bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of aerogel as aggregate in the properties of cement mortars
Authors: Stefanidou Maria , Ioanna-Maria Mitilinou , Myrta Gaintatzi-Masouti 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In the present work, natural aggregates were replaced in a percentage of 50% by weight by grains of aerogel of the same granulometry. The aim was to record the mechanical, physical and thermal properties achieved in comparison to the reference mortar. Aerogel is a synthetic porous, light, solid material, 98% of which is air. The mean diameter of the included pores is 20nm. The pores are filled with air, which cannot move, adding exceptional thermal properties. It is a very light material (density 120-150Kg/m3) with grain size 0-2mm. The presence of aerogel resulted in low flexural and compressive strength (50% and 35% reduction respectively) in comparison to the reference. Thermal camera was used to record the thermal properties. In the modified mortars, higher resistance to heat transfer was recorded. The porous nature of the aerogel grains explain the higher shrinkage recorded during the first 28days and the high values of open porosity of the specimens while water absorption by capillarity was low due to the fact that the existing pores do not form a net but they are isolated. In conclusion, adding aerogel grains in mortars can assist the thermal behavior but the mechanical properties are reduced. For special application where high strength is not required but thermal problems need to be solved it seems that aerogel is a promising material.
Anisotropic swelling of elastomers filled with aligned 2D materials
Authors: Liu Mufeng , Li Suhao , Kinloch Ian A , Young Robert J , Papageorgiou Dimitrios G 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
A comprehensive study has been undertaken on the dimensional swelling of graphene-reinforced elastomers in liquids. Anisotropic swelling was observed for samples reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), induced by the in-plane orientation of the GNPs. Upon the addition of the GNPs, the diameter swelling ratio of the nanocomposites was significantly reduced, whereas the thickness swelling ratio increased and was even greater than that of the unfilled elastomers. The swelling phenomenon has been analyzed in terms of a modification of the Flory–Rehner theory. The newly-derived equations proposed herein, can accurately predict the dependence of dimensional swelling (diameter and thickness) on volume swelling, independent of the type of elastomer and solvent. The anisotropic swelling of the samples was also studied in combination with the evaluation of the tensile properties of the filled elastomers. A novel theory that enables the assessment of volume swelling for GNP-reinforced elastomers, based on the filler geometry and volume fraction has been developed. It was found that the swelling of rubber nanocomposites induces a biaxial constraint from the graphene flakes.
Green synthesis and characterization of tin dioxide nanoparticles for photocatalytic and antimicrobial studies
Authors: Haq Sirajul , Rehman Wajid , Waseem Muhammad , Shah Amreen , Khan Abdul Rehman , Rehman Mahfooz Ur , Ahmad Pervaiz , Khan Basharat , Ali Ghazanfar 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The tin dioxide nanoparticles (SnO2 NPs) were fabricated via eco-friendly process using Daphne mucronata (D. mucronata) leaves extract as capping and reducing agent. The N2 adsorption/desorption experiment was performed to determine the surface area by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method and SBET was found to be 147 m2 g−1. The crystalline nature and lattice parameter was studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and calculated crystallite size is 15.63 nm. The surface morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the estimated average particle size is 64 nm. The percentage composition and purity of the SnO2 NPs was determined by energy dispersive x-ray (EDX). The raman active modes were identified by using raman spectroscopy while functional groups upon the surface were studied by using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic performance of SnO2 NPs was examined against Rhodamine 6G (R6G) and 99.70% rhodamine 6G (R6G) were degraded in 390 min with the degradation rate of 0.0148 per min. The SnO2 NPs were screened against the selected microorganisms and the order of antimicrobial activity is given as; Gram negative bacteria (GNB) > Gram positive bacteria (GPB) > fungi.
Microwave cladding of Inconel-625 on mild steel substrate for corrosion protection
Authors: Singh Gurbhej , Vasudev Hitesh , Bansal Amit , Vardhan Sachit , sharma Shubham 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In the present work, Inconel-625 cladding was performed on a mild steel (MS) substrate through a cost-effective microwave technique. Cladding was performed in an industrial microwave oven operated at 1.2 kW and 2.45 GHz. The XRD observation indicates the presence of Laves and carbide phases in addition to a Ni-Cr-Fe based face-centered-cubic (fcc) matrix in the fusion zone microstructure of the clad specimen. The microstructural characterization shows a homogenous and dense microstructure with a porosity value of less than 1%. The columnar dendrites grew perpendicularly to the substrate was observed in the clad zone microstructure. The average microhardness of the deposited clad was significantly higher than that of the base metal (MS), indicating improved surface properties of the base material. Further, corrosion testing indicates that the clad specimen has significantly higher corrosion resistance than that of the base metal (MS) in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution.
Study of structural, optical and electrochemical properties of ZnO nanostructures and ZnO-PANI nanocomposites
Authors: Suman  , Goyal Navdeep , Prabhakar Nirmal , Kumar Rajesh 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In this study, different morphologies like plate, flower, spherical particles and flakes of ZnO, which have been prepared by simple sol gel method using Sodium dodecyl Sulphate (SDS), Trisodium Citrate, and Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) as different stablizers have been reported. These products have been systematically investigated by UV-Visible spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) and Photoluminesecence (PL) techniques. ZnO-PANI nanocomposites films prepared on ITO, and characterzied by XRD and electrochemical techniques. Microstructural details like lattice parameters, lattice volume, crystalline size and crystal phase have been determined from reitveld refinement method of X-diffraction pattern. FESEM technique shows that ZnO nanostructures morphology can be changed from ZnO nanoplate like shape to ZnO nanoflowers assembled with nanorods, ZnO nanoflakes and ZnO spherical particles when Trisodium Citrate, CTAB and SDS used as additives, respectively. Photoluminescence technique shows that there is slight red shift in the UV region and blue shift in the visible region with the addition of surface active molecules to ZnO, with concomitant decrease in the relative intensity of emission peaks. This indicates that the defects in the ZnO structure have been decreased as CTAB, SDS and Trisodium citrate added into the precursor solution. Cyclic voltammetry results reveal that the current intensity of PANI enhances with the addition of ZnO and surfactant modified ZnO. The urea biosensor, fabricated using urease enzyme on the trisodium citrate assisted ZnO/PANI/ITO nanocomposites, exhibits linearity in the concentration range of 10–80 mg dl−1 with detection limit of 2 mg dl−1 and sensitivity 7.30 μA mM−1 cm−2.
Effects of Ti and Zr elements addition on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Zn-2.5Al-2Mg alloy
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Zhou Guorong , Sun Huijie , Teng Xinying , Zhao Zhenlu 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
In this article, the effects of Ti and Zr elements addition on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Zn-2.5Al-2Mg alloy were studied. The microstructure, micro hardness, corrosion resistance of Zn-2.5Al-2Mg alloy were investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Rockwell hardness tester and Electrochemical workstation, respectively. The result shows that the solidified structure of Zn-2.5Al-2Mg alloys was refined by Al3Ti, Al3Zr and Al3(Ti, Zr) which act as a heterogeneous nucleation site. Moreover, the Rockwell hardness of Zn-2.5Al-2Mg alloys with the addition of Zr was significantly increased. The hardness of this alloy with the same amount of Zr and Ti addition is lower than that of the alloy with Zr addition alone, but obviously higher than that of the alloy with Ti alone. The corrosion resistance of the Zn-2.5Al-2Mg alloys with the same amount of Zr and Ti addition was improved significantly.
Invited Commentary: The Association Between Florida’s Opioid Crackdown and Opioid-Related Mortality—The Roles of Economic Factors and Mortality Misclassification
Authors: Vandoros Sotiris 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Opioid overdose mortality has been increasing in the United States, and other types of mortality, such as motor vehicle crash deaths, may also be linked to opioid use. In this issue of the Journal, Feder et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2020;189(9):885–893) examine the association between Florida’s opioid crackdown laws, implemented in 2010–2011, and opioid-related mortality. They found a decrease in numbers of opioid-overdose and car-crash deaths compared with what would have been expected in the absence of such policies. They also found no evidence of any unintended increase in suicides due to poor pain management. The results were robust to alternative methodological approaches. Florida’s opioid policy reforms coincided with the state’s convergence towards national unemployment rates, as well as a new state law prohibiting texting while driving. Because opioid overdose mortality is often associated with economic conditions and because car crashes and suicides may also be linked to the macroeconomic environment, future research should take such factors into account when studying the outcomes of opioid prescribing laws. Another data-related aspect to consider is the misclassification of suicides as car crashes or opioid overdoses. Overall, the findings by Feder et al. are encouraging and can inform policy in other countries facing increasing numbers of opioid overdose deaths.
Comparative effectiveness and safety of apixaban versus warfarin in patients with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Dawwas Ghadeer K , Smith Steven M , Dietrich Eric , Lo-Ciganic Wei-Hsuan , Park Haesuk 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Purpose
Compared with conventional therapy (enoxaparin followed by warfarin), the direct-acting oral anticoagulant apixaban is thought to offer similar protection against recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) with lower bleeding risk. However, evidence regarding the heterogeneity of treatment effect from real-world data is lacking. The study described here aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of use of apixaban versus warfarin in patients with VTE.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of commercial and Medicare supplemental databases (data coverage period, 2014-2017) among patients with a diagnosis of VTE who were new users of apixaban or warfarin. We controlled for confounding using propensity score [PS] 1:4 matching. Cox proportional hazard models were used to obtain hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity of treatment effect was assessed among patients with provoked VTE versus unprovoked VTE.

Results
After PS matching, a total of 36,907 patients were included in the cohort (n = 8,094 apixaban users and n = 28,813 warfarin users). In Cox regression models, the use of apixaban versus warfarin was associated with lower risks of recurrent VTE (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.45-0.65) and major bleeding events (HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54-0.84); these results remained consistent in patients with provoked VTE and those with unprovoked VTE.

Conclusion
This population-based analysis of patients with VTE extends results of randomized clinical trials indicating lower risks of development of recurrent VTE and major bleeding events with use of apixaban versus warfarin in real-world settings. The observed benefits of apixaban extended to selected subgroups of the VTE population, including patients with provoked VTE.
GEMtractor: extracting views into genome-scale metabolic models
Authors: Scharm Martin , Wolkenhauer Olaf , Jalili Mahdi , Salehzadeh-Yazdi Ali 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Summary
Computational metabolic models typically encode for graphs of species, reactions and enzymes. Comparing genome-scale models through topological analysis of multipartite graphs is challenging. However, in many practical cases it is not necessary to compare the full networks. The GEMtractor is a web-based tool to trim models encoded in SBML. It can be used to extract subnetworks, for example focusing on reaction- and enzyme-centric views into the model.

Availability and implementation
The GEMtractor is licensed under the terms of GPLv3 and developed at github.com/binfalse/GEMtractor—a public version is available at sbi.uni-rostock.de/gemtractor.
Detection of Oligoclonal Immunoglobulins in Cerebrospinal Fluid by an Immunofixation-Peroxidase Method
Authors: Richard Sophie , Miossec Véronique , Moreau Jean-François , Taupin Jean-Luc 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground: The detection of intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins is used in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). We tested the semiautomated immunofixation-peroxidase (IFPOD) technique, which uses high-resolution agarose gel electrophoresis (HRAGE) directly followed by immunofixation with a peroxidase-labeled anti-IgG antiserum to detect oligoclonal immunoglobulins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).Methods: We analyzed 230 consecutive matched serum/CSF pairs that arrived in the laboratory over a 6-month period with both IFPOD and our routine techniques, immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) and HRAGE. For IFPOD, CSF samples were not concentrated before testing.Results: Among the 230 samples were 12 clinically definite MS, 33 clinically probable, and 20 clinically possible MS samples. IFPOD and HRAGE + IFE each detected oligoclonal IgG in CSF in 10, 16, and 7 cases of these respective groups. For clinically definite MS, sensitivity and specificity (95% confidence intervals) were, respectively, 83% (51–97%) and 79% (73–84%).Conclusions: The IFPOD technique performs comparably to other analytical methods, without the requirement for sample concentration, and may represent an attractive alternative in testing for intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis.
Automated Transport and Sorting System in a Large Reference Laboratory: Part 2. Implementation of the System and Performance Measures over Three Years
Authors: Hawker Charles D , Roberts William L , Garr Susan B , Hamilton Leslie T , Penrose John R , Ashwood Edward R , Weiss Ronald L 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background: Our laboratory implemented a major automation system in November 1998. A related report describes a 4-year process of evaluation and planning leading to system installation. This report describes the implementation and performance results over 3 years since the system was placed into use.
Methods: Project management software was used to track the project. Turnaround times of our top 500 tests before and after automation were measured. We compared the rate of hiring of employees and the billed unit per employee ratio before and after automation by use of linear regression analysis. Finally, we analyzed the financial contribution of the project through an analysis of return on investment.
Results: Since implementation, the volume of work transported and sorted has grown to &gt;15 000 new tubes and &gt;25 000 total tubes per day. Median turnaround time has decreased by an estimated 7 h, and turnaround time at the 95th percentile has decreased by 12 h. Lost specimens have decreased by 58%. A comparison of pre- and post-implementation hiring rates of employees estimated a savings of 33.6 employees, whereas a similar comparison of ratios of billed units per employee estimated a savings of 49.1 employees. Using the higher figure, we estimated that the $4.02 million cost of the project would be paid off ∼4.9 years subsequent to placing the system into daily use.
Conclusions: The overall automation project implemented in our laboratory has contributed considerably to improvement of key performance measures and has met our original project objectives.
Multiplexed, Targeted Gene Expression Profiling and Genetic Analysis on Electronic Microarrays
Authors: Weidenhammer Elaine M , Kahl Brenda F , Wang Ling , Wang Larry , Duhon Melanie , Jackson Jo Ann , Slater Matthew , Xu Xiao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground: Electronic microarrays comprise independent microelectrode test sites that can be electronically biased positive or negative, or left neutral, to move and concentrate charged molecules such as DNA and RNA to one or more test sites. We developed a protocol for multiplexed gene expression profiling of mRNA targets that uses electronic field-facilitated hybridization on electronic microarrays.Methods: A multiplexed, T7 RNA polymerase-mediated amplification method was used for expression profiling of target mRNAs from total cellular RNA; targets were detected by hybridization to sequence-specific capture oligonucleotides on electronic microarrays. Activation of individual test sites on the electronic microarray was used to target hybridization to designated subsets of sites and allow comparisons of target concentrations in different samples. We used multiplexed amplification and electronic field-facilitated hybridization to analyze expression of a model set of 10 target genes in the U937 cell line during lipopolysaccharide-mediated differentiation. Performance of multiple genetic analyses (single-nucleotide polymorphism detection, gene expression profiling, and splicing isoform detection) on a single electronic microarray was demonstrated using the ApoE and ApoER2 genes as a model system.Results: Targets were detected after a 2-min hybridization reaction. With noncomplementary capture probes, no signal was detectable. Twofold changes in target concentration were detectable throughout the (∼64-fold) range of concentrations tested. Levels of 10 targets were analyzed side by side across seven time points. By confining electronic activation to subsets of test sites, polymorphism detection, expression profiling, and splicing isoform analysis were performed on a single electronic microarray.Conclusions: Microelectronic array technology provides specific target detection and quantification with advantages over currently available methodologies for targeted gene expression profiling and combinatorial genomics testing.
Stabilization of mRNA Expression in Whole Blood Samples
Authors: Rainen Lynne , Oelmueller Uwe , Jurgensen Stewart , Wyrich Ralf , Ballas Cynthia , Schram Jim , Herdman Chris , Bankaitis-Davis Danute , Nicholls Nancy , Trollinger David , Tryon Victor 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground: Accurate quantification of mRNA in whole blood is made difficult by the simultaneous degradation of gene transcripts and unintended gene induction caused by sample handling or uncontrolled activation of coagulation. This study was designed to compare a new blood collection tube (PAXgeneTM Blood RNA System) and a companion sample preparation reagent set with a traditional sample collection and preparation method for the purpose of gene expression analysis.Methods: We collected parallel blood samples from healthy donors into the new sample collection tubes and control EDTA tubes and performed serial RNA extractions on samples stored for 5 days at room temperature and for up to 90 days at 4 and 20 °C. Samples were analyzed by Northern blot analysis or reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR).Results: Specific mRNA concentrations in blood stored in EDTA tubes at any temperature changed substantially, as determined by high-precision RT-PCR. These changes were eliminated or markedly reduced when whole blood was stored in PAXgene tubes. Loss of specific mRNAs, as measured by RT-PCR, reflected total RNA depletion as well as specific mRNA destruction demonstrated by Northern blot analysis. The salutary effects of PAXgene on mRNA stabilization extended to blood samples from eight unrelated donors.Conclusions: Compared with whole blood collected in EDTA tubes and extracted by an organic method, the PAXgene Blood RNA System reduced RNA degradation and inhibited or eliminated gene induction in phlebotomy whole blood samples. Storage of whole blood samples in PAXgene tubes can be recommended for clinically related blood samples that will be analyzed for total or specific RNA content.
Comprehensive Screening of Urine Samples for Inborn Errors of Metabolism by Electrospray Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Pitt James J , Eggington Mary , Kahler Stephen G 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground: Detection of abnormal metabolites in urine is important for the diagnosis of many inborn errors of metabolism (IEM). Rapid, comprehensive screening methods are needed.Methods: We used electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry in positive- and negative-ion modes to detect selected metabolites in urine. For positive-ion analysis, samples were dried and butylated, whereas for negative-ion analysis, samples were merely diluted with the mobile phase. Analysis was by direct injection with multiple reaction monitoring for 32 metabolites in positive mode (amino acids and acylcarnitines) and 30 metabolites in negative mode (organic acids). Run time was 2.1 min in each mode.Results: Interbatch CVs ranged from 4.8% to 32%, enabling quantification of many metabolites. The procedure was applied to controls (278 and 120 in positive- and negative-ion mode, respectively) and 108 IEM individuals representing 37 different IEM. In 105 IEM individuals, representing 36 different IEM, concentrations of one or more diagnostic metabolites were above the 99th percentiles of the control values.Conclusions: The procedure is faster and less labor-intensive than conventional methods of testing for IEM by amino and organic acid profiling and has similar diagnostic sensitivity. The ability to include a greater range of metabolites offers the potential of a more comprehensive screening procedure.