bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for mortality among patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: A longitudinal observational study
Authors: Almaghlouth Nouf K. , Davis Monique G. , Davis Michelle A. , Anyiam Felix E. , Guevara Roberto , Antony Suresh J.
Published: September 2020

Recent literature suggests that approximately 5%–18% of patients diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 may progress rapidly to a severe form of the illness and subsequent death. We examined the relationship between sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory findings with mortality among patients. In this study, 112 patients were evaluated from February to May 2020 and 80 patients met the inclusion criteria. Tocilizumab was administered, followed by methylprednisolone to patients with pneumonia severity index score ≤130 and computerized tomography scan changes. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were collected. Laboratory biomarkers were monitored during hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed with significance p ≤ .05. A total of 80 patients: 45 males (56.25%) and 35 females (43.75%) met the study inclusion criteria. A total of 7 patients (8.75%) were deceased. An increase in mortality outcome was statistically significantly associated with higher average levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) with p value (.050), and d‐dimer with p value (.024). Bivariate logistics regression demonstrated a significant increased odds for mortality for patients with bacterial lung infections (odds ratio [OR]: 10.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.05–57.40; p = .005) and multiorgan damage (OR: 103.50; 95% CI: 9.92–1079.55; p = .001). Multivariate logistics regression showed a statistically significant association for multiorgan damage (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 94.17; 95% CI: 7.39–1200.78; p = .001). We identified three main predictors for high mortality. These include IL‐6, d‐dimer, and multiorgan damage. The latter was the highest potential risk for in‐hospital deaths. This warrants aggressive health measures for early recognition of the problem and initiation of treatment to reverse injuries.
Elevated neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio but not platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio is associated with generalized aggressive periodontitis in a Chinese population
Authors: Lu Ruifang , Li Wenjing , Wang Xiane , Shi Dong , Meng Huanxin
Published: September 2020

Background

Host inflammatory mediators are associated with tissue destruction in patients suffering from generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). However, the correlations between neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with GAgP remain unknown.

Methods

Periodontal clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), bleeding index (BI) and attachment loss (AL) were collected from patients with GAgP and healthy controls. Complete blood cells analyses were obtained; further, NLR and PLR were calculated using neutrophil, platelet, and lymphocyte counts. Smooth curve fitting and segmented regression models were used to analyze the roles and predictive value of NLR with GAgP.

Results

In total, 505 participants from a Chinese population were recruited, including 133 healthy controls and 372 patients with GAgP. Periodontal clinical parameters, NLR, and neutrophil counts were significantly higher in patients with GAgP than the control group. Moreover, NLR was positively correlated with the risk and clinical parameters of GAgP. When NLR < 3, the risk of GAgP increased by 20.6% for each 0.1 increase in NLR, reaching saturation when NLR > 3. An increase in NLR equivalent to 1 was associated with an increase in PD, BI, and AL by 0.41 mm, 0.26, and 0.57 mm, respectively. Notably, PLR did not show obvious correlations with GAgP.

Conclusions

NLR but not PLR may be a potential marker to identify GAgP in healthy individuals, particularly in a Chinese population.
A comparison of gold and silver nanocones and geometry optimisation for tip‐enhanced microscopy
Authors: McCourt Luke R. , Ruppert Michael G. , Routley Ben S. , Indirathankam Sathish C. , Fleming Andrew F.
Published: September 2020

In this article, boundary element method simulations are used to optimise the geometry of silver and gold nanocone probes to maximise the localised electric field enhancement and tune the near‐field resonance wavelength. These objectives are expected to maximise the sensitivity of tip‐enhanced Raman microscopes. Similar studies have used limited parameter sets or used a performance metric other than localised electric field enhancement. In this article, the optical responses for a range of nanocone geometries are simulated for excitation wavelengths ranging from 400 to 1000 nm. Performance is evaluated by measuring the electric field enhancement at the sample surface with a resonant illumination wavelength. These results are then used to determine empirical models and derive optimal nanocone geometries for a particular illumination wavelength and tip material. This article concludes that gold nanocones are expected to provide similar performance to silver nanocones at red and near‐infrared wavelengths, which is consistent with other results in the literature. In this article, 633 nm is determined to be the shortest usable illumination wavelength for gold nanocones. Below this limit, silver nanocones will provide superior enhancement. The use of gold nanocone probes is expected to dramatically improve probe lifetime, which is currently measured in hours for silver coated probes. Furthermore, the elimination of passivation coatings is expected to enable smaller probe radii and improved topographical resolution.
Fabrication of colloidal platforms for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy on optically inert templates
Authors: Blanco‐Formoso Maria , Pazos‐Perez Nicolas , Alvarez‐Puebla Ramon A.
Published: September 2020

Conventional substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) present some limitations. Plasmonic colloids are unstable in complex real samples and do not present hot spots. Conversely, engineered thin films are expensive and allow the study of a limited volume of sample. Hybrid platforms based in the adsorption of colloids on optically inert nano or microscaled materials put together the advantages of both classical methods for analysis. As the particles are densely packed, their assemblies present the same optical activities as the thin films, and because the inert template is usually colloidally stable, the assemblies behave as colloidal particles. This review focus on the different strategies proposed, up to date, to produce homogeneous nanoparticles (NPs) assemblies supported on colloidal templates for different applications.
Lost in reviews: Looking for the involvement of stakeholders, patients, public and other non‐researcher contributors in realist reviews
Authors: Abrams Ruth , Park Sophie , Wong Geoff , Rastogi Juhi , Boylan Anne‐Marie , Tierney Stephanie , Petrova Mila , Dawson Shoba , Roberts Nia
Published: September 2020

The involvement of non‐researcher contributors (eg, stakeholders, patients and the public, decision and policy makers, experts, lay contributors) has taken a variety of forms within evidence syntheses. Realist reviews are a form of evidence synthesis that involves non‐researcher contributors yet this practice has received little attention. In particular, the role of patient and public involvement (PPI) has not been clearly documented. This review of reviews describes the ways in which contributor involvement, including PPI, is documented within healthcare realist reviews published over the last five years. A total of 448 papers published between 2014 and 2019 were screened, yielding 71 full‐text papers included in this review. Statements about contributor involvement were synthesized across each review using framework analysis. Three themes are described in this article including nomenclature, nature of involvement, and reporting impact.

Papers indicate that contributor involvement in realist reviews refers to stakeholders, experts, or advisory groups (ie, professionals, clinicians, or academics). Patients and the public are occasionally subsumed into these groups and in doing so, the nature and impact of their involvement become challenging to identify and at times, is lost completely. Our review findings indicate a need for the realist review community to develop guidance to support researchers in their future collaboration with contributors, including patients and the public.
Synthesis, Micellization, and Surface Activity of Novel Linear‐Dendritic Carboxylate Surfactants
Authors: Lou Yuning , Dong Yajuan , Wang Xiaoyong , Gong Feirong , Zhao Min , Rong Zongming
Published: September 2020

Two generations of novel linear‐dendritic carboxylate surfactants C18‐G1‐(COONa)2 and C18‐G2‐(COONa)4 have been synthesized by the divergent method and their structures are characterized by 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Infrared analysis. The electrical conductivity measurement is used to measure the Krafft temperatures of C18‐G1‐(COONa)2 and C18‐G2‐(COONa)4, which are much smaller than those of the corresponding conventional surfactant sodium stearate. The markedly enhanced solubility of two linear‐dendritic surfactants is ascribed to the high hydrophilicity of surfactant headgroups induced by the carboxylate and ester groups. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values obtained from both the electrical conductivity and surface tension measurements indicate that the micellizations of linear‐dendritic surfactants become favorable with the increase in the number of the surfactant headgroup. However, the surface activity parameters including the surface tension at the CMC, maximum surface excess, and minimum surface area reveal that C18‐G1‐(COONa)2 exhibits greater efficiency in absorbing at the air/water interface compared to C18‐G2‐(COONa)4, owing to their different steric repulsions of the surfactant headgroups. In addition, C18‐G1‐(COONa)2 and C18‐G2‐(COONa)4 have higher emulsifying ability than the conventional surfactants sodium stearate and sodium octadecyl sulfate.
Bacillus velezensisDP‐2 isolated from Douchi and its application in soybean meal fermentation
Authors: Liu Zhiyun , Guan Xiaofeng , Zhong Xiaoxia , Zhou Xiaorong , Yang Feiyun
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Soybean meal (SBM) is the most common protein source used in the poultry and livestock industries. It has high‐quality protein, an excellent amino acid (AA) profile, and positive isoflavone properties. However, the antigen proteins in SBM are unsuitable for young animals. The objective of this study was to identify a Bacillus strain that can degrade soybean antigen proteins, and to evaluate the feasibility of its application in SBM fermentation.

RESULTS

Bacillus velezensis DP‐2 was isolated from Douchi, a fermented Chinese food. It degraded 96.14% and 66.51% of glycinin and β‐conglycinin, and increased the trichloroacetic acid‐soluble protein (TCAN) content by 5.46 times in the SBM medium. DP‐2 could secrete alkaline protease and neutral protease, with productivities of 5.85 and 5.99 U mL−1. It had broad‐spectrum, antibacterial activities against Rhizopus nigricans HR, Fusarium oxysporum ACCC37404, Penicillium digitatum SQ2, Aspergillus flavus C1, Aspergillus niger ACCC30005, Trichoderma viride YZ1, Candida tropicalis CICC1630, and Salmonella sp. ZY. For SBM fermentation, the optimal inoculum rate, temperature, and fermentation time of DP‐2 were 2.21 × 107 CFU g−1, 37 °C, and 48 h, respectively. The fermented soybean meal (FSBM) was cream‐colored and glutinous. Its crude protein (CP), soluble protein, and TCA‐N content were improved by 13.45%, 12.53%, and 6.37 times, respectively. The glycinin and β‐conglycinin content were reduced by 78.00% and 43.07%, respectively, compared with raw SBM.

CONCLUSIONS

Bacillus velezensis DP‐2 has potential as a starter culture for SBM fermentation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Antioxidant activity of purslane extract and its inhibitory effect on the lipid and protein oxidation of rabbit meat patties during chilled storage
Authors: Wang Zefu , He Zhifei , Zhang Dong , Li Hongjun
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Currently, synthetic antioxidants have been widely used to retard lipid and protein oxidation in the meat industry. However, consumers have concerns about these synthetic antioxidants because of their potential toxicological effects. Accordingly, natural antioxidants can be used as a result of their health safety compared to synthetic antioxidants. The present research aimed to assess the protective effects of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) extract (PE) against lipid and protein oxidation under chilled storage for 12 days. Rabbit meat patties were divided into five experimental groups: control (without extract), butylated hydroxytoluene BHT (with 0.02% BHT, w/w) and the different concentrations of PE (0.1%, 0.3% and 0.5%, w/w) added to rabbit meat patty labeled as 0.1% PE, 0.3% PE and 0.5% PE groups, respectively. 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity, lipid oxidation and protein oxidation were determined, and kinetic models were employed.

RESULTS

PE showed the strongest DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, and the half maximal inhibitory concentrations (i.e. IC50) of DPPH and ABTS radicals were 5.112 ± 0.384 and 12.607 ± 2.130 μg mL–1, respectively. Samples that were treated with PE showed low lipid and protein oxidation. Furthermore, the results of kinetic models indicated that PE could reduce the rates of lipid and protein oxidation.

CONCLUSION

PE showed a preservative effect with respect exerting a protective effect against lipid and protein oxidation under chilled storage conditions. Our findings demonstrate the strong potential of PE as a natural antioxidant in meat and meat products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Are olive pomace powders a safe source of bioactives and nutrients?
Authors: Ribeiro Tânia Bragança , Oliveira Ana , Coelho Marta , Veiga Mariana , Costa Eduardo M , Silva Sara , Nunes João , Vicente António A , Pintado Manuela
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

The olive oil industry generates significant amounts of semi‐solid wastes, namely olive pomace. Olive pomace is a by‐product rich in high‐value compounds (e.g. dietary fibre, unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols) widely explored to obtain new food ingredients. However, conventional extraction methods frequently use organic solvents, while novel eco‐friendly techniques have high operational costs. The development of powdered products without any extraction step has been proposed as a more feasible and sustainable approach.

RESULTS

The present study fractionated and valorized the liquid and pulp fraction of olive pomace obtaining two stable and safe powdered ingredients, namely a liquid‐enriched powder (LOPP) and a pulp‐enriched powder (POPP). These powders were characterized chemically, and their bioactivity was assessed. LOPP exhibited a significant amount of mannitol (141 g kg−1), potassium (54 g kg−1) and hydroxytyrosol derivatives (5 mg g−1). POPP exhibited a high amount of dietary fibre (620 g kg−1) associated with a significant amount of bound phenolics (7.41 mg GAE g−1 fibre DW) with substantial antioxidant activity. POPP also contained an unsaturated fatty acid composition similar to that of olive oil (76% of total fatty acids) and showed potential as a reasonable source of protein (12%). Their functional properties (solubility, water‐holding and oil‐holding capacity), antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity were also assessed, and their biological safety was verified.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of olive pomace powders for application in the food industry could be a suitable strategy to add value to olive pomace and obtain safe multifunctional ingredients with higher health‐promoting effects than dietary fibre and polyphenols. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Shock‐tube spectroscopic water measurements and detailed kinetics modeling of 1‐pentene and 3‐methyl‐1‐butene
Authors: Grégoire Claire M. , Westbrook Charles K. , Alturaifi Sulaiman A. , Mathieu Olivier , Petersen Eric L.
Published: September 2020

To understand the effects of the chemical structure of two C5 alkene isomers on their combustion properties, and to highlight the major chemical reactions occurring during their high‐temperature oxidation, water time histories were measured behind reflected shock waves for the oxidation of 1‐pentene (C5H10‐1) and 3‐methyl‐1‐butene (3M1B) in 99.5% Ar. The experiments were carried out at three different equivalence ratios (φ = 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0) at pressures and temperatures ranging from 1.29 to 1.47 atm and 1 331 to 1 877 K, respectively. The H2O quantification extends the database for 1‐pentene and provides new insights for 3M1B. These unique results were used to validate and to develop a new detailed kinetics model. Numerical predictions are presented, and the new model was able to capture the results with suitable accuracy, with 3M1B being notably more reactive than C5H10‐1. Sensitivity and rate‐of‐production analyses were performed to help explain the results. Under the present conditions, the reactivity is rapidly initiated by molecular dissociation of a fraction of the pentene isomers. The initiation phase then induces H‐atom abstraction by active radicals (H, OH, O, HO2, and CH3) to first produce alkenyl C5H9 radicals (or an alkyl radical and an alkenyl radical by breaking a C─C bond) and subsequent, smaller fragments. The difference in terms of reactivity between the isomers is essentially due to the fact that 3M1B has one particularly weak tertiary allylic C─H bond, which allows for fast H‐atom abstraction compared with 1‐pentene.
Effects of mowing and fertilization on soil quality in a semiarid grassland of North China
Authors: Wang Dong , Huang Xudong , Qiao Ning , Geng Qingling , Liu Yinzhan , Song Hongquan , Yang Zhongling , Liu Chun , Wang Gang
Published: September 2020

Soil quality has been defined as the capacity to sustain biological productivity and maintain environmental quality. Mowing and fertilization may affect ecosystem function through numerous soil properties, especially in semiarid grasslands where plant growth is limited by nutrient availability. However, the effects of grassland management on the trade‐off between soil quality and plant community structure is still unclear. Understanding the effect of land use type on soil quality is essential to adopt proper grassland management practices for a specific region. Principal component analysis was used to calculate a soil quality index (SQI) with 18 variables under the following treatments: control, mowing, nitrogen addition, and mowing plus nitrogen addition in August 2017 in a typical steppe of North China. This study showed that nitrogen addition significantly increased SQI by 0.82, field water capacity by 3.77%, soil capillary porosity by 3.30%, and soil available nitrogen content by 13.85 mg kg−1, but reduced soil aggregate proportion by 3.07%, microbial biomass nitrogen content by 7.74 mg kg−1, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by 0.02 μmol g−1, the ratio of fungus to bacteria by 0.16, and the ratio of Gram‐positive bacteria to Gram‐negative bacteria by 0.13 across the mowing and unmowing treatments. Nitrogen addition could improve productivity by increasing the soil quality but reduce plant diversity of the grassland ecosystems. Mowing did not affect SQI and aboveground biomass. The results suggested that fertilization as grassland management improved soil quality and productivity, whereas mowing was a sustainable way to maintain plant diversity in this semiarid grassland.
Feasibility of terrestrial laser scanning for quantification of vegetation structure parameters of restored sandy land in the southern Qinghai–Tibeten Plateau
Authors: Tian Jiarong , Li Haidong , Li Yingkui , Liao Chengrui , Ma Weibo , Xu Yannan
Published: September 2020

The efficiency of ecosystem restoration of degraded land is typically assessed using vegetation structure parameters (VSP). However, the field measurement of VSP, particularly in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), which is a problematic area for ecological restoration because of its harsh environment, is generally time‐consuming and labour intensive. Therefore, new methods for VSP measurement should be developed. In this study, VSP were quantified at the individual scale, including their number, height, and crown width. Furthermore, the quadrat scale, such as vegetation coverage (VC) and leaf area index (LAI) on a restored sandy plot (100 m × 100 m) in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River basin, is quantified using terrestrial laser scanning. Thereafter, the TLS‐derived VSP are validated by field measurements. To extract the VSP of low‐height vegetation (shrubs) at the individual scale, three approaches are tested: the manual measurement of VSP from TLS data, individual vegetation segmentation (IVS) without specific root locations, and IVS with specific root locations. The results indicate that the VSP of shrubs can be manually derived from the TLS data and are consistent with field measurements. By specifying the root locations before performing the IVS, the identification rate of the number of shrubs can be improved significantly from 40.3% to 100%. The height extracted by the IVS corresponds better with the manual measurement (R2 > 0.99) than with the crown width (R2 < 0.65). At the quadrat scale, the optimal resolution is analyzed to extract the VC. The analysis suggests that the optimal resolution for extracting the VC based on the canopy height model is in the 1‐2 cm range. In extracting the LAI using the voxel‐based method, it is discovered that the appropriate voxel size is linearly dependent on the mean point spacing (y = 2.143x, R2= 0.826). This study provides useful guidance for monitoring the effectiveness of ecological conservation and restoration on the QTP.
Psychrophilic properties of sulfate‐reducing bacteria in Arctic marine sediments
Authors: Scholze Caroline , Jørgensen Bo Barker , Røy Hans
Published: September 2020

Microorganisms in the seabed of most of the global oceans live at temperatures close to zero degrees, and in the polar regions even below. Respiration rates of endogenous sulfate‐reducing microorganisms in the polar seabed, however, are highest in the range of 18–30°C and much reduced at colder temperature. In the past, this was seen as indicative of poor adaptation to their cold habitat. We challenge this interpretation, and tested which temperature range allowed sulfate reducers to grow, by adding moderate amounts of volatile fatty acids to high‐arctic sediment. Initially, sulfate reduction was highest at 27°C in both Svalbard and NE Greenland. But sulfate reduction was not sustainable at this temperature and decreased rapidly over time. Below 26°C, however, sulfate reduction rates increased exponentially over time, indicating growth of sulfate‐reducing microorganisms. We used the increase in the sulfate reduction rates over 4 d to calculate potential growth rates of the endogenous sulfate reducers as function of temperature. From growth rates and respiration rates, we could further calculate the growth yield, also as function of temperature. Highest growth rates were observed at 18°C and growth yields peaked at even lower temperatures between 0°C and 10°C. The maximum growth yield at low temperature revealed a strong psychrophilic adaptation of the sulfate reducers in these Arctic sediments. The fact that growth yield was maximized at in situ temperature but maximum potential growth rate was not, is an indication that yield is the more important parameter for microbial competition in marine sediments.
Why does human phenomics matter today?
Authors: Curcin Vasa
Published: September 2020

Human phenomics responds to an urgent need in the medical research community; namely, reproducibility.
Electrochemical behavior of carbon steel with bentonite/sand in saline environment
Authors: Kitayama Ayami , Taniguchi Naoki , Mitsui Seiichiro
Published: September 2020

Current designs for the geological disposal of high‐level radioactive waste in Japan use carbon steel overpack containers surrounded by a mixed bentonite/sand buffer material, which will be located in a purpose‐built repository deep underground. Though there are many suitable sites for a repository in Japan, the coastal areas are preferable from a logistical point of view. It is, therefore, important to evaluate the long‐term performance of the carbon steel overpack and the mixed bentonite/sand buffer material in the saline groundwaters of coastal areas. In the current study, the passivation behavior and initial corrosion rates of carbon steel with and without mixed bentonite/sand were tested as a function of the pH and salt concentration in representative saline groundwaters. The main findings indicate that the passivation of carbon steel encapsulated in a buffer material will be unlikely in a saline environment, even at high pH (12), and that the corrosion rate of carbon steel is more strongly affected by the presence of the buffer material than by the salt concentration.
Status report of the Finnish spent fuel geologic repository programme and ongoing corrosion studies
Authors: Salonen Timo , Lamminmäki Tiina , King Fraser , Pastina Barbara
Published: September 2020

Posiva Oy is preparing to submit an operating licence application for a spent nuclear fuel geologic repository located at Olkiluoto, Finland. The construction licence for the underground disposal facility and encapsulation plant was granted in 2015 and construction of the disposal facility began in December 2016. Safe disposal is achieved by the KBS‐3 concept, developed in collaboration with Posiva's Swedish counterpart, the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Co, (SKB). The KBS‐3 concept consists of disposal canisters (a cast iron insert and a copper overpack), surrounded by swelling bentonite and disposed in crystalline bedrock. The copper overpack ensures containment of radioactive materials and its performance against corrosion is a key driver for the design of the engineered barrier system and the repository overall. This paper describes the current status of the Posiva programme, recent learnings from the construction of the repository, and the implications for the long‐term performance of the canister.
Stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of P285NH and API 5L X65 steel grades in the high‐level radioactive waste repository cell concept
Authors: Bulidon Nicolas , Deydier Valérie , Bumbieler Frederic , Duret‐Thual Claude , Mendibide Christophe , Crusset Didier
Published: September 2020

Since 2014, the concept developed for the disposal of high‐level radioactive waste in the French deep geological repository project Cigéo includes a cement‐based grout material. This cement‐based grout material will be injected between the casing and the claystone to neutralize the potential acidity resulting from the claystone oxidation induced by the drilling process of the disposal cell. In these conditions of pH (around 10.5) and temperature (90°C, maximum expected during the disposal), the metallic materials could be sensitive to stress corrosion cracking (SCC). In this project, different environments (aerated or deaerated, at room temperature or at 90°C) and synthetic solutions are considered to reproduce the different periods expected during the long life repository. The project is based on electrochemical measurements (polarization curves to define the SCC critical domain of potentials), slow strain rate tensile tests, and long‐term immersion for crack initiation and propagation tests.
Comparing intergranular corrosion in Al‐Mg‐Si‐Cu alloys with and without α‐Al(Fe,Mn,Cu)Si particles
Authors: Lervik Adrian , Danbolt Turid , Furu Trond , Holmestad Randi , Lunder Otto
Published: September 2020

In this study, a model alloy without Fe and Mn additions, is compared with a commercial AA6005 alloy to further understand how the α‐Al(Fe,Mn,Cu)Si particles affect intergranular corrosion (IGC) behaviour. Both alloys were subjected to an accelerated IGC test for durations ranging from 1 to 120 h. Microstructures were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. The presence of α‐Al(Fe,Mn,Cu)Si particles yields significantly more uniform IGC attacks and higher corrosion rates. However, the maximum depth of IGC attacks reaches similar values after ~24 h of exposure. This is attributed to the formation of Cu‐rich particles along the grain boundaries during the corrosion process, which further catalyses the cathodic reactions.
High‐Strength and High‐Toughness Melt‐Spun Polyethylene Fibers Derived from Composite Structure Formation
Authors: Kakiage Masaki , Takei Seito
Published: September 2020

High‐strength and high‐toughness polyethylene (PE) fibers are prepared by the melt‐spinning and subsequent drawing in the semimolten state of high‐density PE (HDPE) combined with ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight PE (UHMW‐PE). As‐spun fibers are prepared by the melt‐spinning of HDPE/UHMW‐PE blended powder with 0–30 wt% UHMW‐PE. The as‐spun fiber is drawn at 100 (solid state) and 130 °C (semimolten state). Well‐arranged stacked lamellae with highly oriented crystals are formed based on the difference in relaxation time for the drawn fiber with 30 wt% UHMW‐PE prepared at 130 °C in the semimolten state. This composite structure results in a PE fiber with high tensile strength (1.11 GPa) and high toughness (297 MJ m−3).
Stability of the radially symmetric stationary wave of the Burgers equation with multi‐dimensional initial perturbations in exterior domain
Authors: Hashimoto Itsuko
Published: September 2020

The present paper is concerned with stability of the stationary solution of the Burgers equation in exterior domains in . In the previous papers [5, 6, 7] the asymptotic behavior of radially symmetric solutions for the multi‐dimensional Burgers equation in exterior domains in , has been considered. The results [5, 6, 7] are restricted to stability of radially solutions within the class of spherically one dimensional flow. However, from a viewpoint of fluid dynamics, it is the rare case that such a radially symmetric stationary wave remains to be a radial flow under the initial disturbance. Hence it seems to be natural to handle the non‐radially symmetric perturbed fluid motion even from the radially symmetric one. On the other hand, Kozono and Ogawa [8] showed the asymptotic stability of stationary solutions for the incompressible Navier–Stokes equation on multi‐dimensional spaces. In this paper we apply their method [8] to the multidimensional Burgers equation, and show the asymptotic stability for stationary wave on .
Molecular epidemiology of Candida tropicalis isolated from urogenital tract infections
Authors: Wang Qianyu , Li Congrong , Tang Dongling , Tang Kewen
Published: September 2020

Candida tropicalis is a common human pathogenic yeast, and its molecular typing is important for studying the population structure and epidemiology of this opportunistic yeast, such as epidemic genotype, population dynamics, nosocomial infection, and drug resistance surveillance. In this study, the antifungal susceptibility test and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis were carried out on C. tropicalis from central China. Among 64 urogenital isolates, 45 diploid sequence types (DST) were found, of which 20 DSTs (44.4%) were new to the central database. The goeBURST analysis showed that CC1 (clonal complex) was the only azole‐resistant (100%, 10/10) cluster in Wuhan, which was composed of DST546, DST225, DST376, and DST506, and most of the strains (90%, 9/10) were isolated from the urinary tract. Potential nosocomial infections were mainly caused by CC1 strains. The azole resistance rate of urinary isolates (50.0%, 21/42) was higher than that of vaginal isolates (27.3%, 6/22). The genotype diversity and novelty of vaginal isolates were higher than those of urinary isolates. C. tropicalis population in Wuhan was genetically diverse and divergent from that seen in other countries. In this study, there were significant differences in genotype and azole susceptibility between urine and vaginal strains. The azole‐resistant cluster (CC1) found in urine is of great significance for the clinical treatment and prevention of nosocomial infection. The newly discovered DSTs will contribute to further study the similarity, genetic relationship, and molecular epidemiology of C. tropicalis worldwide.
Protective role of histone deacetylase 4 from ultraviolet radiation‐induced DNA lesions
Authors: Li Shanshan , Zhou Mi , Ze Kan , Sun Xiaoying , Zhao Chunming , Li Zhouru , Lu Haiyang , Jiao Ying , Wang Tianyang , Li Su , Hua Liang , Cai Hongxing , Li Xin
Published: September 2020

Ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure is a core factor that leads to skin disease or carcinogenesis through the insufficient repair of DNA lesions. UVB‐induced DNA lesions are mainly removed by the nucleotide excision repair (NER) mechanism. The expression of histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) is altered in the skin upon UVB exposure, indicating its possible implication in UVB‐induced DNA lesions repair. Here, we investigated the role of HDAC4 in the NER removal of the main classes of UVB‐induced DNA lesions consisting of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers and pyrimidine (6‐4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6‐4PPs). We found that UVB irradiation increased HDAC4 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. HDAC4 interacted with NER factor XPC, which played an important role in effectively removing the UVB‐induced DNA lesions. This study provides an understanding of the HDAC4 function in DNA repair, which will allow the development of efficient strategies to protect the skin from UVR‐induced diseases.
A fuzzy multi‐objective polynomial time algorithm to solve the stochastic transportation formulation of a hospital bed rearrangement problem
Authors: Jerbi Badreddine
Published: September 2020

This article considers the problem of bed rearrangement in a hospital. The problem is formulated as multi‐objective mathematical program. The objectives driving the reallocation of beds could be conflicting in nature. The number of needed beds in each department is found to be highly related to length of stay (LOS) of a patient. Some described it as a random variable following a power law distribution. Hence, determining the number of the reallocated beds in each department could be treated stochastically because it depends on the fluctuation of the LOS. The complexity of the problem is taking care of by formulating the problem as multi‐objective stochastic transportation problem and finding a compromise solution using a linear fuzzy function on the deterministic equivalent. The program is polynomial time solvable. The approach is illustrated through a bi‐objective bed rearrangement problem, treating the possibility of increasing the admissions and the bed occupation, with real data from a hospital.
Stabilization in a 3D eco‐epidemiological model: From the complete extinction of a predator population to their self‐healing
Authors: Starkov Konstantin E. , Krishchenko Alexander P.
Published: September 2020

In this paper, using the localization method of compact invariant sets, we examine the ultimate dynamics of the 3D prey–predator model containing two subpopulations of susceptible and infected predators. Our attention is focused to finding ultimate sizes of interacting populations, and, in addition, we show the existence of a global attracting set. Then, we derive various global conditions of ultimate extinction of at least one of the predators subpopulations and describe conditions under which all types of internal bounded dynamics are ruled out. In particular, we describe convergence conditions to omega‐limit sets located (1) in the intersection of the prey‐free plane with the infected predators‐free plane and (2) in the infected predators‐free plane. Based on the dynamical analysis of the 2D infection‐free subsystem, we obtain conditions of global attraction to (i) the prey‐only disease‐free equilibrium point, (ii) the disease‐free prey‐predator equilibrium point (self‐healing of the predator population), and (iii) the omega‐limit set containing an equilibrium point or a periodic orbit. Main theoretical results are illustrated by numerical simulation. Tools and techniques developed in this work can be appropriated in the studies within predictive population ecology of more complex eco‐epidemiological models.
Construction of feedforward neural networks with simple architectures and approximation abilities
Authors: Chen Zhixiang , Cao Feilong
Published: September 2020

The universal approximation property of feedforward neural networks (FNNs) is the basis for all FNNs applications. In almost all existing FNN approximation studies, it is always assumed that the activation function of the network satisfies certain conditions, such as sigmoid or bounded continuity. This paper focuses on building simple architecture FNNs with approximation ability by constructing an activation function. First, for any continuous function defined on [0, 1] and an arbitrary accuracy ϵ > 0, an FNN is constructed, which has only one neuron and a fixed weight 1 and can approximate the function with an accuracy of ϵ. Thereafter, we study the representation of FNNs for polynomial functions by constructing a proper activation function. It is proved that any algebraic polynomial with the degree n can be represented by an FNN. Further, a piecewise function is constructed as an activation function of an FNN such that the FNN represents the famous Bernstein polynomials.
Dietary Rapeseed Oil Supplementation Reduces Hepatic Steatosis in Obese Men—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kruse Michael , Kemper Margrit , Gancheva Sofiya , Osterhoff Martin , Dannenberger Dirk , Markgraf Daniel , Machann Jürgen , Hierholzer Johannes , Roden Michael , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H.
Published: September 2020

Scope

Effective treatment for obesity associated non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is limited. Dietary supplementation of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically alpha linolenic acid (ALA), can resolve intrahepatic lipid content (IHL). This study investigates the effect of daily supplementation of either refined rapeseed (RA), containing high amounts of ALA, or refined olive (OL) oil on IHL and glucose metabolism in NAFLD patients.

Methods and results

27 obese men consumed an isocaloric diet including either 50 g of RA or OL daily for 8 weeks. Hepatic proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp studies and blood tests are performed before and at the end of the study. At 8 weeks a significant reduction in IHL is observed for RA (13.1 ± 1.6 before versus 11.1 ± 1.6% after intervention) versus OL (13.3 ± 2.5 before versus 15.7 ± 2.7% after intervention). For RA, a 21% reduction (P < 0.02) in serum free fatty acids (FFA) and a 1.68‐fold increase (P = 0.03) of serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is observed after 8 weeks.

Conclusion

RA has a beneficial effect on hepatic lipid metabolism as shown by reduced IHL and serum FFA. RA induced IL‐6 production seems to be liver protective confirming previous results.
Common Carp Are Initially Repelled by a Broadband Outboard Motor Sound in a Lock Chamber but Habituate Rapidly
Authors: Dennis Clark E. , Sorensen Peter W.
Published: September 2020

Projecting sound into navigational locks has been suggested as a promising way to block the upstream movement of invasive species of carp (family Cyprinidae). This possibility is promising because carp have a good sense of hearing compared to non-ostariophysian fishes. Although the broadband sound of an outboard motor has been shown to repel several species of carp in laboratory arenas, its efficacy in a navigational lock is unknown. This study tested whether wild-caught Common Carp Cyprinus carpio are repelled by this sound in a lock chamber in a similar manner to that observed in laboratory studies. We found that while the sound of a 40-hp outboard motor repelled Common Carp in a lock the first time it was tested, the fish stopped responding after that, suggesting that they had habituated. This result differed from that of a laboratory study that used the same sound at the same volume and found responses to persist for three exposures before dissipating. Many factors, including the use of wild Common Carp already familiar with outboard motor sounds and differences in background noise, may have been responsible for differences between laboratory and field results. There is a need for more field tests using other sounds and carp species.
Energy Expenditure and Macronutrient Oxidation in Response to an Individualized Nonshivering Cooling Protocol
Authors: Sanchez‐Delgado Guillermo , Alcantara Juan M. A. , Acosta Francisco M. , Martinez‐Tellez Borja , Amaro‐Gahete Francisco J. , Merchan‐Ramirez Elisa , Löf Marie , Labayen Idoia , Ravussin Eric , Ruiz Jonatan R.
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aimed to describe the energy expenditure (EE) and macronutrient oxidation response to an individualized nonshivering cold exposure in young healthy adults.

Methods

Two different groups of 44 (study 1: 22.1  [SD 2.1] years old, 25.6  [SD 5.2] kg/m2, 34% men) and 13 young healthy adults (study 2: 25.6  [SD 3.0] years old, 23.6  [SD 2.4] kg/m2, 54% men) participated in this study. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and macronutrient oxidation rates were measured by indirect calorimetry under fasting conditions in a warm environment (for 30 minutes) and in mild cold conditions (for 65 minutes, with the individual wearing a water‐perfused cooling vest set at an individualized temperature adjusted to the individual’s shivering threshold).

Results

In study 1, EE increased in the initial stage of cold exposure and remained stable for the whole cold exposure (P < 0.001). Mean cold‐induced thermogenesis (9.56 ± 7.9 kcal/h) was 13.9% ± 11.6% of the RMR (range: −14.8% to 39.9% of the RMR). Carbohydrate oxidation decreased during the first 30 minutes of the cold exposure and later recovered up to the baseline values (P < 0.01) in parallel to opposite changes in fat oxidation (P < 0.01). Results were replicated in study 2.

Conclusions

A 1‐hour mild cold exposure individually adjusted to elicit maximum nonshivering thermogenesis induces a very modest increase in EE and a shift of macronutrient oxidation that may underlie a shift in thermogenic tissue activity.
Optimal control of nonzero sum game mean‐field delayed Markov regime‐switching forward‐backward system with Lévy processes
Authors: Deepa R. , Muthukumar P. , Hafayed Mokhtar
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the optimal control problem of nonzero sum game mean‐field delayed Markov regime‐switching forward‐backward stochastic system with Lévy processes associated with Teugels martingales over the infinite time horizon. Based on the transversality conditions, assumption of convex control domain, infinite‐horizon version of stochastic maximum principle (Nash equilibrium), and necessary condition for optimality are established. Finally, the Nash equilibrium for the optimization problem in the financial market is considered to illustrate the observed theoretical results.
Phosphorylated cellulose/Fe3+ complex: A novel flame retardant for epoxy resins
Authors: Shi Congling , Qian Xiaodong , Jing Jingyun
Published: September 2020

A novel flame retardant containing cellulose, phosphorus and ferrum complex (Cell‐P‐Fe) was successfully synthesized and then it was used as flame retardants in epoxy resins (EP). Due to the present of acid sources and carbon sources, the Cell‐P‐Fe exhibits improved thermal stability and flame retardant properties. The EP/Cell‐P‐Fe composites with 10 wt% of Cell‐P‐Fe show remarkably improved LOI and UL‐94 values compared with the flame retardants without ferrum. At the loading of 10.0 wt% flame retardants, the char yield for EP/Cell‐P‐Fe composites increased to 29.1 wt%, indicating the improved thermal stability at high temperature. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis, morphology of char residues and FTIR results demonstrate that stable char layers are formed on the surface of the composites during the combustion, attributing to the catalytic carbonization effect of Fe and phosphorus and the present of cellulose as carbon source. The stable char layers, which can protect the underlying materials from heat and oxygen, play an important role in the flame retardancy enhancement.
Influence of fabric geometry on yarn pull‐out property and wear performance of hybrid S‐glass/PTFE fabric‐reinforced composites
Authors: Li Peilong , Zhang Zhaozhu , Yang Mingming , Yuan Junya , Wu Liangfei , Jiang Wei , Zhao Xin , Cai Ming
Published: September 2020

The friction states between yarns affect the stress transferred in fabric and the fabric structure significantly affects the tribological properties of composites. In this aricle, the effects of fabric structure on yarn pull‐out property and tribological performance of composite were thoroughly studied. Four different fabrics with same tissue cycles number and thread count (2/2 double twills, 1/3 twill, 4‐shaft satin, and 4‐shaft reinforced satin) were used to evaluate the yarn pull‐out property in fabric and the tribological performance of corresponding composites. The results indicate that fabric structure has a significant effect on the yarn pull‐out property in fabric. In particular, the yarn pull‐out property of 4‐shaft reinforced satin was best in the four fabrics structure used in this article owing to the excellent integrity of the 4‐shaft reinforced satin fabric structure and the distribution characteristics of the fabric intersection points. The tribological performance of the 4‐shaft reinforced satin fabric enhanced composites were positively correlated with yarn pull‐out property because the yarn pull‐out property in fabric played an important role in energy dissipation and load carry capacity.
Assessing the impact of unmeasured confounders for credible and reliable real‐world evidence
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Stamey James D. , Mathur Maya B.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

We review statistical methods for assessing the possible impact of bias due to unmeasured confounding in real world data analysis and provide detailed recommendations for choosing among the methods.

Methods

By updating an earlier systematic review, we summarize modern statistical best practices for evaluating and correcting for potential bias due to unmeasured confounding in estimating causal treatment effect from non‐interventional studies.

Results

We suggest a hierarchical structure for assessing unmeasured confounding. First, for initial sensitivity analyses, we strongly recommend applying a recently developed method, the E‐value, that is straightforward to apply and does not require prior knowledge or assumptions about the unmeasured confounder(s). When some such knowledge is available, the E‐value could be supplemented by the rule‐out or array method at this step. If these initial analyses suggest results may not be robust to unmeasured confounding, subsequent analyses could be conducted using more specialized statistical methods, which we categorize based on whether they require access to external data on the suspected unmeasured confounder(s), internal data, or no data. Other factors for choosing the subsequent sensitivity analysis methods are also introduced and discussed, including the types of unmeasured confounders and whether the subsequent sensitivity analysis is intended to provide a corrected causal treatment effect.

Conclusion

Various analytical methods have been proposed to address unmeasured confounding, but little research has discussed a structured approach to select appropriate methods in practice. In providing practical suggestions for choosing appropriate initial and, potentially, more specialized subsequent sensitivity analyses, we hope to facilitate the widespread reporting of such sensitivity analyses in non‐interventional studies. The suggested approach also has the potential to inform pre‐specification of sensitivity analyses before executing the analysis, and therefore increase the transparency and limit selective study reporting.