bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A compact double‐psi‐shaped dual band patch antenna for WLAN/LTE applications
Authors: Shen Voon Chow , Yeap Kim Ho , Lai Koon Chun , Seah Chee Khang , Nisar Humaira 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article presents the design of a double‐psi‐shaped dual band antenna, modified from the conventional microstrip patch. The proposed antenna is printed on an FR4 epoxy substrate and it occupies a compact size of 17 mm × 18 mm × 1.6 mm. We have designed our antenna to operate at 2.4/5.15 GHz. The measurement results show that the proposed antenna has 10 dB impedance bandwidths of 1650 MHz (1.982–3.632 GHz) and 812 MHz (4.444–5.256 GHz) to cover the LTE and 5 GHz IEEE 802.11 WLAN bands, respectively. The geometry of the design is relatively simple—it constitutes only 2 U‐shaped strips appended to a conventional microstrip patch, producing a structure which resembles 2 psi (Ψ) letters placed on top of one another. Due to its simple configuration and good radiation characteristics, the antenna is an appropriate candidate for applications which require both wireless communication and internet services.
A CRPA array with dual‐mode patch antenna elements for GPS applications
Authors: Rezazadeh Navid , Shafai Lotfollah 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA controlled reception pattern antenna (CRPA) array consisting of three dual‐mode microstrip patch antennas is designed and investigated for GPS interference mitigation applications. Each dual‐mode element consists of a dominant‐mode disk patch antenna encircled by a dual‐polarized shorted ring patch antenna. The measured input and radiation parameters of a prototype array are presented. The null‐steering performance of the array is demonstrated using a simple adaptive algorithm and is shown to be superior to the conventional planar arrays.
Weak Effects of Density on Mean Length at Age and Condition of Largemouth Bass at Large Alabama Reservoirs
Authors: Catalano Matthew J. , Farmer Troy M. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
We examined evidence for density-dependent growth of Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides in the recruited life stage (age 2 and older) at eight large (&gt;4,000 ha) Alabama reservoirs from standardized electrofishing survey data. Using mean length at age as a measure of cumulative growth and electrofishing catch rates as the basis for a cumulative index of density, we found weak support for the hypothesis that mean length at age was inversely related to Largemouth Bass density. The mean length at age of age-5 Largemouth Bass was positively related to the cumulative density index, which is inconsistent with the prediction of an inverse association under compensatory density dependence. Moreover, the strength of the effect was weak, with a 9-mm increase in mean length at age per 100% increase in the density index. No other age-classes (ages 2 through 6 were examined) exhibited density-dependent mean length at age. Similarly, relative weight was unrelated to the density index. Analyses of changes in mean length at age, relative weight, and the density index over time indicate that each of these variables have increased slightly since the mid-1990s for some age-classes. Our analysis of Largemouth Bass mean length at age at these reservoirs suggests that strong density-dependent growth responses are unlikely in the recruited life stage at these large reservoir systems. If this is the case, implementing minimum length limits at these reservoirs is likely to avoid unintended negative consequences for Largemouth Bass growth and size structure.
A cost‐utility analysis of artificial urinary sphincter versus AdVance male sling in post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence: A publicly funded health care perspective
Authors: Shamout Samer , Nazha Sara , Dragomir Alice , Campeau Lysanne 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo investigate the long‐term cost‐utility of the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) compared with Transobturator Retroluminal Sling (AdVance) in the treatment of patients with severe post prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence (PPSUI) from a Canadian provincial health perspective.MethodsA Markov model with Monte Carlo simulation was developed with a cycle length of 1 year and time horizon up to 10 years to estimate the incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). Patients were assigned to treatment with either AUS or an AdVance sling. Transition probabilities, efficacy data, and utility indices were derived from published literature and expert opinion. Cost data were obtained from provincial health care system and hospital data in 2016‐Canadian dollars. The primary outcome was cost per quality‐adjusted life year. A standard discount rate of 1.5% was applied annually. Probabilistic and one way deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed.ResultsAUS implantation had a 10‐year mean total cost of $14 228 (SD ± 3,509) for 7.58 QALYs. AdVance sling had a mean total cost $18 938 (SD ± 12,435) for 6.43 QALYs. The incremental cost savings of AUS over 10‐years was −$ 4710 with an added effectiveness of 1.15 QALYs. At a willingness to pay threshold of $50 000, AUS remained the most cost‐effective option. A limitation of our analysis is the lack of direct long‐term comparisons between both scenarios along with standard success definition.ConclusionsAUS implantation appears to be more economical treatment strategy for severe PPSUI compared with AdVance sling for a publicly funded health care system over a 5‐ and 10‐year time horizon.
Comparing RBF‐FD approximations based on stabilized Gaussians and on polyharmonic splines with polynomials
Authors: Santos L. G. C. , Manzanares‐Filho N. , Menon G. J. , Abreu E. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryIn this work, we are concerned with radial basis function–generated finite difference (RBF‐FD) approximations. Numerical error estimates are presented for stabilized flat Gaussians (RBF(SGA)‐FD) and polyharmonic splines with supplementary polynomials (RBF(PHS)‐FD) using some analytical solutions of the Poisson equation in a square domain. Both structured and unstructured point clouds are employed for evaluating the influence of cloud refinement, size of local supports, and maximal permissible degree of the polynomials in RBF(PHS)‐FD. High order of accuracy was attained with both RBF(SGA)‐FD and RBF(PHS)‐FD especially for unstructured clouds. Absolute errors in the first and second derivatives were also estimated at all points of the domain using one of the analytical solutions. For RBF(SGA)‐FD, this test showed the occurrence of improprieties of some decentered supports localized on boundary neighborhoods. This phenomenon was not observed with RBF(PHS)‐FD.
Synthesis and RSM‐CCD optimization of microwave‐induced green interpenetrating network hydrogel adsorbent based on gum copal for selective removal of malachite green from waste water
Authors: Kaur Savneet , Jindal Rajeev , Kaur Bhatia Jaspreet 
Published: April 2018

In the recent study, microwave induced novel interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) hydrogel based on gum copal‐collagen (GcA‐coll) has been reported for the efficient removal of malachite green dye from the waste water. The IPN [(GcA‐coll)‐cl‐poly (AAm‐ip‐AA)] was synthesized using potassium persulfate (KPS)—N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBA) as initiator‐ crosslinker system, acrylamide (AAm) as primary monomer and acrylic acid (AA) as secondary monomer under microwave radiations. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) design was used to optimize the percentage swelling of the candidate IPN hydrogel. RSM based Central Composite Design (CCD) was applied to the three most crucial synthesis parameters like initiator concentration, monomer concentration and crosslinker concentration so as to maximize the percentage swelling. The optimum conditions for the removal of 88% malachite green dye from waste water are pH ∼ 7, initial dye concentration = 12 mg mL−1, adsorbent dose = 500 mg. Pseudo first order and Pseudo‐second order models were applied to study the kinetics and the mechanism of adsorption was studied by intraparticle diffusion model. The equilibrium data was further evaluated by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The synthesized IPN was found to be a propitious candidate to be used as a green adsorbent for removing malachite green dye from waste water. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:2293–2303, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Systematic design evaluation on the example of a concentrator photovoltaic module with mirror optics and passive heat dissipation
Authors: Wiesenfarth Maike , Gamisch Sebastian , Jakob Peter , Steiner Marc , Bett Andreas W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn the design of concentrator photovoltaic modules, numerous components need to be optimised to achieve the highest performance of the complete system while simultaneously maintaining low costs for the manufacturing processes. In this paper, we present a systematic analysis of different designs of concentrator photovoltaic modules using mirror optics to concentrate the solar radiation by a factor of 1000 with passive heat dissipation. Module designs based on 4 different arrangements for the optics are investigated: on‐axis, asymmetrical, and Cassegrain with and without tertiary optics. Each design is optimised for high thermal, optical, and electrical performance via finite element method, ray tracing, and network simulations. Concepts for manufacturing are also proposed. The 4 specific designs are evaluated and compared in a systematic benefit analysis. In this analysis, 9 criteria are defined to describe the module performance and manufacturability. To quantify the benefit of each module design, utility values—a score to provide a value to the benefit—and weighting factors are defined. With this systematic analysis, the strengths and potential for optimisation are identified, and the different designs are compared. In addition, the potential for improvement is discussed surveying the different criteria.
Dilute nitride triple junction solar cells for space applications: Progress towards highest AM0 efficiency
Authors: Aho Arto , Isoaho Riku , Tukiainen Antti , Gori Gabriele , Campesato Roberta , Guina Mircea 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe report a detailed performance assessment of triple junction dilute nitride solar cells fabricated by a combined molecular beam epitaxy–metal organic chemical vapor deposition process and designed for space applications. The experimental sample exhibits an efficiency level of 30.8% under AM0 illumination. Analyses of the isotype single junction dilute nitride bottom cells reveal a band gap voltage offset of 0.49 V at one sun illumination and a value as low as 0.47 V for full spectrum excitation without filter layers. The analyses point out the limitation of the design in terms of current balancing. With optimized design, an efficiency of 32.1% is possible, revealing the maturity reached by dilute nitride technology in the quest for improving the efficiency of lattice‐matched multijunction solar cells.
Quercetin reversed MDR in breast cancer cells through down‐regulating P‐gp expression and eliminating cancer stem cells mediated by YB‐1 nuclear translocation
Authors: Li Shizheng , Zhao Qian , Wang Bo , Yuan Song , Wang Xiuyan , Li Kun 
Published: April 2018

Overexpression of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) plays an important role in mediating multidrug resistance (MDR), resulting in chemotherapy failure of tumor patients and enhancement of cancer stem cell characteristics. By preparing doxorubicin (Dox) resistant human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells, here, we wanted to evaluate the effects of quercetin (Que) on MDR reversal activity and investigate its possible mechanism. MCF‐7 and MCF‐7/dox cells were respectively treated by Dox, paclitaxel (Pac), or vincristine (Vcr) with or without Que intervention for 24 hr. Cell viability, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, intracellular drug accumulation, the expression of P‐gp and Y‐box binding protein 1 (YB‐1), and breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) were then assessed. The results showed that Que significantly enhanced the antitumor activities of Dox, Pac, and Vcr in breast cancer cells. In addition, combined treatment of Dox, Pac, or Vcr with Que significantly downregulated P‐gp expression and eliminated BCSCs. Furthermore, combined treatment of Dox, Pac, or Vcr with Que significantly inhibited nuclear translocation of YB‐1. Thus, we speculated that Que reversed MDR in breast cancer cells through downregulating P‐gp expression and eliminating cancer stem cells mediated by YB‐1 nuclear translocation.
Event‐triggered global leader‐following consensus of a group of neutrally stable linear systems subject to input saturation
Authors: Xie Yijing , Lin Zongli 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThis paper studies the global leader‐following consensus problem for a multiagent system using event‐triggered linear feedback control laws. The leader agent is described by a neutrally stable linear system and the follower agents are also described by a neutrally stable linear system but with saturating input. Both the state‐feedback case and the output‐feedback case are considered. In each case, an event‐triggered control law is constructed for each follower agent and an event‐triggering strategy is designed for updating these control laws. These event‐triggered control laws are shown to achieve global leader‐following consensus when the communication topology among the follower agents is strongly connected and detailed balanced and the leader is a neighbor of at least one follower agent. The Zeno behavior is excluded. The theoretical results are illustrated by simulation.
Smart‐Dust‐Nanorice for Enhancement of Endogenous Raman Signal, Contrast in Photoacoustic Imaging, and T2‐Shortening in Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Pohling Christoph , Campbell Jos L. , Larson Timothy A. , Van de Sompel Dominique , Levi Jelena , Bachmann Michael H. , Bohndiek Sarah E. , Jokerst Jesse V. , Gambhir Sanjiv S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRaman microspectroscopy provides chemo‐selective image contrast, sub‐micrometer resolution, and multiplexing capabilities. However, it suffers from weak signals resulting in image‐acquisition times of up to several hours. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can dramatically enhance signals of molecules in close vicinity of metallic surfaces and overcome this limitation. Multimodal, SERS‐active nanoparticles are usually labeled with Raman marker molecules, limiting SERS to the coating material. In order to realize multimodal imaging while acquiring the rich endogenous vibronic information of the specimen, a core–shell particle based on “Nanorice”, where a spindle‐shaped iron oxide core is encapsulated by a closed gold shell, is developed. An ultrathin layer of silica prevents agglomeration and unwanted chemical interaction with the specimen. This approach provides Raman signal enhancement due to plasmon resonance effects of the shell while the optical absorption in the near‐infrared spectral region provides contrast in photoacoustic tomography. Finally, T2‐relaxation of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiment is altered by taking advantage of the iron oxide core. The feasibility for Raman imaging is evaluated by nearfield simulations and experimental studies on the primate cell line COS1. MRI and photoacoustics are demonstrated in agarose phantoms illustrating the promising translational nature of this strategy for clinical applications in radiology.
An Optically Flat Conductive Outcoupler Using Core/Shell Ag/ZnO Nanochurros
Authors: Yoo Young Zo , Na Jin‐Young , Choi Yoon Soo , Lim Yeong Jin , Kim Ji‐Hyun , Kim Young‐Bin , Kim Jae‐Ho , Kim Sun‐Kyung , Seong Tae‐Yeon 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTransparent conductive electrodes (TCEs) featuring a smooth surface are indispensable for preserving pristine electrical characteristics in optoelectronic and transparent electronic devices. For high‐efficiency organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), a high outcoupling efficiency, which is crucial, is only achieved by incorporating a wavelength‐scale undulating surface into a TCE layer, but this inevitably degrades device performance. Here, an optically flat, high‐conductivity TCE composed of core/shell Ag/ZnO nanochurros (NCs) is reported embedded within a resin film on a polyethylene terephthalate substrate, simultaneously serving as an efficient outcoupler and a flexible substrate. The ZnO NCs are epitaxially grown on the {100} planes of a pentagonal Ag core and the length of ZnO shells is precisely controlled by the exposure time of Xe lamp. Unlike Ag nanowires films, the Ag/ZnO NCs films markedly boost the optical tunneling of light. Green‐emitting OLEDs (2.78 × 3.5 mm2) fabricated with the Ag/ZnO TCE exhibit an 86% higher power efficiency at 1000 cd m−2 than ones with an Sn‐doped indium oxide TCE. A full‐vectorial electromagnetic simulation suggests the suppression of plasmonic absorption losses within their Ag cores. These results provide a feasibility of multifunctional TCEs with synthetically controlled core/shell nanomaterials toward the development of high‐efficiency LED and solar cell devices.
Culture and Sexuality: Cognitive–Emotional Determinants of Sexual Dissatisfaction Among Iranian and New Zealand Women
Authors: Abdolmanafi Atefe , Nobre Pedro , Winter Sam , Tilley P.J. Matt , Jahromi Reza Ghorban 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Background
Several studies have demonstrated that culture plays a fundamental role in individuals' beliefs, attitudes, and values toward sexuality, and influences their ability to enjoy sex. It follows that culture may influence sexual satisfaction or dissatisfaction.

Aim
To examine and compare cognitive–emotional variables related to women's sexual dissatisfaction in Iran and New Zealand.

Methods
In total, 196 Iranian women and 207 New Zealand women participated in the study, answering questionnaires evaluating dysfunctional sexual beliefs, automatic thoughts, emotional and sexual response during sexual activity, as well as sexual satisfaction.

Outcomes
Sexual beliefs were measured by the Sexual Dysfunctional Beliefs Questionnaire, thoughts and emotional responses were measured by the Sexual Modes Questionnaire, and sexual satisfaction was measured by the Sexual Satisfaction Index.

Results
Findings indicated that in both Iranian and New Zealand women, failure and disengagement thoughts, lack of erotic thoughts, and emotions of fear during sexual activity were significant predictors of sexual dissatisfaction. Besides these common predictors, results also indicated that sexual conservatism and women's sexual passivity beliefs, sexual abuse thoughts, and fear during sexual activity were significant predictors of sexual dissatisfaction in Iranian women. Beliefs of sexual desire and pleasure as a sin; age-related beliefs; and emotions such as sadness, disillusion, and hurt were significant predictors of sexual dissatisfaction in New Zealand women.

Clinical Translation
The present findings could facilitate a better understanding of cultural differences in the roles played by dysfunctional sexual beliefs, negative automatic thoughts, and negative emotions during sexual activity, and the value of these beliefs, thoughts, and emotions in predicting sexual dissatisfaction.

Conclusions
The strength of this study is in providing an examination of the role of culturally bound beliefs in predicting sexual dissatisfaction in women from different cultural backgrounds. Limitations include the lack of evaluation of psychological and interpersonal variables that may impact on women's sexual dissatisfaction. These findings suggest that there may be a role of culture in shaping beliefs, attitudes, and values toward sexuality; and provide evidence for the effect of cognitive–emotional variables in predicting women's sexual dissatisfaction.
Cooperation and Co-Existence Between Farmers and Herders in the Midst of Violent Farmer-Herder Conflicts in Ghana
Authors: Bukari Kaderi Noagah , Sow Papa , Scheffran Jürgen 
Published: April 2018

Abstract:Despite periodic violent conflict between farmers and Fulani herders in many parts of Ghana, cooperative relations between them remain strong. They are “cultural neighbors” who cooperate both in times of violent conflict and during periods of no conflict. Cooperation between them is expressed through everyday interactions, cattle entrustment, resource sharing, trade, friendship, intermarriages, visitations, exchanges, communal labor, and social solidarity. Borrowing from theorizations of cultural neighborhood and everyday peace, this paper uses specific case studies from Northern and Southern Ghana to illustrate the enactment of cooperation between herders and farmers in areas of violent farmer-herder conflict.
Organ and tissue donation from poisoned patients in the emergency department: A Canadian emergency physician survey
Authors: Staple Louis , MacIntyre Janet , Murphy Nancy G. , Beed Stephen , LeBlanc Constance 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectivesScreening for organ and tissue donation is an essential skill for emergency physicians. In 2015, 4,631 Canadians were on a waiting list for a transplant, and 262 died while waiting. Canada’s donation rates are less than half of comparable countries, so it is essential to explore strategies to improve the referral of donors. Poisoned patients may be one such underutilized source for donation. This study explores physician practices and perceptions regarding the referral of poisoned patients as donors.MethodsIn this cross-sectional unidirectional survey, 1,471 physician members of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians were invited to participate. Physicians were presented with 20 scenarios and asked whether they would refer the patient as a potential organ or tissue donor. Results were reported descriptively, and associations between demographics and referral patterns were assessed.ResultsPhysicians totalling 208 participated in the organ or tissue donation scenarios (14.1%); 75% of scenarios involving poisoning were referred for organ or tissue donation, compared with 92% in a non-poisoning scenario. Poisons associated with lower referrals included sedatives, acetaminophen, chemical exposure, and organophosphates. A total of 175 physicians completed the demographic survey (11.9%). Characteristics associated with increased referrals included previous referral experience, donation training, donation support, >10 years of service, urban practice, emergency medicine certification, and male gender.ConclusionsScenarios involving poisoning were referred less often when compared with an ideal scenario. Because poisoning is not a contraindication for referral, this represents a potential source of donors. Targeted training and referral support may help improve donation rates in this demographic.
Methods of Radiocarbon Determination in Wine and Bone Samples by Gas Proportional Counting Technique
Authors: Kaizer Jakub , Obuch Ján , Kontuľ Ivan , Šivo Alexander , Richtáriková Marta , Čech Peter , Povinec Pavel P 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTAlthough radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (14C AMS) surpasses conventional radiometric methods in many aspects, they still represent an interesting alternative, especially for studies unconstrained by sample size. Here we showed that the gas proportional counting technique can be used for bone samples, processed only by a simple ABA method, and ethanol, distilled from wine samples. The feasibility of the described methods was verified by successful dating of 11 well-preserved vertebrate bones of modern to 21 kyr BP age excavated from different caves in Slovakia from which collagen was also extracted, as well as by determination of 14C concentration in two modern western Slovakia vintages, which matches well the atmospheric Δ14C level for the respective region and grape vegetation period. Various empiric factors affecting the yield of the thoroughly tested procedures used for processing of samples and their optimization parameters are discussed as well.