bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prospective Study of Posterior (Transpedicular) Approach versus Anterior (Transthoracic/Thoracoabdominal) Approach for Posttraumatic Compression Fracture of Thoracolumbar Vertebra in a Tertiary Care Center: Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes
Authors: Varshney Rahul , Datta Parthasarathi , Deb Pulak , Ghosh Santanu 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Objective The aim of this article was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of transpedicular decompression (posterior approach) and anterolateral approach in patients with traumatic thoracolumbar spinal injuries.
Materials and Methods It was a prospective study of patients with fractures of dorsolumbar spine from December 2011 to December 2013. A total of 60 patients with traumatic spinal injuries were admitted during the study period (December 2011–2013), of which 51 cases were finally selected and taken for operations while 3 were eventually lost in follow-up. Twenty patients were operated by anterolateral approach, titanium mesh cage, and fixation with bicortical screws. Twenty-eight patients were treated with posterior approach and transpedicular screw fixation. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed on all 48 patients before and after surgery.
Results There were 48 patients of thoracolumbar burst fractures with 40 male and 8 female patients. Range of follow-up was from 1 month to 20 months, with a mean of 7.4. Preoperatively in anterior group, 65% of the patients were bed ridden, 20% patients were able to walk with support, and 15% of the patients were able to walk without support. In posterior group, 78.57% patients were bed ridden, 10.71% were able to walk with support, and 10.71% patients were able to walk without support. Kyphotic angle changes were seen in 16 patients out of 18 in anterior group and 20 patients in posterior group out of 25. Out of 18 patients in anterior group, 14 showed reduction in kyphotic angle of 10 to 100 (improvement), with mean improvement of 4.070. In posterior group, 7 patients showed improvement of 10 to 80 (reduction in kyphotic angle) whereas 13 patients showed deterioration of 1 to 120. The mean improvement was 2.140 in 7 patients and mean deterioration was 4.920. No statistical difference was found (p > 0.05) regarding improvement in urinary incontinence during the follow-up period.
Conclusion There are significant differences in anterior and posterior approaches in terms of clinical improvement. Compared with posterior approach, the anterolateral approach can reduce fusion segment and well maintain the kyphosis correction. The selection of treatment should be based on clinical and radiological findings, including neurological deficit.
A novel herbivorous wood-borer insect outbreak triggers die-offs of a foundation plant species in coastal ecosystems
Authors: Ning Zhonghua , Chen Cong , Xie Tian , Wang Qing , Ma Xu , Sui Haochen , Cui Baoshan 
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT

Introduction:Understanding the trophic interactions between plants and herbivorous insects is essential for managing the ecosystem health and sustainability in the context of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance. The
Tamarix chinensis
is a foundation plant species of salt marshes in northern China, which provides a variety of ecological functions and services in coastal ecosystems such as withstanding storm tide, conserving biodiversity, and preventing shoreline erosion. Outcomes: However, through long-term field observations, for the first time, we found that the health of this population has been suffering from the potential outbreak of a novel wood-borer insect (
Zeuzera leuconotum Butler
) under multiple stresses, contributing substantially to the degradation of the coastal salt marshes. Discussion and Conclusion: Therefore, there is urgent need and great significance to investigate the potential impact of this herbivorous wood-borer insects on health and sustainability of plant community in coastal ecosystems for in-depth understanding its degradation mechanisms.
Geometric flux formula for the gravitational Wilson loop
Authors: Klitgaard N , Loll R , Reitz M , Toriumi R 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Finding diffeomorphism-invariant observables to characterize the properties of gravity and spacetime at the Planck scale is essential for making progress in quantum gravity. The holonomy and Wilson loop of the Levi-Civita connection are potentially interesting ingredients in the construction of quantum curvature observables. Motivated by recent developments in nonperturbative quantum gravity, we establish new relations in three and four dimensions between the holonomy of a finite loop and certain curvature integrals over the surface spanned by the loop. They are much simpler than a gravitational version of the nonabelian Stokes’ theorem, but require the presence of totally geodesic surfaces in the manifold, which follows from the existence of suitable Killing vectors. We show that the relations are invariant under smooth surface deformations, due to the presence of a conserved geometric flux.
A robust all-inorganic hybrid energy harvester for synergistic energy collection from sunlight and raindrops
Authors: Liu Xiaolan , Cui Peng , Wang Jingjing , Shang Wanyu , Zhang Song , Guo Junmeng , Gu Guangqin , Zhang Bao , Cheng Gang , Du Zuliang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
As a new concept of the device, a hybrid energy harvester integrated with a water droplet triboelectric nanogenerator (WD-TENG) and a solar cell has been reported to convert raindrop energy and solar energy into electricity. However, organic triboelectric layers are usually utilized in previous studies that might be decomposed under long-term UV irradiation, resulting in degradation of the hybrid energy harvester. In this work, a fully inorganic hybrid energy harvester is demonstrated. Superhydrophobic SiO2 film is introduced to the system as both the triboelectric layer of the WD-TENG and the anti-reflective layer of the solar cell, which could increase the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the solar cell from 15.17% to 15.71%. Meanwhile, WD-TENG with the SiO2 triboelectric layer could collect energies from rain droplets. This superhydrophobic SiO2 film could effectively reduce the dependence of the tilt angle for the WD-TENG and bring up self-cleaning performance for the hybrid energy harvester. Moreover, this fully inorganic architecture could enhance the stability of the hybrid energy harvester, making it a promising strategy in practical applications.
Experiment with syringe and U-tube to determine the atmospheric pressure
Authors: Santosa I E 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
A simple apparatus consisting of a plastic syringe coupled with a U-tube has been constructed. This setup is filled with water to trap air in one arm of the U-tube. A change in the volume of the enclosed air causes a change in its pressure that is indicated by the difference in the water levels. Boyle’s law is shown by a linear relation between the pressure and the invers of the volume observed in the experimental result. Using the best linear fit we obtain the atmospheric pressure to be (108.7 ± 4.5) kPa.
Terahertz pulse generation by two-color laser fields with circular
polarization
Authors: Tailliez C , Stathopulos A , Skupin S , Buožius D , Babushkin I , Vaičaitis V , Bergé L 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
We study the influence of the polarization states of ionizing femtosecond
two-color pulses on the emitted terahertz radiation in gases. A local-current
model and plane-wave evaluations justify the previously-reported impact on the
THz energy yield and a (almost) linearly-polarized THz field when using
circularly-polarized laser harmonics. For such pump pulses, the THz yield is
independent of the relative phase between the two colors. When the pump pulses
have same helicity, the increase in the THz yield is associated with longer
ionization sequences and higher electron transverse momenta acquired in the
driving field. Reversely, for two color pulses with opposite helicity, the
dramatic loss of THz power comes from destructive interferences driven by the
highly symmetric response of the photocurrents lined up on the third harmonic of
the fundamental pulse. While our experiments confirm an increased THz yield for
circularly-polarized pumps of same helicity, surprisingly, the emitted THz
radiation is not linearly-polarized. This effect is explained by means of
comprehensive 3D numerical simulations highlighting the role of the spatial
alignment and non-collinear propagation of the two colors.
Chaotic dynamics of the hydrogen atom in a space-dependent electric field
Authors: Wang De-Hua , Chu Bin-Hua , Zhao Gang 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
We study the chaotic dynamics of the hydrogen atom in a space-dependent gradient electric field. We use the Poincaré surface of section (PSS) and the Lyapunov exponents to characterize chaotic dynamics. The dynamical character of this system is studied and the regular-chaos transition is found when the system passes from the non-integrable case to the integrable one. It is found that for a given gradient electric field, this system has a critical scaled energy

ε

s

.

When the scaled energy

ε
≤

ε

s

,

the structure of the whole phase space is nearly regular. However, as the scaled energy

ε
>

ε

s

,

chaotic structures appear in the PSS. As the scaled energy is very large, the whole PSS is chaotic. The chaotic property of this system is further verified by the positive value of the maximum Lyapunov exponent. In addition, we show that with increasing electric field gradient the dynamics of this system becomes increasingly chaotic. Our work provides an example to study the chaotic dynamics of the hydrogen atom by using the space-dependent electric field. We hope that our results can guide the future experimental researches about the dynamical property of the atoms or molecules in the non-uniform external fields.
Development of a primary measurement standard for trace moisture in Ar
Authors: Amano Minami , Abe Hisashi 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
We have developed a primary measurement standard for trace moisture in Ar in the range of 10 nmol mol−1 to 1 μmol mol−1 in the amount-of-substance fraction (mole fraction) using the previously developed multi-gas trace-moisture generator. The relative expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of the primary standard in Ar was between 2.7 % and 1.5 %. The performance of a moisture analyzer (MA) based on cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS), which is considered to be the best existing device thus far for trace-moisture measurement, was tested through a comparison with the primary standard in Ar. The readings of the CRDS-based MA were approximately 10 % lower than the numerical values of the primary standard. The relative standard deviation of the readings became approximately 15 %, which was 15 times as large as that for N2. These were caused by a failure in the default setting of the MA for Ar and could be improved by optimizing the setting.
Constructional design of echinoid endoskeleton: main structural components and their potential for biomimetic applications
Authors: Perricone Valentina , Grun Tobias B , Marmo Francesco , Langella Carla , Candia Carnevali Maria Daniela 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
The endoskeleton of echinoderms (Deuterostomia: Echinodermata) is of mesodermal origin and consists of cells, organic components, as well as an inorganic mineral matrix. The echinoderm skeleton forms a complex lattice-system, which represents a model structure for naturally inspired engineering in terms of construction, mechanical behaviour and functional design. The sea urchin (Echinodermata: Echinoidea) endoskeleton consists of three main structural components: test, dental apparatus and accessory appendages. Although, all parts of the echinoid skeleton consist of the same basic material, their microstructure displays a great potential in meeting several mechanical needs according to a direct and clear structure–function relationship. This versatility has allowed the echinoid skeleton to adapt to different activities such as structural support, defence, feeding, burrowing and cleaning. Although, constrained by energy and resource efficiency, many of the structures found in the echinoid skeleton are optimized in terms of functional performances. Therefore, these structures can be used as role models for bio-inspired solutions in various industrial sectors such as building constructions, robotics, biomedical and material engineering. The present review provides an overview of previous mechanical and biomimetic research on the echinoid endoskeleton, describing the current state of knowledge and providing a reference for future studies.
Biomanufacturing organized collagen-based microfibers as a Tissue ENgineered Device (TEND) for tendon regeneration
Authors: Maghdouri-White Yas , Sori Nardos , Petrova Stella , Wriggers Hilary , Kemper Nathan , Dasgupta Amrita , Coughenour Kelly , Polk Seth , Thayer Nick , Mario Rodriguez DVM , Simon DPM Bill , Bulysheva Anna , Bonner Kevin , Arnoczky DVM Steven , Adams MD Samuel , Francis Michael P. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Approximately 800, 000 surgical repairs are performed annually in the U.S. for debilitating injuries to ligaments and tendons of the foot, ankle, knee, wrist, elbow and shoulder, presenting a significant healthcare burden. To overcome current treatment shortcomings and advance the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries, we have developed a novel electrospun Tissue ENgineered Device (TEND), comprised of type I collagen and poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) solubilized in a benign solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). TEND fiber alignment, diameter and porosity were engineered to enhance cell infiltration leading to promote tissue integration and functional remodeling while providing biomechanical stability. TEND rapidly adsorbs blood and platelet-rich-plasma (PRP), and gradually releases growth factors over two weeks. TEND further supported cellular alignment and upregulation of tenogenic genes from clinically relevant human stem cells within three days of culture. TEND implanted in a rabbit Achilles tendon injury model showed new in situ tissue generation, maturation, and remodeling of dense, regularly oriented connective tissue in vivo. In all, TEND’s organized microfibers, biological fluid and cell compatibility, strength and biocompatiblility make significant progress towards clinically translating electrospun collagen-based medical devices for improving the clinical outcomes of tendon injuries.
From the perspective of material science: a review of flexible electrodes for brain-computer interface
Authors: He Guangwei , Dong Xufeng , Qi Min 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
As an important branch of man-machine interaction, Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) has the potential to be widely used in various fields, such as health-care, physical efficiency, aerospace, intelligence traffic system, entertainment and so on. The flexible electrode is the crucial component of the BCI, and is the key for the development of the BCI technology. Recently, with the increasing demands on Brain-Computer Interface, plenty of flexible electrode materials and the structural design for applications in BCI technology have been developed. In this study, we review the development of the three kinds of flexible electrodes material selection and structural design in BCI, including non-intrusive electrodes, intrusive electrodes and semi-intrusive electrodes. The challenge and the problems that hinder the development of the flexible electrode are analyzed. Besides, from the perspective of material science, the future applications of the flexible electrode in the BCI field is prospected.
Tensile and compression behaviour, microstructural characterization on Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn alloy reinforced with SiCp prepared through powder metallurgy method
Authors: Singh G Robert , Christopher Ezhil Singh S , Sivapragash M , Anselm Lenin , Kumar R Sanjeev , Lenin A Haiter 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
In this research paper, Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn/SiC composite is developed by reinforcing various weight fractions of SiCp in Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn alloy through powder metallurgy route. The weight fraction of SiCpusage is varied from 3% to 15% in Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn alloy (i.e., in Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn/xSiC; the sample values are varies for x is 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15%). The effect of SiCp addition got tested against its tensile strength, compression behavior, hardness, microstructure, alloying nature and porosity. This study shows better grain refinement with improved properties while reinforcing Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn alloy with 6 wt% SiC composites. It was observed that the grain refinement occurred while adding up to 6 wt% of SiC particles in the composite and thereafter increase in SiC caused little grain refinement effect. Hardness is getting increased with the increase of SiC weight fraction and reached maximum to 133 HV at 12SiC/ Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn. Higher UTS of 293 MPa obtained from the sample prepared with 12%SiC for 0.0533 s−1 strain rate. The highest UCS of 341 MPa is obtained from the sample made with 15%SiC inclusion for 0.0.0533 s−1strain rate. From the SEM fracture analysis, the Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn alloy and Mg-3Zn-3Sn-0.7Mn/SiC composite exhibit the almost same type of fracture called quasi-cleavage regardless of the % addition of SiC reinforcement. It was observed that the increase of SiC weight fraction increases the UCS because of its increased load-bearing capacity and reduction in cleavage facets.
Using longitudinal survey and sensor data to understand the social and ecological determinants of clean fuels use and discontinuance in rural Ghana
Authors: Carrión D , Prah R , Gould C F , Agbokey F , Mujtaba M , Pillarisetti A , Tumasi M , Agyei O , Chillrud S , Tawiah T , Jack D , Asante K P 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Efforts to reduce the health and ecological burdens of household biomass combustion are underway in Ghana, principally by promoting clean cookstoves and fuels. Recent studies have focused on the sustained use of clean cookstoves, but sometimes household adopt a new cookstove and then end use of that stove. In this study, we introduce a novel framework for understanding and encouraging household transitions to cleaner cooking: clean fuel discontinuance. We leveraged data from the Ghana Randomized Air Pollution and Health Study (GRAPHS) (N = 1412) where pregnant women received either improved biomass (BioLite) or dual burner LPG stoves for free. LPG users were given free LPG refills during GRAPHS. Weekly questionnaires were administered. Stove use monitors tracked a sub-cohort (n = 220) 6 months before and after the fuel subsidy. We examined social and ecological determinants of stove use and discontinuance. Overall intervention stove use adherence was high throughout GRAPHS, with self-reported use at 69% and 86% of participant-weeks for BioLite and LPG arms respectively. Participants used intervention stoves less for meals requiring vigorous stirring. Burns from intervention stoves decreased use among BioLite (RR: 0.96, p = 0.009), but not LPG users. Device breakage was mentioned as an impediment in 18% of free-text responses for LPG users and 1% for BioLite. Tree canopy within a spatial buffer—a plausible proxy for biomass fuels access—was the only variable explaining LPG discontinued stove use in adjusted Cox time-to-event analyses (HR = −0.56, p < 0.001). Future studies should consider the stove use discontinuance framework.
Skin Absorption of Bisphenol A and Its Alternatives in Thermal Paper
Authors: Reale Elena , Vernez David , Hopf Nancy B 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Objectives
Bisphenol A (BPA) is the most used colour developer in thermal paper for cashiers receipts, labels, and tickets. BPA can migrate onto the skin and be absorbed when handling these papers. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor and is therefore being replaced in thermal paper by some alternatives such as Bisphenol S (BPS), D-8, and Pergafast 201® (PF201). To our knowledge, no studies have characterized skin permeation of these BPA alternatives.

Methods
We measured/characterized skin absorption for BPA, BPS, D-8, and PF201 through ex vivo human skin using flow-through diffusion cells according to OECD guideline 428. Skin samples were 7–12 per test substance from three different skin donors. Skin metabolism was studied for BPA. Dermal absorption was expressed as the amount of the BPA alternatives in the receptor fluid over applied dose in percent (%).

Results
The absorbed dose after 24 h of exposure was 25% for BPA, 17% for D-8, 0.4% for BPS, and &lt;LLOQ for PF201. The amount of BPA-glucuronide in the receptor fluid after 24 h was under the limit of quantification (LLOQ = 0.2 µg l−1). Despite the 10-fold lower concentration of the aq solution applied on the skin, D-8’s permeation rate JMAX was 5-fold higher than the one for BPS (0.032 versus 0.006 µg cm−2 h−1). Neither D-8 nor BPS permeated readily through the skin (tlag = 3.9 h for D-8, 6.4 h for BPS). None of PF201’s skin permeation kinetic parameters could be determined because this BPA analogue was not quantifiable in the receptor fluid in our test conditions.

Conclusions
Skin absorption was in decreasing order: BPA &gt; D-8 &gt;&gt; BPS &gt; PF201. These results are in agreement with their log Kow and molecular weights. We provided here the necessary data to estimate the extent of skin absorption of BPA analogues, which is a necessary step in risk assessment, and ultimately evaluate public health risks posed by D-8, BPS, and PF201.
Contribution of Components of Metabolic Syndrome to Cognitive Performance in Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Bahchevanov Karamfil M , Dzhambov Angel M , Chompalov Kostadin A , Massaldjieva Radka I , Atanassova Penka A , Mitkov Mitko D 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been associated with impaired cognition in different cognitive domains. This study investigated the association between MetS and cognitive functioning in middle-aged Bulgarians across different definitions of MetS severity.

Material and Methods
Our cross-sectional sample included 112 participants (67 free of MetS and 45 with MetS) with a mean age of 50.04 ± 3.31 years. The following MetS variables were considered—presence of MetS, continuously measured MetS components, dichotomized MetS components, number of MetS components present, and Metabolic Syndrome Severity Score (MSSS). Participants’ cognitive performance was assessed using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Neuropsychological Battery (CERAD-NB). We employed multivariate regression models to investigate the associations between different measures of MetS severity and CERAD-NB total and subtest scores.

Results
Bivariate analyses showed that the CERAD-NB total score was significantly higher in women, participants with a university degree, those with normal blood pressure, normal waist circumference, and low triglyceride levels, compared with their counterparts. MetS participants had lower CERAD-NB total score (78.87 ± 6.89 vs. 84.97 ± 7.84) and specifically performed poorer on the subtest Word List Recall (7.16 ± 1.52 vs. 7.99 ± 1.52). These findings persisted after controlling for age, gender, and education. Next, generalized linear regression indicated that the CERAD-NB total score was lower in participants with MetS (β = −4.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −7.60, −2.11), those with more MetS components (β = −8.31; 95% CI: −14.13, −2.50 for fours vs. 0 components) and with an increase in MSSS (β = −3.19; 95% CI: −4.67, −1.71). Hypertension independently contributed to lower CERAD-NB total score (β = −4.00; 95% CI: −6.81, −1.19).

Conclusions
Across several definitions, MetS was associated with lower cognitive functioning, and MetS severity appeared to be a better predictor than most MetS components. Recognizing and reducing severity of MetS components might be helpful in supporting cognitive functioning. Further longitudinal research is needed to shed more light on the relationship between MetS and cognitive functioning across the life span.