bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reflectarray antenna design with double cutted ring element for X‐band applications
Authors: Bodur Hande , Çimen Sibel 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this study, a single layer reflectarray antenna is proposed with variable patch sized unit cells and suggested for enhancing the bandwidth with small overall dimensions for X‐band applications. The novel unit cell consists of double cutted ring geometry. 13 × 13 unit cells reflectarray is covering an 162.5 × 162.5 mm2 ultrathin square substrate with εr = 6.15 dielectric permittivity and 0.042 × λ0 thickness. In order to obtain larger and smoother phase curve, 2 mm air gap is inserted between substrate and ground plane. The required phase delay is compensated by using variable size unit cell elements. The main beam is directed to the desired direction (θ = 0°). A 169‐elements reflectarray is illuminated by a pyramidal horn antenna which is located at F = 148 mm. The designed reflectarray antenna is simulated and fabricated to validate the design method. The measurements are made in a shielded anechoic chamber. The simulation and measurement results are in agreement with each other. The maximum gain value is 22.93 dBi at 12 GHz, 1‐dB gain bandwidth is 18% between 10 and 12 GHz and 3‐dB gain bandwidth is 24% between 9.4 and 12 GHz.
Feeding Ecology of Age-0 Gar at Texoma Reservoir Inferred from Analysis of Stable Isotopes
Authors: Snow Richard A. , Stewart David R. , Porta Michael J. , Long James M. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Conservation and restoration of gar (Lepisosteidae) populations in North America are increasingly of interest to fisheries managers. Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula are being stocked as age-0 fish in efforts to re-establish extirpated populations. However, gars are known to be highly cannibalistic in hatcheries, suggesting that age-0 Alligator Gar introduced into natural habitats may face predation pressures from other gar species, limiting the likelihood of released fish recruiting to the population. Furthermore, introduced age-0 gar may not have the proper prey resources for rapid growth that would facilitate recruitment to adulthood. Texoma Reservoir, located on the Oklahoma–Texas border, hosts four native gar species, including the Alligator Gar, whose population is supported by supplemental stocking of age-0 fingerlings. We investigated feeding by age-0 gar to obtain a baseline level of trophic ecology for this group of fishes, including the potential for poststocking cannibalism. Food webs were reconstructed via analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes using Bayesian mixing model approaches. Isotopic values for age-0 fish of all four gar species were similar. Invertebrates represented a large fraction of the diet for all gars, followed by Common Carp Cyprinus carpio and Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. Competitive interactions among Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, White Bass Morone chrysops, White Crappie Pomoxis annularis, and young gar may occur for invertebrates, shads Dorosoma spp., and Western Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis but are likely short-lived due to the rapid growth of age-0 gar after their transition to piscivory. Trophic position of age-0 Alligator Gar, Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus, and Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus was positively related to TL, but this relationship was not observed for Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus. In Texoma Reservoir, the four native gar species, including stocked Alligator Gar, appear to have adequate food resources for recruitment, with little indication of within-family or interspecific predation. This suggests that stocked Alligator Gar quickly acclimated to their new environment.
Pain reduction realized with extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome—A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Chuang Yao‐Chi , Meng En , Chancellor Michael , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsExtracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) inhibited bladder inflammation and pain in preclinical studies. We assessed ESWT for the treatment of refractory interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).MethodsThis double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled physician‐initiated study enrolled 54 patients with IC/BPS. The patients were assigned to ESWT (N = 24; 2000 shocks, frequency of 3 Hz, and maximum total energy flow density 0.25 mJ/mm2) once a week for 4 weeks at suprapubic bladder area or placebo (N = 25; shock wave setting without energy transmission). The primary endpoint was the average changes in O'Leary‐Sant symptom scores (OSS) between baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Secondary endpoints included visual analog scale (VAS, 0‐10) for pain, the average changes of variables in a 3‐day voiding diary, and global response assessment of patient satisfaction.ResultsAt 4 weeks posttreatment, both groups were associated with a statistically significant decrease in OSS and VAS pain scale. However, there were no difference in mean change between ESWT vs placebo groups. A significantly higher proportion of patients on ESWT responded as improved in the VAS ≥ 3 vs placebo (P = .035). At 12 weeks posttreatment, improvement in the VAS ≥ 3 was 57.1% vs 19.0% (ESWT vs placebo; P = .011). The finding was associated with an improvement in frequency − 1.0 ± 2.3 vs 0.7 ± 3.2 (ESWT vs placebo; P = .065). No significant adverse events were found in either group.ConclusionsA reduction in pain was discovered in this trial assessing ESWT in patients with IC/BPS but OSS, which was the primary outcome parameter, was not improved.
The early, long‐term inhibition of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor improves voiding, and storage dysfunctions in mice with spinal cord injury
Authors: Wada Naoki , Yoshimura Naoki , Kurobe Masahiro , Saito Tetsuichi , Tyagi Pradeep , Kakizaki Hidehiro 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsWe examined the time course of urodynamic changes and the effect of the short or long‐term inhibition of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from the early phase after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice.MethodsThe spinal cord of female C57BL/6N mice was completely transected. We examined filling cystometry and bladder BDNF levels at 10, 20, and 30 days after SCI, with an additional day‐5 measurement of BDNF. In a separate group of mice, anti‐BDNF antibody (Ab) (10 µg/kg/h) was subcutaneously administered using osmotic pumps from day 3 after SCI, and single‐filling cystometry was performed at 10 and 30 days (7 and 27 days of treatment, respectively) after SCI.ResultsCompared to spinal intact mice, bladder mucosal BDNF was increased at each time point after SCI with the maximal level at day 5 after SCI. Voiding efficiency was lower at each time point after SCI than that of spinal intact mice. The number of non‐voiding contractions (NVC) during bladder filling was gradually increased with time. In both 10‐ and 30‐day SCI groups treated with anti‐BDNF Ab, voiding efficiency was improved, and the duration of notch‐like intravesical pressure reductions during voiding bladder contractions was prolonged. The number of NVC was significantly decreased only in 30‐day SCI mice with 27‐day anti‐BDNF treatment.ConclusionsOverexpression of BDNF is associated with the deterioration of voiding efficiency after SCI. The early‐started, long‐term inhibition of BDNF improved voiding dysfunction and was also effective to reduce the later‐phase development of detrusor overactivity after SCI.
Valsalva urethral profile (VUP): A urodynamic measure to assess stress urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Dompeyre Philippe , Pizzoferrato Anne‐Cécile , Le Normand Loïc , Bader Georges , Fauconnier Arnaud 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsWe aimed to assess the value of the Valsalva urethral profile (VUP) in case of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).MethodsSix hundred and ninety‐four women without pelvic organ prolapse were included in this prospective monocentric study. SUI was diagnosed from symptoms using the International Continence Society definition, and severity using two validated questionnaires (USP and ICIQ‐SF). The urodynamic parameters studied were maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and functional length (FL). Both were performed at rest, during a Valsalva maneuver (v‐MUCP and v‐FL) and again at rest. Correlation analyses and ROC curves were used to assess the value of the clinical and urodynamic measurements.ResultsIn our population, based on the questionnaires, 172 (24.8%) women were diagnosed with pure SUI on symptoms, 71 (10.2%) with urgency urinary incontinence and 392 (56.5%) with mixed urinary incontinence; 59 (8.5%) women were continent. The v‐MUCP was the most correlated parameter to the severity of SUI (ρ: −0.63) and the most predictive of SUI risk, with a threshold value of 35 cm H2O (Se = 0.82, Sp = 0.86). The v‐FL was significantly shortened in case of SUI.ConclusionsThe v‐MUCP and v‐FL are global measurements of urethral resistance during stress. With a threshold value of 35 cm H2O, the v‐MUCP was the most discriminating parameter for the diagnosis of SUI, with a good reliability.
Fiber‐based shakedown analysis of three‐dimensional frames under multiple load combinations: Mixed finite elements and incremental‐iterative solution
Authors: Magisano D. , Garcea G. 
Published: May 2020

SummaryThis work presents an efficient fiber analysis for evaluating the shakedown safety factor of three‐dimensional frames under multiple load combinations. Mixed finite elements are employed for an accurate discretization. A continuation method, similar to a standard elasto‐plastic analysis, is used at structural level. It evaluates a pseudo‐equilibrium path made of a sequence of safe states with a converging nondecreasing load factor. Each point of the path is obtained by finding kinematic variables corresponding to self‐equilibrated stresses satisfying Melan's condition for the current load factor to be safe. The stress admissible domain is defined at fiber level as a function of the load factor using the maximum and minimum effect due to all loads. An iterative state determination provides finite element stresses corresponding to assigned kinematic variables and load factor. The overall analysis differs from previous proposals for two novelty points. Firstly, a direct application of the Newton method can be employed, without any need for constrained optimization solvers. Moreover, dimension and complexity of the load domain do not affect the computational cost of the nonlinear analysis. Numerical tests show an accurate estimate of the safety factor using a small number of fibers and an efficient solution also for large buildings.
Do Pilot and Demonstration Projects Work? Evidence from a Green Building Program
Authors: Blackburn Christopher J. , Flowers Mallory E. , Matisoff Daniel C. , Moreno‐Cruz Juan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPilot and demonstration (P&D) projects are commonly deployed to catalyze early adoption of technology but are poorly understood in terms of mechanism and impact. We conceptually distinguish unique functions of pilots and demonstrations, then examine whether they accelerate adoption in the case of green building technology. To identify effects on adoption, we develop a difference‐in‐difference‐in‐differences strategy, exploiting variation in timing, location, and technologies of green building P&Ds. Results indicate local quarterly green building adoption rates double following completion of a P&D project. Further analyses examine mechanisms driving this effect. The results suggest green building demonstration projects create learning externalities, proliferating technology diffusion in local markets and through building owner networks. Together, these results suggest that investments in P&D projects by public and private actors can lower costs for subsequent adoption.
Novel triplet silavinylidenes via density functional theory
Authors: Ayoubi‐Chianeh Mojgan , Kassaee Mohamad Z. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFollowing our quest for novel triplet silylenes, we have compared and contrasted electronic effects on 5‐silavinylidenyl‐1,4‐diX‐tetrazoles with XH, CH3, OCH3, NH2, NMe2, OH, CN, Cl, CF3, and F (1–10, respectively), at M06/6‐311++G** level of theory. Six structures with XH (1) and electron‐donating groups (EDGs, 2–6) appear triplet while the other four with electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs, 7–10) show singlet ground states. The overall trend for triplet stability based on their ΔEs‐t is 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5 > 6 > 7 > 8 > 9 > 10. The EWGs increase electrophilicity (ω) making 7 (7.09 eV) as the most electrophilic species. In contrast, EDGs increase nucleophilicity (N) showing 5 (5.47 eV) and 8 (3.18 eV) as the most and least nucleophilic silylenes, respectively. Moreover, 5 and 8 show the highest and lowest chemical potential (μ = −3.14 and −5.29 eV, respectively). In addition, 5 displays the highest energies of HOMO (EHOMO = −4.02 eV) and LUMO (ELUMO = −2.27 eV) and the lowest ω (2.82 eV) among the scrutinized species.
Pneumonia in Nigeria: The way forward
Authors: Wonodi Chizoba , Obi‐Jeff Chisom , Falade Adegoke , Watkins Kevin , Omokore Oluseyi A. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPneumonia is the leading cause of child deaths in Nigeria. Interventions to combat pneumonia are known and globally available, but not yet deployed effectively in Nigeria. While the under‐five pneumonia deaths dropped globally by 51% during the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) years (2000 to 2015), the rate declined by a mere 8% in Nigeria. In this commentary, we focus on three factors that may have stalled Nigeria's progress on pneumonia control. First, a chronically weak health system failed to deliver the needed services at scale. Second, strong coordination of a multipronged and well‐funded push against pneumonia was absent. Third, sound and timely data on pneumonia intervention coverage were lacking, thus blunting the accountability mechanisms that could have driven quick, targeted action. In response, the Federal Ministry of Health recently developed a National Pneumonia Control Strategy with the support of the “Every Breath Counts Coalition” (EBCC). This strategy, a first of its kind, articulates a common vision for reducing pneumonia‐led morbidity and mortality and provides a unified approach to respond comprehensively to pneumonia within and outside the health sector. Strong political will and sustainable financing are now needed to effectively implement this strategy and accelerate progress on pneumonia control. This will contribute hugely to achieving the government's health goals, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2 and the Global Action Plan on Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) targets.
Combined group and home exercise programmes in community‐dwelling falls‐risk older adults: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Teng Bernadine , Gomersall Sjaan R. , Hatton Anna , Brauer Sandra G. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives of this review were to (a) determine the effectiveness of combined group and home exercise programmes on falls risk factors and falls in community‐dwelling older adults at risk of falling compared to no exercise controls; and (b) explore adherence and the behaviour change techniques employed in delivering these interventions.MethodsFive databases were selected to identify randomized controlled trials of exercise and/or physical activity interventions to prevent falls or to improve functional performance. PROSPERO CRD42018106111.ResultsEighteen trials involving 5,960 participants were included. Meta‐analyses showed significant improvements in mobility after combined programmes measured by five times sit to stand (−1.42 times, 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.00 to −0.83), timed up and go (−0.94 s, 95% CI −1.76 to −0.12), and gait speed (0.05 m/s, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.07), but not single leg stance time, compared to controls. Combined programmes reduced injurious falls rate (0.77, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.91, I2 = 0%) but not rate of falls (0.86, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.08, I2 = 66%) compared to controls. There was no change in physical activity. Adherence ranged from 55–96%, with variability in the method of measurement of adherence. There was no clear relationship between adherence and outcomes. Most interventions used the behaviour change techniques of instruction/rehearsal/demonstration and feedback/monitoring.ConclusionGroup exercise with a home programme resulted in better functional performance and falls‐related outcomes compared with a no exercise control group. Further research is needed to identify behaviour change techniques to improve adherence to exercise in this population.
A numerical strategy to evaluate performance of predictive scores via a copula‐based approach
Authors: Zhang Yilong , Shao Yongzhao 
Published: May 2020

SummaryAssessing and comparing the performance of correlated predictive scores are of current interest in precision medicine. Given the limitations of available theoretical approaches for assessing and comparing the predictive accuracy, numerical methods are highly desired which, however, have not been systematically developed due to technical challenges. The main challenges include the lack of a general strategy on effectively simulating many kinds of correlated predictive scores each with some given level of predictive accuracy in either concordance index or the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve area under the curves (AUC). To fill in this important knowledge gap, this paper is to provide a general copula‐based numeric framework for assessing and comparing predictive performance of correlated predictive or risk scores. The new algorithms are designed to effectively simulate correlated predictive scores with given levels of predictive accuracy as measured in terms of concordance indices or time‐dependent AUC for predicting survival outcomes. The copula‐based numerical strategy is convenient for numerically evaluating and comparing multiple measures of predictive accuracy of correlated risk scores and for investigating finite‐sample properties of test statistics and confidence intervals as well as assessing for optimism of given performance measures using cross‐validation or bootstrap.
Synthesis and Characterization of Yb−Ag@TiO2 Hollow Spheres for Enhancing Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Wu Wenwen , Peng Zitong , Yao Chu , Jiang Xueliang , You Feng , Gao Yanrong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractUsing melamine‐formaldehyde microspheres as templates and n‐butyl titanate, silver nitrate and ytterbium nitrate hexahydrate as raw materials, the TiO2 hollow spheres (TiO2HS), which were doped with Yb and loaded with Ag, were successfully prepared by sol‐gel template method and high‐temperature calcinations and reduction. The combined action of Yb and Ag on the photocatalytic effect of methyl orange in visible light was studied. The results show that Yb3+ did not affect the reduction of Ag+ in the synthetic process, and Ag did not affect the substitution of Yb3+ for Ti4+ into the lattice of anatase phase TiO2. The introduction of Yb created impurity energy levels in the TiO2 band gap, which broadened the light absorption range and shortened the band gap width. At the same time, the Ag with strong electron conduction ability improved the carrier transfer speed. Benefitting from the combined action of Yb and Ag, the photo‐degradation efficiency of Yb−Ag@TiO2HS on methyl orange in visible light was significantly improved compared with that of undoped, Yb‐doped and Ag‐loaded TiO2HS. The degradation efficiency of Yb−Ag@TiO2HS on methyl orange was 7 times, 3 times and 4 times higher than that of TiO2HS, Yb@TiO2HS and Ag@TiO2HS, respectively.
In Situ Doping of Metal Nanoparticles into Medical Polymer Membranes and Their Biomedical Application
Authors: Li Xiaoyun , Wang Qi , Yu Yueqi , Fang Leyi , Wang Xingwen , Miao Zhuoyue , Wan Mimi , Wang Fenghe , Mao Chun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe problems faced by polymer implants in human body put forward higher requirements. Here, in‐situ doping method was proposed to introduce metal nanoparticles into polymer membranes to realize several biomedical functions by long‐term releasing metal ions evenly and slowly. Two kinds of polymer films, planar polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and porous polyurethane (pPU) films with the addition of zinc oxide and copper nanoparticles respectively were chosen as the research objects. The structures of the metal nanoparticle‐doped polymer membranes were characterized, and the release behaviors and biomedical effects of metal ions were studied. Results showed that the released zinc ions can realize anti‐bacterial property and promote osteoblast proliferation, while the released copper ions can achieve the task of anticoagulation, antimicrobial and promotion of endothelial cell growth. The in‐situ doping method may have great potential to construct multifunctional biomaterial films for versatile biomedical applications.
Conjugated Polyelectrolyte Based Colorimetric Array for the Discrimination of Primary Amino Acids
Authors: An Yuxiu , Xiao Keren , Yao Zhiyi , Li Chun 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe report a colorimetric sensor based on the supramolecular complex between a conformation‐sensitive cationic polythiophene derivative, poly(3‐(4‐methyl‐3‐thienyloxy)propyltrimethylammonium) (PMTPA) and 2‐naphthalenesulfonate (NS). It could be applied to discern 19 primary amino acids by the wavelength of PMTPA/NS. The sensing performance and mechanism was investigated by spectroscopic studies such as absorption and emission spectra. This approach relies on the disassembly of PMTPA/NS aggregates induced by the amphiphilic isoindole derivatives of amino acids formed in situ. 100% confidence limits for this discrimination could be achieved by using linear discriminant analysis (LDA).
Suppression of ESIPT Phenomenon of Flavonoids on Binding Interaction with Double Stranded RNA
Authors: Sett Riya , Paul Bijan K. , Guchhait Nikhil 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA detailed photophysical characterization of biologically imperative drugs, 3‐hydroxyflavone (3HF) and quercetin (QCT) upon binding with taurula yeast RNA (ribonucleic acid) has been studied. The steady‐state absorption, emission and anisotropy profiles of these anti‐cancer drugs evidence for the binding interaction through interconversion between prototropic conformations. Although diminution of fluorescence (at ∼ 515 nm for 3HF and ∼ 545 nm for QCT) was attributable to the protonated form indicating suppression of ESIPT phenomenon, the excitation spectra aids in identification of the actual conformation of the drugs after prototropic conversion. The dynamical aspects were displayed by time‐resolved fluorescence decay and rotational relaxation behavior (‘dip‐and‐rise’ decay pattern) of the drugs within RNA helix. The quenching study hints for the probable binding location and the mode of binding but the circular dichroism study confirms it to be groove binding. This study endows with not only the biological insight of RNA‐binding of naturally abundant flavonols but also photophysical depiction of spectroscopically challenging phenomenon in an aspect of its structural interconversion.