bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Synthetic Measure (I-VIFSM) Based on Hellwig’s Approach in the Analysis of Survey Data
Authors: Roszkowska Ewa , Jefmański Bartłomiej
Published: January 2021

Several complex phenomena are measured with the use of tools in the form of a questionnaire where the values of criteria are assessed by the respondents using ordinal scales. Therefore, a special method of construction of synthetic measure is needed which takes into account the fact that such measurement scale allows only to determine the relationship between the states of objects: diversity, equality, minority, and majority. The main goal of this study is to propose a synthetic measure based on Hellwig’s approach and the interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy set theory which allows to measure complex social phenomena under uncertainty, including data from questionnaire surveys. First, the method of converting ordinal data from questionnaires to interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (I-VIFS) is proposed. Next, the method of constructing a synthetic measure for I-VIFS is presented. Finally, through this synthetic measure, the optimism coefficient is defined, which allows to set the limits of the intervals for I-VIFS parameters. The usefulness of the proposed approach is showed using the results of a questionnaire survey of the subjective quality of life of inhabitants of selected communes in Poland. Results indicate that the synthetic measure is suitable and effective to evaluate complex phenomena based on ordinal data from questionnaire surveys under the conditions of measurement uncertainty. Moreover, the use of the concept of the optimism coefficient increases the flexibility of its application.
Reliable Efficient Difference Methods for Random Heterogeneous Diffusion Reaction Models with a Finite Degree of Randomness
Authors: Casabán María Consuelo , Company Rafael , Jódar Lucas
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with the search for reliable efficient finite difference methods for the numerical solution of random heterogeneous diffusion reaction models with a finite degree of randomness. Efficiency appeals to the computational challenge in the random framework that requires not only the approximating stochastic process solution but also its expectation and variance. After studying positivity and conditional random mean square stability, the computation of the expectation and variance of the approximating stochastic process is not performed directly but through using a set of sampling finite difference schemes coming out by taking realizations of the random scheme and using Monte Carlo technique. Thus, the storage accumulation of symbolic expressions collapsing the approach is avoided keeping reliability. Results are simulated and a procedure for the numerical computation is given.
The Effect of Fractional Time Derivative on Two-Dimension Porous Materials Due to Pulse Heat Flux
Authors: Saeed Tareq , A. Abbas Ibrahim
Published: January 2021

In the present article, the generalized thermoelastic wave model with and without energy dissipation under fractional time derivative is used to study the physical field in porous two-dimensional media. By applying the Fourier-Laplace transforms and eigenvalues scheme, the physical quantities are presented analytically. The surface is shocked by heating (pulsed heat flow problem) and application of free traction on its outer surface (mechanical conditions) by the process of temperature transport (diffusion) to observe the full analytical solutions of the main physical fields. The magnesium (Mg) material is used to make the simulations and obtain numerical outcomes. The basic physical field quantities are graphed and discussed. Comparisons are made in the results obtained under the strong (SC), the weak (WC) and the normal (NC) conductivities.
Bioactive Ascochlorin Analogues from the Marine-Derived Fungus Stilbella fimetaria
Authors: Subko Karolina , Kildgaard Sara , Vicente Francisca , Reyes Fernando , Genilloud Olga , Larsen Thomas O.
Published: January 2021

The marine-derived fungus Stilbella fimetaria is a chemically talented fungus producing several classes of bioactive metabolites, including meroterpenoids of the ascochlorin family. The targeted dereplication of fungal extracts by UHPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS revealed the presence of several new along with multiple known ascochlorin analogues (19–22). Their structures and relative configuration were characterized by 1D and 2D NMR. Further targeted dereplication based on a novel 1,4-benzoquinone sesquiterpene derivative, fimetarin A (22), resulted in the identification of three additional fimetarin analogues, fimetarins B–D (23–25), with their tentative structures proposed from detailed MS/HRMS analysis. In total, four new and eight known ascochlorin/fimetarin analogues were tested for their antimicrobial activity, identifying the analogues with a 5-chloroorcylaldehyde moiety to be more active than the benzoquinone analogue. Additionally, the presence of two conjugated double bonds at C-2′/C-3′ and C-4′/C-5′ were found to be essential for the observed antifungal activity, whereas the single, untailored bonds at C-4′/C-5′ and C-8′/C-9′ were suggested to be necessary for the observed antibacterial activity.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Medicines in 2020
Authors:   Medicines Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Medicines maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Hybrid Process of Adsorption/Coagulation/Ceramic MF for Removing Pesticides in Drinking Water Treatment—Inline vs. Contact Tank PAC Dosing
Authors: Viegas Rui M. C. , Campinas Margarida , Coelho Rosário , Lucas Helena , Rosa Maria João
Published: January 2021

Two pilot trials of powdered activated carbon (PAC)/(coagulation)/ceramic microfiltration were conducted to compare continuous 10–12 mg/L PAC inline dosing with 8–10 mg/L dosing to a 2 h-contact tank. Two low turbidity/low natural organic matter (NOM, total organic carbon <2 mg C/L) surface waters spiked with 7.2–10.3 µg/L total-pesticides were tested and the dosing options were compared towards operational performance, average removal of pesticides and NOM and costs. Removal differences between the two PAC dosing options depended on pesticides’ amenability to adsorption and NOM characteristics (254 nm absorbance, A254). Waters containing low A254-absorbing NOM and only pesticides amenable to adsorption showed very high removals (all pesticides ≥93%) and no significant differences between the two PAC dosing options. Waters containing higher A254-absorbing NOM and high loads of pesticides less amenable to adsorption (dimethoate, bentazone) required higher inline PAC dose. Those or more severe conditions may require PAC doses higher than tested to comply with the Drinking Water Directive limits for pesticides. Cost analysis showed PAC inline dosing is more cost-effective than PAC dosing to the contact tank when identical PAC dose is sufficient or when the doses are low, even if 50% higher for inline dosing, and the plant is small.
Early-Stage Recovery of Lithium from Tailored Thermal Conditioned Black Mass Part I: Mobilizing Lithium via Supercritical CO2-Carbonation
Authors: Schwich Lilian , Schubert Tom , Friedrich Bernd
Published: January 2021

In the frame of global demand for electrical storage based on lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), their recycling with a focus on the circular economy is a critical topic. In terms of political incentives, the European legislative is currently under revision. Most industrial recycling processes target valuable battery components, such as nickel and cobalt, but do not focus on lithium recovery. Especially in the context of reduced cobalt shares in the battery cathodes, it is important to investigate environmentally friendly and economic and robust recycling processes to ensure lithium mobilization. In this study, the method early-stage lithium recovery (“ESLR”) is studied in detail. Its concept comprises the shifting of lithium recovery to the beginning of the chemo-metallurgical part of the recycling process chain in comparison to the state-of-the-art. In detail, full NCM (Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide)-based electric vehicle cells are thermally treated to recover heat-treated black mass. Then, the heat-treated black mass is subjected to an H2O-leaching step to examine the share of water-soluble lithium phases. This is compared to a carbonation treatment with supercritical CO2, where a higher extent of lithium from the heat-treated black mass can be transferred to an aqueous solution than just by H2O-leaching. Key influencing factors on the lithium yield are the filter cake purification, the lithium separation method, the solid/liquid ratio, the pyrolysis temperature and atmosphere, and the setup of autoclave carbonation, which can be performed in an H2O-environment or in a dry autoclave environment. The carbonation treatments in this study are reached by an autoclave reactor working with CO2 in a supercritical state. This enables selective leaching of lithium in H2O followed by a subsequent thermally induced precipitation as lithium carbonate. In this approach, treatment with supercritical CO2 in an autoclave reactor leads to lithium yields of up to 79%.
Correlation between Microstructures and Ductility Parameters of Cold Drawn Hyper-Eutectoid Steel Wires with Different Drawing Strains and Post-Deformation Annealing Conditions
Authors: Jung Jin Young , An Kang Suk , Park Pyeong Yeol , Nam Won Jong
Published: January 2021

The relationship between microstructures and ductility parameters, including reduction of area, elongation to failure, occurrence of delamination, and number of turns to failure in torsion, in hypereutectoid pearlitic steel wires was investigated. The transformed steel wires at 620 °C were successively dry-drawn to drawing strains from 0.40 to 2.38. To examine the effects of hot-dip galvanizing conditions, post-deformation annealing was performed on cold drawn steel wires (ε = 0.99, 1.59, and 2.38) with a different heating time of 30–3600 s at 500 °C in a salt bath. In cold drawn wires, elongation to failure dropped due to the formation of dislocation substructures, decreased slowly due to the increase of dislocation density, and saturated with drawing strain. During annealing, elongation to failure increased due to recovery, and saturated with annealing time. The variation of elongation to failure in cold drawn and annealed steel wires would depend on the distribution of dislocations in lamellar ferrite. The orientation of lamellar cementite and the shape of cementite particles would become an effective factor controlling number of turns to failure in torsion of cold drawn and annealed steel wires. The orientation and shape of lamellar cementite would become microstructural features controlling reduction of area of cold drawn and annealed steel wires. The density of dislocations contributed to reduction of area to some extent.
Effect of Low-Temperature Annealing on Creep Properties of AlSi10Mg Alloy Produced by Additive Manufacturing: Experiments and Modeling
Authors: Paoletti Chiara , Cerri Emanuela , Ghio Emanuele , Santecchia Eleonora , Cabibbo Marcello , Spigarelli Stefano
Published: January 2021

The effects of postprocessing annealing at 225 °C for 2 h on the creep properties of AlSi10Mg alloy were investigated through constant load experiments carried out at 150 °C, 175 °C and 225 °C. In the range of the experimental conditions here considered, the annealing treatment resulted in an increase in minimum creep rate for a given stress. The reduction in creep strength was higher at the lowest temperature, while the effect progressively vanished as temperature increased and/or applied stress decreased. The minimum creep rate dependence on applied stress was modeled using a physically-based model which took into account the ripening of Si particles at high temperature and which had been previously applied to the as-deposited alloy. The model was successfully validated, since it gave an excellent description of the experimental data.
Amino Acid Metabolism in Apicomplexan Parasites
Authors: Krishnan Aarti , Soldati-Favre Dominique
Published: January 2021

Obligate intracellular pathogens have coevolved with their host, leading to clever strategies to access nutrients, to combat the host’s immune response, and to establish a safe niche for intracellular replication. The host, on the other hand, has also developed ways to restrict the replication of invaders by limiting access to nutrients required for pathogen survival. In this review, we describe the recent advancements in both computational methods and high-throughput –omics techniques that have been used to study and interrogate metabolic functions in the context of intracellular parasitism. Specifically, we cover the current knowledge on the presence of amino acid biosynthesis and uptake within the Apicomplexa phylum, focusing on human-infecting pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium falciparum. Given the complex multi-host lifecycle of these pathogens, we hypothesize that amino acids are made, rather than acquired, depending on the host niche. We summarize the stage specificities of enzymes revealed through transcriptomics data, the relevance of amino acids for parasite pathogenesis in vivo, and the role of their transporters. Targeting one or more of these pathways may lead to a deeper understanding of the specific contributions of biosynthesis versus acquisition of amino acids and to design better intervention strategies against the apicomplexan parasites.
Animal Models in the Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Phage Therapy for Infections Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria from the ESKAPE Group and the Reliability of Its Use in Humans
Authors: Cieślik Martyna , Bagińska Natalia , Górski Andrzej , Jończyk-Matysiak Ewa
Published: January 2021

The authors emphasize how extremely important it is to highlight the role played by animal models in an attempt to determine possible phage interactions with the organism into which it was introduced as well as to determine the safety and effectiveness of phage therapy in vivo taking into account the individual conditions of a given organism and its physiology. Animal models in which phages are used make it possible, among other things, to evaluate the effective therapeutic dose and to choose the possible route of phage administration depending on the type of infection developed. These results cannot be applied in detail to the human body, but the knowledge gained from animal experiments is invaluable and very helpful. We would like to highlight how useful animal models may be for the possible effectiveness evaluation of phage therapy in the case of infections caused by gram-negative bacteria from the ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter species) group of pathogens. In this review, we focus specifically on the data from the last few years.
Iron and Carbon Isotope Constraints on the Formation Pathway of Iron-Rich Carbonates within the Dagushan Iron Formation, North China Craton
Authors: Tong Xiaoxue , Mänd Kaarel , Li Yuhao , Zhang Lianchang , Peng Zidong , Wu Qiang , Li Pengbo , Zhai Mingguo , Robbins Leslie J. , Wang Changle , Konhauser Kurt O.
Published: January 2021

Banded iron formations (BIFs) are enigmatic chemical sedimentary rocks that chronicle the geochemical and microbial cycling of iron and carbon in the Precambrian. However, the formation pathways of Fe carbonate, namely siderite, remain disputed. Here, we provide photomicrographs, Fe, C and O isotope of siderite, and organic C isotope of the whole rock from the ~2.52 Ga Dagushan BIF in the Anshan area, China, to discuss the origin of siderite. There are small magnetite grains that occur as inclusions within siderite, suggesting a diagenetic origin of the siderite. Moreover, the siderites have a wide range of iron isotope compositions (δ56FeSd) from −0.180‰ to +0.463‰, and a relatively negative C isotope composition (δ13CSd = −6.20‰ to −1.57‰). These results are compatible with the reduction of an Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide precursor to dissolved Fe(II) through microbial dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR) during early diagenesis. Partial reduction of the precursor and possible mixing with seawater Fe(II) could explain the presence of siderite with negative δ56Fe, while sustained reaction of residual Fe(III)-oxyhydroxide could have produced siderite with positive δ56Fe values. Bicarbonate derived from both DIR and seawater may have provided a C source for siderite formation. Our results suggest that microbial respiration played an important role in the formation of siderite in the late Archean Dagushan BIF.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Minerals in 2020
Authors:   Minerals Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Minerals maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Actuating Shape Memory Polymer for Thermoresponsive Soft Robotic Gripper and Programmable Materials
Authors: Schönfeld Dennis , Chalissery Dilip , Wenz Franziska , Specht Marius , Eberl Chris , Pretsch Thorsten
Published: January 2021

For soft robotics and programmable metamaterials, novel approaches are required enabling the design of highly integrated thermoresponsive actuating systems. In the concept presented here, the necessary functional component was obtained by polymer syntheses. First, poly(1,10-decylene adipate) diol (PDA) with a number average molecular weight Mn of 3290 g·mol−1 was synthesized from 1,10-decanediol and adipic acid. Afterward, the PDA was brought to reaction with 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol. The resulting polyester urethane (PEU) was processed to the filament, and samples were additively manufactured by fused-filament fabrication. After thermomechanical treatment, the PEU reliably actuated under stress-free conditions by expanding on cooling and shrinking on heating with a maximum thermoreversible strain of 16.1%. Actuation stabilized at 12.2%, as verified in a measurement comprising 100 heating-cooling cycles. By adding an actuator element to a gripper system, a hen’s egg could be picked up, safely transported and deposited. Finally, one actuator element each was built into two types of unit cells for programmable materials, thus enabling the design of temperature-dependent behavior. The approaches are expected to open up new opportunities, e.g., in the fields of soft robotics and shape morphing.
Crocins, the Bioactive Components of Crocus sativus L., Counteract the Disrupting Effects of Anesthetic Ketamine on Memory in Rats
Authors: Pitsikas Nikolaos , Tarantilis Petros A.
Published: January 2021

Consistent experimental evidence suggests that anesthetic doses of the non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist ketamine cause severe memory impairments in rodents. Crocins are among the various bioactive ingredients of the plant Crocus sativus L., and their implication in memory is well-documented. It has not yet been elucidated if crocins are able to attenuate the memory deficits produced by anesthetic ketamine. The present study was undertaken aiming to clarify this issue in the rat. For this aim, the object recognition, the object location and the habituation tests, reflecting non-spatial recognition memory, spatial recognition memory and associative memory, respectively, were utilized. A post-training challenge with crocins (15–30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), acutely) counteracted anesthetic ketamine (100 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced performance impairments in all the above-mentioned behavioral memory paradigms. The current findings suggest that crocins modulate anesthetic ketamine’s amnestic effects.
Radioactive Molecules 2019–2020
Authors: Jensen Svend Borup
Published: January 2021

It is with great pleasure that I have accepted the challenge of reviewing and summarizing the articles published in Molecules through 2019 and 2020 on radioactive molecules [...]
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Assessment of the Antibacterial Activity of Some New Aminopyridine, Pyrrolidine, Piperidine and Morpholine Acetamides
Authors: Alsamarrai Abdulmajeed S. H. , Abdulghani Saba S.
Published: January 2021

A series of new acetamide derivatives 22–28 of primary and secondary amines and para-toluene sulphinate sodium salt have been synthesized under microwave irradiation and assessed in vitro for their antibacterial activity against one Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacterial species such as S. pyogenes, E. coli, and P. mirabilis using the Mueller-Hinton Agar diffusion (well diffusion) method. The synthesized compounds with significant differences in inhibition diameters and MICs were compared with those of amoxicillin, ampicillin, cephalothin, azithromycin and doxycycline. All of the evaluated acetamide derivatives were used with varying inhibition concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 37.5, 62.5, 87.5, 112.5 and 125 µg/mL. The results show that the most important antibacterial properties were displayed by the synthetic compounds 22 and 24, both of bear a para-chlorophenyl moiety incorporated into the 2-position moiety of acetamide 1. The molecular structures of the new compounds were determined using the FT-IR and 1H-NMR techniques.
Interface Kinetics Assisted Barrier Removal in Large Area 2D-WS2 Growth to Facilitate Mass Scale Device Production
Authors: Abid  , Sehrawat Poonam , Julien Christian M. , Islam Saikh S.
Published: January 2021

Growth of monolayer WS2 of domain size beyond few microns is a challenge even today; and it is still restricted to traditional exfoliation techniques, with no control over the dimension. Here, we present the synthesis of mono- to few layer WS2 film of centimeter2 size on graphene-oxide (GO) coated Si/SiO2 substrate using the chemical vapor deposition CVD technique. Although the individual size of WS2 crystallites is found smaller, the joining of grain boundaries due to sp2-bonded carbon nanostructures (~3–6 nm) in GO to reduced graphene-oxide (RGO) transformed film, facilitates the expansion of domain size in continuous fashion resulting in full coverage of the substrate. Another factor, equally important for expanding the domain boundary, is surface roughness of RGO film. This is confirmed by conducting WS2 growth on Si wafer marked with few scratches on polished surface. Interestingly, WS2 growth was observed in and around the rough surface irrespective of whether polished or unpolished. More the roughness is, better the yield in crystalline WS2 flakes. Raman mapping ascertains the uniform mono-to-few layer growth over the entire substrate, and it is reaffirmed by photoluminescence, AFM and HRTEM. This study may open up a new approach for growth of large area WS2 film for device application. We have also demonstrated the potential of the developed film for photodetector application, where the cycling response of the detector is highly repetitive with negligible drift.
Nanomaterial-Enabled Sensors and Therapeutic Platforms for Reactive Organophosphates
Authors: Choi Seok Ki
Published: January 2021

Unintended exposure to harmful reactive organophosphates (OP), which comprise a group of nerve agents and agricultural pesticides, continues to pose a serious threat to human health and ecosystems due to their toxicity and prolonged stability. This underscores an unmet need for developing technologies that will allow sensitive OP detection, rapid decontamination and effective treatment of OP intoxication. Here, this article aims to review the status and prospect of emerging nanotechnologies and multifunctional nanomaterials that have shown considerable potential in advancing detection methods and treatment modalities. It begins with a brief introduction to OP types and their biochemical basis of toxicity followed by nanomaterial applications in two topical areas of primary interest. One topic relates to nanomaterial-based sensors which are applicable for OP detection and quantitative analysis by electrochemical, fluorescent, luminescent and spectrophotometric methods. The other topic is directed on nanotherapeutic platforms developed as OP remedies, which comprise nanocarriers for antidote drug delivery and nanoscavengers for OP inactivation and decontamination. In summary, this article addresses OP-responsive nanomaterials, their design concepts and growing impact on advancing our capability in the development of OP sensors, decontaminants and therapies.
Spectral-Phase Interferometry Detection of Ochratoxin A via Aptamer-Functionalized Graphene Coated Glass
Authors: Nekrasov Nikita , Yakunina Natalya , Pushkarev Averyan V. , Orlov Alexey V. , Gadjanski Ivana , Pesquera Amaia , Centeno Alba , Zurutuza Amaia , Nikitin Petr I. , Bobrinetskiy Ivan
Published: January 2021

In this work, we report a novel method of label-free detection of small molecules based on direct observation of interferometric signal change in graphene-modified glasses. The interferometric sensor chips are fabricated via a conventional wet transfer method of CVD-grown graphene onto the glass coverslips, lowering the device cost and allowing for upscaling the sensor fabrication. For the first time, we report the use of graphene functionalized by the aptamer as the bioreceptor, in conjunction with Spectral-Phase Interferometry (SPI) for detection of ochratoxin A (OTA). In a direct assay with an OTA-specific aptamer, we demonstrated a quick and significant change of the optical signal in response to the maximum tolerable level of OTA concentration. The sensor regeneration is possible in urea solution. The developed platform enables a direct method of kinetic analysis of small molecules using a low-cost optical chip with a graphene-aptamer sensing layer.
Modification of Surface Bond Au Nanospheres by Chemically and Plasmonically Induced Pd Deposition
Authors: Stolle Heike Lisa Kerstin Stephanie , Csáki Andrea , Dellith Jan , Fritzsche Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

In this work we investigated methods of modifying gold nanospheres bound to a silicon surface by depositing palladium onto the surfaces of single nanoparticles. Bimetallic Au-Pd nanoparticles can thus be gained for use in catalysis or sensor technology. For Pd deposition, two methods were chosen. The first method was the reduction of palladium acetate by ascorbic acid, in which the amounts of palladium acetate and ascorbic acid were varied. In the second method we utilized light-induced metal deposition by making use of the plasmonic effect. Through this method, the surface bond nanoparticles were irradiated with light of wavelengths capable of inducing plasmon resonance. The generation of hot electrons on the particle surface then reduced the palladium acetate in the vicinity of the gold nanoparticle, resulting in palladium-covered gold nanospheres. In our studies we demonstrated the effect of both enhancement methods by monitoring the particle heights over enhancement time by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and investigated the influence of ascorbic acid/Pd acetate concentration as well as the impact of the irradiated wavelengths on the enhancement effect. It could thus be proven that both methods were valid for obtaining a deposition of Pd on the surface of the gold nanoparticles. Deposition of Pd on the gold particles using the light-assisted method could be observed, indicating the impact of the plasmonic effect and hot electron for Pd acetate reduction on the gold particle surface. In the case of the reduction method with ascorbic acid, in addition to Pd deposition on the gold nanoparticle surface, larger pure Pd particles and extended clusters were also generated. The reduction with ascorbic acid however led to a considerably thicker Pd layer of up to 54 nm in comparison to up to 11 nm for the light-induced metal deposition with light resonant to the particle absorption wavelength. Likewise, it could be demonstrated that light of non-resonant wavelengths was not capable of initiating Pd deposition, since a growth of only 1.6 nm (maximum) was observed for the Pd layer.
Chemically Roughened, Sputtered Au Films with Trace-Loaded Manganese Oxide for both On-Chip and Off-Chip High Frequency Supercapacitors
Authors: Lu Pai , Xue Haitao , Liu Wentao , Feng Zhongbao , Sun Qiang
Published: January 2021

High frequency supercapacitors (HFSCs) are promising in alternating current line filtering and adaptable storage of high-frequency pulse electrical energy. Herein, we report a facile yet integrated-circuit-compatible fabrication of HFSC electrodes by combining chemical roughening of the sputtered metal (Au) films and in situ trace loading of a pseudocapacitive material (MnOx). The developed electrode fabrication route is versatile for different substrates, and is described with the application paradigms of both on-chip (with Si/SiO2 substrate) and off-chip (without Si/SiO2 substrate, with Ti substrate as an example in this study) HFSCs. With Au/MnOx films on Si/SiO2 substrates as the working electrodes, the derived on-chip HFSC displayed satisfactory performance in high frequency applications (i.e., an areal capacitance of 131.7 µF cm−2, a phase angle of −78°, and a RC time constant of 0.27 ms, at 120 Hz).
Carbon Fiber—Silica Aerogel Composite with Enhanced Structural and Mechanical Properties Based on Water Glass and Ambient Pressure Drying
Authors: Ślosarczyk Agnieszka
Published: January 2021

The article presents the synthesis of silica aerogel from a much cheaper precursor of water glass that was reinforced with short pitch carbon fiber by way of ambient pressure drying. Before being added to the silica gel, the carbon fibers were surface modified to increase adhesion at the interfacial border. We were able to obtain stable structures of the composite with the amount of fibers above 10% by volume. The presence of fibers in the silica matrix resulted in lower synthesis time of the composite, improved adhesion of fibers to the aerogel nanostructure, and increased mechanical and structural parameters. An additional effect of the presence of fibers in excess of 10% by volume was a new function of the nanocomposite—the ability to conduct electric current. The most optimal parameters of the composite, however, were obtained for silica aerogel reinforced with 10 vol.% of carbon fibers. This material indicated relatively low density and good physical parameters. The paper also analyzes the results on the synthesis of fiber-reinforced silica aerogels that have appeared in recent years and compares these to the results gained in presented work.
Tunable Thermal Camouflage Based on GST Plasmonic Metamaterial
Authors: Kang Qianlong , Li Dekui , Guo Kai , Gao Jun , Guo Zhongyi
Published: January 2021

Thermal radiation control has attracted increasing attention in a wide range of field, including infrared detection, radiative cooling, thermal management, and thermal camouflage. Previously reported thermal emitters for thermal camouflage presented disadvantages of lacking either tunability or thermal stability. In this paper, we propose a tunable thermal emitter consisting of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) plasmonic metamaterial based on phase-change material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) to realize tunable control of thermal radiation in wavelength ranges from 3 μm to 14 μm. Meanwhile, the proposed thermal emitter possesses near unity emissivity at the wavelength of 6.3 μm to increase radiation heat dissipation, maintaining the thermal stability of the system. The underlying mechanism relies on fundamental magnetic resonance and the interaction between the high-order magnetic resonance and anti-reflection resonance. When the environmental background is blackbody, the tunable emitter maintains signal reduction rates greater than 80% in middle-IR and longer-IR regions from 450 K to 800 K and from room temperature to 800 K, respectively. The dependences of thermal camouflage on crystallization fraction of GST, incident angles and polarization angles have been investigated in detail. In addition, the thermal emitter can continuously realize thermal camouflage for various background temperatures and environmental background in atmospheric window in the range of 3–5 μm.
Effects of Graphite Oxide Nanoparticle Size on the Functional Properties of Layer-by-Layer Coated Flexible Foams
Authors: Maddalena Lorenza , Gomez Julio , Fina Alberto , Carosio Federico
Published: January 2021

The exploitation of self-assembled coatings comprising graphite oxide (GO) nanoplates has been recently demonstrated as a promising route to improve the fire safety of flexible polyurethane (PU) foams. However, limited knowledge has been gathered on the correlations between the physical and chemical properties of different GO grades and the performance obtained in this application. This work addresses the effects of the nanoparticle dimensions on the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly and flame-retardant properties of GO-based coatings deposited on PU foams. To this aim, three GO bearing different lateral sizes and thicknesses were selected and LbL-assembled with chitosan (CHIT). Coating growth and morphology were evaluated by FTIR and FESEM, respectively. The resulting CHIT/GO assemblies were demonstrated to be capable of slowing down the combustion of the PU both in flammability and forced combustion tests. In addition, compressive stress/strain tests pointed out that the LbL-coated foams (22–24 kg/m3) could easily replace denser commercial PU foam (40–50 kg/m3) with weight reduction potentials in the transport field. These results are correlated with the properties of the employed GO. The production of assemblies characterized by a high density of CHIT/GO interfaces is identified as the main parameter controlling the FR efficiency and the mechanical properties of the coatings.
The Nutritional Status of Individuals Adopted Internationally as Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ivey Richard , Kerac Marko , Quiring Michael , Dam Hang T. , Doig Susie , DeLacey Emily
Published: January 2021

Since 1955, international adoption has been a way of finding homes for children who have been orphaned or abandoned. We aimed to describe the nutritional status of individuals adopted internationally and their long-term nutritional and health outcomes. We searched four databases for articles published from January 1995 to June 2020, which included information on anthropometric or micronutrient status of children adopted internationally (CAI). Mean Z-scores on arrival to adoptive country ranged from −2.04 to −0.31 for weight for age; −0.94 to 0.39 for weight for height; −0.7 to 0 for body mass index; −1.89 to −0.03 for height for age; −1.43 to 0.80 for head circumference for age. Older children, those adopted from institutionalized care or with underlying disability, were more likely to be malnourished. Though long-term data was scarce, mean Z-scores post-adoption ranged from −0.59 to 0.53 for weight for age; −0.31 to 1.04 for weight for height; 0.39 to 1.04 for body mass index; −1.09 to 0.58 for height for age; −0.06 to 1.23 for head circumference for age. We conclude that though CAI are at high risk of malnutrition at baseline, marked catch-up growth is possible, including for those older than two years of age on arrival. This has implications not only for CAI but for the wider population of malnourished children worldwide. Research on how to optimize catch-up growth is a priority.
A Phase IIb Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Tocotrienol-Rich Vitamin E on Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Koay Yan Yi , Tan Gerald Chen Jie , Phang Sonia Chew Wen , Ho J-Ian , Chuar Pei Fen , Ho Loon Shin , Ahmad Badariah , Abdul Kadir Khalid
Published: January 2021

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a debilitating complication of diabetes, which develops in 40% of the diabetic population and is responsible for up to 50% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Tocotrienols have shown to be a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic agent in animal and clinical studies. This study evaluated the effects of 400 mg tocotrienol-rich vitamin E supplementation daily on 59 DKD patients over a 12-month period. Patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) or positive urine microalbuminuria (urine to albumin creatinine ratio; UACR > 20–200 mg/mmol) were recruited into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Patients were randomized into either intervention group (n = 31) which received tocotrienol-rich vitamin E (Tocovid SupraBioTM; Hovid Berhad, Ipoh, Malaysia) 400 mg daily or a placebo group which received placebo capsules (n = 28) for 12 months. HbA1c, renal parameters (i.e., serum creatinine, eGFR, and UACR), and serum biomarkers were collected at intervals of two months. Tocovid supplementation significantly reduced serum creatinine levels (MD: −4.28 ± 14.92 vs. 9.18 ± 24.96), p = 0.029, and significantly improved eGFR (MD: 1.90 ± 5.76 vs. −3.29 ± 9.24), p = 0.011 after eight months. Subgroup analysis of 37 patients with stage 3 CKD demonstrated persistent renoprotective effects over 12 months; Tocovid improved eGFR (MD: 4.83 ± 6.78 vs. −1.45 ± 9.18), p = 0.022 and serum creatinine (MD: −7.85(20.75) vs. 0.84(26.03), p = 0.042) but not UACR. After six months post washout, there was no improvement in serum creatinine and eGFR. There were no significant changes in the serum biomarkers, TGF-β1 and VEGF-A. Our findings verified the results from the pilot phase study where tocotrienol-rich vitamin E supplementation at two and three months improved kidney function as assessed by serum creatinine and eGFR but not UACR.
Ayurvedic Herbal Preparation Supplementation Does Not Improve Metabolic Health in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Subjects; Observations from a Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial
Authors: Esser Diederik , Matualatupauw Juri , de Vos Ric C. H. , Wehrens Ron , van der Stappen Jos , van der Meer Ingrid , Afman Lydia A.
Published: January 2021

The increased usage of alternative Ayurvedic treatments as potential health-beneficial therapies emphasizes the importance of studying its efficacy in sound placebo-controlled intervention trials. An example of such a traditional Ayurvedic herbal preparation is Mohana Choorna, a mixture composed of 20 different herbs and used to prevent and treat type 2-diabetes (T2D). We studied the efficacy of “Mohana Choorna” on T2D-related parameters in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance. In a double blind, placebo-controlled cross-over trial, 19 overweight (BMI > 27 kg/m2) subjects aged 50–70 years with an impaired glucose tolerance received two four-week interventions, i.e., herbal or placebo with a four-week wash-out between interventions. HbA1c, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure and augmentation index were measured before and after both interventions at fasting and during a glucose tolerance test. After both interventions, urine was collected to measure treatment exposure using LCMS-based metabolomics and whole genome gene-expression in adipose tissue of 13 subjects. The herbal intervention did not affect plasma glucose triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure or the augmentation index but showed a trend towards an increased insulin, HOMA-IR and postprandial insulin levels (p = 0.054, p = 0.056 and p = 0.095 respectively). An increase in expression of inflammation-related gene sets in adipose tissue was observed after the herbal intervention compared to placebo. Urine metabolomic analysis did not reveal a correlation of the presence of specific plant metabolites with “health markers”. Our findings suggest that there is no substantiating evidence to claim that four weeks’ use of the Ayurvedic herbal supplement Mohana Choorna beneficially affects glucose homeostasis.
Hospital Malnutrition, Nutritional Risk Factors, and Elements of Nutritional Care in Europe: Comparison of Polish Results with All European Countries Participating in the nDay Survey
Authors: Ostrowska Joanna , Sulz Isabella , Tarantino Silvia , Hiesmayr Michael , Szostak-Węgierek Dorota
Published: January 2021

NutritionDay (nDay) is a project established by the Medical University of Vienna and the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) to audit the nutritional status of hospitalized patients and nursing home residents. This study aimed to evaluate nDay data describing the prevalence of hospital malnutrition, nutritional risk factors, and elements of the nutritional care process implemented in hospital wards in 25 European countries and to compare the data derived from Poland with the data collected in all the European countries participating in the study. In total, 10,863 patients (European reference group: 10,863 participants including Poland: 498 participants) were involved in the study. The prevalence of malnutrition was identified on the basis of the ESPEN diagnostic criteria established in 2015, while the prevalence of nutritional risk factors was assessed by analyzing the following parameters: body mass index (BMI), score of Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), recent weight loss, insufficient food intake, decreased appetite, increased number of drugs intake, reduced mobility, and poor self-reported health status. Malnutrition prevalence was 12.9% in patients from the European reference group and 9.4% in patients from Polish hospital wards (p < 0.05). However, the prevalence of some nutritional risk factors, i.e., recent weight loss, history of decreased food intake, and low actual food intake, were approximately four times more prevalent than diagnosed malnutrition (referring to approximately 40–50% of all participants). In comparison to the European reference group, the significant differences observed in Polish hospital wards concerned mainly dietitian’s involvement in the process of treating malnutrition (16% vs. 57.2%; p < 0.001); supply of special diets (8% vs. 16.1%; p < 0.0001); provision of oral nutritional support (ONS) (3.8% vs. 12.2%; p < 0.0001); prescription of enteral/parenteral nutrition therapy to hospitalized patients (8.2% vs. 11.7%; p < 0.001); as well as recording patient weight performed at hospital admission (100% vs. 72.9%; p < 0.0001), weekly (20% vs. 41.4%; p < 0.05), and occasionally (0% vs. 9.2%). These results indicate that the prevalence of malnutrition and malnutrition risk factors in hospitalized patients in Poland was slightly lower than in the European reference group. However, some elements of the nutritional care process in Polish hospitals were found insufficient and demand more attention.
Effects of Caloric Restriction Diet on Arterial Hypertension and Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Di Daniele Nicola , Marrone Giulia , Di Lauro Manuela , Di Daniele Francesca , Palazzetti Daniela , Guerriero Cristina , Noce Annalisa
Published: January 2021

The most common manifestation of cardiovascular (CV) diseases is the presence of arterial hypertension (AH), which impacts on endothelial dysfunction. CV risk is associated with high values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and depends on the presence of risk factors, both modifiable and not modifiable, such as overweight, obesity, physical exercise, smoking, age, family history, and gender. The main target organs affected by AH are the heart, brain, vessels, kidneys, and eye retina. AH onset can be counteracted or delayed by adopting a proper diet, characterized by a low saturated fat and sodium intake, a high fruit and vegetable intake, a moderate alcohol consumption, and achieving and maintaining over time the ideal body weight. In this review, we analyzed how a new nutritional approach, named caloric restriction diet (CRD), can provide a significant reduction in blood pressure values and an improvement of the endothelial dysfunction. In fact, CRD is able to counteract aging and delay the onset of CV and neurodegenerative diseases through the reduction of body fat mass, systolic and diastolic values, free radicals production, and oxidative stress. Currently, there are few studies on CRD effects in the long term, and it would be advisable to perform observational studies with longer follow-up.
Tandem Breastfeeding: A Descriptive Analysis of the Nutritional Value of Milk When Feeding a Younger and Older Child
Authors: Sinkiewicz-Darol Elena , Bernatowicz-Łojko Urszula , Łubiech Katarzyna , Adamczyk Iwona , Twarużek Magdalena , Baranowska Barbara , Skowron Krzysztof , Spatz Diane L.
Published: January 2021

Breastfeeding is a gold standard of feeding of newborns and infants. Tandem breastfeeding (TBF) is feeding two children of different ages at the same time. The knowledge about the composition of human milk in prolonged lactation is still scarce. Milk from tandem breastfeeding women and after weaning was examined. Milk samples were collected from 13 TBF mothers. A 24-h milk collection was done. Analyses of fat, protein, carbohydrate and energy content were performed using MIRIS. Sociodemographic characteristics of TBF mothers was done. Higher fat content, energy value and total protein concentration was found in TBFM milk during tandem breastfeeding, than in milk after weaning the older child. The carbohydrate content remained stable. The composition of breastmilk, in terms of macronutrients, changes after weaning, taking into account the nutritional requirements of the younger child. The milk of nursing mothers in tandem did not show diurnal variability in individual components. These findings suggest an adaptive role of human milk to nutrient requirements of newborn and older children. The results may support the promotion of long breastfeeding, including tandem breastfeeding.
Pharmacokinetics of Nitrate and Nitrite Following Beetroot Juice Drink Consumption
Authors: Jakubcik Emily Margaret , Rutherfurd-Markwick Kay , Chabert Marsanne , Wong Marie , Ali Ajmol
Published: January 2021

Background: Nitrate (NO3−)-rich beetroot (BR) juice supplementation has been shown to improve cardiovascular function via reduction to nitrite (NO2−) and then to the bioactive molecule nitric oxide (NO). However, limited research exists for the role of inorganic NO2− that is contained naturally within BR. Objective: As BR juice can naturally contain both NO3− and NO2− the objective of this study was to evaluate the individual effects of NO3− and NO2− consumed from BR on plasma [NO3−]/[NO2−] and their subsequent effects on various cardiovascular measures. Design: In four separate treatments, 11 healthy adults consumed 250 mL of BR containing one of the following: (i) high NO3−, low NO2− (HL; 572 mg NO3−, 32 mg NO2−); (ii) medium NO3−, medium NO2− (MM; 280 mg NO3−, 237 mg NO2−); (iii) low NO3−, medium NO2− (LM; 43 mg NO3−, 262 mg NO2−); (iv) placebo (PL; low NO3−, low NO2−: 8 mg NO3−, 5.8 mg NO2−). Plasma [NO3−]/[NO2−], blood pressure, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac output and stroke volume were measured at baseline and every hour or second hour for 6 h post-BR consumption. Outcomes: Ingestion of the HL and MM BR increased plasma [NO2−] and [NO3−] after 2 h, with both remaining elevated after 6 h (p < 0.05). LM increased plasma [NO3−] (p < 0.05) but did not increase plasma [NO2−] compared to PL (p = 0.177). MAP was lower following the consumption of HL at 4 h and LM at 6 h (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Inorganic NO3− consumption is the critical factor in elevating plasma [NO3−] and [NO2−]; however, both NO2− and NO3− show potential to reduce MAP. The known reduction of systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) following NO3− supplementation was not observed, making it unclear if NO2− contributes to a reduction in SBP/DBP alongside NO3−.