bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationships between muscle size, strength, and physical activity in adults with muscular dystrophy
Authors: Jacques Matthew F. , Onambele‐Pearson Gladys L. , Reeves Neil D. , Stebbings Georgina K. , Smith Jonathon , Morse Christopher I. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundMuscular dystrophy (MD) is characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness, yet few comparisons to non‐MD controls (CTRL) of muscle strength and size in this adult population exist. Physical activity (PA) is promoted to maintain health and muscle strength within MD; however, PA reporting in adults with MD is limited to recall data, and its impact on muscle strength is seldom explored.MethodsThis study included 76 participants: 16 non‐MD (CTRL, mean age 35.4), 15 Duchenne MD (DMD, mean age 24.2), 18 Becker's MD (BMD, mean age 42.4), 13 limb‐girdle MD (LGMD, mean age 43.1), and 14 facioscapulohumeral MD (mean age 47.7). Body fat (%) and lean body mass (LBM) were measured using bioelectrical‐impedance. Gastrocnemius medialis (GM) anatomical cross‐sectional area (ACSA) was determined using B‐mode ultrasound. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was assessed during plantar flexion (PFMVC) and knee extension (KEMVC). PA was measured for seven continuous days using triaxial accelerometry and was expressed as daily average minutes being physically active (TPAmins) or average daily percentage of waking hours being sedentary (sedentary behaviour). Additionally, 10 m walk time was assessed.ResultsMuscular dystrophy groups had 34–46% higher body fat (%) than CTRL. DMD showed differences in LBM with 21–28% less LBM than all other groups. PFMVC and KEMVC were 36–75% and 24–92% lower, respectively, in MD groups than CTRL. GM ACSA was 47% and 39% larger in BMD and LGMD, respectively, compared with CTRL. PFMVC was associated with GM ACSA in DMD (P = 0.026, R = 0.429) and CTRL (P = 0.015, R = 0.553). MD groups were 14–38% more sedentary than CTRL groups, while DMD were more sedentary than BMD (14%), LGMD (8%), and facioscapulohumeral MD (14%). Sedentary behaviour was associated with LBM in DMD participants (P = 0.021, R = −0.446). TPAmins was associated with KEMVC (P = 0.020, R = 0.540) in BMD participants, while TPAmins was also the best predictor of 10 m walk time (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.540) in ambulant MD, revealed by multiple linear regression.ConclusionsQuantified muscle weakness and impaired 10 m walking time is reported in adults with MD. Muscle weakness and 10 m walk time were associated with lower levels of TPA in adults with MD. Higher levels of sedentary behaviour were associated with reduced LBM in DMD. These findings suggest a need for investigations into patterns of PA behaviour, and relevant interventions to reduce sedentary behaviour and encourage PA in adults with MD regardless of impairment severity.
Application of a novel microalgae‐film based air purifier to improve air quality through oxygen production and fine particulates removal
Authors: Lu Qian , Ji Chengcheng , Yan Yuping , Xiao Yan , Li Jun , Leng Lijian , Zhou Wenguang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDLow oxygen content and high density of airborne fine particulates in closed environments are serious problems threatening people's health. Herein a novel concept of using microalgae for air purification is proposed, and approaches, including the construction of a condensed microalgae film and the use of hydrogel, to realize this concept in a real‐world application are discussed.RESULTSThe results demonstrated that moisture loss, which limited O2 production and fine particulates removal, is a serious technical barrier to the durable use of this air purifier. With the addition of hydrogel, moisture loss of microalgae film in 8 h was reduced to 24.76%. Comparison of the contributions of hydrogel and microalgae indicated that in this air purifier, microalgae mainly contributed to fine particulates removal while hydrogel enhanced the performance of microalgae film by alleviating the moisture loss. Studies on the mechanisms proved that fine particulates removal by microalgae film is mainly driven by negative surface charge on microalgae cells.CONCLUSIONSThis study showed that qa microalgae‐film based air purifier performed well in oxygen production and fine particulates removal. In a real‐world application, to properly operate this air purifier, moisture content and pH value of the microalgae film should be strictly controlled. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Production of mannosylerythritol lipids from lignocellulose hydrolysates: tolerance thresholds of Moesziomyces antarcticus to inhibitors
Authors: Santos Marisa V , Faria Nuno T , Fonseca César , Ferreira Frederico Castelo 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDMoesziomyces antarcticus is an efficient producer of mannosylerythritol lipids (MEL), a biosurfactant with a wide range of potential applications. The use of lignocellulosic biomass can contribute to sustainable MEL production. While lignocellulosic sugars (e.g. D‐glucose and D‐xylose) can be converted to MEL, the required pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass releases by‐products that are potentially inhibitory for yeasts. A design of experiment (DoE) was performed to evaluate the effect of furfural, acetate and formate on M. antarcticus and their capacity to produce MEL from lignocellulose hydrolysates.RESULTSFurfural presented a higher inhibitory effect on MEL production than the two dissociated weak acids. The DoE was developed for 7‐days D‐glucose cultures with inhibitors up to 0.7 g L−1 furfural, 2.0 g L−1 acetate and 1.7 g L−1 formate. The model equations relate D‐glucose consumption rate and the production of cell biomass, lipids and MEL with the concentration of inhibitors. For example, MEL titre is reduced by 25% when 0.08 g L−1 furfural, 0.29 g L−1 acetate and 0.25 g L−1 formate were used. The model was validated in D‐glucose and used to study MEL production in D‐glucose and D‐glucose/D‐xylose mixtures. The use of D‐xylose showed a positive effect on MEL production in the presence of inhibitors since similar MEL titres were attained with (0.08 g L−1 furfural, 0.29 g L−1 acetate and 0.30 g L−1 formate) or without inhibitors when using a D‐glucose/D‐xylose mixture.CONCLUSIONThis study provides insight to the conditions required by M. antarcticus for MEL production from lignocellulosic hydrolysates and points towards further process and strain development requirements. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation of Isatin‐Pomalidomide Hybrids for Cytotoxicity against Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines
Authors: Panga Shyam , Podila Naveen Kumar , Ciddi Veeresham 
Published: October 2018

Inspired by the concept of molecular hybridization, a series of new isatin‐pomalidomide hybrids (9a–9g) were designed, synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity against U266B1 and RPMI 8226 multiple myeloma cell lines. Sandmeyer methodology and N‐halomethylketo alkylation reaction are the two important reactions involved in the synthesis of isatin‐pomalidomide hybrids (9a–9g). All the synthesized compounds (3a–3d, 4, 5, 6, and 9a–9g) were characterized by using IR, mass, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR spectral techniques. The efficacy of all the synthesized compounds was tested against the aforementioned cell lines by employing MTT assay (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) standard protocols while using pomalidomide as a standard. The test concentrations used in the MTT assay were 1, 10, 20, 30, and 40 μM, and the period of incubation was 24 h. All the synthesized compounds were found to have moderate to greater cytotoxic activity against the aforementioned cell lines. Among them, synthesized hybrids 9f (IC50, U266B1 = 5.15 ± 0.72 μM, RPMI8226 = 11.66 ± 0.79 μM) and 9g (IC50, U266B1 = 2.50 ± 0.37 μM, RPMI8226 = 6.70 ± 0.55 μM) displayed better cytotoxic activity against both the cell lines used in the present study.
Optimization of two‐dimensional electron gas characteristics of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Douara Abdelmalek , Djellouli Bouaza , Abid Hamza , Rabehi Abdelaziz , Ziane Abderrezzaq , Mostefaoui Mohammed , Ben Toumi Ahmed , Dif Naas 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this work, we present a physics‐based model for a two‐dimensional electron gas (2‐DEG) density at heterointerface in AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT). One‐dimensional Schrödinger‐Poisson equations are solved self‐consistently using a nonuniform mesh within the framework of the nextnano device simulation software. The 2‐DEG density of AlGaN/GaN HEMT is investigated through the dependence of electron concentrations on various structural parameters such as barrier layer thickness, doping concentration, and the Al content. We report calculations of gate capacitance from charge density characteristics with respect to gate voltage. Good agreement between calculation and experiment is found.
On the origins of informal hierarchy: The interactive role of formal leadership and task complexity
Authors: Oedzes Jacoba J. , Van der Vegt Gerben S. , Rink Floor A. , Walter Frank 
Published: October 2018

SummaryInformal hierarchies are a common and important feature of many groups, yet we know little about the antecedent conditions that determine the strength of such hierarchies. Building on theory that has depicted hierarchy as a mechanism for reducing uncertainty and creating structure, we posit that informal hierarchies emerge most strongly in situations that are ambiguous, ill‐defined, and unstructured. Three independent studies confirm this notion, demonstrating that groups develop particularly strong informal hierarchies in situations characterized by both a lack of strong formal leadership and high task complexity. These findings support the theoretical notion that formal and informal hierarchies are closely related, but only under conditions of high task complexity in which the structuring functions of hierarchies are most crucial.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Co‐Occurring Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorders in Veterans: Pilot Treatment Outcomes
Authors: Meyer Eric C. , Walser Robyn , Hermann Barbara , La Bash Heidi , DeBeer Bryann B. , Morissette Sandra B. , Kimbrel Nathan A. , Kwok Oi‐Man , Batten Sonja V. , Schnurr Paula P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) frequently co‐occur and are associated with worse outcomes together than either disorder alone. A lack of consensus regarding recommendations for treating PTSD–AUD exists, and treatment dropout is a persistent problem. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a transdiagnostic, mindfulness‐ and acceptance‐based form of behavior therapy, has potential as a treatment option for PTSD–AUD. In this uncontrolled pilot study, we examined ACT for PTSD–AUD in 43 veterans; 29 (67%) completed the outpatient individual therapy protocol (i.e., ≥ 10 of 12 sessions). Clinician‐assessed and self‐reported PTSD symptoms were reduced at posttreatment, ds = 0.79 and 0.96, respectively. Self‐reported symptoms of PTSD remained lower at 3‐month follow‐up, d = 0.88. There were reductions on all alcohol‐related outcomes (clinician‐assessed and self‐reported symptoms, total drinks, and heavy drinking days) at posttreatment and 3‐month follow‐up, dmean = 0.91 (d range: 0.65–1.30). Quality of life increased at posttreatment and follow‐up, ds = 0.55–0.56. Functional disability improved marginally at posttreatment, d = 0.35; this effect became significant by follow‐up, d = 0.52. Fewer depressive symptoms were reported at posttreatment, d = 0.50, and follow‐up, d = 0.44. Individuals experiencing suicidal ideation reported significant reductions by follow‐up. Consistent with the ACT theoretical model, these improvements were associated with more between‐session mindfulness practice and reductions in experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility. Recommendations for adapting ACT to address PTSD–AUD include assigning frequent between‐session mindfulness practice and initiating values clarification work and values‐based behavior assignments early in treatment.
Maladaptive Eating in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Population‐Based Examination of Typologies and Medical Condition Correlates
Authors: Sommer Jordana L. , Mota Natalie , El‐Gabalawy Renée 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating pathology are frequently comorbid, and both are independent risk factors for various medical conditions. Using population‐based data collected as part of the 2012–2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC‐III; N = 36,309), the primary objectives of this study were to (a) identify eating pathology classes among PTSD and (b) investigate associations between maladaptive eating and medical conditions among PTSD. Using the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule (AUDADIS–5), we assessed PTSD and maladaptive eating symptoms in accordance with the DSM‐5. We used a latent class analysis to identify maladaptive eating typologies among adults with lifetime PTSD (n = 2,339; 6.1%) and multivariable logistic regression models to examine associations between each of the six emergent maladaptive eating typologies and medical conditions. Results revealed that over 40% of individuals with PTSD endorsed indicators of maladaptive eating. In addition, each maladaptive eating typology among PTSD was significantly associated with unique sociodemographic characteristics and increased odds of medical conditions relative to no PTSD and no eating disorder, adjusted odds ratios (AORs) = 1.34–6.55, and PTSD with no eating psychopathology, AORs = 1.43–5.11. Results of this study provide a better understanding of maladaptive eating in adults with PTSD and potential medical sequelae. Results indicate maladaptive eating may be an important mechanism in the association between PTSD and medical conditions, which may inform targeted interventions among individuals with these comorbidities.
Gender‐Moderated Pathways From Childhood Abuse and Neglect to Late‐Adolescent Substance Use
Authors: Kobulsky Julia M. , Yoon Susan , Bright Charlotte L. , Lee Guijin , Nam Boyoung 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSubstantial research has linked childhood maltreatment to the development of substance use in adolescence. However, gender differences in the mechanisms that connect child abuse and neglect to substance use remain unclear. In this study, we applied multiple‐group structural equation modeling in a sample of 1,161 youths (boys, n = 552; girls, n = 609) from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) to examine gender differences in the associations between childhood abuse and neglect exposure from ages 0–12 years and substance use severity at age 18 as mediated by early substance use at age 14 and psychological symptoms (anger, anxiety, and depression) at age 16. In both genders, neglect directly predicted substance use severity, β = .25, p < .001 for boys and β = .17, p = .007 for girls; and early substance use, β = .03, p = .002 for boys and β = .06, p = .005 for girls; and anger mediated this association, β = .10, p < .001 for boys and β = .06, p = .005 for girls. Anger mediated paths from abuse in boys, β = .06, p = .018. In girls, early substance use mediated the path from abuse to substance use severity, β = .06, p = .008, with the mediated effect and direct path from abuse to early substance use significantly moderated by gender. For substance use severity, R2 = .26 for girls and R2 = .27 for boys. These findings demonstrate the prominence of neglect in predicting substance use severity and gender differences in paths from abuse.
Treatment Efficacy for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Latent Class Trajectories of Treatment Response and Their Predictors
Authors: Murphy Dominic , Smith Kirsten V. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEvidence suggests that veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a poorer treatment response than nonveterans. In this study, we explored heterogeneity in treatment response for 960 veterans in the United Kingdom with PTSD who had been offered a residential intervention consisting of a mixture of group sessions and individual trauma‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF–CBT). The primary outcome was PTSD score on the Impact of Event Scale–Revised (IES–R). Covariates included depression, anxiety, anger, alcohol misuse, functional impairment, and sociodemographic characteristics. Follow‐up occurred posttreatment at set time points for 12 months. We present predictors of PTSD severity at posttreatment and follow‐up obtained using a latent class growth analysis to identify different treatment trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify covariates predicting class membership, and five classes were identified. Of participants, 71.3% belonged to three classes showing positive treatment responses, and 1.2% showed initial improvement but later relapsed. Additionally, 27.5% of participants were identified within a treatment‐resistant class that showed little change in severity of presentation. Depression, anxiety, and having had a combat role during military service increased the likelihood of membership in the treatment‐resistant class, odds ratios (ORs) = 1.12–1.53, 1.16–1.32, and 2.89, respectively. Additionally, participants in the treatment‐resistant class had higher pretreatment PTSD scores for reexperiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal symptoms, ORs = 5.24, 2.62, and 3.86, respectively. Findings suggest the importance of triaging individuals and offering interventions tailored to severity of presentation.
Self‐Healable and Mechanically Reinforced Multidimensional‐Carbon/Polyurethane Dielectric Nanocomposite Incorporates Various Functionalities for Capacitive Strain Sensor Applications
Authors: Ling Lei , Liu Feng , Li Jinhui , Zhang Guoping , Sun Rong , Wong Ching‐Ping 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWith the continuous development of wearable sensing devices utilized for human motion monitoring, structural health monitoring, and robotic systems, higher demands on a set of material properties of functional materials are placed. Moreover, high flexibility and self‐healability are indispensable properties in wearable electronic devices. Herein, a self‐healing flexible dielectric nanocomposite with various incorporated functionalities is described. Multidimensional carbons, that is, graphene and carbon nanotubes, are introduced into a self‐healing polyurethane matrix to obtain the healable dielectric nanocomposite which contributes to the capacitance response of the wearable sensors. The as‐prepared nanocomposite exhibits a dramatic increase in properties, which reach up to 10.50 ± 0.44 MPa for Young's modulus, 35.1 for dielectric constant at 103 Hz, and 1.67 W m−1 K−1 for the in‐plane thermal conductivity with low loading. More importantly, the nanocomposites display a unique ability to recover the structure and multiple properties after mechanical damages. In addition, a self‐healing capacitive strain sensor with the “sandwich” structure is prepared based on the nanocomposite. The strain sensor shows good sensitivity in a larger strain range (up to 100%), stable responsiveness, and healable ability.
Characteristics of crude oil‐degrading bacteria Gordonia iterans isolated from marine coastal in Taean sediment
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Sook , Dong Ke , Kim Jinsoo , Lee Sang‐Seob 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCrude oil is a major pollutant of marine and coastal ecosystems, and it causes environmental problems more seriously. It is believed ultimate and complete degradation is accomplished mainly by microorganisms. In this study, we aim to search out for bacterial strains with high ability in degrading crude oil. From sediments contaminated by the petroleum spilled in 2007, an accident in Taean, South Korea, we isolated thirty‐one bacterial strains in total with potential application in crude oil contamination remediation. In terms of removal percentage after 7 days, one of the strains, Co17, showed the highest removal efficiency with 84.2% of crude oil in Bushnell‐Haas media. The Co17 strain even exhibited outstanding ability removing crude oil at a high salt concentration. Through the whole genome sequencing annotation results, many genes related with n‐alkane degradation in the genome of Gordonia sp. Co17, revealed alkane‐1‐monooxygenase, alcohol dehydrogenase, and Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase. Specially, for confirmation of gene‐level, alkB gene encoding alkane hydroxylase (alkane‐1‐monooxygenase) was found in the strain Co17. The expression of alkB upregulated 125‐fold after 18 hr accompany with the removal of n‐alkanes of 48.9%. We therefore propose the strain Gordonia iterans Co17, isolated from crude oil‐contaminated marine sediment, could be used to offer a new strategy for bioremediation with high efficiency.
Spiral planar coil design for the intracranial pressure sensor
Authors: Wang Fa , Zhang Xuan , Shokoueinejad Mehdi , Iskandar Bermans J. , Webster John G. , Medow Joshua E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLimited by the physiological constraints, implanted intracranial pressure (ICP) sensor's diameter is usually much shorter than measurement distance, which related to the poor coupling factor for the inductance coupling‐based passive sensor. As a result, the pattern of spiral planar coil on the sensor needs to be carefully designed; otherwise, the sensor could not be detected by the external reader. This paper begins with an improved lumped circuit model for the passive ICP sensor, in which the physical characteristics and corresponding approximated values of each component are discussed. Then, this study presents a formula to help researchers design the sensor's pattern such as dimensions, turns, spacing width and trace width, to make sensor easier to be detected. Some sensors were fabricated on PCB to verify the formula given. A set of the improved pattern parameters and fabrication progress are designed for the microelectromechanical systems sensor.
High impedance transforming simplified Balun architecture in microstrip technology
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Hashmi Mohammad 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this article, a simplified balun structure inherently capable of providing high impedance transformation is proposed. The structure fulfills the requirements of a balun such as matching at all the ports, output ports phase difference of 180°, and isolation between output ports. The design is a symmetric network and is able to provide fully closed‐form design equations using the even‐odd mode analysis. The proposed systematic design approach also augments the overall design process. The presence of free variables in design equations provide a number of flexibility to the balun structure including the wide range of impedance transformation ratios of 0.1 to 10.0. A prototype, operating at 1 GHz, on Rogers RT/duroid 5880 substrate demonstrates a very good agreement between the measured and EM simulated results with amplitude and phase imbalance of 1 dB and 10°, respectively.
Ultrafast chaotic switching and monitoring using plasmonic add‐drop multiplexer
Authors: Youplao Phichai , Pornsuwancharoen Nithiroth , Udomariyasap Pongputhai , Amiri Iraj S. , Punthawanunt Suphanchai , Ali Jalil , Singh Ghanshyam , Poznanski Roman R. , Yupapin Preecha , Grattan Kenneth T.V. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a plasmonic circuit based on optical add‐drop multiplexer. A stack of silicon–graphene–gold layers is used at optical add‐drop filter ends. The light input from a laser source at the silicon base of the stack enables ultrafast electrical switching by rapid light‐electron energy conversion. It allows feedback signals monitoring by the output mobility visibility, which is useful for system control. Certain results show ultra‐fast switching time of ~5.0 fs at a stable power of 3 mW. The results further demonstrate great avenues for the secured communication channel‐based on the plasmonic electronic circuit.