bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Millimeter‐wave slow‐wave Si‐benzocyclobutene transmission line: modeling and a coupler application
Authors: Shi Li‐Yun , Li Tao‐Tao , Chen Yu , Zhou Liang , Gao Jian‐Jun 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA millimeter‐wave slow‐wave transmission line (T‐line) implemented with Si‐benzocyclobutene (Si‐BCB) technology is modeled in this paper. An artificial neural network (ANN) is applied to map the numerical relationship between the geometric parameters of the slow‐wave T‐line and its S‐parameters. The Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm and Gradient Descent Back‐Propagation optimization method are used during ANN training process. A 30‐GHz coupler based on the proposed slow‐wave structure is fabricated and measured. The ANN results, electromagnetic (EM)‐simulated results, and measured results are consistent with one another.
A sigmoid stabilizing function for fast sparse 3D inversion of magnetic data
Authors: Rezaie Mohammad 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTAn interesting geological objective of quantitative interpretation of magnetic data is to find inverse models which can determine sharp geological interfaces below the surface. The stabilizing function in the Tikhonov parametric functional governs sparseness constraint in the recovered model. This paper introduces a novel stabilizer based on a sigmoid function which can provide non‐smooth models in the inversion of magnetic data efficiently. An inversion algorithm is developed based on the reweighted regularized conjugate gradient to get the solution of the inverse problem using this stabilizing function. The performance of the proposed algorithm is checked on two synthetic data sets and real aeromagnetic data from McFaulds Lake in Ontario, Canada, in comparison with the results of the minimum support stabilizing function. The inverse problem converges to the solution faster when the sigmoid stabilizing function is used instead of the minimum support stabilizing function.
Preparation, oil adsorption behavior, and mechanism of micro/nanofibrous polycaprolactone membrane prepared through solution blow spinning
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Yang Ruiting , Zhang Xiaohui , Yin Xueqiong , Tian Hua , Zhu Li 
Published: December 2019

In this paper, biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) was used as the raw material to prepare micro/nanofibrous polycaprolactone membrane (PCLM) through solution blow spinning (SBS) technology. The effects of spinning conditions (distance, gas pressure, and spinning solution concentration) on PCLM structures were investigated. The obtained membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angle, and thermogravimetric analysis instrument. The oil adsorbency and reusability of PCLM were measured. The oil adsorption capacity of PCLM for motor oil, peanut oil, and diesel oil was 15.93, 14.81, and 12.86 g·g−1, respectively. After 10 times of reuse, the adsorption capacity for motor oil, peanut oil, and diesel oil could still remain at about 80% of the first cycle. The kinetic and thermodynamic studies showed that the adsorption conformed to the first‐order kinetic model and Freundlich model. Thermodynamic parameters for oil adsorption ΔGθ, ΔHθ, and ΔSθ indicated the oil adsorption of PCLM was a spontaneous and physisorption process.
Estimation of an Appropriate Dose of Trazodone for Pediatric Insomnia and the Potential for a Trazodone–Atomoxetine Interaction
Authors: Oggianu Laura , Ke Alice B. , Chetty Manoranjenni , Picollo Rossella , Petrucci Vanessa , Calisti Fabrizio , Garofolo Fabio , Tongiani Serena 
Published: December 2019

There is a paucity of clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric insomnia. This study was designed to predict the doses of trazodone to guide dosing in a clinical trial for pediatric insomnia using physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling. Data on the pharmacokinetics of trazodone in children are currently lacking. The interaction potential between trazodone and atomoxetine was also predicted. Doses predicted in the following age groups, with exposures corresponding to adult dosages of 30, 75, and 150 mg once a day (q.d.), respectively, were: (i) 2‐ to 6‐year‐old group, doses of 0.35, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/kg q.d.; (ii) >6‐ to 12‐year‐old group, doses of 0.4, 1.0, and 1.9 mg/kg q.d.; (iii) >12‐ to 17‐year‐old group, doses of 0.4, 1.1, and 2.1 mg/kg q.d. An interaction between trazodone and atomoxetine was predicted to be unlikely. Clinical trials based on the aforementioned predicted dosing are currently in progress, and pharmacokinetic data obtained will enable further refinement of the PBPK models.
Fabricating Biomimetic Antireflective Coating Based on TiO2 Pyramids by Soft Lithography
Authors: Jin Xuan , Shi Gang , Zhu Haiyan , Ni Caihua , Li Ying 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe micro‐pyramid structure exhibits outstanding antireflection, but this structure only focuses on the field of monocrystalline silicon. Here, the novel TiO2 pyramids were fabricated by soft imprinting. Then, the polyaniline nanoparticles were loaded on the surface of TiO2 pyramids to form biomimetic compound eyes with P/N heterojunction. The composite coatings could reduce the reflection of incident light and enhance separation efficiency of photoinduced charges, which were applied to the photocatalytic degradation of organism dye.
Self‐Coupling Reaction of Benzylamine to Form Thioamides and Amides by Elemental Sulfur
Authors: Zhan Zhenzhen , Luo Nan , Ma Haojie , He Jianping , Lu Guoqiang , Cui Xinfeng , Huang Guosheng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAn efficient self‐coupling reaction of benzylamines has been developed for the synthesis of thioamides and amides by elemental sulfur. By controlling the reaction time, we can not only obtain the corresponding amide product, but also get the intermediate thioamide of the reaction. This reaction could validly avoid the shortcomings of metal catalysts and conforms to the concept of modern atomic economy. The amide products could be obtained in moderate to good yields under the suitable conditions.
Electrochromic Properties of Electrospun Fibers Based on Bis‐Thiomethylcyclohexanone Derivatives
Authors: Turgut Cin Günseli , Nohut Maşlakcı Neslihan , Biçer Abdullah , Yakalı Gül , Uygun Öksüz Ayşegül 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this work, the electrochromic (EC) application of the hybrid fibers based on bis‐thiomethylcyclohexanone derivatives is evaluated. For this purpose, two new bis‐thiomethylcyclohexanone derivatives, 2,6‐bis(phenyl(phenylthio)methyl)cyclohexanone (PPTMC) and 2,6‐bis((2,6‐dichlorophenyl)(phenylthio)methyl)cyclohexanone (CPPTMC), were synthesized by thio‐Michael addition and characterized by spectroscopic methods and X‐ray diffraction. The hybrid fibers based on bis‐thiomethylcyclohexanone and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were successfully prepared with electrospinning. The surface morphology and elemental compositions of these hybrid fibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). The electrochemical, optical and electrochromic behaviors of indium tin oxide (ITO) glass substrates coated with those fibers were evaluated using spectrophotometry techniques. Moreover, the electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on PPTMC‐PMMA and CPPTMC‐PMMA hybrid fibers showed reversible color change from the transparent state to light brown by switching from +3.0 to −3.0 V. The calculated coloration efficiency of the hybrid fibers based on PPTMC‐PMMA was found to be 207.27 cm2/C whereas a higher coloration efficiency was obtained for the hybrid fibers based on CPPTMC‐PMMA (273.31 cm2/C). Our results show that hybrid fibers based on PPTMC‐PMMA and CPPTMC‐PMMA are potential materials for optical and electrochromic applications.
Punching shear tests of post‐tensioned flat slabs supported on edge columns
Authors: Barbán Vladimir V. , Melo Guilherme S. , Carvalho Alessandra L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis paper describes an experimental study of the punching resistance of unbonded post tensioned flat slabs supported on edge columns. Fifteen slabs rectangular in plain, with sides of 2 m by 1.2 m and 120 mm thick were tested, supported on square columns with sides of 200 mm and with length of 600 mm at the top and at the bottom. The main variables are the eccentricity (Mu/Vu) of the shear force, which is obtained varying the relation between loads parallel and perpendicular to the free edge; the amount of unbonded tendons (4 or 6 tendons perpendicular to the free edge and 3 or 2 tendons parallel to the free edge with the column); and the non‐prestressed flexural reinforcement detailing. The behavior of slabs is discussed in terms of vertical displacements, strains on concrete and on non‐prestressed rebars, forces on the unbonded tendons, cracking pattern and ultimate shear forces. The increase of the eccentricity (Mu/Vu) changes the failure mode from punching to flexure and torsion associated to punching.
Functional genomic approaches to elucidate the role of enhancers during development
Authors: Ryan Genevieve E. , Farley Emma K. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSuccessful development depends on the precise tissue‐specific regulation of genes by enhancers, genetic elements that act as switches to control when and where genes are expressed. Because enhancers are critical for development, and the majority of disease‐associated mutations reside within enhancers, it is essential to understand which sequences within enhancers are important for function. Advances in sequencing technology have enabled the rapid generation of genomic data that predict putative active enhancers, but functionally validating these sequences at scale remains a fundamental challenge. Herein, we discuss the power of genome‐wide strategies used to identify candidate enhancers, and also highlight limitations and misconceptions that have arisen from these data. We discuss the use of massively parallel reporter assays to test enhancers for function at scale. We also review recent advances in our ability to study gene regulation during development, including CRISPR‐based tools to manipulate genomes and single‐cell transcriptomics to finely map gene expression. Finally, we look ahead to a synthesis of complementary genomic approaches that will advance our understanding of enhancer function during development.This article is categorized under:
Physiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and Disease
Developmental Biology > Developmental Processes in Health and Disease
Laboratory Methods and Technologies > Genetic/Genomic Methods
The F -term problem and other challenges of stringy quintessence
Authors: Hebecker Arthur , Skrzypek Torben , Wittner Manuel 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
We attempt a systematic analysis of string-theoretic quintessence models as an alternative to metastable de Sitter vacua. It appears that, within the boundaries of what is known, large-volume type-IIB flux compactifications are preferred. Here the quintessence scalar is the ratio of certain 4-cycle volumes. It has already been noticed that the volume modulus, which must be stabilized, tends to remain too light. One may call this the “light volume problem”. In addition, we identify an “F-term problem”: the positive energy density of standard-model SUSY breaking is higher than the depth of all known negative contributions. We discuss what it would take to resolve these issues and comment on partially related challenges for axionic quintessence. In particular, large cancellations between positive and negative potential terms appear unavoidable in general. As a further challenge, one should then explain why a small de-tuning cannot be used to uplift into a deep slow-roll regime, violating de Sitter swampland conjectures.
Randomized Controlled Trial on Autologous Platelet‐Rich Plasma Versus Saline Dressing in Treatment of Non‐healing Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Elsaid Ahmed , El‐Said Mohammed , Emile Sameh , Youssef Mohamed , Khafagy Wael , Elshobaky Ayman 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the role of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) gel as a treatment of clean non‐healing diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in comparison with regular dressing with saline as a control.MethodsPatients with DFU were randomly assigned to one of two equal groups: group I received dressing with PRP gel and group II received regular saline dressing. The main outcomes of the study were percent reduction in the dimensions of the DFU, healing of DFU, and complications at 20 weeks of follow‐up.ResultsTwenty‐four patients were included to the study. The mean age of patients was 55.2 ± 6.4 years. Only three (25%) patients in group I achieved complete healing versus none of group II patients. In total, 8.3% of group I and 41.6% of group II patients did not show any response to treatment. The percent of reduction in the longitudinal and horizontal dimensions of the DFU was significantly greater in group I than group II (43.2% vs 4.1%) and (42.3% vs 8.2%), respectively. The time required to maximum healing was significantly shorter in group I than group II (6.3 ± 2.1 vs 10.4 ± 1.7 weeks, P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe use of PRP gel as a dressing for chronic DFU resulted in a more significant reduction in the size of the ulcer when compared to regular saline dressing. Also the time to reach the point of maximal possible healing with the least wound dimensions was significantly shorter when using PRP as a dressing protocol.
Minimal invasive pocket technique for magnet bone implant hearing aid without fixation
Authors: Dolhen Pierre , Lipski Samuel , Touijar Rachid , Van Bogaert Juliette 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Introduction
The BAHA (bone-anchored hearing aid) Attract is a magnetic transcutaneous bone conduction device anchored into the temporal bone. The standard surgical technique for BAHA Attract is a multi-tools time-consuming process, which requires a large cutaneous incision. The objective of this study is to describe and test the feasibility of a minimally invasive pocket (MIP) technique for Magnet Bone Implant Hearing Aid (MBIHA) with a modified magnet of BAHA Attract without fixation and without any tissue reduction. We use a 3-cm vertical skin incision and a subperiosteal pocket.

Method
A study of 10 patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss who benefited from a MBIHA using the MIP technique is presented. The pure tone average (PTA) (dB) for air-conduction thresholds and the speech recognition threshold (SRT) (dB) in speech audiometry in quiet are calculated. The Entific Medical Systems (EMS) questionnaire and the postoperative clinical outcomes are realized.

Results
We found a significant improvement of 33.8 dB on average for the PTA and 44.8 dB for the SRT with MBIHA at 3 months, compared with unaided situation. No implant was removed or displaced after 2 years of follow-up. The skin condition remains intact in all the cases.

Conclusion
The minimally subperiosteal pocket surgical technique MIP without fixation and with tissue preservation for the MBIHA is safe, rapid and effective for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss. It opens new perspectives of development and modify conventional concept in magnetic coupling of bone-conducted device.
A cross-sectional study on uric acid levels among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Lu Jie , Sun Wenyan , Cui Lingling , Li Xinde , He Yuwei , Liu Zhen , Li Hailong , Han Lin , Ji Aichang , Wang Can , Zhang Hui , Ji Xiaopeng , Ren Wei , Wang Xuefeng , Li Changgui 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background
The prevalence of hyperuricemia is increasing in adults, while the prevalence among adolescents is seldom reported.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey by multistage, stratified sampling method was carried out in Shandong Province during 2017–2018. A total of 9371 adolescents aged from 13 to 19 years were randomly sampled and analyzed in this survey.

Results
The overall mean serum uric acid (sUA) concentration was 6.08 ± 1.57 mg/dL and overall hyperuricemia prevalence was 25.4% and 60.5% (when hyperuricemia was defined as sUA ≥ 7 mg/dL or ≥ 5.5 mg/dL). Prevalence were 42.3% (male) and 8.0% (female) when limit was 7 mg/dL and prevalence were 82.1% (male) and 38.4% (female) when limit was 5.5 mg/dL. Male gender, increased body mass index, increased waist circumstance, increased triglycerides, increased fasting blood glucose, increased systolic blood pressure, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, and positive family gout history were associated with the enhanced risk of hyperuricemia according to univariate and/or multivariate logistic regression analysis. Food intake frequency of carbonate beverage, mutton, and other kinds varied between hyperuricemia adolescents and normal sUA ones.

Conclusions
The studied adolescent population showed sUA level and hyperuricemia prevalence which are even higher than those of adults in China. The epidemic of youth hyperuricemia may pose a future threat of gout attacks and other hyperuricemia-related diseases, which alarms the public, health professionals and health policy makers to prepare the future health challenges.
Elosan-Therapie
Authors: Hoederath Petra , Kuhnke Olaf , Bohn Wolfgang 
Published: December 2019

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die neue Elosan-Therapie ist geeignet, Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen Linderung zu verschaffen, ihre Lebensqualität zu verbessern und den Verbrauch von Schmerzmittel zu reduzieren. Zum Nachweis der Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit der neuen Therapie musste zur Zertifizierung als Medizinprodukt eine klinische Pilotstudie durchgeführt werden, da kein vergleichbares Produkt oder eine vergleichbare Therapie aus der Literatur als Datenquelle identifiziert werden konnte.

Methodik
In einer offenen, randomisierten klinischen Vergleichsstudie an 3 schmerzmedizinischen Zentren in der Schweiz wurden insgesamt 39 Patienten mit chronischen Schmerzen (Dauer seit >6 Monaten; Intensität >50 mm VAS n. Borg) in 2 Gruppen (21 Verum, 18 Kontrolle) in die Studie eingeschlossen. Die Verumgruppe erhielt über einen Zeitraum von 28 Tagen zweimal/Woche eine 4‑minütige Elosan-Therapie zusätzlich zur weiter applizierten individuellen Standardtherapie. Die Kontrollgruppe erhielt nur ihre individuelle Standardtherapie. Als primärer Zielparameter wurde festgelegt, dass die Schmerzreduktion in der Verumgruppe nach 8 Behandlungen mindestens 20 mm (100 mm-teilige VAS-Schmerzskala) mehr aufweisen sollte als in der Kontrollgruppe. Sekundäre Zielparameter waren: die Veränderung der Lebensqualität und eine Reduktion von Schmerzmitteln.

Ergebnisse
Das wichtigste Ergebnis war die gruppeninterne Schmerzreduktion (gemessener VAS-Score), die in der Elosan-Gruppe hoch signifikant war (p = 0,001). Die Behandlungswirkung entsprach im Durchschnitt einer Schmerzreduktion von fast 25 % bei gleichzeitiger Weitergabe der medikamentösen Standardtherapie. 2,5-mal mehr Patienten in der Elosan-Gruppe im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe erfuhren eine Reduktion des VAS-Scores von mehr als 20 mm (= Schmerzreduktion von mindestens 30 %). Trotzdem wurde im primären Endpunkt die statistische Signifikanz nicht ganz erreicht (p = 0,102). Wirksamkeit zeigte das Ergebnis des SF-12-Fragebogens im körperlichen Bereich, Unterpunkt „Körperlicher Schmerz“, der sich in der Verumgruppe signifikant verbesserte (p = 0,001). Der Gesamtwert des SF-12 im mentalen Bereich war in der Elosan-Behandlungsgruppe signifikant besser als in der Referenzgruppe (p = 0,016). Die Verbesserung der Schmerzempfindung war in der Verumgruppe hoch signifikant besser (p = 0,001). Es konnten viermal mehr Patienten in der Elosan-Gruppe ihre Schmerzmittel gegen Ende der Studie reduzieren.
The role of virtual reality on outcomes in rehabilitation of Parkinson’s disease: meta-analysis and systematic review in 1031 participants
Authors: Triegaardt Joseph , Han Thang S. , Sada Charif , Sharma Sapna , Sharma Pankaj 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is managed primarily by dopamine agonists and physiotherapy while virtual reality (VR) has emerged recently as a complementary method. The present study reviewed the effectiveness of VR in rehabilitation of patients with PD.

Methods
Literature search up to June 2019 identified ten studies (n = 343 participants) suitable for meta-analysis and 27 studies (n = 688 participants) for systematic review. Standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random effects model.

Results
In meta-analysis, compared with active rehabilitation intervention, VR training led to greater improvement of stride length, SMD = 0.70 (95%CI = 0.32–1.08, p = 0.0003), and was as effective for gait speed, balance and co-ordination, cognitive function and mental health, quality of life and activities of daily living. Compared with passive rehabilitation intervention, VR had greater effects on balance: SMD = 1.02 (95%CI = 0.38–1.65, p = 0.002). Results from single randomised controlled trials showed that VR training was better than passive rehabilitation intervention for improving gait speed SMD = 1.43 (95%CI = 0.51–2.34, p = 0.002), stride length SMD = 1.27 (95%CI = 0.38–2.16, p = 0.005) and activities of daily living SMD = 0.96 (95%CI = 0.02–1.89). Systematic review showed that VR training significantly (p < 0.05) improved motor function, balance and co-ordination, cognitive function and mental health, and quality of life and activities of daily living.

Conclusion
VR used in rehabilitation for patients with PD improves a number of outcomes and may be considered for routine use in rehabilitation.
Managing the complexity of centres of excellence: accommodating diversity in institutional logics
Authors: Larsen Katarina 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis article discusses how Centres of Excellence (CoE) and the existence of several logics in these centres can contribute to the differentiation of the strategic profiles of universities. The study sees research centres as a way to organize research activities in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in order to target both excellence but also societal challenges through focused thematic research. It reveals how societal challenges and their interpretation by these centres contribute to the differentiation of the strategic profiles of universities. Studies of centres of excellence programs in Sweden and Japan reveal differences in how their mission is formulated for relevance and excellence. The results indicate that contrasting missions of HEIs are accommodated through the dual logics of these centres relating both to autonomy and industry collaboration. The study shows that long-term funding gives these centres flexibility to set the agenda and focus on their strategic core activities. In other words, a logic of autonomy guides their strategic choices of research activities over the long-run as well as collaborators. Nevertheless, these centres are also developing strategies to cope with dilemmas stemming from the excellence-relevance and evaluation templates that emerge in the nexus of their collaborative ties with industry, government and universities.