bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acoustic properties of polyurethane compositions enhanced with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles
Authors: Yıldırım B. , Sancak A. , Navidfar A. , Trabzon L. , Orfali W. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this study, in order to enhance acoustic properties of polyurethane (PU) foams multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and/or silica nanoparticles were added to polyol‐isocyanate composition up to 2 wt%, and acoustic properties of polyurethane foam samples with small amount of carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles (spherical and/or amorphous types) were determined in the frequency range from 50 Hz up to 6400 Hz. Acoustic properties, especially absorption coefficient of the produced samples were measured for all the prepared samples and results were investigated to come up with the best polyurethane samples that can be applied for sound absorption application at the desired frequency range. It was found that double combination of carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles, especially 0.7 wt% carbon nanotubes and 0.2 wt% spherical silica nanoparticle added polyurethane composition has better sound absorption ratio overall all frequencies levels compared to the other samples. Thus, it is possible to obtain polyurethane nanocomposite with a higher amount of carbon nanotube by weight at the same time enhancing sound absorption properties. Moreover, there is a synergic effect between carbon nanotubes and silica nanoparticles when mixed and added into polyurethane matrix at predetermined levels to get enhanced acoustic response with a higher level of carbon nanotube in polyurethane foam.
A comparative performances analysis of UHF RFID two crossed dipoles antenna based on FR4 substrate
Authors: Ben Abdallah E. , Egels M. , Bergeret E. , Benzaim O. , Pannier P. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe design of an FR4‐based UHF RFID portable quasi‐isotropic reader antenna with a circular polarization is reported. This low‐cost small size antenna consists of two crossed dipoles with dimensions of 50 × 80 × 1.6 mm3. A 3‐dB axial ratio bandwidth of 10 MHz can be obtained and a quasi‐isotropic radiation pattern is achieved. The designed antenna performances are investigated for 6 prototypes using the same substrate and different boards. A performances comparison and analysis between the different realizations are presented in this article. Results demonstrate that inaccuracies in FR4 characteristics have effects on the antenna performances. Therefore, the key parameters of this type of antennas are identified.
Melatonin supplementation during prolonged in vitro maturation improves the quality and development of poor‐quality porcine oocytes via anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic effects
Authors: Lin Tao , Lee Jae Eun , Kang Jeong Won , Oqani Reza K , Cho Eun Seok , Kim Seong Bok , Il Jin Dong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPoor‐quality oocytes (those with 1–2 layers of cumulus cells) typically possess low meiotic competence and development. Prolonging the duration of in vitro maturation (IVM; 52 hr) can enhance the maturation rate of poor‐quality oocytes, but it does not improve subsequent embryonic development. This likely reflects the increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis seen in these oocytes compared with the non‐prolonged IVM (44 hr) group. Melatonin is a free radical scavenger, anti‐oxidant and anti‐apoptotic agent that reported to enhance the quality of embryos by inhibiting ROS generation and apoptosis. Therefore, we herein investigated whether melatonin combined with prolonged IVM (52 hr) could improve the quality and development of poor‐quality oocytes. We supplemented IVM and/or in vitro culture (IVC) media with various concentrations (0, 10−7, 10−6, 10−5 M) of melatonin, and estimated parameters related to oocyte quality and development. The addition of melatonin (10−6 M) to a prolonged IVM system improved the oocyte quality and development compared with those of the melatonin‐free poor‐quality oocytes group, and that this was due to decreases in ROS generation, apoptosis, and DNA damage. When melatonin was added during both IVM (10−6 M) and IVC (10−6 M), we observed a cumulative positive influence on the embryonic development and quality; this treatment enhanced the expression level of Oct4 and decreased the levels of ROS, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Together, these findings suggest that the combination of melatonin plus prolonged IVM can improve the quality and development of poor‐quality porcine oocytes via anti‐oxidative and anti‐apoptotic effects.
Fracture behavior of transversely isotropic rocks with discrete weak interfaces
Authors: Celleri Humberto M. , Sánchez Martín , Otegui José L. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryAnisotropic rocks have gained increasing attention due to the development of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs. This type of reservoir requires complex engineering procedures from drilling to completion, and the mechanical properties of the rocks play a significant role. One of the most important characteristics of unconventional formations is the presence of well‐defined layers, which greatly modify both elastic and fracture properties of the rocks. Rock elastic response is direction dependent, commonly described as vertically transversely isotropic (VTI), meaning that there is an isotropic plane of symmetry with respect to the vertical direction. Between layers, calcitic veins or ash beds alter the rock's properties substantially. These interfaces, which can have low or no cohesion at all, act as preferential planes for fracture nucleation and propagation, affecting the rocks strength. In this work, the fracture behavior of VTI rocks with weak interfaces is studied using numerical simulations of brazilian tests. A hybrid discontinuous Galerkin–cohesive zone model was used to simulate fracture initiation and propagation on discs in the presence of weak planes. With this approach, we determined the effective brazilian test strength of the rocks under different conditions, namely, relative angles between layers and the loading direction, densities, and cohesion of weak interfaces. Shear reactivation of the interfaces is analyzed using the Mohr‐Coulomb failure criterion and Mohr circles.
Preparation and characterization of polymethacrylimide/silicate foam
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Xu Miaojun , Li Bin 
Published: August 2018

The polymethacrylimide/silicate (PMI/silicate) composites were successfully prepared from the monomers of acrylonitrile (AN) and methacrylic acid (MAA) via the monomer in situ intercalation polymerization and free foaming. The formation of imide groups was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results of FTIR and XPS indicated that the imide groups were gradually formed and cyano groups were dwindling but still existed during foaming and thermal treatment. The thermogravimetric analysis results revealed that the thermal stability of the PMI/silicate composites was improved, the rate of thermal degradation was reduced, and the residue was increased because of the addition of silicates. The results of dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the rigidity and the glass transition temperature of the composites were improved. The limit oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimeter (CONE) test showed that the fire‐retardant properties were improved because of the barrier effect of silicates. The cell morphologies of the PMI/silicate composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results showed that the silicate particles were distributed on the cell walls, but the cells slightly cracked. The mechanical properties were measured by tensile, flexural, and compressive strength. The mechanical strength, especially flexural strength, was significantly improved. The flexural strength of PMI/MMT, PMI/kaolin, and PMI/talc containing 8 wt% silicates was improved to 172%, 240%, and 233%.
Combined high‐dose intra‐arterial and intrathecal chemotherapy for the treatment of a case of extraocular retinoblastoma
Authors: Rodriguez Anabel , Zugbi Santiago , Requejo Flavio , Deu Alejandra , Sampor Claudia , Sgroi Mariana , Bosaleh Andrea , Fandiño Adriana , Schaiquevich Paula , Chantada Guillermo 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPatients with retinoblastoma and central nervous system (CNS) involvement are rarely curable with available treatments. We designed a high‐dose intra‐arterial regimen targeting the ophthalmic artery and chiasm combined with intrathecal chemotherapy to treat a 4‐year‐old patient with retinoblastoma metastasized to the CNS. After three cycles of this regimen, including carboplatin, melphalan, and intrathecal topotecan, a partial response of the orbital tumor mass and chiasmatic lesion, and complete response in the cerebrospinal fluid and bone marrow were achieved. This new treatment strategy may be explored as a treatment component for patients with overt extraocular retinoblastoma and CNS dissemination.
Delivering problem‐solving therapy to family caregivers of people with cancer: A feasibility study in outpatient palliative care
Authors: Washington Karla T. , Demiris George , Parker Oliver Debra , Albright David L. , Craig Kevin W. , Tatum Paul 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectiveIn response to the well‐documented need for evidence‐based cancer caregiver support, we examined the feasibility of problem‐solving therapy for family caregivers of cancer patients receiving outpatient palliative care and investigated the impact of problem‐solving therapy on family caregivers' anxiety, depression, and quality of life.MethodsWe conducted a feasibility study of a structured problem‐solving therapy intervention delivered to family caregivers of cancer patients receiving outpatient palliative care from an academic health center in the Midwestern United States. Participants (N = 83) were randomly assigned to receive usual care or usual care plus a problem‐solving therapy intervention, which was delivered over three sessions via web‐based videoconferencing or telephone. Descriptive statistics were used to determine feasibility relative to recruitment, retention, and fidelity to core intervention components. Outcome data were analyzed using ordinary least squares multiple regression.ResultsProblem‐solving therapy for family caregivers of patients with cancer was found to be highly feasible in the outpatient palliative care setting. Caregivers who received problem‐solving therapy reported less anxiety than those who received only usual care (P = 0.03). No statistically significant differences were observed for caregiver depression (P = 0.07) or quality of life (P = 0.06).ConclusionsProblem‐solving therapy is a feasible and promising approach to reducing cancer family caregivers' anxiety in the outpatient palliative care setting. Further testing in multiple sites is recommended.
Overexpression of AR‐regulated lncRNA TMPO‐AS1 correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis in prostate cancer
Authors: Huang Wenhua , Su Xinya , Yan Wei , Kong Zhe , Wang Dan , Huang Yan , Zhai Qiaoli , Zhang Xiaowei , Wu Hai , Li Yao , Li Tao , Wan Xuechao 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundProstate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of death in males all over the world; besides, the diagnosis and therapy of it are still challenging. Researchers have revealed that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the genesis and progression of human cancers, including PCa.MethodsBioinformatics analysis and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis were utilized to confirm TMPO‐AS1 as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. The TMPO‐AS1 levels in both patient tissues and PCa cell lines were determined by qRT‐PCR analysis. Moreover, the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay identified that TMPO‐AS1 was a direct target of AR. The effect of overexpression or knockdown of TMPO‐AS1 on cell proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and cell apoptosis was assessed by using CCK‐8, transwell assays, and flow cytometric analysis, respectively.ResultsBased on primary screening, we found that TMPO‐AS1 could be a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker for PCa, whose expression was upregulated in PCa samples and associated with poorer prognosis. Bioinformatics predictions revealed TMPO‐AS1 was associated with a series of biological processes involved in PCa progression. In PCa cells, TMPO‐AS1 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm and directly down‐regulated by AR. Gain/loss‐of‐function assays showed TMPO‐AS1 overexpression increased cell proliferation by promoting cell cycle progression and promoted migration, but reduced apoptosis of PCa cells. In addition, TMPO‐AS1 may be a diagnostic and prognostic marker in multiple cancer types.ConclusionsAR‐regulated lncRNA TMPO‐AS1 functioned as an oncogenic lncRNA in PCa, and may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker to be used as a therapeutic target for PCa.
Standardized testing conditions for satellite communications on‐the‐move (SOTM) terminals
Authors: Alazab Elkhouly Mostafa , König Jonas , Beuster Niklas , Raschke Florian , Ihlow Alexander , Robinson Colin , Orus‐Perez Raul , Schurig Fritz , Knopp Andreas , Heuberger Albert , Landmann Markus , Del Galdo Giovanni 
Published: August 2018

SummaryPerformance validation of Satcom on‐the‐move (SOTM) terminals is becoming more important as the satellite operators continue to recognize the negative influence of suboptimal terminals on their satellite networks. Traditionally, SOTM testing is performed with actual operational satellites in field tests, which lack repeatability. The capability to repeat the conditions in which SOTM terminals are tested is important, especially when the performance of multiple terminals is compared. This contribution describes how the qualification test of SOTM terminals can be conducted in a laboratory environment so that repeatability can be ensured. A major advantage of a laboratory environment is the ability to test the complete terminal as if it was in the field of operation, yet without the involvement of real satellites effectively reducing the costs of testing. The main contributions of this paper are motion and shadowing profiles suitable for standardization of SOTM testing. Standardization of such profiles is necessary to guarantee a fair comparison of the performance of different terminals. Moreover, the paper presents the methodology for testing SOTM terminals at the Fraunhofer Facility for Over‐the‐air Research and Testing, the procedure used to obtain the proposed profiles and results of testing a Ka‐band SOTM terminal, taken as an example.
Sustainability assessment for crude palm oil production in Malaysia using the palm oil sustainability assessment framework
Authors: Lim Chye Ing , Biswas Wahidul 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe sustainability of production is one of the greatest challenges experienced by the Malaysian palm oil industry. Palm oil products consistently receive negative press and criticism, for causing deforestation, land use changes, peat land conversion, species loss, greenhouse gas emissions, biomass waste generation, violation of indigenous people's rights and limited local employment. This paper evaluates the sustainability of the most common crude palm oil supply chain in Malaysia, located in Sarawak, using the Palm Oil Sustainability Assessment (POSA) framework. The results show that the overall sustainability score for a typical crude palm oil supply chain in Malaysia is 3.47/5, which is below the sustainability target of 5/5. Hotspots identified include smallholder inequity, lack of biomass waste recycling and recovery, improper plantation practices, lower average wages and local employment. The site‐specific application of the POSA framework in the current study demonstrates its potential to be used universally across Malaysia.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Graphene by ICP‐Assisted Amorphous Carbon Sputtering
Authors: Ye Xing , Zhou Haiping , Levchenko Igor , Bazaka Kateryna , Xu Shuyan , Xiao Shaoqing 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEfficient and affordable synthesis of graphene at low temperatures remains a significant challenge that potentially limits the use of this material in real‐life applications. We describe here a simple, efficient, highly controllable technique to synthesize graphene by sputtering carbon from a solid source with the assistance of inductively coupled plasma (ICP), followed by controllable low‐temperature annealing at about 550 oC. Raman scattering and X‐ray diffraction characterizations have revealed the formation of a few layer graphene of high quality, confirmed by a low (∼0.48) ID/IG ratio. Raman analysis of samples formed at various annealing temperatures has revealed an upper limit for annealing temperature of 585 oC, beyond which the formed graphene reversibly dissolves in the metal. The ICP‐assisted process was innovatively employed to improve the quality of thus‐fabricated graphene at low temperatures. The mechanism of graphene formation was attributed to the metal induced graphitization in combination with the carbon precipitation onto the catalyst surface.
Cascade Synthesis of 5‐(Acetoxymethyl)furfural from Carbohydrates over Sn‐Mont Catalyst
Authors: Shinde Suhas , Deval Kashmira , Chikate Rajeev , Rode Chandrashekhar 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe 5‐(Acetoxymethyl)furfural (AcMF) is emerged as an important alternative for 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF). It is also a starting material for those products which are typically prepared from HMF. The growing importance of AcMF encouraged us to prepare it directly from cheap and abundant carbohydrates. The production AcMF from glucose and glucose‐like carbohydrates is an exigent assignment, owing to tough isomerisation of glucose to fructose. The Sn‐Mont catalyst having a unique combination of Lewis as well as Brønsted acid sites was employed for direct glucose conversion into AcMF. Lewis acid sites of Sn‐Mont facilitate the isomerisation of glucose to fructose. At the same time, dehydrative‐esterification of fructose to AcMF is catalyzed by Brønsted acid sites of Sn‐Mont. Different concentrations of Sn containing Sn‐Mont catalysts were by prepared mixing montmorillonite clay with different molar concentration (e. g. 0.1 M‐0.4 M) of aqueous solutions of SnCl4⋅5H2O. AcMF was produced in as high as 43% yield directly from glucose over Sn‐Mont(0.3 M) catalyst owing to its highest acid strength. The efficacy of Sn‐Mont(0.3 M) catalyst was also probed for sucrose and fructose that resulted in 53% and 58% yield of AcMF, respectively. The critical properties of all the prepared Sn‐Mont catalysts were investigated through XRD, BET surface area, ICP‐OES, temperature‐programmed desorption of NH3 and pyridine‐FTIR and XPS techniques.
Experimental study on the static performance of steel reinforced concrete columns with high encased steel ratios
Authors: Zhao Xianzhong , Wen Fuping , Chen Yiyi , Hu Jingli , Yang Xiaotian , Dai Liusi , Cao Si 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThe static performances of 12 steel reinforced concrete (SRC) columns with high encased steel ratios subjected to biaxial bending and axial loadings are studied experimentally. The main design parameters of the specimens in this experiment are the encased steel ratio, axial compression ratio, and shape distribution of the encased steel section. The crack formation, failure processes, bearing capacity, and ductility of the specimens are investigated in detail. The experimental results show that the increased encased steel ratio results in the increased bearing capacity and ductility of the specimens. Furthermore, the stiffness of the specimen degenerates gradually beyond the peak point with an increase in the axial compression ratio. In addition, a more extensive shape distribution of an encased steel section has a positive influence on the ductility of the specimen. A comparison of the yield and peak bearing capacities between the experimental results of this study and the predictions according to Eurocode 4 also highlights that Eurocode 4 would underestimate the bearing capacity of SRC columns with high encased steel ratios because it ignores the confinement of concrete provided from the steel section and hoops and it employs a conservative prediction approach for the simplified axial load‐bending moment curve.
Effects of postcast connection locations on the seismic performance of precast concrete frame joints
Authors: Feng Bo , Xiong Feng , Chen Jiang , Chen Wen , Zhang Yiping 
Published: August 2018

SummaryFor the precast structure with postcast connections, the location of the connection is usually the midspan of the beam, joint core, and beam end. However, the postcast connections located at the midspan of the beam or the joint core would increase the difficulty of construction because of the large dimension of the precast components or reinforcement congestion at joint core, respectively. A connection located at the beam end could decrease the seismic performance the energy dissipation mechanism being disturbed. To balance the requirements on the transportation, construction, and seismic performance, the connection is proposed to be located at one plastic hinge length from the beam end. A quasi‐static test was conducted on three 6 m × 3 m beam‐column joints, including two precast joints and a monolithic joint. The results show that the joint with connections located outside the plastic hinge zone had good seismic performance. When the connection located at the beam end, the ductility, strength, and energy dissipation reduced 8%, 10%, and 30%, respectively. To optimize the postcast location, finite element analysis was conducted and 2h was suggested for the postcast location according to the analysis results.
All partial breakings in $$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$ supergravity with a single hypermultiplet
Authors: Antoniadis Ignatios , Derendinger Jean-Pierre , Petropoulos P. Marios , Siampos Konstantinos 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe consider partial supersymmetry breaking in$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2supergravity coupled to a single vector and a single hypermultiplet. This breaking pattern is in principle possible if the quaternion-Kähler space of the hypermultiplet admits (at least) one pair of commuting isometries. For this class of manifolds, explicit metrics exist and we analyse a generic electro-magnetic (dyonic) gauging of the isometries. An example of partial breaking in Minkowski spacetime has been found long ago by Ferrara, Girardello and Porrati, using the gauging of two translation isometries on SO(4, 1)/SO(4). We demonstrate that no other example of partial breaking of$$ \mathcal{N}=2 $$N=2supergravity in Minkowski spacetime exists. We also examine partial-breaking vacua in anti-de Sitter spacetime that are much less constrained and exist generically even for electric gaugings. On SO(4, 1)/SO(4), we construct the partially-broken solution and its global limit which is the Antoniadis-Partouche-Taylor model.
Three challenges for behavioural science and policy: the empirical, the normative and the political
Authors: LEPENIES ROBERT , MACKAY KATHRYN , QUIGLEY MUIREANN 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn a ‘post-truth’ era in which personality and opinion trump evidence and reason, the need for frankness in debates about the use and boundaries of science and policy is high. We welcome the reflective and nuanced approach to behavioural science in policy-making in Sanders, Snijders and Hallsworth's (2018) piece. Despite our support for the approach in this paper, we suggest that there are deeper issues than are currently acknowledged. Our critique tackles three issues: the empirical, the normative and the political. In the first section, we examine what counts as ‘behavioural’ and how this label is used to legitimate a range of policy activities. We then look at randomised controlled trials in the next section, highlighting the extra-scientific dimensions of the empirical ‘What Works’ revolution. Finally, we question some ontological assumptions that drive empirical research and its translation into policy, asking where the collective is to be found in behavioural public policy.