bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome in hypertensive and non‐hypertensive subjects
Authors: Senarathne Roshali , Hettiaratchi Usha , Dissanayake Nirodha , Hafiz Riyaza , Zaleem Sumara , Athiththan Lohini 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsHypertension is a major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which attributes to one‐third of all deaths worldwide. It is also considered as a key feature of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of the present study was to compare the presence of characteristic features of MetS in hypertensive and non‐hypertensive males and females and find out the percentages of MetS in hypertensive and non‐hypertensive adults.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study, involving 120 participants that included 60 hypertensives and 60 non‐hypertensives (35‐55 years). Data were obtained through an interviewer‐administered questionnaire. Fasting blood sugar (FBS) and lipid parameters [triglyceride‐(TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL)] were analyzed, and waist circumference (WC) was measured. Percentages of MetS among hypertensive and non‐hypertensive groups were determined according to both modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and new International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 21.ResultsAmong the characteristic features of MetS, mean FBS and WC were significantly higher in hypertensive males compared with non‐hypertensive males (P < .001 and P = .002 respectively), while mean value of TG was significantly higher (P = .005) in hypertensive females compared with non‐hypertensive females. Further, the percentage of subjects in the total hypertensive group with increased FBS and increased WC was significantly higher than the non‐ hypertensive group. The percentage of subjects with MetS was significantly (P < .001) higher in hypertensive group (68%) compared with non‐hypertensive group (20%) according to modified ATP III criteria. When compared with new IDF criteria, it was 63% and 20%, respectively.ConclusionThe percentage of subjects with increased FBS, WC, and MetS was significantly higher in the hypertensive group compared with non‐hypertensives group. These findings emphasize the urgent need to develop national strategies for early detection, and to take preventive measures to make people aware of the impact of metabolic syndrome.
The relationship between anxiety, stress, spiritual health, and mindfulness among patients undergoing hemodialysis: A survey during the COVID‐19 outbreak in Southeast Iran
Authors: Dehghan Mahlagha , Namjoo Zakieh , Mohammadi Akbarabadi Fatemeh , Fooladi Zahra , Zakeri Mohammad Ali 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsHemodialysis patients are prone to high stress and anxiety related to the acute coronavirus epidemic. Mindfulness and spiritual health are among the factors associated with stressful and anxious situations. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindfulness, spiritual health, and coronavirus stress/anxiety in patients undergoing hemodialysis.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐four patients underwent hemodialysis participated in this cross‐sectional study. Patients completed the Demographic and Clinical Characteristics Form, Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), stress subscale of DASS‐21, The Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory‐ Short Form (FMI‐SF), and Spiritual Health Scale.ResultsThe results showed that 28.5% of the participants had moderate to severe anxiety. According to the psychological symptom subscale (CDAS), 54.2% of the participants had moderate to severe anxiety. According to the physical symptom subscale, 41.7% of the participants had moderate to severe anxiety. Sixteen percent of the patients believed that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak and lockdown influenced their course of treatment. A significant association was found between coronavirus disease anxiety and mindfulness (r = −0.20, P < .05). No significant association was found between stress and mindfulness/spiritual health (P > .05).ConclusionThe results of this study showed that coronavirus anxiety and stress are common in hemodialysis patients. Mindfulness may be effective in reducing coronavirus anxiety in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, interventions are suggested to increase the level of mindfulness and empower hemodialysis patients to cope with anxiety caused by crises such as the coronavirus outbreak.
Impact of volume fraction and fluid layer thickness on heat transfer effectiveness of water‐based nanofluids
Authors: Krishnan S Ramesh , Namboothiri V. N. Narayanan 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe heat transfer effectiveness of nanofluids is adversely affected by the delay in convection onset. The lesser effectiveness, when compared to that of base fluid, is observed in a range of nanofluid layer thickness. The heat transfer coefficient of water–Al2O3 nanofluid can be enhanced by sustaining the equilibrium between Rayleigh number, temperature, particle volume fraction, and enclosure aspect ratio. In this paper, the specific correlation of fluid layer thickness and the onset of convection, which can significantly dominate the heat transfer characteristics of nanofluids are investigated using the concept of critical Rayleigh number. The water layer thickness for convection onset is first experimentally assessed for different real‐life heat flux densities. It is then performed for Al2O3–water nanofluid for varying volume fractions. With the increase in volume fraction even though thermal conductivity increases, the overall heat transfer enhancement of the nanofluid is reduced. Temperature involved (heat flux density), the volume fraction of the nanofluid used, nanofluid layer thickness (space availability for the cooling system), and mass of the nanoparticle influence heat transfer enhancement. A higher volume fraction may not always result in enhancement of heat transfer as far as nanofluids are concerned.
Unravelling groundwater contributions to evapotranspiration and constraining water fluxes in a high‐elevation catchment
Authors: Ryken Anna C. , Gochis David , Maxwell Reed M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDespite the importance of headwater catchments for the water supply of the western United States, these regions are often poorly understood, particularly with respect to quantitative understanding of evapotranspiration (ET) fluxes. Heterogeneity of land cover, physiography, and atmospheric patterns in these high‐elevation regions lead to difficulty in developing spatially‐distributed characterization of ET. As the largest terrestrial water flux behind precipitation, ET represents a significant fraction of the water budget for any watershed. Likewise, groundwater is the largest available freshwater store and has been shown to play a large role in the water balance, even in headwater systems. Using an eddy covariance tower in the East River Catchment, a Colorado River headwaters basin, we estimated water and energy fluxes in high‐elevation, complex systems to better constrain ET estimates and calculate overall water and energy budgets, including losses from groundwater. We used the eddy covariance method to estimate ET from years 2017 through 2019 at a saturated, riparian end‐member site. Owing to complexities in near surface atmospheric structure such as stable boundary layers over snowpack and shallow terrain driven flow from surrounding landscape features, energy flux and ET estimates were limited to the warm season when energy closure residuals from the eddy‐covariance system were reliably less than 30%, a threshold commonly used in eddy covariance energy flux estimation. The resulting ET estimations are useful for constraining water budget estimates at this energy‐limited site, which uses groundwater for up to 84% of ET in the summer months. We also compared East River ET magnitudes and seasonality to two other flux towers (Niwot Ridge, CO and Valles Caldera, NM), located in the Rocky Mountains. These data are useful for constraining ET estimates in similar end‐member locations across the East River Catchment. Our results show that groundwater‐fed ET is a significant component of the water balance and groundwater may supply riparian ET even during low‐snow years.
Imperative role of electron microscopy in toxicity assessment: A review
Authors: Grover Aseem , Sinha Reshma , Jyoti Divya , Faggio Caterina 
Published: December 2021

AbstractElectron microscope (EM) was developed in 1931 and since then microscopical examination of both the biological and non‐biological samples has been revolutionized. Modifications in electron microscopy techniques, such as scanning EM and transmission EM, have widened their applicability in the various sectors such as understanding of drug toxicity, development of mechanism, criminal site investigation, and characterization of the nano‐molecule. The present review summarizes its role in important aspects such as toxicity assessment and disease diagnosis in special reference to SARS‐COV2. In the biological system, EM studies have elucidated the impact of toxicants at the ultra‐structural level in various tissue in conformity to physiological alterations. Thus, EM can be concluded as an important tool in toxicity assessment and disease prognosis.
Preparation of highly specific monoclonal antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein and the preliminary development of antigen detection test strips
Authors: Xie Chengzuo , Ding Haojie , Ding Jianzu , Xue Yangji , Lu Shaohong , Lv Hangjun 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is outbreaking all over the world. To help fight this disease, it is necessary to establish an effective and rapid detection method. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is involved in viral replication, assembly, and immune regulation and plays an important role in the viral life cycle. Moreover, the N protein also could be a diagnostic factor and potential drug target. Therefore, by synthesizing the N gene sequence of SARS‐CoV‐2, constructing the pET‐28a (+)‐N recombinant plasmid, we expressed the N protein in Escherichia coli and obtained 15 monoclonal antibody (mAbs) against SARS‐CoV‐2‐N protein by the hybridomas and ascites, then an immunochromatographic test strip method detecting N antigen was established. In this study, we obtained 14 high‐titer and high‐specificity monoclonal antibodies, and the test strips exclusively react with the SARS‐CoV‐2‐N protein and no cross‐reactivity with other coronavirus and also recognize the recombinant N protein of Delta (B.1.617.2) variant. These mAbs can be used for the early and rapid diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection through serological antigen.
Comparative efficiency analysis of five‐level dual three‐phase multilevel inverter fed six‐phase induction motor drive
Authors: Rathore Vishal , Yadav Krishna Bihari 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis paper presents an efficiency analysis of the six‐phase induction motor (SPIM) drive using a five‐level dual three‐phase space vector pulse width modulation technique. A dual three‐phase space vector is obtained by decomposing a five‐level six‐phase space vector into two three‐phase space vectors, which greatly simplifies the algorithm. This paper also presents a comparative efficiency analysis of SPIM drive with its three‐phase counterpart. As a proof of concept, Matlab/Simulink environment was used to simulate the proposed scheme. In addition, a prototype was developed and tested in the laboratory. Experimental results validate the simulation results to a good degree of satisfaction and verify the correctness of the proposed scheme.
Skin Color Match in Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
Authors: Knott Philip Daniel , Alemi Sean A. , Han Mary , Seth Rahul , Park Andrea M. , Heaton Chase M. , Grekin Roy C. , Arron Sarah T. , Neuhaus Isaac , Yu Siegrid S. , Saylor Drew K. , Zhu Bovey Z. 
Published: December 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo quantify the degree of color match achieved during microvascular facial reconstruction, and to describe a novel technique for improving reconstructive skin color match. We hypothesize that split‐thickness skin grafts (STSG) placed atop de‐epithelialized free tissue produces better facial skin color match than free tissue with intact epithelium.Study DesignCross sectional photographic study of reconstructed facial skin color match.MethodsSixty‐eight adults, who underwent head and neck reconstructive surgery, were divided into six categories based on cutaneous reconstructive technique: cervicofacial flap, radial forearm free flap (RFFF), fibula free flap, anterolateral thigh free flap (ALT), STSG over adiopofascial flap (STAFF), and STSG over myogenous flap (STMF). Averaged color samplings of the reconstructed defect and adjacent normal skin were taken from digital photographs. The color difference was calculated using the delta‐E calculation. Blinded expert observers also rated the degree of color match. Nonparametric cohort contrast and correlation statistical analyses were performed.ResultsThe mean delta‐E's and 10‐point Likert ratings for the ALT, fibula, RFFF, STAFF, STMF, and cervicofacial flaps were 11.6, 10.0, 7.7, 6.3, 8.8, and 4.7, and 5.1, 6.4, 2.4, 3.2, 2.7, and 1.1, respectively. Likert scale inter‐rater correlation was strong, with coefficient = 0.80.ConclusionsOn average, STSG over de‐epithelialized myogenous and adipofascial free tissue transfers produced a better color match than the skin paddles of donor sites, with the exception of the radial forearm donor site. Delta‐E values obtained from photos correlated well with expert ratings of color match. This reliable technique for quantifying color match may be used in future studies.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 132:1753–1759, 2022
Enhanced Performance of All‐Solid‐State Li Metal Battery Based on Polyether Electrolytes with LiNO3 Additive
Authors: Cui Zhenxing , Inoue Shoichi , Hassoun Jusef , Tominaga Yoichi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLithium metal is one of the most promising anode candidates for high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries. However, uncontrolled lithium dendrites and other safety issues limit their practical applications. In this work, solid polymer electrolytes based on ethylene oxide and propylene oxide random copolymer (P(EO/PO)) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) with lithium nitrate (LiNO3) electrolyte additive are prepared. The LiNO3 is expected to form stable and adequate solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer to regulate the lithium deposition and limit lithium dendrites during cycles. As the results, it is cleared that the addition of LiNO3 to P(EO/PO)‐LiFSI‐based electrolyte effectively reduces the lithium/electrolyte interface resistance, decreases the polarization voltage during charging and discharging, and improves the cycle stability.
Influence of π‐Endcaps on the Performance of Functionalized Quinolines for p‐Channel OFETs
Authors: Anjali Anshika , Imran Predhanekar Mohamed , Bhuvanesh Nattamai S. P. , Nagarajan Samuthira 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study investigates the influence of aryl and ethynyl linkers as well the effect of various pi‐end‐groups on the performance of the quinoline‐based organic field‐effect transistors. A series of new functionalized quinolines with D‐π‐A‐π‐D and A‐π‐A‐π‐A architectures are designed and synthesized via the Sonagashira cross‐coupling reaction. All the new compounds are well characterized and their photophysical properties are studied. The bottom gate‐top contact–organic field‐effect transistors devices are fabricated using the spin‐coating technique. By employing the pre and post‐annealing technique, films with uniform surface coverage are obtained. The variation in the end‐groups results in versatile packing arrangements which determine their good charge transport properties. The p‐channel transistor behavior is observed for all the new compounds. Among the molecules studied, methoxyphenyl and thiophen‐2‐yl terminal functionalized with D‐π‐A‐π‐D architecture exhibit the higher p‐channel transistor characteristics with hole mobilities of 1.39 and 1.33 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. The good charge carrier mobilities are supported by an electron‐donating methoxy group and thiophene as the end‐groups with high highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMO) levels, extensive π‐conjugation, and better self‐assembly.
Evaluation of enzymatic proteoglycan loss and collagen degradation in human articular cartilage using ultrashort echo time‐based biomarkers: A feasibility study
Authors: Wan Lidi , Cheng Xin , Searleman Adam C. , Ma Ya‐Jun , Wong Jonathan H. , Meyer R. Scott , Du Jiang , Tang Guangyu , Chang Eric Y. 
Published: December 2021

The objective of the current study was to investigate the feasibility of quantitative 3D ultrashort echo time (UTE)‐based biomarkers in detecting proteoglycan (PG) loss and collagen degradation in human cartilage. A total of 104 cartilage samples were harvested for a trypsin digestion study (n = 44), and a sequential trypsin and collagenase digestion study (n = 60), respectively. Forty‐four cartilage samples were randomly divided into a trypsin digestion group (tryp group) and a control group (phosphate‐buffered saline [PBS] group) (n = 22 for each group) for the trypsin digestion experiment. The remaining 60 cartilage samples were divided equally into four groups (n = 15 for each group) for sequential trypsin and collagenase digestion, including PBS + Tris (incubated in PBS, then Tris buffer solution), PBS + 30 U col (incubated in PBS, then 30 U/ml collagenase [30 U col] with Tris buffer solution), tryp + 30 U col (incubated in trypsin solution, then 30 U/ml collagenase with Tris buffer solution), and tryp + Tris (incubated in trypsin solution, then Tris buffer solution). The 3D UTE‐based MRI biomarkers included T1, multiecho T2*, adiabatic T1ρ (AdiabT1ρ), magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), and modeling of macromolecular proton fraction (MMF). For each cartilage sample, UTE‐based biomarkers (T1, T2*, AdiabT1ρ, MTR, and MMF) and sample weight were evaluated before and after treatment. PG and hydroxyproline assays were performed. Differences between groups and correlations were assessed. All the evaluated biomarkers were able to differentiate between healthy and degenerated cartilage in the trypsin digestion experiment, but only T1 and AdiabT1ρ were significantly correlated with the PG concentration in the digestion solution (p = 0.004 and p = 0.0001, respectively). In the sequential digestion experiment, no significant differences were found for T1 and AdiabT1ρ values between the PBS + Tris and PBS + 30 U col groups (p = 0.627 and p = 0.877, respectively), but T1 and AdiabT1ρ values increased significantly in the tryp + Tris (p = 0.031 and p = 0.024, respectively) and tryp + 30 U col groups (both p < 0.0001). Significant decreases in MMF and MTR were found in the tryp + 30 U col group compared with the PBS + Tris group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). It was concluded that AdiabT1ρ and T1 have the potential for detecting PG loss, while MMF and MTR are promising for the detection of collagen degradation in articular cartilage, which could facilitate earlier, noninvasive diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
The theoretical study of mechanical property and thermostability analysis of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide nanofiber composites with different architecture: Molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Wang Weihua , Yang Ge , Zhang Zhiqiang , Li Ping 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn order to get a deep insight into the correlation between the structure and properties of composite materials, the models of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/graphene oxide nanofiber (GOF) composites with different architecture (including random dispersion of GOF in the composites (referred as R‐PVA/GOF composite); columnar cladding of GOF (referred as C‐PVA/GOF composite) and 3D core‐shell structure of GOF (referred as 3D‐PVA/GOF composite) were built, and the mechanical property and thermostability of these composites were analyzed by the molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. It was found that the morphology of GOF in composites had significant influence on its properties. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of C‐PVA/GOF composite was the largest compared to those of other materials (3D‐PVA/GOF composite; R‐PVA/GOF composite and pure PVA). Moreover, the modulus and tensile yield strength of these materials were ordered as follows: C‐PVA/GOF > 3D‐PVA/GOF > R‐PVA/GOF > PVA. The microstructure analysis of materials revealed that the different morphology of GOF affected not only its interactions with PVA but also the ability of components to form hydrogen bonds, the arrangement of PVA molecular chains and the fraction of the free volume in the system, leading to differences in the properties of composites with different structures.
Mechanical, thermal and microstructural studies of Bauhinia Vahlii fiber reinforced polypropylene composite
Authors: Ray Rashmi , Das Sankar Narayan , Das Harish Chandra , Das Asutosh 
Published: December 2021

AbstractNowadays, the natural fibers reinforced thermoplastic polymers have been increasingly used in various automotive, construction, and packaging industries because of their high modulus, strength, and renewability. In this work, the thermoplastic polymer is reinforced by surface‐modified Bauhinia Vahlii (BV) fiber. The fabrication of composite at 10, 20, and 30 wt% BV fiber loading is done by compression molding technique and characterization of the composite is carried out. The tensile and flexural strength is found to be maximum at 10 wt% BV fiber content, indicating a strong interfacial bond between fiber and matrix as supported by scanning electron microscope of fracture surfaces of the composite. The impact strength and hardness of the BV/polypropylene (PP) composite increases with BV fiber loading. According to the dynamic mechanical analysis results, with rise in BV fiber content in the composite, the storage and loss modulus improved, but tan delta reduced. The thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetry inferred that the composite's thermal stability lies between modified BV fiber and PP matrix. The differential scanning calorimetry curve studies the melting and crystallization behavior of the composite. The higher crystallinity index of composite is obtained at 10 wt% BV fiber content supported by tensile strength result. Both hot and cold‐water immersion processes studied the water absorption behavior of the composite. The composite with a higher percentage of fiber absorbs more water and takes less time to reach saturation. Compared to other produced composites and neat PP, it is observed that composites fabricated with 10% BV fiber content have superior characteristics.