bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Cerebellum in Degenerative Ataxias and Essential Tremor: Insights From Noninvasive Modulation of Cerebellar Activity
Authors: Maas Roderick P.P.W.M. , Helmich Rick C.G. , van de Warrenburg Bart P.C. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOver the last three decades, measuring and modulating cerebellar activity and its connectivity with other brain regions has become an emerging research topic in clinical neuroscience. The most important connection is the cerebellothalamocortical pathway, which can be functionally interrogated using a paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigm. Cerebellar brain inhibition reflects the magnitude of suppression of motor cortex excitability after stimulating the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere and therefore represents a neurophysiological marker of the integrity of the efferent cerebellar tract. Observations that cerebellar noninvasive stimulation techniques enhanced performance of certain motor and cognitive tasks in healthy individuals have inspired attempts to modulate cerebellar activity and connectivity in patients with cerebellar diseases in order to achieve clinical benefit. We here comprehensively explore the therapeutic potential of these techniques in two movement disorders characterized by prominent cerebellar involvement, namely the degenerative ataxias and essential tremor. The article aims to illustrate the (patho)physiological insights obtained from these studies and how these translate into clinical practice, where possible by addressing the association with cerebellar brain inhibition. Finally, possible explanations for some discordant interstudy findings, shortcomings in our current understanding, and recommendations for future research will be provided. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The non-Abelian T-dual of Klebanov-Witten background and its Penrose limits
Authors: Roychowdhury Sourav , Tripathy Prasanta K. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In this paper we consider both Abelian as well as non-Abelian T-duals of the Klebanov-Witten background and inspect their various Penrose limits. We show that these backgrounds admit pp-wave solutions in the neighbourhood of appropriate null geodesics. We study the quantization of closed string propagating on some of the resulting pp-wave backgrounds and comment on the probable field theory duals.
Resistance of thermally modified and pressurized hot water extracted Scots pine sapwood against decay by the brown-rot fungus Rhodonia placenta
Authors: Altgen Michael , Kyyrö Suvi , Paajanen Olli , Rautkari Lauri 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe thermal degradation of wood is affected by a number of process parameters, which may also cause variations in the resistance against decay fungi. This study compares changes in the chemical composition, water-related properties and decay resistance of Scots pine sapwood that was either thermally modified (TM) in dry state at elevated temperatures (≥ 185 °C) or treated in pressurized hot water at mild temperatures (≤ 170 °C). The thermal decomposition of easily degradable hemicelluloses reduced the mass loss caused byRhodonia placenta, and it was suggested that the cumulative mass loss is a better indicator of an actual decay inhibition. Pressurized hot water extraction (HWE) did not improve the decay resistance to the same extent as TM, which was assigned to differences in the wood-water interactions. Cross-linking reactions during TM caused a swelling restraint and an effective reduction in moisture content. This decreased the water-swollen cell wall porosity, which presumably hindered the transport of degradation agents through the cell wall and/or reduced the accessibility of wood constituents for degradation agents. This effect was absent in hot water-extracted wood and strong decay occurred even when most hemicelluloses were already removed during HWE.
Production and characterisation of a marine Halomonas surface-active exopolymer
Authors: Gutierrez Tony , Morris Gordon , Ellis Dave , Mulloy Barbara , Aitken Michael D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDuring screening for novel emulsifiers and surfactants, a marine gammaproteobacterium,Halomonassp. MCTG39a, was isolated and selected for its production of an extracellular emulsifying agent, P39a. This polymer was produced by the new isolate during growth in a modified Zobell’s 2216 medium amended with 1% glucose, and was extractable by cold ethanol precipitation. Chemical, chromatographic and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis confirmed P39a to be a high-molecular-weight (~ 261,000 g/mol) glycoprotein composed of carbohydrate (17.2%) and protein (36.4%). The polymer exhibited high emulsifying activities against a range of oil substrates that included straight-chain aliphatics, mono- and alkyl- aromatics and cycloparaffins. In general, higher emulsification values were measured under low (0.1 M PBS) compared to high (synthetic seawater) ionic strength conditions, indicating that low ionic strength is more favourable for emulsification by the P39a polymer. However, as observed with other bacterial emulsifying agents, the polymer emulsified some aromatic hydrocarbon species, as well as refined and crude oils, more effectively under high ionic strength conditions, which we posit could be due to steric adsorption to these substrates as may be conferred by the protein fraction of the polymer. Furthermore, the polymer effected a positive influence on the degradation of phenanthrene by other marine bacteria, such as the specialist PAH-degraderPolycyclovorans algicola. Collectively, based on the ability of thisHalomonashigh-molecular-weight glycoprotein to emulsify a range of pure hydrocarbon species, as well as refined and crude oils, it shows promise for the bioremediation of contaminated sites.
Changing the status of mmHg
Authors: Pražák Dominik , Sedlák Václav , Sınır Ekrem , Pluháček František 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe new International System of Units (SI) came into force this May, and while the media and public attention are focused on the changes in the base units, there are also other changes introduced. One of them is the abolition of millimetre of mercury (mmHg). This simplifies the SI but also can cause problems to the patients which are extremely conservative user groups (although this unit is still supported by some other authoritative documents). Hence, it is necessary to increase awareness of both the medical doctor and the patients.
An investigation into UK government policy and legislation to renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction commitments
Authors: Raybould Blaid , Cheung Wai M. , Connor Chris , Butcher Ross 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe UK has committed to various legally binding targets with regard to renewable energy technology and greenhouse gas reduction. As a result, government policy and legislation have been significant in investing in renewable energy technology, driving innovation since 1990. The aim of this work identifies the key drivers behind commitments and to assess the role of government, business and organisations in the uptake of renewable energy and the development of a decentralised energy network as a result of greenhouse gas emission reduction target. This article presents quantitative analysis of primary research from government and industry. The novel aspect of this investigation is that the conclusive outcomes arise as a result of a unique research method by combining primary and secondary sources with support of company data from Nestlé and Transport for London. The main findings demonstrated that government support is one of the key drivers for innovation into renewable technology; however, business and the public are necessary to bring renewables to market. Strategies have been identified to incorporate decentralised generation into industry for the commitment of renewables and to develop the required energy network of the future.Graphic abstract
Mechanism of silicate elution by hydrogen sulfide from bottom sediment in a brackish lake
Authors: Park Ja Yeong , Sugahara Shogo , Egawa Michiko , Seike Yasushi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHighly concentrated dissolved silicate was detected in pore water from anoxic-reducing sediment in Lake Nakaumi, a brackish lake. Silicate concentration also simultaneously increased with total hydrogen sulfide concentration during the summer. Generally, dissolved silicate is readily adsorbed onto ferric hydroxide and precipitates in an oxidative environment. In this study, we focused on the behavior of ferric hydroxide adsorbing silicate in sediment and determined that hydrogen sulfide was the main cause of dissolved silicate elution from ferric hydroxide adsorbing silicate because the hydrogen sulfide produced via microbiological processes in the anoxic-reducing environment was reducible for other metal oxides. According to laboratory experiments, silicate was released from ferric hydroxide by reacting with sodium sulfide, causing increasing elution of dissolved silicate from anoxic-reducing sediments with increasing concentration of sodium sulfide in the solutions. This result shows that hydrogen sulfide is very crucial for silicate release under a reducing environment. Therefore, in Lake Nakaumi, silicate would be released from the bottom after ferric hydroxide adsorbing silicate reacted with hydrogen sulfide in a summer reductive environment.
Mapping the Ethicality of Algorithmic Pricing: A Review of Dynamic and Personalized Pricing
Authors: Seele Peter , Dierksmeier Claus , Hofstetter Reto , Schultz Mario D. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractFirms increasingly deploy algorithmic pricing approaches to determine what to charge for their goods and services. Algorithmic pricing can discriminate prices both dynamically over time and personally depending on individual consumer information. Although legal, the ethicality of such approaches needs to be examined as often they trigger moral concerns and sometimes outrage. In this research paper, we provide an overview and discussion of the ethical challenges germane to algorithmic pricing. As a basis for our discussion, we perform a systematic interpretative review of 315 related articles on dynamic and personalized pricing as well as pricing algorithms in general. We then use this review to define the term algorithmic pricing and map its key elements at the micro-, meso-, and macro levels from a business and marketing ethics perspective. Thus, we can identify morally ambivalent topics that call for deeper exploration by future research.
StudyPortal – Geovisualization of Study Research Networks
Authors: Varghese Julian , Fujarski Michael , Dugas Martin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractStudyPortal was implemented as the first multilingual search platform for geographic visualization of clinical trials and scientific articles. The platform queries information from ClinicalTrials.gov, PubMed, a geodatabase and geographic maps to enable geospatial study search and real-time rendering of study locations or research networks on a map. Thus, disease-specific clinical studies or whole research networks can be shown in a geographic proximity. Moreover, a semantic layer enables multilingual disease input and autosuggestion of medical terms based on the Unified Medical Language System. The portal is accessible on https://studyportal.uni-muenster.de. This paper presents details on implementation of the novel search platform, its search evaluation and future work.
Improving Pellet Quality in a Pharmaceutical Hot Melt Extrusion Process via PID Control and LOLIMOT-Based MPC
Authors: Rehrl Jakob , Kirchengast Martin , Celikovic Selma , Sacher Stephan , Kruisz Julia , Khinast Johannes , Horn Martin 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is the development of a process control concept for a hot melt extrusion (HME) and pelletization process. The new concept should improve the particle size distribution of the pellets produced.

Methods
Production of pellets containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) can be achieved by means of HME, followed by a pelletization process step. The quality of pellets produced depends on the strand temperature at the pelletizer’s inlet and the pelletizer’s intake speed. This paper presents a strategy for the strand diameter and temperature control based on adjusting the cooling intensity on the cooling track between the HME and the pelletization step and altering the pelletizer’s intake speed. Two concepts are presented and compared to the open-loop operation of the system: the first one is model predictive control (MPC) in combination with a model based on the local linear model tree (LOLIMOT) algorithm, and the second one is PID control. The quality of the pellets produced was analyzed in terms of particle size distribution (PSD).

Results
By implementation of the two control concepts, strand temperature and diameter could be kept close to the desired set points. Consequently, the presented concepts yielded pellets with a narrower particle size distribution than the open-loop operation of the plant.

Conclusions
The application of the presented control strategies can improve the quality of the pellets produced by an HME and pelletization system in terms of their particle size distribution.
Enhanced Photoelectrocatalytical Performance of Inorganic-Inorganic Hybrid Consisting BiVO4, V2O5, and Cobalt Hexacyanocobaltate as a Perspective Photoanode for Water Splitting
Authors: Trzciński K. , Szkoda M. , Sawczak M. , Lisowska-Oleksiak A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThin layers of BiVO4/V2O5 were prepared on FTO substrates using pulsed laser deposition technique. The method of cobalt hexacyanocobaltate (Cohcc) synthesis on the BiVO4/V2O5 photoanodes consists of cobalt deposition followed by electrochemical oxidation of metallic Co in K3[Co(CN)6] aqueous electrolyte. The modified electrodes were tested as photoanodes for water oxidation under simulated sunlight irradiation. Deposited films were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Since the V2O5 is characterized by a narrower energy bandgap than BiVO4, the presence of V2O5 shifts absorption edge (ΔE = ~0.25 eV) of modified films towards lower energies enabling the conversion of a wider range of solar radiation. The formation of heterojunction increases photocurrent of water oxidation measured at 1.2 V vs Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl) to over 1 mA cm-2, while bare BiVO4 and V2O5 exhibit 0.37 and 0.08 mA cm-2, respectively. On the other hand, the modification of obtained layers with Cohcc shifts onset potential of photocurrent generation into a cathodic direction. As a result, the photocurrent enhancement at a wide range of applied potential was achieved.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by traditionally used medicinal plants in Sudan
Authors: Ahmed Reem Hassan , Mustafa Damra Elhaj 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSudan has a tremendous wealth flora due to its unique geographical location and diverse climate. Vast records of plants and plants’ secondary metabolites are reported to possess redox capacity and can be exploited for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles. Plant-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles is preferred due to their availability and their various metabolites. The present review explores the potentiality and diversity of biological activities of silver nanoparticles that originated from the combination of silver and phyto-constituents of mostly traditionally used Sudanese medicinal and aromatic plants. The green synthesis methods of silver nanoparticles mediated by more than 45 traditionally used medicinal plants are critically reviewed. In addition, parameters that affect the synthesis of plant-mediated silver nanoparticles, their characterization techniques and various biological activities are summarized and discussed. Thus, the study of green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and its applications can be extended to involve vast plant diversity of Sudan.
A Randomised Experiment Evaluating the Mindful Raisin Practice as a Method of Reducing Chocolate Consumption During and After a Mindless Activity
Authors: Mantzios Michail , Egan Helen , Asif Tayaba 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe present study investigated the impact of the mindful raisin exercise on overeating during and after the experiment while controlling for wellbeing. One-hundred and twenty-eight participants were recruited and completed a questionnaire on wellbeing (i.e. depression, anxiety and stress) and state mindfulness. Participants were randomly allocated to either the mindful raisin exercise or a newspaper reading control condition. The State Mindfulness Scale was then completed again, and participants watched a neutral video while exposed to chocolate for 10 min. For those 10 min, results showed that the mindfulness condition translated into lower food consumption during the mindless activity when compared to the control condition. Post experiment, participants were asked to wait for 5 min, and any extra chocolate consumption during this time was recorded. Post-consumption was non-significantly different between the two groups, with those in the mindfulness condition consuming 1.3 g less than those in the control group. Controlling for wellbeing did not alter the impact of the mindfulness intervention on consumption. Implications for future work and practical applications for weight regulation are discussed.
Optimizing Qatar’s energy system for a post-carbon future
Authors: Bohra Moiz , Shah Nilay 
Published: December 2019

AbstractGlobal decarbonization efforts, along with domestic pressures to diversify the economy, have created challenges and opportunities for the Qatari energy system. The government is focused on diversifying the national economy away from hydrocarbons, encouraging sustainable use of resources, and ensuring the security of food, energy, and water systems. Our optimization framework allows policymakers to apply a systems approach to the overall energy infrastructure in Qatar, covering a range of sectors such as industry, residential infrastructure, transportation, and agriculture. Our aims are two-fold: first, to develop an open-source tool that can be used for national-level planning and policymaking, and second to use this tool to generate key technology and policy insights that can aid the transition of Qatari energy infrastructure in the long term. Our results provide a blueprint for a cross-sectoral energy transformation: from greater use of low-carbon transport such as electric cars and public transit, to grid-scale adoption of solar energy and reverse osmosis for desalination. Liquefied natural gas is not expected to remain the most economical export, instead being replaced by hydrogen obtained from the steam reforming of natural gas. We have modeled a long-term domestic divestment from hydrocarbon exports and have shown that the country can still retain significant economic wealth in a post-carbon world, thus maintaining existing political, economic, and social structures.
Surface-Modified Sepiolite Nanofibers as a Novel Lubricant Additive
Authors: Wang Fei , Gao Peizhang , Liang Jinsheng , Fang Baizeng , Zhang Tingting , Liu Huimin 
Published: December 2019

AbstractLubricants are an essential component in high-performance mechanical equipment, but traditional lubricants are becoming inadequate for meeting the increasing demands for anti-friction and anti-wear properties and they discharge harmful chemicals to the environment. The purpose of the present study was to explore the use of sepiolite as a novel oil additive to extend the performance of lubricants. Sepiolite nanofibers were first treated by acid followed by a dry air flow, aimed at increasing the pore volume and decreasing the particle size. Then the nanofibers were further modified by an organosilane coupling agent to reduce the surface free energy and to improve the dispersion stability in lubricant. A significant improvement in the performance of the lubricant was achieved by using the modified sepiolite nanofibers as an additive. When the amount of modified sepiolite nanofibers added was 1.5 wt.%, the best performance was demonstrated by the lubricant, showing a viscosity increase at 40°C and 100°C, and an increase in resistance to oxidation. Moreover, the acid value and pour point decreased, and the copper sheet corrosion level dropped to its lowest value.
Stress Field for a Coated Triangle-Like Hole Problem in Plane Elasticity
Authors: Tseng S. C. , Chao C. K. , Chen F. M. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACTThe stress field induced by an edge dislocation or a point force located near a coated triangle-like hole in an infinite plate is provided in this paper. Based on the method of analytical continuation and the technique of conformal mapping in conjunction with the alternation technique, a series solution for the displacement and stresses in the coating layer and the matrix is obtained analytically. Examples for the interaction between an edge dislocation and a coated triangle-like hole for various material constant combinations, coating thicknesses and shape factors are discussed. The analysis discovers that the so-called trapping mechanism of dislocations is more likely to exist near a coated triangle-like hole. The result shows that the dislocation will first be repelled by the coating layer and then attracted by a hole when the coating layer is slightly stiffer than the matrix. However, when the coating layer is sufficiently thin, the dislocation will always be attracted by a hole even the coating layer is stiffer than the matrix.
Glocalizing Medicine in the Canton–Hong Kong–Macau Region in Late Qing China
Authors: LEUNG ANGELA KI CHE 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis article looks at how globalization in the nineteenth century was inextricably entangled with localization in the Canton–Hong Kong–Macau nexus on the southern fringe of China by tracing the growth of its unique medical culture. It explains the ‘glocalizing’ process by tracing the development of this medical culture, which consists of knowledge construction and institution building, in the context of highly volatile epidemiological conditions aggravated by increasingly heavy inter-regional trade and migration. It traces the dynamic circulation of people, materials, ideas, and practices in this southern edge of China, which was traditionally connected to southeast Asia and shared ecological backdrops that produced similar epidemiological experiences. The Canton nexus in the nineteenth century saw the growth of native medical knowledge that focused less on theoretical innovation than on the efficacy of therapeutic strategies. These ideas were likely to have been informed or reinforced by new anatomical knowledge disseminated by Western medical missionaries on the ground early in the century. The medical culture in the region was also marked by the formation of a series of local institutions that were fusions of Western-style hospitals and native merchant-run charity halls where diseases were studied and treated, and new public health management negotiated and implemented by experts from different traditions.