bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photoelectrochemical Study of the Delafossite AgNiO2 Nanostructure: Application to Hydrogen Production
Authors: Bagtache R. , Brahimi R. , Mahroua O. , Boudjellal L. , Abdmeziem K. , Trari M. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
AgNiO2 is a semiconductor crystallizing in the delafossite structure; it is prepared by the hydrothermal route, and the photoelectrochemical properties are studied for the first time. The TG/DSC analyses show a low stability not exceeding 290 °C before its reduction into Ag and NiO. The direct bandgap energy of the bulk material is 0.87 eV, due to the d–d transition of Ag+ linearly coordinated. AgNiO2 is chemically stable in the pH region (4–14); a flat band potential of −0.022 VRHE with p-type behavior, inferred to oxygen insertion is reported in KOH solution (10−2 M). The holes density (1.92 × 1022 cm−3) agrees with a semi-metallic behavior. Positive potentials give rise to surface oxidation of AgNiO2 in the diffusion plateau before oxygen evolution. The electrochemical oxygen insertion, investigated by chrono-amperometry, is found to be slow with a diffusion coefficient of ∼8 × 10−16 cm2 s−1. The Nyquist plot exhibits a semicircle centered below the abscissa axis, whose diameter 4200 Ω cm2 decreases down to 760 Ω cm2 under visible illumination. Such results indicate dipolar and multi-relaxation processes and confirm the existence of the optical gap. The conduction band (−0.88 VRHE) derived from Ag+: 4d orbital is more cathodic than the potential of H2O/H2 (∼−0.64 VRHE) level and hydrogen is evolved under visible irradiation. An evolution rate of 1.43 mL g−1 min−1 at pH ∼ 12.8 is obtained with a light-to-chemical energy efficiency of 2.40%.
Improved TOPSIS Model and Its Application in Online Structural Health Monitoring System for Portal Crane
Authors: Li Fugang , Xu Feiyun 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Fracture of the metal structure is one of the foremost causes of accidents for portal cranes, and such an accident can be catastrophic, resulting in great loss of life and large expenses. Assessing the structural health of portal crane is important as it can keep security threats from further development. In an effort to evaluate the structural health of portal cranes in real time, an improved technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) model is presented in this paper. By integrating the fitting function of the bathtub curve, an optimization function f(aij) of condition matrix aij is proposed. Entropy-weight method is improved and applied to determine the weights of criteria. Based on the historical operation data, an update method for positive-ideal condition A+ and negative-ideal condition A− is elucidated. To further substantiate the improvement, the proposed methodological model is applied to an online structural health monitoring system for portal crane. Laboratory test and field test have been conducted. Structural strain, inclination, and pitch angle of portal crane are collected. Structural health assessment during lifting, luffing, and turning processes are carried out. The results show that the improved model gets a more stable and effective structural health assessment result, and is favorable for online structural health monitoring system. Thus, the proposed model can be applied to other problems of structural health assessment.
Multi-Degrees-of-Freedom Energy Analysis for Identification of Failure Risk in Structural Components Subjected to Random Vibration and Shock Loading
Authors: Babuska Vit , Sisemore Carl L. , Skousen Troy J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWhen designing or analyzing a mechanical system, energy quantities provide insight into the severity of shock and vibration environments; however, the energy methods in the literature do not address localized behavior because energy quantities are usually computed for an entire structure. The main objective of this paper is to show how to compute the energy in the components of a mechanical system. The motivation for this work is that most systems fail functionally due to component failure, not because the primary structure was overloaded, and the ability to easily compute the spatial distribution of energy helps identify failure-sensitive components. The quantity of interest is input energy. That input energy can be decoupled modally is well known. What is less appreciated is that input energy can be computed at the component level exactly, using the component effective modal mass. We show that the steady-state input energy can be decomposed both spatially and modally and computed using input power spectra. A numerical example illustrates the spatial and modal decomposition of input energy and its utility in identifying components at risk of damage in random vibration and shock environments. We show that the modal properties of the structure and the spectral content of the input must be considered together to assess damage risk. Because input energy includes absorbed energy as well as relative kinetic energy and dissipated energy, it is the recommended energy quantity for assessing the severity of both random vibration and shock environments on a structure.
Exploring Active Travel and Leisure-Time Physical Activity Relationships With Cognition Among Older Adults
Authors: Phansikar Madhura , Mullen Sean P. 
Published: December 2019

Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) is known to benefit cognition among older adults, but the impact of active travel is unclear. To explore this relationship, data from the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (N = 2,702; mean age = 70) were retrieved on the self-reported frequency and duration of active travel (walking/cycling for transport, >20 min), LTPA engagement (e.g., sport), and three cognitive outcomes. Four groups were created according to physical activity guidelines (600 metabolic equivalent of task/week): inactive (n = 1,790), active travelers (n = 210), engaging in LTPA (n = 579), and engaging in both (n = 123). Analysis of covariance (and follow-up comparisons) revealed a significant main effect for each cognition variable, after adjusting for the covariates, indicating that those engaging in LTPA performed the best. Although correlational, these findings suggest that LTPA engagement may be important for cognition among older adults, but active travel did not provide added benefit.
Angiogenic factors during pregnancy in Asian women with elevated blood pressure in early pregnancy and the risk of preeclampsia: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Zhu Jing , Zhang Jun , Ng Mor Jack , Chern Bernard , Yeo George SH , Tan Kok Hian 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveIt remains unclear what roles placenta-originated angiogenic factors play in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia among hypertensive women. We compared maternal soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) levels throughout pregnancy in women with normal blood pressure (BP), elevated BP and hypertension in early pregnancy and their risks of developing preeclampsia.DesignA prospective cohort study.SettingKK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Singapore.Participants923 women with singleton pregnancy <14 weeks of gestation were included in the prospective Neonatal and Obstetrics Risks Assessment cohort between September 2010 and October 2014. Systolic, diastolic, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured at 11–14 weeks.Primary and secondary outcomesMaternal serum sFlt-1, PlGF and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio were tested at 11–14, 18–22, 28–32 and 34 weeks onwards of gestation. Preeclampsia was main pregnancy outcome.ResultsWomen were divided based on their BP in early pregnancy: normal (n=750), elevated BP (n=98) and hypertension (n=75). Maternal sFlt-1 levels and sFlt-1/PlGF ratios were higher in hypertensive women throughout pregnancy, but maternal PlGF levels were not significantly lower. Rise in maternal systolic, diastolic BP and MAP at 11–14 weeks were significantly associated with higher sFlt-1/PlGF ratios during pregnancy. A 10 mm Hg increase in MAP was associated with a 5.6-fold increase in risk of preterm preeclampsia and a 3.3-fold increase in risk of term preeclampsia, respectively.ConclusionWomen with elevated BP in early pregnancy already had a higher sFlt-1/PlGF ratio in early gestation and throughout pregnancy, and an increased risk of preeclampsia. In contrast, PlGF levels in these women remained normal.
Molecular characterisation of an avian influenza (H5N8) outbreak in backyard flocks in Al Ahsa, Eastern Saudi Arabia, 2017–2018
Authors: Hemida Maged G , Chu Daniel , Abdelaziz Adel , Alnaeem Abdelmohsen , Chan Samuel Mo Sheung , Peiris M 
Published: December 2019

BackgroundAvian influenza viruses are still causing major concern not only to the poultry industry but also to human health across the globe. The live poultry markets and the small‐scale local breeding of various species of birds in backyards are still playing important roles in the sustainability of most virulent influenza viruses, especially H5N8.MethodsThe authors investigated an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 in backyard flocks in Al Ahsa, Eastern Saudi Arabia that occurred in 2017–2018.ResultsA range of poultry including chickens, ostriches, ducks, pigeons and turkeys were clinically affected. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that this was a common source outbreak caused by a virus closely related to H5N8 viruses causing outbreaks elsewhere in Saudi Arabia in early 2018.ConclusionsSmall backyard flocks are still contributing to the epidemiology and transmission of H5N8.
Nitrogen source and rate effects on residual soil nitrate and overwinter NO3-N losses for irrigated potatoes on sandy soils
Authors: Clément Chedzer-Clarc , Cambouris Athyna N. , Ziadi Noura , Zebarth Bernie J. , Karam Antoine 
Published: December 2019

Residual soil NO3-N (RSN) is susceptible to loss during the non-growing season. This 5 yr study investigated the effects of three N fertilizer sources [ammonium nitrate (AN), ammonium sulfate (AS), and polymer-coated urea (PCU)] applied at four rates (60, 120, 200, and 280 kg N ha−1) plus an unfertilized control on RSN following potato production and on overwinter NO3-N changes in an irrigated sandy soil in Quebec, Canada. Composite soil samples were collected at the 0–15, 15–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm depths immediately after potato harvest in fall and again in the following spring from 2008 to 2012. Residual soil NO3-N content within the 0–30 cm depth (RSN0–30) was highly correlated with the RSN content in the 0–90 cm depth (RSN0–90), indicating that RSN0–30 can be used as an indicator of soil profile NO3-N accumulation. Overall, RSN0–90 increased with fertilizer N application rate, particularly for above the minimum fertilizer N rate required to maximize yield (Nmax), and was generally higher for years with greater pre-plant soil NO3-N. The split application of AN and AS resulted in lower RSN0–90 than the single application of PCU at above Nmax. Overwinter losses of soil NO3-N were generally increased with increasing RSN0–90 in fall. The results suggest that reducing the fertilizer N rate is more important than the choice of N source in managing RSN.
Shark detection probability from aerial drone surveys within a temperate estuary
Authors: Benavides Martin T. , Fodrie F. Joel , Johnston David W. 
Published: December 2019

Drones are easy to operate over metres-to-kilometre scales, making them potentially useful to monitor species distributions and habitat use in shallow estuaries with widely varying environmental conditions. To investigate the utility of drones for surveying bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) across estuarine environmental gradients, we deployed decoys, fashioned to mimic sharks, in the field. Decoys were placed in two flight areas (0.8 km2each) in shallow (<2 m) water near Beaufort, N.C., on five days during 2015–2016. Survey flights were conducted using a fixed-wing drone (senseFly eBee) equipped with a digital camera. Images were indexed for combinations of six environmental factors across flights. Images representative of all (N = 36) observed environmental combinations were sent to a group of 15 scientists who were asked to identify sharks in each image. Non-parametric rank-sum comparisons and regression tree analysis on resultant detection probabilities highlighted depth as having the largest, statistically reliable influence on detection probabilities, with decreasing detection probabilities at increased depth. Detection probabilities were higher during midday flights, with notable effects of wind speed and cloud presence also apparent. Our study highlights depth as a first-order factor constraining the temperate estuarine habitats over which drones may reliably quantify sharks (i.e., <0.75 m).
Design and Optimization of Dual-Band Energy-Efficient OOK UWB Transmitter Via PSO Algorithm
Authors: Ben Issa Dalenda , Samet Mounir 
Published: December 2019

A CMOS ON–OFF-keying 3–10.6-GHz transmitter with low power consumption and low complexity used to Impulse Radio Ultra-Wide Band (IR-UWB) communication system is presented in this work. This architecture is designed and optimized via particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The IR-UWB transmitter is adapted to generate a high bandwidth frequency and it has a band switching capability. It consists of a switching inductance–capacitance voltage-controlled oscillator (LC_VCO), a pulse generator circuit, an injection-locked frequency divider (ILFD) circuit, a buffer and an antenna. The VCO is switched ON/OFF by the pulse signal produced by a generator circuit which is realized through synchronizing the received data by a clock signal. The used technique for transmitting a discontinuous signal is based on a complementary switch-mode ON–OFF LC_VCO, whose main advantage is to reduce power consumption. In this work, a best agreement between the results of the optimization technique and those of the simulation is obtained. The simulated results illustrate a signal of pulse width of 2.5 ns and a pulse repetition rate (PRR) of 200 MHz. The output spectra are centered at 4-GHz and 8-GHz frequencies with 1,332-MHz and 1,350-MHz bandwidths, respectively. The peak-to-peak amplitude of a UWB signal output is 154[Formula: see text]mV. The IR-UWB transmitter power consumption is 11.4[Formula: see text]mW which corresponds to the consumption energy of 28.5 pJ/pulse @ 200[Formula: see text]MHz. The power spectral densities (PSDs) of the output signals of both circuits viz. ON–OFF LC_VCO and ILFD are less than [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dBm/MHz, which agreed well with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) regulation. The transmitter design is well implemented using a TSMC 0.18-[Formula: see text]m CMOS process technology in an Advanced Design System (ADS).
Diversity of neurogenic smooth muscle electrical rhythmicity in mouse proximal colon
Authors: Spencer Nick J. , Travis Lee , Wiklendt Lukasz , Hibberd Timothy J. , Costa Marcello , Dinning Phil , Hu Hongzhen 
Published: December 2019

The mechanisms underlying electrical rhythmicity in smooth muscle of the proximal colon are incompletely understood. Our aim was to identify patterns of electrical rhythmicity in smooth muscle of the proximal region of isolated whole mouse colon and characterize their mechanisms of origin. Two independent extracellular recording electrodes were used to record the patterns of electrical activity in smooth muscle of the proximal region of whole isolated mouse colon. Cross-correlation analysis was used to quantify spatial coordination of these electrical activities over increasing electrode separation distances. Four distinct neurogenic patterns of electrical rhythmicity were identified in smooth muscle of the proximal colon, three of which have not been identified and consisted of bursts of rhythmic action potentials at 1–2 Hz that were abolished by hexamethonium. These neurogenic patterns of electrical rhythmicity in smooth muscle were spatially and temporally synchronized over large separation distances (≥2 mm rosto-caudal axis). Myogenic slow waves could be recorded from the same preparations, but they showed poor spatial and temporal coordination over even short distances (≤1 mm rostro-caudal axis). It is not commonly thought that electrical rhythmicity in gastrointestinal smooth muscle is dependent upon the enteric nervous system. Here, we identified neurogenic patterns of electrical rhythmicity in smooth muscle of the proximal region of isolated mouse colon, which are dependent on synaptic transmission in the enteric nervous system. If the whole colon is studied in vitro, recordings can preserve novel neurogenic patterns of electrical rhythmicity in smooth muscle. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Previously, it has not often been thought that electrical rhythmicity in smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract is dependent upon the enteric nervous system. We identified patterns of electrical rhythmicity in smooth muscle of the mouse proximal colon that were abolished by hexamethonium and involved the temporal synchronization of smooth muscle membrane potential over large spatial fields. We reveal different patterns of electrical rhythmicity in colonic smooth muscle that are dependent on the ENS.
Malignant Gliomas: Simplifying the Complexity
Authors: Fine Howard A. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Summary:
The dramatic intertumoral and intratumoral heterogeneity in glioblastoma represents a formidable obstacle to finding effective combination targeted therapy for each individual patient. The article by Wang and colleagues in this issue of Cancer Discovery adds to a growing body of literature that points to these diverse aberrant genomes coalescing onto a very limited number of cellular states, reviving the hope of eventually identifying and therapeutically targeting just a few central gene-regulatory targets in most gliomas.
See related article by Wang et al., p. 1708.
Changing Results—Engage and Activate to Enhance Wellness: A Randomized Clinical Trial to Improve Cardiovascular Risk Management
Authors: Iturralde Esti , Sterling Stacy A. , Uratsu Connie S. , Mishra Pranita , Ross Thekla B. , Grant Richard W. 
Published: December 2019

Background

Despite the success of current cardiovascular disease (
CVD
) management programs, many patients do not achieve optimal control of
CVD
‐related risk factors. New strategies are needed to better activate and engage these patients.

Methods and Results

We conducted a parallel, 2‐arm, randomized controlled trial, CREATE Wellness (Changing Results—Engage and Activate to Enhance Wellness) from February 2015 to September 2017 with 12‐month follow‐up to September 2018. Eligible participants had ≥1 uncontrolled
CVD
risk factors (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes mellitus) for at least 2 years before study enrollment. The control group (n=315) received usual care within an existing
CVD
population‐based disease management program. The intervention group (n=332) received usual care plus a group‐based behavioral intervention focused on patient activation and engagement. Study outcomes included patient activation and patient‐centered care processes (6 months) and healthcare system engagement, medication adherence, and control of
CVD
risk factors (12 months). Compared with the control group at follow‐up, the intervention group had greater improvement in patient activation (adjusted mean difference=2.8,
P
=0.01), patient‐centered care (adjusted mean difference=0.19,
P
=0.003), and 2 out of 3 measures of healthcare system engagement (eg, secure messages exchanged with a population health manager; adjusted incidence rate ratio=1.7,
P
=0.01). Intervention and control arms did not differ on improvement in 1‐year
CVD
risk factor control.

Conclusions
Further work is needed to more effectively connect increased patient activation and engagement to downstream changes in risk factor control.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02302612.
C-tactile touch perception in migraineurs – a case-control study
Authors: Lapp Hanna Sophie , Sabatowski Rainer , Weidner Kerstin , Croy Ilona , Gossrau Gudrun 
Published: December 2019

Background Migraine is characterized by sensory hypersensitivity and habituation deficits. Slow brushing over the skin activates C-tactile nerve fibers, which mediate pleasant touch and analgesic effects in healthy subjects. As this function is altered in painful conditions, we aimed to examine whether the C-tactile processing is disrupted in migraines. Methods To psychophysically assess C-tactile function, we applied optimal and suboptimal C-tactile stroking stimuli on the dorsal forearm (body reference area) and the trigeminally innervated skin of 52 interictal migraineurs and 52 matched healthy controls. For habituation testing, 60 repeated C-tactile optimal stimuli were presented in both test areas. The participants rated each stimulus on a visual analogue scale by intensity, pleasantness, and painfulness. Results Regarding C-tactile function, migraineurs showed unphysiological rating patterns but no significantly different pleasantness ratings than controls. During repeated stimulation, controls showed stable pleasantness ratings while migraineurs’ ratings decreased, especially in those experiencing tactile allodynia during headaches. Migraineurs taking triptans responded like controls. Conclusion The C-tactile function of migraineurs is subclinically altered. Repeated C-tactile stimulation leads to altered habituation but differs from previous work by the direction of the changes. Although the pathophysiology remains unknown, causative mechanisms could include central and peripheral neuronal sensitization, tactile allodynia and hedonic stimulus attributions.
Development of a drug-eluting intraocular lens to deliver epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor gefitinib for posterior capsule opacification prophylaxis
Authors: Kassumeh Stefan , Kueres Alexander , Hillenmayer Anna , von Studnitz Annabel , Elhardt Carolin , Ohlmann Andreas , Priglinger Siegfried G , Wertheimer Christian M 
Published: December 2019

Purpose: Different molecular targets, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor, have been identified for the prophylaxis of posterior capsule opacification. This led to the proposal of several drugs, yet drug delivery into the capsular bag remains challenging. The intraocular lens as a drug delivery device would provide a convenient method to allow drug release in the location needed. This is to evaluate the effect of a drug-eluting intraocular lens using an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor. Methods: Hydrophobic and hydrophilic intraocular lenses were coated with gefitinib using the dip coating technique. The cellular response on the modified intraocular lenses was tested in a human lens epithelial cell line (FHL-124) in an anterior segment model. Furthermore, modified intraocular lenses were implanted into human capsular bags ex vivo. Drug release was determined as well as the biocompatibility on human corneal endothelial cells. Unmodified intraocular lenses served as controls. In addition, immunofluorescence staining with fibronectin as a marker for fibrotic response was conducted. Results: Both coated hydrophilic and hydrophobic intraocular lenses could attenuate the cell growth of FHL-124 cells in the human capsular bag in comparison to the unmodified controls. Furthermore, gefitinib-soaked intraocular lenses showed a constant drug release over the first 10 days. No reduction in cell viability of corneal endothelial cells occurred. A decrease in fibronectin expression under gefitinib treatment could be observed. Conclusion: In vitro epidermal growth factor receptor seems to be a valuable target for the prevention of posterior capsule opacification. The gefitinib-eluting intraocular lens in this study could inhibit cell growth in non-toxic concentrations.