bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative Analysis of Surface Electromyography for Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Higashihara Mana , Sonoo Masahiro , Ishiyama Akihiko , Nagashima Yu , Matsumoto Kohji , Uesugi Haruo , Mori‐Yoshimura Madoka , Murata Miho , Murayama Shigeo , Komaki Hirofumi 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Needle electromyography (EMG) has been an important diagnostic tool, although discomfort may limit its use in some children. We investigated the diagnostic utility of the clustering index (CI) method, a quantitative analysis for surface EMG (SEMG), in children. Methods: SEMG was recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle. Discriminant analysis between patients with neurogenic disorders and patients with myopathy was performed for whole epochs by using the CI and area values. Results: Forty‐five children (29 with myopathy, 16 with neurogenic disorders; age 9 ± 3.9 years) were enrolled. The mean discriminant function value of the neurogenic group was 0.58 ± 0.88 (−0.48–2.30), whereas that of the myopathic group was −0.55 ± 0.70 (−2.38–0.68). When the cutoff value was set at the limit of the other group, 17 of 29 children with myopathy and 7 of 16 children with neurogenic disorders were correctly classified. Discussion: The CI method can be a useful noninvasive diagnostic tool in children with neuromuscular disorders. Muscle Nerve 58:824–827, 2018
Successful Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles through Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis from a Gold(III) Nitrate Precursor and Their Interaction with a High Electron Beam
Authors: Shariq Mohammed , Friedrich Bernd , Budic Bojan , Hodnik Nejc , Ruiz‐Zepeda Francisco , Majerič Peter , Rudolf Rebeka 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHerein, we report for the first time the successful preparation of a gold(III) nitrate [Au(NO3)3] water‐based precursor for use in a bottom‐up ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) process. Due to its limited solubility in water, the precursor was prepared under reflux conditions with nitric acid (HNO3) as the solvent and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) as a neutralizer. This precursor enabled the USP synthesis of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and the in situ formation of low concentrations of NO2− and NO3− ions, which were caught directly in deionized water in a collection system. These ions were proven to act as stabilizers for the AuNPs. Investigations showed that the AuNPs were monodispersed and spherically shaped with a size distribution over three groups: the first contained 5.3 % AuNPs with diameters (2 r) <15 nm, the second contained 82.5 % AuNPs with 2 r between 15 and 200 nm, and the third contained 12.2 % AuNPs with 2 r>200 nm. UV/Vis spectroscopy revealed the maximum absorbance band of the AuNPs at λ=528 nm. Additionally, scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) observations of the smallest AuNPs (2 r<5 nm) revealed atomically resolved coalescence phenomena induced by interaction with the electron beam. Four stages of the particle‐growth process were distinguished: 1) movement and rotation of the AuNPs; 2) necking mechanism; 3) orientated attachment at matching facets; 4) reshaping of the AuNPs by surface diffusion. This provided important insight into the formation/synthesis process of the AuNPs.
Profiling of Hura crepitans L. latex by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation linear ion trap Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Trinel Manon , Jullian Valérie , Le Lamer Anne‐Cécile , Mhamdi Icram , Mejia Kember , Castillo Denis , Cabanillas Billy Joel , Fabre Nicolas 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe phytochemistry of the latex of Hura crepitans L. (Euphorbiaceae), a widespread tree in the Amazonian forest having many uses, is little known. Only huratoxin, a daphnane diterpene orthoester, has been described despite the high pharmacological potential of this kind of compounds. Glucosphingolipids (cerebrosides) are also known to be distributed in Euphorbiaceae latexes.ObjectiveTo tentatively identify daphnanes diterpenes and cerebrosides in the latex of H. crepitans.MethodsAn ethanolic extract of the lyophilised latex of H. crepitans was analysed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with positive and negative atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation high‐resolution mass spectrometry (APCI‐HRMS) method using a quadrupole/linear ion trap/Orbitrap (LTQ‐Orbitrap). Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectra were recorded by two different fragmentation modes: collision induced dissociation (CID) and higher‐energy collisional dissociation (HCD).ResultsThe analysis of CID‐ and HCD‐MS/MS spectra allowed to propose fragmentation patterns for daphnane esters and cerebrosides and highlight diagnostic ions in positive and negative ion modes. A total of 34 compounds including 24 daphnane esters and 10 cerebrosides have been tentatively annotated. Among them, 17 daphnane diterpenes bearing one or two acyl chains are new compounds and the cerebrosides are described in the genus Hura for the first time.ConclusionThis study revealed the chemical constituents of the latex of H. crepitans and particularly its richness and chemical diversity in daphnane diterpenes, more frequently encountered in the species of Thymelaeaceae.
Engineering of Al/CuO Reactive Multilayer Thin Films for Tunable Initiation and Actuation
Authors: Rossi Carole 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSputter‐deposited Al/CuO multilayers represent the state‐of‐the‐art of energetic nanomaterials for tunable ignition and actuation because their theoretical energy densities are significantly higher than most conventional secondary explosives while being less sensitive to undesired initiation. Both the sensitivity and combustion properties (temperature, combustion velocity and products of reaction) can be manipulated via the layering, reactant spacing and stoichiometry of the multilayer and, to a lesser extent, via interface engineering. In this article, we first describe the technology of deposition of Al/CuO multilayers focusing on direct current sputter deposition followed by a comprehensive review of the materials structural characteristics. Next, experimental and theoretical works performed on these reactive multilayered materials to date is presented in terms of methods used, the results acquired on ignition and combustion properties, and conclusions drawn. Emphasis is placed on several studies elucidating the fundamental processes that underlie propagating combustion reactions. This paper provides a good support for engineers to safely propose Al/CuO multilayers structure to regulate the energy release rates and ignition threshold in order to manufacture high performance and tunable initiator devices.
Groove Charge of a Rigid Multi‐Point Initiation Explosive Network
Authors: Li Rui , Li Wei‐bing , Guo Xiao‐de , Liang Li , Li Wen‐bin , Wang Xiao‐ming , Zhu Jian‐jun 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTo improve the groove charge density and reduce the initiation synchronicity error of a multi‐point initiation explosive network, CL‐20/NC and HMX/NC polymer‐bonded explosives (PBXs) with 95 wt.% ultrafine CL‐20 or ultrafine HMX as main explosive, with 5 wt.% NC as binder, were prepared. The morphology and crystal of the two PBXs was characterized in scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. The critical dimension for linear detonation is 0.9 mm for the CL‐20/NC PBX and 1.5 mm for the HMX/NC PBX, and with the detonation velocity of the former being 36.2 % higher than the latter. Hence, the CL‐20/NC PBX was selected as groove charge for the multi‐point initiation explosive network. An explosive network charging method is proposed that involves groove press‐loading charging with three pre‐pressed booster pellets as output end charges. This configuration increases the density of the booster charge in the grooves to 1.880 g ⋅ cm−3 (94 % of theoretical density), effectively improving the charging density consistency and lowering the network initiation synchronicity error to less than 100 ns. The rod‐shaped explosively formed projectile has a small lateral offset and good shape indicating that the synchronization of the optimized explosive network meets the requirement of a selectable shaped charge projectile.
Adaptive unit vector control of multivariable systems using monitoring functions
Authors: Hsu Liu , Oliveira Tiago Roux , Cunha José Paulo V. S. , Yan Lin 
Published: July 2018

SummaryAn adaptive sliding‐mode unit vector control approach based on monitoring functions to deal with disturbances of unknown bounds is proposed. An uncertain multivariable linear system is considered with a quite general class of nonsmooth disturbances. Global stabilization/tracking is demonstrated using either state or output feedback. The proposed adaptation method makes the control gain less conservative, becoming large enough when the disturbance grows and becoming smaller when it decreases, leading to reduced chattering effects. In contrast to previous methods, the new switching scheme is able to guarantee a prespecified transient time, maximum overshoot, and steady‐state error for multivariable uncertain plants. The proposed technique is applied to the trajectory tracking control of a surface vessel subjected to ocean currents, wind, and waves. Simulations are presented to show the performance of the new adaptation scheme in this adverse scenario of possibly growing, temporarily large, or vanishing exogenous disturbances.
Cysteine‐metal Porous Frameworks as Biosensing Elements for the Adsorption of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Jena N. R. , Patel C. , Sahoo Subash Ch. , Mishra P. C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe involvements of in vivo reactive oxygen species, such as superoxide radical (O2.−), peroxynitrite (ONOO−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (.OH), peroxyl radical (.OOH), nitrogen oxide radical (NO.), etc in cancer and other diseases are well documented. However, the availability of biosensing elements to detect the presence of reactive oxygen species inside living cells is rare. Herein, B3LYP−D3 dispersion‐corrected density functional theory has been used to design different porous frameworks by coordinating several divalent transition metals, such as Mn+2, Fe+2, Co+2, Cu+2, and Zn+2 with cysteine (Cys) that can detect the presence of various reactive oxygen species. It is found that among all the metals, Cu+2 has the strongest interaction with Cys, thereby producing several stable porous frameworks. Among these frameworks, [Cys‐Cu+2]3(8‐1) is found to possess the largest pore and can adsorb both the anionic (O2.−, ONOO.−) and neutral reactive oxygen species (.OH, .OOH, and NO.) in the aqueous environment. It is thus proposed that the elongation of [Cys‐Cu+2]3(8‐1) framework can generate a novel biosensing element, which can be used for the sensing of various reactive oxygen species. However, experimental verification of the proposed material is required to confirm its applicability.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of a Polypyrrole/Graphene Composite Using a Pyrrole‐Induced Graphene Oxide Hydrogel for the Selective Determination of Dihydroxybenzenes
Authors: Qi Yunlong , Cao Yue , Meng Xiaotong , Yu Kecheng , Si Weimeng , Lei Wu , Hao Qingli , Li Jiao , Wang Fagang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPyrrole was utilized to induce the cross‐link of graphene oxide, resulting in a stable hydrogel. Following, polypyrrole/graphene composite was prepared using direct microwave treatment of this pyrrole‐induced hydrogel. Where, graphene oxide was chemically reduced and pyrrole in the composite was polymerized. The polypyrrole was homogeneously distributed throughout the graphene sheets. The as‐synthesized composite had a three‐dimensional, cross‐linked structure with advanced electro‐catalytic properties for hydroquinone and catechol. This feature was demonstrated by the superior electrochemical reversibility and good peak separation exhibited by the novel composite material. Accordingly, the detection of the two dihydroxybenzenes using this material produced a detection limit of 0.88 μM for hydroquinone and 0.69 μM for the catechol.
Morphology, Structure Evolution and Site‐Selective Occupancy of Eu3+ in Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 Nanorods Synthesized via Subcritical Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Zhang Yan , Duan Mengna , Yan Jiaqing , Wang Shan , Yuan Long , Zhou Yanmin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe structure and composition evolution of hydroxyapatite in bone and teeth play important roles on their strength and durability, especially of the local chemical environment of Ca evolution, that determines bone demineralization and osteoporosis. In this paper, we synthesized a series of Eu‐doped (2‐10%) hydroxyapatite nanorod via subcritical hydrothermal method at high temperature (220‐280 oC) with the doped ions fully occupied at Ca1‐site. The as‐synthesized samples are grown with uniform particle size and shape distribution. Crystal morphology formation mechanism has been discussed based on the Bravais–Friedel–Donnay–Harker method and crystal structure of hydroxyapatite. Powder X‐ray diffraction result and Pawley fitting of the diffraction pattern for Eu‐doped hydroxyapatite samples indicate a linear structure evolution with increasing doping level. FTIR spectra suggest the minimal structure change for Eu‐doped hydroxyapatite nanocrystals. Photoluminescent spectra of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2:Eu indicates the doping of Eu happens at the Ca1‐site, which shows a concentration‐dependent emission intensity evolution behavior. Decay curves for the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+ in each samples suggested a longer lifetime in our samples than the similar composition that prepared via other methods. The site‐selective occupancy of Eu‐doped hydroxyapatite luminescent phenomenon may serve as a potential indicator for monitoring the Ca‐loss in bones and teeth that caused osteoporosis in aging people.
Silver Nanowire Templating Synthesis of Mesoporous SnO2 Nanotubes: An Effective Gas Sensor for Methanol with a Rapid Response and Recovery
Authors: Liu Huali , Wei Dongdong , Yan Yan , Li Ang , Chuai Xiaohong , Lu Geyu , Wang Yu 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA novel mesoporous SnO2 nanotube with uniform morphology can be synthesized by using Ag nanowire as a sacrificial template and Tin‐alginate as Sn source via a self‐assembly process. The void of mesoporous SnO2 nanotubes can be precisely controlled by tuning the coating thicknesses of Tin‐alginate (TA) in Ag@TA core‐shell nanocables. In‐situ variable temperature X‐ray spectrum shows that the evolution process of mesoporous SnO2 nanotubes is driven by the minimization of free energy. In contrast to general SnO2 nanostructures, the mesoporous SnO2 nanotubes exhibit efficacious methanol sensing behaviors. The dynamic transients reveal their significantly enhanced gas response of 1.88 to 1 ppm methanol with rapid response and recovery times of 3 and 6 s, respectively. This simple strategy provides new insights to design and synthesize other inorganic metal oxide nanoarchitectures by using different templates and metal ions.
Estimates of the prevalence, incidence and severity of dementia in Ireland
Authors: Pierse T. , O’ Shea E. , Carney P. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesIn this paper we provide revised estimates of the prevalence of dementia in Ireland, the number of new cases per year and the severity mix. These estimates are a necessary input for any assessment of the potential demand for services and supports for people with dementia across all care settings in Ireland.MethodsThe prevalence, incidence and severity stage of dementia are calculated by applying rates from prominent international studies to population data from the 2016 census.ResultsWe show that the total number of people with dementia in Ireland ranges between 39 272 and 55 266, depending on the international rates used to measure prevalence. The incidence of dementia in Ireland has increased as the population has aged, to at least 7752 new cases per year. We estimate that there are at least 11 175 people living at home in the community in Ireland with dementia who have a serious functional impairment, based on an Activities of Daily Living measurement, of which an estimated 1876 are chair or bedbound.ConclusionsWithout a national prevalence study it is not possible to be precise about the estimates of the number of people with dementia in Ireland. However, having credible upper and lower bound estimates for the number of people with dementia, the potential number of new cases per year and severity rates is useful for planners and those charged with the responsibility of making resource allocation decisions in dementia.
AGENTS, PRINCIPALS, OR SOMETHING IN BETWEEN? BUREAUCRATS AND POLICY CONTROL IN THAILAND
Authors: Ricks Jacob I. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn the aftermath of the 2006 and 2014 Thai coups, observers declared the resurrection of the bureaucratic polity. Bureaucrats, though, remained influential even during the period of 1992–2006, when elected politicians were thought to command the Thai state. Bureaucratic involvement in politics poses a challenge for dominant political science theories of politician–bureaucrat relationships, which draw heavily from principal–agent frameworks. I apply agency theory to Thailand, testing three different hypotheses derived from the theory. Examining legislative productivity and control over bureaucratic career trajectories, I find that elected politicians increasingly acted as principals of the Thai state from 1992 through 2006, and to a lesser degree from 2008 to 2013. Thai bureaucrats, though, have frequently engaged in the political sphere, blunting political oversight and expanding their independence vis-à-vis politicians. This suggests that the principal–agent model overlooks the range of resources that bureaucracies can bring to bear in developing countries, granting them greater autonomy than anticipated. As such, theories of the politician–bureaucrat relationship in developing states need to better account for the mechanisms through which bureaucrats exercise policy discretion and political influence.
THE DILEMMA OF CRITICISM: DISENTANGLING THE
DETERMINANTS OF MEDIA CENSORSHIP IN
CHINA
Authors: Shao Li 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRecent literature claims that China censors information
that has the potential to ignite collective action.
This article extends this finding by arguing that
Chinese censors respond differently to political
challenges than they do to performance challenges.
Political challenges call into questioning the
Party's leading role, whereas performance challenges
are directed at the failures of public goods
provisions. A survey experiment of about 60 media
professionals finds that censors are inclined to
block political challenges and to tolerate criticism
of the government's performance. However, when
criticism contains both performance and political
challenges, censorship is far more likely. By
exploring the range of censorship activities, the
results suggest that the Chinese regime's reliance
on popular support constrains its censorship
decisions.
Increasing contribution of grain boundary compliance to polycrystalline ice elasticity as temperature increases
Authors: SAYERS COLIN M. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTMeasured elastic stiffnesses of ice polycrystals decrease with increasing temperature due to a decrease in grain boundary stiffness with increasing temperature. In this paper, we represent grain boundaries as imperfectly bonded interfaces, across which traction is continuous, but displacement may be discontinuous. We express the additional compliance due to grain boundaries in terms of a second-rank and a fourth-rank tensor, which quantify the effect on elastic wave velocities of the orientation distribution as well as the normal and shear compliances of the grain boundaries. Measurement of the elastic stiffnesses allows determination of the components of these tensors. Application of the method to resonant ultrasound spectroscopy measurements made on ice polycrystals enables determination of the ratio BN/BS of the normal to shear compliance of the grain boundaries, which are found to be more compliant in shear than in compression. The ratio BN/BS is small at low temperatures, but increases as temperature increases, implying that the normal compliance increases relative to the shear compliance as temperature increases.
ON BASE RADICAL OPERATORS FOR CLASSES OF FINITE ASSOCIATIVE RINGS
Authors: MCDOUGALL R. G. , THORNTON L. K. 
Published: July 2018

In this paper, class operators are used to give a complete listing of distinct base radical and semisimple classes for universal classes of finite associative rings. General relations between operators reveal that the maximum order of the semigroup formed is 46. In this setting, the homomorphically closed semisimple classes are precisely the hereditary radical classes and hence radical–semisimple classes, and the largest homomorphically closed subclass of a semisimple class is a radical–semisimple class.
Is the use of a bone conduction hearing device on a softband a useful tool in the pre-operative assessment of suitability for other hearing implants?
Authors: Spielmann P M , Roplekar R , Rae C , Ahmed F , Jones S E M 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo assess whether pre-operative assessment with a bone conduction hearing device on a softband is an accurate predictor of performance with one of two transcutaneous hearing implants.Study designCohort study comparing pre-and post-operative speech audiometry using correlation analysis.MethodsPre-operative pure tone audiometry and aided half optimum speech recognition thresholds were compared with post-operative aided results for each ear that had undergone implantation. Data were collected prospectively.ResultsFull data were available in 24 ears. In 19 out of 24 ears (79 per cent), the difference between pre- and post-operative speech scores was less than 10 dB, demonstrating a good clinical correlation. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated at 0.66 (95 per cent confidence interval = 0.357–0.842), indicating a strong statistical correlation.ConclusionPre-operative softband testing shows good clinical correlation and strong statistical correlation with hearing implant performance. The findings suggest there is value in using the test to predict performance and guide patients’ expectations.
Molecular edge effects in the Endangered golden-brown mouse lemurMicrocebus ravelobensis
Authors: Radespiel U. , Schulte J. , Burke R. J. , Lehman S. M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractHabitat fragmentation creates habitat edges, and ecological edge effects can cause major changes in the ecology and distribution of many taxa. However, these ecological changes may in turn influence animal movements and lead to molecular edge effects and edge-related genetic structure, matters that are largely unexplored. This study aims to infer molecular edge effects and to test three possible underlying mechanisms in the Endangered golden-brown mouse lemurMicrocebus ravelobensis, a nocturnal species in the dry deciduous forest of the Ankarafantsika National Park in north-western Madagascar. Mouse lemurs were sampled in one edge and two interior habitats in close proximity to each other (500–1,400 m) in a continuous forest. A total of 41 mouse lemur samples were genotyped with seven nuclear microsatellites, and a fragment of the mitochondrial control region was sequenced for all samples. The overall genetic diversity (allelic richness, heterozygosity, haplotype richness, nucleotide diversity) was lower in the edge habitat compared to the two interior sites and all subpopulations showed signals of relatively low genetic exchange and significant genetic differentiation between them despite the short geographical distances, supporting the local preference model. These findings can be interpreted as preliminary signals of a molecular edge effect and suggest the potential for local adaptation. They are highly relevant for the conservation of fragmented populations, because a further subdivision of already small populations may increase their vulnerability to stochastic demographic changes and collapse.