bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient neural network modeling of reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna through knowledge‐based three‐step strategy
Authors: Simsek M. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryArtificial neural network (ANN) provides an efficient modeling technique based on input–output data obtained from an engineering problem. Highly nonlinear and complex relationships can be formed by ANN because of its nonlinear nature and representing knowledge at interconnection weights. If an ANN model is not sufficient in respect to the accuracy and time consumption, the knowledge based on design experience can be embedded into the modeling process. This knowledge reduces the complexity of the nonlinear input–output relationships; therefore, the knowledge embedded ANN can be formed easily compared with the conventional ANN model. Three‐step modeling strategy generates the initial knowledge via the conventional ANN modeling and consists of three sequential and also discrete training processes exploiting the knowledge‐based methods such as prior knowledge input and prior knowledge input with difference. The latter step improves the accuracy of the former step, and three‐step modeling provides more accuracy than conventional ANN modeling. The efficiency of three‐step modeling strategy is demonstrated on two data sets, which are obtained by the reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna design problem. The different number of neurons and ANN structures is handled for the comparison as well. In addition, ANN modeling is formed by MATLAB m‐file through neural network toolbox to reveal the efficiency of knowledge‐based three‐step modeling strategy. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatio‐temporal dynamics in nondiffractive Bessel ultrafast laser nanoscale volume structuring
Authors: Velpula P. K. , Bhuyan M. K. , Courvoisier F. , Zhang H. , Colombier J. P. , Stoian R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNondiffractive ultrafast optical beams with quasi‐stationary characteristics enable new regimes and scales in light‐matter interactions. We discuss the action of ultrashort Bessel laser beams in bulk fused silica, emphasizing excitation dynamics with energy localization beyond diffraction limit. We shed light on relaxation channels leading to one‐dimensional structures with nanoscale sections and morphologies ranging from densified matter to nanosized cavities. Space‐ and time‐resolved absorption and phase‐contrast microscopy reveals two main carrier relaxation paths. Fast exciton trapping in self‐induced matrix deformations results in positive index contrast driven by swift accumulation of non‐bridging oxygen hole centers and defect‐driven structural rearrangements. High excitation densities determine thermomechanical paths, with onset of phase transitions and the release of pressure waves. High‐aspect‐ratio nanosized channels are thus created via rarefaction and liquid cavitation, accompanied by molecular decomposition and generation of oxygen deficiency. The characteristic electronic relaxation identifies the nature of structural transitions up to the onset of phase transformation. Temporal pulse dispersion regulation allows driving unique carrier dynamics with precise control over energy deposition down to the 100 nm scale. Extreme high‐aspect‐ratio uniform void structures can thus be fabricated in conditions of sub‐micron transverse light confinement.
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Toughening effect of poly(methyl methacrylate) on an immiscible poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polylactide blend
Authors: Yang Jing‐hui , Feng Chen‐xia , Chen Hai‐ming , Zhang Nan , Huang Ting , Wang Yong 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn this work, a mutually miscible third polymer, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), was incorporated into an immiscible poly(vinylidene fluoride)/polylactide (PVDF/PLA) blend (weight ratio 70:30). It was found that incorporation of PMMA in an appropriate amount (30–60 wt%) induced a marked improvement in fracture toughness. A five times enlargement of the elongation at break can be achieved by introducing 30 wt% PMMA. In order to understand the underlying toughening mechanism, SEM, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), XRD and DSC were applied to study the variations in morphology, the interaction between the three components and the crystallization behavior. SEM micrographs showed that the PMMA preferred to locate at the interface of PVDF and PLA, which was attributed to the mutual miscibility of PVDF with PMMA and PLA. Furthermore, a variety of thermal characteristics such as Tg and Tm induced by the entanglement of PVDF, PMMA and PLA at the interface were illustrated in DMA and DSC curves. Obviously, the interface consisting of the entanglement of PVDF, PLA and PMMA acted as a linkage to improve interfacial adhesion, which was regarded as the main toughening mechanism. This work provides a potential strategy to realize the interfacial enhancement of an immiscible blend via the incorporation of a mutually miscible third polymer. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Tannic acid and cholesterol–dopamine as building blocks in composite coatings for substrate‐mediated drug delivery
Authors: Zhang Yan , Baekgaard‐Laursen Marie , Mouritzen Sidsel A , Lynge Martin E , Schattling Philipp S , Danial Maarten , Postma Almar , Städler Brigitte 
Published: March 2016

AbstractComposite coatings are considered a promising approach to tailor the biointerface between a (implantable) biomaterial and adhering/surrounding cells or tissue. In this context, composite coatings assembled using a polymer matrix with embedded drug deposits are particularly interesting due to the advanced control over cargo loading, retention and release. Herein, we compare the assembly of such films consisting of various types of liposomes as subunits within a polymer film of either polydopamine (PDA) or, for the first time, tannic acid (TA) as an alternative. It is found that TA is a suitable capping layer for liposome‐coated substrates which allows for post‐modification. The composite coatings are suitable for supporting hepatocyte adhesion depending on the terminating polymer layer. Furthermore, incorporation of cholesterol–dopamine (Ch‐DA) conjugates into the zwitterionic liposomes increases the numbers of deposited subunits. Finally, cytotoxic paclitaxel is loaded into the liposomes and delivered to the adhering hepatocytes. The capability of reducing hepatocyte adhesion to the composite coating varied. Composite coatings consisting of negatively charged liposomes with Ch‐DA and a PDA capping layer are found to be most efficient after 24 and 48 h. Taken together, this fundamental comparison of different composite coatings illustrates the excellent opportunities to engineer the biological response towards the application in mind. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Understanding taxanes in prostate cancer; importance of intratumoral drug accumulation
Authors: de Morrée Ellen , van Soest Robert , Aghai Ashraf , de Ridder Corrina , de Bruijn Peter , Ghobadi Moghaddam‐Helmantel Inge , Burger Herman , Mathijssen Ron , Wiemer Erik , de Wit Ronald , van Weerden Wytske 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDResistance to docetaxel is common in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and may be caused by sub‐therapeutic intratumoral drug concentrations. Cabazitaxel demonstrated survival benefit in docetaxel‐pretreated and docetaxel‐refractory patients. In this study, we investigated whether the superior antitumor activity of cabazitaxel in mCRPC is explained by higher intratumoral cabazitaxel levels. Since recent studies suggest a reduced efficacy of docetaxel following treatment with novel androgen receptor (AR)‐targeted agents, we also investigated taxane efficacy in an enzalutamide‐resistant tumor model.METHODSIntratumoral concentrations of docetaxel and cabazitaxel were correlated with antitumor activity in docetaxel‐naïve, docetaxel‐resistant, and enzalutamide‐resistant patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs) of prostate cancer.RESULTSIntratumoral drug levels were negatively related to intrinsic and acquired resistance to docetaxel. Also, the observed stronger antitumor activity of cabazitaxel was associated with increased cumulative exposure and higher intratumoral of cabazitaxel concentrations in all PDXs.CONCLUSIONSThe superior antitumor activity of cabazitaxel in docetaxel‐ and enzalutamide‐resistant tumors can be partly attributed to higher intratumoral drug concentrations. Especially for patients who are intrinsically resistant to docetaxel resulting from suboptimal intratumoral docetaxel concentrations, cabazitaxel may be the preferred chemotherapeutic agent. Prostate 76:927–936, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Central Line Care Maintenance Bundle for the Prevention of Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection in Non–Intensive Care Unit Settings
Authors: O’Neil Caroline , Ball Kelly , Wood Helen , McMullen Kathleen , Kremer Pamala , Jafarzadeh S. Reza , Fraser Victoria , Warren David 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVETo evaluate a central line care maintenance bundle to reduce central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in non–intensive care unit settings.DESIGNBefore-after trial with 12-month follow-up period.SETTINGA 1,250-bed teaching hospital.PARTICIPANTSPatients with central lines on 8 general medicine wards. Four wards received the intervention and 4 served as controls.INTERVENTIONA multifaceted catheter care maintenance bundle consisting of educational programs for nurses, update of hospital policies, visual aids, a competency assessment, process monitoring, regular progress reports, and consolidation of supplies necessary for catheter maintenance.RESULTSData were collected for 25,542 catheter-days including 43 CLABSI (rate, 1.68 per 1,000 catheter-days) and 4,012 catheter dressing observations. Following the intervention, a 2.5% monthly decrease in the CLABSI incidence density was observed on intervention floors but this was not statistically significant (95% CI, −5.3% to 0.4%). On control floors, there was a smaller but marginally significant decrease in CLABSI incidence during the study (change in monthly rate, −1.1%; 95% CI, −2.1% to −0.1%). Implementation of the bundle was associated with improvement in catheter dressing compliance on intervention wards (78.8% compliance before intervention vs 87.9% during intervention/follow-up; P<.001) but improvement was also observed on control wards (84.9% compliance before intervention vs 90.9% during intervention/follow-up; P=.001).CONCLUSIONSA multifaceted program to improve catheter care was associated with improvement in catheter dressing care but no change in CLABSI rates. Additional study is needed to determine strategies to prevent CLABSI in non–intensive care unit patients.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:692–698
New interpretation of the wings of the pterosaurRhamphorhynchus muensteribased on the Zittel and Marsh specimens
Authors: Bennett S. Christopher 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe Zittel wing ofRhamphorhynchus muensteriis reinterpreted as preserving negative impressions of closely spaced broad flat actinofibrils that were replaced by calcite but were prepared away by the specimen’s finder. The Marsh specimen preserves positive impressions of the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the wing, which show that the skin was smooth with fine wrinkles and that actinofibrils were not on the wing surface. Based on comparisons of those specimens, the dactylopatagium consisted of dorsal and ventral skins of epidermis and dermis surrounding a common hypodermis core, and keratinous actinofibrils developed in place within the dorsal epidermis adjacent to a layer of linear collagen fibers in the dorsal dermis. The actinofibrils and linear collagen fibers together formed the main functional structure of the dactylopatagium. That structure made the dactylopatagium somewhat stiff and essentially inextensible so that it folded up along discrete fold lines that probably were genetically determined. A pneumatic retrophalangeal wedge behind the antebrachium through at least wing phalanx 3 streamlined the transition between the thick wing spar and thin patagium.
Increased intake of fruits and vegetables in overweight subjects: effects on body weight, body composition, metabolic risk factors and dietary intake
Authors: Järvi A. , Karlström B. , Vessby B. , Becker W. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been associated with several health benefits. However, the effects on body weight (BW) and metabolic markers are not fully known. The present study investigated the effects of increased intake of fruits and vegetables in overweight and obese men and women on dietary habits, anthropometry and metabolic control. In a 16-week controlled intervention, thirty-four men and thirty-four women aged 35–65 years (BMI>27 kg/m2) were randomised to an intervention (IN) or a reference (RG) group. All participants received general dietary advice, and subjects in the IN group received fruits and vegetables for free, of which ≥500 g had to be eaten daily. BW, waist circumference (WC), sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), plasma insulin, blood glucose, glycated Hb (HbA1c), serum lipids, blood pressure, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity, urinary isoprostane (iso-8-PGF 2α) and serum carotenoids were measured. Diet was assessed using 3-d weighed food records. In all, thirty subjects in the IN group and thirty-two in the RG group completed the intervention. Intake of fruits and vegetables doubled in the IN group, whereas intake of fruits increased in the RG group. Serumα- andβ-carotene concentrations and intakes of folate and vitamin C increased significantly in the IN group. Energy intake, BW, WC and SAD decreased significantly in both groups. Supine systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the IN group, with no between-group differences. No significant changes were observed for other metabolic markers. Provision of fruits and vegetables led to substantially increased intakes, with subsequent favourable changes in anthropometry and insulin levels, which tended to be more pronounced in the IN group. The observed improvements may, in combination with improved nutritional markers, have health benefits in the long term.
On the Restoration of Pteraspis
Authors: Mitchell Hugh 
Published: March 2016

In the year 1860, when engaged in drawing up a list of the fossils known to occur in the Lower Old Red Sandstone of Scotland, we had occasion to remark that, with the exception of the Pteraspis, we had found in our northern rocks the various fossils of the equivalent beds in England, and many others besides, indicating an extensive piscine fauna in that epoch of geological history. We have now to remove that exception, for Pteraspis does occur with us. Some very fine specimens have recently been found in our Scottish
rocks, and from their examination we are not only able to discern that fragments which have been many years in our possession, and which we could not refer to any known fossil, belong to that palæozoic fish, but we are also encouraged to attempt the restoration of the remarkable buckler, composed of solid bone, in which this ancient denizen of the deep was encased.
Figure 1. In the construction of this diagram three fossil specimens have been employed. These specimens are similar in their proportions and in the method of their preservation, and their exact measurements have been followed in the figure. The first specimen, used for this diagram, exhibits very beautifully the form of the shield with the terminal horns, and the distinct eye-sockets. The eyes are placed on the margin of the shield, and their impression is also seen on a cast in the stone of this specimen. The second specimen is the prolonged central termination of the shield, which
has been broken off at the ridge which terminates on either side in the horns. The third specimen show’s the junction of this central prolongation with the shield. All the three specimens have a high central ridge, and still retain something of the graceful outline of the living form. As preserved in the stone these specimens show only the nacreous layer, the other component layers of the bone of the Pteraspis having perished in their case.
Some Remarks on Mr. Darwin's Theory
Authors: Hutton Frederick Wollaston 
Published: March 2016

But there are other causes that have tended to modify animals; stich as habit, use or disuse of any particular organ, food, climate, &c., and these together with the fact that a variation which appears in the parent, at any period of its existence, tends to re-appear in the offspring at the same period, will enable us to account for the metamorphoses of insects, the differences of colour in the young and the adult, the horus of sheep and cattle, &c. If to these we add that of “sexual selection,” we can see why sexes differ in organs and properties. In fact most of the facts in natural history can be explained by this theory; but there are a few which at present cannot, such as the colours of certain larvæ, which are asexual. Even these may perhaps be the effects of the mysterious and unknown laws of correlation of growth and sympathy between different parts.We must remember that the theory of natural selection is subordinate to, and totally distinct from, that of the transmutation of species; and that if the former should be found wanting it would not effect the latter in the least degree.The third great argument urged against the theory of transmutation of species is the geological one; and may be divided into two heads.
On the Distribution of Cephalaspis and Pteraspis in England
Authors: Roberts George E. 
Published: March 2016

I Hope our scientific tourists of the approaching season will take their good eyes into Herefordshire quarries. For now that the Scotch monopoly of the Old Red fishes is broken up, they will be found to repay time and trouble, if searched for in that and the adjoining counties; and something like a reasonable history of these strange old littoral fishes may be the result of a single season's work. There is a great deal about them well worth, knowing, and their remains will be found tolerably abundant, though very fragmentary, both in the sandstones and corn stones; and therefore I have a peculiar pleasure in introducing our primæval fish-fauna to the notice of those on search already—or hoping to be as the season advances—for relics of ancient life.Before I call particular attention to some fruitful localities, let me say a few words upon the physical condition and geographical aspect of the age they lived in. Though I ought rather to say ages, for they anticipated the advent of the system they are popularly said to belong to—that vast life-era—the extent of whose inland-seas and shallow littoral ocean-zone we see in the sandy, shaly, and gravelly beds which contain our fishes, and of whose deep seas the thick-bedded limestones of Devon are witnesses—called by us Old Red or Devonian; and first appeared upon the stage in true Upper Silurian times; for the Pteraspis Ludensis of the Lower Ludlow shales of Leintwardine (county Salop), is the oldest representative of the family.
High and Low Life
Authors: Roberts George E. 
Published: March 2016

Our knowledge of the limits of animal life have been notably extended during the year which has just departed. Air, blown upon an adhesive surface by the aeroscope on the summit of Etna, twelve thousand feet above the sea level, has been found to contain large quantities of Diatomaceæ; and thus the presence of a zone of life has been discovered to us, soaring not only above the limits hitherto fixed, but above the range of physical phenomena in the mountain itself.And now the ocean-depths have given up a secret as marvellous. We are taught that at a depth below the surface nearly as great as the height of the infusorial zone above it, animals as high in the scale of being as starfishes are enjoying life. The one discovery is a fitting pendant to the other, and yet, how great is their difference! In the one case the extreme ratification of the atmosphere seemed to our notions to render life impossible; in the other, the enormous pressure of the opposite element, which in the homes of these starfishes must amount to at least a ton and a-half on the square inch, is so greatly at variance with our belief, that we are confounded at the very outset of the inquiry. The capability in an animal so well accustomed to air as the starfish—whose ordinary domain is the seabeach—to exist without it, and its inherent power of withstanding a pressure that would upon the surface grind a rock to powder, are studies replete with instruction and value—studies which can be turned to a good geologieal account, and made to bear reference to a past fauna as well as to a living one.
Notes on Making Gutta-Percha Moulds and Plaster of Paris Casts
Authors: Jones T. Rupert 
Published: March 2016

My Dear Sir —As something towards enabling amateur and other geologists to communicate some of the results of their researches to their fellow-inquirers, I beg to offer the enclosed directions for making a preparation of gutta-percha and bees-wax, much better adapted for taking casts and moulds of fossils than gutta-percha itself; and also some useful remarks for the preparation of plaster-casts. These directions have been chiefly drawn up, at my request, by my friend, Mr. John Wetherell, of Highgate. I have also to observe that the prepared gutta-percha is capable of being applied to the purposes of the museum in another way, which has been suggested to me by a friend lately. Thus, have some narrow slips of tin folded into squares, of convenient sizes, and into these press some of the composition, and use these as pedestals for such fossil shells, and other specimens, as will not stand steadily by themselves. By warming these pedestals in hot water, they are readily softened so as to receive the fossils when pressed into them, and the latter can be at any time raised for examination.Of course this composition, or even gutta-percha itself, is unfit for use in hot climates, and for transmission, by post or otherwise, to the tropics.
Notes of a Geologist in Ireland During August and September, 1857
Authors: Symonds W. S. 
Published: March 2016

A notice of the geology around Killarney having already appeared in the Geologist, by “A Brother of the Hammer,” it will be sufficient for us to indicate the best localities for sections and fossils, premising that the upper and lower Old Red Sandstone are unequivocally represented in Ireland, independently of the upper groups of conglomerates, and red and yellow sandstones.The Old Red Conglomerate in Ireland is in many places unconformable to the Old Red Sandstone, and constitutes the base of the carboniferous deposits; and I had been assured that the same unconformability had been detected in the Forest of Dean; but a careful examination, with Dr. Melville, has since convinced me that there is no such unconformability between the Upper Brownstones and the overlying masses of conglomerates and red and yellow sandstones in this or the Blorenge district. In Ireland the local geologists persist in limiting the term Old Red Sandstone to a series of deposits which there, most certainly pertain more to the carboniferous group, viz., the conglomerates, red sandstones, and yellow and grey sandstones, which pass upwards conformably into the Coonahola grits and carboniferous slates. The equivalents of our cornstones and brownstones of Brecon and Monmouth may be studied at Glengariff, at the head of Bantry Bay, where the lowest rocks seen are the Glengariff grits, or upper cornstones, overlaid by the Dingle slates or brownstones, and the red sandstones of the conglomerate series, with no unconformability.