bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Tensile Ductility and Strength in Dual-phase Bimodal Steel through Stationary Friction Stir Processing
Authors: Arora H. S. , Ayyagari A. , Saini J. , Selvam K. , Riyadh S. , Pole M. , Grewal H. S. , Mukherjee S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe combination of high strength and good ductility are very desirable for advanced structural and functional applications. However, measures to enhance strength typically lead to ductility reduction due to their inverse correlation, nano-grained structures for an instance. Bi-modal grain structure is promising in this regard, but its realization is limited by multiple complex processing steps. Here, we demonstrate a facile single-step processing route for the development of bimodal grain structure in austenitic stainless steel, SS316L. The bimodal structure comprised of fine martensite grains (<500 nm) sandwiched between coarse austenite grains (~10 µm). The dual-phase bimodal structure demonstrated higher yield strength (~620 MPa) compared to ultra-fine grain structure (~450 MPa) concurrent with high uniform tensile ductility (~35%). These exceptional properties are attributed to unique dual-phase, bimodal grain structure which delayed the onset of plastic instability resulting in higher strength as well as larger uniform elongation and work-hardening rate. Our approach may be easily extended to a wide range of material systems to engineer superior performance.
Genomic blueprints of sponge-prokaryote symbiosis are shared by low abundant and cultivatable Alphaproteobacteria
Authors: Karimi Elham , Keller-Costa Tina , Slaby Beate M. , Cox Cymon J. , da Rocha Ulisses N. , Hentschel Ute , Costa Rodrigo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMarine sponges are early-branching, filter-feeding metazoans that usually host complex microbiomes comprised of several, currently uncultivatable symbiotic lineages. Here, we use a low-carbon based strategy to cultivate low-abundance bacteria from Spongia officinalis. This approach favoured the growth of Alphaproteobacteria strains in the genera Anderseniella, Erythrobacter, Labrenzia, Loktanella, Ruegeria, Sphingorhabdus, Tateyamaria and Pseudovibrio, besides two likely new genera in the Rhodobacteraceae family. Mapping of complete genomes against the metagenomes of S. officinalis, seawater, and sediments confirmed the rare status of all the above-mentioned lineages in the marine realm. Remarkably, this community of low-abundance Alphaproteobacteria possesses several genomic attributes common to dominant, presently uncultivatable sponge symbionts, potentially contributing to host fitness through detoxification mechanisms (e.g. heavy metal and metabolic waste removal, degradation of aromatic compounds), provision of essential vitamins (e.g. B6 and B12 biosynthesis), nutritional exchange (especially regarding the processing of organic sulphur and nitrogen) and chemical defence (e.g. polyketide and terpenoid biosynthesis). None of the studied taxa displayed signs of genome reduction, indicative of obligate mutualism. Instead, versatile nutrient metabolisms along with motility, chemotaxis, and tight-adherence capacities - also known to confer environmental hardiness – were inferred, underlying dual host-associated and free-living life strategies adopted by these diverse sponge-associated Alphaproteobacteria.
Dissociable components of the reward circuit are involved in appraisal versus choice
Authors: Shenhav Amitai , Karmarkar Uma R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPeople can evaluate a set of options as a whole, or they can approach those same options with the purpose of making a choice between them. A common network has been implicated across these two types of evaluations, including regions of ventromedial prefrontal cortex and the posterior midline. We test the hypothesis that sub-components of this reward circuit are differentially involved in triggering more automatic appraisal of one’s options (Dorsal Value Network) versus explicitly comparing between those options (Ventral Value Network). Participants undergoing fMRI were instructed to appraise how much they liked a set of products (Like) or to choose the product they most preferred (Choose). Activity in the Dorsal Value Network consistently tracked set liking, across both task-relevant (Like) and task-irrelevant (Choose) trials. In contrast, the Ventral Value Network was particularly sensitive to evaluation condition (more active during Choose than Like trials). Within vmPFC, anatomically distinct regions were dissociated in their sensitivity to choice (ventrally, in medial OFC) versus appraisal (dorsally, in pregenual ACC). Dorsal regions additionally tracked decision certainty across both types of evaluation. These findings suggest that separable mechanisms drive decisions about how good one’s options are versus decisions about which option is best.
Genome-wide expression analysis reveals six contravened targets of EZH2 associated with breast cancer patient survival
Authors: Kumari Kanchan , Das Biswajit , Adhya Amit K. , Rath Arabinda K. , Mishra Sandip K. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSeveral pioneering work have established that apart from genetic alterations, epigenetic modifications contribute significantly in tumor progression. Remarkable role of EZH2 in cancer highlights the importance of identifying its targets. Although much emphasis has been placed in recent years in designing drugs and inhibitors targeting EZH2, less effort has been given in exploring its existing targets that will help in understanding the oncogenic role of EZH2 in turn which may provide a more stringent method of targeting EZH2. In the present study, we validated six direct targets of EZH2 that are GPNMB, PMEPA1, CoL5A1, VGLL4, POMT2 and SUMF1 associated with cancer related pathways. Upon EZH2 knockdown, more than two fold increase in the target gene expression was evident. CHIP-qPCR performed in both MCF-7 and MDA-MDA-231 confirmed the in-vivo binding of EZH2 on its identified target. Thirty invasive breast carcinoma cases with their adjacent normal tissues were included in the study. Immunohistochemistry in primary breast tumor tissue array showed tumor dependent expression of EZH2. Array of MERAV expression database revealed the strength of association of EZH2 with its target genes. Real time PCR performed with RNA extracted from breast tumor tissues further authenticated the existing negative correlation between EZH2 and its target genes. Pearson correlation coefficient & statistical significance computed using the matrix provided in the database strengthened the negative correlation between identified target genes and EZH2. KM plotter analysis showed improved relapse-free survival with increased expression of PMEPA1, POMT2, VGLL4 and SUMF1 in breast cancer patients indicating their therapeutic potential. While investigating the relevance of these target genes, different mutations of them were found in breast cancer patients. Seeking the clinical relevance of our study, following our recent publication that reports the role of EZH2 in nicotine-mediated breast cancer development and progression, we observed significant reduced expression of SUMF1 in breast cancer patient samples with smoking history in comparison to never-smoked patient samples.
Plastic-scale-model assembly of ultrathin film MEMS piezoresistive strain sensor with conventional vacuum-suction chip mounter
Authors: Takamatsu Seiichi , Goto Shintaro , Yamamoto Michitaka , Yamashita Takahiro , Kobayashi Takeshi , Itoh Toshihiro 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe developed a plastic-scale-model assembly of an ultrathin film piezoresistive microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) strain sensor with a conventional vacuum-suction chip mounter for the application to flexible and wearable strain sensors. A plastic-scale-model MEMS chip consists of 5-μm ultrathin piezoresistive strain sensor film, ultrathin disconnection parts, and a thick outer frame. The chip mounter applies pressure to the ultrathin piezoresistive strain sensor film and cuts the disconnection parts to separate the sensor film from the outer frame. The sensor film is then picked up and placed on the desired area of a flexible substrate. To cut off and pick up the sensor film in the same manner as with a plastic scale model, the design of the sensor film and disconnection parts of MEMS chips were optimized through numerical simulation and chip-mounting experiments. The success rate of the 5-μm ultrathin sensor film mounting increased by decreasing the number and width of the disconnection parts. For a 5-μm-thick 1 × 5 mm2 sensor film, 4 disconnection parts of 20 μm in width achieved 100% success rate. The fabricated ultrathin MEMS piezoresistive strain sensor exhibited a gauge factor of 100 and high flexibility to withstand 0.37 [1/mm] bending curvature. Our plastic-scale-model assembly with a conventional vacuum-suction chip mounter will contribute to more practical manufacturing of ultrathin MEMS sensors.
The antibacterial effect of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of titanium surfaces according to the bacterial wall structure
Authors: Lee Myung-Jin , Kwon Jae-Sung , Jiang Heng Bo , Choi Eun Ha , Park Gyungsoon , Kim Kwang-Mahn 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTitanium is commonly used as a biomaterial for dental implants. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial properties of titanium samples following treatment with a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma jet (NTAPPJ) on bacteria with two different cell wall structures, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The hydrophilicity and surface energy of titanium surfaces were significantly increased after NTAPPJ treatment without altering topographical features. Changes in the chemical composition and reductive potential were observed on the NTAPPJ-treated titanium surfaces. The adhesion and biofilm formation rate of bacteria were significantly reduced on the NTAPPJ-treated titanium surfaces compared with the untreated samples, which was confirmed by fluorescent imaging. Regarding the comparison between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, both adhesion and the biofilm formation rate were significantly lower for gram-negative bacteria than gram-positive bacteria on samples treated for longer durations with the NTAPPJ. Transmission electron microscopy imaging showed a comparably more disruptive membrane structure of gram-negative bacteria than gram-positive bacteria on the NTAPPJ-treated surfaces. Our results indicated that the NTAPPJ treatment could be useful for preventing bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on titanium dental implant surfaces, while the reductive potential on surfaces treated by the NTAPPJ could cause oxidation of bacteria, which could be more sensitive to gram-negative bacteria due to differences in the cell wall structure.
Respiration rate and volume measurements using wearable strain sensors
Authors: Chu Michael , Nguyen Thao , Pandey Vaibhav , Zhou Yongxiao , Pham Hoang N. , Bar-Yoseph Ronen , Radom-Aizik Shlomit , Jain Ramesh , Cooper Dan M. , Khine Michelle 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCurrent methods for continuous respiration monitoring such as respiratory inductive or optoelectronic plethysmography are limited to clinical or research settings; most wearable systems reported only measures respiration rate. Here we introduce a wearable sensor capable of simultaneously measuring both respiration rate and volume with high fidelity. Our disposable respiration sensor with a Band-Aid© like formfactor can measure both respiration rate and volume by simply measuring the local strain of the ribcage and abdomen during breathing. We demonstrate that both metrics are highly correlated to measurements from a medical grade continuous spirometer on participants at rest. Additionally, we also show that the system is capable of detecting respiration under various ambulatory conditions. Because these low-powered piezo-resistive sensors can be integrated with wireless Bluetooth units, they can be useful in monitoring patients with chronic respiratory diseases in everyday settings.
Coverage and capacity improvement of millimetre wave 5G network using distributed base station architecture
Authors: Al‐Falahy Naser , Alani Omar 
Published: February 2019

In this work, the distributed base station (DBS) with remote radio head (RRH) is considered as the envisioned architecture of the fifth generation (5G) network. DBS network architecture supports easier scalability for network expansions using remote antennas in the form of RRHs. RRHs have been used in this work in order to compensate for the high path loss and penetration loss that characterise millimetre wave (mmWave) communications. The band of interest is the pioneer band at 26 GHz, which has been recently released for 5G services focused on areas of high traffic demand in the UK. DBS architecture can minimise the number of base stations required for the same quality of service (QoS). An algorithm has been developed for DBS scheduling. In addition to that, the gain of using DBS has been demonstrated in terms of: increasing the user data throughput, decreasing the unnecessary handovers as a result of dense network deployment, increasing the coverage probability in terms of line‐of‐sight (LoS) coverage, and minimising the impact of shadow fading. The results have shown significant improvement in terms of peak, average, and cell‐edge data throughput, and the LoS coverage probability has been improved due to the spatial distribution of RRHs.
High step‐up SVMC‐based DC/DC converter for offshore wind farms
Authors: Zhu Binxin , Liu Song , Vilathgamuwa Don Mahinda , Li Yang 
Published: February 2019

This study presents a high step‐up scalable voltage multiple cell (SVMC)‐based DC/DC converters, which have the features of high gain, low and adjustable components stresses and automatic input‐current sharing in each input phase. In virtue of the above features, the converter is applicable for the DC collection grids for offshore wind farms. In this study, the converter in terms of working principle and property characteristics are analysed with four input phases and three SVMCs. The converter has also been evaluated in terms of the component stress and voltage conversion ratio against some other converters for high‐power occasions. Moreover, a 2.5 MW simulation model and a 1.2 kW prototype were constructed for verification.
Genom-Editierung mit CRISPR/Cas9: Vorzeichen einer neuen Epoche der Medizin?
Authors: Schermer Bernhard , Benzing Thomas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe emergence of genome editing technologies can be regarded as one of the most groundbreaking revolutions in the history of science. Modern genome editing allows the introduction of precise mutations into the genome of virtually all cells and organisms without leaving any additional trace. Undoubtedly, genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9, often casually referred to as “genetic scissors”, will revolutionize medical research and development. However, at the same time it creates a great need for ethical considerations as it might hold risks for both people and the environment that cannot yet be fully assessed. While genome editing is already well established in laboratory research, clinical applications based on genome editing are close. For the first time, targeted corrections of genetic defects in somatic cells, stem cells as well as in the germ line appear technically feasible. This generates possible future scenarios that urgently require broad ethical and social discussions.
Explosive Zunahme der häuslichen Krankenpflege bei Beatmeten und Tracheotomierten
Authors: Köhler Dieter 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSince 2005, invasive long-term ventilation in Germany has increased significantly from around 1000 to 20 000 patients in Germany. Due to complex home care, the health care system incurs additional costs of around 4 billion euros per year. In addition, in the last 2 – 3 years more tracheostomized patients have been discharged home without ventilation (usually after stroke), and they receive the same complex home care. These patients have almost never been given the chance of a professional weaning trial by a weaning center. They are discharged from hospitals directly into the care. As a result, the quality of care is significantly worse than traditional care with structured discharge management via a weaning center. The solutions are difficult to find due to the interface problems between inpatient and outpatient care and the different organizational structures with different delivery systems. Possible solutions are shown, but most of them require a change in the law.
Outcomes in Rhinoplasty
Authors: Saleh Hesham , Apaydin Fazil , Beegun Issa 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn recent years, there is an increasing trend to use health-related quality of life questionnaires after surgical procedures. The idea is to prove the success of an operation by objectively measurable parameters. Rhinoplasty is by far the most frequently performed surgery of facial plastic surgery. One of the most difficult parts of rhinoplasty is to measure the outcomes after surgery. Rhinoplasty is a unique operation because the surgeon affects three aspects: shape, function, and psychology of the patient. In an ideal world, the surgeon should have objective means of screening that cover these three aspects before and after surgery to measure outcomes. The goal of this article is to review these tools and compare them.
Nasal Valve Lift in Nasal Valve Stenosis—A 2 Years Clinical Trial
Authors: Heppt Helen , Vent Julia , Alali Mohammad , Paal Caroline , Heppt Werner 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA clinical study was conducted to determine the effect of nasal valve lift treatment using absorbable, polylactic acid, self-retaining cone threads (Silhouette Soft) in patients with nasal valve stenosis. Sixty patients (n = 60) were included in this prospective study which was performed from January 2015 until December 2018, 19 patients dropped out due to noncompliance. Initially, participants were divided into two equal groups. One was treated by nasal valve lift only, the other additionally received turbinoplasty. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used to rate the sense of nasal ventilation. Patients' satisfaction was examined by a categorical scale, preoperatively, after 1 week, and after 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. For statistical analysis, an univariant variance analysis was conducted to test the significance of differences in nasal breathing within one group at different points of postoperative controls, with the statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Moreover, the two groups were compared with each other regarding results of the categorical scale. After surgical treatment, an improvement is reported by all participants. Average VAS scores were significantly lower between preoperative and every postoperative rating. Although a decline in the effect of breathing improvement is recognizable as threads are dissolved, patients' satisfaction in improvement of nasal breathing is persistent in most cases, even at long-term observation. Overall, these results demonstrate that valve lift is an effective method to treat patients with nasal valve stenosis.
Apneic Oxygenation for Pediatric Endotracheal Intubation: A Narrative Review
Authors: Scott Alice , Chua Olivia , Mitchell William , Vlok Ruan , Melhuish Thomas , White Leigh 
Published: February 2019

AbstractApneic oxygenation (ApOx) has shown to be effective in adult populations in a variety of settings, including prehospital, emergency departments, intensive care units, and elective surgery. This review aims to assess the available literature for ApOx in the pediatric population to determine its effects on hypoxemia, safe apnea times, and flow rates employed safely.
The Learning Curve of the Direct Anterior Approach without Traction Table in Total Hip Replacement: Using the LC-CUSUM Method
Authors: Steentjes Koen , Beekhuizen Stefan , Eilander Wouter , Meesters Wendy , van Kampen Paulien , van der Lugt Joris 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe surgical approach for total hip replacement (THR) depends on surgeon preference or the preference and experience of the surgeon with a specific approach. The aim of this study was to analyze the learning curve of the direct anterior approach (DAA) using the cumulative summation test for learning curve (LC-CUSUM). A retrospectively collected database of 400 THRs using the DAA (January 2010–September 2014) at a single center by a single surgeon. The learning curve was analyzed by determining the duration of surgery, blood loss, and number of complications. All 400 primary THRs were reviewed. Based on the LC-CUSUM, duration of surgery, and surgical failure, the learning curve plateau was achieved after the 19th surgery and the curve follows a substantially negative trend. The average duration of surgery changed significantly for the first hundred (78 minutes) to the last hundred (61 minutes). A significant decrease in blood loss was observed as well. A total of 17 (4.25%) complications occurred, with reduction of the complication rate as surgeons' experience increases. The authors' study did not show the long learning curve as previously described in the literature. The number of complications was small, and there was a significant decrease in duration of surgery, blood loss, and number of complications as surgeon's experience increases. The authors suggest that the educational environment of a teaching hospital, combined with the use of the DAA as a standard approach for all primary THRs and supervision of experienced surgeons, contribute to the favorable learning curve with a low complication rate.
Empty homes: mapping the extent and value of low-use domestic property in England and Wales
Authors: Bourne Jonathan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe combine economics, housing theory and data science to gain a greater understanding of low-use properties in England and Wales. We collect a unique dataset of domestic properties unoccupied by a permanent resident from 112 local authorities via freedom of information requests. The dataset covers 23 million residents and 340,000 low-use properties (3.4% of all properties). We find that the distribution is very skewed, with 5% of the lower super output areas (our smallest geographic unit) containing 29% of all low-use properties. We estimate the value of low-use properties in the dataset to be £123 billion and that an empty homes tax of 1% would generate the equivalent to 11% of the current council tax (local government tax). We use logistic regression to identify local authorities with high numbers of low-use properties (72% accuracy), local authorities where low-use properties are more expensive than ordinary homes (77% accuracy), and local authorities where both those conditions are true (79% accuracy). The coefficients of the models indicate that low-use property tends to be found in the most and least affordable areas and that the probability of low-use property being more expensive than a regular home increases as affordability decreases and tourism increases. We estimate that 39–47% of the population in England and Wales live in an area where low-use property is more expensive than property occupied by a full-time resident. We conclude that as the areas with the least affordable housing also tend to have the highest demand for low-use property, it may be appropriate to reduce demand via measures such as an empty homes tax rather than increasing housing supply.