bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of the novel coronavirus movement restrictions in the United Kingdom on food outlet usage and body mass index
Authors: Albalawi Ahmad , Hambly Catherine , Speakman John R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundMany countries have implemented various levels of lockdown to mitigate the spread of the global SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. In the United Kingdom, the national lockdown restrictions were implemented between 26 March 2020 and 4 July 2020. These restrictions required all restaurants to close except for takeaway and delivery services. Moreover, individuals were instructed to largely stay in their homes, unless they were identified as essential workers, and to only leave home once per day for exercise. These restrictions might have an impact on energy intake and expenditure, thereby affecting their body weight.AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the movement restrictions in the United Kingdom on food outlet usage and body mass index (BMI).Materials and MethodsFood outlet usage surveys were filled out for 7 consecutive days before and during the lockdown. Changes in BMI and food outlet usage before and during the lockdown were measured. A total of 206 participants were included in this study.ResultsThe mean overall BMI prior to lockdown was 25.8 ± 5.2 kg·m2, and during the lockdown, it was 25.9 ± 5.3 kg·m2 (t= 0.19, p= 0.85). Restaurant usage fell to zero as all establishments were closed. There was a corresponding increase in the use of delivery services to 1.18 ± 0.13 times per week, compared to 0.50 ± 0.05 prior to lockdown (t= 4.44, p< 0.0001). No significant difference in the number of takeaway meals ordered was observed (0.67 ± 0.06 before the lockdown and 0.74 ± 0.12 times per week during the lockdown; t= 0.52, p = 0.60). There was no significant relationship between change in use of fast‐food restaurants and full‐service restaurants and the change in BMI, either alone or in combination (β = −0.012, p = 0.62, R2 = 0.11%).DiscussionDespite the large changes in behavior, there was no overall adverse effect of the lockdown with respect to obesity levels.ConclusionLockdown in the United Kingdom modified restaurant use but had no effect on obesity levels.
Effect of ionic liquid octyltriphenylphosphonium‐chelated orthoborates on flame retardance of epoxy
Authors: Guo Yongliang , Chen Xiaodong , Cui Jinfeng , Guo Junhong , Zhang Haojun , Yang Baoping 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFlame retardants (FRs) improve the intrinsic flammability of epoxy resins (EPs). However, the fundamental properties of EPs are inevitably compromised with the improvement of flame retardancy due to addition of FRs. Here, an ionic liquid (IL) octyltriphenylphosphonium‐chelated orthoborate ([OTP][BScB]) has been synthesized and used as a flame‐retarding additive for EP (hereafter (EP/[OTP][BScB])). Themogravimetry analysis (TGA) result indicated that the addition of [OTP][BScB] improved the residue yield during thermal degradation. Flammability and combustion tests showed the superior flame‐retarding efficiency of the IL. More specifically, the addition of 3 wt% IL made EP/[OTP][BScB] pass the V‐0 grade in the vertical burning test (UL‐94) and achieve 32.5% value in the limited oxygen index (LOI) test. Cone calorimeter (CC) test showed that, compared with neat EP, EP/10[OTP][BScB] showed a reduction in the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of by 39.7% and 21.8%, respectively, during combustion. Accordingly, the flame‐retarding mechanisms in the gas and condensed phases were investigated in detail. In addition, tensile tests showed that the incorporation of the IL enhanced the mechanical property of EP/[OTP][BScB] to some extent. Moreover, UV–vis spectroscopy showed that the transparency of EP was basically maintained on the addition of [OTP][BScB]. Therefore, the IL [OTP][BScB] is a promising flame retardant to improve the properties of EP comprehensively.
Effects of desilication pretreatment on rice husk/high‐density polyethylene bio‐composites
Authors: Yang Yingni , Pang Yao , Zhang Weiye , Xia Rongqi , Li Yanchen , Liu Yi , Guo Hongwu 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRice husk (RH) is a productive agricultural residue; however, its materialization is limited by its inherent properties. The comprehensive utilization of RH can be improved via pretreatment using physical and chemical methods. In this study, we explored the effect of pretreatment (shearing, grinding, and alkaline) on the properties of RH, as well as the bio‐composites developed using RH and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). Further, the surface morphology, chemical structure, water absorption, thermal stability, and dynamic viscoelasticity of the pretreated RH and RH/HDPE composites were investigated. The results denoted that the surface roughness of RH increased and that the silicon content partially decreased. The water absorption of the RH/HDPE composites pretreated by physical pretreatment was <2%. The occurrence of dynamic viscoelasticity indicated that the RH/HDPE composites pretreated by alkaline exhibited improved rigidity and mechanical properties. In the composites prepared using the RH pretreated by grinding, a strong bonding could be observed between the interfaces of HDPE and RH. Hence, the efficiency of RH utilization can be improved by pretreatment, and the prepared bio‐composites can increase the value of RH.
Study of the electrical conduction process in natural rubber‐based conductive nanocomposites filled with cellulose nanowhiskers coated by polyaniline
Authors: Silva Michael J. , Sanches Alex O. , Cena Cicero R. , Nagashima Haroldo N. , Medeiros Eliton S. , Malmonge José A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn the present work, the electrical properties of a natural rubber‐based nanocomposite (NR) filled with cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) coated with polyaniline (PANI) were studied. We developed a statistic model that simulates nanocomposite microstructure and conductivity, calculated using the transfer matrix technique. A two‐dimensional network of resistors representing a microstructure of both the insulating region (NR) and conductive fillers (cellulose nanowhiskers coated with polyaniline ‐ CNWP) was developed. The conductance of bond between two neighboring sites in the CNWP filler and two neighboring sites of the NR matrix was estimated using Drude's equation and Dyre's formula, respectively. Results of the simulations show that the conduction process between two sites of NR follows the modified Dyre model (RFEB), while between two CNWP sites follows the modified Drude model. The theoretical‐experimental adjustment shows that the electrical conduction process occurs via hopping and tunneling between states located inside the CNWP phase, randomly distributed in the rubber matrix.
What should we tell parents? Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Russo Francesca M , Debeer Anne , De Coppi Paolo , Devriendt Koenraad , Crombag Neeltje , Hubble Talia , Power Beverley , Benachi Alexandra , Deprest Jan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCongenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is characterized by a defect in the muscle dividing the thoracic and abdominal cavities. This leads to herniation of the abdominal organs into the thorax and a disturbance of lung development. Two‐thirds of cases are identified by prenatal ultrasound in the second trimester, which should prompt referral to a tertiary center for prognosis assessment and counseling by a multidisciplinary team familiar with this condition. In this review, we summarize evidence on prenatal diagnosis and postnatal management of CDH. There is a focus on information that should be provided to expecting parents during prenatal counseling.
On the signless Laplacian Estrada index of uniform hypergraphs
Authors: Lu Hongyan , Xue Nini , Zhu Zhongxun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLet H = (V, E) be a hypergraph and B its incidence matrix. Let Q(H) = BBT be the signless Laplacian matrix of H and λ1(Q), λ2(Q), …, λn(Q) are its eigenvalues. The signless Laplacian Estrada index of H is defined as which is first extended to hypergraph. We obtain lower and upper bounds for the index in terms of the number of vertices and edges of H. We also determine the unique graph with maximum SLEE among all k‐uniform hypergraphs. In addition, we characterize the extremal hypertrees with the smallest and the largest SLEE among all k‐uniform hypertrees.
Identifying migratory pathways of Nathusius' pipistrelles (Pipistrellus nathusii) using stable hydrogen and strontium isotopes
Authors: Kruszynski Cecilia , Bailey Liam D. , Courtiol Alexandre , Bach Lothar , Bach Petra , Göttsche Matthias , Göttsche Michael , Hill Reinhold , Lindecke Oliver , Matthes Hinrich , Pommeranz Henrik , Popa‐Lisseanu Ana G. , Seebens‐Hoyer Antje , Tichomirowa Marion , Voigt Christian C. 
Published: December 2020

RationaleIdentifying migratory corridors of animals is essential for their effective protection, yet the exact location of such corridors is often unknown, particularly for elusive animals such as bats. While migrating along the German coastline, Nathusius' pipistrelles (Pipistrellus nathusii) are regularly killed at wind turbines. Therefore, we explored the paths taken on their annual journey.MethodsWe used isotope ratio mass spectrometry to measure stable hydrogen and strontium isotope ratios in fur keratin of 59 Nathusius' pipistrelles captured on three offshore islands. Samples were pre‐treated before analysis to report exclusively stable isotope ratios of non‐exchangeable hydrogen. We generated maps to predict summer origins of bats using isoscape models.ResultsBats were classified as long‐distance migrants, mostly originating from Eastern Europe. Hydrogen analysis suggested for some bats a possible Fennoscandian origin, yet additional information from strontium analysis excluded this possibility. Instead, our data suggest that most Nathusius' pipistrelles migrating along the German coastline were of continental European summer origin, but also highlight the possibility that Nathusius' pipistrelles of Baltorussian origin may travel offshore from Fennoscandia to Germany.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the benefit of using complementary isotopic tracers for analysing the migratory pathways of bats and also potentially other terrestrial vertebrate species. Furthermore, data from our study suggest an offset of fur strontium isotope ratios in relation to local bedrock.
Gonadotropin levels at the start of ovarian stimulation predict normal fertilization after hCG re‐trigger in GnRH antagonist cycles
Authors: Kitasaka Hiroya , Tokoro Mikiko , Kojima Masae , Fukunaga Noritaka , Asada Yoshimasa 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPurposeTo assess the appropriateness of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) re‐trigger in poor responders to gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) trigger in controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) cycles.MethodsThe 2251 cycles in 2251 patients triggered with GnRHa for oocyte stimulation, with or without requiring hCG re‐trigger between 2013 and 2018, were retrospectively analyzed to compare gonadotropin levels at the start of COS and the rate of normal fertilization between the re‐trigger and non–re‐trigger group. Furthermore, patients in the re‐trigger group were stratified by the rate of normal fertilization (good: ≥60% or poor: <60%) to compare patient demographics, hormone profiles, and clinical outcome between the subgroups.ResultsIn the re‐trigger group, FSH and LH levels at the start of COS were significantly lower in the good fertilization group than in the poor fertilization group (P < .01). Receiver operating characteristic curves identified cutoff values of the FSH and LH levels of 1.30 and 0.35 mIU/mL, respectively, for predicting ≥60% normal fertilization.ConclusionGonadotropin levels at the start of COS are predictors of response to GnRHa trigger and hCG re‐trigger necessity, and may serve as indicators to help clinicians appropriately choose hCG re‐trigger rather than abandoning the cycles or continuing the first oocyte aspiration attempt.
De‐fluoridation of Polluted Water Using Aluminium Alginate Beads Doped with Green Synthesized ‘Nano SiO2+Nano CeO2‐ZrO2’, as an Effective Adsorbent
Authors: Biftu Wondwosen Kebede , Mekala Suneetha , Ravindhranath Kunta 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNanoparticles of SiO2 and ‘CeO2‐ZrO2’ are synthesized by adopting new green methods based on the classical method of homogeneous precipitation and using the extract of skins of Sapindus plant seeds as capping and/or stabilizing agent. Nano SiO2 is synthesized from red mud, a waste material obtained after extraction of aluminium from Bauxite ore. Nano SiO2, composites of ‘nSiO2+nCeO2‐ZrO2’ and Al‐alginate beads doped with ‘nSiO2+nCeO2‐ZrO2’ are investigated as adsorbents for de‐fluoridation. These three adsorbents are characterized by XRD, FTIR, FESEM and EDX. Various adsorption parameters, namely pH, adsorbent dosage, initial fluoride concentration, time of contact and temperature are optimized for maximum removal of fluoride ions. The adsorption capacities of adsorbents are 66.93 mg/g for nSiO2, 83.84 mg/g for composites of ‘nSiO2+nCeO2‐ZrO2’ and 109.4 mg/g for ‘nSiO2+nCeO2‐ZrO2/AlAL’ (beads). The cumulative affinity of fluoride towards SiO2, CeO2, ZrO2 and Al3+ has been investigated in this work in developing successful adsorbents with high adsorption capacities for de‐fluoridation. The adsorption nature is analysed with various kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamic studies. The adsorption is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The surfaces of adsorbents are heterogeneous and Freundlich model explains well the sorption process. A sort of complex formation occurs between the adsorbents and fluoride ions. The adsorption follows pseudo‐second order kinetic model. The spent adsorbents can be regenerated and reused with marginal reduction in their adsorption capacities. The methodology developed is successfully applied to treating ground water samples of Prakasam and Guntur Districts, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Direct Z‐Scheme Structure g‐C3N4‐BiOI with Highly Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Activity for Bacteria Inactivation
Authors: Chen Cuirong R. , Wang Xiaodong D. , Wang Shilin L. , Zhang Jinlong L. , Tian Baozhu Z. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA series of direct Z‐scheme g‐C3N4‐BiOI photocatalysts with different BiOI contents were constructed by in‐situ depositing BiOI nanoplates on the surface of g‐C3N4 nanosheets. Light absorption results indicated that the introduction of BiOI can improve the visible‐light absorption of g‐C3N4. By analyzing the transient photocurrent responses, electrochemical impedance and photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra, it was disclosed that g‐C3N4‐BiOI Z‐scheme structure not only decreases the recombination rate of photogenerated charge carriers but also remains the electrons with higher reduction ability and holes with higher oxidizing ability. The results of photocatalytic disinfection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) under visible light irradiation indicated that g‐C3N4‐BiOI exhibits dramatically enhanced photocatalytic activity when compared to single g‐C3N4 and BiOI. And the optimal loading amount of BiOI corresponding to the highest photocatalytic performance of g‐C3N4‐BiOI is 20 %. In addition, the radical trapping experiments indicated that .O2− and h+ are the main reactive species responsible for the disinfection of E. coli.
A Kinetic Study on the Degradation of Acetaminophen and Amoxicillin in Water by Ultrasound
Authors: Stucchi Marta , Rigamonti Marco G. , Carnevali Davide , Boffito Daria C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a study of the conversion pathway of acetaminophen (APAP) and amoxicillin (AMO) in water by ultrasound as a single degradation method. Results showed that the sonication power output, continuous vs. pulsed ultrasound and starting concentration, result in different conversion pathways, as well as the simultaneous presence of the two molecules reduces the degradation yield. Hydroquinone and hydroxyl‐hydroquinone were detected as acetaminophen by‐products, while amoxicillin degraded into four main products. Accordingly, we proposed a conversion pathway mechanism and we finally regressed the amoxicillin conversion kinetics as a function of the ultrasonic power. APAP was more resistant to continuous sonication either at low (25 ppm) or high (100 ppm) starting concentration. On the contrary, ultrasound was able to convert AMO up to 56 % starting from a concentration of 25 ppm. We ascribed this behavior to the presence of a higher number of hydroxyl groups present in the molecule compared to APAP. Moreover, when ultrasound were applied in pulses, it resulted in an energy saving of more than 50 % for a 2 % lower AMO conversion.
Hierarchically Porous Carbon/α‐Fe@Fe3C Absorbers Derived from Luffa Sponge with Efficient Microwave Absorption
Authors: Zheng Qi , Yu Meijie , Wang Wen , Liu Siyu , Liang Xuechen , Wang Chengguo , Dai YouYong , Gao Xueping 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBiomass‐based carbon materials have attracted much attention in the field of microwave absorption because of their light weight, environmental friendliness, low cost and high efficiency. In this work, carbon matrix of porous microtubule structure with different magnetic particles was synthesized from natural luffa sponge by a simple calcination process. The carbon matrix possesses hierarchical porous structures including micrometer‐scale tubular channels, nanometer‐scale macrospores, mesopores and micropores, of which microspores are the most. The Fe3O4, FeO/α‐Fe, α‐Fe/γ‐Fe and α‐Fe/Fe3C particles were formed in the temperature range of 700–1000 °C. The porous carbon/α‐Fe@Fe3C composites obtained at 1000 °C exhibit excellent microwave absorption (MA) performance, its minimum reflection loss can reach −48.9 dB with only a thickness of 1.5 mm, and the effective absorption bandwidth (RL≤−10 dB) is 3.86 GHz. The porous structure, synergies between dielectric loss and magnetic loss, high attenuation constant are the key factors for good MA performance.
Catalyst/Additive Free Oxidation of Benzyl Bromides to Benzaldehydes
Authors: Aman Hasil , Chen Yuan‐Ching , Tu Jing‐Wen , Chang Chia‐Chi , Chuang Gary Jing 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAn effective approach for the synthesis of aryl aldehydes from the corresponding benzylbromides was accomplished. Without need of additional additives or stoichiometric oxidants, this environmental friendly and milder version of Kornblum oxidation simply utilized the irradiation of visible light in DMSO under O2, and is compatible with the substrate with different functional groups.
The Recent Development in the Syntheses, Properties, and Applications of Triple Modification of Various Starches
Authors: Ashogbon Adeleke Omodunbi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe problems associated with native starches, single and dual modifications of various starches are stated in order to justify the utilization of triple modification of various starches. In triple modification, the first and dual modifications prepare the starch chains, structures, and polymeric components of the starch granules for the acceptance and accommodation of the triple modification. Sometimes there is development of pores, cracks, and other morphological flaws or weakening of the starch structures and chains during the first and dual modifications in order for easy penetration of the modifying agents during the third modification. There are mainly two types of triple modification, that is, homogeneous and heterogeneous. Homogeneous triple modification is when all the three stages of the process are similar, for example, acetylation/oxidation/crosslinking, this is homogeneous triple chemical modification. An example of homogeneous triple physical modification is a combination of extrusion/ultrasonication/ANN. When three enzymes (α‐amylase/transglucosidase/pullulanase) are involved in the stages of the process, it is called homogeneous triple enzymes modification. In contrast, heterogeneous triple modification involves combinations of the various three stages that constitute the process, for example, extrusion/pullulanase/ANN. This overview discusses the syntheses, properties, and utilization of triple modified starches.
Ginsenoside Rg1 ameliorates reproductive function injury in C57BL/6J mice induced by di‐N‐butyl‐phthalate
Authors: Xu Xiaolei , Qu Zhenting , Qian Honghao , Li Zhongming , Sun Xiuling , Zhao Xinrui , Li Huan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWith the aggravation of environmental pollution, the incidence of infertility is increasing. Ginsenoside Rg1 is a monomer component extracted from Panax ginseng. It has been found that Ginsenoside Rg1 is able to prevent premature ovarian failure and delay testicular senescence. Therefore, we speculate Ginsenoside Rg1 may have great potential to prevent and treat infertility. The aim of this work is to explore whether Ginsenoside Rg1 plays a protective role in the dinbutyl phthalate (DBP)‐induced reproductive function injury mice, and to elucidate the potential mechanism. C57BL/6J male mice were administered by DBP with or without Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment and serum, testis and epididymis were collected for further analysis. Sperm analysis, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and serum hormone detection indicated that Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment improved the sperm density and sperm motility, reduced the testicular tissue damage, increased the serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels, and decreased the serum follicle‐stimulating hormone level in DBP‐induced mice. Furthermore, Ginsenoside Rg1 treatment upregulated expression levels of spermatogenesis‐related protein, Cx43, E‐cadherin, p‐PI3K, p‐Akt, and mTOR in the mice treated by DBP, observed by using a immunohistochemistry assay, a real‐time quantitative PCR assay, and a western blot analysis. The present study reveals that Ginsenoside Rg1 may exert anti‐DBP‐induced reproductive function injury in C57BL/6J mice. In addition, the protect role of Ginsenoside Rg1 in spermatogenesis may be associated with the regulation of reproductive hormones, upregulation of spermatogenic associated proteins expression, restoration of the gap junctions, and the activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways.
Effects of dietary vinegar on performance, immune response and small intestine histomorphology in 1‐ to 28‐day broiler chickens
Authors: Jahantigh Mohammad , Kalantari Heydar , Ayda Davari Seyedeh , Saadati Dariush 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of apple cider vinegar in diet on the growth performance, immune response, histomorphological changes of the small intestine and some serum biochemical factors in broilers. A total of 85 broiler chicks of Ross 308 were purchased and 64 well‐conditioned chicks were selected and divided into four experimental groups with four replicates and four chicks per replicate. The diets of groups 2, 3 and 4 were mixed with 1, 2 and 3% of vinegar, respectively, and group 1 as the control group was fed by the standard diet. The results showed that body weight gain was higher in the groups fed vinegar than the control group. There were no significant changes in the feed conversion ratio between the treatment and control groups (p = .507). Vinegar intake through the diet did not change significantly the weight of Bursa of Fabricius (p = .369) and spleen (p = .122). Vinegar significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen levels in the treatment groups compared with the control group (p = .0052). There was a significant increase in the level of antibody titre against Newcastle disease virus by haemagglutination inhibition test in the groups receiving vinegar in comparison with control group (p = .0358). Compared with the control group, the villus height (p = .0022) and intestinal crypts depth (p = .0015) significantly increased in the groups receiving apple cider vinegar. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with apple cider vinegar has beneficial effects on performance, immune response and small intestine histomorphology in broilers.