bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative characterization of bubble evolution in mineral oil for different air‐injection nozzles
Authors: Mao Ning , Kang Can , Teng Shuang , Mulbah Christian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to reveal characteristics of a rising bubble in quiescent mineral oil. Three air‐injection nozzles with outlet diameters of 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 mm were selected. Consecutively rising bubbles were produced as air was injected into mineral oil. Bubble visualization was implemented using the high‐speed photography technique. Bubble images captured were processed using an in‐house code to calculate the equivalent bubble diameter and the bubble velocity. The computational fluid dynamics technique was used to simulate flows around the rising bubble. The bubble trajectory, the bubble aspect ratio, and the bubble velocity were compared among the three nozzles. Correlations between nondimensional parameters were constructed. The results show that the bubble motion in mineral oil is stabilized in comparison with that in deionized water. Spherical and ellipsoidal shapes are prevalent. The bubble trajectory is rectilinear, which is independent of the nozzle outlet diameter. After the bubble separates from the nozzle, the equilibrium state is promptly attained. Smooth bubble evolution is ascribed to suppressed wake vortices immediately downstream of the bubble. Small nozzle outlet diameter is responsible for high aspect ratio but small Eötvös number. Values of the Weber number are much smaller than those associated with deionized water. The drag coefficient descends continuously with increasing Reynolds number (Re); the correspondence between the drag coefficient and Re is explicitly sensitive to the nozzle outlet diameter.
The effect of silk fibroin nanoparticles on the morphology, rheology, dynamic mechanical properties, and toughness of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanocomposite
Authors: Dadras Chomachayi Masoud , Jalali‐arani Azam , Urreaga Joaquín Martínez 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNPs) were extracted from silkworm cocoons and used as a nanofiller in poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) blend. The nanoparticle localization was studied theoretically and experimentally and the effects of SFNP on the morphology, rheology, toughness, and dynamic mechanical properties of the blend were investigated. According to the calculated wetting coefficient, SFNP should be thermodynamically located in the PLA matrix during the melting process. The results of SEM illustrated a common sea‐island structure for the PLA/PCL blend and the incorporation of SFNP reduced the PCL domain sizes from 1.170 ± 92 μm to 794 ± 46 nm. The atomic force microscopy results showed that the nanoparticles are mainly located in the PLA matrix and also, partially at the phase interface with a thickness of layers around 80 nm. The rheological tests displayed the network formation of SFNP in the prepared nanocomposites. The dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that by the addition of SFNP, the storage modulus of neat PLA and PLA/PCL blend were increased by around 57 and 50%, respectively and the glass transition temperatures (Tg) values of PLA and PCL shifted toward each other. Additionally, using SFNP caused a lower water uptake and higher impact strength (~64%) of the blend.
New triepoxy monomer and composites for thermal and corrosion management
Authors: Boga Karteek , Rao Chepuri R. K. , Suresh Kattimuttathu Ittara 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe denser and faster componented next‐generation electronic devices produce an increased amount of heat during operations. Thermal dissipation is critical to the performance, lifetime, and reliability of electronic devices. With emerging of new applications such as three‐dimensional chip stack architectures, flexible electronics, and light‐emitting diodes, thermal dissipation becomes a challenging problem. In this study, a new resole‐based epoxy monomer is designed. The novelty of the monomer is triepoxy functional soth upon curing (polymerization) the crosslink density is more. Composites of this epoxy with graphene functionalized with amine have been synthesized and characterized by thermal and mechanical methods. The thermal conductivity is increased to 0.6 W/mK by using graphene amine (12 wt%), which suggests that the composites can be useful for encapsulations. The composites are also useful as a coating material for corrosion protection on mild steel (MS). The electrochemical polarization studies on coated specimens showed that the composites are excellent coatings, which exhibited a very low corrosion rate of the order of 10−3–10−4 mm/year.
Impact of the wet spinning parameters on the alpaca‐based polyacrylonitrile composite fibers: Morphology and enhanced mechanical properties study
Authors: Al Faruque Md Abdullah , Remadevi Rechana , Razal Joselito M. , Naebe Maryam 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe study examined the effect of different wet spinning parameters (e.g., total solid content, coagulation bath concentration, drawing, and stretching) on the morphology and mechanical properties of the wet spun alpaca/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite fibers. The alpaca/PAN composite fibers were wet spun using 10, 20, and 30% of alpaca particles along with the PAN polymer. The shear‐thinning or non‐Newtonian flow behavior was observed among the dope solutions with different solid content. The cross‐sectional fiber morphology showed the bean‐shaped characteristic for the control PAN fibers, whereas the alpaca/PAN composite fibers exhibited almost circular shape. “Cavity healing” was observed, where noticeable voids and porous areas were demolished in the cross section of the composite fibers, by changing the total solid content and coagulation bath concentration. Although the control PAN fibers exhibited the highest tenacity with lower fiber diameter, the alpaca/PAN composite fibers showed a gradual deterioration in tenacity while adding alpaca particles into the PAN polymeric matrix. Nevertheless, due to the increment in the total solid content, higher draw ratio, and stretching of the fibers, the tenacity, molecular orientation, and the crystallinity of the composite fibers were increased.
Forced degradation studies of norepinephrine and epinephrine from dental anesthetics: Development of stability‐indicating HPLC method and in silico toxicity evaluation
Authors: Coli Louvisse de Abreu Letícia , Abrahim‐Vieira Bárbara de Azevedo , Mendonça Teles de Souza Alessandra , Pinto Eduardo Costa , Gonçalves Mariana da Silva , Simon Alice , Viana Gil Mendes , Rodrigues Carlos Rangel , Pereira de Sousa Valeria , Cabral Lucio Mendes 
Published: March 2020

AbstractInjectable solutions containing epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) are not stable, and their degradation is favored mainly by the oxidation of catechol moiety. As studies of these drugs under forced degradation conditions are scarce, herein, we report the identification of their degradation products (DP) in anesthetic formulations by the development of stability‐indicating HPLC method. Finally, the risk assessment of the major degradation products was evaluated using in silico toxicity approach. HPLC method was developed to obtain a higher selectivity allowing adequate elution for both drugs and their DPs. The optimized conditions were developed using a C18 HPLC column, sodium 1‐octanesulfonate, and methanol (80:20, v/v) as mobile phase, with a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, UV detection at 199 nm. The analysis of standard solutions with these modifications resulted in greater retention time for EPI and NE, which allow the separation of these drugs from their respective DPs. Then, five DPs were identified and analyzed by in silico studies. Most of the DPs showed important alerts as hepatotoxicity and mutagenicity. To the best of our acknowledgment, this is the first report of a stability‐indicating HPLC method that can be used with formulations containing catecholamines.
Board gender diversity, environmental committee and greenhouse gas voluntary disclosures
Authors: Tingbani Ishmael , Chithambo Lyton , Tauringana Venancio , Papanikolaou Nikolaos 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe explore the impact of gender diversity and environmental committees on greenhouse gas (GHG) voluntary disclosures utilising a sample of 215 firms, which are listed on the London Stock Exchange market. We provide strong evidence for a strong positive association between GHG voluntary disclosures and gender diversity, which constitutes an important input to the ongoing debate about the role of women in the boardroom. The governance mechanism of environmental committees is not found to significantly affect GHG disclosures. This adds to the growing empirical evidence in the literature that questions the effectiveness of the current board structures in serving the wider needs of stakeholders and in addressing the relevant issues on climate change. Overall, our results suggest that by being diverse and open to a mixed‐gender governance approach, a firm can better serve the demands of stakeholders and legitimise their green credentials, thus gaining more trust from a broad range of stakeholders other than their shareholders. The noneffectiveness of the environmental committees in enhancing GHG voluntary disclosures demonstrates that firms may not have to directly link the relevant governance mechanism to their disclosure decisions and practices.
C−H Amination via Nitrene Transfer Catalyzed by Mononuclear Non‐Heme Iron‐Dependent Enzymes
Authors: Vila Maria Agustina , Steck Viktoria , Rodriguez Giordano Sonia , Carrera Ignacio , Fasan Rudi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractExpanding the reaction scope of natural metalloenzymes can provide new opportunities for biocatalysis. Mononuclear non‐heme iron‐dependent enzymes represent a large class of biological catalysts involved in the biosynthesis of natural products and catabolism of xenobiotics, among other processes. Here, we report that several members of this enzyme family, including Rieske dioxygenases as well as α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent dioxygenases and halogenases, are able to catalyze the intramolecular C−H amination of a sulfonyl azide substrate, thereby exhibiting a promiscuous nitrene transfer reactivity. One of these enzymes, naphthalene dioxygenase (NDO), was further engineered resulting in several active site variants that function as C−H aminases. Furthermore, this enzyme could be applied to execute this non‐native transformation on a gram scale in a bioreactor, thus demonstrating its potential for synthetic applications. These studies highlight the functional versatility of non‐heme iron‐dependent enzymes and pave the way to their further investigation and development as promising biocatalysts for non‐native metal‐catalyzed transformations.
Coil occlusion of a congenital left ventricular aneurysm in a newborn
Authors: Hofbeck Michael , Sieverding Ludger , Grözinger Gerd , Kagan Karl O. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe report interventional treatment of a congenital left ventricular aneurysm in a neonate. The aneurysm was detected prenatally at 20 weeks of gestation. Postnatally, the aneurysm increased in size during the first few days of life and therefore we opted for interventional closure to abolish the potential risk of rupture. The aneurysm was entered with a 2.7 French microcatheter, and complete occlusion was achieved by successive placement of three detachable large volume coils (Ruby Coil PenumbraR, Alameda, California). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing interventional occlusion of a congenital ventricular aneurysm in early infancy. Interventional occlusion with detachable large volume coils appears to be an attractive alternative to surgical resection in patients presenting with ventricular outpouchings and narrow base connection to the ventricle.
TAVR outcome after reclassification of aortic valve stenosis by using a hybrid continuity equation that combines computed tomography and echocardiography data
Authors: Weber Marcel , Jaenisch Max , Spilker Marie , Pingel Simon , Schueler Robert , Stundl Anja , Sedaghat Alexander , Hammerstingl Christoph , Mellert Fritz , Grube Eberhard , Nickenig Georg , Werner Nikos , Sinning Jan‐Malte 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn the continuity equation, assumption of a round‐shaped left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) leads to underestimation of the true aortic valve area in two‐dimensional echocardiography. The current study evaluated whether inclusion of the LVOT area, as measured by computed tomography (CT), reclassifies the degree of aortic stenosis (AS) and assessed the impact on patient outcome after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).Methods and ResultsFour hundred and twenty‐two patients with indexed aortic valve area index (AVAi) of <0.6 cm2/m2, assessed by using the classical continuity equation (mean age: 81.5 ± 6.1 years, 51% female, mean left ventricular ejection fraction: 53.2 ± 13.6%), underwent TAVR and were included. After inclusion of the CT measured LVOT area into the continuity equation, the hybrid AVAi led to a reclassification of 30% (n = 128) of patients from severe to moderate AS. Multivariate predictors for reclassification were male sex, lower mean aortic gradient, and lower annulus/LVOT ratio (all p < .01). Reclassified patients had significantly higher sST2 at baseline and higher NT‐proBNP values at baseline and 6 months follow‐up compared to non‐reclassified patients. Acute kidney injury was experienced more frequently after TAVR by reclassified patients, but no significant mortality difference occurred during 2 years of follow‐up.ConclusionThe hybrid AVAi reclassifies a significant portion of low‐gradient severe AS patients into moderate AS. Reclassified patients showed increased fibrosis and heart failure markers at baseline compared to non‐reclassified patients. But reclassification had no significant impact on mortality up to 2 years after TAVR. Routine assessment of hybrid AVAi seems not to improve further risk stratification of TAVR patients.
Research on TE process fault diagnosis method based on DBN and dropout
Authors: Wei Yuqin , Weng Zhengxin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn recent years, deep learning has shown outstanding performance and potential in pattern recognition and feature extraction, which has attracted an increasing amount of attention from engineering researchers and academics. Fault diagnosis methods based on deep learning have also become the focus of a significant amount of research. In this paper, a nonlinear process fault diagnosis and identification method based on DBN‐dropout is proposed. The deep belief network (DBN) has significant advantages in dealing with nonlinear processes, and it can extract the abstract representation of nonlinear process data to build a deep network to achieve the real‐time monitoring of process operations. Dropout technology can reduce overfitting and improve the generalization ability of the model. Afterwards, the Tennessee Eastman (TE) process is employed to analyze the performance of the proposed approach.
On the role of local blockchain network features in cryptocurrency price formation
Authors: Dey Asim K. , Akcora Cuneyt G. , Gel Yulia R. , Kantarcioglu Murat 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCryptocurrencies and the underpinning blockchain technology have gained unprecedented public attention recently. In contrast to fiat currencies, transactions of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Litecoin, are permanently recorded on distributed ledgers to be seen by the public. As a result, public availability of all cryptocurrency transactions allows us to create a complex network of financial interactions that can be used to study not only the blockchain graph, but also the relationship between various blockchain network features and cryptocurrency risk investment. We introduce a novel concept of chainlets, or blockchain motifs, to utilize this information. Chainlets allow us to evaluate the role of local topological structure of the blockchain on the joint Bitcoin and Litecoin price formation and dynamics. We investigate the predictive Granger causality of chainlets and identify certain types of chainlets that exhibit the highest predictive influence on cryptocurrency price and investment risk. More generally, while statistical aspects of blockchain data analytics remain virtually unexplored, the paper aims to highlight various emerging theoretical, methodological and applied research challenges of blockchain data analysis that will be of interest to the broad statistical community.The Canadian Journal of Statistics48: 561–581; 2020 © 2020 Statistical Society of Canada
Distribution of aromatase in the brain of the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni: Aromatase expression, but not estrogen receptors, varies with female reproductive‐state
Authors: Maruska Karen P. , Butler Julie M. , Anselmo Chase , Tandukar Ganga 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEstrogen synthesis and signaling in the brains of vertebrates has pleotropic effects ranging from neurogenesis to modulation of behaviors. The majority of studies on brain‐derived estrogens focus on males, but estrogenic signaling in females likely plays important roles in regulation of reproductive cycling and social behaviors. We used females of the mouth brooding African cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni, to test for reproductive state‐dependent changes in estrogenic signaling capacity within microdissected brain nuclei that are important for social behaviors. Expression levels of the rate‐limiting enzyme aromatase, but not estrogen receptors, measured by qPCR changes across the reproductive cycle. Gravid females that are close to spawning had higher aromatase levels in all brain regions compared to females with lower reproductive potential. This brain aromatase expression was positively correlated with circulating estradiol levels and ovarian readiness. Using chromogenic in situ hybridization we localized aromatase‐expressing cells to ependymal regions bordering the ventricles from the forebrain to the hindbrain, and observed more abundant staining in gravid compared to mouth brooding females in most regions. Staining was most prominent in subpallial telencephalic regions, and diencephalic regions of the preoptic area, thalamus, and hypothalamus, but was also observed in sensory and sensorimotor areas of the midbrain and hindbrain. Aromatase expression was observed in radial glial cells, revealed by co‐localization with the glial marker GFAP and absence of co‐localization with the neuronal marker HuC/D. Collectively these results support the idea that brain‐derived estradiol in females may serve important functions in reproductive state‐dependent physiological and behavioral processes across vertebrates.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in an Overweight Population With Abnormal Liver Function
Authors: Yoon Seonghae , Lee Heechan , Ji Sang‐Chun , Yoon Seo Hyun , Cho Joo‐Youn , Chung Jae‐Yong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUrsodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a secondary bile acid that is used to treat primary biliary cholangitis. Although UDCA has a hepatoprotective effect in some diseases, its benefit in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of UDCA in overweight subjects with elevated liver enzymes after multiple administrations of UDCA and compare these changes with vitamin E treatment. Overweight subjects (body mass index, 25‐30 kg/m2) with elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level (40‐200 IU/L) were enrolled. Subjects received one of the following three 8‐week treatments: UDCA 300 mg twice daily UDCA 300 mg twice daily for 4 weeks followed by UDCA 300 mg twice daily and metformin 500 mg twice daily for 4 weeks, and vitamin E 400 IU twice daily. PK and PD (liver function, lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, and miR‐122) analyses were performed. Thirty subjects were enrolled; 1 subject withdrew his consent during the study. The PK characteristics were similar to those of healthy volunteers. The ALT and miR‐122 levels decreased in the UDCA groups, whereas the ALT and aspartate aminotransferase levels decreased in the vitamin E group. The lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity did not show significant changes among the groups. There was no serious adverse event, and the safety profiles were similar among the treatment groups. The liver enzyme and miR‐122 levels were decreased by UDCA. Considering UDCA and vitamin E have a hepatoprotective effect and different mechanisms of action, combination therapy could be an option for NAFLD.
Psychological interventions for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in refugees: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kip Ahlke , Priebe Stefan , Holling Heinz , Morina Nexhmedin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMillions of refugees around the globe suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or depression. We conducted a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the efficacy of psychological interventions for PTSD and/or depression in refugees. The meta‐analysis was registered on the PROSPERO database (CRD42017071384). A search using the Medline, PsycINFO, and PILOTS databases was conducted in January 2019, resulting in 17 RCTs, of which 14 were conducted with adult refugees (1,108 participants) and 3 with young refugees (<18 years; 151 participants). Further inclusion criteria were at least 10 participants completing an active psychological intervention for PTSD, depression, or both and less than 50% of participants receiving concurrent psychotropic drugs. Random effects models showed that active interventions for adult PTSD yielded a medium to large aggregated effect size (g = 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.26, 1.28]) at posttreatment when compared with passive and active control conditions. Active interventions for adult depression also produced large controlled effect sizes at posttreatment (g = 0.82; 95% CI [0.24, 1.40]). The effects appeared to persist over the average follow‐up period of 6 months. The findings suggest that psychological interventions can effectively reduce symptoms of both PTSD and depression in adult refugees. However, the considerable heterogeneity between studies indicates that the efficacy may vary significantly. Future studies should aim to explore the substantial heterogeneity in effect sizes between studies with adult refugees. Additionally, more trials with young refugees suffering from PTSD or depression are needed to determine treatment efficacy for this population.