bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of soil and water conservation associated with a natural gas pipeline construction project inChina
Authors: Luo Han , Xie Yongsheng , Lv Jiaorong 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA natural gas pipeline extends over a distance of 310 km in the Hebei Province of China and passes through various zones of natural vegetation, mostly wooded. Construction required a working width of about 40 m and a 1.4‐m‐wide trench to be dug to a depth of 2.4 m to enable the installation of a pipe with a diameter of 1,016 mm. The construction process had to manage an irregular configuration of terrain with steep slopes, varying degrees of instability, and a propensity for erosion and land degradation. To prevent potentially massive soil erosion and further deterioration of the affected environment, a comprehensive soil and water conservation plan was designed and implemented. A 3.25‐km‐long study area was selected in rugged hilly country and was divided into seven topographic zones, with slopes ranging from <10° to over 50°. Different soil and water conservation measures were adopted in each zone, including engineering measures, revegetation measures, and maintenance measures. One year after installation, trees planted in individual holes grew well in each zone and the vegetation cover on the slopes treated by hydroseeding exceeded 90%. In addition, run‐off and sediment yield on slopes were significantly reduced. These conservation measures were conducive to environmentally sustainable development and may serve as a scientific reference for ecological restoration and vegetation reconstruction in future pipeline construction projects in similar terrain. Furthermore, these measures also helped to ensure the safe operation of the pipeline and provided protection for people living and working along the pipeline route.
An 8 Gb/s all‐digital phase discrimination picosecond pulse generator
Authors: Chen Bolin , Zhang Youming , Tang Xusheng , Huang Fengyi 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis article presents an oscillator‐free pulse generator using direct digital‐to‐impulse technique. The pulse generator is based on an all‐digital phase discrimination circuit fabricated in a standard 65 nm CMOS process. A 55.6 mV output pulse with an 18.9‐ps full width at half maximum can be achieved. The testing prototype consumes 0.72 mW in 8 Gb/s input data rate, suitable for low‐power ultrahigh speed wireless communication.
An FSS‐employed UWB antenna system for high‐gain portable devices
Authors: Saleem Rashid , Bilal Muhammad , Shabbir Tayyab , Shafique Muhammad Farhan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn this article, a high‐gain antenna for ultra‐wideband (UWB) communication is presented and experimentally validated. Gain enhancement is achieved by employing a frequency selective surface (FSS) screen as a superstrate. The proposed antenna‐FSS arrangement is less complex and realized on a low‐profile FR‐4 laminate. The antenna comprises a circular radiator that is enclosed in a triangular shaped arrangement of slots along with a narrow feed‐line. Lengths and widths of the different sections along with feed are optimized to achieve an ultra‐wide impedance bandwidth. The employed superstrate is an array of modified square shaped FSS (MS‐FSS). Full wave analysis validates its effectiveness in achieving at least 5 dBi gain enhancement of the UWB antenna while maintaining wideband impedance match. Moreover, the antenna behavior is also analyzed by varying periodicity and the distance between superstrate and the proposed slot antenna. This antenna‐FSS arrangement is a suitable candidate for high‐gain UWB portable devices.
Broadband linearly/circularly polarized microstrip filtering antennas
Authors: Li Jian‐Feng , Wu Duo‐Long , Wu Yan‐Jie , Mao Chun‐Xu 
Published: January 2019

AbstractTwo linearly and circularly polarized filtering antennas with low profile, broad bandwidth, and improved gain are proposed. Without increasing the antenna profile, a vertically coupled resonant structure, which can broaden the bandwidth and provide the filtering response, is employed. To prove the concept, a broadband linearly polarized (LP) filtering antenna is designed by integrating the hairpin resonator on the feed, U‐slot resonator in the ground and the patch resonator. Then, we design a broadband circularly polarized (CP) filtering antenna, which utilizes a single‐feed dual‐coupled structure for two coupling routes with 90° phase difference to excite two orthogonal resonant modes without power divider and phase delay line. Both antennas exhibit third‐order filtering characteristics with improved bandwidths and flat in‐band gain. The equivalent circuits of both antennas are discussed. The LP and CP antennas achieve an impedance band of 28% and 29.6%, respectively. The CP antenna shows a 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 17.6%. Both antennas also exhibit the high gain of 9.5 dBic with less than 0.6 dB variation within the band.
Mixed‐coupling multi‐function quint‐wideband asymmetric stepped impedance resonator filter
Authors: Al‐Yasir Yasir I. A. , Tu Yuxiang , Ojaroudi Parchin Naser , Elfergani I. T. E. , Abd‐Alhameed Raed A. , Rodriguez Jonathan , Noras James M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA new mixed‐coupled quint‐wideband ASIR bandpass filter with low insertion loss and compact size is proposed: spiral and open‐loop coupled structures realize fundamental mode coupling and enhance another four spurious modes with optimum insertion loss. The fundamental frequency and four spurious frequencies are located at 1.275 GHz with fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 38.4%, 3.225 GHz with FBW of 38.4%, 5.875 GHz with FBW of 12.1%, 7.515 GHz with FBW of 13.7%, 9.74 GHz with FBW of 4.3%. The filter is suitable for multiple applications including GPS, Wi‐Fi and IEEE 802.11a, and partially for IEEE 802.16. The quint‐wideband filter has a performance superior to its currently proposed quint‐wideband counterparts.
Compact tunable cavity filter with high selectivity using double‐layer suspended stripline resonator
Authors: Song Lei , Wu Bian , Xia Lei , Guo Yongxin , Chen Jianzhong , Su Tao 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA compact tunable cavity filter based on double‐layer suspended stripline resonator (DSSLR) is proposed. The DSSLR consists of a thin substrate suspended in an air‐filled cavity, a stepped impedance resonator loaded with interdigital capacitor on the top layer of the substrate, and a parallel‐plate capacitor series with a varactor at the bottom layer. The multiple capacitors not only achieve compact size by large capacitive loading, but also broaden the tuning range with a small capacitance variation of varactor. The internal coupling of two DSLLRs increases with the height of the inductive stub while decreases with the distance between two resonators. A fifth‐order wideband tunable cavity filter using a common bias voltage is designed, fabricated, and measured, which has a tunable frequency range of 67 MHz, constant bandwidth of 64 ± 7 MHz, low return loss of 15 dB, and high suppression of more than 40 dB.
3D stability of unsaturated soil slopes with tension cracks under steady infiltrations
Authors: Wang Long , Hu Wei , Sun De'an , Li Lin 
Published: January 2019

SummaryMost classical approaches for evaluating the stability of soil slopes with cracks are performed under two‐dimensional (2D) condition. Three‐dimensional (3D) effect and suction‐induced effect of unsaturated soils are generally neglected in assessing the slope stability. This paper develops a 3D limit analysis method to evaluate the stability of an unsaturated soil slope with tension cracks under steady infiltrations. The boundary‐value problem is formulated based on the 3D rotational failure mechanism by taking the effects of suction, effective unit weight, and tension crack into account. A simplified method is proposed to calculate the work rate of unsaturated soil weight. A layer‐wise summation method is developed based on the divergence theorem to calculate the internal energy dissipation rate. Detailed discussions are conducted to investigate the effects of suction and Poisson's ratio on the stability of unsaturated soil slopes. Examples are given to illustrate the 3D effect, the suction‐induced effect as well as the effects of infiltration and water in cracks on the slope stability.
Persistently low peace of mind in parents of cancer patients: A five‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Weng Shicheng , Mack Jennifer W. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundPediatric cancer affects the well‐being of the entire family. Previously, our group found that 76% of parents experience low peace of mind after diagnosis. Herein, we present a five‐year follow‐up study of these same parents, aiming to determine whether low peace of mind persisted, and what baseline variables associate with persistently low peace of mind.ProcedureCross‐sectional survey of parents of children with cancer between April 2004 and September 2005 within one year of diagnosis, and a follow‐up questionnaire administered at least five years later.ResultsSixty‐six percent of parents whose children were living and who were able to be contacted completed follow‐up questionnaires (91/138). Of these parents, 77% (70/91) were parents of disease‐free survivors and 23% (21/91) had recurrent disease. The majority of parents (66%, 53/88) had low peace of mind five years after diagnosis, regardless of relapse status or prognosis. Additionally, 28% of parents of disease‐free survivors reported being very/extremely worried about relapse (18/66), late toxicities (19/66), and late effects (19/66). Each worry was associated with low peace of mind (OR between 9.66 and 20.09 for each worry). In bivariable logistic regression, low peace of mind at five years was negatively associated with trusting the physician completely at baseline, with and without adjustment for relapse status (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.87, P = 0.032, adjusted for relapse).ConclusionMost long‐term studies and interventions have focused on parental bereavement. Our findings show that most parents are changed by pediatric cancer, even when children survive and the future is bright.
Impact of Macrolide Antibiotics on Hospital Readmissions and Other Clinically Important Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Kiser Tyree H. , Reynolds Paul M. , Moss Marc , Burnham Ellen L. , Ho P. Michael , Vandivier Richard William ,   Colorado Pulmonary Outcomes Research Group (CPOR)
Published: January 2019

Study ObjectiveTo assess whether a macrolide‐based antibiotic treatment strategy reduces in‐hospital mortality, decreases hospital readmissions, or improves other clinically important outcomes compared with a non‐macrolide antibiotic treatment strategy in critically ill patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).DesignPropensity score–matched pharmacoepidemiologic cohort study.Data SourcePremier's Perspective Hospital Database.PatientsA total of 28,700 adults aged 40 years or older who were admitted to one of 566 United States intensive care units and had the primary diagnosis of AECOPD between January 2010 and December 2014 and received antibiotic treatment within 2 days of hospital admission were included. Patients were divided into macrolide (11,602 patients [40%]) or non‐macrolide (17,098 patients [60%]) antibiotic treatment groups. Propensity score analysis successfully matched 8660 patients in each treatment group.Measurements and Main ResultsIn the matched cohort, the macrolide treatment group was not associated with decreased hospital mortality after day 2 (3.0% vs 3.3%, p=0.28), intensive care unit length of stay (2 days vs 2 days, p=0.12), hospital length of stay (6 days vs 6 days, p=0.86), or length of assisted ventilation (3 days vs 3 days, p=0.71), compared with the non‐macrolide treatment group. However, a macrolide‐based antibiotic regimen was associated with an overall reduction in 30‐day hospital readmissions (7.3% vs 8.8%, p<0.01), increased time to next all‐cause (159 vs 130 days, p<0.01) or AECOPD (200 vs 175 days, p=0.03) readmission, and decreased hospital costs ($32,730 vs $34,021, p<0.01).ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that inclusion of a macrolide antibiotic in the treatment regimen may have both acute and sustained benefits in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit with an AECOPD, including reductions in hospital readmissions and improvements in time to next readmission.
Degradation in photovoltaic encapsulant transmittance: Results of the first PVQAT TG5 artificial weathering study
Authors: Miller David C. , Bokria Jayesh G. , Burns David M. , Fowler Sean , Gu Xiaohong , Hacke Peter L. , Honeker Christian C. , Kempe Michael D. , Köhl Michael , Phillips Nancy H. , Scott Kurt P. , Singh Ashish , Suga Shigeo , Watanabe Shin , Zielnik Allen F. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractReduced optical transmittance of encapsulants resulting from ultraviolet (UV) degradation is frequently identified as a cause of decreased performance through the service life of photovoltaic modules. However, the present module safety and qualification standards apply short UV doses, only capable of examining design robustness and “infant mortality” failures. Furthermore, essential information remains unknown that might be used to screen encapsulants through product lifetime. We conducted an interlaboratory study to provide the understanding that will be used toward developing a higher‐fidelity, more‐rigorous UV weathering test. Five representative known formulations of poly (ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) were studied, in addition to one thermoplastic polyurethane material. Replicate laminated silica/polymer/silica specimens were examined at seven institutions using a variety of indoor chambers (including xenon, UVA‐340, and metal‐halide light sources). Specimens were artificially weathered for 180 cumulative days at steady‐state accelerated test conditions, predesignated relative to the default irradiance of 1.0 W·m−2·nm−1 at 340 nm, chamber temperature of 60°C, and chamber relative humidity of 30%. The solar‐weighted transmittance, yellowness index, and the UV cut‐off wavelength—each determined from the measured hemispherical transmittance—are examined to provide understanding and guidance for the UV light source (type lamp and filters), temperature, and humidity used in accelerated UV aging tests. The relative efficacy of xenon‐arc and UVA‐340 fluorescent sources and the typical range of activation energy for degradation is quantified from the experiments.
Analysis of nonradiative recombination in quantum dot solar cells and materials
Authors: Zhu Lin , Lee Kan‐Hua , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Akiyama Hidefumi , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko , Araki Kenji , Kojima Nobuaki 
Published: January 2019

AbstractQuantum dot (QD) solar cells have drawn much attention in research because of their tunable band gap and potential to realize many novel concepts, such as intermediate transitions. However, high nonradiative recombination rates in the QD layer stand in the way of realizing high‐efficiency QD solar cells. In this paper, the efficiency potential of QD solar cells is discussed based on external radiative efficiency (ERE), open‐circuit voltage loss, fill factor loss, and nonradiative recombination loss via current‐voltage characteristics in a detailed balance model. The intrinsic loss of QD solar cells substantially increases with increasing binding energy and volume density of the QDs. The ERE of QD solar cells decreases with increasing binding energy and volume density of the QDs due to nonradiative recombination.
Advance in Close‐Edged Graphene Nanoribbon: Property Investigation and Structure Fabrication
Authors: He Maoshuai , Dong Jichen , Wang Haomin , Xue Han , Wu Qianru , Xin Benwu , Gao Wenke , He Xiaolong , Yu Jin , Sun Haidong , Ding Feng , Zhang Jin 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe absence of dangling bonds in close‐edged graphene nanoribbons (CEGNRs) confers upon them a series of fascinating properties, especially when compared with cylindrical carbon nanotubes and open‐edged GNRs. Here, the configuration of CEGNRs is described, followed by the structure‐related properties, including mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties. Based on the unique structures and extraordinary properties, their potential applications in a variety of fields, such as field‐effect transistors, energy suppliers, nanoactuators, and fibers, are discussed. Remarkably, the strategies applied for generating CEGNRs, mainly from the collapse of carbon nanotubes and graphene tubes, are depicted in detail. Finally, the prospects in the research area of CEGNRs are proposed.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of γ‐Graphyne with Enhanced Lithium Storage Performance
Authors: Yang Chaofan , Li Yong , Chen Yang , Li Qiaodan , Wu Lulu , Cui Xiaoli 
Published: January 2019

Abstractγ‐Graphyne is a new nanostructured carbon material with large theoretical Li+ storage due to its unique large conjugate rings, which makes it a potential anode for high‐capacity lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, γ‐graphyne‐based high‐capacity LIBs are demonstrated experimentally. γ‐Graphyne is synthesized through mechanochemical and calcination processes by using CaC2 and C6Br6. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, atomic force microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, solid‐state 13C NMR and Raman spectra are conducted to confirm its morphology and chemical structure. The sample presents 2D mesoporous structure and is exactly composed of sp and sp2‐hybridized carbon atoms as the γ‐graphyne structure. The electrode shows high Li+ storage (1104.5 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1) and rate capability (435.1 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1). The capacity retention can be up to 948.6 (200 mA g−1 for 350 cycles) and 730.4 mAh g−1 (1 A g−1 for 600 cycles), respectively. These excellent electrochemical performances are ascribed to the mesoporous architecture, large conjugate rings, enlarged interplanar distance, and high structural integrity for fast Li+ diffusion and improved cycling stability in γ‐graphyne. This work provides an environmentally benign and cost‐effective mechanochemical method to synthesize γ‐graphyne and demonstrates its superior Li+ storage experimentally.
Nano‐Optical Tweezing of Single Proteins in Plasmonic Nanopores
Authors: Verschueren Daniel , Shi Xin , Dekker Cees 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSingle‐molecule sensing technologies aim to detect and characterize single biomolecules, but generally need labeling while the measurement times and throughput are severely restricted by a lack of positional control over the molecule. Here, a plasmonic nanopore biosensor is reported where single molecules can be electrophoretically delivered into a nanopore sensor with a plasmonic nanoantenna that is used to optically trap single molecules for extended measurement times. Using the light transmission through the antenna as read‐out, optical trapping of 20 nm diameter polystyrene nanoparticles and individual beta‐amylase proteins, a 200 kDa enzyme, in the plasmonic nanoantenna are demonstrated. Application of an electrical bias voltage allows the increase of the event rate over an order of magnitude as well as shorten the residence time of the proteins in the plasmonic nanopore as they can controllably be drawn out of the trap by electrical forces. Trapping is found to be assisted by protein–surface interactions and trapped proteins can denature on the nanopore surface. The integration of two single‐molecule sensors, a plasmonic nanoantenna and solid‐state nanopore, creates independent control handles at the single‐molecule level—the optical trapping force and electrophoretic force—which provides augmented control over single molecules.
Functional Organic Semiconductors Based on Bay‐Annulated Indigo (BAI)
Authors: Kolaczkowski Matthew A. , Liu Yi 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe advancement of organic electronics has been continually pushed by the need for stable and high performance acceptor materials. By utilizing inexpensive and stable indigo dye as a starting material, Bay‐Annulated Indigo (BAI) provides a new motif for the development of semiconducting materials. Modular and straightforward synthesis makes BAI an outstanding platform for molecular design, while excellent stability, strong absorption, and high ambipolar mobility render BAI‐based materials excellent candidates for organic electronics. BAI‐based polymers and small molecules have taken advantage of these properties to show promising results in a variety of applications.
Local Structure Study of Lanthanide Elements by X‐Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure Spectroscopy
Authors: Asakura Hiroyuki , Hosokawa Saburo , Teramura Kentaro , Tanaka Tsunehiro 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis paper describes a systematic study of the spectra and local structures of lanthanide (Ln) L‐edge XANES. We found that Ln L1 and L3‐edge XANES spectra exhibit characteristic features correlated to their local symmetry through experimental and theoretical simulations. We also propose a simple local structure index criterion for a combination of XANES study and theoretical simulation. Possible solutions of intrinsic problems such as low resolution of characteristic features in the Ln L‐edge XANES and site distributions are also discussed.
Long‐term neuroimaging and neurological outcome of fetal spina bifida aperta after postnatal surgical repair
Authors: Sileo F. G. , Pateisky P. , Curado J. , Evans K. , Hettige S. , Thilaganathan B. 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTObjectiveParents faced with the choice between postnatal management and prenatal surgery for spina bifida need to have up‐to‐date information on the expected outcomes. The aim of this study was to report the long‐term physical and neurological outcomes of infants with prenatally diagnosed isolated spina bifida that underwent postnatal surgical repair and were managed by a multidisciplinary team from a large tertiary center.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of all cases of fetal spina bifida managed in a tertiary unit between October 1999 and January 2018. All cases of fetal spina bifida from the local health region were routinely referred to the tertiary unit for further perinatal management. Details on surgical procedures and neonatal neurological outcomes were obtained from institutional case records. Ambulatory status, bladder and bowel continence and neurodevelopment were assessed at a minimum of 3 years.ResultsDuring the study period, 241 pregnancies with isolated spina bifida were seen in the unit. Of these, 84 (34.9%) women opted to continue with the pregnancy after multidisciplinary counseling by clinicians. Sixty‐seven infants underwent postnatal repair of spina bifida aperta and were included in the analysis. After birth, hindbrain herniation was observed in 91.5% of infants with only seven requiring surgical decompression. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was needed in 64.2% of infants, while normal cognitive development or mild impairment was demonstrated in 85.4% of cases with data for this outcome available, at a mean age of 8 years. Cumulatively, 40% of infants were walking independently or using minor support, and normal or mild impairment of bladder and bowel function was reported in 45.5% and 44.4% of infants, respectively.ConclusionsNeurodevelopmental and neurological outcomes between prenatal and postnatal repair are similar. As with fetal surgery, conventional postnatal surgery is associated with the reversal of hindbrain herniation. Similarly, postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement appears to be required mainly in fetuses without evidence of significant fetal ventriculomegaly. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.