bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and electrical properties of three‐dimensional printed polylactic acid–graphene–carbon nanofiber composites
Authors: Santo Jose , Penumakala Pavan Kumar , Adusumalli Ramesh Babu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe addition of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and graphene to thermoplastic polymers has the potential to increase the mechanical and electrical properties. The aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of CNF and graphene on the properties of three‐dimensional (3D) printed polylactic acid (PLA) samples. The samples are printed using the PLA–graphene–CNF composite filament via fused deposition modeling. As a first objective, composite filament and pure PLA filament characteristics were compared using tensile, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) data. Compared with pure PLA filaments, composite filaments revealed an almost 28% reduction in tensile strength due to interfacial defects (poor bonding between PLA and graphene and CNF). Furthermore, 3D printed composite sample properties are compared with 3D printed pure PLA sample using tensile and electrical conductivity data. The 3D printed composite samples also showed less tensile strength (25 MPa) compared with pure PLA 3D samples (37–47 MPa) due to the presence of microvoids. These voids also caused reduction in tensile strength and electrical conductivity of 3D printed composites when compared with the filament properties. The effect of layer orientation was also studied by printing samples at [0°/90°] and [45°/−45°] orientations and found that samples with [45°/−45°] orientation revealed higher elongation (>100%) and lower electrical conductivity. It is observed that the presence of graphene and lack of bonding between PLA and CNF resulted in the improper fusion of the printed layers, which led to a decrease in tensile strength and electrical conductivity but an increase in toughness.
Fluvio‐thermal erosion and thermal denudation in the yedoma region of northern Alaska: Revisiting the Itkillik River exposure
Authors: Shur Yuri , Jones Benjamin M. , Kanevskiy Mikhail , Jorgenson Torre , Jones Melissa K. Ward , Fortier Daniel , Stephani Eva , Vasiliev Alexander 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRiverbank erosion in yedoma regions strongly affects landscape evolution, biogeochemical cycling, sediment transport, and organic and nutrient fluxes to the Arctic Ocean. Since 2006, we have studied the 35‐m‐high Itkillik River yedoma bluff in northern Alaska, whose retreat rate during 1995–2010 was up to 19 m/yr, which is among the highest rates worldwide. This study extends our previous observations of bluff evolution and shows that average bluff‐top retreat rates decreased from 8.7–10.0 m/yr during 2011–2014 to 4.5–5.8 m/yr during 2015–2019, and bluff‐base retreat rates for the same time period decreased from 4.7–7.5 m/yr to 1.3–1.7 m/yr, correspondingly. Bluff evolution initially involves rapid fluvio‐thermal erosion at the base and block collapse, following by slowdown in river erosion and continuing thermal denudation of the retreating headwall with formation of baydzherakhs. Eventually, input of sediment and water from the headwall diminishes, vegetation develops, and slope gradually stabilizes. The step change in the fluvial–geomorphic system has resulted in a 60% decline in the volumetric mobilization of sediment and organic carbon between 2011 and 2019. Our findings stress the importance of sustained observations at key permafrost region study sites to elucidate critical information related to past and potential landscape evolution in the Arctic.
Do Ugly Ducklings Become Gray Swans?
Authors: Herber John W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe Ugly Duckling fairy tale tells of an ugly duckling who grows into a beautiful swan. Many companies or plants have action items from many sources that are ugly. They have lingered a long time, they are poorly defined and/or they have little chances of being completed as written. This article explains steps to recognize action items that are ugly and what can be done to bring them to closure before they mature into a Gray Swan, an improbable, but still devastating event.
High frequency of fungicide resistance‐associated mutations in the wheat yellow rust pathogen Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Cook Nicola M , Chng Soonie , Woodman Tamsin L , Warren Rachael , Oliver Richard P , Saunders Diane GO 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDReliance on fungicides to manage disease creates selection pressure for the evolution of resistance in fungal and oomycete pathogens. Rust fungi (Pucciniales) are major pathogens of cereals and other crops and have been classified as low‐risk for developing resistance to fungicides; no case of field failure of fungicides in a cereal rust disease has yet been recorded. Recently, the Asian soybean rust pathogen, Phakopsora pachyrhizi evolved resistance to several fungicide classes, prompting us to screen a large sample of the globally widespread wheat yellow rust pathogen, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), for mutations associated with fungicide resistance.RESULTSWe evaluated 363 Pst isolates from Europe, the USA, Ethiopia, Chile, China and New Zealand for mutations in the target genes of demethylase inhibitor (DMI; Cyp51) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI; SdhB, SdhC and SdhD) fungicides. A high proportion of Pst isolates carrying a Y134F DMI resistance‐associated substitution in the Cyp51 gene was found among those from China and New Zealand. A set of geographically diverse Pst isolates was also found to display a substitution in SdhC (I85V) that is homologous to that reported recently in P. pachyrhizi and linked to SDHI resistance.CONCLUSIONThe identification of resistance‐associated alleles confirms that cereal rusts are not immune to fungicide resistance and that selection for resistance evolution is operating at high levels in certain locations. It highlights the need to adopt fungicide resistance management practices and to monitor cereal rust species for development of resistance. © 2021 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
A cold pool perturbation scheme to improve convective initiation in convection‐permitting models
Authors: Hirt Mirjam , Craig George C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCold pools originate from evaporation in precipitating downdraughts and spread as density currents at the surface. Vertical motion at the leading edge of the cold pool is an important trigger for new convective cells in organised convective storms. However, these motions are poorly resolved at the grid lengths of a kilometre or more used in convection‐permitting models. Consequently, the simulated gust fronts do not trigger enough new convection, leading to precipitation deficits and a lack of convective organization. To address these deficits, we introduce a cold pool perturbation (CPP) scheme that strengthens vertical velocity at the simulated cold pool gust fronts. This is achieved by relaxing the vertical velocity in the gust front region towards a target value derived from similarity theory. Applying the CPP scheme for simulations of a highly convective 10‐day period, we find increased precipitation amplitudes during the afternoon. There is also evidence for improvements in the location of precipitation and for stronger organization of convection, although substantial errors remain. The cold pools themselves become more frequent, larger and more intense. An additional potentially beneficial influence was found for convective initiation at sea breeze fronts.
Experimentally derived trophic enrichment and discrimination factors for Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Authors: Lerner Jacob E. , Forster Ian , Hunt Brian P. V. 
Published: March 2021

RationaleStable isotope analysis (SIA) can provide important insights into food web structure and is a widely used tool in ecological conservation and management. It has recently been augmented by compound‐specific stable isotope analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA), an innovation that can provide greater precision when analyzing trophic level and food web connectivity. The utility of SIA rests on confidence in its constituent parameters such as the trophic enrichment factor (TEF). There is increasing emphasis on the need to experimentally derive species and tissue specific TEFs for studies utilizing SIA. Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, is a species with high potential for study using SIA due to the difficulty in observing its ecology during its marine phase and the significance of the conservation consequences of recent population declines.MethodsBulk and amino acid‐specific TEFs were determined for juvenile and adult Chinook salmon fed specific diets. Three controlled feeding studies were performed: adult salmon were fed a biofeed, juvenile salmon were fed a biofeed, and juvenile salmon were fed krill. Bulk and compound‐specific stable isotope data were collected from diet samples and from salmon muscle tissue after a minimum of 8 weeks of controlled feeding. Bulk isotope signatures were measured using EA‐IRMS and CSIA‐AA signatures using GC/C‐IRMS, allowing the TEFs to be calculated.ResultsThe bulk isotope TEFs were higher than those predicted for similar marine organisms and averaged 3.5‰ for ∆15N and 1.3‰ for ∆13C. The TEFs derived for nitrogen isotopes of amino acids were in line with expectations for this approach: the mean value for ∆15NGlu − ∆15NPhe was 7.06‰ and, using a multi‐AA approach, the value for ∆15NTrophic − ∆15NSource was 6.67‰. For carbon isotopes of amino acids, the derived TEFs of Iso, Leu and Phe were near 0‰, as was that of Met, supporting their use of as source amino acids in future CSIA studies.ConclusionsThis study presents Chinook salmon‐specific TEFs for bulk and amino acid SIA. It supports the application of future research applying SIA to the study of Chinook salmon and validates previous research on species‐specific TEFs.
Mediators and clinical treatment for cancer cachexia: a systematic review
Authors: Cao Zhipeng , Scott Andrew M. , Hoogenraad Nick J. , Osellame Laura D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundCachexia, a complex multi‐organ syndrome, shortens survival time of patients, particularly those with cancer. Many studies and clinical trials have been carried out to identify cachexia‐inducing factors and potential treatments for cancer cachexia over the last 20 years. Of these factors, some are promising targets for treatment in humans, owing to their expression profiles in patients. Several clinical interventions, which act on either cachexia‐inducing factors or tissues affected by cachexia, have been developed. Some have had positive effects in the treatment of cancer cachexia; however, the question remains whether these interventions reverse cancer cachexia and could be used as standard interventions for disease treatment. The aim of this review is to understand the basic mechanisms and factors that induce cancer cachexia and their efficacies in clinical trials, providing a better outlook for future studies of cancer cachexia.MethodsA systematic search was performed using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for cachexia mediators and clinical trials.ResultsOf all databases and peer‐reviewed facts considered, 256 papers and 35 clinical trials were included in this systematic review. Twenty‐one mediators were identified, and 17 clinical interventions were reported in these studies. Outcomes of these clinical trials were assessed on changes in overall survival, body weight, lean body mass, appetite, muscle strength, muscle function, quality of life, and cytokine levels.ConclusionsThere is no current standard or successful intervention for treating cancer cachexia. Further research is needed to improve our understanding of initiators of cachexia to achieve successful outcomes in cachexia clinical trials.
L1 optimal controller synthesis for sampled‐data systems via piecewise linear kernel approximation
Authors: Kim Jung Hoon , Hagiwara Tomomichi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article provides a new framework for the so‐called L1 optimal control problem of sampled‐data systems, that is, the synthesis problem of a discrete‐time optimal controller minimizing the continuous‐time L∞‐induced norm of the closed‐loop system for a given continuous‐time plant. The main idea is to develop the approximation method called the piecewise linear kernel approximation (PLKA) method, by which the kernel function of the input operator together with the hold function of the output operator in the lifted representation of sampled‐data systems are approximated by piecewise linear functions. By defining adequate preadjoint operators, the PLKA method is shown to have the associated convergence rate of 1/N2 for the deterioration of the attainable L∞‐induced norm performance when the optimal controller synthesis is conducted approximately under the approximation parameter N. Compared with another existing procedure for controller synthesis through different approximation treatment called the piecewise linear input approximation method, we further show that the proposed PLKA method has a quantitatively improved bound on the performance deterioration. Finally, numerical examples are studied to verify the effectiveness of the proposed PLKA method.
Combining Vis–NIR spectroscopy and advanced statistical analysis for estimation of soil chemical properties relevant for forest road construction
Authors: Mousavi Fatemeh , Abdi Ehsan , Knadel Maria , Tuller Markus , Ghalandarzadeh Abbas , Bahrami Hossein Ali , Majnounian Baris 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA thorough quantification of soil chemical properties is essential for assessing the engineering properties of forest soils for road design, construction, and maintenance. Here, we investigate the applicability of visible–near‐infrared (Vis–NIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with advanced statistical analysis for estimation of soil chemical properties. Sixty forest soil samples were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), CaCO3, organic matter (OM), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) with established laboratory methods. The spectral measurements were performed with a Vis–NIR spectrometer within a range of 350–2,500 nm. To estimate abovementioned soil properties from reflectance spectra, advanced statistical techniques including partial least squares regression (PLSR), hybrid partial least squares and artificial neural networks (PLS–DI–ANN) models, hybrid partial least squares and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (PLS–DI–ANFIS) models, as well as narrow band spectral indices were applied. The obtained results ​​indicate that the PLS–DI–ANFIS models show great potential for the estimation of pH, EC, OM, and CEC from reflectance spectra and their first derivatives, exhibiting higher R2 values and lower RMSE than the other investigated models. The estimation accuracy for CaCO3, however, was low for all applied methods. The results confirm that Vis–NIR spectroscopy may be applied as a rapid and cost‐efficient alternative to standard chemical soil analysis techniques, aiding forest road design, construction, and maintenance.
Prevalence and Treatment of Vitamin K Deficiency in Paediatric Patients with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa-Severe Subtype
Authors: Yerlett N. , Petrof G. , Holsgrove K. , Martinez A. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa-severe subtype (RDEB-S) are at risk of vitamin K deficiency, potentially causing abnormal clotting, excessive bleeding, poor bone metabolism and abnormal vascular calcification. This study quantifies vitamin K deficiency prevalence in this cohort and identifies potential risk-factors to prevent deficiency.

Methods
Patients with RDEB-S who attended the EB service between 2014 and 2020 were included. Serum vitamin K and PIVKAII were measured as part of the usual nutritional blood screen. Dietetic and medical notes were reviewed to establish: antibiotic use, enteral feed intake and micronutrient supplementation.

Results
A total of 16/25 64% (10/16 female), of children aged 22–180 months, had serum vitamin K and PIVKAII analysed. Six of sixteen (37.5%) patients had vitamin K deficiency requiring supplementation. Two of six (33.3%) normalized serum vitamin K after 12 weeks supplementation with oral menadiol diphosphate. Four of six (66.6%) await retesting following supplementation. Six of six (100%) patients with vitamin K deficiency were not consuming a gastrostomy/sip feed. Nine of ten (90%) patients with sufficient vitamin K levels were consuming either; more than 200 ml prescribed sip feed or more than 400–800 ml gastrostomy feed daily (containing 5.9–11 µg/100 ml vitamin K). Patients who were consuming either more than 200 ml prescribed sip feed or more than 400–800 ml gastrostomy feed daily (containing 5.9–11 µg/100 ml vitamin K) were significantly less likely to suffer from vitamin K deficiency (0.08 odds ratio [(1/7)/(5/3)] with significance level p = 0.0342 [95% CI: 0.0074–0.8275]). Sixteen of sixteen (100%) received antibiotics (range 0–4 courses/year; median, 3; IQR, 3). Patients with the most frequent antibiotics (n = 4) had normal vitamin K and PIVKAII levels if they consumed a minimum of 200 ml prescribed sip feed or 400–800 ml gastrostomy feed daily. Sixteen of sixteen (100%) patients took a multivitamin/mineral supplement; none contained vitamin K.

Summary
The prevalence of vitamin K deficiency is 37.5% in this cohort. Patients whom were not consuming gastrostomy/sip feeds of at least 200 ml daily were at greatest risk of vitamin K deficiency. Patients on a micronutrient supplement remain at risk of vitamin K deficiency, as most contain no vitamin K. Prescribing a vitamin/mineral supplement that contains vitamin K is recommended. Twelve-week supplementation of oral vitamin K (5 mg/day for 1–10 years and 10 mg/day for 12–17 years) adequately improved stores.
A Multiscale X‐Ray Tomography Study of the Cycled‐Induced Degradation in Magnesium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Du Wenjia , Hao Zhangxiang , Iacoviello Francesco , Sheng Lin , Guan Shaoliang , Zhang Zhenyu , Brett Daniel J. L. , Wang Feng Ryan , Shearing Paul R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRechargeable Mg/S batteries have the potential to provide a compelling battery for a range of applications owing to their high capacity and gravimetric energy density, safety, and low‐cost construction. However, the Mg/S energy storage is not widely developed and deployed due to technical challenges, which include short cycle lifespan and lack of suitable electrolyte. To study the microstructure degradation of Mg/S batteries, multiscale X‐ray tomography, an inherently nondestructive method, is performed on dismantled Swagelok Mg/S cells comprising a graphene–sulfur cathode and a super‐P separator. For the first time, 3D microstructure visualization and quantification reveal the dissolution (volume fraction decreases from 13.5% to 0.7%, surface area reduces from 2.91 to 1.74 µm2 µm−3) and agglomeration of sulfur particles, and the carbon binder densification after 10 cycles. Using tomography data, the image‐based simulations are then performed. The results show that the insoluble polysulfides can inevitably block the Mg2+ transportation via shuttle effect. The representative volume should exceed 8200 µm3 to represent bulk cathode. This work elucidates that the Mg/S cell performance is significantly affected by microstructural degradation, and moreover demonstrates how multiscale and multimodal characterization can play an indispensable role in developing and optimizing the Mg/S electrode design.
Sustainable Carbon Materials toward Emerging Applications
Authors: Lan Guojun , Yang Jing , Ye Run‐Ping , Boyjoo Yash , Liang Ji , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Ying , Liu Jian , Qian Kun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIt is desirable for a sustainable society that the production and utilization of renewable materials are net‐zero in terms of carbon emissions. Carbon materials with emerging applications in CO2 utilization, renewable energy storage and conversion, and biomedicine have attracted much attention both academically and industrially. However, the preparation process of some new carbon materials suffers from energy consumption and environmental pollution issues. Therefore, the development of low‐cost, scalable, industrially and economically attractive, sustainable carbon material preparation methods are required. In this regard, the use of biomass and its derivatives as a precursor of carbon materials is a major feature of sustainability. Recent advances in the synthetic strategy of sustainable carbon materials and their emerging applications are summarized in this short review. Emphasis is made on the discussion of the original intentions and various sustainable strategies for producing sustainable carbon materials. This review provides basic insights and significant guidelines for the further design of sustainable carbon materials and their emerging applications in catalysis and the biomedical field.
Die rechnerische Bestimmung der Dämpfung von Stahl‐Eisenbahnbrücken – Teil 1: Theorie
Authors: Stollwitzer Andreas , Fink Josef 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEisenbahnbrücken in Stahlbauweise tendieren aufgrund ihrer schlanken und leichten Konstruktion zu übermäßigen Schwingungsantworten infolge einer dynamischen Belastung. Eine rechnerische Prognose des Schwingungsverhaltens zufolge Zugüberfahrten erfordert neben einer adäquaten Wahl des Berechnungsmodells für Brücke und Zug allen voran die Verwendung wirklichkeitsgetreuer dynamischer Modellparameter. Vergleiche zwischen gemessenen und rechnerisch angesetzten dynamischen Parametern der Brücke sind jedoch häufig durch eine erhebliche Abweichung charakterisiert. Die Diskrepanz ist dabei bei den Dämpfungskennwerten besonders ausgeprägt, da aufgrund der normativen Vorgaben und auch aus Mangel an Kenngrößen rechnerisch konservative Werte angesetzt werden müssen. Mit der Intention, diese Differenz zu minimieren und dadurch Brücken im Sinne einer prädiktiven Instandhaltung berechenbarer zu machen, wird ein Ansatz vorgestellt, welcher es ermöglicht, die Dämpfung von Eisenbahnbrücken mit Schotteroberbau zu berechnen. Für zwei vorab definierte Brückenmodelle, welche einer Erweiterung des Euler‐Bernoulli‐Balkens entsprechen, werden anhand von Energiebetrachtungen modellzugehörige Bestimmungsgleichungen für die Dämpfung hergeleitet. Das Grundprinzip in der Herleitung besteht darin, die dissipativen Beiträge von Tragkonstruktion und Schotteroberbau zur Gesamtdämpfung gesondert zu erfassen.
Ersatzneubau der Rheinbrücke Hard–Fußach
Authors: Honerboom Dominik , Menge Moritz 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIm Westen Österreichs fließt der Alpenrhein in den Bodensee. Kurz vor seiner Mündung wird derzeit die Rheinbrücke zwischen Hard und Fußach erneuert. Die Brücke setzt mit ihrer seltenen Konstruktion als Extradosed‐Brücke besondere architektonische Akzente. Durch die Konstruktion als überspannter Balken entsteht insgesamt ein filigranes und modernes Bauwerk, das durch eine eher sachliche und schlichte Eleganz zurückhaltend wirkt. Gleichzeitig entwickelt es aber auch ein hohes Maß an eigenständiger Integrität, welches infolge der Reduzierung der Stützungspunkte zudem größtmögliche Rücksicht auf die Geländesituation nimmt und den landschaftlichen Zerschneidungseffekt minimiert. Neben den Herausforderungen der Konstruktionsweise musste die Planung und Ausführung den komplexen Randbedingungen im Umfeld begegnen. Die Brücke muss in den wenig tragfähigen Bodenschichten des Flussbetts, die bis in große Tiefe reichen, gründen. In der Bauzeit der Brücke und für den Endausbau des Rhein‐Hochwasserschutzes sind extreme Hochwassersituationen zu berücksichtigen. So wird die neue Brücke auf ein 300‐jährliches Hochwasserereignis mit 1 m Freibord ausgelegt.