bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term patient observation after conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a summary of two randomised controlled trials
Authors: Wolny Tomasz , Linek Pawel 
Published: November 2019

Background
Physiotherapy of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) involves manual therapy based on neurodynamic techniques. Until now, two randomized controlled trials have shown that immediately after therapy, CTS patients who received neurodynamic techniques had significant improvement in nerve conduction, pain, symptom severity (SSS), functional state (FSS), muscle strength (MS) and two-point discrimination (2PD). However, long-term effects seem to be more important, as they are the only ones that can significantly improve the patient’s health and influence economic and social costs. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term (six months) effects of neurodynamic techniques in the conservative treatment of CTS patients.

Methods
Carpal tunnel syndrome patients (107) from two previously published randomised clinical trials were observed for six months after the treatment based on neurodynamic techniques.

Results
The sensory conduction velocity, motor conduction velocity, and motor latency were not subject to statistically significant changes within six months after therapy (p > 0.05). In both groups, there was further pain reduction (p < 0.05). In Group B, the symptom severity improved significantly (p < 0.05), while the functional status in both groups remained unchanged (p > 0.05). In both groups, there was muscle strength improvement (p < 0.05). Two-point discrimination remained unchanged six months after the therapy.

Conclusion
The use of manual therapy based on neurodynamic techniques maintains the beneficial effects 6 months after therapy in CTS patients.
Antioxidant Content in Solanum Anguivi Lam Berries as Affected by Cooking at Different Stages of Ripening
Authors: Abbe Caroline Yaya , Aboa Nestor , Ahi Pascal Amédée 
Published: November 2019

Aims: In this research changes in vitamin C, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins contents and antioxidant activity in Solanum anguivi Lam berries during ripening and heat treatment have been studied.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Food Science and Technology (UFR-STA), University Nangui Abrogoua, between May 2017 and August 2018.
Methodology: The fresh and boiled berries (at 10 and 15 min) were dried and ground to obtain powders. Then, phenolic compounds (tannins, flavonoids and polyphenols), vitamin C were investigated using standard methods. Antioxidant properties were determinated by reducing power (RP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).
Results: Green berries had the highest content in vitamin C (32.23 ± 0.03 mg / 100 g FW), tannins (0.19 ± 0.02 mg tannic acid / 100 g DW), polyphenols (1162.33 ± 0.02 mg GAE / 100 g DW) and antioxidant activity (86.96 ± 0.49%). As far as the berries were ripened, its contents of tannins, vitamin C and polyphenols decreased, like it antioxidant activity. Registered losses were polyphenols (61.2%) > vitamin C (59.8%) > tannins (52.6%) > antioxidant activity (17.88%). While, total flavonoids content increased in red berries. Under boiling times, phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant activity decreased gradually in the berries. Registered losses in green berries were antioxidant activity (97.86%) > vitamin C (59.78%) > polyphenols (52.39%) > tannins (31.57%).
Conclusion: Solanum anguivi Lam berries consumed in Côte d’Ivoire contain significant levels of
phenolic compounds, vitamin C and antioxidant activity that are essential for human health but no more 10 min of boiling, this nutritive value were well-preserved.
Highly Efficient Charge Transport in a Quasi‐Monolayer Semiconductor on Pure Polymer Dielectric
Authors: Ji Deyang , Zou Ye , Wu Kunjie , Yang Fangxu , Amirjalayer Saeed , Li Liqiang , Huang Xianhui , Li Tao , Hu Wenping , Fuchs Harald 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe study of monolayer organic field‐effect transistors (MOFETs) provides an effective way to investigate the intrinsic charge transport of semiconductors. To date, the research based on organic monolayers on polymeric dielectrics lays far behind that on inorganic dielectrics and the realization of a bulk‐like carrier mobility on pure polymer dielectrics is still a formidable challenge for MOFETs. Herein, a quasi‐monolayer coverage of pentacene film with orthorhombic phase is grown on the poly (amic acid) (PAA) dielectric layer. More significantly, charge density redistribution occurs at the interface between the pentacene and PAA caused by electron transfer from pentacene to the PAA dielectric layer, which is verified by theoretical simulations and experiments. As a consequence, an enhanced hole accumulation layer is formed and pentacene‐based MOFETs on pure polymer dielectrics exhibit bulk‐like carrier mobilities of up to 13.7 cm2 V−1 s−1 from the saturation region at low VGS, 9.1 cm2 V−1 s−1 at high VGS and 7.6 cm2 V−1 s−1 from the linear region, which presents one of the best results of previously reported MOFETs so far and indicates that the monolayer semiconductor growing on pure polymer dielectric could produce highly efficient charge transport.
Flexible and Waterproof Resistive Random‐Access Memory Based on Nitrocellulose for Skin‐Attachable Wearable Devices
Authors: Lee Jin Hyeok , Park Sung Pyo , Park Kyungho , Kim Hyun Jae 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMemory for skin‐attachable wearable devices for healthcare monitoring must meet a number of requirements, including flexibility and stability in external environments. Among various memory technologies, organic‐based resistive random‐access memory (RRAM) devices are an attractive candidate for skin‐attachable wearable devices due to the high flexibility of organic materials. However, organic‐based RRAMs are particularly vulnerable to external moisture, making them difficult to apply as skin‐attachable wearable devices. In this research, RRAMs are fabricated that meet the requirements for skin‐attachable wearable devices using a novel organic material, nitrocellulose (NC), which is biocompatible with high water‐resistance and high flexibility. The fabricated NC‐based RRAMs show a stable bipolar resistive switching characteristic. In addition, the formation of a native Al oxide between Al and NC is verified, which is the source of the bipolar switching characteristic of NC‐based RRAMs. Furthermore, electrical and chemical analysis is conducted after dipping and submersion into various solutions as well as deionized water to confirm the water‐resistance of the NC‐based RRAMs. Finally, it is also confirmed that NC‐based RRAMs are suitable for use in skin‐attachable wearable devices through a flexibility test. In conclusion, this study suggests that NC‐based RRAMs can be applied in skin‐attachable wearable devices, simplifying healthcare in the future.
Remotely and Sequentially Controlled Actuation of Electroactivated Carbon Nanotube/Shape Memory Polymer Composites
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhang Fenghua , Leng Jinsong , Fu Kun , Lu X. Lucas , Wang Liyun , Cotton Chase , Sun Baozhong , Gu Bohong , Chou Tsu‐Wei 
Published: November 2019

Abstract4D printing technology is known as the combination of 3D printing technology and stimulus‐responsive materials. 4D printed conductive filler/shape memory polymer composites have tremendous potential in the development of remotely and sequentially controlled smart devices. This work focuses on the temperature dependent volume resistivity, Joule‐heating induced temperature distribution, and electroactivated shape memory behavior of 4D printed carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) under an applied DC voltage. The variation of volume resistivity of CNT/PLA composites with temperature can be attributed to matrix shrinkage and CNT contact resistance change. Enhanced electroactivated shape recovery property is demonstrated through the optimization of printing speed, layer thickness, and raster angle. Furthermore, compared to the 0° specimen, the 0°/90° specimen has higher degree of homogeneity in temperature distribution and faster recovery process. Finally, remotely and sequentially controlled shape memory behavior of a three‐pronged device is demonstrated. The above results will provide a knowledge base for future optimal design of selectively and sequentially controlled actuators.
Flexible and Ultrasensitive Piezoelectric Composites Based on Highly (00l)‐Assembled BaTiO3 Microplatelets for Wearable Electronics Application
Authors: Li Xiongjie , Wang Yiping , Sun Sheng , He Tingrui , Hu Querui , Yang Ying , Yuan Guoliang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPiezoelectric wearable electronics with flexibility and high sensitivity have received increasing attention in the fields of health monitoring, flexible robots, and artificial intelligence. Here, a flexible organic–inorganic hybrid composite for wearable electronics application based on (00l)‐aligned BaTiO3 (BT) single‐crystal microplatelets is prepared by layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly technology. For the polyvinylidene fluoride‐trifluoroethylene (P(VDF‐TrFE))/BT single‐crystal microplatelets composite film, the sensitivity is nearly 20 times higher than that of its counterparts of P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT microparticles composite film and pure P(VDF‐TrFE) film. The orderly alignment of BT microplatelets also has been found advantageous to the strength of the composite film. The tensile strength is up to 204.3 MPa even at a high inorganic phase content of 53.8 wt% in P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT single‐crystal microplatelets composite film, which is four times that of pure P(VDF‐TrFE) film. Moreover, the flexible piezoelectric wearable device based on P(VDF‐TrFE)/BT single‐crystal microplatelets film effectively provides detailed information for monitoring human activities such as pronunciation, frequency, and waveform of pulse beating, and motion states. This high sensitivity, high strength, and flexible piezoelectric composite provides much potential on the applications of wearable equipments and health monitoring devices.
Telecommunications and Data Processing in Flexible Electronic Systems
Authors: Christoe Michael J. , Han Jialuo , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh 
Published: November 2019

AbstractDespite significant progress in the field of wearables and flexible electronics, there are hardly any reports describing the overall implementation of these systems, from the design of electrical interconnects and substrates to the choice of electronic components. Researchers working on materials for flexible electronics are sometimes disconnected from those designing the electronic circuits for such applications. Herein, an overview of the essential design requirements for flexible electronics is presented. It includes discussions regarding communication protocols, design and implementation of electrical interconnects, choice and fabrication of substrates, and choice of electronic components for flexible systems. The functionalities of these electronic components are comprehensively discussed with consideration of the energy budget, in terms of power consumption, also presented. Additionally, the components of power generation and storage are explored with respect to their market accessibility. The field of wearable electronics is highly interdisciplinary and such information is essential for eventual standardization of the field.
Are genes destiny? Exploring the role of intrauterine environment in moderating genetic influences on body mass
Authors: Kim Jinho 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObjectivesGenes influence every aspect of human behavior, physiology, and health. Obesity, a major global public health concern, is no exception. However, relatively little is known about whether environmental factors moderate the effects of genetic influences on body mass. By incorporating molecular genetics and the fetal origins of obesity hypothesis into a gene‐environment interaction framework, this study investigates how the effect of the obesity‐associated gene (FTO) interacts with the effect of intrauterine environment to influence body mass during adulthood.MethodsThis study uses data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, and uses sibling comparisons that allow for quasi‐experimental variation in both genetic and environmental factors.ResultsThis study found positive, but noisy, within‐family estimates of the FTO‐body mass index (BMI) association. The association between birth weight and adult BMI was robust to controlling for unobserved family background factors. More importantly, this study revealed that the association between having a risk allele of the FTO gene and BMI (and obesity status) is largely concentrated among individuals who were heavier at birth. This provides evidence of a gene‐environment interaction on BMI (and the development of obesity).ConclusionsGenes are not destiny and environmental factors may offset the effects of obesity‐promoting genes. Public health efforts to counteract genetic effects on body mass may begin as early as in utero. Efforts to prevent higher birth weight may thus help reduce the risk of obesity later in life, by directly addressing the programming effects of the in utero environment and also indirectly moderating obesity‐promoting genetic effects.
Enantioselective Copper(I)/Chiral Phosphoric Acid Catalyzed Intramolecular Amination of Allylic and Benzylic C−H Bonds
Authors: Ye Liu , Tian Yu , Meng Xiang , Gu Qiang‐Shuai , Liu Xin‐Yuan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRadical‐involved enantioselective oxidative C−H bond functionalization by a hydrogen‐atom transfer (HAT) process has emerged as a promising method for accessing functionally diverse enantioenriched products, while asymmetric C(sp3)−H bond amination remains a formidable challenge. To address this problem, described herein is a dual CuI/chiral phosphoric acid (CPA) catalytic system for radical‐involved enantioselective intramolecular C(sp3)−H amination of not only allylic positions but also benzylic positions with broad substrate scope. The use of 4‐methoxy‐NHPI (NHPI=N‐hydroxyphthalimide) as a stable and chemoselective HAT mediator precursor is crucial for the fulfillment of this transformation. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that a crucial allylic or benzylic radical intermediate resulting from a HAT process is involved.
Photo‐oxidation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) films intended for photovoltaic backsheet
Authors: Horne Fiona J. , Liggat John J. , MacDonald William A. , Sankey Stephen W. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTThe photodegradation of 36 μm thick poly(ethylene terephthalate) film under artificial weathering conditions has been investigated. A weatherometer was used to expose samples to a broad wavelength range of light in an oxidative environment, replicating outdoor exposure. Irradiations were also performed using UV lamps of wavelengths 302 and 365 nm light, in an oxidative environment. After exposure, the extent of degradation was determined using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, contact angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy. Results show the production of a series of degradation products, including carboxylic acid end groups, anhydrides, aldehydes, quinones, and monohydroxy terephthalate groups. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48623.
Effect of polarization switching on piezoelectric and dielectric performance of electrospun nanofabrics of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/Ca–Al LDH nanocomposite
Authors: Shamitha C. , Mahendran Arunjunairaj , Anandhan S. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTAt present, highly flexible, durable, and lightweight piezoelectric nanogenerators with high‐power density and energy conversion efficiency are of great interest. The present study reports a new synthetic route for Ca–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets and incorporation of these two‐dimensional nanosheets as filler material into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) to produce composite nanofabrics by electrospinning. The polymorphism, crystallinity, and the interaction between PVDF and LDH were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. The synergetic effect of PVDF–LDH interaction and in situ stretching due to electrospinning facilitates the nucleation of electroactive β phase up to 82.79%, which makes it a suitable material for piezoelectric‐based nanogenerators. The piezoelectric performance of PVDF/Ca–Al LDH composite nanofabrics was demonstrated by hand slapping and frequency‐dependent mechanical vibration mode, which delivered a maximum open circuit output voltage of 4.1 and 5.72 V, respectively. Moreover, the composite nanofabrics exhibited a high dielectric constant and low dielectric loss due to superior interfacial polarization at low‐frequency region with LDH loading, promising its potential applications in electronic devices. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48697.
Bmo‐miR‐2780a regulates the expression of the sericin‐1 gene of Bombyx mori
Authors: Qian Ping , Wang Xin , Li Jiashuang , Jiang Tao , Tang Xudong , Huixiang Guan , Shen Xingjia 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSilk production in Bombyx mori L. is largely determined by the expression of genes encoding fibroin and sericin. Here, we examined the regulatory function of a microRNA (miRNA) on silk gene expression using the sericin‐1 gene (BmSer–1). First, we downloaded whole mature miRNAs of silkworm from miRBase and identified bmo‐miR‐2780a as a candidate miRNA for the regulation of BmSer‐1 expression. We used semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) with stem‐loop primers to investigate the expression profile of bmo‐miR‐2780a and its predicted target gene BmSer‐1 in seven different tissues from 5th instar day‐3 larvae, including head, fat body, anterior silk gland (ASG), middle silk gland (MSG), posterior silk gland (PSG), middle gut, and hemolymph. Our results showed that bmo‐miR‐2780a was specifically expressed in the MSG and that the expression level of BmSer‐1 was significantly higher in the MSG than in other tissues. Recombinant plasmids carrying both pri‐mir‐2780a and Ser1–3′UTR were constructed and then used to cotransfect BmN cells. We further detected the effect of bmo‐miR‐2780a on Ser‐1 in vivo. These results showed that the target gene was significantly decreased by miR‐2780a compared with the control group (p < .05), thus indicating that bmo‐miR‐2780a might negatively regulate the expression of Ser‐1.
Auslaugungswiderstand von Betonoberflächen in Trinkwasserbehältern
Authors: Schulte Holthausen Robert , Raupach Michael , Merkel Melanie , Breit Wolfgang 
Published: November 2019

AbstractUnter den meisten Bedingungen sind zementgebundene Baustoffe in Trinkwasser beständig. Sehr weiches bzw. kalkarmes Wasser kann jedoch die Dauerhaftigkeit von Betonoberflächen beeinträchtigen. Auslaugungsprozesse zwischen Werkstoff und Wasser führen langfristig zur Aufweichung der Oberfläche und der einhergehende Alkalitätsverlust kann bei unzureichender Betondeckung zur Korrosion der Bewehrung führen.Im Rahmen eines DVGW‐geförderten Forschungsprojekts wurden Betonoberflächen einer mehrmonatigen Auslaugungsbeanspruchung in kalkfreiem Wasser ausgesetzt und die oberflächliche Veränderung der Proben anhand verschiedener materialtechnischer Parameter verfolgt. Die Ergebnisse erlauben direkte Rückschlüsse auf den Schädigungsmechanismus, die Auslaugungsgeschwindigkeit sowie das Schädigungsprofil. Die Ergebnisse werden mit Bezug zu den maßgeblichen Einflussparametern der verschieden porösen Betonoberflächen auf ihren Auslaugungswiderstand sowie die Bedeutung für die Dauerhaftigkeit von Betonoberflächen in Trinkwasserbehältern diskutiert.
Lipidomic changes in the rat hippocampus following cocaine conditioning, extinction, and reinstatement of drug‐seeking
Authors: Pati Sumitra , Angel Peggi , Drake Richard R. , Wagner John J. , Cummings Brian S. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIntroductionCocaine dependence affects millions of individuals worldwide; however, there are no pharmacotherapeutic and/or diagnostic solutions. Recent evidence suggests a role for lipid signaling in the development and maintenance of addiction, highlighting the need to understand how lipid remodeling mediates neuroadaptation after cocaine exposure.MethodsThis study utilized shotgun lipidomics to assess cocaine‐induced lipid remodeling in rats using a novel behavioral regimen that incorporated multiple sessions of extinction training and reinstatement testing.ResultsMass spectrometric imaging demonstrated widespread decreases in phospholipid (PL) abundance throughout the brain, and high‐spatial resolution matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry indicated hippocampus‐specific PL alterations following cocaine exposure. We analyzed the expression of genes involved in hippocampal lipid metabolism and observed region‐specific regulation. In addition, we found that cocaine exposure differentially regulates mitochondrial biogenesis in the brain.ConclusionsThis work presents a comprehensive lipidomic assessment of cocaine‐induced lipid remodeling in the rat brain. Further, these findings indicate a potential interplay between CNS energetics and differential lipid regulation and suggest a role for cocaine in the maintenance of energy homeostasis.
An interactive virtual laboratory addressing student difficulty in differentiating between chemical reaction kinetics and equilibrium
Authors: Koretsky Milo D. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe Reaction Rate vs Equilibrium Interactive Virtual Laboratory (IVL) has been developed to address a common student misconception in analyzing and designing chemical reactors—the difference between reaction kinetics and reaction equilibrium. The IVL allows students to make meaning of the difference between reaction rate and equilibrium by exploring their dependence on temperature. The design is to create a cognitive conflict between their observations of how reaction rate and equilibrium depend on temperature. In the IVL, students are guided through a set of 20 frames where they are asked to respond to questions that ask them to predict, observe, or reflect on phenomena related to the specific concept while manipulating the molecular simulations. The Reaction Rate vs Equilibrium IVL is embedded within the Concept Warehouse (available at http://cw.edudiv.org/) and the instructors can access student responses to the questions as well as an automatic grading system can be used for student assessment. In this study, the IVL was implemented in a junior‐level chemical engineering thermodynamics studio class. Data sources included responses from 82 consenting students during their work with the virtual laboratory and a survey completed the day after. We examined student responses to the summative conceptual question pair near the end of the IVL to determine whether students understood the main concept. We found that 57.1% clearly understood the concept. In addition, students indicated that they found group work beneficial when using the IVLs and appreciated the visual and dynamic representation of molecular phenomena.