bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pozzolanic activity of kaolins containing aluminum hydroxide
Authors: Tchamo Leussa Claudia Charlotte , Libessart Laurent , Djelal Chafika , Njiomou Djangang Chantale , Elimbi Antoine 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe addition of 10 wt% aluminum hydroxide to two crude kaolinitic clays, a commercial and a natural freshly mined one, has enhanced their pozzolanic activity, more substantially in the natural sample containing gibbsite. The obtained blends were used as replacement of 20 wt% of Portland cement in the formulations of pastes and mortars which exhibited significant decrease of setting time and increase of compressive strength from early age to 28 days. Also, SEM/EDX analyses showed very heterogeneous structures with hydrated phases identified from XRD. Specific interpretation of the role played by aluminum hydroxide revealed its aptitude to promote the formation of metastable hydrated phases (CAH10/C2AH8) at early age, which temporally inhibited the hydration of cement. This progressive transformation led to the formation of more stable hydrated phases such as C–A–S–H which favored the increase of mechanical strength of the specimens. The sequence of transformation reactions is fully obtained with limited aluminum hydroxide content in clays. Either added as synthetic or naturally occurring in clays, aluminum hydroxide has close role in the strengthening process of cement. Hence, kaolinitic clays that naturally contain gibbsite are suggested as suitable supplementary cementitious material for partial replacement of cement.
Textile-based supercapacitors for flexible and wearable electronic applications
Authors: Sundriyal Poonam , Bhattacharya Shantanu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractElectronic textiles have garnered significant attention as smart technology for next-generation wearable electronic devices. The existing power sources lack compatibility with wearable devices due to their limited flexibility, high cost, and environment unfriendliness. In this work, we demonstrate bamboo fabric as a sustainable substrate for developing supercapacitor devices which can easily integrate to wearable electronics. The work demonstrates a replicable printing process wherein different metal oxide inks are directly printed over bamboo fabric substrates. The MnO2–NiCo2O4is used as a positive electrode, rGO as a negative electrode, and LiCl/PVA gel as a solid-state electrolyte over the bamboo fabrics for the development of battery-supercapacitor hybrid device. The textile-based MnO2–NiCo2O4//rGO asymmetric supercapacitor displays excellent electrochemical performance with an overall high areal capacitance of 2.12 F/cm2(1,766 F/g) at a current density of 2 mA/cm2, the excellent energy density of 37.8 mW/cm3, a maximum power density of 2,678.4 mW/cm3and good cycle life. Notably, the supercapacitor maintains its electrochemical performance under different mechanical deformation conditions, demonstrating its excellent flexibility and high mechanical strength. The proposed strategy is beneficial for the development of sustainable electronic textiles for wearable electronic applications.
Association between displacement and thickness of macula after vitrectomy in eyes with epiretinal membrane
Authors: Momota Ayana , Iwase Takeshi , Akahori Tomohiko , Goto Kensuke , Yamamoto Kentaro , Ra Eimei , Terasaki Hiroko 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to determine the relationship between the retinal displacements and the retinal thickness in eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM) after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. To accomplish this, we measured the retinal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the retinal displacement using OCT angiography to obtain 3 mm × 3 mm en face images before, and 2, 4, and 8 weeks following the surgery from 20 eyes of 20 patients. The distance between the retinal vessel bifurcations and the fovea was significantly displaced centrifugally and asymmetrically in the 4 quadrants postoperatively (P < 0.001). The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was significantly enlarged, and the central foveal thickness (CFT) and the inner nuclear layer (INL) thickness were significantly thinner postoperatively. The displacements were significantly correlated with the changes in the FAZ area (r = 0.717, P < 0.001), the CFT (r = − 0.702, P < 0.001), and the INL thickness (r = − 0.702, P < 0.001). In conclusion, the distance between the retinal bifurcations and the fovea was asymmetrically expanded after the surgery and was significantly correlated with the morphological changes. These results indicate that a horizontal macular contraction is correlated with vertical retinal contraction in the eyes with an ERM.
Diagnostic benefits of adding EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B to the QuantiFERON Gold In-tube antigen combination
Authors: Villar-Hernández R. , Blauenfeldt T. , García-García E. , Muriel-Moreno B. , De Souza-Galvão M. L. , Millet J. P. , Sabriá F. , Sánchez-Montalvá A. , Ruiz-Manzano J. , Pilarte J. , Jiménez M. A. , Centeno C. , Martos C. , Molina-Pinargote I. , González-Díaz Y. D. , Santiago J. , Cantos A. , Casas I. , Guerola R. M. , Prat C. , Andersen P. , Latorre I. , Ruhwald M. , Domínguez J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInterferon (IFN)-γ release assays (IGRAs) are used to diagnose latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI). To improve the accuracy of these tests, different approaches, such as alternative cytokine detection and using different antigens, are considered. Following this purpose, this study aims to evaluate the addition of EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B to those present in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFN-G-IT). We included 115 subjects: 74 active TB patients, 17 LTBI individuals and 24 healthy controls. Whole blood samples were collected in QFN-G-IT and in-house tubes containing different combinations of EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B, together with ESAT-6, CFP-10, and TB7.7. After overnight incubation at 37 ºC, plasma was harvested and IFN-γ quantified. IFN-γ levels in the QFN-G-IT and in-house tubes correlated very good (Spearman Rho(r) > 0.86). In-house antigen combinations distinguished healthy individuals from those with active TB and LTBI (specificities and sensitivities higher than 87.5% and 96.3%, respectively [AUC > 0.938]). Adding EspC, EspF and Rv2348-B, increased the sensitivity of the test, being the addition of EspC and Rv2348-B the combination that yielded a higher sensitivity with no specificity loss. Addition of these antigens could improve diagnosis in patients with impaired or immature immune response who are at high risk of developing TB.
Heavy metals in commercial fish and seafood products and risk assessment in adult population in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Djedjibegovic Jasmina , Marjanovic A. , Tahirovic D. , Caklovica K. , Turalic A. , Lugusic A. , Omeragic E. , Sober M. , Caklovica F. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis work investigates the level of exposure to cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) via fish and seafood products in adult population in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Metals content was determined in seven commercial species of fish and seafood products widely available and consumed in BiH. Analysis of Cd and Pb was performed by GFAAS (Graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry), and analysis of Hg by FIAS AAS (flow injection cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry) in accredited laboratory for food analysis. The health risk was determined by the estimated weekly intake, hazard index, target hazard quotients, and percent of tolerable weekly intake or percent of benchmark dose lower confidence limit. Concentration above the maximum residue level (MRL) set in the European Union was found in only one sample (Hg in mackerel). Cd content was generally high in squid, approaching the corresponding MRL in two samples. The hazard index was close to 1 in bluefin tuna and mackerel, mostly due to Hg content. These two fish species should be consumed in moderation, especially by pregnant women. While consumption of various fish and seafood on average is not of significant concern, health risk could not be ruled out for high consumers.
Quasi-probability information in a coupled two-qubit system interacting non-linearly with a coherent cavity under intrinsic decoherence
Authors: Mohamed Abdel-Baset A. , Eleuch Hichem 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe explore the phase space quantum effects, quantum coherence and non-classicality, for two coupled identical qubits with intrinsic decoherence. The two qubits are in a nonlinear interaction with a quantum field via an intensity-dependent coupling. We investigate the non-classicality via the Wigner functions. We also study the phase space information and the quantum coherence via the Q-function, Wehrl density, and Wehrl entropy. It is found that the robustness of the non-classicality for the superposition of coherent states, is highly sensitive to the coupling constants. The phase space quantum information and the matter-light quantum coherence can be controlled by the two-qubit coupling, initial cavity-field and the intrinsic decoherence.
Differences in self-perceived general health, pain, and depression 1 to 5 years post-stroke related to work status at 1 year
Authors: Westerlind Emma , Persson Hanna C. , Palstam Annie , Eriksson Marie , Norrving Bo , Sunnerhagen Katharina S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractStroke is one of the most common diseases and has several potential consequences, such as psychological problems and pain. Return to work (RTW) after stroke in working-age individuals is incomplete. The present study aimed to investigate differences in self-perceived general health, pain, and depression between 1 and 5 years post-stroke related to RTW status. The study was nationwide, registry-based and the study population (n = 398) consisted of working-age people who had a stroke in 2011 and participated in 1-year and 5-year follow-up questionnaire surveys. Shift analyses with the Wilcoxon signed rank test and logistic regression were used. RTW within the first year post-stroke was associated with better self-perceived general health, less pain, and less depression both at 1 and 5 years post-stroke, compared with the no-RTW group. However, the RTW group had significant deterioration in general health and pain between 1 and 5 years, while the no-RTW group had no significant change. RTW was a significant predictor of lower odds of improvement in general health and pain between 1 and 5 years. This emphasizes the need for continued follow-up and support to ensure a balance between work and health for RTW individuals after stroke.
Solar irradiation on the rear surface of bifacial solar modules: a modeling approach
Authors: Durusoy Beyza , Ozden Talat , Akinoglu Bulent G. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe transition in the energy sector has started with the growing population leading to the growing energy demands. The use of photovoltaic (PV) technologies has become a crucial way to meet energy demand. There are many ongoing studies for increasing the efficiency of commercial PV modules. One way to increase the energy yield of the PV modules is to use bifacial solar panels by capturing the rear side illumination as well. One of the challenges for estimating the bifacial module performances is to calculate the solar irradiation impinging on the rear side. Many models presented up to now require high computational power, and they are challenging to implement real-life conditions. In this paper, a simple physical modeling approach is presented to calculate the rear side solar irradiation incident on the bifacial modules. For the rear side irradiance estimation, the maximum difference between the measured and calculated rear side irradiance value is approximately 10 W/m2. The model does not require high computational skills since it is neither focused on the view factor nor ray tracing methodologies but instead uses solar geometry. The yield of the module is also modeled, calculated, and compared with the measurements.
Metabolomics profiling reveals new aspects of dolichol biosynthesis in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Zimbres Flavia M. , Valenciano Ana Lisa , Merino Emilio F. , Florentin Anat , Holderman Nicole R. , He Guijuan , Gawarecka Katarzyna , Skorupinska-Tudek Karolina , Fernández-Murga Maria L. , Swiezewska Ewa , Wang Xiaofeng , Muralidharan Vasant , Cassera Maria Belen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe cis-polyisoprenoid lipids namely polyprenols, dolichols and their derivatives are linear polymers of several isoprene units. In eukaryotes, polyprenols and dolichols are synthesized as a mixture of four or more homologues of different length with one or two predominant species with sizes varying among organisms. Interestingly, co-occurrence of polyprenols and dolichols, i.e. detection of a dolichol along with significant levels of its precursor polyprenol, are unusual in eukaryotic cells. Our metabolomics studies revealed that cis-polyisoprenoids are more diverse in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum than previously postulated as we uncovered active de novo biosynthesis and substantial levels of accumulation of polyprenols and dolichols of 15 to 19 isoprene units. A distinctive polyprenol and dolichol profile both within the intraerythrocytic asexual cycle and between asexual and gametocyte stages was observed suggesting that cis-polyisoprenoid biosynthesis changes throughout parasite’s development. Moreover, we confirmed the presence of an active cis-prenyltransferase (PfCPT) and that dolichol biosynthesis occurs via reduction of the polyprenol to dolichol by an active polyprenol reductase (PfPPRD) in the malaria parasite.
Molecular investigation into the effect of carbon nanotubes interaction with CO2 in molecular separation using microporous polymeric membranes
Authors: Pishnamazi Mahboubeh , Nakhjiri Ali Taghvaie , Taleghani Arezoo Sodagar , Marjani Azam , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Shirazian Saeed 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe use of nanofluids has been recently of great interest to separate acidic contaminants such as CO2. The main objective of this research is to assess the influence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) addition to distilled water on enhancing the CO2 molecular separation through a porous membrane contactor (PMC). For this aim, a comprehensive model is developed based on non-wetted and counter-current operational modes to evaluate the principal mass and momentum transport equations in tube, membrane and shell compartments of PMC. Consequently, a CFD-based axisymmetrical simulation is implemented according to finite element technique (FET) to prognosticate the results. It is found from the results that the addition of 0.1 wt% carbon nanotubes (CNTs) particles to water significantly enhances the mass transfer and consequently the CO2 molecular separation efficiency from 38 to 63.3%. This considerable enhancement can be justified due to the existence of two momentous phenomena including Brownian motion and Grazing effect, which enhance the mass transport of CO2 molecules in the PMC. Moreover, the effect of CNTs concentration, some membrane's parameters such as number of hollow fibers and porosity and also some module's design parameters including module radius and length on the CO2 separation performance are investigated in this paper as another highlight of the current work.
Phylogenetic tree of Litopterna and Perissodactyla indicates a complex early history of hoofed mammals
Authors: Chimento Nicolás R. , Agnolin Federico L. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe Litopterna is an extinct clade of endemic South American ungulates that range from Paleocene up to late Pleistocene times. Because of their unique anatomy, litopterns are of uncertain phylogenetic affinities. However, some nineteenth century authors, considered litopterns as related to perissodactyl ungulates, a hypothesis recently sustained by molecular data. The aim of the present contribution is to include litopterns and other South American related taxa in a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis together with several extant and extinct basal perissodactyl ungulates. The analysis resulted in the nesting of litopterns and kin as successive stem-clades of crown Perissodactyla. Further, litopterns are not phylogenetically grouped with any North American basal ungulate, in agreement with some previous proposals. Presence of pan-perissodactyls in South America and India indicates that southern continents probably played an important role in the early evolution of hoofed mammals.
Exceptionally high strain-hardening and ductility due to transformation induced plasticity effect in Ti-rich high-entropy alloys
Authors: Eleti Rajeshwar R. , Klimova Margarita , Tikhonovsky Mikhail , Stepanov Nikita , Zherebtsov Sergey 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTi-rich body-centered cubic (BCC, β) high-entropy alloys having compositions Ti35Zr27.5Hf27.5Nb5Ta5, Ti38Zr25Hf25Ta10Sn2, and Ti38Zr25Hf25Ta7Sn5 (in at%) were designed using bond order (Bo)-mean d-orbital energy level (Md) approach. Deformation mechanisms of these alloys were studied using tensile deformation. The alloys showed exceptionally high strain-hardening and ductility. For instance, the alloys showed at least twofold increment of tensile strength compared to the yield strength, due to strain-hardening. Post-deformation microstructural observations confirmed the transformation of β to hexagonal close packed (HCP, α′) martensite. Based on microstructural investigation, stress–strain behaviors were explained using transformation induced plasticity effect. Crystallographic analysis indicated transformation of β to α′ showed strong variant selection (1 1 0)β//(0 0 0 1)α′, and [1 − 1 1]β//[1 1 − 2 0]α′.
Near-infrared-emitting nanoparticles activate collagen synthesis via TGFβ signaling
Authors: Kang Myung Hyun , Yu Han Young , Kim Goon-Tae , Lim Ji Eun , Jang Seunghun , Park Tae-Sik , Park Joung Kyu 
Published: August 2020

AbstractResearch efforts towards developing near-infrared (NIR) therapeutics to activate the proliferation of human keratinocytes and collagen synthesis in the skin microenvironment have been minimal, and the subject has not been fully explored. Herein, we describe the novel synthesis Ag2S nanoparticles (NPs) by using a sonochemical method and reveal the effects of NIR irradiation on the enhancement of the production of collagen through NIR-emitting Ag2S NPs. We also synthesized Li-doped Ag2S NPs that exhibited significantly increased emission intensity because of their enhanced absorption ability in the UV–NIR region. Both Ag2S and Li-doped Ag2S NPs activated the proliferation of HaCaT (human keratinocyte) and HDF (human dermal fibroblast) cells with no effect on cell morphology. While Ag2S NPs upregulated TIMP1 by only twofold in HaCaT cells and TGF-β1 by only fourfold in HDF cells, Li-doped Ag2S NPs upregulated TGF-β1 by tenfold, TIMP1 by 26-fold, and COL1A1 by 18-fold in HaCaT cells and upregulated TGF-β1 by fivefold and COL1A1 by fourfold in HDF cells. Furthermore, Ag2S NPs activated TGF-β1 signaling by increasing the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3. The degree of activation was notably higher in cells treated with Li-doped Ag2S NPs, mainly caused by the higher PL intensity from Li-doped Ag2S NPs. Ag2S NPs NIR activates cell proliferation and collagen synthesis in skin keratinocytes and HDF cells, which can be applied to clinical light therapy and the development of anti-wrinkle agents for cosmetics.
A double quantum dot spin valve
Authors: Bordoloi Arunav , Zannier Valentina , Sorba Lucia , Schönenberger Christian , Baumgartner Andreas 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA most fundamental goal in spintronics is to electrically tune highly efficient spin injectors and detectors, preferably compatible with nanoscale electronics and superconducting elements. These functionalities can be obtained using semiconductor quantum dots, spin-polarized by a ferromagnetic split-gate, which we demonstrate in a double quantum dot spin valve with two weakly coupled quantum dots in series, with individual split gates magnetized in parallel or anti-parallel. In tunneling magnetoresistance experiments we find a strongly reduced spin valve conductance for the two anti-parallel configurations, with a single dot polarization of ~27%. This value can be significantly improved by a small external magnetic field and optimized gate voltages, which results in a continuously electrically tunable quantum dot spin polarization of ±80%. Such versatile quantum dot spin filters are compatible with superconducting electronic elements and suitable for single spin projection and correlation experiments, as well as initialization and read-out of spin qubits.
How linguistic meaning harmonizes with information through meaning conservation
Authors: Mondal Prakash 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper aims to characterize the relationship between information as defined in the information-theoretic approach and linguistic meaning by way of formulation of computations over the lexicon of a natural language. Information in its information theoretic sense is supposed not to be equivalent to linguistic meaning, whereas linguistic meaning has an intrinsic connection to information as far as the form and structure of the lexicon of a language (in a non-lexicological sense) is concerned. We argue that these two apparently conflicting aspects of the relationship between information and linguistic meaning can be unified by showing that information conserves linguistic meaning, only insofar as computations of a certain kind are defined on the symbolic elements of a lexicon. This has consequences not merely for the nature of lexical learning – natural or artificial or otherwise – but also for the conservation of information in axiomatic systems.
Now, never, or coming soon?
Authors: Rappe Sofiia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe general principles of perceptuo-motor processing and memory give rise to theNow-or-Never bottleneckconstraint imposed on the organization of the language processing system. In particular, the Now-or-Never bottleneck demands an appropriate structure of linguistic input and rapid incorporation of both linguistic and multisensory contextual information in a progressive, integrative manner. I argue that the emerging predictive processing framework is well suited for the task of providing a comprehensive account of language processing under the Now-or-Never constraint. Moreover, this framework presents a stronger alternative to theChunk-and-Passaccount proposed by Christiansen and Chater (2016), as it better accommodates the available evidence concerning the role of context (in both the narrow and wider senses) in language comprehension at various levels of linguistic representation. Furthermore, the predictive processing approach allows for treating language as a special case of domain-general processing strategies, suggesting deep parallels with other cognitive processes such as vision.
Pragmatic awareness and second language learning motivation
Authors: Yang He , Ren Wei 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Motivation has an effect on the rate and success of second language (L2) learning. However, little is known about its role
in students’ levels of L2 pragmatic awareness. This study investigated whether and to what extent students’ L2 motivation influences their
pragmatic awareness. A total of 498 Chinese university students completed a two-part web-based survey (an appropriateness judgement task and
a motivation questionnaire), of whom 12 were subsequently interviewed. The quantitative results show that pragmatic awareness correlates
positively with attitudes towards the L2 community and the intended learning efforts. Moreover, a model combining the intended learning
efforts, attitudes towards the L2 community and attitudes towards learning English can significantly predict pragmatic awareness. The
analysis of semi-structured interviews reveals a mismatch between students’ immediate needs when learning English and outcomes of pragmatic
acquisition, which may contribute to the absent correlation between overall levels of L2 motivation and pragmatic awareness.