bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2/poly(propylene carbonate) interface by graphene oxide modification for all‐solid‐state lithium batteries
Authors: Zhuang Zilong , Yang Lezhi , Ju Bowei , Yin Ao , Lei Gang , Zhou Qian , Tang Yating , Deng Zhiyuan , Tu Feiyue , Qin Shibiao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractElectrochemical and chemical interfacial reaction mechanisms between LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NMC532) and poly(propylene carbonate) solid polymer electrolyte (PPC‐SPE) are studied. Ni3+ and Co4+ species which are electrochemically oxidized from Ni2+ and Co3+ during the charging process will induce the decomposition of PPC. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis confirm that the decomposition products of PPC contains ether, which might produce through condensation reaction of alcohol compounds. To retard this side reaction, graphene oxide is applied to coat commercial LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 particles via a facile chemical approach. Compared with pristine cathode, the coated sample displays higher initial capacity, better cycle stability and lower interfacial resistance after cycled. After 300 cycles, the capacity retention is 69.2% at 0.3 C and the resistance is only 25 Ω after 180 cycles. This is due to the graphene layer facilitates the interfacial charge‐transfer process and slows the cathode/electrolyte interfacial side reaction. Consequently, the study illuminated the interface issues of PPC based solid‐state lithium batteries.
Thermodynamic analysis of an underground sensible energy storage system
Authors: Erguvan Mustafa , Mahmud Roohany , MacPhee David W. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractElectricity production from concentrated solar power (CSP) plants has been more commonplace in the last decade since the sun is one of the most abundant, renewable energy sources. The heat transfer fluid temperature in a CSP plant may go up to 1000°C; however, most of the current power plants operate on temperature ranges between 220°C and 565°C due to decomposition of molten salts in high temperatures. Since the sun is not available at nights and cloudy days, an important consideration is how to store the energy received by the sun to use at other times. In this study, a three‐dimensional borehole heat exchanger model is developed to store solar energy underground using concrete and molten salt as a storage medium and heat transfer fluid, respectively. While molten salt is circulating through a pipe, which is placed into the concrete, heat is transferred from the molten salt to the concrete or vice versa during the charging and discharging processes. Numerous simulations are conducted using ANSYS Fluent, with varying borehole diameters, mass flow rates, and thermal resistances of the borehole wall. Average concrete temperature, outlet heat transfer fluid temperature, and energy and exergy efficiencies are investigated for each case. It was found here that while concrete temperature increases with increasing mass flow rate, the increasing trend is minimal after the mass flow rate increases beyond 6 kg/s. There exists a negative relation between the borehole diameter and average concrete temperature during the charging process, and vice versa in discharging. Energy and exergy efficiencies varied from 0.2% to 98.1% and 0.1% to 77.9%, respectively. While the most efficient system was found at a borehole diameter of 550 mm for adiabatic cases, it was found to be 750 mm when heat leakage is taken into consideration. Borehole diameters of 2000 mm performed the worst among all cases due to low heat transfer rates. Heat leakage was found to have a significant impact on energy and exergy efficiencies, especially in energy efficiencies for higher borehole diameters and low mass flow rates in the discharging process.
Soil and management‐related factors contributing to maize yield gaps in western Kenya
Authors: Munialo Sussy , Dahlin A. Sigrun , Onyango M. Cecilia , Oluoch‐Kosura W. , Marstorp Håkan , Öborn Ingrid 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe solution to reducing existing yield gaps on smallholder farms lies in understanding factors limiting yield in areas with agricultural intensification potential. This study applied an integrated analysis approach comprising Classification and Regression Tree (CART), generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), and factor analysis (FA), to explain soil and management‐related factors influencing maize yield gaps, in order to enhance yields. The study was conducted in Mukuyu and Shikomoli in western Kenya, sites with, respectively, high and low agroecological potential regarding soil fertility. Maize yield gaps were quantified by comparing yields on the 90th percentile of farms to yields determined in 189 fields on 70 randomly sampled smallholdings. Soil and management‐related factors were determined at early and late maize development stages.Maize yield on the 90th percentile of farms in Mukuyu and Shikomoli was 5.1 and 4.8 t/ha, respectively, and the average yield gap was 1.8 and 2.6 t/ha, representing 35% and 54% unachieved yield for Mukuyu and Shikomoli, respectively. In FA, soil was revealed to be the main factor influencing maize yield gaps at both sites, rather than management‐related variables. The CART method identified maize density, chlorophyll values, maize height, and depth to compact layer as consistent factors affecting yield at both sites, while GLMM identified soil texture (silt content) as important. According to CART, weed cover at early stages and maize density at late stages were the most limiting factor in maize production in Mukuyu and Shikomoli, respectively. Generalized linear mixed model analysis identified agroecology‐specific factors influencing maize yield gaps as soil‐available phosphorus and zinc, plus weed pressure at early maize stages in Mukuyu, and plus soil cation exchange capacity and exchangeable magnesium in Shikomoli. Through an integrated approach, it was possible to identify both consistent and agroecology‐specific factors limiting crop yields. This can increase the applicability of the findings to smallholder farms.
Body image in older, inpatient women and the relationship to BMI, anxiety, depression, and other sociodemographic factors
Authors: Dean Elspeth , Haywood Cilla , Hunter Peter , Austin Nicole , Prendergast Luke 
Published: November 2019

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of body image dysfunction in a cohort of older, inpatient women, and to examine any associated health or sociodemographic factors.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional, observational study, 50 older women admitted to a subacute hospital completed the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ‐34), Geriatric Depression Screen (GDS), and Geriatric Anxiety Index (GAI). Additional sociodemographic and health‐related data including body mass index (BMI) were collected on all participants.Data were first analysed to determine the prevalence of body image dysfunction. To examine factors significantly associated with body image impairment, partial correlation analyses were initially performed between BSQ‐34 score and included variables, followed by stepwise regression analysis undertaken to determine significantly contributing independent variables.ResultsOnly three out of 50 women displayed body image dysfunction using suggested cut‐off scores from the BSQ‐34, giving a prevalence rate of only 6%. After controlling for multiple variables however, both higher GDS score and higher BMI were found to be significantly and independently associated with poorer body image, with the strongest association being between higher BSQ‐34 score and higher BMI (Spearman rank r = 0.455, P < 0.001). Furthermore, when high BMI and depression occurred together, this association was even greater, accounting for over 50% of the impact on body image scores (P = 0.0001).ConclusionFor this small cohort of older, inpatient women, rates of body image dysfunction were low. There did however appear to be an association between poorer body image and higher BMI and depression rates in the group, which may be worth exploring further in less frail, community‐dwelling cohorts.
Does volume really matter? A risk management perspective using cross‐country evidence
Authors: Patra Saswat , Bhattacharyya Malay 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis paper examines the impact of volume on conditional volatility and value at risk (VaR) in the context of mixture of distribution hypothesis (MDH). We test whether the support for or against the hypothesis is unconditional and holds true universally irrespective of the time period under study, the stock market under study, and the distributional assumptions so made on the residuals of the returns. We find that the persistence in volatility shows negligible reduction in all the indices across subperiods, thus refuting the claims of the MDH: that volume can explain the heteroscedasticity of returns. However, we do find that volume can act as a proxy for information post the sub‐prime financial crisis, and it does impact VaR as the estimates improve significantly for some of these indices, which exhibit a strong correlation between volume and volatility.
Real‐time fiber‐based fluorescence lifetime imaging with synchronous external illumination: A new path for clinical translation
Authors: Lagarto João L. , Shcheslavskiy Vladislav , Pavone Francesco S. , Cicchi Riccardo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTime‐correlated single photon counting is the “gold‐standard” method for fluorescence lifetime measurements and has demonstrated potential for clinical deployment. However, the translation of the technology into clinic is hindered by the use of ultrasensitive detectors, which make the fluorescence acquisition impractical with bright lighting conditions such as in clinical settings. We address this limitation by interleaving periodic fluorescence detection with synchronous out‐of‐phase externally modulated light source, thus guaranteeing specimen illumination and a fluorescence signal free from bright background light upon temporal separation. Fluorescence lifetime maps are generated in real‐time from single‐point measurements by tracking a reference beam and using the phasor approach. We demonstrate the feasibility and practicality of this technique in a number of biological specimens, including real‐time mapping of degraded articular cartilage. This method is compatible and can be integrated with existing clinical microscopic, endoscopic and robotic modalities, thus offering a new pathway towards label‐free diagnostics and surgical guidance in a number of clinical applications.
Surface treatments and functionalization of metal‐ceramic membranes for improved enzyme immobilization performance
Authors: Zeuner Birgitte , Ovtar Simona , Persson Åsa H , Foghmoes Søren , Berendt Kasper , Ma Nicolaj , Kaiser Andreas , Negra Michela Della , Pinelo Manuel 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDEnzyme immobilization in porous membranes often improves enzyme performance. This work reports the preparation and characterization of robust and scalable asymmetric metal‐ceramic microfiltration membrane. The surface of the porous metal‐ceramic membrane was treated by impregnation with a ceramic oxide for enzyme adsorption and corrosion protection. Finally, enzyme immobilization in the support was investigated.RESULTSThe bilayer membrane was successfully fabricated by combining a ceramic microfiltration layer with a metal support by tape casting, lamination and co‐sintering. A pore size in the ceramic microfiltration layer of 0.4 μm resulted in high water permeability (12 000 L/(m2 h bar)). Two different surface treatments were compared: heat treatment and yttrium(III) oxide (Y2O3) impregnation. Corrosion stability tests under enzyme‐relevant conditions gave no detectable chemical or structural changes. Alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1) was immobilized in the membrane by physical adsorption and by two covalent immobilization methods. Covalent immobilization significantly improved enzyme loading, activity, and recyclability. Membrane reuse by heat treatment removed fouling, but decreased immobilization performance.CONCLUSIONThe improved microstructure obtained by Y2O3‐impregnation had a significant effect on enzyme loading yield and activity. This indicates the potential of this surface modification method and of these metal‐supported ceramic membranes in enzyme immobilization. Covalent immobilization was superior. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effective low‐temperature catalytic abatement of benzene over porous Mn‐Ni composite oxides synthesized via the oxalate route
Authors: Guo Hao , Li Yizhuo , Jiang Zhi , Zhang Zhixiang , Chen Mingxia , Einaga Hisahiro , Shangguan Wenfeng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDBenzene (C6H6) is a typical kind of volatile organic compound (VOC) which can exert great harm to both human health and the environment, and, thus, which needs to be eliminated before its emission. In this work, porous manganese–nickel (Mn‐Ni) composite oxide catalysts were synthesized through the oxalate route and applied to thermal catalytic oxidation of C6H6. By means of activity tests and relative physico‐chemical characterizations, the factors affecting the activity of those Mn‐Ni composite oxides were explored.RESULTSNitrogen (N2)‐adsorption/desorption and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicated that the Brunauer–Elmett–Teller (BET) surface area and the content of surface‐adsorbed oxygen species were increased due to the addition of Ni into Mn oxide (MnOx). Meanwhile, the oxygen mobility and reducibility also were improved in the Mn‐Ni composite oxides. Accordingly, compared with MnOx, the Mn‐Ni catalysts showed higher activity for thermal catalytic oxidation of C6H6. Moreover, porous Mn‐Ni composite oxides with a Mn:Ni molar ratio of 4:1 (Mn4Ni1) displayed the best catalytic activity. Further investigation indicated that the excellent catalytic performance of Mn4Ni1 composite oxides could be ascribed mainly to the larger BET surface area and the richer content of surface‐adsorbed oxygen species, as well as stronger oxygen mobility and better reducibility compared with other Mn‐Ni catalysts.CONCLUSIONSThe Mn4Ni1 composite oxides showed a lowest T90 value of 172 °C (C6H6 concentration 200 ppm, WHSV 60 000 mL g−1 h−1) among all of the obtained Mn‐Ni composite oxides. Moreover, it also exhibited favourable catalytic stability at 210 °C in the presence or absence of moisture. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Developmental Humanitarianism, Resilience and (Dis)empowerment in a Syrian Refugee Camp
Authors: Pasha Suraina 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThrough a case study on Za'atari camp in Jordan, this paper joins a growing body of critical studies highlighting discrepancies between developmental humanitarian policies promoting the resilience and empowerment of refugees vis‐à‐vis realities inside camps. It shows how camp authorities incrementally unwound and stifled refugee self‐governance structures and informal entrepreneurialism. It also highlights the influence of Jordanian state priorities over the aid operation and the supportive role played by the UN Refugee Agency in affirming state priorities. The paper argues that even if well‐intentioned developmental humanitarianism can ultimately diminish the scope for meaningful refugee empowerment. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal repeater insertion for horizontal and vertical graphene nanoribbon interconnects
Authors: Li Wen , Zhao Wen‐Sheng , Liu Peng‐Wei , Wang Jing , Wang Gaofeng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA comparative study on the repeater insertion designs in horizontal and vertical graphene nanoribbon (GNR) interconnects is presented. The optimal numbers and sizes of repeaters are calculated by using the particle swarm optimization algorithm, and then the results are employed to train back‐propagation neural networks. By virtue of the trained neural networks, the optimal repeater designs can be quickly conducted for the GNR interconnects. The proposed optimal repeater design approach is more flexible and more adaptive than conventional analytical methods. By utilizing the proposed approach, it is found that the vertical GNR interconnects need less repeaters yet result in better performance than their horizontal counterparts.
Comparison of Temporary Epiphysiodesis With RigidTacks™ and Blount‐Staples in a Porcine Animal Model Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Hillebrand Hauke , Sattelberger Julia , Gosheger Georg , Frommer Adrien , Moller‐Madsen Bjarne , Rahbek Ole , Gottliebsen Martin , Abood Ahmed Abdul‐Hussein , Roedl Robert , Vogt Bjoern 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTRigidTack™ is a newly developed implant for total temporary epiphyseodesis. The implant combines the technical advantages of the traditionally used rigid Blount‐staples and the newer flexible eight‐plates™. Thus, the implant is rigid like the Blount‐staples, which may be a biomechanical advantage in temporary epiphyseodesis, and has an easy and guided implantation technique like the eight‐plate™. As in eight‐plates™, supposedly only two RigidTacks™ are sufficient for temporary epiphyseodesis compared to six Blount‐staples in traditional treatment. The goal of this study was to compare Blount‐staples and RigidTacks™ in regard to the total potential of growth arrest, the occurrence of postoperative implant‐associated complications, secondary angular deformities, and central joint deformations. Twelve pigs were allocated in two groups (n = 6) for treatment of the proximal tibia. Total temporary epiphysiodesis was performed with either four Blount‐staples or two RigidTacks™. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐scans were performed before and 14 weeks after surgery, and the amount and distribution of growth arrest were evaluated by measuring the interphyseal distance in nine defined zones. Total temporary epiphysiodesis with two RigidTacks™ resulted in a similar amount of growth arrest as that of four Blount‐staples. No significant coronal or sagittal angular deformities or joint deformities were observed in either group; however, one secondary loosening of a Blount‐staple occurred. The study concluded that Blount‐staples and RigidTacks™ are adequate implants for total temporary epiphysiodesis. Whether or not the precise implant‐placement through the guided implantation technique of RigidTacks™ and a reduced number of implants indeed lead to a reduction of secondary angular deformities has to be investigated in further clinical trials. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Orthopaedic Research® published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Orthopaedic Research Society. J Orthop Res 38:946‐953, 2020
Nutrition Approach for Inpatients With Anorexia Nervosa: Impact of a Clinical Refeeding Guideline
Authors: Gjoertz Mathea , Wang Jen , Chatelet Solène , Monney Chaubert Carole , Lier Françoise , Ambresin Anne‐Emmanuelle 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectiveThis study assesses the impact of a clinical refeeding guideline on weight restoration, length of stay, rate of refeeding complications, and rehospitalizations.MethodThis retrospective study included patient records of 107 participants aged 13–55 years with a diagnosis of AN, admitted for at least 7 days for renutrition before and after introduction of the refeeding guideline. Weight evolution graphs were rated by 2 clinical experts independently. Binary logistic regression models were erected to identify clinical outcomes associated independently with the guideline as well as to control for potential confounding by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics at admission.ResultsThe proportion of patients achieving optimal weight gain after the first 2 weeks increased significantly from 6.3% pre‐guideline to 41.8% post guideline (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 37.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.77–510.3; P = 0.006). Average length of hospitalization was reduced from 96.7 (SD 48.3) days pre‐guideline to 62.2 (SD 45.5) days post guideline (AOR = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97–1.01; P = 0.18). None of the patients developed a full refeeding syndrome. There was no significant change in the rate of rehospitalization: 48.5% pre‐guideline to 43.2% post guideline (OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.36–1.84; P = 0.62).DiscussionThe clinical guideline proved highly effective in bolstering weight gain via intensive refeeding procedures while also being safe. Harmonizing clinical practices improves quality of care for patients with anorexia and, interestingly, may decrease costs by cutting average length of stay by a third without increasing the rehospitalization rate.
Hedgehog proteins and parathyroid hormone‐related protein are involved in intervertebral disc maturation, degeneration, and calcification
Authors: Bach Frances C. , de Rooij Kim M. , Riemers Frank M. , Snuggs Joseph W. , de Jong Willem A. M. , Zhang Ying , Creemers Laura B. , Chan Danny , Le Maitre Christine , Tryfonidou Marianna A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractParathyroid hormone‐related protein (PTHrP) and hedgehog signaling play an important role in chondrocyte development, (hypertrophic) differentiation, and/or calcification, but their role in intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is unknown. Better understanding their involvement may provide therapeutic clues for low back pain due to IVD degeneration. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the role of PTHrP and hedgehog proteins in postnatal canine and human IVDs during the aging/degenerative process. The expression of PTHrP, hedgehog proteins and related receptors was studied during the natural loss of the notochordal cell (NC) phenotype during IVD maturation using tissue samples and de‐differentiation in vitro and degeneration by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Correlations between their expression and calcification levels (Alizarin Red S staining) were determined. In addition, the effect of PTHrP and hedgehog proteins on canine and human chondrocyte‐like cells (CLCs) was determined in vitro focusing on the propensity to induce calcification. The expression of PTHrP, its receptor (PTHR1) and hedgehog receptors decreased during loss of the NC phenotype. N‐terminal (active) hedgehog (Indian hedgehog/Sonic hedgehog) protein expression did not change during maturation or degeneration, whereas expression of PTHrP, PTHR1 and hedgehog receptors increased during IVD degeneration. Hedgehog and PTHR1 immunopositivity were increased in nucleus pulposus tissue with abundant vs no/low calcification. In vitro, hedgehog proteins facilitated calcification in CLCs, whereas PTHrP did not affect calcification levels. In conclusion, hedgehog and PTHrP expression is present in healthy and degenerated IVDs. Hedgehog proteins had the propensity to induce calcification in CLCs from degenerated IVDs, indicating that in the future, inhibiting hedgehog signaling could be an approach to inhibit calcification during IVD degeneration.