bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of the relative permittivity from the molecular structure of polymers used in automotive industries
Authors: Bonfig Teresa , Körner Enrico , Jebramcik Jochen , Kroll Lothar , Rolfes Ilona , Jan Barowski  
Published: November 2020

Abstract
To scan a vehicle’s environment frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar sensors are essential. The implementable driver assistance systems based on these sensors increase the comfort of an automobile. When integrating them into the car, the radar sensor’s cover must be taken into account. These parts serve as protection against external chemical and mechanical influences, but they should also support the vehicle design and appearance. Usually, painted polymer components are used as a radome. Depending on their material parameters (i.e. relative permittivity and loss-tangent) polymer covers lead to reflections and absorption, which may impair the radar performance, if they are not properly designed from a microwave point of view. For an appropriate design procedure, the polymer properties, have to be known precisely beforehand or need to be analyzed in realistic experimental configurations. Within this paper it is shown by measurements around the 80 GHz automotive radar bands and calculations based on the polymers repeating unit that the relative permittivity can be estimated from knowledge of the molecule structure. This allows the calculation of the relative permittivity of polymer molecules that have not yet been measured in the W-band at 80 GHz at a very early stage of the design process. Additionally it is shown that it has to be taken into account if the polymer is semi-crystalline or amorphous. Furthermore, the density or crystallinity has to be known.
Biochar produced from tobacco stalks, eggshells, and Mg for phosphate adsorption from a wide range of pH aqueous solutions
Authors: He Qiuping , Luo Yuan , Feng Yiyang , Xie Kun , Zhang Keqiang , Shen Shizhou , Luo Yanli , Wang Feng 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Preparing biochar from tobacco stalks modified with Mg is a feasible way to utilize tobacco stalks as a resource. However, the capacity of phosphate removal of Mg-biochar is affected greatly with increasing pH. In the present work, biochar produced from the tobacco stalks was modified via Mg addition and eggshells during the preparation for improving the phosphate adsorption performance at higher pH. The results revealed that the theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of phosphate for the biochar increased from 110.62 to 272.37 mg P/g when the mass ratio of Mg to tobacco stalk increased from 0.12:1 to 0.48:1 (M-C). The adsorption capacity of the biochar with a mass ratio of 0.3:1 (M-C2) was more than 200 mg P/g in the pH range of 3 to 7 but with further increase of pH from 7 to 12 the capacity decreased from 205 to 135.2 mg P g−1. Addition of eggshells with the magnesium solution during the dipping process can effectively improve the capacity of the modified biochar for phosphate in the alkaline condition. When the mass ratio of eggshell to tobacco stalk was ≥0.25:1, the phosphate adsorption capacities of the biochar can reach above 200 mg P/g within a wide pH range of 3 to 12, and the maximum adsorption capacity can reach more than 270 mg P g−1 for the mass ratio of 1:1 (EM-C24). The characterization results demonstrated that Ca and Mg were loaded on the biochar. The high adsorption performance provides reference values for the utilization of tobacco stalks and eggshells.
An investigation on microstructure and mechanical behaviour of copper-nickel coated carbon fibre reinforced aluminium composites
Authors: Gajalakshmi K , Senthilkumar N , Mohan B , Anbuchezhiyan G 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
In the present investigation, mechanical, corrosion and fatigue characterization is performed on the fabricated aluminium metal matrix composite (AMMC), by reinforcing nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) coated 4% carbon fibre (CF) in aluminium alloy (AA6026) matrix. With a view of enhancing the strength of the aluminium alloy, an optimal percentage (4 wt%) of CFs is reinforced; as CFs cannot be directly reinforced in the aluminium matrix due to poor wettability, CFs are coated with Ni and Cu using electroless plating technique for better wettability and bonding between reinforcement and matrix. Properties of the cast alloy and coated CF reinforced composite are compared and the composite with better properties is identified as 4% Cu coated CFs reinforced AMMC. When compared with as-cast alloy and Ni coated CF reinforced composite, the tensile strength of Cu coated CFs composite was higher by 15.36% and 2.55%. Similarly, micro-Vickers hardness was improved by 7.61% and 3.09%, impact strength by 19.61% and 3.39%, flexural strength by 87.50% and 15.38%. The corrosion rate (mils/year) was reduced with incorporation of 4% Cu coated CFs in AA6026 by 59.72% and 23.23% as compared with as-cast and Ni coated CF reinforced composition.
Effect of ultra-trace rare earth elements on continuous cooling transformation curve of low carbon steel
*
Authors: Dong Ruifeng , Li Hua , Deng Xiangtao , Liu Zhiliang 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Two groups of low carbon steel with ultra-micro amount (less than 20 ppm) rare earth lanthanum and without rare earth element were taken as experimental objects. Continuous cooling transformation curves of two kinds of low carbon steels were drawn by Formaster-F II automatic phase transformation instrument, alloy phase method and hardness method. According to the measured CCT curve, the microstructure and hardness of low carbon steel under different cooling rates were studied and analysed. The results show that the addition of ultra-trace rare earth elements can increase the Ac1 and Ac3 points of low carbon steel by about 20 °C; the starting temperature of martensite transformation MS point decreased by 19 °C, and the end temperature Mf point decreased by 6 °C; at low cooling rate, the transformation range of ferrite is increased and that of pearlite is decreased; the starting temperature of bainite Bs point increased by 20 °C, and the end temperature of bainite Bf increased by 13 °C; at low cooling rate, the ferrite transformation range becomes larger, while at high cooling rate, the ferrite transformation range becomes smaller.
Solar synthesis of nanostructured zirconia: microstructural and thermal characterization
Authors: Ceballos-Mendivil Laura G , Carvajal-Campos Yannely , Tánori-Córdova Judith , Luque-Ceballos Jonathan C , Villafán-Vidales Heidi , Estrada Claudio A 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The use of concentrated solar energy in processing ceramic materials is an attractive route to obtain these materials with low CO2 emissions. In this work, nanostructures of monoclinic zirconia (m-ZrO2) were obtained using concentrated solar energy provided by the IER-UNAM solar furnace as a heat source. In the first stage of the process, a Zr/O/C complex was obtained by sol-gel method at a temperature of 120 °C using zirconium n-propoxide and sorbitol as precursors reagents. This complex was used in a second stage to obtain m-ZrO2 by heating it at a temperature of 1200 °C for one hour in air atmosphere. This last stage was performed in a solar furnace. Samples were analyzed by characterization techniques: FT-IR, TGA/DSC, XRD, TEM, and SEM confirming the formation of nanostructures of zirconia in monoclinic phase.
Modification of exposure conditions by the magnetic field configuration in helicon antenna-excited helium plasma
Authors: HUANG Tianyuan , JI Peiyu , HUANG Jianjun , YU Bin , WU Xuemei 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Modification of exposure conditions downstream in the diffusion chamber has been performed in helicon antenna-excited helium plasma by adjusting the magnetic field (intensity and geometry). In the inductively coupled mode (H mode), a reduction in ion and heat fluxes is found with increasing magnetic field intensity, which is further explained by the more highly magnetized ions off-axis around the last magnetic field lines (LMFL). However, in helicon wave mode (W mode), the increase in magnetic field intensity can dramatically increase the ion and heat fluxes. Moreover, the effect of LMFL geometry on exposure conditions is investigated. In H mode with contracting LMFL, off-axis peaks of both plasma density and electron temperature profiles shift radially inwards, bringing about a beam with better radial uniformity and higher ion and heat fluxes. In W mode, although higher ion and heat fluxes can be achieved with suppressed plasma cross-field diffusion under converging LMFL, the poor radial uniformity and a small beam diameter will limit the size of samples suitable for plasma irradiation experiments.
Implicit ligand theory for relative binding free energies: II. An estimator based on control variates
Authors: Nguyen Trung Hai , Minh David D L 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Implicit ligand theory describes the relationship between the noncovalent binding free energy and the binding free energy between a ligand and multiple rigid receptor conformations. We have previously shown that if the receptor conformations are sampled from or reweighed to a holo ensemble, the binding free energy relative to the ligand that defines the ensemble can be calculated. Here, we apply a variance reduction technique known as control variates to derive a new statistical estimator for the relative binding free energy. In applications to a data set of 6 reference ligands and 18 test ligands, statistically significant differences between the estimators are not observed for most systems. However, in cases where such differences are observed, the new estimator is more accurate, precise, and converges more quickly. Performance improvements are most consistent where there is a clear correlation, with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.3, between the control variate and the statistic being averaged.
Novel cost-effective and electrocatalytically active intermetallic nickel aluminide counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells
Authors: Sahare Sanjay , A Santhosh Kumar , Bhave Tejashree , Abhyankar Ashutosh 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The very high cost, scarcity and dissolubility of platinum (Pt) is the center of debates as a counter electrode (CE) in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) research domain. To deal with such core issues, herein, novel low-cost and electro-catalytically active inter-metallic nickel aluminide (Ni3Al) thin films have been fabricated successfully on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates by DC magnetron sputtering at room temperature. For the first time, Ni3Al has been utilized as a CE for DSSCs application. Further, the solar cell performance of Ni3Al based DSSC has compared with the sputtered coated Pt thin film based DSSC performance. Under open atmospheric experimental preparation conditions (in air), a maximum power conversion efficiency of 3% has been achieved with Ni3Al CE. The obtained efficiency is quite analogous to a DSSC fabricated with a Pt CE. Further, as-fabricated Ni3Al CEs have exhibited better electrochemical catalytic activity and anti-corrosion effect than that of sputtered Pt CEs. The low-cost and excellent electrocatalytic properties of intermetallic Ni3Al thin films may pave the way towards development of Pt-free CE for DSSCs.
A proof of Sørensen’s conjecture on Hermitian surfaces
Authors: Beelen Peter , Datta Mrinmoy , Homma Masaaki 
Published: November 2020

In this article we prove a conjecture formulated by A. B. Sørensen in 1991 on the maximal number of

F

q
2

\mathbb {F}_{q^2}

-rational points on the intersection of a non-degenerate Hermitian surface and a surface of degree

d
≤
q
.

d \le q.
A Comparative Evaluation of Capillary Electrophoresis, Cation-Exchange High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for the Screening of Hemoglobin Variants
Authors: Xu Miao , Wang Yajun , Xu Anping 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Objectives
The present study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of capillary electrophoresis (CE), cation-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) for the screening of hemoglobin (Hb) variants prevalent in southern China.

Methods
A total of 102 types of Hb variants in 1,083 variant carriers were identified over a 5-year period. These variants were analyzed by a CE method (Capillarys 3 TERA), a cation-exchange HPLC analyzer (Variant II Turbo 2.0), and a MALDI-TOF MS system (QuanTOF).

Results
The presence of 85 (83.3%, 85/102), 84 (82.4%, 84/102), and 62 (60.8%, 62/102) Hb variants was detected by Capillarys 3 TERA, Variant II Turbo 2.0, and QuanTOF, respectively. Of the three methods, only Capillarys 3 TERA recognized all 10 of the most frequent Hb variants in southern China. There were six, two, and three Hb variants that can only be detected by Capillarys 3 TERA, Variant II Turbo 2.0, and QuanTOF, respectively. The detection limit of mass difference for QuanTOF was approximately 11 to 20 Da.

Conclusions
MALDI-TOF MS is suitable for use as an auxiliary method rather than a stand-alone method for the screening of Hb variants prevalent in southern China.
An Analysis of Patient-Reported Recovery Outcomes of Topical Tripeptide/Hexapeptide Formulations Utilized in a Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Split Neck and Body Study
Authors: Casas Laurie A , Bell Michaela , Claytor Brannon , Ziegler Mary E , Widgerow Alan D 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Physicians strive to improve the postsurgical experience and optimize patient-reported recovery outcome measures (PROMs) following elective cosmetic surgical procedures. Our previous pilot feasibility study demonstrated that twice daily postoperative topical body treatment with tripeptide and hexapeptide (TransFORM Body Treatment with TriHex Technology [TFB, Alastin Skincare, Inc., Carlsbad, CA]) reduced PROMs of swelling, induration, soft tissue fibrosis, and pain as well as improved visible and palpable skin quality.

Objectives
Evaluate whether adding a tripeptide/hexapeptide anhydrous gel (Regenerating Skin Nectar with TriHex Technology [RSN, Alastin Skincare, Inc., Carlsbad, CA]) pre- and post-procedure to the existing postsurgical regimen of TFB significantly improves 6 PROMs in patients undergoing neck and body contouring cosmetic surgical procedures.

Methods
Ten female patients underwent 15 neck and body contouring procedures and were blindly randomized to 1 of 2 topical treatment protocols (1 [TFB] and 2 [RSN/TFB]) pre- and post-procedure. Patient-reported scores of 5 skin parameters (skin discoloration, ecchymosis, edema, induration, and subcutaneous fibrous banding) and pain scores using the Visual Analog Scale were collected at 8 intervals for 12 weeks post-procedure.

Results
The treatment side that used both topicals showed significantly reduced scores of edema, induration, and subcutaneous fibrous banding compared with the side that only used 1 topical, on days 5–7 and 10–14 (P &lt; 0.05). All patients observed slower soft tissue recovery on the side that was treated with TFB alone and opted to break the code and use both topical treatments.

Conclusions
Patients had statistically significant improved patient-reported measures of skin edema, skin induration, and subcutaneous banding on the operated side that used both topicals.

Level of Evidence: 2
The SARS-CoV-2 receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, is required for human endometrial stromal cell decidualization†
Authors: Chadchan Sangappa B , Popli Pooja , Maurya Vineet K , Kommagani Ramakrishna 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) first appeared in December 2019 and rapidly spread throughout the world. The SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the host cells by binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Although much of the focus is on respiratory symptoms, recent reports suggest that SARS-CoV-2 can cause pregnancy complications such as pre-term birth and miscarriages; and women with COVID-19 have had maternal vascular malperfusion and decidual arteriopathy in their placentas. Here, we report that the ACE2 protein is expressed in both endometrial epithelial and stromal cells in the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle, and the expression increases in stromal cells in the secretory phase. It was observed that the ACE2 mRNA and protein abundance increased during primary human endometrial stromal cell (HESC) decidualization. Furthermore, HESCs transfected with ACE2-targeting siRNA impaired the full decidualization response, as evidenced by a lack of morphology change and lower expression of the decidualization markers PRL and IGFBP1. Additionally, in mice during pregnancy, the ACE2 protein was expressed in the uterine epithelial cells, and stromal cells increased through day 6 of pregnancy. Finally, progesterone induced Ace2 mRNA expression in mouse uteri more than vehicle or estrogen. These data establish a role for ACE2 in endometrial physiology, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 may be able to enter endometrial stromal cells and elicit pathological manifestations in women with COVID-19, including an increased risk of early pregnancy loss.
Hearing and dementia: from ears to brain
Authors: Johnson Jeremy C S , Marshall Charles R , Weil Rimona S , Bamiou Doris-Eva , Hardy Chris J D , Warren Jason D 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The association between hearing impairment and dementia has emerged as a major public health challenge, with significant opportunities for earlier diagnosis, treatment and prevention. However, the nature of this association has not been defined. We hear with our brains, particularly within the complex soundscapes of everyday life: neurodegenerative pathologies target the auditory brain, and are therefore predicted to damage hearing function early and profoundly. Here we present evidence for this proposition, based on structural and functional features of auditory brain organization that confer vulnerability to neurodegeneration, the extensive, reciprocal interplay between ‘peripheral’ and ‘central’ hearing dysfunction, and recently characterized auditory signatures of canonical neurodegenerative dementias (Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body disease and frontotemporal dementia). Moving beyond any simple dichotomy of ear and brain, we argue for a reappraisal of the role of auditory cognitive dysfunction and the critical coupling of brain to peripheral organs of hearing in the dementias. We call for a clinical assessment of real-world hearing in these diseases that moves beyond pure tone perception to the development of novel auditory ‘cognitive stress tests’ and proximity markers for the early diagnosis of dementia and management strategies that harness retained auditory plasticity.
When can maximal efficacy occur with repeat botulinum toxin injection in upper limb spastic paresis?
Authors: Gracies Jean-Michel , Jech Robert , Valkovic Peter , Marque Philippe , Vecchio Michele , Denes Zoltan , Vilain Claire , Delafont Bruno , Picaut Philippe 
Published: November 2020

AbstractRepeated injection cycles with abobotulinumtoxinA, a botulinum toxin type A, are recommended in current clinical guidelines as a treatment option for adults with upper limb spastic paresis. However, the magnitude of the maximal therapeutic effect of repeated abobotulinumtoxinA treatment across different efficacy parameters and the number of injection cycles required to reach maximal effect remain to be elucidated. Here, we present a post hoc exploratory analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (12–24 weeks; NCT01313299) and open-label extension study (up to 12 months; NCT0131331), in patients aged 18–80 years with hemiparesis for ≥6 months after stroke/traumatic brain injury. Two inferential methods were used to assess the changes in efficacy parameters after repeat abobotulinumtoxinA treatment cycles: Mixed Model Repeated Measures analysis and Non-Linear Random Coefficients analysis. Using the latter model, the expected maximal effect size (not placebo-controlled) and the number of treatment cycles to reach 90% of this maximal effect were estimated. Treatment responses in terms of passive and perceived parameters (i.e. modified Ashworth scale in primary target muscle group, disability assessment scale for principal target for treatment or limb position, and angle of catch at fast speed) were estimated to reach near-maximal effect in two to three cycles. Near-maximal treatment effect for active parameters (i.e. active range of motion against the resistance of extrinsic finger flexors and active function, assessed by the Modified Frenchay Scale) was estimated to be reached one to two cycles later. In contrast to most parameters, active function showed greater improvements at Week 12 (estimated maximal change from baseline-modified Frenchay Scale overall score: +0.8 (95% confidence interval, 0.6; 1.0) than at Week 4 (+0.6 [95% confidence interval, 0.4; 0.8]). Overall, the analyses suggest that repeated treatment cycles with abobotulinumtoxinA in patients chronically affected with upper limb spastic paresis allow them to relearn how to use the affected arm with now looser antagonists. Future studies should assess active parameters as primary outcome measures over repeated treatment cycles, and assess efficacy at the 12-week time-point of each cycle, as the benefits of abobotulinumtoxinA may be underestimated in the studies of insufficient duration.Abbreviated summaryIn this post hoc analysis of repeated abobotulinumtoxinA injection cycles in upper limb spastic paresis, Gracies et al. used statistical modelling to elucidate the maximal therapeutic effect of abobotulinumtoxinA. Notably, the number of injections required to reach this maximal effect was higher for active (e.g. active function) compared with passive (e.g. tone) parameters.
Immunomodulation as Treatment for Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review of Current Modalities and Future Directions
Authors: Meyerowitz Eric A , Sen Pritha , Schoenfeld Sara R , Neilan Tomas G , Frigault Matthew J , Stone John H , Kim Arthur Y , Mansour Michael K 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, viral load peaks early and declines quickly after symptom onset. Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is marked by aberrant innate and adaptive immune responses with an abnormal cytokine profile and multiorgan system dysfunction that persists well after viral clearance. A purely antiviral treatment strategy may therefore be insufficient, and antiviral agents have not shown a benefit later in the illness course. A number of immunomodulatory strategies are being tested, including corticosteroids, cytokine and anticytokine therapies, small molecule inhibitors, and cellular therapeutics. To date, the only drug to show a mortality benefit for COVID-19 in a randomized, controlled trial is dexamethasone. However, there remains uncertainty about which patients may benefit most and about longer-term complications, including secondary infections. Here, we review the immune dysregulation of severe COVID-19 and the existing data behind various immunomodulatory strategies, and we consider future directions of study.