bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relationship between anthropometric indices and type 2 diabetes mellitus among adults in north-east China
Authors: Wei Wen , Xin Xie , Shao Bing , Zeng Fang-Fang , Love Edgar J , Wang Bin-You 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe present study was performed to test the predictive value of different cut-off points of anthropometric parameters for the presence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) or glucose tolerance abnormalities in north-east Chinese adults.DesignMultistage random cluster sampling method in a cross-sectional study.SettingHeight, body weight, maximal body weight in the past, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure, 2 h post-load glucose and other lifestyle factors were measured.SubjectsWe used data from 1058 adults aged 20 years or over, selected in the city of Mudanjiang, in 2005.ResultsBMI, maximal BMI in the past (MAXBMI), waist:hip ratio (WHR), waist:height ratio (WHtR) and waist circumference (WC) were significantly correlated with each other. Partial correlation coefficients between WHtR and WC, and between MAXBMI and BMI, were higher than those between the other indices. The association of anthropometric indices with T2DM or glucose tolerance abnormalities was significantly highest for the collaboration cut-off points of MAXBMI (≥23·0 kg/m2 for T2DM, ≥22·0 kg/m2 for glucose tolerance abnormalities) with WHtR (≥0·52). Areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves also showed that WHtR was a better anthropometric index that discriminated between the presence and absence of T2DM and an excellent indicator with high Youden’s index.ConclusionsMAXBMI combined with WHtR was a better anthropometric index associated with T2DM or glucose tolerance abnormalities. The combined use of these two measures is a good choice for T2DM prevention and screening.
The home food environment of overweight gatekeepers in the Netherlands
Authors: Poelman Maartje P , de Vet Emely , Velema Elizabeth , Seidell Jacob C , Steenhuis Ingrid HM 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to gain insight into (i) processed snack-food availability, (ii) processed snack-food salience and (iii) the size of dinnerware among households with overweight gatekeepers. Moreover, associations between gatekeepers’ characteristics and in-home observations were determined.DesignA cross-sectional observation of home food environments was conducted as part of a baseline measurement of a larger study.SettingHome food environments of overweight and obese gatekeepers in the Netherlands.SubjectsHousehold gatekeepers (n278). Mean household size of the gatekeepers was 3·0 (sd1·3) persons. Mean age of the gatekeepers was 45·7 (sd9·2) years, 34·9 % were overweight and 65·1 % were obese. Of the gatekeepers, 20·9 % had a low level of education and 42·7 % had a high level of education.ResultsIn 70 % of the households, eight or more packages of processed snack foods were present. In 54 % of the households, processed snack foods were stored close to non-processed food items and in 78 % of households close to non-food items. In 33 % of the households, processed snack foods were visible in the kitchen and in 15 % of the households processed snack foods were visible in the living room. Of the dinnerware items, 14 % (plates), 57 % (glasses), 78 % (dessert bowls), 67 % (soup bowls) and 58 % (mugs) were larger than the reference norms of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre Foundation. Older gatekeepers used significantly smaller dinnerware than younger gatekeepers.ConclusionsEnvironmental factors endorsing overconsumption are commonly present in the home environments of overweight people and could lead to unplanned eating or passive overconsumption.
Is the number of fast-food outlets in the neighbourhood related to screen-detected type 2 diabetes mellitus and associated risk factors?
Authors: Bodicoat Danielle H , Carter Patrice , Comber Alexis , Edwardson Charlotte , Gray Laura J , Hill Sian , Webb David , Yates Thomas , Davies Melanie J , Khunti Kamlesh 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated whether a higher number of fast-food outlets in an individual’s home neighbourhood is associated with increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and related risk factors, including obesity.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThree UK-based diabetes screening studies (one general population, two high-risk populations) conducted between 2004 and 2011. The primary outcome was screen-detected type 2 diabetes. Secondary outcomes were risk factors for type 2 diabetes.SubjectsIn total 10 461 participants (mean age 59 years; 53 % male; 21 % non-White ethnicity).ResultsThere was a higher number of neighbourhood (500 m radius from home postcode) fast-food outlets among non-White ethnic groups (P<0·001) and in socially deprived areas (P<0·001). After adjustment (social deprivation, urban/rural, ethnicity, age, sex), more fast-food outlets was associated with significantly increased odds for diabetes (OR=1·02; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·04) and obesity (OR=1·02; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·03). This suggests that for every additional two outlets per neighbourhood, we would expect one additional diabetes case, assuming a causal relationship between the fast-food outlets and diabetes.ConclusionsThese results suggest that increased exposure to fast-food outlets is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes and obesity, which has implications for diabetes prevention at a public health level and for those granting planning permission to new fast-food outlets.
Characterizing Microbial Diversity and Damage in Mural Paintings
Authors: Rosado Tânia , Mirão José , Candeias António , Caldeira Ana Teresa 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMural paintings are some of the oldest and most important cultural expressions of mankind and play an important role for the understanding of societies and civilizations. These cultural assets have high economic and cultural value and therefore their degradation has social and economic impact. The present work presents a novel microanalytical approach to understand the damages caused by microbial communities in mural paintings. This comprises the characterization and identification of microbial diversity and evaluation of damage promoted by their biological activity. Culture-dependent methods and DNA-based approaches like denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and pyrosequencing are important tools in the isolation and identification of the microbial communities allowing characterization of the biota involved in the biodeterioration phenomena. Raman microspectrometry, infrared spectrometry, and variable pressure scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry are also useful tools for evaluation of the presence of microbial contamination and detection of the alteration products resulting from metabolic activity of the microorganisms. This study shows that the degradation status of mural paintings can be correlated to the presence of metabolically active microorganisms.
BRD in 2014: where have we been, where are we now, and where do we want to go?
Authors: Hilton W. Mark 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a worldwide health concern and is the number one disease of stocker, backgrounder, and feedlot cattle in North America. In feedlots in the USA, BRD accounts for 70–80% of all feedlot morbidity and 40–50% of all mortality. In 2011, the US Department of Agriculture's National Animal Health Monitoring System conducted a feedlot study that showed 16.2% of all feedlot cattle were treated for BRD. It is universally accepted that this number is distressingly high and that our industry has the tools available to reduce the incidence of BRD.
Examining family meetings at end of life: The model of practice in a hospice inpatient unit
Authors: Meeker Mary Ann , Waldrop Deborah P. , Seo Jin Young 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjective:Our purpose was to rigorously examine the nature of family meetings as conducted in an inpatient hospice care unit in order to generate an inductive theoretical model.Method:In this two-phase project, we first interviewed eight members of the interdisciplinary care team who participated in multiple family meetings each week. Interview questions explored why and how they conducted family meetings. Using an observation template created from these interview data, we subsequently conducted ethnographic observations during family meetings. Using the methods of grounded theory, our findings were synthesized into a theoretical model depicting the structure and process of formal family meetings within this setting.Results:The core of the family meeting was characterized by cognitive and affective elements aimed at supporting the family and facilitating quality care by clarifying the past, easing the present, and protecting the future. This inductive model was subsequently found to be highly aligned with a sense of coherence, an important influence on coping, and adaptation to the stress of a life-limiting illness.Significance of Results:Provider communication with family members is particularly critical during advanced illness and end-of-life care. The National Consensus Project clinical practice guidelines for quality palliative care list regular family meetings among the recommended practices for excellent communication during end-of-life care, but do not provide specific guidance on how and when to provide such meetings. Our findings provide a theoretical model that can inform the design of a family meeting to address family members' needs for meaningful and contextualized information, validation of their important contributions to care, and preparation for the patient's death.
Coordinated regulation of photosynthesis in rice increases yield and tolerance to environmental stress
Authors: Ambavaram Madana M. R. , Basu Supratim , Krishnan Arjun , Ramegowda Venkategowda , Batlang Utlwang , Rahman Lutfor , Baisakh Niranjan , Pereira Andy 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPlants capture solar energy and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through photosynthesis, which is the primary component of crop yield, and needs to be increased considerably to meet the growing global demand for food. Environmental stresses, which are increasing with climate change, adversely affect photosynthetic carbon metabolism (PCM) and limit yield of cereals such as rice (Oryza sativa) that feeds half the world. To study the regulation of photosynthesis, we developed a rice gene regulatory network and identified a transcription factor HYR (HIGHER YIELD RICE) associated with PCM, which on expression in rice enhances photosynthesis under multiple environmental conditions, determining a morpho-physiological programme leading to higher grain yield under normal, drought and high-temperature stress conditions. We show HYR is a master regulator, directly activating photosynthesis genes, cascades of transcription factors and other downstream genes involved in PCM and yield stability under drought and high-temperature environmental stress conditions.
Logarithm conformal mapping brings the cloaking effect
Authors: Xu Lin , Chen Huanyang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractOver the past years, invisibility cloaks have been extensively discussed since transformation optics emerges. Generally, the electromagnetic parameters of invisibility cloaks are complicated tensors, yet difficult to realize. As a special method of transformation optics, conformal mapping helps us design invisibility cloak with isotropic materials of a refractive index distribution. However, for all proposed isotropic cloaks, the refractive index range is at such a breadth that challenges current experimental fabrication. In this work, we propose two new kinds of logarithm conformal mappings for invisible device designs. For one of the mappings, the refractive index distribution of conformal cloak varies from 0 to 9.839, which is more feasible for future implementation. Numerical simulations by using finite element method are performed to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Performance improved by point‐contact electrodes and SiO2/SiNX layers at rear
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Shih , Ho Jyh‐Jier , Chen Duo‐Sheng , Ho Jia‐Show , Du Chen‐Hsun , Tsai Song‐Yeu , Hung Hsien‐Seng , Wang Kang L. 
Published: October 2014

The rear point‐contact fabricated through the laser‐opening technique for mass production was applied on the photovoltaic cells. Laser opening, different layers for passivation (SiO2) and protection (SiNX) were employed to investigate their impact on the performances of solar cells. The SiNX layer protects the SiO2 layer from being burnt through by aluminium paste at the co‐firing step. A conversion efficiency (η) of 16.91% with an open‐circuit voltage of 628 mV was obtained for the optimal cell, a stack structure with SiO2 and SiNX layers, which also achieves a lower contact resistance of 6.66 mΩ·cm2 and a higher light‐beam‐induced current of 80.77 mA/cm2. The optimal cell also showed longer lifetime and 3–4% increased quantum efficiency in the visible wavelength range. Therefore, the developed process has simplicity and reliability, is fast and cost‐effective and could be applied to industrial applications.
Normally‐off vertical‐type mesa‐gate GaN MOSFET
Authors: Won Chul‐Ho , Kim Ki‐Won , Kim Dong‐Seok , Kang Hee‐Sung , Im Ki‐Sik , Jo Young‐Woo , Kim Do‐Kywn , Kim Ryun‐Hwi , Lee Jung‐Hee 
Published: October 2014

A vertical‐type mesa‐gate GaN metal–oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistor (MOSFET) has been fabricated. The mesa‐gate structure can be easily achieved by a single deep etch to the n+‐GaN which is the drain of the device, whereas the trench‐gate structure, the commonly used structure for the vertical‐type MOSFETs, requires an additional etching process to define the gate region. The mesa‐gate GaN MOSFET exhibited a normally‐off operation with the threshold voltage of 3 V, a normalised drain current of ∼ 55 mA/mm and a high on/off current ratio of 108.
AC response of 0.35 µm CMOS triple‐junction photodetector
Authors: Schidl S. , Zimmermann H. 
Published: October 2014

A vertically stacked triple‐junction photodiode (PD) is characterised for its suitability for sensor applications which demand a high speed. The proposed PD is implemented in a 0.35 µm CMOS process without process modifications. The AC performance of the detector is characterised at three wavelengths, blue (410 nm), green (520 nm) and red (675 nm). The measurements are carried out with a high dynamic range to fully characterise possible interactions between the different wavelengths (cross‐coupling mechanisms).
Noise figure reduction by port decoupling for dual circular polarised microstrip antenna
Authors: Khan M. , Warnick K. F. 
Published: October 2014

A planar dual circular polarised (CP) feed is highly desirable for dish‐type satellite communication terminals, but isolation between ports is typically poorer for CP microstrip antennas than for linearly polarised elements. Mutual coupling between the output ports of a dual CP planar feed can affect the equivalent noise temperature of the satellite ground terminal receiver. A port decoupling network is designed for a single‐layer dual CP microstrip antenna to increase the isolation to >20 dB between the antenna ports while maintaining CP quality. The effect of decoupling for the single‐layer dual CP feed on the performance of a high sensitivity dual polarised receiver for satellite communication applications is analysed.
InAs/GaAs p–i–p quantum dots‐in‐a‐well infrared photodetectors operating beyond 200 K
Authors: Park M.S. , Jain V. , Lee E.H. , Kim S.H. , Pettersson H. , Wang Q. , Song J.D. , Choi W.J. 
Published: October 2014

High‐temperature operating performance of p–i–p quantum dots‐in‐a‐well infrared photodetectors (QDIPs) is successfully demonstrated. The optically active region consists of 10 layers of p‐doped self‐assembled InAs quantum dots (QDs) asymmetrically positioned in In0.15Ga0.85As quantum wells (QWs). The dark current is suppressed by an incorporated superlattice (SL) structure composed of 10 pairs of AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure. The very low recorded dark current makes the fabricated p–i–p QDIPs suitable for high‐temperature operation. The measured photoresponse reveals broad mid‐wave infrared (MWIR) detection up to 200 K.
Block‐windowed burst OFDM: a high‐efficiency multicarrier technique
Authors: Nunes J. , Bento P. , Gomes M. , Dinis R. , Silva V. 
Published: October 2014

A block‐windowed burst orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technique which is a multicarrier technique with power spectral density similar to the filtered OFDM approach, since it also employs smoother, non‐rectangular windows, is presented. However, it does not need a cyclic prefix, which means the overall power and spectral efficiencies are higher. An appropriate receiver for typical time‐dispersive channels, allowing 2 dB of gain relatively conventional OFDM schemes is also presented.
Millimetre‐wave broadband waveguide‐based power combiner using lossy planar lines
Authors: Xiaoqiang Xie , Qiang Zhou , Dawei Li 
Published: October 2014

A lossy waveguide‐based power combiner is proposed for broadband low‐loss symmetrically combining with good port matching and isolation at millimetre‐wave frequencies. In the combiner, lossy planar transmission lines are used to provide attenuation to even‐mode excitations and to achieve broadband low‐loss power combining with good port matching and isolation. The experimental results show that the lossy waveguide‐based power combiner has a loss of about 0.14 dB and a reflection coefficient and isolation of about –15 dB in 26.5–40 GHz, respectively. The lossy waveguide‐based power combiner can be used in a multi‐way power amplifying–combining system to obtain millimetre‐wave broadband high solid‐state power with high efficiency and good stability.
Low‐voltage quadrature LC oscillator with fast start‐up
Authors: Roy A.G. , Mayaram K. , Fiez T.S. 
Published: October 2014

A novel low‐voltage quadrature inductor–capacitor (LC) oscillator is presented. The proposed oscillator is immune to the phase ambiguity problem encountered in quadrature oscillators. Simulations show that the proposed oscillator can obtain a phase noise of −150 dBc/Hz at 10 MHz offset for a 5 GHz centre frequency and a figure‐of‐merit (FoM) of 195 dBc/Hz. The proposed oscillator has a superior start‐up performance compared to other low‐voltage quadrature LC oscillator architectures.
Fabrication and measurement of graphene p–n junction with two top gates
Authors: Liu Jingping , Safavi‐Naeini Safieddin , Ban Dayan 
Published: October 2014

A graphene device with two top gates has been fabricated and measured for the first time. The thickness of the gate dielectric is 60 nm. The measurement results indicate that the externally applied gate biases can dope the underneath graphene to either p‐ or n‐type, forming an induced p–n junction. The current–voltage (I–V) curve measurement results also indicate that there is no nonlinear phenomenon in a weakly induced graphene p–n junction. This graphene p–n junction can potentially be used for terahertz wave generation.
Bio‐signal acquisition circuit with high signal‐to‐noise ratio for u‐healthcare system
Authors: Nam Ilku , Kang Hongseok , Woo Doo Hyung 
Published: October 2014

The testing of a monolithic bio‐signal acquisition circuit with an analogue negative feedback loop for ubiquitous healthcare (u‐healthcare) and the monitoring of physical activity is described. The large low‐frequency signal is effectively rejected by the proposed circuit, allowing the dynamic range of the more valuable signals to be improved. The proposed circuit has been designed and fabricated using a 0.18 μm 1‐poly 6‐metal CMOS process. Using an analogue negative feedback loop with a dual‐gain filter, the proposed method provides an average signal‐to‐noise ratio 8.1 dB higher than that of the conventional method.
Electrical localisation of full open defects in comb–meander–comb structures
Authors: Arumí D. , Rodríguez‐Montañés R. , Figueras J. 
Published: October 2014

Test structures are key elements to characterise and identify the main contributors to yield loss in wiring structures. Among such monitors, comb–meander–comb structures have been widely used owing to their simplicity and reduced number of pads. With continuous scaling of dimensions and use of copper in interconnections, open defects has arisen as the most common defect affecting the interconnection, focusing thus on an important part of the research effort. In fact, present electrical methodologies are able to detect, localise and predict the resistance of weak (resistive) opens. However, such methodologies are not able to locate full opens. This lack of information may be useful for faster ramp‐up and yield improvement, among others. In this context, a simple electrical methodology to predict the location of full opens in comb–meander–comb structures is presented. Experimental measurements carried out in a 65 nm technology die corroborate the feasibility of the approach.
Compact slotted semi‐circular antenna for implantable medical devices
Authors: Li Rongqiang , Xiao Shaoqiu 
Published: October 2014

A novel, compact, semi‐circular, implantable, planar‐inverted‐F antenna (PIFA) is presented for the medical implant communications services (MICSs) band (402–405 MHz). By cutting three arc‐shaped slots in a semi‐circular patch, the proposed antenna can obtain effective size reduction. The total volume of the proposed antenna, including substrate and superstrate, is about 151 mm3. A bandwidth of 25 MHz is obtained at return loss of 10 dB. In addition, the radiation and specific absorption rate (SAR) performance of the antenna are examined and characterised.
Multi‐carrier transmission of vectorial modulation schemes using electronic transceivers at 588 GHz
Authors: Ducournau G. , Szriftgiser P. , Bacquet D. , Zaknoune M. , Kassi R. , Lampin J.‐F. 
Published: October 2014

A reported is presented on the first communication system using vectorial modulation schemes above 500 GHz. Using Schottky‐based electronic technologies at 588 GHz, potentialities of high‐level multi‐carrier modulation schemes for wireless links are analysed. The wireless link is composed of an emitter with a sub‐harmonic mixer for up‐conversion from 294 to 588 GHz and carrier modulation. A pumped zero‐bias detector is used at reception. Mono‐carrier signalling is realised using an up to 32‐symbol modulation scheme and multi‐carrier terahertz transmission is also achieved using several modulation schemes in parallel.
Evaluation and analysis of transformerless photovoltaic inverter topology for efficiency improvement and reduction of leakage current
Authors: Cha Woo‐Jun , Kim Kyu‐Tae , Cho Yong‐Won , Lee Sung‐Ho , Kwon Bong‐Hwan 
Published: October 2014

In transfomerless photovoltaic (PV) grid‐connected inverter application, to reduce leakage current and to increase efficiency, many inverter topologies have been proposed. The method for increasing efficiency and reducing leakage current is evaluated and analysed in the present study. The operation of transfomerless PV inverter topologies with high‐performance such as full‐bridge, H5, H6, HERIC and paralleled‐buck topology is analysed to calculate switching losses, conduction losses and free‐wheeling losses. Device total losses for inverter topology are calculated according to the switching frequency and the output power. Also, a novel high‐frequency model of inverter topology is proposed using the leg voltage and high‐frequency equivalent circuit. The relation between the parasitic capacitor voltage and its leakage current is explained using the proposed high‐frequency model. Also, the magnitude of the high‐frequency voltage in the parasitic capacitor is derived mathematically. Efficiency of the several inverter topology according to the output power is compared and the leakage current is analysed using a novel high‐frequency model. Finally, the efficiency and leakage current analysis are verified by simulation tool and 3 kW prototype.