bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact on focal parameters for near‐field‐focused aperture antennas
Authors: Wang Weimin , Gao Huaqiang , Wu Yongle , Liu Yuanan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNear‐field‐focused (NFF) antennas have been studied to focus the electromagnetic power in the near‐field (NF) region of the antenna aperture over a long time. Some focal parameters have been adopted to evaluate the focused performance of NFF antennas. Research work on smaller NFF aperture antennas with electrically large size is limited for the similarities between array antennas and aperture ones increasing with their size increasing. It is meaningful to study smaller aperture (several wavelengths) antennas because the physical size of antennas is limited for low‐frequency applications. This paper investigates the impacts of four factors on six focal parameters for NFF aperture antennas when the electrical size is not large enough. The results of six focal parameters are given as functions of the focal distance for different aperture shapes, aperture sizes, and aperture amplitude distributions, respectively. Finally, the differences of two focal parameters between the focal plane and the focal sphere are discussed as well. Unlike the previous work on the scalar diffraction field of NFF aperture antennas using the Fresnel region field approximation, the integral expression of scalar diffraction field is calculated directly and exactly in this paper to produce the focused field at an arbitrarily selected point.
Dietary Nondigestible Polysaccharides Ameliorate Colitis by Improving Gut Microbiota and CD4+ Differentiation, as Well as Facilitating M2 Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Wang Honggang , Wang Yong , Zhao Jie , Jiang Jianguo , Zhou Yaxing , Shi Peiliang , Liu Qinghong , Sun Yueming 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of a specific multifiber mix diet (MF) designed to match the fiber content of a healthy diet in interleukin‐10 knockout (IL‐10−/−) mice with spontaneous chronic colitis displaying similar characteristics to those of human Crohn's disease (CD).MethodsSixteen‐week‐old IL‐10−/− mice were used for the experiments with MF diet for 4 weeks. Severity of colitis, the composition of the fecal microbiota, expression of Th1/Th17 cells, myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentrations, and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α], IL‐6, macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]‐2, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 [MCP‐1], and MIP‐1α), as well as arginase 1 (Arg1) and signal transducers and activators of transcription 6 (STAT6) proteins, were measured at the end of the experiment. In addition, the corresponding metabolites (short‐chain fatty acids) of MF on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) were also detected in vivo and in vitro.ResultsMF treatment significantly ameliorated colitis associated with decreased lamina propria frequency of Th1/Th17 cells, MPO concentrations, and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (TNF‐α, IL‐6, MIP‐2, MCP‐1, and MIP‐1α). An increase in gut microbial diversity was observed after MF treatment compared with IL‐10−/− mice, including a significant increase in bacteria belonging to the Firmicutes phylum and a significant decrease in bacteria belonging to the Proteobacteria phylum. Moreover, MF treatment increased the differentiation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs mainly by microbial metabolites butyrate. In addition, Arg1 and STAT6 proteins were also significantly increased after MF treatment.ConclusionsThese results shed light on the contribution of MF treatment to the CD mouse model and suggest that MF has potential as a therapeutic strategy for enhancing efficacy in inducing remission in patients with active CD.
Electrospun Janus Membrane for Efficient and Switchable Oil–Water Separation
Authors: Ranganath Anupama Sargur , Baji Avinash 
Published: September 2018

AbstractElectrospinning is employed to fabricate a Janus membrane that demonstrates hydrophobic behavior on one surface and hydrophilic behavior on the other. The Janus membrane is fabricated by electrospinning hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) on top of a hydrophilic membrane. The hydrophilic membrane is fabricated by electrospinning poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and PVDF blend solution. This Janus membrane exhibits a water separation efficiency of over 99.5% at an ultra‐low hydrostatic pressure of 0.7 kPa. The results demonstrate that the membrane can be used to separate both oil and water from oil in water and water in oil emulsions. The top layer of the Janus membrane selectively reduces the liquid entry pressure of one of the liquids in the emulsion and aids in its separation from the emulsion. When the water in oil emulsion contacts the PVDF layer of the Janus membrane, liquid entry pressure of the oil is considerably reduced compared to the liquid entry pressure of water. Thus, the membrane aids in the separation of oil from the emulsion and transmits it through the membrane. Similarly, the Janus membrane with PNIPAM/PVDF blend layer facing up, aids in separating and transmitting the water from oil in water emulsion.
Poly(Lactic Acid) Fine Fibers Containing a Low Content of Superhydrophilic Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Graphene Oxide Hybrid as Scaffolds for Biological Applications
Authors: Andrade Patricia Oliveira , Grinet Marco Antônio Vieira Macedo , Costa Maira Maftoum , Santo Ana Maria Espirito , Marciano Fernanda Roberta , Lobo Anderson Oliveira 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHerein, polylactic acid containing two different concentrations of superhydrophilic multiwalled carbon nanotube graphene oxide hybrid (MWCNT‐GO, 0.5 wt% and 5 wt%) is rotary‐jet spun. The morphological, thermal, and surface wettability properties are then evaluated. Biological properties, including cytotoxicity, fibroblast cell adhesion, and the overall bioactive effect, are also investigated. It is demonstrated that the thermal behavior is affected by the presence of MWCNT‐GO, as well as the crystallinity. The addition of MWCNT‐GO, even in small amounts, reduces the wettability property of the fibers, making them more hydrophobic. However, biological tests with these fibers show no cytotoxic effect in all fiber sample groups, even when MWCNT‐GO concentration is increased. Therefore, nano‐structured, porous, and biocompatible polymeric scaffolds are obtained, with a high surface area and with notable potential for tissue engineering applications.
High‐Performance Composite Monolith Synthesized via HKUST‐1 Stabilized HIPEs and Its Adsorptive Properties
Authors: Yang Yongxia , Cao Liqin , Li Jing , Dong Yong , Wang Jide 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThis paper presents a green and facile method for generating a composite monolith. HKUST‐1 (Pickering emulsifier) and PVA (co‐emulsifier), are used to stabilize supercritical carbon dioxide in water as high internal phase emulsion template to prepare interconnected hydrophilic porous monoliths. The effects of HKUST‐1 contents and CO2 densities on the performance of MOF/ polyacrylamide (PAM) polyHIPEs are investigated. The as‐synthesized MOF/PAM composites are characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, XRD, and TGA. The SEM patterns show that the composites are interconnected, the void sizes are 10–80 µm, and the interconnected pore throats are approximately 0.5–25 µm. The rheological and DMA measurement results indicate that the viscoelasticity and mechanical properties of the composites greatly improve after HKUST‐1 is embedded. Furthermore, the adsorptive properties of MOF/PAM to bovine serum albumin (BSA) are studied, and the adsorption capacity of MOF/PAM enhances with the increase in HKUST‐1 content. The adsorption capacity of the composite with 7 wt% HKUST‐1 reached 350.4 mg g−1 in 1.0 g L−1 BSA solution.
PTBP1 acts as a dominant repressor of the aberrant tissue‐specific splicing of ISCU in hereditary myopathy with lactic acidosis
Authors: Rawcliffe Denise F. R. , Österman Lennart , Nordin Angelica , Holmberg Monica 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundHereditary myopathy with lactic acidosis (HML) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by an intron mutation in the iron‐sulfur cluster assembly (ISCU) gene. The mutation results in aberrant splicing, where part of the intron is retained in the final mRNA transcript, giving rise to a truncated nonfunctional ISCU protein. Using an ISCU mini‐gene system, we have previously shown that PTBP1 can act as a repressor of the mis‐splicing of ISCU, where overexpression of PTBP1 resulted in a decrease of the incorrect splicing. In this study, we wanted to, in more detail, analyze the role of PTBP1 in the regulation of endogenous ISCU mis‐splicing.MethodsOverexpression and knockdown of PTBP1 was performed in myoblasts from two HML patients and a healthy control. Quantification of ISCU mis‐splicing was done by qRTPCR. Biotinylated ISCU RNA, representing wildtype and mutant intron sequence, was used in a pull‐down assay with nuclear extracts from myoblasts. Levels of PTBP1 in human cell lines and mice tissues were analyzed by qRTPCR and western blot.ResultsPTBP1 overexpression in HML patient myoblasts resulted in a substantial decrease of ISCU mis‐splicing while knockdown of PTBP1 resulted in a drastic increase. The effect could be observed in both patient and control myoblasts. We could also show that PTBP1 interacts with both the mutant and wild‐type ISCU intron sequence, but with a higher affinity to the mutant sequence. Furthermore, low levels of PTBP1 among examined mouse tissues correlated with high levels of incorrect splicing of ISCU.ConclusionOur results show that PTBP1 acts as a dominant repressor of ISCU mis‐splicing. We also show an inverse correlation between the levels of PTBP1 and ISCU mis‐splicing, suggesting that the high level of mis‐splicing in the skeletal muscle is primarily due to the low levels of PTBP1.
Effect of exfoliated molybdenum disulfide oxide on friction and wear properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Amini Majed , Ramazani S.A. Ahmad , Varjouy Ali Afkhami , Faghihi Morteza 
Published: September 2018

The aim of this work is to investigate the effect of molybdenum disulfide on tribological properties of Ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). UHMWPE/MoS2 nano‐composites were prepared using in‐situ polymerization and Ziegler‐Natta catalytic system. Studies showed that, in order to obtain the optimum tribological properties, interlayer distance between nanosheets should be as high as possible. Therefore, the nanosheets were subjected to oxidation using the required oxidants followed by thermal shock and ultrasound. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was used to determine the formation of functional groups which indicate the formation of S═O bond in the molybdenum disulfide oxide. Then, in order to exfoliate and increase the interlayer distance of nanosheets, thermal shock and ultrasonic were conducted Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) analyses. Finally, the obtained sample was used as the second support of catalyst in in‐situ polymerization process. Then, under specified and constant operational conditions, the synthesis of samples containing 0.5%, 1%, and 2% nanoparticles were conducted. The results of the morphological study with FESEM indicate that the filler is uniformly distributed in the matrix, and X‐ray Powder Diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that completely exfoliated nanocomposites were resulted and in low nanoparticle content. Addition of MoS2 as reinforcing agent had a significant effect on friction coefficient of the nanocomposites. With the addition of 0.5 wt% of MoS2, the friction coefficient declined by approximately 35%. Furthermore, negligible decrease in sample's weight after the wear test is an indication of a strong interaction between MoS2 and the matrix. Scratch resistance test revealed that with the addition of filler, the resistance increased from 23 to 60 MPa.
Psychiatric adverse events in oseltamivir prophylaxis trials: Novel comparative analysis using data obtained from clinical study reports
Authors: Jones Mark , Tett Susan E. , Del Mar Chris 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeEstimating the rate of adverse events (AEs) caused by a treatment in clinical trials typically involves comparing the proportions of patients experiencing AEs in intervention and control groups. However, potentially important information, including duration, recurrence, and intensity of events, is lost. In this study, we illustrate how the additional information can be obtained and incorporated into analyses of AEs.MethodsData on psychiatric AEs were extracted from clinical study reports (CSRs) provided by the manufacturer of oseltamivir in 4 prophylaxis randomised trials in adults and adolescents. We analysed the incidence, recurrence, duration, and intensity of events, using logistic regression models where the outcome compared was proportion of days suffering from an event, and developed novel presentation techniques.ResultsPsychiatric AEs were generally more frequent, longer, and more intense in the treatment than placebo arms. Logistic regression models confirm the apparent association overall (odds ratio [OR] 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28 to 9.32), particularly for events classified as severe (OR 34.5, 95% CI 3.66 to 325). However, the absolute difference in proportion of days suffering from severe psychiatric AEs between groups was small.ConclusionsThis example analysis shows evidence of a causal effect of oseltamivir on psychiatric AEs, not apparent in the published versions of the same trials and a Cochrane review which showed a nonsignificant 81% increased odds of experiencing a psychiatric event. This unique and important finding was dependent on obtaining previously unavailable data from clinical study reports and using novel analyses and presentation methods.
Consensus analysis of large‐scale nonlinear homogeneous multiagent formations with polynomial dynamics
Authors: Massioni Paolo , Scorletti Gérard 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThis paper concerns the consensus analysis of multiagent systems made of the interconnection of identical nonlinear agents interacting with one another through an undirected and connected graph topology. Drawing inspiration from the theory of linear “decomposable systems,” we provide a method for proving the convergence (or consensus) of such multiagent sytems in the case of polynomial dynamics. The method is based on a numerical test, namely a set of linear matrix inequalities providing sufficient conditions for the convergence. We also show that the use of a generalized version of the famous Kalman‐Yakubovic‐Popov lemma allows the development of a linear matrix inequalities test whose size does not directly depend on the number of agents. The method is validated in simulation on three examples, which also show how the numerical test can be used to properly tune a controller.
Approach to excellent superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance of carbon‐based films by graphene and cobalt synergism
Authors: Yan Qingqing , Zhou Shengguo , Ma Liqiu , Wan Shanhong , Zhu Xiaobo 
Published: September 2018

A new series of carbon‐based films doped with graphene oxide and cobalt (G‐Co/a‐C:H films) were successfully prepared on Si substrate via one‐step electrochemical deposition of methanol as the carbon source and graphene oxide/cobalt as the dopant. G‐Co/a‐C:H films were fabricated at various graphene oxide concentration for comparative experiments. It can be found that the graphene oxide and cobalt were well embedded in amorphous carbon matrix to form superhydrophobic G‐Co/a‐C:H film at the doping GO concentration of 0.007 mg/mL, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was noted that the superhydrophobicity of the resulting surface derives from its rough surface with hierarchical micro‐nanostructures and the presence of the low‐surface‐energy GO components on it. The hierarchical micro‐nanostructures are attributed to the corporate joint of GO and cobalt to form the multilevel nanoscale composite interface. Specially, the as‐fabricated superhydrophobic G‐Co/a‐C:H film could exhibit excellent self‐cleaning ability and corrosion resistance, revealed by the self‐cleaning and corrosion tests.
Water‐Triggered Metal‐Free Synthesis of Pyranopyrazoles via One‐Pot Oxidation/Michael Addition/Cyclization/Dehydration Sequence.
Authors: Dandia Anshu , Bansal Sarika , Sharma Ruchi , Parewa Vijay 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAn “all water” strategy for the catalyst free chemo‐selective synthesis of pyranopyrazoles via the reaction of 3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5(4H)‐one with benzyl alcohols has been developed. Water actuates the reaction via ‘electrophile– nucleophile dual activation’ of the reactants through the concerted hydrogen bonding network and impel the reactants for C−C bond formation. Reaction proceeds by metal and catalyst free oxidation–Michael addition–cyclization–dehydration sequence. This method gave pyrano[2, 3‐c:6,5‐c′]dipyrazol]‐2‐ones selectivity over other possible products. Furthermore, this method is also applied on the reaction of the benzyl alcohols and dimedone to give arylmethylene[bis(5,5‐dimethyl‐3‐hydroxy‐2‐cyclohexene‐1‐ones)] in good to excellent yields.
Biological Activity of New Cyclophosphazene Derivatives Including Fluorenylidene‐Bridged Cyclophosphazenes
Authors: Yıldırım Tuba , Şenkuytu Elif , Ergene Emel , Bilgin Kemal , Uludağ Yıldız , Çiftçi Gönül Yenilmez 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIn this study, new cyclophosphazene compounds were synthesized characterized and their biological activity studies were performed. The structural investigations of the compounds were verified by elemental analyses, mass spectrometry, 1H, 31P NMR techniques. Later, the effects of the synthesized compounds to DNA were screened using DNA interaction analysis and cleavage methods by utilizing pUC18 plasmid. The results showed that the compounds 14, 40 and 45 caused Form III (linearized DNA) plasmid DNA, indicating the interaction of these compounds with the plasmid DNA.
Single‐phase All‐solid‐state Silver Battery using Ag1.5Cr0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 as Anode, Cathode, and Electrolyte
Authors: Inoishi Atsushi , Nishio Akira , Kitajou Ayuko , Okada Shigeto 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAn all‐solid‐state silver battery made from a single material is reported. NASICON‐type Ag1.5Cr0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 functioned as the anode, cathode, and electrolyte. High rate capability at 298 K and low temperature operation (233 K) were possible due to its high electrical conductivity and low interfacial resistance with the concept of a single‐phase battery. The redox reactions of Ag/Ag+ (anode) and Cr3+/Cr4+ (cathode) were confirmed from X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The operating voltage of the battery in this study was higher than that for a silver battery using an AgI solid electrolyte because of the high redox potential of the cathode and the wider potential window of Ag1.5Cr0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3 than that of AgI. Therefore, Ag1.5Cr0.5Ti1.5(PO4)3‐based single‐phase battery is a promising new concept to obtain a high voltage silver‐ion battery, high‐rate capability and low temperature operation.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Vicinal Diamines by Aza‐Michael Addition of Chiral Phenethylamine to Nitroalkenes
Authors: Ma Chunying , Du Jianxun , Liang Yuhua , Feng Wenhua 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAn efficient aza‐Michael addition of (R or S)‐α‐phenethylamine, a chiral nitrogen nucleophile to (E)‐nitroalkenes 2 a‐f permits the synthesis of vicinal diamines (or 1, 2‐di‐amine) after reduction of the 1, 4‐adducts 3 a‐f (or 3’a‐f). The key adducts 3 a‐f (or 3’a‐f) can be obtained in good yields (up to 78%) and excellent diastereoselectivities (up to > 98:2 dr (diastereomeric excess ratio)). In addition, this is one of the scarce examples where chiral phenethylamine and nitroalkenes have been used in catalyst‐free aza‐Michael additions. Our developed strategy opens an efficient entry to synthetic building blocks of vicinal diamines for natural products and drugs.
Right on the money? The contingent effects of strategic orientation and pay system design on firm performance
Authors: Tenhiälä Aino , Laamanen Tomi 
Published: September 2018

Research Summary: This article extends prior research on the performance implications of the fit between a firm's strategic orientation and its pay system design. Whereas prior research has shown that matching the pay system design to the strategic orientation of the firm generally contributes to higher performance, most studies have examined the pay systems of the upper echelons and employees separately. Based on an analysis that accounts for both horizontal and vertical pay dispersion, we find that, whereas growth‐oriented firms (prospectors) tend to benefit from high horizontal pay dispersion, efficiency‐oriented firms (defenders) perform better with high vertical pay dispersion and low relative base pay. Overall, our findings contribute to an improved understanding of how to optimize the pay systems of firms with different strategic orientations.
Managerial Summary: We study how the optimal configuration of the overall pay system differs between firms that pursue growth‐oriented and efficiency‐oriented strategies. Our results show that growth‐oriented firms (prospectors) benefit from pay structures with relatively large pay differentials horizontally between employees based on ability, effort, and results. Efficiency‐oriented firms (defenders), on the other hand, benefit from pay structures with relatively larger differences in pay across organizational levels vertically. Our findings suggest that while defenders should pay special attention to average pay levels to avoid over compensating their employees relative to competitors, prospectors should pay attention to the CEO‐employee pay differentials to avoid overcompensating executives relative to employees. Overall, our findings provide further evidence on the importance of matching the pay system design to a firm's strategy.
Correlations study and clustering from SPI experiences in small settings
Authors: Larrucea Xabier , Santamaría Izaskun 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSoftware Process Improvement (SPI) initiatives have been applied in a wide set of organisations including very small entities (VSE). In fact, this kind of organisations is facing several hurdles when overarching a SPI initiative. In this context, the ISO/IEC 29110 has been used as a lightweight reference model for steering VSEs in their SPI initiatives. The inherent uncertainty behind the SPI curtains blocks the organisations in their investments. Due to these reasons, we need to identify relationships and similarities in order to predict whether a SPI will succeed or not. We propose the use of Self‐Organising Maps for identifying patterns from these SPI studies. The aim of this paper is to identify correlations among SPI studies and to discover patterns from them.
Anomaly matching, (axial) Schwinger models, and high-T super Yang-Mills domain walls
Authors: Anber Mohamed M. , Poppitz Erich 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe study the discrete chiral- and center-symmetry ’t Hooft anomaly matching in the charge-qtwo-dimensional Schwinger model. We show that the algebra of the discrete symmetry operators involves a central extension, implying the existence ofqvacua, and that the chiral and center symmetries are spontaneously broken. We then argue that an axial version of theq= 2 model appears in the worldvolume theory on domain walls between center-symmetry breaking vacua in the high-temperature SU(2)$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$N=1super-Yang-Mills theory and that it inherits the discrete ’t Hooft anomalies of the four-dimensional bulk. The Schwinger model results suggest that the high-temperature domain wall exhibits a surprisingly rich structure: it supports a non-vanishing fermion condensate and perimeter law for spacelike Wilson loops, thus mirroring many properties of the strongly coupled four-dimensional low-temperature theory. We also discuss generalizations to theories with multiple adjoint fermions and possible lattice tests.