bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An ultra‐low‐power CNFET‐based improved Schmitt trigger design for VLSI sensor applications
Authors: Vidhyadharan Abhay Sanjay , Vidhyadharan Sanjay 
Published: February 2021

AbstractTo enable easy integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors with digital very large scale integrtaion (VLSI) circuits, the interface circuits need to operate efficiently even at low power supply voltages, consuming minimum power from the limited onboard supply source. Schmitt triggers have higher noise margins and lower delays as compared to conventional static CMOS logic circuits, at low‐voltage levels and hence are being widely used in VLSI sensor applications. Carbon nanotube FETs (CNFETs) have ION:IOFF and ION:CGG ratios significantly greater than the corresponding CMOS devices, and hence they have been acknowledged as viable candidates to replace CMOS devices in ultra‐low‐power VLSI circuits. This article presents an ultra‐low‐power CNFET‐based Schmitt trigger design, which consumes significantly lower power than the conventional design. The cause of the higher power consumption in conventional CMOS‐based Schmitt trigger is the availability of a direct path between VDD and ground for a longer time duration, during switching. The short‐circuit path in the conventional CMOS Schmitt trigger circuit is the result of the design methodology adopted to obtain hysteresis in VTC curve. The threshold voltage of the CNFET can be easily configured by an appropriate selection of its chiral vector. This property of the CNFET has been used in the implementation of a new, simple but effective Schmitt trigger, which minimizes the short‐circuit currents, while providing the same hysteresis as that of conventional design. The proposed circuit operates at 0.4 V VDD to cater for low‐voltage levels of VLSI sensor applications. The proposed CNFET‐based Schmitt trigger consumes only 0.002 times the power of conventional CMOS Schmitt trigger and operates 56 times faster than the conventional CMOS design. The overall PDP in the proposed CNFET‐based Schmitt trigger has been demonstrated to be merely 0.0003% of the PDP in corresponding conventional designs.
Instrumentation of the sacroiliac joint with cylindrical threaded implants: A detailed finite element study of patient characteristics affecting fixation performance
Authors: Dubé‐Cyr Roxanne , Villemure Isabelle , Arnoux Pierre‐Jean , Rawlinson Jeremy , Aubin Carl‐Éric 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a known pain generator that, in severe cases, may require surgical fixation to reduce intra‐articular displacements and allow for arthrodesis. The objective of this computational study was to analyze how the number of implants affected SIJ stabilization with patient‐specific characteristics such as the pelvic geometry and bone quality. Detailed finite element models were developed to account for three pelvises of differing anatomy. Each model was tested with a normal and low bone density (LD) under two types of loading: compression only and compression with flexion and extension moments. These models were instrumented with one to three cylindrical, threaded and fenestrated implants through a posterior oblique trajectory, requiring less muscle dissection than the more common lateral trajectory used with triangular implants. Compared with the noninstrumented pelvis, the change in range of motion (ROM) and stress distribution were used to characterize joint stabilization. Noninstrumented mobility ranged from 0.86 to 2.55 mm and from 1.37° to 6.11°. Across patient‐specific characteristics, the ROM reduction with one implant varied from 3% to 21% for vertical and 15% to 47% for angular displacements. With two implants, the ROM reduction ranged from 12% to 41% for vertical and from 28% to 61% for angular displacements. Three implants, however, did not further improve the joint stability (14% to 42% for vertical and 32% to 63% for angular displacements). With respect to patient characteristics, an LD led to a decreased stabilization and a higher volume of stressed bone (>75% of yield stress). A better understanding of how patient characteristics affect the implant performance could help improve surgical planning of sacroiliac arthrodesis.
Flint maize root mycorrhization and organic acid exudates under phosphorus deficiency: Trends in breeding lines and doubled haploid lines from landraces
Authors: Li Xuelian , Quan Xiuhao , Mang Melissa , Neumann Günter , Melchinger Albrecht , Ludewig Uwe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAims: High maize yields in modern well‐managed agroecosystems depend on the use of elite varieties and hybrids. Unfortunately, because of repeated selection at high fertilizer rates, some beneficial traits, such as the interaction with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or the release of organic acid anions for phosphate mobilization and for attracting beneficial microorganisms, might be gradually declining in modern elite genotypes. However, old founder lines and landraces possibly carry genetic relicts that originate from pre‐green revolution times that are useful for breeding elite material for low input farming systems.Methods: Seedling colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and organic acid anion release were measured in flint lines that were released over more than five decades ago and in six preselected doubled haploid (DH) lines from landraces. P‐uptake‐related root traits were compared under P‐sufficient and P‐deficient conditions.Results: Weak trends for the loss of AMF colonization or changes in organic acid anion release at low P supply were detected in modern varieties. One DH line from a landrace was found with increased mycorrhization, whereas others were similar to modern elite lines. Overall, substantial genetic variance was encountered for these traits.Conclusions: The concern that modern elite maize varieties have lost beneficial traits for nutrient acquisition is not substantiated for the flint pool of maize, although weak trends exist. Lines associated with better P‐acquisition efficiency under limited P availability should be utilized for breeding more sustainable varieties.
The role of neurotization in autologous breast reconstruction: Can reconstruction restore breast sensation?
Authors: Vartanian Emma D. , Lo Andrea Y. , Hershenhouse Korri S. , Jacob Laya , Patel Ketan M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs the sophistication of microsurgical breast reconstruction continues to evolve, plastic surgeons are focusing on techniques to improve functional and psychosocial outcomes for patients, including breast sensation. Interest in neurotization of breast flaps, among both patients and surgeons, has grown significantly in recent years. This study aimed to review the outcomes of neurotization across autologous flap reconstructions, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of this technique in improving postoperative sensory recovery.
Is elective cancer surgery feasible during the lock‐down period of the COVID‐19 pandemic? Analysis of a single institutional experience of 404 consecutive patients
Authors: Kulle Cemil Burak , Azamat Ibrahim Fethi , Vatansever Dogan , Erus Suat , Tarim Kayhan , Akyoldas Goktug , Gokler Ozan , Deveci Mehmet Ali , Cakar Nahit , Ergonul Onder , Agcaoglu Orhan , Kiremit Murat Can , Yavuz Omer , Kiris Talat , Unsaler Selin , Giray Burak , Korkmaz Murat , Dilege Ece , Kilic Mert , Cesur Ezgi , Solaroglu Ihsan , Altuntas Ozan , Simsek Aykin , Tanju Serhan , Erkan Mert , Canda Erdem , Sasani Mehdi , Hafiz Aysenur Meric , Kordan Yakup , Balik Emre , Bilge Orhan , Bugra Dursun , Taskiran Cagatay , Dilege Sukru 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to assess the feasibility and short‐term clinical outcomes of surgical procedures for cancer at an institution using a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐free surgical pathway during the peak phase of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic.Materials and MethodsThis was a single‐center study, including cancer patients from all surgical departments, who underwent elective surgical procedures during the first peak phase between March 10 and June 30, 2020. The primary outcomes were the rate of postoperative SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and 30‐day pulmonary or non‐pulmonary related morbidity and mortality associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 disease.ResultsFour hundred and four cancer patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were analyzed. The rate of patients who underwent open and minimally invasive procedures was 61.9% and 38.1%, respectively. Only one (0.2%) patient died during the study period due to postoperative SARS‐CoV2 infection because of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The overall non‐SARS‐CoV2 related 30‐day morbidity and mortality rates were 19.3% and 1.7%, respectively; whereas the overall SARS‐CoV2 related 30‐day morbidity and mortality rates were 0.2% and 0.2%, respectively.ConclusionsUnder strict institutional policies and measures to establish a COVID‐19‐free surgical pathway, elective and emergency cancer operations can be performed with acceptable perioperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Genetic Differentiation of Wild Boar Populations in a Region Endangered by African Swine Fever
Authors: Reiner Gerald , Rumpel Martin , Zimmer Karl , Willems Hermann 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTFor areas at risk for African swine fever (ASF) introduction from neighboring regions, it is important for epidemic control to know how wild boar (Sus scrofa) dispersion dynamics could be used to combat the spread of ASF. In this regard, long‐term information based on population genetic data makes an important contribution. We selected our study area as Rhineland‐Palatinate, Germany, because it had a high density of wild boars and was threatened by ASF via infected wild boars from neighboring Belgium. On an area of around 20,000 km2, we collected almost 1,200 blood samples from 22 wild boar hunting grounds. The study area included a network of potential barriers to movement, including roads and rivers. We assessed genetic differentiation based on microsatellite data. We used 2 spatial (Bayesian Analysis of Population Structure [BAPS] and TESS) and 1 non‐spatial (STRUCTURE) Bayesian model‐based approaches to analyze the data. Each of the algorithms detected 4 clusters with different cluster compositions in different areas and identified the highest degrees of differentiation between hunting grounds east and west of the Rhine River, between Pfalz and Eifel‐Hunsrück, and to a lesser degree between Westerwald and Taunus and between Eifel and Hunsrück. Thus, genetic evidence suggests barriers of different strength that might be helpful in a setup of complex and expensive measures against the spread of animal diseases such as ASF. The described approach could also provide valuable information for other threatened regions to contain ASF. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Hyoid Bone Syndrome and Dysphonia: Can Throat Pain Affect the Voice?
Authors: Rubin Adam D. , Codino Juliana , Bottalico Pasquale , Parrish Sheila , Jackson‐Menaldi Cristina 
Published: February 2021

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate the relationship of throat pain and dysphonia.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsForty‐five subjects presenting with hyoid bone syndrome (HBS) and dysphonia were asked to rate their pain on a numerical rating scale and complete the 10‐item Voice‐Related Quality of Life (V‐RQOL) questionnaire prior to and at 1‐week follow‐up after treatment with triamcinolone injection into the attachments to the affected greater cornu(s). Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were applied to evaluate if the overall V‐RQOL scores, the physical functioning (PF) and social–emotional (SE) domain scores, and pain scores changed significantly after treatment. To evaluate how change in perceived pain affected V‐RQOL, the differences in the V‐RQOL, PF, and SE domain scores, and in pain scores were calculated for each subject. Three linear models were fit to the response variables, ΔV‐RQOL, ΔPF, and ΔSE, using ΔPain as a predicting variable.ResultsV‐RQOL, PF, and SE domain scores, and pain scores all improved significantly with treatment. A bigger decrease in the pain score led to a bigger increase in V‐RQOL and domain scores, with slopes varying between −1.1 and −1.4. The PF domain scores showed the greatest improvement with decrease in pain scores.ConclusionsEffective treatment of HBS led to improvement in patients' voice complaints, suggesting that throat pain may have a direct effect on voice. This may be related to compensatory perilaryngeal adjustments patients make when speaking with a “guarding” effect when they have throat pain.Level of EvidenceIV (Cohort study) Laryngoscope, 131:E2303–E2308, 2021
Higher Mortality in Pediatric Liver Transplant Candidates With Sarcopenia
Authors: Boster Julia M. , Browne Lorna P. , Pan Zhaoxing , Zhou Wenru , Ehrlich Peter F. , Sundaram Shikha S. 
Published: February 2021

Little is known about the impact of sarcopenia (reduced muscle mass and function) in pediatric chronic liver disease. We compared psoas muscle surface area (PMSA), measured at the 4th lumbar vertebrae, in children listed for liver transplantation (LT) to that of healthy controls and studied the impact of sarcopenia on transplant‐associated outcomes. The effect of PMSA (raw value and z score) on survival was studied using multivariable proportional hazards, whereas the impact of PMSA on other transplant‐associated outcomes was assessed by multivariable linear or logistic regression. The correlation of PMSA with anthropometric values and markers of disease severity was studied using Spearman’s rank‐order correlation. Mean PMSA was significantly lower in LT candidates (n = 57, 699.4 ± 591.9 mm2 [mean ± SD]) than controls (n = 53, 1052.9 ± 960.7 mm2; P = 0.02). For LT candidates, there was an increased risk of death (either while on the waiting list or following transplantation) with lower PMSA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6 per 100 mm2 [P = 0.03]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1‐2.8), amounting to a 4.9 times higher risk of death for every 1 unit decrease in PMSA z score (HR, 4.9 [P = 0.05], 95% CI, 1.2‐34.5), adjusting for age and sex. PMSA did not correlate with posttransplant length of intubation, hospital length of stay, or perioperative complications. PMSA also did not correlate with calculated (r = 0.10, P = 0.60) or appealed Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease/Pediatric End‐Stage Liver Disease scores (r = 0.10, P = 0.69). Pediatric LT candidates have a significant reduction in muscle compared with controls. LT candidates with lower PMSA experience significant increases in mortality. As such, sarcopenia may provide a novel indicator of disease severity in children with chronic liver disease.
Low‐Cost, Highly Sensitive, and Flexible Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Characterized by Low‐Temperature Interfacial Polymerization of Polypyrrole on Latex Sponge
Authors: Cheng Haonan , Wang Bo , Tan Yongsong , Yin Yunjie , Wang Chaoxia 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPiezoresistive pressure sensors based on sponge are widely concerned because of their wide strain range, convenient signal acquisition, and good compressibility, yet it is still a challenge to acquire sponge‐based pressure sensors with low cost and excellent sensing performance. Herein, low‐priced FeCl3.6H2O and pyrrole (Py) are dispersed in deionized water to form FeCl3.6H2O/Py solution. Commercial latex sponge is impregnated into this solution to prepare conductive polypyrrole/latex (PPy/latex) sponge through low‐temperature interfacial polymerization. The surface of latex sponge is covered by the micro‐wrinkled PPy, which endows the PPy/latex sponge with a certain electrical conductivity. The specific porous structure and high elasticity of the latex sponge are the basic conditions for PPy/latex sponge excellent piezoresistive behaviors. PPy/latex sponge based piezoresistive pressure sensor shows high sensitivity (0.084 kPa−1 at below 3.12 kPa), wider sensing range (0–85.0%) and long durability over 3800 s (1800 cycles). At the same time, the ability of the PPy/latex sponge based piezoresistive pressure sensor to monitor human movement has been successfully evaluated in some application scenarios, such as bending fingers, grabbing objects, tiptoe rising, and crouching.
Spaceborne miniaturized UHF dual band helix antenna with a small frequency ratio
Authors: Xue Kai , Liao Shaowei , Zhu Ruilong , Xue Quan , Ding Liqin , Wang Yang , Guo Qing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis study proposes a novel miniaturized circularly polarized (CP) ultrahigh frequency (UHF) quadrifilar helix antenna for spaceborne applications. The dual‐band operation is realized using four inverted‐U shaped helical strips (IUSHSs) that are rotated and alternately arranged on the four faces of a hollow polyimide cuboid in a sequential rotation manner, which effectively reduces the size of the antenna. Furthermore, the four IUSHSs are connected by a cross‐shape strip at the top of the antenna to control the dual resonant frequencies, resulting in a small dual‐band frequency ratio. The proposed antenna is both lightweight and robust when compared with the conventional miniaturized CP antennas operating at similar bands with similar performance. In particular, its compact radiator provides effective miniaturized spaceborne solution without the need of high‐dielectric coefficient materials. A device for spaceborne application that operates at 402/505 MHz is designed, fabricated, measured, and in‐orbit tested with a weight of 651 g and an effective size of 0.161 × 0.161 × 0.228 λ3402MHz (λ402MHz is the wavelength at 402 MHz). The measured gain and axial ratio of the proposed antenna are better than 5.32 dBi and 2.18 dB, respectively, within 2 and 12 MHz bandwidth for the two bands. The test results proved that the methods used to design the proposed antenna are effective.
Preparation of proton block and highly conductive AEM by creating PANI dominated and hydrophobicity ion channels for sulfuric acid enrichment
Authors: Xie Ruosong , Ning Ping , Qu Guangfei , Deng Jijia , Li Ziying , Li Zhishuncheng , Li Junyan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractElectrodialysis is widely used to separate and concentrate sulfuric acid from industrial wastewater. Nevertheless, owing to the proton leakage of anion‐exchange membrane (AEM), the concentration of recycled sulfuric acid is typically less than 20 wt.%. What is more, the restraining of proton leakage would sacrifice the conductivity of membrane, leading to the increasing of energy consumption (EC). In this work, a proton block and highly conductive polyaniline (PANI)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane were prepared by creating PANI dominated and hydrophobicity ion channels through etching. The variations of solubility, structure, and electrical performance of membrane during etching process were investigated. As a result, the electrical performance of membrane, especially for the conductivity, was significantly improved owning to the formation of PANI dominated ion channels and spaces. Meanwhile, even the porosity and water content of etched membrane were improved, the anions were mainly migrated through molecular chains of PANI; the protons were still blocked by the hydrophobic pores. Further, the etched membranes with different porosities were used to enrich sulfuric acid (1 wt.%) through electrodialysis. As a result, the proton leakage was proved to be the major limitative factor of acid solution enrichment. By using the optimal etched membrane, concentrated acid (41 wt.%) was obtained with a less energy consume (EC), compared with commercial AEM.
LC–MS/MS coupled with chemometric analysis as an approach for the differentiation of bulbus Fritillaria unibracteata and Fritillaria ussuriensis
Authors: Yang Lin , Zhang Mengrui , Yang Tiechui , Wai Ming Tse , Wai Gaun Tse Kathy , Ye Bengui 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionBulbus Fritillaria unibracteata Hsiao et K.C. Hsia is an important traditional Chinese medicine, widely used for the treatment of coughs, phlegm and asthma for thousands of years. Due to an increasing demand in clinic practices, a variety of substitutes have appeared in the market, resulting in a big challenge in the differentiation of bulbus F. unibracteata and its substitutes.AimTo differentiate bulbus F. unibracteata and its substitutes (bulbus Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim.) based on their main isosteroidal alkaloid contents, and to test the potentiality of chemometrics as a tool for discrimination.Materials and methodsThe nine isosteroidal alkaloids in 61 batches of Fritillariae bulbus were simultaneously quantitated by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to classify the two kinds of Fritillariae bulbus.ResultsQuantitative analysis showed that there were differences in the content of the nine alkaloids between two kinds of Fritillariae bulbus. According to the content of nine isosteroidal alkaloids, bulbus of F. unibracteata and F. ussuriensis were successfully distinguished by PCA model. Among these isosteroidal alkaloids, verticine and verticinone may be used as potential chemical markers for the identification and differentiation between the two kinds of Fritillaria bulbus.ConclusionThe LC–MS/MS method coupled with PCA would be a powerful strategy to differentiate bulbus F. unibracteata and substitute specimens for quality evaluation and control.
Adaptation of electrodes and printable gel polymer electrolytes for optimized fully organic batteries
Authors: Muench Simon , Burges René , Lex‐Balducci Alexandra , Brendel Johannes C. , Jäger Michael , Friebe Christian , Wild Andreas , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDespite intensive scientific efforts on the development of organic batteries, their full potential is still not being realized. The individual components, such as electrode materials and electrolytes, are in most cases developed independently and are not adjusted to each other. In this context, we report on the performance optimization of a full‐organic solid‐state battery system by the mutual adaptation of the electrode materials and an ionic liquid (IL)‐based gel polymer electrolyte (GPE). The formulation of the latter was designed for a one‐step manufacturing approach and can be applied directly to the electrode surface, where it is UV‐cured to yield the GPE without further post‐treatment steps. Herein, a special focus was placed on the applicability in industrial processes. A first significant capacity increase was achieved by the incorporation of the IL into the electrode composite. Furthermore, the GPE composition was adapted applying acrylate‐ and methacrylate‐based monomers and combinations thereof with the premise of a fast curing step. Furthermore, the amount of IL was varied, and all combinations were evaluated for their final performance in cells. The latter variation revealed that a high ionic conductivity is not the only determining factor for a good cell performance. Next to a sufficient conductivity, the interaction between electrode and electrolyte plays a key role for the cell performance as it enhances the accessibility of the counter ions to the redox‐active sites.