bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The thermal‐mechanical degradation of mineral‐filled polypropylene‐ethylene copolymer composites during extrusion process
Authors: Saw Lip Teng , Zainuddin Firuz , Cao Xuan Viet , Lan Du Ngoc Uy 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis work proposes a new understanding of the side effect of mineral fillers in polymer compounding that caused different levels of thermo‐mechanical degradation (TMD) during extrusion. Three mineral fillers, silica (random shape), kaolin (platy), and wollastonite (needle‐like), were selected and compounded with the polypropylene‐ethylene copolymer (PPcoE) using a twin‐screw extruder. Their influences on the TMD of PPcoE were examined by checking the substances in the extrudates using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The built‐up shear stress causing by mineral filler in PPcoE composite (Δτcom) as the root of TMD was measured and estimated using capillary rheometer. In this study, TMD is classified as two levels: chain scission and oxidization. These fillers were found to accelerate the TMD mechanism and generate the oxidised products during extrusion. The silica filler caused the highest Δτcom, the lowest tensile strength, and elongation at break of PPcoE composites. The kaolin filler gave the most potent accelerating effect on oxidization, resulted in the formation of tertiary alcohol, and the highest ester contents in PPcoE composites; although, its composite had the lowest Δτcom among the fillers. Lastly, wollastonite filler provided higher Δτcom than kaolin composite, the second‐highest formation of alkene products, yet better retention in elongation at break compared to the silica‐filled PPcoE composite. In general, the side effect of mineral filler on TMD was a larger particle size always comes with higher chain scission, simpler particle morphology gives a smoother built‐up shear stress and minimizes TMD, and filler having hydroxyl groups catalyzes the oxidization TMD.
Metered‐dose inhalers versus nebulization for the delivery of albuterol for acute exacerbations of wheezing or asthma in children: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Payares‐Salamanca Laura , Contreras‐Arrieta Sandra , Florez‐García Victor , Barrios‐Sanjuanelo Alexander , Stand‐Niño Ivan , Rodriguez‐Martinez Carlos E. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe benefits of metered‐dose inhalers with a spacer (MDI+S) have increasingly been recognized as an alternative method of albuterol administration for treating pediatric asthma exacerbations. The aim of this systematic review was to compare the response to albuterol delivered through nebulization (NEB) with albuterol delivered through MDI+S in pediatric patients with asthma exacerbations.MethodsWe conducted an electronic search in MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, and ClinicalTrials. To be included in the review, a study had to a randomized clinical trial comparing albuterol delivered via NEB versus MDI+S; and had to report the rate of hospital admission (primary outcome), or any of the following secondary outcomes: oxygen arterial saturation, heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), the pulmonary index score (PIS), adverse effects, and need for additional treatment.ResultsFifteen studies (n = 2057) met inclusion criteria. No significant differences were found between the two albuterol delivery methods in terms of hospital admission (relative risk, 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55–1.46; I2 = 32%; p = .65). There was a significant reduction in the PIS score (mean difference [MD], −0.63; 95% CI, −0.91 to −0.35; I2 = 0%; p < .00001), and a significantly smaller increase in HR (better; MD −6.47; 95% CI, −11.69 to −1.25; I2 = 0%; p = .02) when albuterol was delivered through MDI+S than when it was delivered through NEB.ConclusionsThis review, an update of a previously‐published meta‐analysis, showed a significant reduction in the PIS and a significantly smaller increase in HR when albuterol was delivered through MDI+S than when it was delivered through NEB.
The promise and pitfalls of composite endpoints in sepsis and COVID‐19 clinical trials
Authors: Brown P. M. , Rogne Tormod , Solligård Erik 
Published: September 2020

SummaryComposite endpoints reveal the tendency for statistical convention to arise locally within subfields. Composites are familiar in cardiovascular trials, yet almost unknown in sepsis. However, the VITAMINS trial in patients with septic shock adopted a composite of mortality and vasopressor‐free days, and an ordinal scale describing patient status rapidly became standard in COVID studies. Aware that recent use could incite interest in such endpoints, we are motivated to flag their potential value and pitfalls for sepsis research and COVID studies.
Dumb money or smart money? Meta‐analytically unpacking corporate venture capital
Authors: Huang Peiyuan , Madhavan Ravi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryAs an important strategic tool for entrepreneurial ventures and for established corporations alike, corporate venture capital (CVC) has attracted significant research attention. However, extant studies are equivocal about CVC's performance impact, and measurement approaches vary widely. Separating CVC performance into its corporate and venture elements, we conducted a meta‐analytic structural equation model (MASEM) analysis to quantitatively synthesize 151 effect sizes from 68 studies. While results indicate that CVC does create value for both investing corporation and invested venture, they also hint at different magnitudes for, and nuanced interrelationships between, the various performance aspects. We highlight implications for CVC scholarship in terms of measurement and theory.Managerial SummaryWhat is the bottom line impact of corporate venture capital (CVC)? While CVC is attractive to both startups and corporations, potential benefits are different for each participant—for example, capital and industry contacts for the startup, learning and financial returns for the corporation. The multiple and potentially competing benefits complicate the assessment of CVC's performance impact. Our quantitative summary of 68 empirical studies shows that CVC creates value for startups and corporations alike, but in varying magnitude, suggesting that the benefits are not equally shared between partners and across performance aspects. The nuanced distribution and interrelationship among CVC outcomes have practical implications for startup leaders and corporate investors as they enter into and manage CVC investments.
Thermal Safety Performance Evaluation for Typical Free Radical Polymerization Initiator of Tert‐butyl Peroxypivalate
Authors: Wu Xingliang , Liu Dabin , Xu Yabei , Meng Zichun , Xu Feiyang , Wang Xu , Cao Weiguo , Xu Sen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTert‐butyl peroxypivalate is a typical free radical polymerization initiator due to the active O−O peroxide group, and it is a thermal instability material. To evaluate the thermal safety of tert‐butyl peroxypivalate, Dewar test, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC) were used to study the self‐accelerating decomposition temperature (SADT), thermal performance parameters and kinetic parameters. The results of DSC reveal that the onset decomposition temperature of the initiator was 76.30 °C. The apparent activation energy (Ea) was 91.86 kJ mol−1 by Kissinger method. In ARC test, the onset decomposition temperature was 40.64 °C. The adiabatic temperature of the reaction was 86.68 °C, and the apparent activation energy was 120.14 kJ mol−1. The results of Dewar test show that the SADT of the initiator was 38 °C. The simulated SADT value by thermal analysis software (AKTS) was about 35 °C which was basically consistent with the results of Dewar test.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Cascade Carbonylative Cyclization Reaction of Trifluoroacetimidoyl Chlorides and 2‐Iodoanilines: Toward 2‐(Trifluoromethyl)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones Synthesis
Authors: Yang Hefei , Wang Le‐Cheng , Wang Wei‐Feng , Chen Zhengkai , Wu Xiao‐Feng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA palladium‐catalyzed cascade carbonylative/cyclization reaction for the synthesis of 2‐(trifluoromethyl)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐ones has been achieved. The transformation utilizes readily available 2‐iodoanilines and trifluoroacetimidoyl chlorides as the starting reagents, enabling a simple and convenient access to pharmaceutically significant quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one derivatives.
Single‐cell RNA sequencing in Drosophila: Technologies and applications
Authors: Li Hongjie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSingle‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) has emerged as a powerful tool for investigating cell states and functions at the single‐cell level. It has greatly revolutionized transcriptomic studies in many life science research fields, such as neurobiology, immunology, and developmental biology. With the fast development of both experimental platforms and bioinformatics approaches over the past decade, scRNA‐seq is becoming economically feasible and experimentally practical for many biomedical laboratories. Drosophila has served as an excellent model organism for dissecting cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie tissue development, adult cell function, disease, and aging. The recent application of scRNA‐seq methods to Drosophila tissues has led to a number of exciting discoveries. In this review, I will provide a summary of recent scRNA‐seq studies in Drosophila, focusing on technical approaches and biological applications. I will also discuss current challenges and future opportunities of making new discoveries using scRNA‐seq in Drosophila.This article is categorized under:
Technologies > Analysis of the Transcriptome
Scaling‐equivalent rotating flows
Authors: Magyari Eugen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThree outstanding rotating disk flows described by an exact solution of the Navier–Stokes equations are revisited in this paper. The purpose is to find out to what extent the corresponding boundary value problems can be mapped on each other by scaling transformations. The three addressed, and seemingly basically different axisymmetric flows are (A) the flow induced by a rough rotating disk, (B) the flow induced by a simultaneously rotating and radially stretching disk, and (C) the classical von Kármán swirl. The main results of the paper can be summarized as follows. (i) The continuous set of solutions of the problem (A) corresponding to is scaling‐equivalent to the solution of von Kármán, (C), (ii) Every given solution of the problem (A) with generates by a suitable scaling transformation a unique solution of (B) with , (iii) every given solution of the problem (B) with a can generate a continuous set of solutions of the problem (A), (iv) in the stretching dominated subcritical range of (B), no scaling‐equivalent solutions of the three problems exist. All the above results are also valid for the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) extensions of the problems (A), (B), and (C). For these cases an approximate solution could be found in a closed analytical form which furnishes for large values of the magnetic parameter M highly accurate results.
Pole-skipping of scalar and vector fields in hyperbolic space: conformal blocks and holography
Authors: Ahn Yongjun , Jahnke Viktor , Jeong Hyun-Sik , Kim Keun-Young , Lee Kyung-Sun , Nishida Mitsuhiro 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Motivated by the recent connection between pole-skipping phenomena of two point functions and four point out-of-time-order correlators (OTOCs), we study the pole structure of thermal two-point functions in d-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs) in hyperbolic space. We derive the pole-skipping points of two-point functions of scalar and vector fields by three methods (one field theoretic and two holographic methods) and confirm that they agree. We show that the leading pole-skipping point of two point functions is related with the late time behavior of conformal blocks and shadow conformal blocks in four-point OTOCs.
The edge regions in tergites of the desert isopod Hemilepistus reaumuri: the transition from hard cuticle to flexible arthrodial membrane
Authors: Ernst Franziska , Fabritius Helge-Otto , Griesshaber Erika , Schmahl Wolfgang W. , Ziegler Andreas 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe arthrodial membrane is a thin and flexible type of cuticle that inserts at the edge regions of neighbouring rigid skeletal elements creating a flexible connection. In the present study, we analyzed the structure, mineral composition, calcite organization and local stiffness and hardness of edge regions that form transitions to the arthrodial membranes in the tergites of the desert isopod Hemilepistus reaumuri. For the transitions to the arthrodial membrane, the results show an increase in the thickness of the epicuticle at cost of the distal exocuticle and a calcite layer, an increase in the ratio of phosphorus to calcium and a decrease in the local mechanical properties. The posterior edge region contains an unusually large stack of unidirectionally oriented parallel fibrils projecting to the lateral sides. At the edge, it turns down into a long ventral cuticle overlapping an anterior part of the neighbouring tergite. It forms a thin arched gap between the tergites that can help reducing water loss through the arthrodial membrane and protects the arthrodial membrane upon predation. A thick ventral ridge near the transition to the arthrodial membrane carrying bristles can prevent sand grains from access to the arthrodial membrane. From the dorsal cuticle to the transition to the arthrodial membrane, calcite units become larger and single crystalline turning their c-axes orientation perpendicular to the sagittal section plane. Comparison with edge regions of the beach isopod Tylos europaeus reveal common characteristics of the edge region, but also specific adaptations to the desert habitat of H. reaumuri.
Buckling analysis of a non-concentric double-walled carbon nanotube
Authors: Malikan Mohammad , Eremeyev Victor A. , Sedighi Hamid M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractOn the basis of a theoretical study, this research incorporates an eccentricity into a system of compressed double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs). In order to formulate the stability equations, a kinematic displacement with reference to the classical beam hypothesis is utilized. Furthermore, the influence of nanoscale size is taken into account with regard to the nonlocal approach of strain gradient, and the van der Waals interaction for both inner and outer tubes is also considered based on the Lennard–Jones model. Galerkin decomposition is employed to numerically deal with the governing equations. It is evidently demonstrated that the geometrical eccentricity remarkably affects the stability threshold and its impact is to increase the static stability of DWCNTs.
Measuring commitment to self-tracking: development of the C2ST scale
Authors: Hancı Elçin , Lacroix Joyca , Ruijten Peter A. M. , Haans Antal , IJsselsteijn Wijnand 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSelf-tracking technologies bring a new set of experiences into our lives. Through sensors and ubiquitous measurements of bodily performance, a new form of automation experience shapes our understanding of our body and our behavior. While for many individuals self-tracking has an important role in their daily lives, a theoretical understanding of the level and behavioral manifestations of commitment to self-tracking is still missing. This paper introduces the concept of commitment to self-tracking and presents the development and first validation of a new 12-item behavior-based scale for its measurement, the Commitment to Self-Tracking (C2ST) scale. Using online survey data from individuals wearing self-tracking technology (N = 300), we explore the underlying factor structure of the scale and determine its reliability and validity. An analysis of the survey data indicates that commitment to self-tracking positively correlates with autonomous motivation for tracking and negatively correlates with controlled motivation. The C2ST scale brings insights on how self-tracking technology, as a novel automation experience, is affecting users’ everyday behaviors. Overall, by emphasizing the feasibility of defining commitment behaviorally, the paper concludes with implications for theory and practice and suggests directions for future research.
Metformin Is Associated with Reduced Tissue Factor Procoagulant Activity in Patients with Poorly Controlled Diabetes
Authors: Witkowski Marco , Friebel Julian , Tabaraie Termeh , Grabitz Sinah , Dörner Andrea , Taghipour Lena , Jakobs Kai , Stratmann Bernd , Tschoepe Diethelm , Landmesser Ulf , Rauch Ursula 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Metformin is the first-line antidiabetic drug and shown to reduce cardiovascular risk independent from its glucose lowering action. Particularly in poorly controlled diabetes, tissue factor (TF) is expressed in the vasculature and accounts for thromboembolic complications. Here, we aimed to assess the effect of metformin on TF activity and markers of vascular inflammation in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

Methods
In a cohort of patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (glycosylated hemoglobin 8.39 ± 0.24%, 68.1 ± 2.6 mmol/mol, n = 46) of whom half of the individuals were treated with metformin and the other half did not receive metformin as part of an anti-diabetic combination therapy, we assessed TF activity and markers of vascular inflammation. In vitro, human monocytic cells (THP-1) were exposed to metformin and TF expression measured in the presence and absence of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside (AICAR) or the AMPK inhibitor compound C.

Results
In the patients, metformin treatment was associated with lower levels of TF protein (241.5 ± 19 vs. 315.4 ± 25 pg/mL, p = 0.03) and reduced TF activity (408.9 ± 49 vs. 643.8 ± 47 U/mL, p = 0.001) compared with controls. Moreover, the patients on metformin showed lower levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)1 (26.6 ± 1.4 vs. 35.03 ± 3.1 ng/mL, p = 0.014) and higher expression of miR-126-3p/U6sno (11.39 ± 2.8 vs. 4.26 ± 0.9, p = 0.006), a known post-transcriptional down regulator of TF and VCAM1. In vitro, metformin dose-dependently reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TF expression in THP-1 cells. The AMPK activator AICAR alone lowered TF expression in THP-1, while the AMPK inhibitor compound C abrogated the metformin-dependent reduction in TF expression.

Conclusions
Our data are the first to report that metformin is associated with reduced plasma TF procoagulant activity possibly explaining—at least in part—the vasculoprotective properties of metformin.
Co-sputtering of $$\hbox {Al}_{1-x}\hbox {Sc}_{x}\hbox {N}$$ thin films on Pt(111): a characterization by Raman and IR spectroscopies
Authors: Solonenko Dmytro , Lan Chuanqi , Schmidt Constance , Stoeckel Chris , Hiller Karla , Zahn Dietrich R. T. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this work, aluminium scandium nitride ($$\hbox {Al}_{1-x}\hbox {Sc}_{x}\hbox {N}$$

Al

1
-
x

Sc
x

N

) thin films are deposited by reactive DC magnetron co-sputtering on Pt(111) layers. The sputtering power of the Sc target is varied in a broad range up to 900 W to effectively vary the Sc content later assessed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). We show that commonly used X-ray diffraction techniques may yield ambiguous results, and thus, additional verification is crucial to substantiate the actual composition of the sputtered thin films. Therefore, we employ optical spectroscopy techniques, such as Raman and Fourier transformed infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopies in order to study the vibrational properties of the alloys. Our Raman spectra show that low Sc content leads to a phase separation with the formation of cubic ScN and AlScN phases during the sputtering process. Nevertheless, small amounts of the wurtzite phase are detected in the rock-salt dominated samples owing to the enhancement of the $$\hbox {A}_{{1}}$$

A
1

(LO) phonon mode by the Berreman effect in the FTIR spectra. The Sc-induced shifts of the AlN phonon modes are determined in a broad range of Sc content.
Teatime in the Serengeti: macrodetritivores sustain recalcitrant plant litter decomposition across human-modified tropical savannahs
Authors: Sundsdal Anders , Graae Bente J. , Speed James D. M. , Bukombe John , Mtweve Philipo Jacob , Arneberg Marit K. , Haukenes Vilde L. , Grevskott Ragnhild T. , Smith Stuart W. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and aimsIntensification of savannah land-use is predicted to negatively influence soil biodiversity and functioning such as litter decomposition by detritivores. Loss of macrodetritivores, particularly termites, may be problematic in drier savannahs due to the capacity of macrodetritivores to sustain litter decomposition. Here we investigate how human land-use and spatiotemporal rainfall influence the contribution of macrodetritivores to plant litter decomposition.MethodsWe measured decomposition using globally standardized litter: labile green and recalcitrant rooibos tea litter. The contribution of macrodetritivores to litter decomposition was determined through exclusion using meshed litterbags. Litter decomposition was determined in agricultural land, pastureland and wildlife protected areas during both wet and dry seasons and in mesic and wet rainfall regions across the borders of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.ResultsMacrodetritivores consumed recalcitrant rooibos and mainly avoided labile green tea litter. On average macrodetritivores enhanced recalcitrant litter decomposition by 22%, but litter mass loss varied across land-uses, typically being higher on agricultural and pastureland compared to wildlife protected areas, and was sustained during periods of water scarcity. However, we observed instances of higher decomposition of recalcitrant litter by macrodetritivores in wildlife protected areas. In contrast, litter decomposition by microbes and microdetritivores was more constrained by seasonal and regional water availability with a minor influence of land-use.ConclusionWe found that moderate human-modification of savannahs is compatible with macrodetritivore litter decomposition. As savannahs become more intensely used by humans, raising ecological awareness among agropastoralist is required to ensure continued contribution of macrodetritivores to litter decomposition.
How to know about waters? Finnish traditional knowledge related to waters and implications for management reforms
Authors: Mustonen Tero , Huusari Noora 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFinnish lakes, rivers, the Baltic and wetlands–our aquatic ecosystems–are surveyed, assessed and studied using natural sciences and ecological data. We argue that this approach is leaving out a key repository of information–the traditional knowledge of waters. By reviewing aspects, qualities and depth of knowledge across Finland from mid-boreal ecosystems in Eastern Finland to large Saimaa lake system to Western Finnish lakes we demonstrate a potentially reformative approach to aquatic assessments. Cultural indicators, baseline data from oral histories, linguistic diversity and behaviour of species on lakes based on traditional knowledge observations have the potential to greatly enhance our understanding of ecosystem health. Of special importance are the spawning locations of fish known through traditional knowledge, but often ignored by science-based assessments.