extension, and higher operating temperature devices. Finally, we conclude by proposing the challenges and perspectives of BIB detectors with improved detection performances. | Progress and challenges in blocked impurity band infrared detectors for space-based astronomy | 10.1007/s11433-022-1906-y |
2022-06-24 | In this study, the variability of the migrating solar diurnal (DW1) tide in the mesosphere-lower thermosphere (MLT) region during Northern and Southern Hemisphere (NH & SH) Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSWs) is investigated using Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) temperature observations and reanalysis-driven Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere extension (WACCM-X) simulations. The periods examined include four major NH SSWs that occurred in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2013 and two SH SSWs that were observed in 2002 and 2019. Our analysis shows that the DW1 tide in both observations and simulations displays a reduction of amplitude at low-latitudes after the onset of NH and SH SSWs. As WACCM-X simulations qualitatively reproduce this feature of DW1 tidal variability common to both NH and SH SSWs, they have been used to examine the possible mechanism that could explain these observations in the DW1 tide. It is known that changes in the latitudinal shear of zonal winds at low-latitudes strongly affect the seasonal variation of the DW1 tide in the MLT. We show that SSW-associated changes in the latitudinal shear in the MLT could explain the observed variability of the DW1 tide during NH and SH SSWs. Graphical Abstract | Migrating solar diurnal tidal variability during Northern and Southern Hemisphere Sudden Stratospheric Warmings | 10.1186/s40623-022-01661-y |
2022-06-24 | Background Maternal sepsis is a life-threatening condition, defined by organ dysfunction caused by infection during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. It is estimated to account for between one-tenth and half (4.7% to 13.7%) of all maternal deaths globally. An international stakeholder group, including the World Health Organization, developed a maternal sepsis management bundle called “FAST-M” for resource-limited settings through a synthesis of evidence and international consensus. The FAST-M treatment bundle consists of five components: Fluids, Antibiotics, Source identification and control, assessment of the need to Transport or Transfer to a higher level of care and ongoing Monitoring (of the mother and neonate). This study aims to adapt the FAST-M intervention and evaluate its feasibility in Pakistan. Methods The proposed study is a mixed method, with a before and after design. The study will be conducted in two phases at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hyderabad. In the first phase (formative assessment), we will adapt the bundle care tools for the local context and assess in what circumstances different components of the intervention are likely to be effective, by conducting interviews and a focus group discussion. Qualitative data will be analyzed considering a framework method approach using NVivo version 10 (QSR International, Pty Ltd.) software. The qualitative results will guide the adaptation of FAST-M intervention in local context. In the second phase, we will evaluate the feasibility of the FAST-M intervention. Quantitative analyses will be done to assess numerous outcomes: process, organizational, clinical, structural, and adverse events with quantitative comparisons made before and after implementation of the bundle. Qualitative analysis will be done to evaluate the outcomes of intervention by conducting FGDs with HCPs involved during the implementation process. This will provide an understanding and validation of quantitative findings. Discussion The utilization of care bundles can facilitate recognition and timely management of maternal sepsis. There is a need to adapt, integrate, and optimize a bundled care approach in low-resource settings in Pakistan to minimize the burden of maternal morbidities and mortalities due to sepsis. | Evaluation of the feasibility of the FAST-M maternal sepsis intervention in Pakistan: a protocol | 10.1186/s40814-022-01090-4 |
2022-06-23 | The series of bimetallic Co and Mn supported on hydroxyapatite (HAp) catalysts were prepared by successive deposition method and examined for CO oxidation. The catalysts are characterized in detail and correlated to oxidation activity. The X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature-programmed reduction characterization showed the presence of more facile Co 2+ , Mn 3+ and adsorbed oxygen. The attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared demonstrated the adsorption of water on active sites of catalyst was responsible for the shifting of activity towards higher temperatures. The Co 0.4 /Mn 0.1 /HAp catalyst showed lower activation energy for CO oxidation compared to the monometallic catalysts. Interaction between Mn, Co and HAp could be responsible for the existence of Co 2+ , Mn 3+ and adsorbed oxygen, which are active species for CO oxidation. | Highly facile Co2+ and Mn3+ species supported on hydroxyapatite catalyst for carbon monoxide oxidation at a lower temperature | 10.1007/s12034-022-02686-5 |
2022-06-23 | Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) is a degenerate, wide bandgap semiconductor, and is very useful as transparent electrode for flat panel display devices, solar cells, sensors, and organic light emitting diodes (OLED) because of its high optical transmittance and low resistivity. In this article, the optical, structural, and electrical properties of ITO thin films on glass surface are modified with 1 keV Ar + ion implantation by varying ion doses and energies in the range 0.5–2.5 keV, at constant ion dose of 2 min. The optical transmission is improved with increasing ion doses and is enhanced up to 90% and 92% for larger ion doses at the wavelength 380 nm and 610 nm, respectively. The optical bandgap of ion implanted ITO films could be tailored in terms of ion doses and ion energies. The structural properties as investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicate the modification of average crystalline size, which increases the average dislocation and strain in the lattice. The ion beam sputters the elements (Sn, In) in ITO films and decreases the Sn and In concentration as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study. The electrical properties of ion implanted ITO films could be tuned in terms of resistivity, mobility, and carrier concentration. The decrease of Sn concentration in ITO films is mainly responsible for the modification of electrical properties. The theoretical simulation of ion induced damage in ITO films using TRIM is employed to support experimental observations. The potential application of modified ITO films on optoelectronic devices is also suggested. | Optical, structural, and electrical properties of modified indium-tin-oxide (ITO) films on glass surface by low energy ion implantation | 10.1007/s00339-022-05746-z |
2022-06-22 | The presence of lead compounds in the environment is an issue. In particular, supply water consumption has been reported to be a significant source of human exposure to lead compounds, which can pose an elevated risk to humans. Due to its toxicity, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) have classified lead (Pb) and its compounds as probable human carcinogens. The European Community Directive and World Health Organization have set the maximum acceptable lead limits in tap water as 10 µg/L. The USEPA has a guideline value of 15 µg/L in drinking water. Removal of lead ions from water and wastewater is of great importance from regulatory and health perspectives. To date, several hundred publications have been reported on the removal of lead ions from an aqueous solution. This study reviewed the research findings on the low-cost removal of lead ions using different types of adsorbents. The research achievements to date and the limitations were investigated. Different types of adsorbents were compared with respect to adsorption capacity, removal performances, sorbent dose, optimum pH, temperature, initial concentration, and contact time. The best adsorbents and the scopes of improvements were identified. The adsorption capacity of natural materials, industrial byproducts, agricultural waste, forest waste, and biotechnology-based adsorbents were in the ranges of 0.8–333.3 mg/g, 2.5–524.0 mg/g, 0.7–2079 mg/g, 0.4–769.2 mg/g, and 7.6–526.0 mg/g, respectively. The removal efficiency for these adsorbents was in the range of 13.6–100%. Future research to improve these adsorbents might assist in developing low-cost adsorbents for mass-scale applications. | Removal of lead ions (Pb2+) from water and wastewater: a review on the low-cost adsorbents | 10.1007/s13201-022-01703-6 |
2022-06-20 | Maize ( Zea mays L.) is the most important food crop in the world, with significant acreage and production across the globe. However, it is affected by low temperatures throughout its growth process, especially during germination. Therefore, it is important to identify more QTLs or genes associated with germination under low-temperature conditions. For the QTL analysis of traits related to low-temperature germination, we used a high-res genetic map of 213 lines of the intermated B73 × Mo17 (IBM) Syn10 doubled haploid (DH) population, which had 6618 bin markers. We detected 28 QTLs of eight phenotypic characteristics associated with low-temperature germination, while they explained the phenotypic contribution rate of 5.4 ~ 13.34%. Additionally, 14 overlapping QTLs produced six QTL clusters on every chromosome, except for 8 and 10. RNA-Seq found six genes related to low-temperature tolerance in these QTLs, while qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the expression trends of the Zm00001d045568 gene in the LT_BvsLT_M group and the CK_BvsCK_M group were highly significantly different at all four-time points ( P < 0.01), and encoded the RING zinc finger protein. It was located on qRTL9-2 and qRSVI9-1 and is related to the total length and simple vitality index. These results provided potential candidate genes for further gene cloning and improving the low-temperature tolerance of maize. | Combined QTL mapping and RNA-Seq pro-filing reveal candidate genes related to low-temperature tolerance in maize | 10.1007/s11032-022-01297-6 |
2022-06-20 | Background In this comparative study we evaluate the performance of four software tools: DNAstar-D (DESeq2), DNAstar-E (edgeR), CLC Genomics and Partek Flow for identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using a transcriptome of E. coli. The RNA-seq data are from the effect of below-background radiation 5.5 nGy total dose (0.2nGy/hr) on E. coli grown shielded from natural radiation 655 m below ground in a pre-World War II steel vault. The gene expression response to three supplemented sources of radiation designed to mimic natural background, 1952 – 5720 nGy in total dose (71–208 nGy/hr), are compared to this “radiation-deprived” treatment. In addition, RNA-seq data of Caenorhabditis elegans nematode from similar radiation treatments was analyzed by three of the software packages. Results In E. coli , the four software programs identified one of the supplementary sources of radiation (KCl) to evoke about 5 times more transcribed genes than the minus-radiation treatment (69–114 differentially expressed genes, DEGs), and so the rest of the analyses used this KCl vs “Minus” comparison. After imposing a 30-read minimum cutoff, one of the DNAStar options shared two of the three steps (mapping, normalization, and statistic) with Partek Flow (they both used median of ratios to normalize and the DESeq2 statistical package), and these two programs identified the highest number of DEGs in common with each other (53). In contrast, when the programs used different approaches in each of the three steps, between 31 and 40 DEGs were found in common. Regarding the extent of expression differences, three of the four programs gave high fold-change results (15–178 fold), but one (DNAstar’s DESeq2) resulted in more conservative fold-changes (1.5–3.5). In a parallel study comparing three qPCR commercial validation software programs, these programs also gave variable results as to which genes were significantly regulated. Similarly, the C. elegans analysis showed exaggerated fold-changes in CLC and DNAstar’s edgeR while DNAstar-D was more conservative. Conclusions Regarding the extent of expression (fold-change), and considering the subtlety of the very low level radiation treatments, in E. coli three of the four programs gave what we consider exaggerated fold-change results (15 – 178 fold), but one (DNAstar’s DESeq2) gave more realistic fold-changes (1.5–3.5). When RT-qPCR validation comparisons to transcriptome results were carried out, they supported the more conservative DNAstar-D’s expression results. When another model organism’s (nematode) response to these radiation differences was similarly analyzed, DNAstar-D also resulted in the most conservative expression patterns. Therefore, we would propose DESeq2 (“DNAstar-D”) as an appropriate software tool for differential gene expression studies for treatments expected to give subtle transcriptome responses. | A transcriptome software comparison for the analyses of treatments expected to give subtle gene expression responses | 10.1186/s12864-022-08673-8 |
2022-06-20 | Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are predominantly managed by syndromic management. However, most STIs are asymptomatic. These untreated STIs cause individual morbidity, and lead to high STI prevalences. There is increasing interest in the use of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for STIs in LMICs, which could facilitate same day testing and treatment. To best utilise these tests, we must understand the facilitators and barriers to their implementation. The aim of this review is to explore how point-of-care testing for STIs has been implemented into healthcare systems in LMIC and the facilitators and barriers to doing so. Methods A scoping review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, Scopus, LILACS, the Cochrane Library, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses for studies published between 1st January 1998 and 5th June 2020. Abstracts and full articles were screened independently by two reviewers. Studies were considered for inclusion if they assessed the acceptability, feasibility, facilitators, or barriers to implementation of point-of-care testing for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis or syphilis in LMICs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse and present the facilitators and barriers to point-of-care STI testing. Results The literature search revealed 82 articles suitable for inclusion; 44 (53.7%) from sub-Saharan Africa; 21 (25.6%) from Latin American and the Caribbean; 10 (12.2%) from East Asia and the Pacific; 6 (7.3%) from South Asia; and one (1.2%) multi-regional study. Thematic analysis revealed seven overarching themes related to the implementation of POCTs in LMICs, namely (i) Ideal test characteristics, (ii) Client factors, (iii) Healthcare provision factors, (iv) Policy, infrastructure and health system factors, (v) Training, audit, and feedback, (vi) Reaching new testing environments, and (vii) Dual testing. Conclusion Implementation of POCTs in LMICs is complex, with many of the barriers due to wider health system weakness. In addition to pressing for broader structural change to facilitate basic healthcare delivery, these themes may also be used as a basis on which to develop future interventions. The literature was heavily skewed towards syphilis testing, and so more research needs to be conducted assessing chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and trichomoniasis testing, as well as home or self-testing. | Facilitators and barriers to point-of-care testing for sexually transmitted infections in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review | 10.1186/s12879-022-07534-9 |
2022-06-18 | Background Due to sustained control activities, the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in humans, livestock and snails has decreased significantly in P. R. China, and the target has shifted from control to elimination according to the Outline of Healthy China 2030 Plan. Applying highly sensitive methods to explore the presence of S. japonicum infection in its intermediate host will benefit to assess the endemicity or verify the transmission interruption of schistosomiasis accurately. The aim of this study was to access the presence of S. japonicum infection by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method through a 5-year longitudinal study in five lake provinces along the Yangtze River. Methods Based on previous epidemiological data, about 260 villages with potential transmission risk of schistosomiasis were selected from endemic counties in five lake provinces along the Yangtze River annually from 2015 to 2019. Snail surveys were conducted in selected villages by systematic sampling method and/or environmental sampling method each year. All live snails collected from field were detected by microscopic dissection method, and then about one third of them were detected by LAMP method to assess the presence of S. japonicum infection with a single blind manner. The infection rate and nucleic acid positive rate of schistosomes in snails, as well as the indicators reflecting the snails’ distribution were calculated and analyzed. Fisher's exact test was used to examine any change of positive rate of schistosomes in snails over time. Results The 5-year survey covered 94,241 ha of environment with 33,897 ha of snail habitats detected accumulatively. Totally 145.3 ha new snail habitats and 524.4 ha re-emergent snail habitats were found during 2015–2019. The percentage of frames with snails decreased from 5.93% [45,152/761,492, 95% confidence intervals ( CI ): 5.88–5.98%] in 2015 to 5.25% (30,947/589,583, 95% CI : 5.19–5.31%) in 2019, while the mean density of living snails fluctuated but presented a downward trend generally from 0.20 snails/frame (155,622/761,492, 95% CI : 0.17–0.37) in 2015 to 0.13 snails/frame (76,144/589,583, 95% CI : 0.11–0.39) in 2019. A total of 555,393 live snails were collected, none of them was positive by dissection method. Totally 17 pooling snail samples were determined as positives by LAMP method among 8716 pooling samples with 174,822 of living snails, distributed in 12 villages of Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi and Anhui provinces. The annual average positive rate was 0.41% (95% CI : 0.13–0.69%) in 2015, 0% in 2016, 0.36% (95% CI : 0.09–0.63%) in 2017, 0.05% (95% CI : 0–0.16%) in 2018, 0.05% (95% CI : 0–0.15%) in 2019, respectively, presenting a downward trend from 2015 to 2019 with statistical significance ( χ 2 = 11.64, P < 0.05). Conclusions The results suggest that S. japonicum infection still persisted in nature along the Yangtze River and traditional techniques might underestimate the prevalence of schistosomiasis in its intermediate hosts. Exploring and integrating molecular techniques into national surveillance programme could improve the sensitivity of surveillance system and provide guidance on taking actions against schistosomiasis. Graphical Abstract | Molecular evidence on the presence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in snails along the Yangtze River, 2015–2019 | 10.1186/s40249-022-00995-9 |
2022-06-18 | Background This retrospective observational study was conducted to compare midterm outcomes of three bone graft struts for interbody fusion using a posterior approach in adults with lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis. Methods A total of 126 lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis patients were treated by one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, and instrumentation. Forty-one patients (group A) were treated with autogenous bone graft for interbody fusion, 45 patients (group B) were treated with allogeneic bone grafting, and the remaining 40 (group C) patients were treated with titanium mesh cage. In addition, clinical and radiographic data were gathered and analyzed. Results At the final follow-up, all patients were completely cured. The operation period and intraoperative blood loss for groups B and C were significantly less than in group A ( P = 0.000). Post-operation, neurological performance and quality of life were remarkably improved at the final follow-up. The preoperative lordosis angles of three groups were significantly improved, as evidenced by the values immediately after the operation or those at the final follow-up. The correction loss of the group C was lower than those of groups A and B ( P = 0.000). All the patients obtained bone graft fusion, the fusion period of group B was longer than that of the other two groups ( P = 0.000). No significant differences among the three groups in adjacent segment degeneration rates were found at the last visit ( P = 0.922). Conclusions This midterm follow-up study established that one-stage posterior debridement, interbody fusion, and instrumentation, combined with medical therapy, can effectively treat lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis. In addition, the intervertebral titanium mesh cage bone graft can provide better outcomes with regard to maintaining lordosis and preventing collapse. | A comparison of three bone graft struts for interbody fusion using a posterior approach for lower lumbar spinal tuberculosis in adults: a midterm follow-up study | 10.1186/s12891-022-05539-8 |
2022-06-17 | Background Arginine (Arg) is an essential amino acid (EAA) in poultry, an important substrate for protein synthesis and a precursor of several molecules. Supplementation of EAAs with low protein (LP) diet increases the utilization efficiency of dietary crude protein (CP). However, if the EAA requirement is changed in hens fed a LP diet remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the optimal level of dietary Arg in the LP diet of hens. A total of 1350 Hy-Line Brown laying hens were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments: a basal diet (16% CP, positive control), or an isoenergetic LP diet (14% CP, 0.80% Arg) supplemented 0, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.20% L-Arg, corresponding to 0.80%, 0.85%, 0.90%, 0.95% and 1.00% dietary Arg, respectively. Results The feed efficiency was decreased ( P < 0.05) by 0.80% and 1.00% Arg-LP diets, compared to control. Within LP diets, dietary Arg level had significant quadratic effects ( P < 0.05) on laying rate, egg mass, and feed efficiency. Compared to control, the plasma CAT activity or T-AOC content were decreased by 0.80% ( P < 0.001). However, the hens offered 0.85% and 0.90% Arg-LP diets had higher CAT activity ( P < 0.001) than 0.80% Arg-LP diet. In contrast, 1.00% Arg-LP group had the highest MDA and the lowest T-AOC content in plasma, liver, duodenal and jejunal mucosa ( P < 0.05). Compared to control, the villus height was decreased by 0.80%, 0.95% and 1.00% Arg-LP diets, while the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) ratio was reduced by 0.95% and 1.00% Arg-LP diets in duodenum. Conclusion The result demonstrates that LP diet (14% CP) deficient in Arg (0.80% Arg) result in augmented oxidative damage and impaired development of intestinal mucosa. According to the quadratic broken-line regression model, the optimal dietary arginine levels for Hy-Line Brown laying hens fed with low protein diet (14% CP) aged 33 to 40 weeks are 0.85%, 0.86%, and 0.86% to obtained the maximum laying rate, egg mass, and feed efficiency, respectively. | The optimal dietary arginine level of laying hens fed with low-protein diets | 10.1186/s40104-022-00719-x |
2022-06-15 | Fluid flow in crystalline rocks in the absence of fractures or ductile shear zones dominantly occurs by grain boundary diffusion, as it is faster than volume diffusion. It is, however, unclear how reactive fluid flow is guided through such pathways. We present a microstructural, mineral chemical, and thermodynamic analysis of a static fluid-driven reaction from dry granulite to ‘wet’ eclogite. Fluid infiltration resulted in re-equilibration at eclogite-facies conditions, indicating that the granulitic protolith was out of equilibrium, but unable to adjust to changing P – T conditions. The transformation occurred in three steps: (1) initial hydration along plagioclase grain boundaries, (2) complete breakdown of plagioclase and hydration along phase boundaries between plagioclase and garnet/clinopyroxene, and (3) re-equilibration of the rock to an eclogite-facies mineral assemblage. Thermodynamic modelling of local compositions reveals that this reaction sequence is proportional to the local decrease of the Gibbs free energy calculated for ‘dry’ and ‘wet’ cases. These energy differences result in increased net reaction rates and the reactions that result in the largest decrease of the Gibbs free energy occur first. In addition, these reactions result in a local volume decrease leading to porosity formation; i.e., pathways for new fluid to enter the reaction site thus controlling net fluid flow. Element transport to and from the reaction sites only occurs if it is energetically beneficial, and enough transport agent is available. Reactive fluid flow during static re-equilibration of nominally impermeable rocks is thus guided by differences in the energy budget of the local equilibrium domains. | Reactive fluid flow guided by grain-scale equilibrium reactions during eclogitization of dry crustal rocks | 10.1007/s00410-022-01928-3 |
2022-06-15 | The objective of this study was to use electrical resistivity method in evaluating and characterizing a section of the road subgrade conditions for possible cause(s) of pavement failure. One (1) traverse of 2-D electrical resistivity and geoelectrical resistivity for ten (10) Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) data were acquired using ABEM Terrameter SAS 300. The 2-D electrical resistivity data collected was processed with the Dippro™ 4.0 software to obtain inverse model 2-D resistivity structure while the apparent resistivity data for VES were processed with the WinResist software to obtain geoelectric layers of the subsurface. The model 2-D resistivity structure and geoelectric layers were correlated to evaluate the subsurface section of the road conditions. Analyzed results revealed four (4) geologic units (layers) namely: the topsoil, laterite, weathered layer, and the fresh basement. The subgrade of the failed section was underlain by low resistivity earth materials suspected to be clay deposit with resistivity value < 50 Ωm which may be responsible for the instability that cause the road failure. Furthermore, low resistivity-weathered materials of resistivity values < 100 Ωm within basement depression presumed to be fractured beneath the failed section may also be accountable for the weakening of the subgrade that caused the road to fail. In conclusion, excavation of these low resistivity subgrade materials and filling them with competent material are the best possible solution during the design and preconstruction stage of the road pavement. | Application of electrical resistivity in evaluating a section of road conditions—a case study in Ifaki-Oye-Ikole Ekiti Highway, Nigeria | 10.1007/s12517-022-10449-z |
2022-06-14 | Background Digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i) in people with low back pain (LBP) may be efficacious in improving both sleep and pain; and twin trial designs provide greater precision of treatment effects by accounting for genetic and early environmental factors. We aimed to determine the feasibility of a trial investigating the efficacy of a digital CBT-i program in people with comorbid symptoms of insomnia and LBP, in twins and people from the general community (singletons). Methods Thirty-two twins (16 pairs) and 66 singletons with comorbid symptoms of insomnia and LBP (> 6 weeks duration) were randomized to digital CBT-i (intervention) or educational program (control) for 6 weeks. The digital CBT-I, Sleepio (developed by Big Health Inc.), was an online interactive, automated, personalized course comprising of six sessions, once a week. The education program was six emails with general sleep information, once a week. Participants were blinded to their group allocation and offered the alternative intervention at the completion of the study. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment and follow-up rates, data collection and outcome measure completion, contamination (communication about trial interventions), acceptability (adherence), credibility, and participants’ experience of the intervention. Results Sixteen out of 722 contacted twin pairs were recruited (recruitment rate = 2.2%). Twins were recruited between September 2015 and August 2018 (35 months) and singletons between October 2017 and Aug 2018 (10 months). Follow-up rates for post-intervention and 3-month follow-up were 81% and 72% for twins and 82% and 78% for singletons respectively. Adherence rates (percentage of sessions completed out of six) for the digital CBT-i were 63% for twins and 55% for singletons. Contamination (speaking about the study to each other) was present in two twin pairs (13%). Written or verbal feedback ( n = 21) regarding the digital CBT-i intervention from participants were positive ( n = 11), neutral ( n = 5), or negative ( n = 6). Conclusions Online CBT-i was received favorably with people with comorbid symptoms of insomnia and LBP. While the online data collection was successful, strategies need to be implemented to improve adherence, follow-up, control group credibility (for digital CBT-i), and twin recruitment rates (for twin trials). Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12615000672550 ). Registered 29 June 2015 | Efficacy of a digital cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in people with low back pain: a feasibility randomized co-twin and singleton-controlled trial | 10.1186/s40814-022-01087-z |
2022-06-11 | The freeze–thaw (FT) process plays a dominant role as far as the slope stability in the cold regions is concerned. The upper mountainous regions of the Himalayas are prone to recurrent FT. Himalayan rock is also used as building materials for the construction in cold hilly areas. Therefore, it becomes necessary to understand the behaviour of the Himalayan rock with respect to its deterioration prior to the construction of any engineering project. Rock samples of the Himalayan schist collected from Solang Valley in Himachal Pradesh, India were subjected to multiple FT conditioning in the laboratory. The microscopic damages and the degradation in physico-mechanical properties such as effective porosity, P-wave velocity and tensile and compressive strengths were observed on the rock specimens conditioned to 0th, 10th, 20th and 30th cycle of FT. The micro-photographs from the scanning electron microscope test reveal the widening of cracks due to FT. A significant gain in effective porosity and water absorption of about 33% and a reduction of about 11.5% in P-wave velocity, 28% in compressive strength and 40% in tensile strength was observed for rocks conditioned with 30 FT cycles. These results were further used in mathematical modelling to arrive at various coefficients, damage factor and the disintegration rate of Himalayan schist under the influence of FT. | Investigations into the freeze–thaw-induced alteration in microstructure and deteriorative responses of physico-mechanical properties of Himalayan rock | 10.1007/s10064-022-02762-4 |
2022-06-11 | Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common human γ-herpesvirus, infects more than 90% of adults worldwide. The purpose of this study was to establish a novel EBV detection method by combining the recombinase aided amplification (RAA) assay with an initial enrichment step that utilizes magnetic beads coated with a recombinant human mannan-binding lectin (rhMBL, M1 protein). An M1 protein–protein A magnetic bead complex (M1 beads) was prepared and used to achieve separation and enrichment of EBV from blood. After nucleic acid extraction, DNA was amplified by RAA. Using 388 whole blood samples and 1 serum sample, we explored the specificity, sensitivity and applicability of the newly developed detection method and compared it with commercial quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) following M1 bead enrichment, traditional qPCR and traditional RAA. After enrichment, the positivity rate of EBV was increased from 15.94% to 17.74% by RAA ( P < 0.05) and from 7.20% to 15.17% by qPCR ( P < 0.05). The viral loads after enrichment were increased by 1.13 to 23.19-fold ( P < 0.05). Our data demonstrates that an RAA assay incorporating M1 bead enrichment is a promising tool for detecting low EBV viral loads in blood samples that will facilitate an early response to EBV infection. Graphical abstract 1. The RAA with an enrichment step that utilizes magnetic beads coated with M1 protein. 2. A very effective method for detecting low-load virus in blood samples. 3. The first report describing virus detection using this method. | Detection of low-load Epstein-Barr virus in blood samples by enriched recombinase aided amplification assay | 10.1186/s13568-022-01415-9 |
2022-06-08 | The present study aimed to examine the influence of sepiolite on growth performance, meat quality, intestinal health, some blood parameters, and digestibility of nutrients in broilers fed low-protein diets with the constant energy-protein ratio. A total of 252, daily male broiler chicks were allocated to four treatment groups further divided into 9 replicates each containing 7 chicks. Low-protein diets having a constant energy-protein ratio were formulated by lowering protein and energy levels of the control group diet by 5%. Sepiolite was used at the level of 1% in the diets. After 42 days of trial, total feed consumption, total body weight gain, total feed conversion ratio, and carcass yield were not influenced by reducing protein, sepiolite supplementation, and interaction between low-protein-low-energy diet and sepiolite. Reducing protein in the diets led to reducing the digestibility of nutrients, increasing ileal viscosity, decreasing villus height, villus surface area in duodenum and jejunum, and increasing abdominal fat and ether extract, cooking losses, total oxidant status, and oxidative status index in breast meat. Sepiolite supplementation to low-protein diets increased crude protein digestibility, reduced viscosity, increased villus height/crypt depth values and reduced cooking losses, and increased water holding capacity in breast meat. Blood serum biochemical parameters and minerals were not affected by sepiolite supplementation to low-protein diets. Therefore, it is concluded that sepiolite can be added as a beneficial supplement in broiler diets as well as in low-protein diets with a constant energy-protein ratio. | Sepiolite as an effective supplement for low-protein diets with the constant energy-protein ratio in broilers | 10.1007/s11250-022-03196-6 |
2022-06-07 | Background Low temperature, which is one of the main environmental factors that limits geographical distribution and sucrose yield, is a common abiotic stress during the growth and development of sugar beet. As a regulatory hub of plant response to abiotic stress, activity in the chloroplasts is related to many molecular and physiological processes, particularly in response to low temperature stress. Results The contents of chlorophyll (Chl) and malondialdehyde (MDA), relative electrical conductivity (REL), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. The results showed that sugar beet could manage low temperature stress by regulating the levels of Chl, REL and MDA, and the activity of SOD. The physiological responses indicated that sugar beets respond positively to low temperature treatments and are not significantly damaged. Moreover, to determine the precise time to response low temperature in sugar beet, well-known abiotic stresses-responsive transcript factor family, namely DEHYDRATION RESPONSIVE ELEMENT BINDING PROTEIN ( DREB ), was selected as the marker gene. The results of phylogenetic analyses showed that BvDREBA1 and BvDREBA4 were in the same branch as the cold- and drought-responsive AtDREB gene. In addition, the expression of BvDREB s reached its maximum level at 24 h after low temperature by RNA-Seq and qRT-PCR analysis. Furthermore, the changes in chloroplast proteome after low temperature at 24 h were detected using a label-free technique. A total of 416 differentially expressed proteins were identified. GO enrichment analysis showed that 16 GO terms were significantly enriched, particularly chloroplast stroma, chloroplast envelope, and chloroplast thylakoid membrane. It is notable that the transport of photosynthetic proteins (BvLTD and BvTOC100), the formation of starch granules (BvPU1, BvISA3, and BvGWD3) and the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (BvCu/Zn-SOD, BvCAT, BvPrx, and BvTrx) were the pathways used by sugar beets to respond to low temperatures at an early stage. Conclusions These results provide a preliminarily analysis of how chloroplasts of sugar beet respond to low temperature stress at the translational level and provide a theoretical basis for breeding low temperature resistant varieties of sugar beet. | Comparative proteomic analysis on chloroplast proteins provides new insights into the effects of low temperature in sugar beet | 10.1186/s40529-022-00349-6 |
2022-06-06 | Cataloguing damage and its correlation with hazard intensity is one of the key components needed to robustly assess future risk and plan for mitigation as it provides important empirical data. Damage assessments following volcanic eruptions have been conducted for buildings and other structures following hazards such as tephra fall, pyroclastic density currents, and lahars. However, there are relatively limited quantitative descriptions of the damage caused by lava flows, despite the number of communities that have been devastated by lava flows in recent decades (e.g., Cumbre Vieja, La Palma, 2021; Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2002 and 2021; Fogo, Cape Verde, 2014–2015). The 2018 lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) lava flows of Kīlauea volcano, Hawaiʻi, inundated 32.4 km 2 of land in the Puna District, including residential properties, infrastructure, and farmland. During and after the eruption, US Geological Survey scientists and collaborators took over 8000 aerial and ground photographs and videos of the eruption processes, deposits, and impacts. This reconnaissance created one of the largest available impact datasets documenting an effusive eruption and provided a unique opportunity to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment. Drawing on this georeferenced dataset, satellite imagery, and 2019 ground-based damage surveys, we assessed the pre-event typology and post-event condition of structures within and adjacent to the area inundated by lava flows during the 2018 LERZ eruption. We created a database of damage: each structure was assigned a newly developed damage state and data quality category value. We assessed 3165 structures within the Puna District and classified 1839 structures (58%) as destroyed, 90 structures (3%) as damaged, and 1236 (39%) as unaffected. We observed a range of damage states, affected by the structural typology and hazard characteristics. Our study reveals that structures may be damaged or destroyed beyond the lava flow margin, due to thermal effects from the lava flow, fire spread, or from exposure to a range of hazards associated with fissure eruptions, such as steam, volcanic gases, or tephra fall. This study provides a major contribution to the currently limited evidence base required to forecast future lava flow impacts and assess risk. | Damage assessment for the 2018 lower East Rift Zone lava flows of Kīlauea volcano, Hawaiʻi | 10.1007/s00445-022-01568-2 |
2022-06-04 | Background Blood cultures remain the gold standard investigation for the diagnosis of bloodstream infections. In many locations, quality-assured processing of positive blood cultures is not possible. One solution is to incubate blood cultures locally, and then transport bottles that flag positive to a central reference laboratory for organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. However, the impact of delay between the bottle flagging positive and subsequent sub-culture on the viability of the isolate has received little attention. Methods This study evaluated the impact of delays to sub-culture (22 h to seven days) in three different temperature conditions (2–8 °C, 22–27 °C and 35 ± 2 °C) for bottles that had flagged positive in automated detection systems using a mixture of spiked and routine clinical specimens. Ninety spiked samples for five common bacterial causes of sepsis ( Escherichia coli , Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus pneumoniae ) and 125 consecutive positive clinical blood cultures were evaluated at four laboratories located in Cambodia, Lao PDR and Thailand. In addition, the utility of transport swabs for preserving organism viability was investigated. Results All organisms were recoverable from all sub-cultures in all temperature conditions with the exception of S. pneumoniae , which was less likely to be recoverable after longer delays (> 46–50 h), when stored in hotter temperatures (35 °C), and from BacT/ALERT when compared with BACTEC blood culture bottles. Storage of positive blood culture bottles in cooler temperatures (22–27 °C or below) and the use of Amies bacterial transport swabs helped preserve viability of S. pneumoniae . Conclusions These results have practical implications for the optimal workflow for blood culture bottles that have flagged positive in automated detection systems located remotely from a central processing laboratory, particularly in tropical resource-constrained contexts. | Impact of delayed processing of positive blood cultures on organism detection: a prospective multi-centre study | 10.1186/s12879-022-07504-1 |
2022-06-03 | Background It is important to assess the degree of brain injury and predict long-term outcomes in neonates diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). However, routine studies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and conventional encephalography (EEG) or amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG), have their own limitations in terms of availability and accuracy of evaluation. Recently, quantitative EEG (qEEG) has been shown to improve the predictive reliability of neonatal HIE and has been further refined with brain mapping techniques. Methods We investigated background EEG activities in 29 neonates with HIE who experienced therapeutic hypothermia, via qEEG using a distributed source model. MRI images were evaluated and classified into two groups (normal-to-mild injury vs moderate-to-severe injury), based on a scoring system. Non-parametric statistical analysis using standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography was performed to compare the current density distribution of four frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, and beta) between the two groups. Results Electrical neuronal activities were significantly lower in the moderate-to-severe injury group compared with the normal-to-mild injury group. Background EEG activities in moderate-to-severe HIE were most significantly reduced in the temporal and parietal lobes. Quantitative EEG also revealed a decrease in background activity at all frequency bands, with a maximum in decrease in the delta component. The maximum difference in current density was found in the inferior parietal lobule of the right parietal lobe for the delta frequency band. Conclusions Our study demonstrated quantitative and topographical changes in EEG in moderate-to-severe neonatal HIE. They also suggest possible implementation and evaluation of conventional EEG and aEEG in neonatal HIE. The findings have implications as biomarkers in the assessment of neonatal HIE. | Comparative analysis of background EEG activity based on MRI findings in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy: a standardized, low-resolution, brain electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) study | 10.1186/s12883-022-02736-9 |
2022-06-02 | Background Protein releases amino acids faster than starch releases glucose in digestive tract of pigs fed low-protein (LP) diets. Poor synchronization of dietary glucose and amino acids supply leads to compromised nitrogen efficiency. Dietary starch patterns modulation may improve this situation. Methods Growing barrows (29.7 ± 2.0 kg) were randomly allotted into 5 dietary treatments with LP diets consisting of different purified starches. Treatments included: waxy corn starch (W LP), corn starch + waxy corn starch (C + W LP), corn starch (C LP), pea starch + waxy corn starch (P + W LP) and pea starch (P LP). In the experiment, growth performance, protein deposition, nutrient metabolism, and fecal microbial community of pigs were investigated. In vitro starch digestion was used for predicting the in vivo glucose response. Results Dietary starch in vitro glucose release profile was determined by starch source and the ratio of amylopectin and amylose. C + W LP treatment showed decreased total nitrogen excretion and plasma citrulline concentration and improved plasma leptin concentration among treatments ( P < 0.05). Besides, the highest nitrogen apparent biological value, whole-body protein deposition and growth performance and lowest urinary nitrogen excretion were also observed in C + W LP treatment. Compared with the other groups, C + W LP and C LP showed increased plasma pyruvate, IGF-1, and lipase concentrations ( P < 0.05). The W LP group presented dramatically increased plasma alanine and urea nitrogen concentration and decreased aldolase and leptin concentrations ( P < 0.05). Dietary starch patterns did not make an impact on bacterial richness and diversity, but changed the taxonomic and functional structures of the microbial communities. Microbial protein fermentation product (isobutyrate and isovalerate) presented increased in P LP treatments compared with the other treatments ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Dietary starch patterns modulation can regulate dietary glucose release profile, nutrient metabolism, protein turnover, and fecal microbial fermentation in pigs. The optimal dietary glucose release profile effectively strengthened whole-body protein deposition and improve nitrogen efficiency and growth performance in growing pigs fed LP diets. | Different dietary starch patterns in low-protein diets: effect on nitrogen efficiency, nutrient metabolism, and intestinal flora in growing pigs | 10.1186/s40104-022-00704-4 |
2022-06-01 | Solar energy has been a vital renewable energy source for humanity for decades. Researchers have proposed many strategies to harness the same but solar photovoltaic (PV) is the only technology which has reached commercial scale and highly successful in meeting renewable energy goals of many countries. The major drawback of PV systems is that increase in the temperature of solar cell of the PV module beyond the threshold limit brings down its electrical efficiency (EE). Hence, this review paper discusses the different cooling techniques responsible for reducing the cell temperature, which in turn increases not only its EE, but also collection of the thermal energy that is otherwise considered to dampen the performance of the PV system. A brief study on PV with air cooling, photovoltaic thermal (PVT) with water cooling, PVT/PCM with and without fins, PVT integrated with nanofluids has been done in this review paper. PVT hybrid systems are the need of hour to get the optimum efficiency. Amongst the PVT systems, the performance analysis of PV integrated with the nanofluid is discussed and it is found to give the maximum cell temperature reduction. Since reduction in the cell temperature directly relates to better efficiency, PVT system using nanofluid as a cooling medium gives the best overall efficiency (OE) followed by PVT system incorporating water and air respectively. This review paper also gives spotlight to the real-time usages of PCM and nanofluids for the effective cooling ability especially in the case of PV module. | Performance enhancement of the photovoltaic system with different cooling methods | 10.1007/s11356-022-20330-x |
2022-06-01 | Water-based lubrication has attracted wide attention as an oil-free lubrication method owing to its greener and cleaner lubrication means. However, due to operating in the water environment, most moving parts would inevitably suffer from abrasion, rusting, and aging problems. Developing a novel solid-water composite system with ultra-low friction and wear will open new possibilities for innovative lubrication material research and development. Here, we first revealed the water-based lubrication behavior of a high-hardness niobium nitride coating (NbN). In a three-phase contact environment (water, air, and NbN), oxidation and hydrolytic reactions of NbN result in the formation of “colloidal solutions”, containing Nb 2 O 5 colloidal particles between the tribo-pairs. Utilizing the double electric layer repulsion and weak shear action of the “colloidal solution”, NbN achieves ultra-low friction and wear; the corresponding values are as low as 0.058 and 1.79 × 10 −10 mm 3 ·N −1 ·m −1 , respectively. In addition, other VB transition metal nitrides (VB TMNs) exhibit the same low friction feature as NbN in the three-phase contact environment; the friction coefficients are even lower than those in an oil-based environment. The water-based lubrication of VB TMNs provides a new reliable scheme for optimizing solid-water composite lubrication systems without additives and is expected to be applied in environments with high humidity or insufficient water coverage. | Water-based lubrication of niobium nitride | 10.1007/s40544-021-0492-2 |
2022-06-01 | This study employs a three-dimensional numerical model to simulate a vertical furnace for wafer annealing process. For a conventional furnace design, it is revealed that the top 5 pieces of the stacked wafers are exposed to lower temperatures, approximately 3–5 % lower than the operating heater temperature. Temperature distribution and the heat losses from the furnace, especially on the heat dissipated through the top header and the process door of the furnace chamber, are examined. To reduce the heat losses, furnace design improvements comprised of a thicker top header and a better thermal insulated process door are recommended. With such implementations, up to 28 % and 22 % reduction of heat dissipation through the top header and the process door, respectively, could be attained. In addition, the design of the boat cover is found to influence the temperature uniformity across the stacked wafers. To attain better temperature uniformity at the top region of stacked wafers, a furnace with a full boat cover is thus recommended. | Heat transfer analysis on wafer annealing process in semiconductor multi-wafer furnace using CFD simulation | 10.1007/s12206-022-0545-4 |
2022-06-01 | High-pressure flow-through experiments on solid rock samples are commonly conducted with experimental setups using a confining pressure to restrict the flow to the rock. These setups are often spacious, costly, and difficult to replicate by other researchers due to their individual nature. This work presents the RESECO (resin sealed column) setup which allows flow-through experiments on solid rock without a confining pressure. The column setup is only slightly larger than the sample size and has material costs per sample of a few Euros. The fluid flow is confined to the rock by a cast of epoxy resin using a metal column as an outer casing. The functionality was verified by comparing experimental results with a conventional triaxial cell. Four different rock types with varying hydraulic properties were tested and proven compatible with the setup. Additional endurance tests were performed to investigate the physical limits with regard to pore pressure and temperature. The RESECO setup can be operated with pore pressures of at least 40 MPa and temperatures up to 95 °C, and is therefore suitable for many high-pressure, high-temperature experiments, while being easily reproducible. Les expériences d’écoulement à haute pression sur des échantillons de roche solide sont généralement menées avec des configurations expérimentales utilisant une pression de confinement pour restreindre l’écoulement vers la roche. Ces configurations sont souvent spacieuses, coûteuses et difficiles à reproduire par d’autres chercheurs en raison de leur caractère unique. Ce travail présente la configuration du dispositif RESECO (colonne étanche en résine) qui permet des expériences en écoulement continu sur roche solide sans pression de confinement. La configuration de la colonne n’est que légèrement supérieure à la taille de l’échantillon et a des coûts de matériel par échantillon de quelques euros. L’écoulement du fluide est confiné à la roche par un moulage en résine époxy utilisant une colonne métallique comme tube extérieur. La fonctionnalité a été vérifiée en comparant les résultats expérimentaux avec une cellule triaxiale conventionnelle. Quatre types de roche différents avec des propriétés hydrauliques variables ont été testés et compatibles avec la configuration. Des tests de résistance supplémentaires ont été effectués pour étudier les limites physiques en ce qui concerne la pression interstitielle et la température. La configuration RESECO peut fonctionner avec des pressions interstitielles d’au moins 40 MPa et des températures jusqu’à 95 °C, et convient donc à de nombreuses expériences à haute pression et haute température, tout en étant facilement reproductible. Los experimentos de flujo de alta presión en muestras de roca sólida suelen realizarse con dispositivos experimentales que utilizan una presión de confinamiento para restringir el flujo a la roca. Estos dispositivos suelen ser amplios, costosos y difíciles de reproducir por otros investigadores debido a su naturaleza particular. Este trabajo presenta el dispositivo RESECO (columna sellada con resina) que permite realizar experimentos de flujo en roca sólida sin presión de confinamiento. El dispositivo de la columna es sólo un poco más grande que el tamaño de la muestra y tiene unos costes de material por muestra de unos pocos euros. El flujo de fluido está confinado en la roca mediante un molde de resina epoxi que utiliza una columna metálica como carcasa exterior. La funcionalidad se verificó comparando los resultados experimentales con una célula triaxial convencional. Se probaron cuatro tipos de roca diferentes con distintas propiedades hidráulicas y se demostró que eran compatibles con el dispositivo. Se realizaron pruebas adicionales de resistencia para investigar los límites físicos con respecto a la presión de poros y la temperatura. El dispositivo RESECO puede funcionar con presiones de poro de al menos 40 MPa y temperaturas de hasta 95 °C, por lo que es adecuado para muchos experimentos de alta presión y alta temperatura, siendo al mismo tiempo fácilmente reproducible. 固体岩石样品的高压流通实验通常通过使用围压来限制流向岩石的实验装置进行。这些设置通常空间较大, 成本高昂, 并且由于其特征而难以被其他研究人员应用。这项工作介绍了 RESECO(树脂密封柱)设置, 该设置允许在没有围压的情况下对固体岩石开展流通实验。柱装置仅比样本尺寸略大, 每个样本的材料成本为几欧元。通过使用金属柱作为外壳的环氧树脂铸件将流体流动限制在岩石中。通过将实验结果与传统的三轴试验进行比较, 验证了该功能。测试了四种具有不同水力特性的不同岩石类型, 并证明与该装置兼容。进行了额外的耐久性测试以研究与孔隙压力和温度有关的物理极限。RESECO 装置可以在至少 40 MPa 的孔隙压力和高达 95 °C 的温度下运行, 因此适用于许多高压、高温实验, 同时易于复制应用。 Experimentos de fluxo de alta pressão em amostras de rocha sólida são comumente conduzidos com arranjos experimentais utilizando uma pressão confinante para restringir o fluxo para a rocha. Esses arranjos são geralmente espaçosos, dispendiosos e difíceis de serem replicados por outros pesquisadores por conta de sua natureza particular. Este trabalho apresenta o arranjo RESECO (coluna selada por resina) que permite experimentos de fluxo através de rochas sólidas sem pressão confinante. A configuração da coluna é apenas ligeiramente superior ao tamanho da amostra e tem custos de material por amostra de apenas alguns euros. O fluxo é confinado à rocha por um molde de resina epóxi usando uma coluna de metal como revestimento externo. A funcionalidade foi verificada comparando os resultados experimentais com uma célula triaxial convencional. Quatro tipos diferentes de rochas com propriedades hidráulicas variadas foram testadas e comprovadas como compatíveis com o arranjo. Testes de resistência adicionais foram realizados para investigar os limites físicos em relação à pressão dos poros e temperatura. O arranjo RESECO pode ser operado com poro-pressões de no mínimo 40°MPA e temperaturas de até 95 °C e, portanto, é adequado para muitos experimentos de alta pressão e temperatura, sendo facilmente reproduzível. | The resin sealed column (RESECO) setup for flow-through experiments on solid rocks under high temperature and high pore pressure conditions | 10.1007/s10040-022-02482-9 |
2022-06-01 | Sphagnum mosses are considered peatland engineers because of their ability to create conditions inducing carbon accumulation. Here, we report on a review of the effects of four environmental variables (elevated temperature, N and CO 2 and reduced moisture) on the capitulum biomass, length increment, respiration, photosynthetic capability, N and P exchange and content of the 3 most studied Sphagnum subgenera ( Acutifolia , Cuspidata , Sphagnum ). Overall, we observe that, when compared to in situ experiments, laboratory experiments tend to exacerbate length increments and underestimate maximum photosynthesis in most of the studies inventoried. This review underscores some differences among results that can be associated with the used of different protocols (e.g. exposure time, instrumental analysis). Studies that investigated the impact of elevated temperature (2–5 °C) on Sphagnum reveal an increase in length, respiration and photosynthesis regardless of the experimental conditions and subgenus. Elevated N (3–23 g Nm −2 y −1 ) on the other hand appears to reduce the length increment but had contrasting effects on photosynthesis. Some divergent responses are found with Cuspidata species because of their tolerance to high doses of N. Low moisture reduces the length increment and photosynthesis of species of the Cuspidata and Sphagnum subgenera but has different effects on species of the Acutifolia subgenus, which are relatively tolerant to water fluctuations. Responses to elevated CO 2 have no clear trends reported. Allelochemical interactions between Sphagnum , their microbiome or surrounding mosses or other plants were found to be determinant to Sphagnum responses under those variables and reinforce the interest of such investigations. | Sphagnum physiological responses to elevated temperature, nitrogen, CO2 and low moisture in laboratory and in situ microhabitats: a review | 10.1007/s10452-021-09924-8 |
2022-06-01 | The nickel-base superalloy, alloy 617 M is considered as a candidate material for key components of the advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) power plants owing to its excellent high-temperature strength, good creep and corrosion resistance. The alloy is intended for target steam conditions of 993 K and 310 kg/cm 2 , and is the most favourable material for high-temperature components such as super heater/re-heater, sub-assemblies (including tubes and headers), steam turbine hot end high pressure (HP)/intermediate pressure (IP) rotor, steam nozzle carrier casing, etc. These components are exposed to repeated cyclic thermal gradients during start-up and shut-down of the plant. Moreover, high-temperature exposure during service also causes creep damage. In view of this, the availability of data on low cycle fatigue (LCF) and creep–fatigue interaction (CFI) become essential for design. Present study aims at generating the LCF and CFI data of the alloy at 973 K and 1023 K. Strain controlled LCF and CFI tests were conducted employing a constant strain rate of 3 × 10 –3 s –1 using triangular/trapezoidal waveform with different strain amplitudes of ± 0.25%, ± 0.4% and ± 0.6% at 973 K and 1023 K. Hold periods of 60, 600 and 1800 s were introduced in each cycle at the peak tensile strain to study the high-temperature creep–fatigue interaction behaviour. A strong cyclic hardening was observed followed by a short period of saturation before the onset of failure at the investigated temperatures and strain amplitudes. Detailed analysis of the cyclic stress response, stress relaxation and variation of cyclic life and its correlation with the fatigue ductility coefficient and exponent are presented in the paper. | Influence of Temperature and Strain Amplitude on Low Cycle Fatigue and Creep–Fatigue Interaction Behaviour of Alloy 617 M | 10.1007/s41403-022-00325-3 |
2022-06-01 | Exploring the mechanical properties of granite at high temperature under the effects of low-temperature cooling media is of great significance for deep understanding of rock engineering in a high-temperature environment, such as the development of hot dry rock. Granite was taken as the research object, and it was repeatedly treated under high temperature of 600 ℃ and cooled by liquid nitrogen. Through low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Brazilian splitting test, pore parameters and peak stress of granite samples were tested after different cycles. Moreover, energy release characteristics of granite during failure were studied based on the acoustic emission (AE) monitoring technology. The test results demonstrate that high- and low-temperature cycles affect significantly the various physical and mechanical indices of granite. With increase in number of cycles, the P-wave velocity and tensile strength of granite decreased, while the NMR-based porosity increased. The spatial–temporal evolution curve of AE counts is consistent with the stress–time curve. The deterioration degree of granite rose with increase in number of high- and low-temperature cycles. The failure characteristics of the samples subjected to high-temperature treatment changed significantly, as evidenced mainly by increase in secondary cracks, more clasts and small sizes of exfoliated particles. | Tensile Properties and Damage Evolution Laws of Granite After High- and Low-Temperature Cycles | 10.1007/s11053-022-10025-y |
2022-06-01 | Abstract The behavior of contacting bodies under the thermomechanical loading in the conditions of low-cycle fatigue was analyzed within the developed mesomechanical framework, and the nature of formation of the tribodestruction centers in the near-surface metal layer is examined. It is shown that the further development of cracks is obtained between the braking cycles as a result of heating and cooling of the surface layer and formation of the temperature gradient, when thermal stresses under the surface layer reach the highest values. These stresses become proportional to the flash point temperature and cause strong heating in the thin layers of the friction surface, leading to the formation of burns, thermal spots (“bird’s eye”) and foci of microcracks, while the microscopically observed relief determines the region of quantum fatigue. At first, these centers of microcracks develop along normal to the side of the friction surface, and, then, according to the bifurcation diagram of metal fatigue, the bifurcation region expands in the direction of surface tangent of friction during transitions from macro- to meso- and nanoscale fracture level. Based on the development of fundamental concepts of physical mesomechanics, a discussion was held of the mechanism of self-organized formation at various scale levels of microstructures, which can be used in the developed complex tribological processes. | Mesomechanics of the Frictional Contact in Low-Cycle Fatigue Conditions | 10.3103/S1068366622030059 |
2022-06-01 | Annealed hypoeutectoid ASTM A510/A853 steel wire is widely used in the construction industry due to its mechanical properties, which makes it a very versatile material to work with. This work concerns the prediction of the thickness of the scale layer of the hypoeutectoid steel wire once subjected to a batch annealing process. We propose a mathematical model to approach oxidation occurring during the process. The model treats this phenomenon as a non-isothermic instance; it takes as input a heating curve, a cooling curve, and a holding time that corresponds to the heating and cooling cycles and a heating holding cycle. We assume the temperature of material outer spiral segments as the furnace atmosphere temperature. With the aid of this model, it is possible to predict the oxide scale layer of the outer spirals segments of the annealed drawn wire coils after batch annealing with reasonable accuracy. We did not find visible evidence of decarburization; the steels of the study in this work do not decarburize. As an approximation, we assumed that the temperature of the outside of the drawn wire coils equals the furnace atmosphere. | A Mathematical Model for the Prediction of the Scale Layer Formation on ASTM A510/A853 Cold-Drawn Hypoeutectoid Steel Wire After Batch Annealing | 10.1007/s11085-022-10101-x |
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