bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional and structural assessment of patients with and without persistent pain after thoracotomy
Authors: Springer J.S. , Karlsson P. , Madsen C.S. , Johnsen B. , Finnerup N.B. , Jensen T.S. , Nikolajsen L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundPersistent pain is frequent after thoracotomy, with a reported prevalence of up to 60%. It remains unclear why some patients develop pain, whereas others do not. We therefore examined patients with and without pain after thoracotomy to identify pathophysiological contributors to persistent pain.MethodsTwenty patients with persistent pain, 12 patients without pain and 20 healthy controls underwent detailed functional and structural assessment including psychometric and neuropathic pain questionnaires, bedside examination for pinprick hyperalgesia and brush allodynia, quantitative sensory testing according to the protocol of the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain, measurement of capsaicin‐evoked flare response, intradermal nerve density as determined by skin biopsies and laser‐ and heat‐evoked potentials.ResultsBedside testing revealed evoked pain in 16 of 20 patients with pain, but only in 2 of 12 patients without pain (p < 0.001). Quantitative sensory testing showed increased mechanical pain sensitivity (p = 0.018) on the operated side in patients with pain, but there were no differences between the two patient groups with regard to intradermal nerve fibre density, area and flux following capsaicin application and laser‐ and heat‐evoked potentials.ConclusionDifferent and individual pathophysiological mechanisms of pain may obscure the clinical picture and thus preclude identification of a specific pain profile in patients with persistent post‐thoracotomy pain.SignificanceEvoked pain is more frequent in patients with pain. Assessment of intradermal nerve density, capsaicin‐induced flare response and contact and laser heat‐evoked potentials revealed no differences between pain patients and pain‐free patients.
Aluminum‐Ion Asymmetric Supercapacitor Incorporating Carbon Nanotubes and an Ionic Liquid Electrolyte: Al/AlCl3‐[EMIm]Cl/CNTs
Authors: Jiao Handong , Wang Junxiang , Tu Jiguo , Lei Haiping , Jiao Shuqiang 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAn aluminum‐ion asymmetric supercapacitor was assembled utilizing a cathode made of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in an ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIm]Cl)‐based electrolyte. Two types of energy‐storage mechanisms, that is, electrochemical double‐layer capacitance (adsorption/desorption of AlCl4− on the surface) and limited intercalation pseudocapacitance (intercalation/deintercalation of AlCl4− in the graphite layer) at low current density, were observed and characterized. Meanwhile, the specific capacitance and cyclic stability of this supercapacitor were also evaluated by using galvanostatically charging–discharging. The result demonstrates that the specific capacitance decreases with increasing current density, which corresponds to the two types of energy‐storage mechanisms of this device. The corresponding retention rate of this device after 3500 cycles at current density of 0.4 A g−1 was 82.4 %, which shows good cyclic stability.
Mechanical Behavior during Electrochemical and Mechanical Deactivation of an Aged Electrode in a Lithium‐Ion Pouch Cell
Authors: Shi Lei , Kunz Ulrich 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe mechanical behavior of lithium‐ion battery electrodes that undergo a severe capacity decrease are investigated by monitoring the out‐of‐plane displacement on the external surface of a pouch cell. The capacity degradation does not decrease gradually as a function of time but exhibits distinct behaviors with different causes. These are electrochemical aging during cycling and mechanical injury caused by manufacture failure. In the former case, both the permanent evolution and the anomalous distribution of the displacement accompanied with a consistent decrease of the capacity are correlated to the local deterioration of the adhesion of the material layers. The mechanical injury accelerates the capacity decrease by destroying the electrode structure, which results in a sudden decrease of the surface displacement. If the displacement reaches its limit, only a dynamic fluctuation remains, which reflects the remaining electrochemical process at a low level. As a result, we conclude that the loss of electrical connectivity between the active material layer and the current collector is responsible for the severe capacity degradation. This effect is more pronounced on the anode than the cathode. Both electrochemical cycling and mechanical injury can result in the weakening of the adhesion of the anode material on the current collector.
Physical laboratory analyses of intergravel flow through brown trout redds (Salmo trutta fario) in response to coarse sand infiltration
Authors: Obruca Wolfgang , Hauer Christoph 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn the spawning environment of salmonids, the quality of the intergravel flow is an essential abiotic requirement for the survival success of incubated embryos. As one of the most frequently investigated anthropogenic environmental impacts, the enhanced mobilization of fine sediments (<1 mm) and their entry into riverine ecosystems is considered as a major cause for the degradation of a variety of biological processes and habitats, including the spawning habitats of salmonids. In catchments draining crystalline bedrock, however, like the Bohemian Massif in the northern part of Austria, the excessive loading of river channels with coarse sand and fine gravel sediments (D = 1–10 mm) and less cohesive than fines is common as a consequence of altered catchment land use. Here, far less understanding exists of the mechanism and the possible implications of coarse sand infiltration on the functioning of the intergravel flow in salmonid redds. To investigate the intergravel flow hydraulics in response to coarse sand infiltration (D50 = 2 mm) in brown trout spawning redds (Salmo truttafario) under controlled conditions, a laboratory flume experiment with three infiltration scenarios was conducted: (1) no infiltration; (2) segmental infiltration; and (3) full section infiltration. A more than two times drop in the average intergravel flow velocity was documented from scenario 1 (5.85 cms−1) to scenario 2 (2.53 cms−1) and another clear reduction was seen from scenario 2 (2.53 cms−1) to scenario 3 (1.61 cms−1). Moreover, in scenario 3, a clear reduction of the intergravel flow distance traveled was observed. Based on the findings we conclude that future considerations regarding the sustainable catchment management of salmonid fisheries should include programs to reduce not only the excessive entry of fines, but, in the relevant catchments, also the entry of excessive coarse sand into the riverine ecosystem. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogeneous Forecast Adjustment
Authors: Bruijn Bert De , Franses Philip Hans 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThere is ample empirical evidence that expert‐adjusted model forecasts can be improved. One way to potential improvement concerns providing various forms of feedback to the sales forecasters. It is also often recognized that the experts (forecasters) might not constitute a homogeneous group. This paper provides a data‐based methodology to discern latent clusters of forecasters, and applies it to a fully new large database with data on expert‐adjusted forecasts, model forecasts and realizations. For the data at hand, two clusters can clearly be identified. Next, the consequences of having clusters are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dealing with daily challenges in dementia (deal‐id study): an experience sampling study to assess caregiver functioning in the flow of daily life
Authors: van Knippenberg R.J.M. , de Vugt M.E. , Ponds R.W. , Myin‐Germeys I. , van Twillert B. , Verhey F.R.J. 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveAccurate assessment of caregiver functioning is of great importance to gain better insight into daily caregiver functioning and to prevent high levels of burden. The experience sampling methodology (ESM) is an innovative approach to assess subjective experiences and behavior within daily life. In this study, the feasibility of the ESM in spousal caregivers of people with dementia was examined, and the usability of ESM data for clinical and scientific practice was demonstrated.MethodsThirty‐one caregivers collected ESM data for six consecutive days using an electronic ESM device that generated ten random alerts per day. After each alert, short reports of the caregiver's current mood state and context were collected. Feasibility was assessed by examining compliance and subjective experiences with the ESM. Usability was described using group and individual ESM data.ResultsParticipants on average completed 78.8% of the reports. One participant completed less than 33% of the reports and was excluded from data analyses. Participants considered the ESM device to be a user‐friendly device in which they could accurately describe their feelings and experiences. The ESM was not experienced as too burdensome. Zooming in on the ESM data, personalized patterns of mood and contextual factors were revealed.ConclusionsThe ESM is a feasible method to assess caregiver functioning. In addition to standard retrospective measurements, it offers new opportunities to gain more insight into the daily lives of people with dementia and their caregivers. It also provides new possibilities to tailor caregiver support interventions to the specific needs of the caregiver. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical inference of dynamic resting‐state functional connectivity using hierarchical observation modeling
Authors: Sojoudi Alireza , Goodyear Bradley G. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractSpontaneous fluctuations of blood‐oxygenation level‐dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI) signals are highly synchronous between brain regions that serve similar functions. This provides a means to investigate functional networks; however, most analysis techniques assume functional connections are constant over time. This may be problematic in the case of neurological disease, where functional connections may be highly variable. Recently, several methods have been proposed to determine moment‐to‐moment changes in the strength of functional connections over an imaging session (so called dynamic connectivity). Here a novel analysis framework based on a hierarchical observation modeling approach was proposed, to permit statistical inference of the presence of dynamic connectivity. A two‐level linear model composed of overlapping sliding windows of fMRI signals, incorporating the fact that overlapping windows are not independent was described. To test this approach, datasets were synthesized whereby functional connectivity was either constant (significant or insignificant) or modulated by an external input. The method successfully determines the statistical significance of a functional connection in phase with the modulation, and it exhibits greater sensitivity and specificity in detecting regions with variable connectivity, when compared with sliding‐window correlation analysis. For real data, this technique possesses greater reproducibility and provides a more discriminative estimate of dynamic connectivity than sliding‐window correlation analysis. Hum Brain Mapp 37:4566–4580, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ambiguity of Symmetry
Authors: Hargittai Istvan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBeyond the universality of the symmetry concept, there are different emphases on its application in different branches of science. Chemistry, being between particle physics and astrophysics, represents a bridge in, and a utilitarian approach to, the application of the symmetry concept, which has proved immensely fruitful in twentieth‐century science. Some pivotal discoveries, especially in structural chemistry, molecular biology, and materials science, emerged by relaxing some of the stipulations of the classical teachings about symmetry. This highly personal presentation relies on ideas expressed by a number of notable individuals in recent science, among them J. Desmond Bernal, Francis Crick, Ronald J. Gillespie, Aleksandr I. Kitaigorodskii, Alan L. Mackay, George A. Olah, Linus Pauling, Roger Penrose, Dan Shechtman, James D. Watson, Steven Weinberg, and Eugene P. Wigner.
Soy Reduces Bone Turnover Markers in Women During Early Menopause: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Aye Mo , Rigby Alan S , Fraser William D , Thatcher Natalie J , Kilpatrick Eric S , Atkin Stephen L 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Menopausal estrogen loss leads to an increased bone loss. Soy isoflavones can act as selective estrogen receptor modulators, their role in bone turnover is unclear. The primary outcome was assessing changes in plasma bone turnover markers. The secondary outcomes were assessing changes in cardiovascular risk markers including insulin resistance, blood pressure, and lipid profile. We performed a double-blind randomized parallel study in which 200 women within 2 years after the onset of their menopause were randomized to 15 g soy protein with 66 mg isoflavone (SPI) or 15 g soy protein alone (SP), daily for 6 months. There was a significant reduction in type I collagen crosslinked beta C-telopeptide (βCTX) (bone-resorption marker) with SPI supplementation (0.40 ± 0.17 versus 0.15 ± 0.09 μg/L; p &lt; 0.01) compared to SP supplementation (0.35 ± 0.12 versus 0.35 ± 0.13 μg/L; p = 0.92) after 6 months. There was also a significant reduction in type I procollagen-N-propeptide (P1NP) (bone formation marker) with SPI supplementation (50.5 ± 25.0 versus 34.3 ± 17.6 μg/L; p &lt; 0.01), more marked between 3 and 6 months. Following SPI there was a significant reduction in fasting glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, and systolic blood pressure whereas no significant changes in these parameters was observed with SP. There were no significant changes in fasting lipid profile and diastolic blood pressure with either preparation. There was a significant increase in TSH and reduction in free thyroxine (p &lt; 0.01) with SPI supplementation though free tri-iodothyronine was unchanged. In conclusion, soy protein with isoflavones may confer a beneficial effect on bone health, analogous to the mode of action of antiresorptive agents, albeit to a less magnitude. There was a significant improvement of cardiovascular risk markers, but a significant increase in TSH and reduction in free thyroxine after SPI supplementation indicating a detrimental effect on thyroid function. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
A Porphyrin‐Based Discrete Tetragonal Prismatic Cage: Host–Guest Complexation and Its Application in Tuning Liquid‐Crystalline Behavior
Authors: Yu Guocan , Ye Yang , Tong Zaizai , Yang Jie , Li Zhengtao , Hua Bin , Shao Li , Li Shijun 
Published: July 2016

The host–guest complexation between a porphyrin‐based 3D tetragonal prism (H) and electron‐rich pyrene is investigated. This host–guest molecular recognition is further utilized to suppress the liquid‐crystalline behavior of a nematic molecule (G) containing cyanobiphenyl mesogens functionalized with a pyrenyl unit. Furthermore, coronene, with an increased number of π‐electrons, is used as a competitive guest to recover the liquid‐crystalline behavior of G. This supramolecular approach provides a glimpse of the new possibilities to modulate the structures of the mesophases.image
Integrating Graphene and C60 Into TiO2 Nanofibers via Electrospinning Process for Enhanced Conversion Efficiencies of DSSCs
Authors: Asmatulu Ramazan , Shinde Manish A. , Alharbi Abdulaziz R. , Alarifi Ibrahim M. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryElectrospun TiO2 nanofibers incorporated with graphene and C60 nanoparticles at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 wt.% were produced using poly (vinyle acetate), dimetylfomamide, and titanium (IV) isopropoxide. The resultant nanofibers were heat treated at 300 °C for 2 hrs in a standard oven to remove all the organic parts of the nanofibers, and then further heated up to 500 °C in Ar for additional 12 hrs to crystallize the TiO2 nanofibers. For the graphene and C60 containing nanofibers, two steps annealing at 300 °C (air) and 500 °C (Ar) were conducted to eliminate the decomposition processes of the graphene and C60 in the TiO2 nanofibers. SEM, TEM and XRD studies were conducted on the samples. The results showed that graphene and C60 were well integrated in the nanofiber structures. The TiO2 nanofibers with the inclusions were mixed in a solution to form a paste, which was then applied on a conductive glass after the TiCl4 solution treatments to make various dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This technique enables creation of solar cells with variable thicknesses of 7 µm to 45 µm. The effects of the manufacturing technique, thickness of the paste, different percentages of graphene and C60 nanoparticles on overall efficiency of the solar cell were studied in detail. The test studies indicated that in the presence of graphene and C60, the DSSC efficiency increased more than 50%. The present study may guide some of the scientists and engineers to tailor the energy band gap structures of the semiconductor materials for different industrial applications, including DSSCs, as well as water splitting, catalyst, Li‐ion batteries, and fuel cells.
The Influence of Biobased Olegomeric Diisocyanate on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)
Authors: Reddy Chaganti Srinivasa , O’ Connor Kevin , Babu P Ramesh 
Published: July 2016

SummaryIn the present work, poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) blends were prepared by melt blending with biobased oligomeric diisocyanate synthesised from hexamethelene diisocyanate (Tolonate XFLO100 (TXF100)). PHBTXF100 blends with four different weight fraction (10, 15, 20 and 25 phr) of TXF100 were prepared and characterized for mechanical, thermal and thermomechanical properties. Strain at break and tensile toughness of PHBTXF10025 blend were improved by 200% and 193%, respectively. PHBTXF100 blends showed a broad glass transition temperature with a decreased onset temperature compared to PHB. PHBTXF100 blends exhibited low crystallinity than PHB, and was further decreased with an increased weight fraction of TXF100. Elastic and storage moduli PHBTXF100 blends were decreased compared to PHB, and correlated to their low degree of crystallinity. The changes in mechanical properties of PHBTXF100 blends were mainly due to efficient weakening of intermolecular interactions in the amorphous regions of PHB, and also a slight decrease in crystalline order of PHB.
Novel Chart for Representation of Material Performance and Reliability
Authors: Lanyi Franz J. , Kunzelmann Peter , Schubert Dirk W. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryIn modern industrial production lines various process and material parameters determine the properties of the final product. Thus, a process optimization procedure has to take into account a large design space containing several parameters. As a consequence, the evaluation of the influence of single process parameters on the final product properties can be quite complicated. Usually a certain property of a product, for example the mechanical strength, has to satisfy a defined specification. In terms of quality control not only the performance of the material but also the reliability of the specified values has to be considered. The Weibull statistic gives an interesting approach to evaluate both, material's performance and reliability. Regarding the mechanical properties e.g. in terms of the stress at break σb the Weibull analysis leads to a characteristic failure constant σb,0 at which 63.2 % of the samples will break. Additionally, the Weibull modulus m can be regarded as a measure for the width of the distribution of the measuring results. High values of m represent a narrow distribution and thus a better reliability. Moreover, the Weibull modulus m is independent of the absolute value of the measuring data. Therefore, it is possible to compare samples produced under different conditions. The standard deviation and the interquartile range are often used to quantify the scatter of empirical data. It is shown within this work that the Weibull modulus m can be a more precise discriminator for the evaluation of the reliability because it is rather stable against outlaying values. As an example this study concentrates on the mechanical properties of melt spun fibres consisting of blends from polypropylenes with different molar masses produced under various process conditions. This work presents a novel chart which allows one to compare different samples on the basis of the Weibull statistics whereat the Weibull modulus m is plotted over σb,0. Defining a reference material, the m‐σb,0‐map can be split into quadrants, whereat each quadrant designates an improvement or worsening of material's performance and reliability with respect to the reference. An evaluation in terms of performance and reliability of great sets of data is easily applicable. It will be shown that the Weibull statistic can also be applied to Young's Modulus, the elongation at break and the tensile energy absorption.
Biporous Crosslinked Polymers With Controlled Pore Size and Connectivity
Authors: Ly Hai Bang , Halbardier Lucile , Grande Daniel 
Published: July 2016

SummaryA critically selected overview of different parameters affecting the porous features of doubly porous polymeric materials based on poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) and designed via a double porogen approach is addressed. A careful investigation was undertaken so as to highlight the main advantages of the proposed double porogen approach which relied on the distinct and independent control of both porosity levels, i.e. nano‐ and macro‐porosity. The nanoporosity level was produced via a phase separation phenomenon that occurred during the polymerization process in the presence of a porogenic solvent. To generate an interconnected macroporosity, two straightforward and versatile strategies were implemented through the use of sodium chloride (NaCl) macro‐sized particles. They involved the sintering of NaCl particles prior to the generation of PHEMA‐based networks. NaCl particles were fused through two different methods, either by sintering at 730 °C or by Spark Plasma Sintering. Upon porogen removal, doubly porous PHEMA‐based materials were obtained with macropores having NaCl particle imprints in the 100 μm order of magnitude, while the second porosity level laid within the 0.1–1 μm orders of magnitude, as evidenced by mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy.