bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A computational study of the interaction of organic surfactants with goethite α-FeO(OH) surfaces
Authors: Santos-Carballal David , Du Zhimei , King Helen E. , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: September 2016

Atomistic simulations based on interatomic potentials show that a range of carboxylic acids adsorb to goethite surfaces.
Multi-responsive (diethylene glycol)methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMA)-based copolymer systems
Authors: Weaver Lucy G. , Stockmann Regine , Postma Almar , Thang San H.
Published: September 2016

RAFT polymerisation was used to synthesise stimuli-responsive DEGMA-based copolymer systems, and their solution properties and aggregation behaviour were then studied.
Jute hydrophobization via laccase-catalyzed grafting of fluorophenol and fluoroamine
Authors: Wu Huimin , Noro Jennifer , Wang Qiang , Fan Xuerong , Silva Carla , Cavaco-Paulo Artur
Published: September 2016

The figure mechanism of the 4-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]phenol (TFMPP) and 1H,1H-perfluorononylamine (PFNL) grafting onto the lignins of jute fabrics.
Synthesis, structure and properties of polysubstituted benzo[g]chrysene by FeCl3-promoted from diphenylacetypene and phenylacetaldehyde derivatives
Authors: Bai Yue-Feng , Chen Li-Qin , Xiang Shi-Kai , Zhang Kan , Li Qiang-Gen , Feng Chun , Hu Ping , Wang Bi-Qin , Zhao Ke-Qing
Published: September 2016

Benzo[g]chrysene (BgCh) is a new untapped virgin land in PAHs. A new and straightforward method has been developed to synthesize it. Part of BgCh revealed liquid crystalline properties and their fluorescence emission wavelength is in the range of blue light.
Highly efficient dual-plasmon polymer solar cell incorporating Au@SiO2 core–shell nanorods and Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Ling Peng , Ran Zhang , Shufen Chen , Qin Zhang , Lingling Deng , Xiaomiao Feng , Wei Huang
Published: September 2016

Au NRs with ultrathin SiO2 shells directly spin-coated onto P3HT:PCBM and dual-plasmon.
Facile one-pot synthesis of novel water-soluble fluorescent hyperbranched poly(amino esters)
Authors: Du Yuqun , Yan Hongxia , Niu Song , Bai Lihua , Chai Fu
Published: September 2016

Two kinds of water-soluble fluorescent hyperbranched poly(amino esters) were first synthesized by a convenient one-pot approach via the A2 + B3 Michael addition reaction of trimethylolpropane triacrylate and aliphatic diamines.
Efficient conversion of furfuryl alcohol to ethyl levulinate with sulfonic acid-functionalized MIL-101(Cr)
Authors: Liu Xiao-Fang , Li Hu , Zhang Heng , Pan Hu , Huang Shan , Yang Kai-Li , Yang Song
Published: September 2016

MIL-101(Cr)–SO3H with highly dispersed Brønsted acid sites was efficient and robust for the ethanolysis of furfuryl alcohol to ethyl levulinate.
An antifouling electrochemical immunosensor for carcinoembryonic antigen based on hyaluronic acid doped conducting polymer PEDOT
Authors: Wang Wei , Cui Min , Song Zhiling , Luo Xiliang
Published: September 2016

A sensitive and antifouling electrochemical CEA immunosensor was developed based on PEDOT doped with hyaluronic acid.
In situ synthesis of flame retardant organic–inorganic hybrids by a molten blending method based on thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer and polybutyl titanate
Authors: Chen Xilei , Wang Wenduo , Jiao Chuanmei
Published: September 2016

A novel type of organic–inorganic hybrid prepared using an in situ synthesis method by molten blending polybutyl titanate (BTP) and thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) is reported.
Controlled synthesis of nanotubes and nanowires decorated with TiO2 nanocuboids with exposed highly reactive (111) facets to produce enhanced photoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Ding Dong , Zhou Bo , Feng Shuang , Liu Li , Feng Fei , A Runa , Su Pengyu , Wang Jun , Fu Wuyou , Yang Haibin
Published: September 2016

We for the first time achieved a controllable synthesis of TiO2 nanocuboids with highly reactive (111) facets exposed and of a corresponding WT hybrid structure with enhanced photoelectrochemical properties.
Iron piano-stool complexes containing NHC ligands outfitted with pendent arms: synthesis, characterization, and screening for catalytic transfer hydrogenation
Authors: Das Parthapratim , Elder Thomas , Brennessel William W. , Chmely Stephen C.
Published: September 2016

The reaction of hydroxyl-appended NHC ligands with FpI affords a pair of iron-containing organometallic species with interesting electronic and structural properties.
C(sp3)–C(sp2) cross-coupling of alkylsilicates with borylated aryl bromides – an iterative platform to alkylated aryl- and heteroaryl boronates
Authors: Vara Brandon A. , Jouffroy Matthieu , Molander Gary A.
Published: September 2016

Primary and secondary ammonium alkylsilicates undergo facile C(sp3)–C(sp2) cross-coupling with borylated aryl bromides under mild photoredox/nickel dual catalysis conditions.
Low pressure UV-cured CS–PEO–PTEGDMA/PAN thin film nanofibrous composite nanofiltration membranes for anionic dye separation
Authors: Shen Lingdi , Cheng Cheng , Yu Xufeng , Yang Yin , Wang Xuefen , Zhu Meifang , Hsiao Benjamin S.
Published: September 2016

Novel low pressure UV-cured chitosan–polyethylene oxide–polytriethylene glycol dimethacrylate/polyacrylonitrile (CS–PEO–PTEGDMA/PAN) thin film nanofibrous composite nanofiltration membranes for anionic dye separation are demonstrated.
The role of the CeO2/BiVO4 interface in optimized Fe–Ce oxide coatings for solar fuels photoanodes
Authors: Shinde A. , Li G. , Zhou L. , Guevarra D. , Suram S. K. , Toma F. M. , Yan Q. , Haber J. A. , Neaton J. B. , Gregoire J. M.
Published: September 2016

Combining high throughput experiments with ab initio calculations accelerates the understanding and optimization of interfaces for solar fuels and beyond.
Recent progress in electrocatalysts with mesoporous structures for application in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Authors: Xu Wei , Wu Zucheng , Tao Shanwen
Published: September 2016

This paper summarizes the recent progress in mesoporous materials as electrocatalysts for applications in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.
A cobalt-based hybrid electrocatalyst derived from a carbon nanotube inserted metal–organic framework for efficient water-splitting
Authors: Yang Fulin , Zhao Pingping , Hua Xing , Luo Wei , Cheng Gongzhen , Xing Wei , Chen Shengli
Published: September 2016

A Co-based hybrid electrocatalyst with a N-doped carbon nanoframe composed of hollow Co NPs interlinked by CNTs is synthesized by annealing CNT inserted ZIF-67. This resultant unique 3D hybrid with highly exposed active sites and good conductivity exhibits superior performance for overall water-splitting.
Hierarchical porous microspheres of activated carbon with a high surface area from spores for electrochemical double-layer capacitors
Authors: Jin Yiyi , Tian Kuan , Wei Lu , Zhang Xingyan , Guo Xin
Published: September 2016

3D activated carbon materials almost perfectly inherit the nano-architectures of spores, exhibiting excellent capacitance storage capability for EDLCs.
An amino-decorated dual-functional metal–organic framework for highly selective sensing of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) ions and detection of nitroaromatic explosives
Authors: Lv Rui , Wang Jingyao , Zhang Yanping , Li Hui , Yang Linyan , Liao Shengyun , Gu Wen , Liu Xin
Published: September 2016

A 3D NH2–Zn-MOF has been successfully constructed via a hydrothermal reaction. It exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity towards Cr(iii), Cr(vi) ions and nitroaromatic compounds.
Ultrathin paper-like boron-doped carbon nanosheet electrodes combined with boron-enriched gel polymer electrolytes for high-performance energy storage
Authors: Cai Chuanlin , Yuan Ping , Tang Jiayong , Guo Yanhui , Ma Xiaohua
Published: September 2016

The novel design of B-doped graphene paper electrodes combined with B-enriched gel polymer electrolytes endows symmetric SCs with outstanding electrochemical performances.
Curved BN-embedded nanographene for application in organic solar cells
Authors: Zhong Zhiming , Wang Xiao-Ye , Zhuang Fang-Dong , Ai Na , Wang Jian , Wang Jie-Yu , Pei Jian , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: September 2016

BN-DBTTC is added to a PTB7:PC71BM device to suppress the crystallization of PCBM in ternary solar cells.
Phase behaviour and composition in the formamidinium–methylammonium hybrid lead iodide perovskite solid solution
Authors: Weber O. J. , Charles B. , Weller M. T.
Published: September 2016

The phase and structural behaviours of the hybrid perovskites FAxMA1−xPbI3as a function of composition and temperature have been determined.
Approaches for building bioactive elements into synthetic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Kesireddy Venu , Kasper F. Kurtis
Published: September 2016

This review provides an outline of various approaches for building bioactive elements into synthetic scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and classifies them broadly under two distinct schemes; namely, the top-down approach and the bottom-up approach.
Laser-synthesized ligand-free Au nanoparticles for contrast agent applications in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Simão Teresa , Chevallier Pascale , Lagueux Jean , Côté Marie-France , Rehbock Christoph , Barcikowski Stephan , Fortin Marc-André , Guay Daniel
Published: September 2016

Pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) has emerged as a new green chemistry method, advantageous to produce gold nanoparticles-based contrast agents with strong blood retention and for multimodal imaging.
Influences of mesoporous magnesium silicate on the hydrophilicity, degradability, mineralization and primary cell response to a wheat protein based biocomposite
Authors: Feng Shipeng , Li Jianyou , Jiang Xuesheng , Li Xiongfeng , Pan Yongkang , Zhao Liming , Boccaccini Aldo R. , Zheng Kai , Yang Lili , Wei Jie
Published: September 2016

With the addition of bioactive m-MS,WP40 composite possessed excellent bioactivity and cytocompatibility.
Synthesis of single crystalline In2O3 octahedra for the selective detection of NO2 and H2 at trace levels
Authors: Roso Sergio , Bittencourt Carla , Umek Polona , González Oriol , Güell Frank , Urakawa Atsushi , Llobet Eduard
Published: September 2016

Selective detection of oxidising or reducing species is achieved via selecting operating temperatures and metal loading of single crystalline In2O3 octahedra.
Recent advances in one-dimensional organic p–n heterojunctions for optoelectronic device applications
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Ding Shang , Zhu Weigang , Feng Linlin , Dong Huanli , Hu Wenping
Published: September 2016

Recent advances in various one-dimensional organic heterojunctions including their synthesis and optoelectronic applications are summarized in this MiniRev article.
An all-solution-processed tactile memory flexible device integrated with a NiO ReRAM
Authors: Kanao Kenichiro , Arie Takayuki , Akita Seiji , Takei Kuniharu
Published: September 2016

A platform of an all-solution-processed tactile memory flexible device is developed using a NiO ReRAM operated by a threshold switching mechanism.
Aggregation-enhanced emission and through-space conjugation of tetraarylethanes and folded tetraarylethenes
Authors: Zhang Yingying , He Bairong , Luo Wenwen , Peng Huiren , Chen Shuming , Hu Rongrong , Qin Anjun , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2016

Novel through-space conjugated luminogens with aggregation-enhanced emission are synthesized and studied.
Modulation of anti-endotoxin property of Temporin L by minor amino acid substitution in identified phenylalanine zipper sequence
Authors: Srivastava Saurabh , Kumar Amit , Tripathi Amit Kumar , Tandon Anshika , Ghosh Jimut Kanti
Published: September 2016

A 13-residue frog antimicrobial peptide Temporin L (TempL) possesses versatile antimicrobial activities and is considered a lead molecule for the development of new antimicrobial agents. To find out the amino acid sequences that influence the anti-microbial property of TempL, a phenylalanine zipper-like sequence was identified in it which was not reported earlier. Several alanine-substituted analogs and a scrambled peptide having the same composition of TempL were designed for evaluating the role of this motif. To investigate whether leucine residues instead of phenylalanine residues at ‘a’ and/or ‘d’ position(s) of the heptad repeat sequence could alter its antimicrobial property, several TempL analogs were synthesized after replacing these phenylalanine residues with leucine residues. Replacing phenylalanine residues with alanine residues in the phenylalanine zipper sequence significantly compromised the anti-endotoxin property of TempL. This is evident from the higher production of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated rat bone-marrow-derived macrophage cells in the presence of its alanine-substituted analogs than TempL itself. However, replacement of these phenylalanine residues with leucine residues significantly augmented anti-endotoxin property of TempL. A single alanine-substituted TempL analog (F8A-TempL) showed significantly reduced cytotoxicity but retained the antibacterial activity of TempL, while the two single leucine-substituted analogs (F5L-TempL and F8L-TempL), although exhibiting lower cytotoxicity, were able to retain the antibacterial activity of the parent peptide. The results demonstrate how minor amino acid substitutions in the identified phenylalanine zipper sequence in TempL could yield analogs with better antibacterial and/or anti-endotoxin properties with their plausible mechanism of action.
Metal-induced crystallization of amorphous zinc tin oxide semiconductors for high mobility thin-film transistors
Authors: Hwang Ah Young , Kim Sang Tae , Ji Hyuk , Shin Yeonwoo , Jeong Jae Kyeong
Published: September 2016

Transition tantalum induced crystallization of amorphous zinc tin oxide (a-ZTO) was observed at low temperature annealing of 300 °C. Thin-film transistors (TFTs) with an a-ZTO channel layer exhibited a reasonable field-effect mobility of 12.4 cm2/V s, subthreshold swing (SS) of 0.39 V/decade, threshold voltage (VTH) of 1.5 V, and ION/OFF ratio of ∼107. A significant improvement in the field-effect mobility (up to ∼33.5 cm2/V s) was achieved for crystallized ZTO TFTs: this improvement was accomplished without compromising the SS, VTH, or ION/OFF ratio due to the presence of a highly ordered microstructure.
Interaction of monopoles, dipoles, and turbulence with a shear flow
Authors: Marques Rosas Fernandes V. H. , Kamp L. P. J. , van Heijst G. J. F. , Clercx H. J. H.
Published: September 2016

Direct numerical simulations have been conducted to examine the evolution of eddies in the presence of large-scale shear flows. The numerical experiments consist of initial-value-problems in which monopolar and dipolar vortices as well as driven turbulence are superposed on a plane Couette or Poiseuille flow in a periodic two-dimensional channel. The evolution of the flow has been examined for different shear rates of the background flow and different widths of the channel. Results found for retro-grade and pro-grade monopolar vortices are consistent with those found in the literature. Boundary layer vorticity, however, can significantly modify the straining and erosion of monopolar vortices normally seen for unbounded domains. Dipolar vortices are shown to be much more robust coherent structures in a large-scale shear flow than monopolar eddies. An analytical model for their trajectories, which are determined by self-advection and advection and rotation by the shear flow, is presented. Turbulent kinetic energy is effectively suppressed by the shearing action of the background flow provided that the shear is linear (Couette flow) and of sufficient strength. Nonlinear shear as present in the Poiseuille flow seems to even increase the turbulence strength especially for high shear rates.
Mid-wavelength infrared InAsSb/InSb nBn detector with extended cut-off wavelength
Authors: Soibel Alexander , Ting David Z. , Hill Cory J. , Fisher Anita M. , Hoglund Linda , Keo Sam. A. , Gunapala Sarath D.
Published: September 2016

We extended the cut-off wavelength λc of bulk InAsSb nBn detectors to λc = 4.6 μm at T = 200 K by incorporating series of single InSb monolayer into InAsSb absorber. Detectors with 2 μm thick absorber showed a temperature independent quantum efficiency QEm ≈ 0.45 for back-side illumination without antireflection coating. The dark current density was jd = 5 × 10−6 A/cm2 at T = 150 K, and increased to jd = 2 × 10−3 A/cm2 at T = 200 K. At temperatures of T = 150 K and below, the demonstrated photodetectors operate in the background limited performance mode, with detectivity D*(λ) = 3–6 × 1011 cm Hz0.5/W for the background temperature of 300 K, and f/2 field of view.
Effect of tomography resolution on the calculated microscopic properties of porous materials: Comparison of sandstone and carbonate rocks
Authors: Gooya R. , Bruns S. , Müter D. , Moaddel A. , Harti R. P. , Stipp S. L. S. , Sørensen H. O.
Published: September 2016

X-ray computed tomography is useful for providing insight into the internal structure of porous materials. Extracting reliable quantitative information is difficult because the derived properties rely heavily on data resolution, i.e., very different values emerge, depending on the relationship between size of the features in the sample and the resolution of the 3D tomograms. Here, we present a method for testing if resolution is sufficient for determining reliable petrophysical parameters, i.e., with low levels of uncertainty. We derived the physical properties of sandstone and carbonate rocks over a range of voxel dimensions by computationally reducing raw data resolution in our high resolution images. Lower resolution decreases the calculated surface area for all samples and increases the derived permeability for sandstone. The permeability vs change in resolution was not monotonic for carbonates. The differences in trends for the two rock types result from different pore sizes and pore size distributions.
GMI in the reentrant spin-glass Fe90Zr10 alloy: Investigation of the spin dynamics in the MHz frequency regime
Authors: Ribeiro P. R. T. , Ramírez J. M. M. , Vidyasagar R. , Machado F. L. A. , Rezende S. M. , Dahlberg E. Dan
Published: September 2016

Giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) in the reentrant spin-glass (SG) phase of ferromagnetic Fe90Zr10 is reported. The temperature (T) dependence of the GMI allows the investigation of the spin dynamics in the SG phase in the MHz frequency regime and thus very short relaxation times τ (∼10−8 s). The GMI shows a broad maximum around 150 K and diminishes with decreasing T below the glass temperature Tg of 15 K. The magnetic permeability data obtained from the GMI data show the general features observed in the ac magnetic susceptibility measured at lower frequencies (10 ≤ f ≤ 104 Hz), yielding values of Tf (=Tg(f)) that allow testing the validity of the power-law scaling used for describing the dynamics of SG-phases up to 15 MHz. A log-log plot of τ (=1/f) versus the reduced critical temperature shows two distinct regimes in the time-domain: (1) a critical slowing-down is observed for values τ > 3 × 10−3 s; and (2) for 7 × 10−8 ≤ τ ≤ 3 × 10−3 s. In the latter case a fitting to the power-law yields the value 7.4 for the product of the critical exponents zν, and 1.6 × 10−7 s for the microscopic relaxation time τ0. The product of the exponents is appropriate for an Ising spin glass.
Magnetic flux motion in (PrxY1−x)Ba2Cu3O7−δ polycrystal samples sintered in Ar and O2 atmospheres
Authors: Favre S. , Yelpo C. , Romero P. , Stari C. , Ariosa D.
Published: September 2016

We present a comparative study of the magnetic flux motion in ceramic pellets made of (PrxY1−x)Ba2Cu3O7−δ as a function of their composition and morphology. Samples produced in Ar or O2 atmosphere present noticeable differences in their magnetic response that we explain in terms of their structural parameters. The material’s parameters that most influence the flux dynamics are morphology and oxygen content, that change dramatically with the sintering atmosphere. Moderate changes are also observed as a function of the Pr content. Magnetic pinning efficiency is discussed in terms of intergranular couplings and effective activation energies, estimated from AC-susceptibility and magnetoresistance measurements.
Second harmonic generation in nanoscale films of transition metal dichalcogenide: Accounting for multipath interference
Authors: Kudryavtsev A. V. , Lavrov S. D. , Shestakova A. P. , Kulyuk L. L. , Mishina E. D.
Published: September 2016

The transfer matrix method has been widely used to calculate wave propagation through the layered structures consisting entirely of either linear or nonlinear optical materials. In the present work, we develop the transfer matrix method for structures consisting of alternating layers of linear and nonlinear optical materials. The result is presented in a form that allows one to directly substitute the values of material constants, refractive index and absorption coefficient, into the expressions describing the second harmonic generation (SHG) field. The model is applied to the calculation of second harmonic (SH) field generated in nano-thin layers of transition metal dichalcogenides exfoliated on top of silicon oxide/silicon Fabry-Perot cavity. These structures are intensively studied both in view of their unique properties and perspective applications. A good agreement between experimental and numerical results can be achieved by small modification of optical constants, which may arise in an experiment due to a strong electric field of an incident focused pump laser beam. By considering the SHG effect, this paper completes the series of works describing the role of Fabry-Perot cavity in different optical effects (optical reflection, photoluminescence and Raman scattering) in 2D semiconductors that is extremely important for characterization of these unique materials.
Arid awakening: new opportunities for Australian plant natural product research
Authors: Simpson B. S. , Bulone V. , Semple S. J. , Booker G. W. , McKinnon R. A. , Weinstein P.
Published: September 2016

The importance of plants and other natural reserves as sources for biologically important compounds, particularly for application in food and medicine, is undeniable. Herein we provide a historical context of the major scientific research programs conducted in Australia that have been aimed at discovering novel bioactive natural products from terrestrial plants. Generally speaking, the main approaches used to guide the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from natural resources have included random, ethnobotanical and chemotaxonomic strategies. Previous Australian plant natural product research campaigns appear to have lacked the use of a fourth strategy with equally high potential, namely the ecologically guided approach. In addition, many large studies have sampled plant material predominantly from tropical regions of Australia, even though arid and semi-arid zones make up 70% of mainland Australia. Therefore, plants growing in arid zone environments, which are exposed to different external stressors (e.g. low rainfall, high ultraviolet exposure) compared with tropical flora, remain an untapped reservoir of potentially novel bioactive compounds. Research of Australian arid zone plants that is ecologically guided creates a new opportunity for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from plants (and potentially other biota) for application in health care, food and agricultural industries.
Graphs, Vectors, and Matrices
Authors: Spielman Daniel
Published: September 2016

This survey accompanies the Josiah Williard Gibbs Lecture that I gave at the 2016 Joint Mathematics Meetings. It provides an introduction to three topics: algebraic and spectral graph theory, the sparsification of graphs, and the recent resolution of the Kadison–Singer Problem. The first and third are connected by the second.
A surveillance study of the current status of reirradiation and patterns of practice
Authors: Yamazaki Hideya , Fushiki Masato , Mizowaki Takashi ,   the Kansai Cancer Therapist Group
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to survey the current status of reirradiation (Re-RT) and patterns of practice in Japan. An email questionnaire was sent to Kansai Cancer Therapist Group partner institutions, using questions similar to those in the Canadian radiation oncologist (RO) survey (2008). A total of 34 ROs from 28 institutions returned the survey. All 28 institutions experienced Re-RT cases in 2014. However, 26 of the 28 institutions (93%) reported difficulty in obtaining Re-RT case information from their respective databases. Responses from 19 institutions included the number of Re-RT cases; this rose from 183 in the period 2005–2009 (institution median = 4; 2–12.9) to 562 in the period 2010–2014 (institution median = 26; 2–225). Important considerations for indication of Re-RT were age (65%), performance status (83%), life expectancy (70%), absence of distant metastases (67%), and interval since previous treatment (73%). Previous total radiation dose (48%), volume of tissue irradiated (72%), and the biologically equivalent dose (BED; 68.5%) were taken into account during Re-RT planning. These factors were similar to those considered in the Canadian survey; however, the present study did not consider age. In eight site-specific scenarios, barring central nervous system recurrence, more than 90% of ROs agreed to perform Re-RT, which was higher than the percentage observed in the Canadian survey. Re-RT cases have increased in number and aroused interest among ROs in this decade of advanced technology. However, consensus building to establish guidelines for the practice and prospective evaluation of Re-RT is required.
Computer-assisted framework for machine-learning–based delineation of GTV regions on datasets of planning CT and PET/CT images
Authors: Ikushima Koujiro , Arimura Hidetaka , Jin Ze , Yabu-uchi Hidetake , Kuwazuru Jumpei , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Sasaki Tomonari , Honda Hiroshi , Sasaki Masayuki
Published: September 2016

We have proposed a computer-assisted framework for machine-learning–based delineation of gross tumor volumes (GTVs) following an optimum contour selection (OCS) method. The key idea of the proposed framework was to feed image features around GTV contours (determined based on the knowledge of radiation oncologists) into a machine-learning classifier during the training step, after which the classifier produces the ‘degree of GTV’ for each voxel in the testing step. Initial GTV regions were extracted using a support vector machine (SVM) that learned the image features inside and outside each tumor region (determined by radiation oncologists). The leave-one-out-by-patient test was employed for training and testing the steps of the proposed framework. The final GTV regions were determined using the OCS method that can be used to select a global optimum object contour based on multiple active delineations with a LSM around the GTV. The efficacy of the proposed framework was evaluated in 14 lung cancer cases [solid: 6, ground-glass opacity (GGO): 4, mixed GGO: 4] using the 3D Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), which denotes the degree of region similarity between the GTVs contoured by radiation oncologists and those determined using the proposed framework. The proposed framework achieved an average DSC of 0.777 for 14 cases, whereas the OCS-based framework produced an average DSC of 0.507. The average DSCs for GGO and mixed GGO were 0.763 and 0.701, respectively, obtained by the proposed framework. The proposed framework can be employed as a tool to assist radiation oncologists in delineating various GTV regions.
Epidemiology of Norovirus Infection Among Immunocompromised Patients at a Tertiary Care Research Hospital, 2010–2013
Authors: Bok Karin , Prevots D. Rebecca , Binder Alison M. , Parra Gabriel I. , Strollo Sara , Fahle Gary A. , Behrle-Yardley Allison , Johnson Jordan A. , Levenson Eric A. , Sosnovtsev Stanislav V. , Holland Steven M. , Palmore Tara N. , Green Kim Y.
Published: September 2016

Background.  Noroviruses are a major cause of infectious gastroenteritis worldwide, and viruses can establish persistent infection in immunocompromised individuals. Risk factors and transmission in this population are not fully understood.

Methods.  From 2010 through 2013, we conducted a retrospective review among immunocompromised patients (n = 268) enrolled in research studies at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and identified a subset of norovirus-positive patients (n = 18) who provided stool specimens for norovirus genotyping analysis.

Results.  Norovirus genome was identified by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction in stools of 35 (13%) of the 268 immunocompromised patients tested, and infection prevalence was 21% (11 of 53) in persons with primary immune deficiencies and 12% (20 of 166) among persons with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies. Among 18 patients with norovirus genotyping information, norovirus GII.4 was the most prevalent genotype (14 of 18, 78%). Persistent norovirus infection (≥6 months) was documented in 8 of 18 (44%) individuals. Phylogenetic analysis of the GII.4 capsid protein sequences identified at least 5 now-displaced GII.4 variant lineages, with no evidence of their nosocomial transmission in the Clinical Center.

Conclusions.  Norovirus was a leading enteric pathogen identified in this immunocompromised population. Both acute and chronic norovirus infections were observed, and these were likely community-acquired. Continued investigation will further define the role of noroviruses in these patients and inform efforts toward prevention and treatment.
Impact of Chickpea‐ and Raw Plantain‐Based Gluten‐Free Snacks on Weight Gain, Serum Lipid Profile, and Insulin Resistance of Rats Fed with a High‐Fructose Diet
Authors: Flores‐Silva Pamela C. , Tovar Juscelino , Reynoso‐Camacho Rosalia , Bello‐Pérez Luis A.
Published: September 2016

Two gluten‐free snacks containing chickpea, plantain, and maize flours at different concentrations were prepared. The impact of chickpea or plantain flour level on weight gain, insulin resistance, and serum lipid profile of rats fed a high‐fructose diet was evaluated. A dose of 0.93 g/kg was used in the experiments to simulate the snack consumption level by humans (average content of a small package, which is twice the portion recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture). Compared with a high‐fructose reference diet, consumption of both snacks decreased weight gain, fasting serum glucose, and triglycerides. The effect was more pronounced for snack B, with higher chickpea content. Consumption of these snacks may also have beneficial effects against obesity and cardiometabolic complications. Chickpea flour is a promising functional ingredient for the development of antiobesity foods.
Structure, Physicochemical Properties, and In Vitro Starch Digestibility of Yellow Pea Flour Modified with Different Organic Acids
Authors: Waduge Renuka Nilmini , Warkentin Thomas D. , Donner Elizabeth , Cao Rong , Dan Ramdath D. , Liu Qiang
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study was to produce a pea flour ingredient with higher slowly digestible (SDS) and resistant (RS) starch fractions for functional food applications. Heat‐moisture treated flour (HMTF) in the presence of citric, gallic, or vanillic acids and esterified flour (EF) with citric acid were prepared and analyzed for structure and functionality using in vitro starch digestibility, differential scanning calorimetry, Rapid Visco Analyzer, swelling factor (SF), amylose leaching (AML), optical microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in SDS and RS content of HMTF and EF were observed. Whereas the granule integrity and the birefringence were not affected by modification, the degree of crystalline order, which was determined by FT‐IR 1,047/1,022 cm−1 peak ratio, was decreased. Gelatinization enthalpies of modified flour were lower than that of native flour, whereas the gelatinization endotherms of HMTF were shifted to higher temperatures and those of EF to lower temperatures. Pasting properties were also affected greatly by both treatments. HMTF demonstrated reduced SF and AML, whereas EF had reduced SF and increased AML. Further, the extent of changes in the structure and functionality of HMTF depended on the type of acid utilized. Overall, heat‐moisture treatment with an organic acid and esterification were effective modifications to produce a pea flour ingredient with enhanced SDS and RS content.
Effect of Heat Treatments on Microbial Load and Associated Changes to β‐Glucan Physicochemical Properties in Whole Grain Barley
Authors: Boyd Lindsey , Holley Rick , Storsley Joanne , Ames Nancy
Published: September 2016

Health claims for barley β‐glucan (BG) have prompted the development of food products containing barley; however, some new products (such as milled grain used without a cook step, as in a smoothie) do not use any form of heat treatment during processing or prior to consumption, which could affect microbial safety and potential health benefits. The aims of this research were to evaluate current commercial barley products for microbial counts and BG characteristics and to determine the effects of different heat treatments on these attributes in whole grain barley samples. Three heat treatments (micronization, roasting, and conditioning) were performed on three cultivars of barley (CDC Rattan, CDC McGwire, and CDC Fibar). The microbial quality was measured with standard plate count (SPC), mold and yeast count (MYC), and coliforms or Escherichia coli. Only four of the 17 commercial barley products tested met acceptable microbial limits used in this study. All three heat treatments applied to the barley samples in this study reduced SPC, MYC, and coliforms to an acceptable level. BG was extracted with an in vitro digestion method to determine its viscosity, molecular weight (MW), and solubility. All three heat treatments produced BG extracts with high viscosity and MW compared with untreated barley. Overall, heat treatments improved both the safety and the potential health benefits from soluble BG in whole grain barley.
Blue Light Perception by Both Roots and Rhizobia Inhibits Nodule Formation in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Shimomura Aya , Naka Ayumi , Miyazaki Nobuyuki , Moriuchi Sayaka , Arima Susumu , Sato Shusei , Hirakawa Hideki , Hayashi Makoto , Maymon Maskit , Hirsch Ann M. , Suzuki Akihiro
Published: September 2016

In many legumes, roots that are exposed to light do not form nodules. Here, we report that blue light inhibits nodulation in Lotus japonicus roots inoculated with Mesorhizobium loti. Using RNA interference, we suppressed the expression of the phototropin and cryptochrome genes in L. japonicus hairy roots. Under blue light, plants transformed with an empty vector did not develop nodules, whereas plants exhibiting suppressed expression of cry1 and cry2 genes formed nodules. We also measured rhizobial growth to investigate whether the inhibition of nodulation could be caused by a reduced population of rhizobia in response to light. Although red light had no effect on rhizobial growth, blue light had a strong inhibitory effect. Rhizobial growth under blue light was partially restored in signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM) strains in which LOV-HK/PAS- and photolyase-related genes were disrupted. Moreover, when Ljcry1A and Ljcry2B-silenced plants were inoculated with the STM strains, nodulation was additively increased. Our data show that blue light receptors in both the host plant and the symbiont have a profound effect on nodule development. The exact mechanism by which these photomorphogenetic responses function in the symbiosis needs further study, but they are clearly involved in optimizing legume nodulation.
Lung Metabolic Activation as an Early Biomarker of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Local Gene Expression Heterogeneity
Authors: Wellman Tyler J. , de Prost Nicolas , Tucci Mauro , Winkler Tilo , Baron Rebecca M. , Filipczak Piotr , Raby Benjamin , Chu Jen-hwa , Harris R. Scott , Musch Guido , dos Reis Falcao Luiz F. , Capelozzi Vera , Venegas Jose G. , Vidal Melo Marcos F.
Published: September 2016

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is an inflammatory condition comprising diffuse lung edema and alveolar damage. ARDS frequently results from regional injury mechanisms. However, it is unknown whether detectable inflammation precedes lung edema and opacification and whether topographically differential gene expression consistent with heterogeneous injury occurs in early ARDS. The authors aimed to determine the temporal relationship between pulmonary metabolic activation and density in a large animal model of early ARDS and to assess gene expression in differentially activated regions.

Methods

The authors produced ARDS in sheep with intravenous lipopolysaccharide (10 ng ⋅ kg−1 ⋅ h−1) and mechanical ventilation for 20 h. Using positron emission tomography, the authors assessed regional cellular metabolic activation with 2-deoxy-2-[(18)F]fluoro-d-glucose, perfusion and ventilation with 13NN-saline, and aeration using transmission scans. Species-specific microarray technology was used to assess regional gene expression.

Results

Metabolic activation preceded detectable increases in lung density (as required for clinical diagnosis) and correlated with subsequent histologic injury, suggesting its predictive value for severity of disease progression. Local time courses of metabolic activation varied, with highly perfused and less aerated dependent lung regions activated earlier than nondependent regions. These regions of distinct metabolic trajectories demonstrated differential gene expression for known and potential novel candidates for ARDS pathogenesis.

Conclusions

Heterogeneous lung metabolic activation precedes increases in lung density in the development of ARDS due to endotoxemia and mechanical ventilation. Local differential gene expression occurs in these early stages and reveals molecular pathways relevant to ARDS biology and of potential use as treatment targets.
Impact of Source Control in Patients With Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock*
Authors: Martínez María Luisa , Ferrer Ricard , Torrents Eva , Guillamat-Prats Raquel , Gomà Gemma , Suárez David , Álvarez-Rocha Luis , Pozo Laderas Juan Carlos , Martín-Loeches Ignacio , Levy Mitchell M. , Artigas Antonio
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

Time to clearance of pathogens is probably critical to outcome in septic shock. Current guidelines recommend intervention for source control within 12 hours after diagnosis. We aimed to determine the epidemiology of source control in the management of sepsis and to analyze the impact of timing to source control on mortality.

Design:

Prospective observational analysis of the Antibiotic Intervention in Severe Sepsis study, a Spanish national multicenter educational intervention to improve antibiotherapy in sepsis.

Setting:

Ninety-nine medical-surgical ICUs in Spain.

Patients:

We enrolled 3,663 patients with severe sepsis or septic shock during three 4-month periods between 2011 and 2013.

Interventions:

Source control and hospital mortality.

Measurements and Main Results:

A total of 1,173 patients (32%) underwent source control, predominantly for abdominal, urinary, and soft-tissue infections. Compared with patients who did not require source control, patients who underwent source control were older, with a greater prevalence of shock, major organ dysfunction, bacteremia, inflammatory markers, and lactic acidemia. In addition, compliance with the resuscitation bundle was worse in those undergoing source control. In patients who underwent source control, crude ICU mortality was lower (21.2% vs 25.1%; p = 0.010); after adjustment for confounding factors, hospital mortality was also lower (odds ratio, 0.809 [95% CI, 0.658–0.994]; p = 0.044). In this observational database analysis, source control after 12 hours was not associated with higher mortality (27.6% vs 26.8%; p = 0.789).

Conclusions:

Despite greater severity and worse compliance with resuscitation bundles, mortality was lower in septic patients who underwent source control than in those who did not. The time to source control could not be linked to survival in this observational database.
Evaluating Muscle Mass by Using Markers of Kidney Function: Development of the Sarcopenia Index
Authors: Kashani Kianoush B. , Frazee Erin N. , Kukrálová Lucie , Sarvottam Kumar , Herasevich Vitaly , Young Phillip M. , Kashyap Rahul , Lieske John C.
Published: September 2016

Objectives:

Sarcopenia is associated with a poor prognosis in the ICU. The purpose of this study was to describe a simple sarcopenia index using routinely available renal biomarkers and evaluate its association with muscle mass and patient outcomes.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

A tertiary-care medical center.

Patients:

High-risk adult ICU patients from October 2008 to December 2010.

Interventions:

The gold standard for muscle mass was quantified with the paraspinal muscle surface area at the L4 vertebrae in the subset of individuals with an abdominal CT scan. Using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, serum creatinine-to-serum cystatin C ratio was found to be the best performer in the estimation of muscle mass. The relationship between sarcopenia index and hospital and 90-day mortality, and the length of mechanical ventilation was evaluated.

Measurements and Main Results:

Out of 226 enrolled patients, 123 (54%) were female, and 198 (87%) were white. Median (interquartile range) age, body mass index, and body surface area were 68 (57–77) years, 28 (24–34) kg/m2, and 1.9 (1.7–2.2) m2, respectively. The mean (± sd) Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III was 70 (± 22). ICU, hospital, and 90-day mortality rates were 5%, 12%, and 20%, respectively. The correlation (r) between sarcopenia index and muscle mass was 0.62 and coefficient of determination (r
2) was 0.27 (p < 0.0001). After adjustment for Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III, body surface area, and age, sarcopenia index was independently predictive of both hospital (p = 0.001) and 90-day mortality (p < 0.0001). Among the 131 patients on mechanical ventilator, the duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly lower on those with higher sarcopenia index (–1 d for each 10 unit of sarcopenia index [95% CI, –1.4 to –0.2; p = 0.006]).

Conclusions:

The sarcopenia index is a fair measure for muscle mass estimation among ICU patients and can modestly predict hospital and 90-day mortality among patients who do not have acute kidney injury at the time of measurement.
The Effect of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy on Mortality and Intubation Rate in Acute Respiratory Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Monro-Somerville Thalia , Sim Malcolm , Ruddy James , Vilas Mark , Gillies Michael A.
Published: September 2016

Objective:

High-flow nasal cannulae are used in adults with or at risk of acute respiratory failure. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the evidence for their use in this setting.

Data Sources:

Ovid Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

Study Selection:

Databases were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing administration of high-flow nasal cannulae with usual care (i.e., conventional oxygen therapy or noninvasive ventilation) in adults with respiratory failure. The primary outcome was hospital mortality; the rate of intubation and assessment of delirium and comfort were secondary outcomes.

Data Extraction:

One hundred forty-seven nonduplicate citations were screened, 32 underwent full screening and data extraction, and 14 trials were eligible for inclusion in the review. Nine trials were used in the meta-analysis, including a total of 2,507 subjects.

Data Synthesis:

When high-flow nasal cannulae were compared with usual care, there was no difference in mortality (high-flow nasal cannulae, 60/1,006 [6%] vs usual care, 90/1,106 [8.1%]) (n = 2,112; p = 0.29; I
2, 25%; fixed effect model: odds ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.58–1.17) or rate of intubation (high-flow nasal cannulae, 119/1,207 [9.9%] vs usual care, 204/1,300 [15.7%]) (n = 2,507; p = 0.08; I
2, 53%; random effect model: odds ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.37–1.06). A qualitative analysis of 13 studies on tolerability and comfort suggested that high-flow nasal cannulae are associated with improved patient comfort and dyspnea scores. Trial sequential analyses on primary and secondary outcomes suggested that required information size was not reached.

Conclusions:

No difference in mortality or intubation was detected in patients with acute respiratory failure treated with high-flow nasal cannulae compared with usual care. High-flow nasal cannulae seem well tolerated by patients. Further large randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate their utility in this setting.
Improving Health Through Political Activism
Authors: Johnston Donald , Landreneau Kandace
Published: September 2016

Nurse leaders have a moral and professional obligation to be aware of and influence policy to promote health at local to national levels. As nurse leaders and concerned local residents, the authors engaged in changing the influence of a sexually-oriented business that was impacting the psychosocial health of local citizenry, especially children. Learning city ordinances and state and federal laws was a precursor to change. Professionalism in action can successfully engage community leaders, create change, and support community health.
MACULAR DETACHMENT ASSOCIATED WITH ANOMALOUS OPTIC NERVES AND DURAL ECTASIA IN 49, XXXXY SYNDROME
Authors: Hajrasouliha Amir R. , Moss Heather E. , Maralani Pejman J. , Kaufman Lawrence , Grassi Michael A.
Published: September 2016

Purpose:

To present a case of a patient with XXXXY syndrome, anomalous optic nerves, and dural ectasia in conjunction with macular detachment.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 3-year-old boy with XXXXY chromosomal abnormality presented with bilateral maculopathy. On evaluation, he was found to have anomalous optic disks with serous detachment of the left eye. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed bilateral optic nerve dural ectasia without evidence of elevated intracranial pressure.

Conclusion:

XXXXY syndrome, like the related condition of Klinefelter syndrome, can manifest with ocular abnormalities. In the present case, the dural ectasia may have facilitated access of cerebrospinal fluid through anomalous optic nerves, resulting in neurosensory detachment.
A Novel Technique to Reconstruct Tricuspid Valve Anterior Leaflet in Massive Endocarditis
Authors: Di Giammarco Gabriele , Marinelli Daniele , Foschi Massimiliano , Di Mauro Michele
Published: September 2016

Tricuspid valve (TV) endocarditis is a common complication in intravenous drug addicts. In case of TV replacement, the main issue is the high risk of new endocarditis on TV prosthesis. On November 2014, a 44 year-old male patient with a history of intravenous drug addiction was referred for TV endocarditis owing to Staphylococcus aureus and severe regurgitation complicated by pulmonary embolism and heart failure. Preoperative echocardiography showed a large vegetation of the anterior leaflet (1.95 × 0.92 cm) covering a huge hole in the leaflet itself. Herein, a novel technique for the treatment of massive endocarditis of the TV is described. Complete anterior leaflet reconstruction was achieved with a huge equine pericardium patch along with native chordae tendinae reimplantation onto the free edge of the patch. Finally, a ring annuloplasty was performed to stabilize the valve reconstruction. The postoperative course was uneventful with evidence of trivial tricuspid regurgitation and no signs of IE recurrence. Complete reconstruction of the anterior leaflet with a patch of xenopericardium and native chordae tendinae reimplantation might be an alternative technique to TV replacement.