bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Nutrition Risk and Its Association With Mortality Risk in Severely and Critically Ill COVID‐19 Patients
Authors: Zhao Xiaobo , Li Yan , Ge Yanyan , Shi Yuxin , Lv Ping , Zhang Jianchu , Fu Gui , Zhou Yanfen , Jiang Ke , Lin Nengxing , Bai Tao , Jin Runming , Wu Yuanjue , Yang Xuefeng , Li Xin
Published: July 2020

Background

The nutrition status of coronavirus disease 2019 patients is unknown. This study evaluates clinical and nutrition characteristics of severely and critically ill patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and investigates the relationship between nutrition risk and clinical outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective, observational study was conducted at West Campus of Union Hospital in Wuhan. Patients confirmed with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by a nucleic acid–positive test and identified as severely or critically ill were enrolled in this study. Clinical data and outcomes information were collected and nutrition risk was assessed using Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS).

Results

In total, 413 patients were enrolled in this study, including 346 severely and 67 critically ill patients. Most patients, especially critically ill patients, had significant changes in nutrition‐related parameters and inflammatory markers. As for nutrition risk, the critically ill patients had significantly higher proportion of high NRS scores (P < .001), which were correlated with inflammatory and nutrition‐related markers. Among 342 patients with NRS score ≥3, only 84 (of 342, 25%) received nutrition support. Critically ill patients and those with higher NRS score had a higher risk of mortality and longer stay in hospital. In logistic regression models, 1‐unit increase in NRS score was associated with the risk of mortality increasing by 1.23 times (adjusted odds ratio, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.10–4.51; P = .026).

Conclusions

Most severely and critically ill patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 are at nutrition risk. The patients with higher nutrition risk have worse outcome and require nutrition therapy.
Milk Fat Globule Membrane Enhances Colonic–Mucus‐Barrier Function in a Rat Model of Short‐Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Yu Zhicai , Li Ying , Niu Yang , Tang Qingya , Wu Jiang
Published: July 2020

Background

Clinical research reveals that colon plays an important role in mitigating the effects of short‐bowel syndrome (SBS). Previously, we showed that the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) had protective effects on gut barrier integrity in the rat SBS model. Here, we used the same rat model to investigate the effects of enteral MFGM supplementation on gut microbiota and colonic–mucus‐barrier function and its related mechanisms.

Methods

We randomly divided 24 male Sprague‐Dawley rats into 3 groups: Sham, SBS (rats with massive small‐bowel resection), and SBS+MFGM (SBS rats supplemented with 1.5 g/kg/d MFGM). We then evaluated gut permeability, crypt depth, goblet‐cell count, mucin 1 (MUC1), mucin 2 (MUC2), microbiota, short‐chain fatty acids, and protein expressions of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, leucine‐rich repeat, and pyrin domain‐containing protein 6 (NLRP6) pathway of the colon.

Results

Compared with SBS rats, SBS+MFGM rats exhibited lower intestinal permeability, increased crypt depth, more goblet cells, and more MUC1/MUC2‐positive cells. The SBS+MFGM group also had greater Firmicutes abundance and lower acetate concentration (P < .05). Sham rats had significantly lower Bacteroidetes abundance than SBS rats, but SBS+MFGM and SBS groups did not differ. Additionally, the SBS+MFGM group had higher NLRP6 and interleukin (IL)‐18 expression but lower IL‐1β and Caspase‐1 (cysteinyl aspartate‐specific protease‐1) expression than the SBS group (P < .05).

Conclusion

Supplementation of MFGM modulates gut microbiota composition in SBS, possibly through strengthening the colonic mucus barrier and regulation of NLRP6 inflammasome.
High Parenteral Support Volume Is Associated With Reduced Quality of Life Determined by the Short‐Bowel Syndrome Quality of Life Scale in Nonmalignant Intestinal Failure Patients
Authors: Nordsten Cecilie Bagi , Molsted Stig , Bangsgaard Louise , Fuglsang Kristian A. , Brandt Christopher F. , Niemann Mads J. , Jeppesen Palle B.
Published: July 2020

Background

Aim was to investigate the association between quality of life (QoL), bowel anatomy, and the need for home parenteral support (HPS) volume in patients with nonmalignant short‐bowel syndrome (SBS) and intestinal failure (IF).

Methods

The SBS‐QoL scale was used in a cross‐sectional study of 95 nonmalignant SBS‐IF patients. Sum QoL scores (0: best, 170: worst) were calculated. Patients were defined as having a small bowel (≤200 cm), and patients with jejunostomy or ileostomy were subclassified based on functional small‐bowel length (cm) into 4 anatomy subgroups: 1a–1d (0–49, 50–99, 100–149, 150–200 cm, respectively). Multiple linear regression analyses explored associations between QoL, patient groups, and HPS volume, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and education.

Results

Complete data were obtained from 60 patients. HPS volume was associated with a worse SBS‐QoL score (L/d, β = 7.91; SE = 3.90; P = .048), but male sex associated with improvement (β = −26.28; SE = 11.06; P = .021). No differences in sum QoL were seen between the benign SBS‐IF subgroups 1a–d (P = .210). Multivariate regression analyses showed that patients with a small‐bowel stoma, a small‐bowel length <50 cm was associated with a significantly worse/higher SBS‐QoL score compared with a length >50 cm.

Conclusion

In patients with benign SBS‐IF, high HPS volume was associated with poor QoL. Also, jejunostomy or ileostomy with small‐bowel length <50 cm was associated with impaired QoL. These findings support rehabilitation strategies that reduce fecal losses and decrease HPS needs.
Micro‐Raman spectroscopy to investigate production techniques: A focus on fine ware potteries
Authors: Odelli Eleonora , Raneri Simona , Cantini Federico , Mattiello Sara , Salvioli‐Mariani Emma , Lottici Pier Paolo , Bersani Danilo
Published: July 2020

The study of manufacture technologies and provenance of raw materials in archaeological potteries are two fundamental aspects in providing information about sociocultural aspects on past societies. The most acknowledged technique in this field is represented by minero‐petrographic analysis, allowing to describe the compositional features of the artefacts and to link them to geological outcrops and technologic processes. In the case of fine‐grained potteries, minero‐petrographic analysis might sometime give back not clear results, requiring the use of high‐resolved methods. In this framework, information about raw materials and firing techniques might be provided by the support of micro‐Raman spectroscopy, able to supply information on mineral grains not detectable under a microscope and for which powders diffraction methods are not able to provide unique interpretations. In this work, particular attention was devoted to the phases formed during the ceramic body annealing, especially to newly formed feldspars, exhibiting a not natural occurring composition. Their correct identification, important for thermometric studies, is possible only with the use different techniques, due to the different investigated aspects (structure, composition and lattice dynamics).

Fine‐grained potteries from the famous site of Volterra, Tuscany (Italy) have been characterized as case study during a comparative evaluation of the results obtained by different techniques (micro‐Raman analysis, optical microscopy [OM], X‐ray diffraction [XRD] and scanning electron microscope energy dispersive spectrometry [SEM‐EDS]) on the same mineral grains. The obtained results demonstrated how micro‐Raman spectroscopy might improve interpretation of data collected with different methods in several aspects, from provenance to firing temperature estimation.
The effect of an ultrasonic spray nozzle on carbohydrate and protein‐based coating materials for blueberry extract microencapsulation
Authors: Tatar Turan Feyza , Kahyaoglu Talip
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

An ultrasonic spray nozzle was evaluated for the production of powders and microcapsules, using blueberry extract, modified starch (HI‐CAP 100), and whey protein isolate (WPI). The effects of ultrasonic power and the concentration of coating materials on the characteristics of the resulting samples – such as viscosity, particle size, microencapsulation efficiency, color, glass transition temperature, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), and morphology – were also studied.

RESULTS

The apparent viscosity was primarily affected by the self‐heating of the ultrasonic nozzle as the power increased. The largest mean particle size of samples was observed under conditions of 30% coating concentration at 10 W. Glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the samples were affected by all atomization parameters significantly (P < 0.05) and the highest Tg values of all samples were determined when the coating concentration was maximum (30%) and power level was minimum (5 W). The FTIR and XRD results indicate that the power of the ultrasonic nozzle did not cause any change in WPI structure and led to only a small change in the structure of HI‐CAP 100 at 10 W. The short atomization time preserved, to some extent, the properties of the coating materials and the blueberry extract. With regard to the morphological properties, it was observed that the samples obtained with WPI showed less shrinkage than HI‐CAP 100.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that an ultrasonic nozzle could be used successfully to prepare the blueberry microcapsule with HI‐CAP 100 and WPI as coating materials. This study may contribute to the development of ultrasonic nozzle applications using different coatings for the microencapsulation of high‐quality functional materials. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of post‐harvest moisture on roasted almond shelf life and consumer acceptance
Authors: Luo Kathleen K , Chapman Dawn M , Lerno Larry A , Huang Guangwei , Mitchell Alyson E
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

The harvest weights of sweet almonds (Prunus dulcis) have significantly increased to meet consumer demand and now exceed processing facility capabilities. Crops are stockpiled for longer periods, increasing the probability of moisture exposure. Wet almonds can be mechanically dried prior to processing; however, it is unclear how this practice influences lipid oxidation, shelf‐life, and consumer acceptance. To address this, almonds were exposed to 8% moisture and dried with low heat (ME). Almonds were roasted and stored under accelerated conditions for 12 months and markers of lipid oxidation, headspace volatiles, sensory attributes, and consumer liking were evaluated.

RESULTS

At 7 months of storage, light roast ME almonds had higher levels of volatiles related to lipid oxidation than non‐moisture exposed almonds (NME) and were significantly higher in oxidized, cardboard and painty / solvent flavors. Although untrained consumers did not show significant preferences between the light roast ME and NME almonds, there were quality losses related to lipid oxidation that trained panelists could detect. Dark roast ME almonds demonstrated significant lipid oxidation by 5 months of storage, indicating they will have a compromised shelf life. Findings also indicate that octanal, nonanal, 2‐octenal, and hexanoic acid are good indicators of consumer acceptability.

CONCLUSION

The results of this research illustrate that post‐harvest moisture exposure with mechanical drying has a significant effect on the storage quality of roasted almonds and is most pronounced in dark roast products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
False‐positive pregnancy test secondary to ectopic expression of human chorionic gonadotropin by a gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Andruska Neal , Mahapatra Lily , Brenneman Randall , MacArthur Kelly M. , Oppelt Peter , Baumann Brian C.
Published: July 2020

Tumors can rarely overexpress human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) resulting in false‐positive pregnancy tests. Here, we report a 44‐year‐old female with a metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) who presented with a positive urine pregnancy test before radiotherapy. Further workup ruled out pregnancy. Following radiotherapy, her metastatic disease progressed and her hCG level continued to rise. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a GIST tumor overexpressing hCG.
Eddy retention and seafloor terrain facilitate cross‐shelf transport and delivery of fish larvae to suitable nursery habitats
Authors: Goldstein Esther D. , Pirtle Jodi L. , Duffy‐Anderson Janet T. , Stockhausen William T. , Zimmermann Mark , Wilson Matthew T. , Mordy Calvin W.
Published: July 2020

For marine fish with ontogenetic shifts in habitat requirements, survival is dependent upon oceanographic transport of pelagic larvae from spawning locations and the arrival of settlement‐stage larvae to nursery habitats. Settlement success for fish with nurseries on the continental shelf, such as many flatfish, relies on routes of transport that facilitate the delivery of larvae from offshore to suitable inshore habitats. To address spatial and temporal coupling between spawning, transport, and settlement, we utilized an individual‐based biophysical model for the years 2000–2011 in combination with a juvenile habitat suitability model for arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias), an abundant predatory flatfish in the oceans off Alaska. Settlement success was inversely related to the availability of nursery habitat, but oceanographic variability dictated interannual patterns in larval supply to nurseries. Paradoxically, the majority of larvae were advected offshore and arrived to nurseries on the continental shelf. Shoreward bathymetric steering through glacial troughs that resulted in directed transport to nurseries was minimal despite the high proportion of larvae that accessed trough features. Based on modeling results and empirical observations, mesoscale eddies and retention near suitable settlement habitats enhanced settlement and recruitment magnitude. In advective ecosystems such as the Gulf of Alaska, settlement success and cross‐shelf transport are augmented by transient retentive features that influence recruitment by facilitating the delivery of larvae to nursery habitats on the continental shelf.
Supramolecular Poly(cyclotriphosphazene) Functionalized Graphene Oxide/Polypropylene Composites with Simultaneously Improved Thermal Stability, Flame Retardancy, and Viscoelastic Properties
Authors: Malkappa Kuruma , Salehiyan Reza , Ray Suprakas Sinha
Published: July 2020

A novel crosslinkable supramolecular poly(cyclotriphosphazene) functionalized graphene oxide (FGO) is synthesized and melt‐processed with polypropylene (PP), which results in a PP composite with simultaneously improved flame retardancy, smoke‐suppression, and thermal and viscoelastic properties. The cone‐calorimetry test results reveal that the peak heat‐release rate and total heat release of the composite (2 wt% FGO) are reduced by 39.7% and 29.9%, respectively, compared to those of the neat PP. Meanwhile, the total smoke released and total smoke production of PP are significantly (42.7% and 34.9%, respectively) reduced after composite formation with 2 wt% FGO. Similarly, the PP/FGO composite shows an improved maximum weight loss temperature of 392.4 °C, compared to that of neat PP (361.4 °C). Thermogravimetric Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (TG‐FTIR) analysis further confirms that the composite reduces the evolution of the flammable components and toxic gases, especially CO gas, indicating that the FGO significantly decreases the fire hazards of the PP. The thermomechanical and melt‐rheological analyses reveal that the composite has higher mechanical stiffness and viscoelastic properties than the neat polymer. In summary, FGO is shown to have potential as an advanced additive to obtain PP composites with multifunctional properties; however, higher FGO loading would be needed to improve UL‐94 rating from V‐2 to V‐0.
Native Structure of the Plant Cell Wall Utilized for Top‐Down Assembly of Aligned Cellulose Nanocrystals into Micrometer‐Sized Nanoporous Particles
Authors: Spiliopoulos Panagiotis , Solala Iina , Pääkkönen Timo , Seitsonen Jani , van Bochove Bas , Seppälä Jukka V. , Kontturi Eero
Published: July 2020

Despite their sustainable appeal, biomass components are currently undervalued in nanotechnology because means to control the assembly of bio‐based nanoparticles are lagging behind the synthetic counterparts. Here, micrometer‐sized particles consisting of aligned cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are prepared by crosslinking cellulose in cotton linter fibers that are prehydrolyzed with gaseous HCl, resulting in chemical cleavage necessary for CNC formation but retaining the morphology of the native fibers. That way, the intrinsic alignment of cellulose microfibrils within the fiber cell wall can be retained and utilized for top‐down CNC alignment. Subsequent crosslinking with citric acid cements the alignment and preserves it, following the dispersion of CNCs trapped end‐to‐end, connected, and crosslinked within the colloidally stable micrometer‐sized particles. Furthermore, thermoporosimetry and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo TEM) shows that the particles possess mainly nanoporous (<2 nm) character in water. The approach challenges the current paradigm of predominantly bottom‐up methods for nanoparticle assembly.
Painlevé VI, Painlevé III, and the Hankel determinant associated with a degenerate Jacobi unitary ensemble
Authors: Min Chao , Chen Yang
Published: July 2020

This paper studies the Hankel determinant generated by a perturbed Jacobi weight, which is closely related to the largest and smallest eigenvalue distribution of the degenerate Jacobi unitary ensemble. By using the ladder operator approach for the orthogonal polynomials, we find that the logarithmic derivative of the Hankel determinant satisfies a nonlinear second‐order differential equation, which turns out to be the Jimbo–Miwa–Okamoto σ‐form of the Painlevé VI equation by a translation transformation. We also show that, after a suitable double scaling, the differential equation is reduced to the Jimbo–Miwa–Okamoto σ‐form of the Painlevé III. In the end, we obtain the asymptotic behavior of the Hankel determinant as t→1− and t→0+ in two important cases, respectively.
A two‐scale constitutive framework for modelling localised deformation in saturated dilative hardening material
Authors: Mallikarachchi Hansini , Soga Kenichi
Published: July 2020

Undrained deformation of dilative sand generates negative excess pore pressure. It enhances the strength, which is called dilative hardening. This increased suction is not permanent. The heterogeneity at the grain scale triggers localisations causing local volume changes. The negative hydraulic gradient drives fluid into dilating shear zones. It loosens the soil and diminishes the shear strength. It is essential to understand the mechanism behind this internal drainage and to capture it numerically. The purpose of this paper is to develop a macroscopic constitutive relationship for the undrained deformation of saturated dense sand in the presence of a locally fully or partially drained shear band. Separate constitutive relations are generated for the band and intact material. Both time and scale dependence during pore fluid diffusion in saturated sand are captured, eliminating the mesh dependency for finite element implementations. The model is applied to the Gauss points that satisfy the bifurcation criterion. The proposed method is calibrated to recreate the undrained macroscopic response bestowed by an extra‐small mesh. The microscopic behaviours inside and outside shear band predicted by this model are qualitatively in good agreement with individual material point behaviours inside and outside the shear band in the extra‐small mesh. Depending on the loading rate and the shear band thickness, the response inside the band can be fully or partially drained, which governs the ultimate global strength. The calibrated model is exploited to simulate an upscaled biaxial compression test with semipermeable boundaries.
SNAP Schedules and Domestic Violence
Authors: Carr Jillian B. , Packham Analisa
Published: July 2020

This paper exploits a policy change in Illinois that altered monthly nutritional assistance benefits dates to estimate the impact of in‐kind benefit receipt on domestic violence. We find that issuing SNAP benefits on days other than the first of the month increases domestic crimes. On average, we find the shifting benefit dates increases domestic abuse by 6.9 percent and child maltreatment by 30.0 percent. We posit that these effects are driven by increases in opportunities for conflict or changes in drug use.
Ruxolitinib in children with steroid‐refractory acute graft‐versus‐host disease: A retrospective multicenter study of the pediatric group of SFGM‐TC
Authors: Laisne Louise , Neven Benedicte , Dalle Jean‐Hugues , Galambrun Claire , Esvan Maxime , Renard Cecile , Rialland Fanny , Sirvent Anne , Gandemer Virginie ,   the Pediatric Group of SFGM‐TC
Published: July 2020

Background

We conducted a national multicenter retrospective study in France to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of ruxolitinib in children with steroid‐refractory acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

Procedure

Patients were recruited from the 15 pediatric transplantation centers. Transplanted patients were eligible if they met the following criteria: aged ≤ 18 years at transplantation, receiving a myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, having an aGVHD of grade ≥2, and treated with ruxolitinib for steroid‐refractory aGVHD.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients received ruxolitinib for steroid‐refractory aGVHD. Six patients achieved a complete response at day 28 after the start of treatment but finally 19 patients (65.5%) achieved a complete response (CR) with a median delay of 41 days (5‐93 days). Two patients had a partial response. All patients who achieved CR or partial response discontinued corticosteroid treatment. Eight patients showed treatment failure. The overall response rate was 72.4%. Twenty‐three of 29 patients were alive at a median follow‐up of 685 days (177‐1042 days) after the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Viral replication was observed in 41.4% of cases. We did not observe severe hematological adverse events and cytopenia requiring a modification of ruxolitinib doses always resolved. The median initial dose of ruxolitinib was 12.6 mg/m2/day with an important range. We could not demonstrate any relationship between initial dose and effectiveness.

Conclusion

Ruxolitinib may constitute a promising second‐line treatment for children with steroid‐refractory aGVHD that should be validated in a prospective large‐scale pharmacokinetic and efficacy trial.
The association between timely opioid administration and hospitalization in children with sickle cell disease presenting to the emergency department in acute pain
Authors: Muslu Cagla S. , Kopetsky Matthew , Nimmer Mark , Visotcky Alexis , Fraser Raphael , Brousseau David C.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines for sickle cell disease (SCD) pain crisis management recommend opioids within 60 minutes of emergency department (ED) registration and every 30 minutes thereafter until acute pain is managed. These guidelines are based on expert opinion without published, supporting data.

Objective

To evaluate the association between timely ED opioid administration and hospitalization rates in children with SCD.

Methods

Retrospective cohort of children presenting to a children's hospital ED with SCD pain between January 1, 2014, and April 30, 2018. Visits were extracted using ICD codes, chief complaints, and receipt of at least one opioid, and then reviewed to confirm the visit was an uncomplicated pain crisis. The primary outcome was hospitalization, yes or no. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine adjusted odds of hospitalization for the timely administration of initial and second doses of opioids.

Results

Of the 902 eligible visits, 368 (40.8%) resulted in hospitalization. The mean (SD) age was 11.9 (± 5.2) years. The first opioid was administered within 60 minutes of arrival in 601 (66.6%) visits. The second opioid was administered within 30 minutes of the first in 84 (12.3%) visits. Receipt of the first opioid within 60 minutes of arrival was not associated with decreased hospitalization (1.30 [0.96‐1.76]). However, receipt of the second dose within 30 minutes of the first was associated with decreased hospitalization (0.56 [0.33‐0.94]).

Conclusion

This study suggests an association between children with SCD receiving a second dose within 30 minutes of the first opioid dose and decreased hospitalizations.
Effects of defects on the interfacial shear characteristics between graphene and poly (methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Xin Yuan , Duan Fangli , Mu Xiaojing
Published: July 2020

Pullout simulations were conducted to investigate the interfacial shear properties between defective graphene (DGr) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) through molecular dynamics simulations with ReaxFF reactive force fields. The effects of number of defects (Stone‐Wales [SW] and double‐vacancy [DV] defects) were investigated. Our results showed that these two types of defects can obviously enhance the interfacial shear strengths of DGr /PMMA nanocomposites. And the DV defects have a greater contribution to the interfacial shear strength enhancement compared to the SW defects. Analysis of the morphology of DGr indicated that surface roughness, which was induced by defects, plays an important role in enhancing the interfacial shear strength at the interface between the DGr and PMMA. Moreover, the effects of chemical functionalization at the defect sites were also investigated. We observed that the CO bonds of functional groups (hydroxyls) at defect sites inclined from the datum plane (z = 0 plane) of the graphene sheet. The inclination of CO bonds, which weakened the mechanical interlocking between functional graphene and PMMA matrix, differently influenced by the DV defect and SW defect.
Cell structures, phase morphologies and impact toughness of phenolphthalein poly(ether ether ketone)/epoxy composite foams
Authors: Ding Yanyu , Zhou Chaoqian , Ren Baosheng , Zhang Aimin , Wang Guilong
Published: July 2020

Thermoplastic phenolphthalein poly(ether ether ketone) (PEK‐C) /epoxy composite foams were prepared by free foaming process (Fre‐foams) and limited foaming process (Lim‐foams), respectively, and the effects of PEK‐C content and foaming methods on the cell structures, phase morphologies, and impact strength of epoxy foams were investigated. The results showed that the gas pressure in the bubbles promoted the resin curing process and polymerization‐induced phase separation process (PIPS) during the free foaming process, while the resin curing process and PIPS were highly constrained in Lim‐foams. The incorporation of PEK‐C in the Fre‐foams showed superior improvement in impact strength compared with the PEK‐C/epoxy Lim‐foams. By adding 12 wt% PEK‐C, the specific impact strength of Fre‐foams could be enhanced by 72%, and the improved specific impact strength was because the phase‐inverted structures could prevent crack initiation and propagation, and moreover the presence of PEK‐C led to significantly refine cell structure and reduce foam density. Interestingly, the impact strength of Lim‐foams was nearly independent on the PEK‐C content, it was attributed to the obviously increased cell size with increasing PEK‐C content, and also that the phase separation process was not carried out.
Water‐dispersible polyaniline‐carbon nanotubes composites with interface covalent bond and their enhanced electrochemical and electrochromic properties
Authors: Wang Yuancheng , Xiong Shanxin , Wang Xiaoqin , Chu Jia , Zhang Runlan , Wu Bohua , Gong Ming , Qu Mengnan , Li Zhen , Chen Zhenming
Published: July 2020

The water‐dispersible electrochormic nanocomposites, polyaniline (PANI) connected multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by covalent bond were synthesized through a grafting polymerization process of aniline monomer with functionalized MWCNTs. N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) was used as dehydrant for functionalization process of MWCNTs with p‐phenylenediamine (PPD). The transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) were used to study the morphologies, thermal stabilities and chemical structures of the nanocomposites, respectively. The UV‐vis absorbance spectra and cyclic voltammetry behaviors of nanocomposites were tested by UV‐vis spectrometer and electrochemical workstation, respectively. It is shown show that PANI‐MWCNTs nanocomposites not only exhibit good water solubility, but also exhibit excellent film‐forming properties. The results confirm that the π‐π interactions and interfacial covalent bond between PANI and MWCNTs endow PANI‐MWCNTs excellent electrochemical and electrochromic properties. The conductive network composed of PANI and MWCNTs can significantly improve the ion transports, electron conduct and electrochromic performance of PANI. The PANI‐MWCNTs‐0.6% nanocomposite film shows highest optical contrast value (0.78) and shortest response time (3.8 seconds for coloring and 3.2 seconds for bleaching) among neat PANI and PANI‐MWCNTs nanocomposites.
Solarstrom aus Früchtetee
Authors: Ehrmann Andrea , Błachowicz Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Farbstoffsolarzellen bieten eine interessante Alternative zu herkömmlichen Solarzellen. Ihre Herstellung benötigt keine Reinräume und viel weniger Energie als etwa Siliziumsolarzellen. Allerdings sind ihre aktuellen Wirkungsgrade besonders bei Nutzung preiswerter, ungiftiger Materialien sehr niedrig. Sie genügen noch nicht, um einen essentiellen Beitrag zur Energiewende zu leisten. Farbstoffsolarzellen können aber bereits jetzt für Stand‐alone‐Lösungen, in textiler Architektur oder auf anderen großen Flächen eingesetzt werden. Dies kann sinnvoller und umweltschonender sein als der Einsatz herkömmlicher siliziumbasierte Zellen.
Wenn Ladung wie Wasser fließt
Authors: Menges Fabian , Gotsmann Bernd
Published: July 2020

In den letzten Jahren wurden in elektrischen Leitern Anzeichen von hydrodynamischem Ladungstransport beobachtet. Dazu gehören die starke Abhängigkeit des Widerstands von der Leiterbreite, Verwirbelungen oder das Brechen des Wiedemann‐Franz‐Gesetzes. Die Messung dieser schon lange vorhergesagten Eigenschaften erlaubt neue Einblicke in das Elektronensystem. Zum Teil lässt sich die Viskosität der Elektronenfluide direkt mit Stoßprozessen zwischen Ladungsträgern erklären. In Wolframphosphid ist die Energiedissipation durch Stoßvorgänge durch das sogenannte Planksche Dissipationslimit begrenzt, das Ähnlichkeit mit der quantenmechanischen Energie‐Zeit‐Unschärfe hat. Aktuell wird an einem möglichen technischen Einsatz von hydrodynamischen Ladungstransport geforscht, in Form neuartiger elektronischer Bauteile.
Gravitation im Stresstest
Authors: Lämmerzahl Claus
Published: July 2020

Vor 50 Jahren erschien in Physik in unserer Zeit ein Übersichtsartikel über die experimentelle Bestätigung der Allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie. Wie ist der Stand der Gravitationsexperimente heute?
The beneficial effects of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) supplementation along with restricted calorie diet on anthropometric indices, oxidative stress, and inflammation in overweight or obese women with depression: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hariri Nastaran , Darafshi Ghahroudi Sahar , Jahangiri Siroos , Borumandnia Nasrin , Narmaki Elham , Saidpour Atoosa
Published: July 2020

Background

Oxidative stress and inflammation play pivotal roles in the pathophysiology of obesity and depression. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) on anthropometric indices, oxidative stress, inflammation, and depression in overweight or obese depressed women.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted on overweight or obese women aged 20–65 years with mild to moderate depression. The participants (n = 62) were assigned to receive a restricted calorie diet (RCD) plus 3 g/day of either sumac or placebo for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical biomarkers, and the Beck depression inventory were assessed during the study.

Results

Sumac significantly reduced weight, body mass index, body fat (p < .001), visceral fat level (p = .03), waist and hip circumference, and malondialdehyde levels (p = .03, p = .002, and p = .006, respectively) in comparison with the placebo group. The levels of interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α decreased only in the sumac group (11 and 32%, respectively); however, these reductions were not significant. The high‐sensitivity c‐reactive protein levels (p = .007 and p = .01, respectively) and Beck scores (p < .001) decreased significantly in both the sumac and the placebo group without any significant difference between the two groups.

Conclusion

Sumac can be considered as a functional food that along with RCD could have beneficial effects on obesity management, through the possible modulatory effects on oxidative stress in overweight or obese depressed women.
Effects of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) on cardio‐metabolic outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Heshmati Javad , Morvaridzadeh Mojgan , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Fazelian Siavash , Rahimlou Mehran , Omidi Amirhossein , Palmowski Andriko , Asadi Akbar , Shidfar Farzad
Published: July 2020

Recent evidence indicates a beneficial effect of Melissa officinalis (MO) intake on several chronic diseases. However, the effects of MO intake have not yet been systematically reviewed. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of MO intake and focused on several cardiometabolic outcomes. MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for MO‐RCTs evaluating cardiometabolic outcomes. Random‐effects meta‐analyses estimated the pooled standardized mean differences (SMD) between intervention and control groups. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing the risk of bias in RCTs. Seven RCTs were finally deemed eligible. MO intake was associated with a reduced total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: −0.26; 95% CI: −0.52, −0.01; I2 = 13.7%; k = 6) and a reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) (SMD: −0.56; 95% CI: −0.85, −0.27; I2 = 00.0%; k = 3). MO intake was not associated with statistically significant changes in triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein, diastolic blood pressure, high sensitivity c‐reactive protein levels, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, insulin or high‐density lipoprotein levels. No serious adverse events were reported. The risk of bias was high in a considerable amount of studies. Our study suggests that MO is a safe supplement with beneficial effects on TC and SBP. However, the findings of our study must be seen in the light of major limitations such as a low number of included studies and a serious risk of bias. High‐quality RCTs are needed for firm conclusions concerning the effects of MO on cardiometabolic outcomes.
Triptolide enhances lipolysis of adipocytes by enhancing ATGL transcription via upregulation of p53
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Xu Meixue , Peng Ying , Naren Qimuge , Xu Yanting , Wang Xin , Yang Gongshe , Shi Xin'E , Li Xiao
Published: July 2020

Lipolysis is an essential physiological activity of adipocytes. The Patatin Like Phospholipase Domain Containing 2 (PNPLA2) gene encodes the enzyme adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) responsible for triglyceride hydrolysis, the first step in lipolysis. In this study, we investigated the potential of triptolide (TP), a natural plant extract, to induce weight loss by examining its effect on ATGL expression. We found that long‐ and short‐term TP administration reduced body weight and fat weight and increased heat production in brown adipose tissue in wild‐type C57BL/6 mice. In 3T3‐L1 fibroblasts and porcine adipocytes, TP treatment reduced the number of lipid droplets as determined by Oil Red O and BODIPY staining, with concomitant increases in free fatty acid and triglyceride levels in the culture medium. Combined treatment with TP and p53 inhibitor reversed these lipolytic effects. We next amplified the ATGL promoter region and identified conserved p53 binding sites in the sequence by in silico analysis. The results of the dual‐luciferase reporter assay using a construct containing the ATGL promoter harboring the p53 binding site showed that p53 induces ATGL promoter activity and consequently, ATGL transcription. These results demonstrate that TP has therapeutic value as an anti‐obesity agent and acts by promoting lipolysis via upregulation of p53 and ATGL transcription.
Locally forced convection in subkilometre‐scale simulations with the Unified Model and WRF
Authors: Jucker M. , Lane T. P. , Vincent C. L. , Webster S. , Wales S. A. , Louf V.
Published: July 2020

This study evaluates the performance and benefits of kilometre‐ and subkilometre‐scale convection‐permitting simulations over tropical Australia. Focusing on an extended monsoon break period, we can directly compare Unified Model (UM) and Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) simulations to C‐band polarimetric radar observations and soundings. We show that the two models have different behaviour, and both are different to observations. Whereas WRF produces daily squall lines whether or not they occurred in observations, the UM primarily generates small but intense storms. The UM and WRF produce qualitatively different surface density currents at different times in the diurnal cycle. Once the density currents are present, the models also show different behaviour in relation to convective initiation. While higher resolution helps in the distribution of total precipitation over the domain, most characteristics do not change with higher resolutions, and model differences are always larger than resolution differences. While Convective Available Potential Energy/Convective Inhibition (CAPE/CIN) does not seem to be important to explain model differences, our findings point to the evolution of density currents in the boundary layer as the most important source of model errors and differences.
Reactions of fullerene C60 with methyl methacrylate radicals: A density functional theory study
Authors: Diniakhmetova Diana R. , Friesen Anna K. , Kolesov Sergey V.
Published: July 2020

We have investigated the stepwise addition of four growing methyl methacrylate (MMA) radicals to C60 fullerene, taking into account all possible types of the formed adducts. This reaction set is a reliable approximation for understanding the MMA polymerization process in the presence of C60 fullerene. We have analyzed the structures of the fullerene‐MMA adducts and energy parameters of their formation (heat effects and activation enthalpies). We found that up to three MMA growing radicals are favorably attached to C60 as the fullerene‐MMA trisadduct is a stable radical of the allyl type. It is inactive for further radical addition, and the elimination of the hydrogen atom from the growing MMA radical becomes preferable. The effects of steric factors and structures of the products of multiple growing MMA radical additions to C60 on the radical polymerization of MMA in the presence of C60 fullerene are considered.
Visceral pleural biopsy under medical thoracoscopy for the diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Terashita Satoshi , Suminaga Keiichiro , Kawachi Hiroaki , Noguchi Susumu , Ikeue Tatsuyoshi , Sugita Takakazu
Published: July 2020

Medical thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive single‐port endoscopic technique that provides direct visualization of the pleural surface and allows for diagnostic procedures. The diagnostic yield of medical thoracoscopy is high and is generally based on parietal pleural biopsy findings. Pleural biopsies are valuable for a diagnosis. However, visceral pleural biopsies are uncommon because of the risk of prolonged air leak. In this study, we report a rare case of the successful diagnosis of lung adenocarcinoma, based on the findings of visceral pleural biopsy under medical thoracoscopy. To avoid lung injury and pneumothorax, we focused on maintaining the thoracoscope and biopsy forceps in a straight angle as much as possible. While looking straight ahead at the visceral pleural nodule as closely as possible, biopsy samples were carefully obtained while confirming that the normal lung was not held. With careful consideration, visceral pleural biopsies may expand the diagnostic capability of medical thoracoscopy.
The year after an extraordinary sedimentation event in a regulated Alpine river: The impact on benthic macroinvertebrate communities
Authors: Salmaso Francesca , Crosa Giuseppe , Espa Paolo , Gentili Gaetano , Quadroni Silvia
Published: July 2020

On August 2017, a massive rock slope failure triggered an extreme sedimentation event in a regulated Alpine river. Consequently, high sediment load affected the river for about 1 month, with sediment concentration peaking up to several hundred g/L, and overall sediment yield of 0.4–0.8 Mm3. The availability of sound pre‐event data concerning benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages gave us the opportunity to assess the impact of this unusually severe sediment disturbance through before/after comparison. Within 1 month from the event, all the monitored communities displayed low density, richness and diversity, with minimum values never recorded before, particularly at the most upstream investigated reach, and where riverbed aggradation was comparatively larger. Persisting riverbed alteration was also identified as a major determinant justifying the slow recovery observed during the year after the event. Overall, the high resilience of some taxa, suited to a baseline unnatural condition, allowed the fast recolonization of the investigated river reaches. However, the recovery of other taxa, more sensitive to sediment pressure, was slow or did not occur during the monitored year.
Success of renewable energy projects under the financial and non‐financial performance measures
Authors: Maqbool Rashid , Deng Xiaomei , Ashfaq Saleha
Published: July 2020

Around the globe, investment in renewable energy projects has been increased significantly since the last decade. However, recent trends of completed renewable energy projects are not positive enough regarding the significantly contributing through their operational performance. This study is an attempt to figure out the role of financial and non‐financial measures for the performance of renewable energy projects. A sample of 272x respondents was collected from the key project personnel in a view to assessing the influencing mechanisms of financial and non‐financial performance measures toward success in renewable energy projects. The data was collected through a convenient survey method from the employees working on managerial and technical positions in the small and medium‐sized renewable energy projects in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to perform data analysis and draw inferences. It was found that the success of renewable energy projects is largely depending on the influences of both financial and non‐financial performance measures. Moreover, both the financial and non‐financial performance measures were also found to be interlinked with each other positively and significantly. In addition, the role of financial performance measure compares to non‐financial performance measure was found to be more significant while contributing toward project success in renewable energy projects. The results also show that both the financial and non‐financial performance measures function as complements instead of substitute, while contributing toward renewable energy project success. Despite the role of financial measure is higher in contributing to project success as compare to non‐financial performance measure, ultimately both measures are necessary for sustainable project success in renewable energy projects. The research findings provide new insights for governments, policymakers, investors, and key stakeholders working on renewable energy projects to understand the measures driving better performance in such projects, alongside adding a knowledge base for future researchers and practitioners.
Amazon Mechanical Turk workers can provide consistent and economically meaningful data
Authors: Johnson David , Ryan John Barry
Published: July 2020

Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT) is an online labor market that is being used increasingly often in the social sciences. This occurs despite significant questions regarding efficacy of the platform. In this article, we attempt to address some of these questions by exploring the consistency of the characteristics of individuals who participate in studies posted on AMT. The primary individuals analyzed in this study are subjects who participated in at least two of eleven experiments that were run on AMT between September of 2012 and January of 2018. We demonstrate subjects consistently report their age, gender, subjective willingness to take risk, and impulsiveness. Further, subjective willingness to take risk is found to be significantly correlated with decisions made in a simple lottery experiment with real stakes—even when the subjective risk measure is reported months, sometimes years, in the past. This suggests the quality of data obtained via AMT is not terribly harmed by the lack of control and low stakes.
GDBApex: A graph‐based system to enable efficient transformation of enterprise infrastructures
Authors: Jarrah Moath , Al‐khatieb Bahaa , Mahasneh Naseem , Al‐khateeb Baghdad , Jararweh Yaser
Published: July 2020

Graph‐based database engines have been developed by different researchers and companies. Many optimization methods have been integrated within these engines to enable fast and efficient data processing. However, many small‐ and medium‐size organizations have not changed their database infrastructures and still rely on a relational management modeling approach. This limits their service performance, especially in today's large‐scale data processing requirements. Transformation to the use of graph‐based modeling and design is not a straightforward process. In order to make a successful transformation, correct process semantics as well as the design of vertices, edges, labels, and process relations are required. The goal of this article is to help small‐ and medium‐size organizations make this transformation successful in order to satisfy customers' expectations and meet the requirements of data‐intensive applications. The proposed graph‐based modeling approach uses a graph structure for semantic queries and applies software engineering design principles. Moreover, it provides a case study with many data transactions. The system outperformed relational database management systems by an order of magnitude. Scalability of the system is examined and compared with the regular relational‐based modeling. In addition, a load balancing solution is used to achieve high scalability.