bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patient factors associated with COVID‐19 loss of taste or smell patient factors in smell/taste loss COVID‐19
Authors: Johnson B. Jake , Salonen Bradley , O'Byrne Thomas Jamie , Choby Garret , Ganesh Ravindra , Stokken Janalee K. , O'Brien Erin K. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectivesDysfunction in smell or taste is well recognized phenomenon in patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. This study aimed to quantify the incidence and associated co‐morbidities of reported olfactory or gustatory dysfunction in patients who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2.MethodsFrom March 23, 2020 through July 31, 2020, 192,683 patients were tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 at Mayo Clinic. These patients with a positive test were contacted via telephone by physicians at Mayo Clinic and information gathered on patient demographics, comorbidities, symptoms and clinical risk stratification based on these factors.ResultsTwo thousand two hundred and fifty patients tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 (1.2%). Six hundred and sixty‐seven (29.6%) of these patients reported loss of smell or taste. Factors found to be correlated with reporting loss of smell or taste on multivariate analysis were: younger age, female sex, or symptoms of chest pain or tightness, cough, or headache and lower clinical risk category. Coronary artery disease (CAD) was associated with not reporting loss of taste or smell.ConclusionOf 2250 patients testing positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 at Mayo Clinic, 667 reported loss of taste and smell. Patients who reported loss of smell or taste were younger, female and more likely to report cough, chest pain, headache, or history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but overall had fewer high‐risk comorbidities. Those who were older, male, and a reported history of CAD were less likely to report chemosensory dysfunction. Our data are the largest single institution data reporting COVID‐19 associated loss of smell or taste, and the first to associate COPD and CAD as factors that affect rates of reported chemosensory dysfunction.Level of evidenceIIB.
Hearing loss increases with size but not site of tympanic membrane perforation in Aboriginal Australian children in remote locations
Authors: Morris Jack , Lee Zoe , Sanchez Linnett , Carney Andrew Simon 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effect of size, site, and activity of tympanic membrane (TM) perforation on hearing loss (HL) in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) children.DesignObservational study.MethodologyChildren aged 5–18 years who identified as ATSI at seven Anangu community schools within the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands and Maralinga Lands of South Australia underwent 4‐frequency pure‐tone audiometry (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz) and video‐otoscopy (VO). VO data was reviewed by surgeons for a middle ear diagnosis and VO files with TM perforations were then classified by perforation site (AS, AI, PS, PI, A, P, I) and size (<25%, 25%–50%, 50%–75%, or 75%–100%).ResultsFive hundred seventy‐five VO files with matching audiological data were obtained. Active perforations (35 dBHL; 28–44 IQR) demonstrated greater HL than inactive perforations (31 dBHL; 29–39 IQR) p = .0029. For inactive perforations there was a significant difference between <25% and all larger perforations (p < .0001) whereas for active perforations the significance changed to between <25% (p < .0001) and 25%–50% (p < .05) when compared to larger perforations. When perforation site was compared within all size/activity groups, no statistically different findings were identified. In all analyses, findings did not change when individual frequencies were compared to 4‐frequency pure‐tone average dBHL.ConclusionIn ATSI children from remote communities, HL is greater in ears with larger perforations and active middle ear disease but there was no relationship between perforation site and HL.Level of evidence: Level 4.
Quantum Density Matrix Theory for a Laser Without Adiabatic Elimination of the Population Inversion: Transition to Lasing in the Class‐B Limit
Authors: Yacomotti Alejandro M. , Denis Zakari , Biella Alberto , Ciuti Cristiano 
Published: October 2022

AbstractDespite the enormous technological interest in micro and nanolasers, surprisingly, no class‐B quantum density‐matrix model is available to date, capable of accurately describing coherence and photon correlations within a unified theory. In class‐B lasers—applicable for most solid‐state lasers at room temperature—, the macroscopic polarization decay rate is larger than the cavity damping rate which, in turn, exceeds the upper level population decay rate. Here, a density‐matrix theoretical approach for generic class‐B lasers is carried out, and closed equations are provided for the photonic and atomic reduced density matrix in the Fock basis of photons. Such a relatively simple model can be numerically integrated in a straightforward way, and exhibits all the expected phenomena, from one‐atom photon antibunching, to the well‐known S‐shaped input–output laser emission and super‐Poissonian autocorrelation for many atoms (), and from few photons (large spontaneous emission factors, ) to the thermodynamic limit ( and ). Based on the analysis of , it is concluded that super‐Poissonian fluctuations are clearly related to relaxation oscillations in the photon number. A strong damping of relaxation oscillations with an atom number as small as is predicted. This model enables the study of few‐photon bifurcations and nonclassical photon correlations in class‐B laser devices, also leveraging quantum descriptions of coherently coupled nanolaser arrays.
Metal‐Free Covalent Organic Frameworks for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Jia Ji , Li Jiali , Ma Si , Zhang Zhenwei , Liu Xiaoming 
Published: October 2022

AbstractExploring efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is important for renewable energy conversion. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have recently risen as ideal candidates for catalyzing ORR, but this field is still in its infancy. Herein, a new framework material (named as COF‐JLU82) containing bifluorenylidene and benzoselenadiazole units with periodic alternating arrangement is designed and synthesized. The metal‐free COF‐JLU82 exhibits good electrocatalytic activity with a half‐wave potential of 0.68 V, Tafel slope of 72.79 mV dec−1and the conversion frequency (TOF) of 0.0044 s−1, which is better than the previously reported COF‐JLU23. This study enriches the types of COF‐based ORR electrocatalysts and promotes the development of more highly efficient metal‐free ORR electrocatalysts.
Characterization of the Thermal, Structural, and Mechanical Properties of Recycled HDPE
Authors: Chrysafi Iouliana , Asimakidou Theopoula , Michailidou Georgia , Xanthopoulou Eleftheria , Tziamtzi Christina Kyriakou , Zamboulis Alexandra , Bikiaris Dimitrios N. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHigh‐density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most popular plastics used in industry. Although it replaces many natural resources, due to the low cost and easy processing, its ever‐increasing wastes make it harmful for the environment. Thus, many processes are used in order to recycle it. In the present study, the properties of recycled HDPE (r‐HDPE) compared to virgin HDPE are investigated. The structural studies are performed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The thermal properties of virgin HDPE and r‐HDPE are measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Moreover, the mechanical properties are examined by Instron tensile strength experiments. Comparing the results, r‐HDPE does not show any significant differences regarding its structural and thermal properties. Additionally, it is found that r‐HDPE has a slight increase in tensile strength. As a result, considering that the mechanical process to produce r‐HDPE does not affect its general properties, it is suitable for further processing.
A Critical Evaluation of Mechanical and Fire Performance of Flax Fiber Epoxy Resin Composites
Authors: Maccaferri Emanuele , Benelli Tiziana , Mazzocchetti Laura , Giorgini Loris 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIn the present work, the mechanical behavior of flax fiber reinforced polymers (FFRPs) intended for racing applications is evaluated when subjected to different environmental conditions. A significant drop of mechanical performance in the presence of water (both 100% relative humidity and water submersion) is observed, highlighting also the fact that panels themselves already contain a fraction of water, probably absorbed onto the flax fibers prior their impregnation with the resin, that, where removed, may influence the mechanical behavior. Moreover, the flame behavior of the FFRP composite is also assessed in comparison with the widely applied carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) to highlight the effect of the different reinforcement. Both FRPs are produced with the same flame retarded resin to highlight the contribution of the different reinforcement. The evaluation of the flame behavior of the FFRP panels shows that it completely burns during the cone‐calorimetric test, involving in the fire both the matrix and the reinforcement with a stronger and faster heat release than the corresponding CFRP based on the same resin. The above observations seem thus to discourage their use in critical conditions, where the decrease of mechanical performance and the event of fire incidental condition may dramatically and negatively affect the final application.
Frequency Dependence of Nonlinear Elastic Moduli of Polystyrene‐Based Nanocomposites in the Range of 1.5–2.5 MHz
Authors: Semenova Irina , Belashov Andrey , Zhikhoreva Anna , Moskalyuk Olga , Beltukov Yaroslav 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe nonlinear elastic moduli of block samples of polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites with three types of fillers: SiO2 particles, halloysite nanotubules, and carbon black (CB) are measured by ultrasonic technique in the frequency range of 1.5–2.5 MHz. The linear elastic moduli of nanocomposite samples change not significantly over those of pure PS, while nonlinear moduli demonstrate considerable variations. All samples exhibit a well‐marked dependence of nonlinear elastic moduli on frequency, more pronounce at lower frequencies. The most profound changes are obtained in samples with CB inclusions.
Volumetric Nanostructurization in Glassy Arsenoselenides Driven by High‐Energy Mechanical Dry‐ and Wet‐Milling
Authors: Shpotyuk Oleh , Ingram Adam , Filipecki Jacek , Shpotyuk Yaroslav , Cebulski Jozef , Bujňáková Zdenka Lukáčová , Baláž Peter 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe method of positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy is employed to study atomic‐deficient free‐volume evolution in nanocomposites prepared by high‐energy mechanical milling of glassy arsenoselenides g‐As‐Se in dry mode and water solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Formalism of x3‐x2‐CDA (coupling decomposition algorithm) describing conversion of bound positron‐electron (positronium, Ps) states into positron traps is applied to identify free‐volume changes in the pelletized PVP‐capped g‐As‐Se nanocomposites in respect to dry‐milled samples. Under wet milling, the inter‐nanoparticle Ps‐decaying sites in preferential PVP environment are shown to replace free‐volume positron traps in dry‐milled g‐As‐Se samples with defect‐specific positron lifetime approaching ∼0.36‐0.38 ns, corresponding to di‐/tri‐atomic vacancies in g‐As‐Se matrix.
Effect of ZnO Nanoparticles on Tensile and Viscoelastic Properties of Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) Bionanocomposites
Authors: Berrabah Ismail , Dehouche Nadjet , Kaci Mustapha , Bruzaud Stéphane , Deguines Charles Henry , Delaite Christelle 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTensile and viscoelastic properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐ 3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx)/zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NP) bionanocomposites prepared by melt compounding at various ZnO‐NP content ratios, i.e., 1.5, 3, and 6 wt% are investigated. The study of the comprehension of structure‐properties relationships with respect to filler content allows to define an optimized composition of PHBHHx/ZnO. The results indicate that the incorporation of ZnO‐NP led to improved tensile and viscoelastic properties overall the composition range, being however, much higher at 3 wt%. Nevertheless, the increase in both storage modulus (E′) and tensile modulus observed at 3 wt% is detrimental to flexibility and toughness compared with neat PHBHHx and the other PHBHHx/ZnO bionanocomposites.
The Understanding the Processing Window of Virgin and Recycled Bio‐based Filaments for 3D Printing Applications
Authors: Patti Antonella , Acierno Stefano , Cicala Gianluca , Zarrelli Mauro , Acierno Domenico 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCommercial available filaments made from poly(lactic) acid (PLA) are selected for potential use in 3D printed parts by fused deposition modeling. Virgin materials (PLA Eum, Z‐PLA Pro), but also recycled matrices (PLA 2Life, PLA Eubio), and one filled with wood fibers (PLA Woodfir) have been considered. Then, a lab‐made filament (PLA Nature) is realized by extruding PLA pellets. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and rheological measurements are used to determine initial degradation temperature, glass transition, melting temperature, and complex viscosity as a function of time and material pre‐drying. A preliminary investigation of thermal properties enables the materials’ processing window to be validated in order to prevent the deterioration during the process. PLA Nature and PLA Woodfir melt around 170°C, whereas all of the other biopolymers show a lower melting point (around 150°C). The temperature at which thermal degradation began is always greater than 260°C. However, good stability of rheological parameters over time at 210°C is not confirmed for all bio‐filaments. In particular, for Z‐PLA Pro and PLA Eubio, a significant reduction of complex viscosity is verified after a few seconds of testing. Drying samples have been shown to improve the long‐term stability of complex viscosity.
A Short Review on: Recent Advances in the Use of Carbon Nanotubes in Additive Manufacturing of Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Parnian Pooyan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe multi‐functionality of polymer matrix composites, proposes remarkable merits over metals including more stiffness and strength, lower weight, higher resistance to corrosion, and fatigue, etc. Furthermore, the next generation of production undergoes a revolution by increasingly progresses in additive manufacturing. There have been a large group of materials that can be exploited for this fashionable fabrication technique, although, polymer matrix composites are a significant class of material that have recently been used in additive manufacturing. The mixture of these polymers with nanofillers such as carbon nanotube improves mechanical, thermal, and electrical conductivity properties. This short review summarizes relevant production techniques, carbon nanotube polymer matrix composites, and performed research on its application for additive manufacturing.
Blood Markers of Inflammation, Neurodegeneration, and Cardiovascular Risk in Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Bartl Michael , Dakna Mohammed , Schade Sebastian , Otte Birgit , Wicke Tamara , Lang Elisabeth , Starke Maritta , Ebentheuer Jens , Weber Sandrina , Toischer Karl , Schnelle Moritz , Sixel‐Döring Friederike , Trenkwalder Claudia , Mollenhauer Brit 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundRecent studies point toward a significant impact of cardiovascular processes and inflammation on Parkinson's disease (PD) progression.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess established markers of neuronal function, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk by high‐throughput sandwich immune multiplex panels in deeply phenotyped PD.MethodsProximity Extension Assay technology on 273 markers was applied in plasma of 109 drug‐naive at baseline (BL) patients with PD (BL, 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐year follow‐up [FU]) and 96 healthy control patients (HCs; 2‐ and 4‐year FU) from the de novo Parkinson's cohort. BL plasma from 74 individuals (37 patients with PD, 37 healthy control patients) on the same platform from the Parkinson Progression Marker Initiative was used for independent validation. Correlation analysis of the identified markers and 6 years of clinical FU, including motor and cognitive progression, was evaluated.ResultsAt BL, 35 plasma markers were differentially expressed in PD, showing downregulation of atherosclerotic risk markers, eg, E‐selectin and ß2‐integrin. In contrast, we found a reduction of markers of the plasminogen activation system, eg, urokinase plasminogen activator. Neurospecific markers indicated increased levels of peripheral proteins of neurodegeneration and inflammation, such as fibroblast growth factor 21 and peptidase inhibitor 3. Several markers, including interleukin‐6 and cystatin B, correlated with cognitive decline and progression of motor symptoms during FU. These findings were independently validated in the Parkinson Progression Marker Initiative.ConclusionsWe identified and validated possible PD plasma biomarker candidates for state, fate, and disease progression, elucidating new molecular processes with reduced endothelial/atherosclerotic processes, increased thromboembolic risk, and neuroinflammation. Further investigations and validation in independent and larger longitudinal cohorts are needed. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Synthesis, structural, optical and electrical characterization of Y2O3/poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(vinyl chloride) based nanocomposite solid polymer electrolytes
Authors: Mohammed Ghada , El‐Gamal Samy , El Sayed Adel M. , Saber Suzan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractNanocomposite solid polymer electrolytes (NCSPEs) have attracted a lot of attention as excellent candidates for future electronics, photonics and energy storage devices. In this work, Y2O3 (YO) nanosheets were prepared by a free‐template sol–gel method and incorporated inside a poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(vinyl chloride) (blend) matrix via solution casting. NCSPE films were then prepared by adding NaClO4 (NC) or LiCl (LC) to the nanocomposite solutions. XRD and field emission SEM showed that YO has a body‐centered cubic structure and a crystallite size of 24.8 nm, and looks like nanosheets with a high purity. The XRD results of the films showed that YO loading and salt complexation increase the films' amorphous structure. SEM was used to study the surface morphology and film thickness. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the complexation and interactions between the YO/blend and NC or LC. UV–visible spectroscopy revealed that the films display low transmittance (˂17%), an extinction coefficient k between 0.2 × 10−3 and 1 × 10−3 and a comparatively high refractive index. The band gap of the blend decreased from 4.3 to 4.0 eV on loading YO, and NC exhibited a higher impact on Eg compared with LC. A significant increase in with complexing was reported and the maximum value was 7.4 × 10−4 S cm−1 for the 10 wt% NC/YO/blend structure. The NCSPE films are ionic conductors and have a non‐Debye type of conductivity relaxation, and the applied AC conduction mechanism is correlated barrier hopping. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Closing the gap between n‐ and p‐type silicon heterojunction solar cells: 24.47% efficiency on lightly doped Ga wafers
Authors: Danel Adrien , Chaugier Nicolas , Veirman Jordi , Varache Renaud , Albaric Mickael , Pihan Etienne 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSilicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells can be formed using n‐type or p‐type silicon wafers. To foster the increasing industrial interest of SHJ, cheaper p‐type wafers with a good availability might be preferred, but until today, they yield lower cell efficiency compared with n‐type and show instabilities in the particular case of boron doping. This work shows that the production flow of high performance rear‐junction bifacial n‐type cells can be applied to front‐junction p‐type cells without process alterations and with a loss of efficiency as low as −0.3%abs provided that the wafer bulk lifetime is high enough. For this, we propose the use of wafers with gallium doping on which we obtained on a semi‐industrial pilot line SHJ p‐type cells mostly stable under moderated heat and light and with an efficiency closed to n‐type references. The best p‐type cell was externally certified at 24.47% total area.
Mental health, sleep, and pain in elite Para athletes and the association with injury and illness—A prospective study
Authors: Fagher Kristina , Dahlström Örjan , Lexell Jan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionThe interest in the health of Para athletes continues to increase. Still, there are few studies that have evaluated health parameters beyond injury and illness in this athlete population.ObjectiveTo assess (1) the weekly proportion of elite Para athletes reporting anxiety/depression, low sleep levels (≤7 hours), and pain over 52 weeks; (2) and to explore whether these health parameters are associated with the risk for a sports injury or illness.DesignA 52‐week prospective study, part of the Sports‐related Injury and Illness in Paralympic Sport Study (SRIIPSS).SettingA total of 107 Swedish elite Para athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairment participated.Main outcome measuresData on self‐reported anxiety/depression, sleep levels, pain, and injuries/illnesses were collected weekly. Comparisons of these parameters preceding an injury/illness were made using Friedman's analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsThe proportion of athletes reporting weekly anxiety/depression was 34.1%; 60.9% of athletes reported sleeping ≤7 hours and 49.9% reported pain. In exploratory analyses, there were no significant differences between weeks before an injury for any of the variables. There were significant differences in levels of sleep over the weeks, where sleep levels were significantly higher (>10 hours) 4 weeks prior to an illness (p = .016).ConclusionThis cohort of elite Para athletes reported relatively high levels of anxiety/depression, low sleep levels, and pain, which is a concern. High sleep levels and the risk for illness might be an indication of overtraining, which commonly leads to persistent fatigue and an increased susceptibility to infections. Monitoring of the health of elite Para athletes is recommended to be able to improve performance and health in this population.
A challenging differential diagnosis in a patient with autosomal dominant STAT3 deficiency
Authors: Bravo‐Queipo‐de‐Llano Blanca , Bonet Daniel , del Rosal Teresa , Cámara Carmen , Ruiz de Valbuena Marta , Pérez Ana , Grasa Carlos D. , Méndez‐Echevarría Ana 
Published: October 2022

AbstractAutosomal dominant hyper IgE syndrome (AD‐HIES) is a primary immunodeficiency caused by loss‐of‐function (LOF) mutations in the Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) gene. In these patients, performing a correct differential diagnosis of pulmonary infections is difficult and challenging, as they usually have atypical presentations. However, establishing a correct diagnostic and therapeutic approach is essential, as pulmonary complications are responsible for high morbidity and mortality rates in these patients. We report the case of a teenage girl with AD‐HIES and respiratory symptoms and fever in whom performing a correct differential diagnosis was challenging.