bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nickel ammonium phosphate and reduced graphene oxide two‐dimensional hybrid material for improving the fire safety and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Li Jiahe , Meng Weihua , Wu Weihong , Zhou Zhaoxi , Zhang Weiwei , Song Pingan , Xu Jianzhong , Qu Hongqiang 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this study, a hybrid material with band‐shaped nickel ammonium phosphate monohydrate (NiNH4PO4.H2O) (ANP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was devised by the one‐pot method. This material is a novel, efficient and non‐halogen flame retardant and smoke suppressant. Based on the characterization results, a crystal growth and thermal decomposition process of ANP is proposed, which proves that it has flame retardancy and smoke suppression in the gas phase and condensed phase. When the amount of ANP/RGO was 15 phr (per hundred parts of resin), the total smoke production, peak smoke production rate, total heat release and peak heat release rate of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composite were 49.76%, 59.46%, 47.48% and 69.94% lower respectively than those of pure PVC. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of the PVC composite increased by 6.74%. The results show that ANP/RGO improves the fire safety performance, smoke suppression and mechanical properties of PVC composites. The significant improvement in fire safety performance is mainly attributed to the dilution of combustible gases with ammonia and water generated by the decomposition of ANP/RGO during combustion, and the phosphide in the condensed phase made the residual char crosslinked and denser to protect the substrate more effectively. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
PDMS mixed‐matrix membranes with molecular fillers via reactive incorporation and their application for bio‐butanol recovery from aqueous solution
Authors: Chen Xi , Hung Wei‐Song , Liu Gongping , Lee Kueir‐Rarn , Jin Wanqin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMixed‐matrix membrane (MMM) consisting of fillers in polymeric matrix offers a promising approach to develop high‐performance membranes, while remain challenges in achieving ideal filler dispersion and interfacial morphology. Herein, we reported on a new kind of MMM with molecular‐level dispersion of filler via a proposed reactive incorporation approach. Specifically, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) with vinyl groups was grafted with ethoxy groups to build covalent bond with hydroxyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains to fabricate PDMS MMMs uniformly dispersed with POSS molecules. The molecular dispersion of POSS in PDMS matrix was visualized by SEM, AFM, and TEM characterizations, as well as reflected by XRD analysis. The PDMS chain conformation affected by the reactive incorporation of POSS was investigated by analyzing the thermal and mechanical properties of the POSS/PDMS MMMs using DSC, TGA, and DMA measurements. Contact angle test was used to study the surface affinity and positron annihilation technique was employed to probe the free volumes, which are respectively associated with the sorption and diffusion behavior in the POSS/PDMS MMMs. The results demonstrated that molecular cages and crosslinking effect of POSS led to an increase of large free volumes while a decline of small free volumes. Therefore, the PDMS MMM with reactive incorporation of only 2 wt.% POSS simultaneously enhanced the butanol permeability (by 78%) and butanol/water selectivity (by 124%) for pristine PDMS membrane, transcending the performance limit of state‐of‐the‐arts organophilic membranes. The proposed reactive incorporation approach may provide a platform of developing highly efficient membranes for molecular separation.
Serial multiple mediation of demoralization and depression in the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation
Authors: Liu Su Ting , Wu Xia , Wang Ning , Zhao Qian Qian , Xiao Lin , Fang Chun Kai , Yu Ya , Lin Dong Mei , Zhang Li Li 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveSuicidal ideation is common in cancer patients and may be associated with hopelessness, demoralization, and depression. This study aims to investigate the serial multiple mediation of demoralization and depression in the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation in cancer patients.MethodsA total of 244 cancer patients were investigated by using the following standardized self‐reported questionnaires: self‐rating idea of suicide scale, Beck hopelessness scale, demoralization scale‐Mandarin version, and patient health questionnaire depression scale‐9. The mediation hypothesis was tested with a serial multiple mediation model (PROCESS model 6). An exploratory graph analysis was performed to detect the correlations among the dimensions of the mental conditions measured by these instruments.ResultsBootstrap analyzes indicate that there were direct and indirect effects of hopelessness on suicidal ideation mediated solely by demoralization (B = 2.3074, SE = 0.1724, P < .001) or by demoralization together with depression (B = 0.1605, SE = 0.0303, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.1102 to 0.2303). The mediation of depression alone in the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation was insignificant (B = 0.1541, SE = 0.0519, 95% CI = −0.0565 to 0.0715). The exploratory graph analysis suggests that the strongest edge of dimensions between demoralization and suicidal ideation was desperation‐disheartenment (0.62).ConclusionsThe results of the study support the hypothesis that demoralization and depression mediate between hopelessness and suicidal ideation. The early identification of and interventions for hopelessness, demoralization, and depression may prevent cancer patients from developing suicidal ideation.
A Bayesian approach in design and analysis of pediatric cancer clinical trials
Authors: Ye Jingjing , Reaman Gregory , De Claro R. Angelo , Sridhara Rajeshwari 
Published: June 2020

SummaryIt is well recognized that cancer drug development for children and adolescents has many challenges, from biological and societal to economic. Pediatric cancer consists of a diverse group of rare diseases, and the relatively small population of children with multiple, disparate tumor types across various age groups presents a significant challenge for drug development programs as compared to oncology drug development programs for adults. Due to the different types of cancers, limited opportunities exist for extrapolation of efficacy from adult cancer indications to children. Thus, innovative study designs including Bayesian statistical approaches should be considered. A Bayesian approach can be a flexible tool to formally leverage prior knowledge of adult or external controls in pediatric cancer trials. In this article, we provide in a case example of how Bayesian approaches can be used to design, monitor, and analyze pediatric trials. Particularly, Bayesian sequential monitoring can be useful to monitor pediatric trial results as data accumulate. In addition, designing a pediatric trial with both skeptical and enthusiastic priors with Bayesian sequential monitoring can be an efficient mechanism for early trial cessation for both efficacy and futility. The interpretation of efficacy using a Bayesian approach is based on posterior probability and is intuitive and interpretable for patients, parents and prescribers given limited data.
Relationship between nutrition and reproduction
Authors: Koga Fumitoshi , Kitagami Shigeki , Izumi Arisa , Uemura Tomoko , Takayama Osamu , Koga Tsuyoshi , Mizoguchi Toru 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundRecently, the relationship between nutrition and reproduction is being studied. In particular, when older women receive reproductive treatment, egg aging causes greater problems than organic factors.MethodsThis study investigated the relationship between nutrition and reproduction with a focus on factors that cause aging, including oxidation, glycation, and chronic inflammation. A large volume of data concerning each nutrient's relationship with reproductive medicine was collected from a number of observational studies.Main findingsThe results showed that refined carbohydrates should be avoided and care should be taken to achieve proper intake of omega‐3 fatty acids. Folic acid and vitamin D were also effective. For men, antioxidant measures are especially effective. The effects of antioxidants are related to insulin resistance, which causes chronic inflammation.ConclusionRecent research has shown that rather than meal content, meal intervals are more important for improving insulin resistance. Future research should examine lifestyle‐related nutrition factors and their relationships to reproductive treatment.
Cross talk between mesenchymal and glioblastoma stem cells: Communication beyond controversies
Authors: Bajetto Adriana , Thellung Stefano , Dellacasagrande Irene , Pagano Aldo , Barbieri Federica , Florio Tullio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from bone marrow or other adult tissues (adipose tissue, dental pulp, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord). In vitro, MSCs grow as adherent cells, display fibroblast-like morphology, and self-renew, undergoing specific mesodermal differentiation. High heterogeneity of MSCs from different origin, and differences in preparation techniques, make difficult to uniform their functional properties for therapeutic purposes. Immunomodulatory, migratory, and differentiation ability, fueled clinical MSC application in regenerative medicine, whereas beneficial effects are currently mainly ascribed to their secretome and extracellular vesicles. MSC translational potential in cancer therapy exploits putative anti-tumor activity and inherent tropism toward tumor sites to deliver cytotoxic drugs. However, controversial results emerged evaluating either the therapeutic potential or homing efficiency of MSCs, as both antitumor and protumor effects were reported. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor and its development and aggressive nature is sustained by cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the identification of effective therapeutic is required. MSC dualistic action, tumor-promoting or tumor-targeting, is dependent on secreted factors and extracellular vesicles driving a complex cross talk between MSCs and GBM CSCs. Tumor-tropic ability of MSCs, besides providing an alternative therapeutic approach, could represent a tool to understand the biology of GBM CSCs and related paracrine mechanisms, underpinning MSC-GBM interactions. In this review, recent findings on the complex nature of MSCs will be highlighted, focusing on their elusive impact on GBM progression and aggressiveness by direct cell-cell interaction and via secretome, also facing the perspectives and challenges in treatment strategies.
First steps toward gender equity in the chemistry Olympiad: Understanding the role of implicitgender‐sciencestereotypes
Authors: Steegh Anneke , Höffler Tim , Höft Lars , Parchmann Ilka 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGirls are underrepresented in mathematical and science Olympiads, global informal learning activities which often serve as stepping stones for admission to top universities and future STEM careers. The present article aims to investigate the role of implicit gender‐science stereotypes on representation and achievement among participants of the German Chemistry Olympiad using a cross‐sectional online study (N= 445, mean age 16.5 years, 51% female) entailing the Implicit Association Test and two motivational scales. This study was the first of its kind to use moderated mediation analysis to examine the effects of gender‐science stereotypes on participation and achievement, mediated by the expectancy and value beliefs self‐concept and topic interest. We found that in the female group, gender‐science stereotypes negatively predicted the participants' willingness to continue in the competition. This relationship was mediated through topic interest. In addition, we found self‐concept predictive for further participation among female participants, as well as for competition score among both gender groups. Furthermore, topic interest positively predicted male participants' willingness to continue with the competition. The results underline the negative association of implicit gender stereotypes with female participation in the German Chemistry Olympiad. Organizations such as the German Chemistry Olympiad should therefore critically reflect on existing gender biases within their own structure. In doing so they can create an environment that has the potential to heighten self‐concept and interest for all participants equally. Our findings add to existing expectancy‐value research in the context of gender differences in mathematics and science, supporting potential strategies toward gender equity.
Long‐term digital device‐enabled monitoring of functional status: Implications for management of persons with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Manley Natalie A. , Bayen Eléonore , Braley Tamara L. , Merrilees Jennifer , Clark Amy M. , Zylstra Bradley , Schaffer Michael , Bayen Alexandre M. , Possin Katherine L. , Miller Bruce L. , Schenk A. Katrin , Bonasera Stephen J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIntroductionInformal caregiving is an essential element of health‐care delivery. Little data describes how caregivers structure care recipients’ lives and impact their functional status.MethodsWe performed observational studies of community dwelling persons with dementia (PWD) to measure functional status by simultaneous assessment of physical activity (PA) and lifespace (LS). We present data from two caregiver/care‐recipient dyads representing higher and average degrees of caregiver involvement.ResultsWe acquired >42,800 (subject 1); >41,300 (subject 2) PA data points and >154,500 (subject 1); >119,700 (subject 2) LS data points over 15 months of near continuous observation. PA and LS patterns provided insights into the caregiver's role in structuring the PWD's day‐to‐day function and change in function over time.DiscussionWe show that device‐enabled functional monitoring (FM) can successfully gather and display data at resolutions required for dementia care studies. Objective quantification of individual caregiver/care‐recipient dyads provides opportunities to implement patient‐centered care.
Chronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankungen – die biopsychosoziale Realität im Kindes- und Jugendalter
Authors: Krohn Kathrin , Pfeifer Michaela , Manzey Petra , Koletzko Sibylle 
Published: June 2020

ZusammenfassungChronisch entzündliche Darmerkrankungen (CED) im Kindes- und Jugendalter nehmen zu. Diese komplexen Erkrankungen haben typischerweise einen unvorhersehbaren und oft schubweisen Verlauf. Diese Übersichtsarbeit dient der Darstellung der psychosozialen Folgen und Risiken bei chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter vor dem Hintergrund der wesentlichen medizinischen Aspekte.Diagnostik und Therapie der CED sollten von Kindergastroenterologen gesteuert werden. Obere und untere Endoskopie mit Stufenbiopsien und bildgebende Verfahren sind die Eckpfeiler der Diagnostik. Therapeutisch kommen immunmodulierende und immunsuppressive Medikamente, Ernährungstherapie und chirurgische Interventionen zum Einsatz. Die Erkrankung selbst mit ihren vielfältigen Beschwerden und Komplikationen, aber auch die diagnostischen und therapeutischen Verfahren und die Sorge vor Nebenwirkungen sind für die jungen Patienten und ihre Familien mit vielfältigen Belastungen verbunden. Einschränkungen der Lebensqualität, psychische Erkrankungen und negative Auswirkungen auf Sozialleben, Schule und Berufsausbildung können die Folge sein. Eine interdisziplinäre umfassende Betreuung der Patienten unter Einbeziehung der verschiedenen Berufsgruppen (ärztlich, psychologisch, sozialpädagogisch, ernährungstherapeutisch und pflegerisch) sind notwendige Voraussetzungen, diesen komplex kranken Kindern und Jugendlichen sowie ihren Familien gerecht zu werden.
Groin Hernia Surgery in Uganda: Caseloads and Practices at Hospitals Operating Within the Publicly Funded Healthcare Sector
Authors: Matovu Alphonsus , Nordin Pär , Wladis Andreas , Ajiko Mary Margaret , Löfgren Jenny 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundGroin hernia is a major public health problem with over 200 million people affected. The unmet need for surgery is greatest in Sub‐Saharan Africa where specialist surgeons are few. This study was carried out in Uganda to investigate caseloads and practices of groin hernia surgery at publicly funded hospitals.MethodsThe study employed mixed methods covering 29 hospitals: the National Referral Hospital (NRH), 14 Regional Referral Hospitals (RRH) and 14 General Hospitals (GH). In part one of the study, surgeons and medical doctors performing hernia repair were interviewed about their practices and experiences of groin hernia surgery. In part two, operating theater records from 2013 to 2014 from the participating hospitals were reviewed and information about groin hernia operations collected.ResultsAll respondents reported that sutured repair was the first‐choice method. A total of 5518 groin hernia repairs were performed at the participating hospitals, i.e., an annual hernia repair rate of 7/100 000 population. Of the patients operated, almost 16% were women and 24% were children. Local anesthesia (LA) was used in 40% of the cases, and non‐surgeon physicians performed 70.3% of the groin hernia repairs.ConclusionGroin hernia repair outputs need to increase along with the training of surgical providers in modern hernia repair methods. Methods and outcomes for hernia repair in women and children should be investigated to improve the quality of care.
New strategies for managing adult gliomas
Authors: Kirby Alastair J. , Finnerty Gerald T. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGliomas are hard to treat. Their prognosis has improved little over the past few decades. Fundamental therapeutic challenges such as treatment resistance, malignant progression, and tumour recurrence persist. New strategies are needed to advance the management and treatment of gliomas. Here, we focus on where those new strategies could emerge. We consider how recent advances in our understanding of the biology of adult gliomas are informing new approaches to their treatment.
Change over time in ability to perform activities of daily living in myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Landfeldt Erik , Nikolenko Nikoletta , Jimenez-Moreno Cecilia , Cumming Sarah , Monckton Darren G. , Faber Catharina G. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Gorman Grainne , Turner Chris , Lochmüller Hanns 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this longitudinal, observational study was to investigate change over time in ability to perform activities of daily living in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1).MethodsAdults with genetically confirmed DM1 were recruited as part of the PhenoDM1 study in the UK. Data on activities of daily living were recorded through the DM1-ActivCat baseline and a follow-up visit after 12 (± 3) months. A subset of patients had advanced genetic testing to determine the size of the progenitor allele.ResultsOur sample comprised 150 patients with DM1 (mean age: 45 years; 52% female). Mean follow-up was 383 days. Mean DM1-ActivCtotal score at baseline was 71.24 (95% confidence interval 67.77–74.71) and at the follow-up visit 69.04 (65.54–72.54). Approximately 43% of patients had a lower score at the follow-up visit (indicating a decreased ability to perform activities of daily living), 24% a higher score (indicating an increased ability), and 33% the same score at baseline and follow-up. The mean annual change in the DM1-ActivCtotal score, estimated at − 2.06 (− 3.54 to − 0.59), was significantly related to patients’ baseline score, but not sex, disease duration, timed test results, or cytosine-thymine-guanine repeat length.ConclusionsChange over time in ability to perform activities of daily living as recorded through the DM1-ActivCvaries substantially between patients with DM1. Our data contribute to the understanding of the natural evolution of the disease, and should be helpful to inform the design of future trials based on the DM1-ActivC.
A high-order FEM formulation for free and forced vibration analysis of a nonlocal nonlinear graded Timoshenko nanobeam based on the weak form quadrature element method
Authors: Trabelssi M. , El-Borgi S. , Friswell M. I. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to provide a high-order finite element method (FEM) formulation of nonlocal nonlinear nonlocal graded Timoshenko based on the weak form quadrature element method (WQEM). This formulation offers the advantages and flexibility of the FEM without its limiting low-order accuracy. The nanobeam theory accounts for the von Kármán geometric nonlinearity in addition to Eringen’s nonlocal constitutive models. For the sake of generality, a nonlinear foundation is included in the formulation. The proposed formulation generates high-order derivative terms that cannot be accounted for using regular first- or second-order interpolation functions. Hamilton’s principle is used to derive the variational statement which is discretized using WQEM. The results of a WQEM free vibration study are assessed using data obtained from a similar problem solved by the differential quadrature method (DQM). The study shows that WQEM can offer the same accuracy as DQM with a reduced computational cost. Currently the literature describes a small number of high-order numerical forced vibration problems, the majority of which are limited to DQM. To obtain forced vibration solutions using WQEM, the authors propose two different methods to obtain frequency response curves. The obtained results indicate that the frequency response curves generated by either method closely match their DQM counterparts obtained from the literature, and this is despite the low mesh density used for the WQEM systems.
Tropical Biogeomorphic Seagrass Landscapes for Coastal Protection: Persistence and Wave Attenuation During Major Storms Events
Authors: James R. K. , Lynch A. , Herman P. M. J. , van Katwijk M. M. , van Tussenbroek B. I. , Dijkstra H. A. , van Westen R. M. , van der Boog C. G. , Klees R. , Pietrzak J. D. , Slobbe C. , Bouma T. J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe intensity of major storm events generated within the Atlantic Basin is projected to rise with the warming of the oceans, which is likely to exacerbate coastal erosion. Nature-based flood defence has been proposed as a sustainable and effective solution to protect coastlines. However, the ability of natural ecosystems to withstand major storms like tropical hurricanes has yet to be thoroughly tested. Seagrass meadows both stabilise sediment and attenuate waves, providing effective coastal protection services for sandy beaches. To examine the tolerance of Caribbean seagrass meadows to extreme storm events, and to investigate the extent of protection they deliver to beaches, we employed a combination of field surveys, biomechanical measurements and wave modelling simulations. Field surveys of seagrass meadows before and after a direct hit by the category 5 Hurricane Irma documented that established seagrass meadows of Thalassia testudinum remained unaltered after the extreme storm event. The flexible leaves and thalli of seagrass and calcifying macroalgae inhabiting the meadows were shown to sustain the wave forces that they are likely to experience during hurricanes. In addition, the seagrass canopy and the complex biogeomorphic landscape built by the seagrass meadows combine to significantly dissipate extreme wave forces, ensuring that erosion is minimised within sandy beach foreshores. The persistence of the Caribbean seagrass meadows and their coastal protection services during extreme storm events ensures that a stable coastal ecosystem and beach foreshore is maintained in tropical regions.