bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and properties of wood/polyaniline electromagnetic shielding composites synthesized via in situ polymerization
Authors: He Wen , Li Jiping , Tian Jiaxi , Jing Hui , Li Yanjun 
Published: March 2016

Semiconducting wood/polyaniline (PANI) composites were synthesized via in situ polymerization of aniline monomer, which was impregnated into the wood veneer in advance. Thus, the resulting composites exhibited the characteristics of the conducting PANI and natural wood. The light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images showed that PANI was uniformly dispersed into the wood substrate. The weight percent gain and volume bulk increase of the composites were 16.13% and 6.21%, respectively. The equilibrium water absorption studies showed that the composites were less hydrophilic, because of the addition of hydrophobic PANI. The electrical conductivity of the wood/PANI composite ranged from 2.57 × 10−5 to 9.23 × 10−3 S cm−1 and was tuned by changing the phosphoric acid concentration. The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the wood/PANI composites was mainly in the range 30–60 dB, which may be used for general industry or commercial electronics. Fourier transform infrared spectra revealed that PANI was closely polymerized onto the wood substrate and allowed the accessibility of the amine groups of the aniline to the hydroxyl groups of the wood. Furthermore, the X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that the crystal lattice of the crystalline cellulose region was not damaged, and the relative crystallinity of wood increased. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:537–543, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Trichomonas vaginalis induces IL‐1β production in a human prostate epithelial cell line by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome via reactive oxygen species and potassium ion efflux
Authors: Gu Na‐Yeong , Kim Jung‐Hyun , Han Ik‐Hwan , Im Su‐Jeong , Seo Min‐Young , Chung Yong‐Hoon , Ryu Jae‐Sook 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUNDTrichomonas vaginalis is a sexually transmitted protozoan parasite that causes vaginitis in women, and urethritis and prostatitis in men. IL‐1β is synthesized as immature pro‐IL‐1β, which is cleaved by activated caspase‐1. Caspase‐1 is, in turn, activated by a multi‐protein complex known as an inflammasome. In this study, we investigated the inflammatory response of a prostate epithelial cell line (RWPE‐1) to T. vaginalis and, specifically, the capacity of T. vaginalis to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome.METHODSRWPE‐1 cells were stimulated by live T. vaginalis, and subsequent expression of pro‐IL‐1β, IL‐1β, NLRP3, ASC and caspase‐1 was determined by real‐time PCR and Western blotting. IL‐1β and caspase‐1 production was also measured by ELISA. To evaluate the effects of NLRP3 and caspase‐1 on IL‐1β production, the activated RWPE‐1 cells were transfected with small interfering RNAs to silence the NLRP3 and caspase‐1 genes. Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by spectrofluorometry.RESULTSWhen RWPE‐1 cells were stimulated with live T. vaginalis, the mRNA and protein expression of IL‐1β, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase‐1 increased. Moreover, silencing of NLRP3 and caspase‐1 attenuated T. vaginalis‐induced IL‐1β secretion. The NADPH oxidase inhibitor DPI and high extracellular potassium ion suppressed the production of IL‐1β, caspase‐1, and the expression of NLRP3 and ASC proteins. The specific NF‐κB inhibitor, Bay 11–7082, inhibited IL‐1β production, and also inhibited the production of caspase‐1, ASC and NLRP3 proteins.CONCLUSIONST. vaginalis induces the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in human prostate epithelial cells via ROS and potassium ion efflux, and this results in IL‐1β production. This is the first evidence for activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the inflammatory response by prostate epithelial cells infected with T. vaginalis. Prostate 76:885–896, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optoelectrical improvement of ultra‐thin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells through microstructured MgF2 and Al2O3 back contact passivation layer
Authors: Casper Pascal , Hünig Ruben , Gomard Guillaume , Kiowski Oliver , Reitz Christian , Lemmer Uli , Powalla Michael , Hetterich Michael 
Published: March 2016

Decreasing the absorber layer thickness of thin‐film solar cells can be an effective solution for cost reduction of photovoltaic electricity generation. Unfortunately, this reduction leads to detrimental effects such as incomplete photon absorption and increased charge carrier recombination at the rear electrode. To tackle these losses in ultra‐thin 0.5 µm Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells, we developed different passivation structures made of MgF2 and Al2O3 at the molybdenum–CIGS interface, leading to localized back contacts. The influence of the distance between those contacts on the cell performance was studied by varying the periodicity of the applied 1D patterns from 6 μm to 30 μm. Thus, an increase in performance was measured for microstructured layers with a periodicity of up to 12 µm. More precisely, a MgF2 layer yielded an increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 9%rel compared to an unpassivated cell design, and a passivation layer comprising Al2O3 led to up to a 5%rel increase in PCE. The gains were primarily attributed to an increased reflectivity of the back contact, while the formation of a negative backside field in the case of Al2O3 might have contributed to this increase by preventing electrons from recombining at the backside interface. Our findings indicate a high lateral conductivity for holes inside the multicrystalline CIGS compound over few tens of micrometres, which allows an independent design of future back contacts and light‐trapping schemes.
False‐colour scanning electron microscopy cross‐section picture of a passivated solar cell, with the front contact layers coloured in green, the 0.5 µm CIGS absorber in dark red, the MgF2 passivation layer in blue, and the Mo back contact in grey.magnified imageFalse‐colour scanning electron microscopy cross‐section picture of a passivated solar cell, with the front contact layers coloured in green, the 0.5 µm CIGS absorber in dark red, the MgF2 passivation layer in blue, and the Mo back contact in grey.
Family Communication and Cascade Testing for Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Raspa Melissa , Edwards Anne , Wheeler Anne C. , Bishop Ellen , Bailey Donald B. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA total of 679 families who had at least one child with fragile X syndrome (FXS) were recruited from a research registry to participate in a survey examining cascade testing and communication about FXS. Families had a total of 1117 children (804 males, 313 females). Most families (84 %) had tested all of their children. The main reason for not testing, which did not differ by gender or age of the child, was that the child did not show signs of FXS (68 %). Families talked with their children about FXS occasionally (47 %) although 16 % said they do not talk about it. Most families (66 %) had told their children their FXS status, with males and those with the premutation being less likely to be told test results. Of those that did not, 46 % said that they would tell their child when they were old enough to understand, whereas 34 % had either decided they would not tell or were not sure if or when they were going to tell. About a quarter of respondents (28 %) indicated that no extended family members had been tested, with income and communication about FXS being the strongest predictors. Results from this large scale survey provide important data on how families communicate about FXS and reasons testing is or is not sought. This information can be used by genetic counsellors in providing follow‐up to families after a FXS diagnosis.
Bainite Formation in Medium-Carbon Low-Silicon Spring Steels Accounting for Chemical Segregation
Authors: Goulas C. , Mecozzi M. G. , Sietsma J. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In this paper, the effect of chemical inhomogeneity on the isothermal bainite formation is investigated in medium-carbon low-silicon spring steel by dilatometry and microscopy. The analysis of the microstructure at different times during transformation shows that chemical segregation of substitutional alloying elements resulting from casting strongly affects the bainite formation by retarding the transformation kinetics and limiting the maximum achievable bainite fraction. During holding at temperatures close to and above the martensite start temperature, a homogeneous lower bainitic microstructure can be eventually obtained, whereas at higher temperatures, incomplete bainitic reaction is evident. It was also found that at the early stages of the transformation, differences in the bainite formation kinetics, due to local inhomogeneities in Cr and Mn concentration, result in retardation of the growth of bainite in the high Mn and Cr concentration regions. The calculated difference in driving force for nucleation between the enriched and the depleted areas is not by itself sufficient to explain the microstructures obtained and thus significant influence of growth on bainite formation is observed. Particularly, it was calculated and experimentally observed that Cr partitions in the carbides in the high Mn, Cr regions during the isothermal treatment, limiting the transformation kinetics.
Childhood body mass index and risk of schizophrenia in relation to childhood age, sex and age of first contact with schizophrenia
Authors: Sørensen HJ , Gamborg M , Sørensen TIA , Baker JL , Mortensen EL 
Published: March 2016

AbstractChildhood leanness is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia, but the effects of gender, age at anthropometric measurements and age at first diagnosis on this relationship are unclear. The present study aimed at elucidating these associations.MethodsPopulation-based cohort study with childhood anthropometric measures obtained annually from the age of 7 to 13 years in 253,353 Danes born 1930–1976 and followed to 31 December 2010. During this period, 4936 were registered with schizophrenia. The associations of childhood BMI with risk of schizophrenia were estimated with Cox regression models.ResultsChildhood BMI was significantly inversely associated with risk of schizophrenia, however with different patterns among boys and girls. In boys, childhood BMI had an inverse non-linear association with schizophrenia risk dependent on age at diagnosis; in particular, a surprisingly strong association was found between leanness and later onset of schizophrenia. In girls, the risk of schizophrenia decreased linearly with increasing BMI z-score (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88–0.98). In both boys and girls, birth weight was inversely associated with later risk. In girls, but not in boys, birth weight appeared to significantly modify the associations; there was a somewhat stronger inverse association in the lowest birth weight category.ConclusionsBirth weight as well as childhood BMI at ages 7 through 13 years is associated with risk of schizophrenia in both genders, but with a particular high risk of late-onset in lean boys irrespective of birth weight, and in lean girls with low birth weight. If replicated, these observations may inform preventive efforts build on schizophrenia trajectories rooted in early life.
The effects of growth hormone on clinical outcomes after frozen–thawed embryo transfer
Authors: Xue‐mei Wang , Hong Jiang , Wen‐xiang Zhang , Yang Li 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on clinical outcomes of frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET).MethodsA prospective study was conducted among 240 patients (aged ≤ 38 years) who underwent FET cycles at a center in Hefei, China, between November 2011 and October 2012. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of visit order: those in group A received hormone‐replacement therapy (HRT) for endometrial preparation, those in group B received HRT plus simultaneous rhGH, and those in group C received rhGH on day 8 of HRT.ResultsTen cycles were cancelled; 230 FET cycles were analyzed (77 in group A, 77 in group B, 76 in group C). The rates of clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation, and live birth were significantly higher in group B than in group A, as were the serum levels of estradiol and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (P ≤ 0.033 for all comparisons). Endometrial thickness and serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly higher in group B than in groups A and C, whereas pulsatility index, resistance index, and peak systolic velocity/end diastolic velocity of the uterine arcuate artery were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.017 for all comparisons).ConclusionSimultaneous administration of rhGH with HRT could improve clinical outcomes after FET by increasing endometrial blood perfusion and expression of cytokines related to endometrial receptivity.
Efficacy and Safety of Autologous Blood Products Compared With Corticosteroid Injections in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Qian Xuankun , Lin Qiao , Wei Kongkong , Hu Bin , Jing Pengju , Wang Jianmin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of autologous blood products (ABPs) and corticosteroid injections (CSIs) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.Type of StudyMeta‐analysis.Literature SurveyWe systematically searched EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ABPs with CSIs for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis without language and publication date restriction through April 2015.MethodologyTwo investigators independently included and assessed the quality of each eligible study according to the method recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration. Available data about the main outcomes were extracted from each study and heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and the inconsistency index (I2). We also evaluated the publication bias and conducted a subgroup analysis. Review Manager 5.2 software was used for data syntheses and analyses, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) was estimated by using random effects models with a 95% confidence interval (CI). To investigate the efficacy among different trial durations, the follow‐up times were divided into short periods (2‐4 weeks), intermediate periods (6‐24 weeks) and long‐term periods (≥24 weeks).SynthesisTen RCTs (n = 509) were included in this meta‐analysis. The pooled analysis showed that CSIs were more effective than ABPs for pain relief in the short term (SMD = 0.88; 95% CI = 0.31‐1.46%; P = .003). However, in the intermediate term, ABPs exhibited a better therapeutic effect for pain relief (SMD = −0.38; 95% CI = −0.70 to −0.07%; P = .02), function (SMD = −0.60; 95% CI = −1.13 to −0.08%; P = .03), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (MD = −11.04; 95% CI = −21.72 to −0.36%; P = .04), and Nirschl stage (MD = −0.81; 95% CI = −1.11 to −0.51%; P < .0001). In the long term, ABPs were superior to CSIs for pain relief (SMD = −0.94; 95% CI = −1.32 to −0.57%; P < .0001) and Nirschl stage (MD = −1.04; 95% CI = −1.66 to −0.42%; P = .001). Moreover, for grip strength recovery, no significant difference was found between the 2 therapies (P > .05).ConclusionsLimited evidence supports the conclusion that CSIs are superior to ABPs for pain relief in the short term; however, this result was reversed in the intermediate and long term. ABPs seemed to be more effective at restoring function in the intermediate term. Because of the small sample size and the limited number of high‐quality RCTs, more high‐quality RCTs with large sample sizes are required to validate this result.
Feasibility of Using Tetrax Biofeedback Video Games for Balance Training in Patients With Chronic Hemiplegic Stroke
Authors: Hung Jen‐Wen , Yu Min‐Yuan , Chang Ku‐Chou , Lee Hsuei‐Chen , Hsieh Yen‐Wei , Chen Po‐Chih 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundDecreased weight bearing on the affected lower limb and poor weight shifting are common after a stroke occurs. The Tetrax biofeedback system is a center‐of‐pressure controlled video game system designed for patients with balance deficits. Although it is a commercial product, information about its clinical use for patients affected by stroke is limited.ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and potential efficacy of the Tetrax biofeedback system for balance training in patients with chronic stroke.DesignFeasibility study.SettingRehabilitation department of a medical center.ParticipantsParticipants who had sustained a hemiplegic stroke at least 6 months prior to enrollment but were still able to stand independently for more than 5 minutes.MethodsParticipants were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) or control group (CG). All participants received conventional rehabilitation training. The IG also received 20 minutes of exposure to Tetrax biofeedback games controlled by change in center of pressure 3 times a week for 6 weeks.Main Outcome MeasurementsThe primary outcome was feasibility, addressed by adherence, safety, and satisfaction. The secondary outcome was efficacy, which was evaluated by the subtests of physiological profile assessment, posturography, Timed Up and Go, and Forward Reach tests. We used percentage change (post‐training score – pretraining score/pretraining score) to quantify the intervention effects. Mann‐Whitney U tests were used to analyze differences in percentage of change between groups.ResultsA total of 14 participants were assigned to the IG, and 13 were assigned to the CG; 12 participants in the IG and 11 in the CG completed the study. In the IG group, those who completed the 6‐week intervention attended 89.5% of planned sessions. No major adverse events or falls occurred within the intervention sessions. With use of 5‐point Likert scales, participants rated their enjoyment of Tetrax games as 4.33 ± 0.78, their motivation as 4.17 ± 1.03, and perceived helpfulness as 4.25 ± 0.97. The IG demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in reaction time (P = .002), proprioception (P < .001), symmetric weight bearing (P = .027), Timed Up and Go (P < .001), and Forward Reach (P < .001) compared with the CG.ConclusionsUsing Tetrax biofeedback video games for balance training is a feasible adjunctive program that may augment conventional therapy in persons affected by chronic hemiplegic stroke.Level of EvidenceII
Artrosis de la articulación radiocubital distal
Authors: Simón F. , Zancolli E.P. , Iturrieta L. , Rotella P.S. , Scheker L.R. 
Published: March 2016

La articulación radiocubital distal (ARCD) es una de las articulaciones que más ha sido estudiada en los últimos años debido a su relevancia en la funcionalidad de la muñeca y del miembro superior en su conjunto. El diagnóstico y tratamiento de su patología supone un interesante reto para el cirujano de mano, especialmente la degeneración artrósica.El tratamiento de la artrosis de la ARCD puede ser conservador o quirúrgico. El objetivo del tratamiento conservador es la disminución del dolor y la optimización de la función articular hasta que la cirugía se hace inevitable. Con respecto al tratamiento quirúrgico, se han descrito multitud de procedimientos diferentes que reflejan la variedad del espectro patológico de la ARCD. El mejor conocimiento de la anatomía y la biomecánica de la ARCD y los avances en la tecnología han convertido al reemplazo protésico en la tendencia actual para el tratamiento de la artrosis de la ARCD.En este artículo, tratamos el diagnóstico y las opciones terapéuticas relativas a la artrosis de esta articulación de la fosa sigmoidea del radio y el cúbito distal basados en nuestra experiencia y en la revisión de la literatura actual.
Generalised unsteady plume theory
Authors: Craske John , van Reeuwijk Maarten 
Published: March 2016

We develop a generalised unsteady plume theory and compare it with a new direct numerical simulation (DNS) dataset for an ensemble of statistically unsteady turbulent plumes. The theoretical framework described in this paper generalises previous models and exposes several fundamental aspects of the physics of unsteady plumes. The framework allows one to understand how the structure of the governing integral equations depends on the assumptions one makes about the radial dependence of the longitudinal velocity, turbulence and pressure. Consequently, the ill-posed models identified by Scase & Hewitt (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 697, 2012, pp. 455–480) are shown to be the result of a non-physical assumption regarding the velocity profile. The framework reveals that these ill-posed unsteady plume models are degenerate cases amongst a comparatively large set of well-posed models that can be derived from the generalised unsteady plume equations that we obtain. Drawing on the results of DNS of a plume subjected to an instantaneous step change in its source buoyancy flux, we use the framework in a diagnostic capacity to investigate the properties of the resulting travelling wave. In general, the governing integral equations are hyperbolic, becoming parabolic in the limiting case of a ‘top-hat’ model, and the travelling wave can be classified as lazy, pure or forced according to the particular assumptions that are invoked to close the integral equations. Guided by observations from the DNS data, we use the framework in a prognostic capacity to develop a relatively simple, accurate and well-posed model of unsteady plumes that is based on the assumption of a Gaussian velocity profile. An analytical solution is presented for a pure straight-sided plume that is consistent with the key features observed from the DNS.
HIGH DIMENSIONAL ELLENTUCK SPACES AND INITIAL CHAINS IN THE TUKEY STRUCTURE OF NON-P-POINTS
Authors: DOBRINEN NATASHA 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe generic ultrafilter${\cal G}_2 $forced by${\cal P}\left( {\omega \times \omega } \right)/\left( {{\rm{Fin}} \otimes {\rm{Fin}}} \right)$was recently proved to be neither maximum nor minimum in the Tukey order of ultrafilters ([1]), but it was left open where exactly in the Tukey order it lies. We prove${\cal G}_2 $that is in fact Tukey minimal over its projected Ramsey ultrafilter. Furthermore, we prove that for each${\cal G}_2 $, the collection of all nonprincipal ultrafilters Tukey reducible to the generic ultrafilter${\cal G}_k $forced by${\cal P}\left( {\omega ^k } \right)/{\rm{Fin}}^{ \otimes k} $forms a chain of lengthk. Essential to the proof is the extraction of a dense subsetεkfrom (Fin⊗k)+which we prove to be a topological Ramsey space. The spacesεk,k≥ 2, form a hierarchy of high dimensional Ellentuck spaces. New Ramsey-classification theorems for equivalence relations on fronts on εkare proved, extending the Pudlák–Rödl Theorem for fronts on the Ellentuck space, which are applied to find the Tukey and Rudin–Keisler structures below${\cal G}_k $.
DEPENDENCE LOGIC IN PREGEOMETRIES ANDω-STABLE THEORIES
Authors: PAOLINI GIANLUCA , VÄÄNÄNEN JOUKO 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe present a framework for studying the concept of independence in a general context covering database theory, algebra and model theory as special cases. We show that well-known axioms and rules of independence for making inferences concerning basic atomic independence statements are complete with respect to a variety of semantics. Our results show that the uses of independence concepts in as different areas as database theory, algebra, and model theory, can be completely characterized by the same axioms. We also consider concepts related to independence, such as dependence.