bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and fabrication of a tunable microstrip lowpass‐bandpass diplexer for telecommunication applications
Authors: Moloudian Gholamhosein , Dousti Massoud , Ebrahimi Asghar 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this article, a well‐defined tunable lowpass‐bandpass (LP‐BP) diplexer with proper performance is provided using stepped impedance lines and square‐looped resonators for telecommunication applications. Our proposed scheme is the first tunable LP filter BP filter diplexer that provides good results. The proposed diplexer has the ability to adjust the cut‐off frequency of the lowpass filter (LPF) and to adjust the center frequency of the bandpass filter (BPF). The varactor diodes in reverse bias were used to make the proposed diplexer tunable. The tuning range of the cut‐off frequency for the LPF is from 0.46 to 0.96 GHz. An important feature of the LPF is a high suppression factor of about 45 dB in the stopband and a sharp roll‐off rate (ROF). The adjustability of the BPF part for the first channel ranges from 1.8 to 2.4 GHz; for the second channel, the ranges from 2.8 to 3.2 GHz, and for the third channel, the ranges from 5.2 to 5.6 GHz. The proposed diplexer is designed, simulated, fabricated, and finally tested and measured. The isolation between the output ports is about 34 dB. Simulation results are in good agreement with the test results and the measured values.
Internal breast dosimetry in mammography: Experimental methods and Monte Carlo validation with a monoenergetic x‐ray beam
Authors: Fedon Christian , Caballo Marco , Longo Renata , Trianni Annalisa , Sechopoulos Ioannis 
Published: February 2018

PurposeTo investigate the performance, such as energy dependence and sensitivity, of thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD), metal oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor dosimeters (MOSFET), and GafChromic™ films, and to validate the estimates of local dose deposition of a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation for breast dosimetry applications.MethodsExperimental measurements were performed using a monoenergetic beam at the ELETTRA synchrotron radiation light source (Trieste, Italy). The three types of dosimeters were irradiated in a plane transversal to the beam axis and calibrated in terms of air kerma. The sensitivity of MOSFET dosimeters and GafChromic™ films was evaluated in the range of 18–28 keV. Three different calibration curves for the GafChromic™ films were tested (logarithmic, rational, and exponential functions) to evaluate the best‐fit curve in the dose range of 1–20 mGy. Internal phantom dose measurements were performed at 20 keV for four different depths (range 0–3 cm, with 1 cm steps) using a homogeneous 50% glandular breast phantom. A GEANT4 MC simulation was modified to match the experimental setup. Thirty sensitive volumes, on the axial‐phantom plane were included at each depth in the simulation to characterize the internal dose variation and compare it to the experimental TLD and MOSFET measurements. Experimental 2D dose maps were obtained with the GafChromic™ films and compared to the simulated 2D dose distributions estimated with the MC simulations.ResultsThe sensitivity of the MOSFET dosimeters and GafChromic™ films increased with x‐ray energy, by up to 37% and 48%, respectively. Dose–response curves for the GafChromic™ film result in an uncertainty lower than 5% above 6 mGy, when a logarithmic relationship is used in the dose range of 1–10 mGy. All experimental values fall within the experimental uncertainty and a good agreement (within 5%) is found against the MC simulation. The dose decreased with increasing phantom depth, with the reduction being ~80% after 3 cm. The uncertainty of the empirical measurements makes the experimental values compatible with a flat behavior across the phantom slab for all the investigated depths, while the MC points to a dose profile with a maximum toward the center of the phantom.ConclusionsThe calibration procedures and the experimental methodologies proposed lead to good accuracy for internal breast dose estimation. In addition, these procedures can be successfully applied to validate MC codes for breast dosimetry at the local dose level. The agreement among the experimental and MC results not only shows the correctness of the empirical procedures used but also of the simulation parameters.
Collagen VI‐related myopathy: Expanding the clinical and genetic spectrum
Authors: Kim Soo Yeon , Kim Woo Joong , Kim Hyuna , Choi Sun Ah , Lee Jin Sook , Cho Anna , Jang Se Song , Lim Byung Chan , Kim Ki Joong , Kim Jong‐Il , Hahn Si Houn , Chae Jong‐Hee 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We aimed to analyze the clinical and genetic characteristics of collagen VI‐related myopathy. Methods: We analyzed the clinical course and mutation spectrum in patients with collagen VI gene mutations among our congenital muscular dystrophy cohort. Results: Among 24 patients with mutations in collagen VI coding genes, 13 (54.2%) were categorized as Ullrich type, and 11 (45.8%) as non‐Ullrich type. Congenital orthopedic problems were similarly observed in both types, yet multiple joint contractures were found only in the Ullrich type. Clinical courses and pathology findings varied between patients. Mutations in COL6A1, COL6A2, and COL6A3 were found in 15 (65%), 3 (13%), and 5 (22%) patients, respectively, without genotype–phenotype association. Five novel variants were detected. Discussion: We verified clinical heterogeneity of collagen VI‐related myopathy, which emphasizes the importance of genetic testing. Genotype–phenotype association or early predictors for progression were not identified. Multiple joint contractures predict rapid deterioration. Muscle Nerve 58: 381–388, 2018
Quantitative MRI in murine radiation‐induced rectocolitis: comparison with histopathological inflammation score
Authors: Zappa Magaly , Doblas Sabrina , Cazals‐Hatem Dominique , Milliat Fabien , Lavigne Jérémy , Daniel Fanny , Jallane Abelhak , Garteiser Philippe , Vilgrain Valérie , Ogier‐Denis Eric , Van Beers Bernard E. 
Published: February 2018

Murine radiation‐induced rectocolitis is considered to be a relevant animal model of gastrointestinal inflammation. The purpose of our study was to compare quantitative MRI and histopathological features in this gastrointestinal inflammation model.Radiation rectocolitis was induced by localized single‐dose radiation (27 Gy) in Sprague‐Dawley rats. T2‐weighted, T1‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted MRI was performed at 7 T in 16 rats between 2 and 4 weeks after irradiation and in 10 control rats. Rats were sacrificed and the histopathological inflammation score of the colorectal samples was assessed.The irradiated rats showed significant increase in colorectal wall thickness (2.1 ± 0.3 mm versus 0.8 ± 0.3 mm in control rats, P < 0.0001), normalized T2 signal intensity (4 ± 0.8 versus 2 ± 0.4 AU, P < 0.0001), normalized T1 signal intensity (1.4 ± 0.1 versus 1.1 ± 0.2 AU, P = 0.0009) and apparent and pure diffusion coefficients (ADC and D) (2.06 × 10−3 ± 0.34 versus 1.51 × 10−3 ± 0.23 mm2/s, P = 0.0004, and 1.97 × 10−3 ± 0.43 mm2/s versus 1.48 × 10−3 ± 0.29 mm2/s, P = 0.008, respectively). Colorectal wall thickness (r = 0.84, P < 0.0001), normalized T2 signal intensity (r = 0.85, P < 0.0001) and ADC (r = 0.80, P < 0.0001) were strongly correlated with the histopathological inflammation score, whereas normalized T1 signal intensity and D were moderately correlated (r = 0.64, P = 0.0006, and r = 0.65, P = 0.0003, respectively).High‐field MRI features of single‐dose radiation‐induced rectocolitis in rats differ significantly from those of control rats. Quantitative MRI characteristics, especially wall thickness, normalized T2 signal intensity, ADC and D, are potential markers of the histopathological inflammation score.
Position matters: Validation of medicare hospital claims for myocardial infarction against medical record review in the atherosclerosis risk in communities study
Authors: Bush Montika , Stürmer Til , Stearns Sally C. , Simpson Ross J. , Brookhart M. Alan , Rosamond Wayne , Kucharska‐Newton Anna M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPurposeThe objectives of this study were to investigate sensitivity and specificity of myocardial infarction (MI) case definitions using multiple discharge code positions and multiple diagnosis codes when comparing administrative data to hospital surveillance data.MethodsHospital surveillance data for ARIC Study cohort participants with matching participant ID and service dates to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) hospitalization records for hospitalizations occurring between 2001 and 2013 were included in this study. Classification of Definite or Probable MI from ARIC medical record review defined “gold standard” comparison for validation measures. In primary analyses, an MI was defined with ICD9 code 410 from CMS records. Secondary analyses defined MI using code 410 in combination with additional codes.ResultsA total of 25 549 hospitalization records met study criteria. In primary analysis, specificity was at least 0.98 for all CMS definitions by discharge code position. Sensitivity ranged from 0.48 for primary position only to 0.63 when definition included any discharge code position. The sensitivity of definitions including codes 410 and 411.1 were higher than sensitivity observed when using code 410 alone. Specificity of these alternate definitions was higher for women (0.98) than for men (0.96).ConclusionAlgorithms that rely exclusively on primary discharge code position will miss approximately 50% of all MI cases due to low sensitivity of this definition. We recommend defining MI by code 410 in any of first 5 discharge code positions overall and by codes 410 and 411.1 in any of first 3 positions for sensitivity analyses of women.
Selective Etching of N‐Doped Graphene Meshes as Metal‐Free Catalyst with Tunable Kinetics, High Activity and the Origin of New Catalytic Behaviors
Authors: Dai Yunqian , Zhou Jie , Huang Chengqian , Gu Qing , Zeng Yi , Xu Wanlin , Meng Xiangyu , Fu Wanlin , Sun Yueming 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNew N‐doped reduced graphene oxide (N‐RGO) meshes are facile fabricated by selective etching of 3–5 nm nanopores, with controllable doping of N dopants at an ultrahigh N/C ratio up to 15.6 at%, from pristine graphene oxide sheets in one‐pot hydrothermal reaction. The N‐RGO meshes are illustrated to be an efficient metal‐free catalyst toward hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol, with new catalytic behaviors emerging in following three aspects: (i) tunable kinetics following pseudofirst order from commonly observed pseudozero order; (ii) strikingly improved activity with 26‐fold increased rate constant (1.0 s−1 g−1 L); (iii) no induction time required prior to reaction due to depressed back conversion, and dramatically decreased apparent activation energy (Ea) (17 kJ mol−1). The origin of these new catalytic properties can be assigned to the synergetic effects between graphitic N doping and structural defects arising from nanopores. Deeper understanding unveils that the concentration of graphitic N is inverse proportion to Ea, while the pyrrolic N has no impact on this reaction, and oxygenate groups hampers it. The porous nature allows the N‐RGO meshes to conduct catalyze reactions in continuous flow fashion.
Role of prophylactic azithromycin to reduce airway inflammation and mortality in a RSV mouse infection model
Authors: Mosquera Ricardo A. , De Jesus‐Rojas Wilfredo , Stark James M. , Yadav Aravind , Jon Cindy K. , Atkins Constance L. , Samuels Cheryl L. , Gonzales Traci R. , McBeth Katrina E. , Hashmi Syed S. , Garolalo Roberto , Colasurdo Giuseppe N. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations. Macrolides have received considerable attention for their anti‐inflammatory actions beyond their antibacterial effect. We hypothesize that prophylactic azithromycin will be effective in reducing the severity of RSV infection in a mouse model.MethodsFour groups of BALB/c mice were studied for 8 days: Control (C), RSV‐infected (R), early prophylaxis with daily azithromycin from days 1 to 8, (E), and late prophylaxis with daily azithromycin from days 4 to 8 (L). Mice were infected with RSV on day 4, except for the control group. All groups were followed for a total of 8 days when bronchoalveolar lavage cell count and cytokines levels were measured. Mouse weight, histopathology, and mortality data were obtained.ResultsProphylactic azithromycin significantly attenuated post‐viral weight loss between group R and both groups E and L (P = 0.0236, 0.0179, respectively). IL‐6, IL‐5, and Interferon‐Gamma were significantly lower in group L (P = 0.0294, 0.0131, and 0.0056, respectively) compared with group R. The total cell count was significantly lower for group L as compared with group R (P < 0.05). Mortality was only observed in group R (8%). Lung histology in the prophylactic groups showed diminished inflammatory infiltrates and cellularity when compared with group R.ConclusionProphylactic azithromycin effectively reduced weight loss, airway inflammation, cytokine levels and mortality in RSV‐infected mice. These results support the rationale for future clinical trials to evaluate the effects of prophylactic azithromycin for RSV infection.
Characterisation of Robust Combustion Catalyst from Aluminium Foil Waste
Authors: Osman Ahmed I. , Abu‐Dahrieh Jehad K. , McLaren Mathew , Laffir Fathima , Rooney David W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractHerein a robust and active combustion catalyst was prepared with three‐quarter (75 wt.%) of its composition derived from the aluminium foil waste and designated as 5Pd‐ACFL550. The prepared catalyst was characterised using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR), Bright‐field transmission electron microscopy (BF‐TEM), High angle annular dark field (HAADF), Fourier transform infrared‐pyridine (FTIR‐Pyridine) and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) techniques and compared to the commercial equivalent (5Pd‐AC550). The catalyst 5Pd‐ACFL550 showed higher catalytic activity than that of 5Pd‐AC550 in the total methane oxidation reaction with T50% at 303 °C at Gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 100,000 mL g−1 h−1. Our approach opens doors for the preparation of robust cheap combustion catalyst from aluminium foil waste and demonstrates its application in the catalytic converters of natural gas vehicles (NGV‐vehicles) and other combustion applications. As a result, this can be opened up to a wider variety of application markets, including residential and automotive applications.
Theoretical Calculations of the Optical and Electronic Properties of Dithienosilole‐ and Dithiophene‐Based Donor Materials for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Manzoor Farah , Iqbal Javed , Zara Zeenat , Eliasson Bertil , Mahr Muhammad Shabir , Ayub Khurshid 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSix Acceptor‐Donor‐Acceptor (A−D−A) types molecules with dimethyl dithieno[3, 2‐b:2′,3′‐d]silole)−2,6‐diyl (DTS) (M1‐M3) and dimethyl cyclopenta [2, 1‐b;3,4‐b]‐dithiophene (CPDT) (M4‐M6) core flanged by different acceptor units through methylthiophene bridge are evaluated as donor materials for photovoltaic applications. The photovoltaic properties of M1‐M3 and M4‐M6 are compared with standard RaRc and Rb,Rd respectively. Geometry optimization was performed with CAM−B3LYP/6‐31G (d) level of theory. TD‐CAM−B3LYP has been employed for the estimation of excited state properties of the molecules. M1, M2, M3 and M4, M5, M6 symbolized suitable frontier molecular orbital's (FMO's) energy levels with broad absorption spectra. The electron withdrawing substituents impart red shift in absorption spectra along with good consistancy of designed donor molecules. Reorganization energies of donor molecules (M1‐M6) showed ideal properties of charge mobility. M1 and M4 illustrated lowest λe values as compared to λh, thus dictated that designed donor molecules are of good choice for their electron donating ability. Furthermore, M2 and M6 demonstrated shortest Eg of 3.7 and 3.72 eV among HOMO and LUMO energy levels.
Bis‐Tridentate‐Cyclometalated Ruthenium Complexes with Extended Anchoring Ligand and Their Performance in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells.
Authors: Aghazada Sadig , Zimmermann Iwan , Ren Yameng , Wang Peng , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRuthenium polypyridine complexes with six‐membered chelating rings have recently received significant attention due to their broad absorption spectra and outstanding photophysical characteristics. In this work we present the synthesis and characterization of three new heteroleptic bis‐tridentate cyclometalated ruthenium complexes, i. e. 1 a, 2 a, and 3 a, with donating and accepting ligands. Complexes 2 a and 3 a are coordinated with 2,6‐di(quinolin‐8‐yl)‐4‐methoxycarbonylpyridine (dqpCO2Me), and 1 a with 2,2’:6’,2’’‐terpyridine‐4’‐ethoxycarbonyl (tpyCO2Et) accepting ligands. Interestingly, the binding mode of the accepting ligand was found to differ in 3 a and 2 a. NMR spectra and single crystal XRD data reveal that in 3 a one of the quinolines of dqpCO2Me ligand is cyclometalated, while in 2 a the ligand coordinates in an expected fashion similar to tpyCO2Et. The ester groups in 1 a and 2 a were hydrolyzed to obtain sensitizers 1 and 2, which were used in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSCs) and the device performance with both iodine‐ and cobalt‐based electrolytes was investigated. Complete 1H, 13C and 1H‐1H COSY NMR, and high‐resolution mass analyses of all complexes were conducted.
How Much Data are Good Enough? Using Simulation to Determine the Reliability of Estimating POMR for Resource‐Constrained Settings
Authors: Marks Isobel H. , Fong Zhi Ven , Stapleton Sahael M. , Hung Ya‐Ching , Bababekov Yanik J. , Chang David C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionPerioperative mortality rate (POMR) is a suggested indicator for surgical quality worldwide. Currently, POMR is often sampled by convenience; a data‐driven approach for calculating sample size has not previously been attempted. We proposed a novel application of a bootstrapping sampling technique to estimate how much data are needed to be collected to reasonably estimate POMR in low‐resource countries where 100% data capture is not possible.
Material and methodsSix common procedures in low‐ and middle‐income countries were analysed by using population database in New York and California. Relative margin of error by dividing the absolute margin of error by the true population rate was calculated. Target margin of error was ±50%, because this level of precision would allow us to detect a moderate‐to‐large effect size.Results and discussionTarget margin of error was achieved at 0.3% sampling size for abdominal surgery, 7% for fracture, 10% for craniotomy, 16% for pneumonectomy, 26% for hysterectomy and 60% for C‐section. POMR may be estimated with fairly good reliability with small data sampling. This method demonstrates that it is possible to use a data‐driven approach to determine the necessary sampling size to accurately collect POMR worldwide.
Distal Tibia Metaphyseal Fractures: Which is Better, Intra-medullary Nailing or Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis?
Authors: Chandrakant Kawalkar Abhijit , Martand Badole Chandrashekher 
Published: February 2018

Introduction Tibia fractures are the most common long bone fractures encountered by the orthopedic surgeons and distal tibia fractures have the second highest incidence of all tibia fractures after the middle third of tibia the distal tibial fractures are unique and are considered as most challenging fractures to treat due to its proximity to the ankle joint and its superficial nature. The objective of this study is to compare two osteosynthesis systems developed for surgical treatment of distal tibia fractures: the intramedullary nailing and the MIPPO technique. Methods The study was conducted between Jan 2011 to Dec 2012. 63 patients with extra-articular distal tibia fracture treated with intramedullary nailing and MIPPO technique were reviewed retrospectively and clinical outcome was evaluated according to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score. Results 31 patients were treated with intramedullary nail & 32 with MIPPO technique. Fibular fixation was done in cases where fibular fracture was at or below the level of tibial fractures. We found no difference in terms of time for fracture union, mal-union, non-union, duration of surgery and amount of blood loss. But there was significant difference in terms of infection and duration of hospital stay. Also weight bearing was possible much earlier in intramedullary group as compared to the MIPPO group. Conclusion Thus we conclude that intramedullary nailing is better choice of implant in patients with extra- articular distal tibia fractures & helps in early weight bearing and ambulation of patient with fewer complications.
Hyak mortality monitoring system: innovative sampling and estimation methods – proof of concept by simulation
Authors: Clark S. J. , Wakefield J. , McCormick T. , Ross M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTraditionally health statistics are derived from civil and/or vital registration. Civil registration in low- to middle-income countries varies from partial coverage to essentially nothing at all. Consequently the state of the art for public health information in low- to middle-income countries is efforts to combine or triangulate data from different sources to produce a more complete picture across both time and space – data amalgamation. Data sources amenable to this approach include sample surveys, sample registration systems, health and demographic surveillance systems, administrative records, census records, health facility records and others. We propose a new statistical framework for gathering health and population data – Hyak – that leverages the benefits of sampling and longitudinal, prospective surveillance to create a cheap, accurate, sustainable monitoring platform. Hyak has three fundamental components:
•Data amalgamation: A sampling and surveillance component that organizes two or more data collection systems to work together: (1) data from HDSS with frequent, intense, linked, prospective follow-up and (2) data from sample surveys conducted in large areas surrounding the Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) sites using informed sampling so as to capture as many events as possible;•Cause of death: Verbal autopsy to characterize the distribution of deaths by cause at the population level; and•Socioeconomic status (SES): Measurement of SES in order to characterize poverty and wealth.We conduct a simulation study of the informed sampling component of Hyak based on the Agincourt HDSS site in South Africa. Compared with traditional cluster sampling, Hyak's informed sampling captures more deaths, and when combined with an estimation model that includes spatial smoothing, produces estimates of both mortality counts and mortality rates that have lower variance and small bias.