bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Raman spectroscopy of neutron irradiated silicon carbide: Correlation among Raman spectra, swelling, and irradiation temperature
Authors: Koyanagi Takaaki , Katoh Yutai , Lance Michael J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe effects of neutron irradiation on microstructural evolution and the resultant changes in physical and mechanical properties are of critical importance for the development of silicon carbide (SiC) materials for nuclear applications. This study neutron‐irradiated β‐SiC under a wide range of conditions at temperatures between 235 and 750°C and neutron doses of 0.01–11.8 displacements per atom, and then evaluated the effects on the SiC structure using Raman spectroscopy. The SiC optical phonon lines were shifted to lower wavenumbers by irradiation. Correlations were found among the wavenumber of the longitudinal optical phonon line, irradiation‐induced swelling, and irradiation temperature. The peak shift also correlated indirectly with decreasing thermal conductivity of irradiated SiC. The irradiation‐induced peak shift is explained by combinations of lattice strain, reduction of the elastic modulus, and other factors including decreasing coherent domain size. These findings bridge irradiation‐induced microstructural changes and property changes and illustrate how Raman spectroscopy is a useful tool for nondestructively assessing irradiated SiC materials for nuclear applications.
Simultaneous determination of free and total choline and l‐carnitine in infant formula using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Hong , Yu Wenjiang , Xue Xia , Guo Zhimou , Liu Yanfang , Yang Guosheng , Liu Yanming , Zhu Jianhua 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA quick, simple, and reliable method was developed for the simultaneous determination of free and total choline and l‐carnitine in infant formula employing a novel hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method. Microwave‐assisted hydrolysis was used to shorten the hydrolysis time to only 15 min. A novel Click XIon zwitterionic stationary phase was chosen because it gave better retention, perfect resolution, and sharper symmetrical peaks compared to traditional columns. The matrix effect under different experimental conditions was evaluated by using the matrix effect factor, which employs stable isotopically labeled internal standards and is more appropriate for evaluating the matrix effect related to endogenous analytes. The accuracy and precision of the method were validated with certified reference materials. The fortified recovery values for choline and l‐carnitine were between 85.0 and 104% with relevant standard deviations <5.0%. The established method was applied to the analysis of real infant formulas, demonstrating its applicability and feasibility.
Achromatic Broadband Super‐Resolution Imaging by Super‐Oscillatory Metasurface
Authors: Li Zhu , Zhang Tao , Wang Yanqin , Kong Weijie , Zhang Jian , Huang Yijia , Wang Changtao , Li Xiong , Pu Mingbo , Luo Xiangang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPast decades have seen enormous efforts to achieve subdiffraction resolution optical imaging, but most of them are suffering from either complex near‐field manipulation or prelabeling of specific specimen, like scanning near‐field optical microscopes and stimulated emission depletion microscopes. The optical super‐oscillation phenomenon seems to provide a method of far field super‐resolution imaging without particularly dealing with objects. However, the reported optical super‐oscillation imaging methods were usually constrained to narrow bandwidth, which is mainly due to the inherent complex light interference features. Here, benefiting from the nearly dispersionless feature of phase modulations with metasurface, a super‐oscillatory metasurface filter is proposed for broadband super‐resolution imaging. In demonstrative experiments, resolving ability of about 0.64 times of the Rayleigh criterion is obtained for visible light ranging from 400 to 700 nm. This method is expected to potentially promote the development of super‐resolving telescopes and microscopes based on super‐oscillation optics.
Enhancement of the Photoalignment Stability of Block Copolymer Brushes by Anchor Segments
Authors: Cai Feng , Huang Zhangjun , Zheng Feng , Lu Xuemin , Lu Qinghua 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIt is known that the use of a homopolymer derived from a relatively high‐surface‐energy block moiety in a diblock copolymer as a substrate can facilitate phase separation of the block copolymer in the form of a layered structure parallel to the substrate. This is an effective approach for preparing a photoresponsive surface molecular brush for liquid‐crystal alignment. However, the alignment of the polymer brushes soon diminishes during elastic deformation of the polymeric substrate due to the weak interaction between the copolymer and polymeric substrate in the interfacial blend layer. In this study, rigid segments composed of N‐p‐anisylmaleimide were controllably introduced via copolymerization into a series of well‐defined diblock copolymers as “anchors” to resist the “drift” of the copolymer from a polymethyl methacrylate substrate at above its glass transition temperature. The anchoring mechanism and the stability of the aligned azobenzene polymeric brushes were systematically studied and compared.
Establishment of the Alabama Hereditary Cancer Cohort ‐ strategies for the inclusion of underrepresented populations in cancer genetics research
Authors: Bishop Madison R. , Shah Amit , Shively Melissa , Huskey Anna L. W. , Omeler Sophonie M. , Bilgili Erin P. , Jackson Ebony , Daniell Kathleen , Stallworth Elizabeth , Spina Stephanie , Shepp Kasey , Bergstresser Sydney , Davis Amber , Dean Holly , Gibson Jantunn , Johnson Brandon , Merner Nancy D. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundHistorically, groups that are most susceptible to health and healthcare disparities have been underrepresented in medical research. It is imperative to explore approaches that can facilitate the recruitment of underrepresented individuals into research studies.MethodsTwo approaches, hospital and community‐based recruitment (CBR), were developed and implemented over 36 months to study the genetics of hereditary breast cancer and associated cancers in Alabama, a medically underserved state with double the national percentage of self‐identifying African Americans, establishing the Alabama Hereditary Cancer Cohort.ResultsOverall, 242 individuals enrolled. This included 84 cancer probands through hospital recruitment, as well as 76 probands and 82 family members through CBR. Eighty‐one percent of the study participants’ counties of residence are completely medically underserved. Furthermore, African Americans represent 26% of the hospital probands compared to 49% and 70% of the probands and family members who, respectively, enrolled through CBR.ConclusionAlthough both recruitment mechanisms were instrumental, the unique trust building, educational, and traveling components of CBR facilitated the enrollment of African Americans resulting in large families for genetic analyses. The ultimate goal is to gain insight from these rudimentary efforts in order to expand recruitment and accrue a unique resource for cancer genetics research.
Waist‐to‐hip ratio is a better predictor than body mass index for morbidity in abdominally based breast reconstruction
Authors: Wu Peter S. , Jordan Sumanas W. , Hodson Trevor , Chao Albert H. 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundBody mass index is a universally recognized measure of obesity. However, it does not take body fat distribution (BFD) into account, which has been established as a significant risk factor in both medicine and surgery. The objective of this study was to compare previously developed anthropometric measures of BFD with body mass index in predicting morbidity with abdominally based microsurgical breast reconstruction.MethodsA review of patients who underwent abdominally based breast reconstruction was performed. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between complications (recipient, donor, total) with body mass index, waist circumference, waist‐to‐hip ratio, waist‐to‐height ratio, conicity index, and abdominal volume index.ResultsA total of 325 patients who underwent 442 flaps were analyzed. Waist circumference (OR, 1.16; 95% CI 1.07–1.76), waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR, 1.94; 95% CI 1.25‐3.35), and waist‐to‐height ratio (OR, 1.19; 95% CI 1.01‐1.70) were significant risk factors for recipient site complications. Body mass index (OR, 1.14; 95% CI 1.01‐1.56), and waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR, 2.01; 95% CI 1.30‐3.95) were significant risk factors for donor site complications. Waist‐to‐hip ratio (OR, 1.87; 95% CI 1.22‐4.00) was the only measure found to be a significant risk factor for experiencing any complication. A waist‐to‐hip ratio >0.84 was associated with increased risk.ConclusionsWaist‐to‐hip ratio is a significant risk factor for recipient and donor site morbidity in abdominally based breast reconstruction. It is a readily calculable and clinically significant measure distinct from body mass index that should be considered for use in clinical care and research.
Understanding the Molecular Structure of the Sialic Acid–Phenylboronic Acid Complex by using a Combined NMR Spectroscopy and DFT Study: Toward Sialic Acid Detection at Cell Membranes
Authors: Nishitani Shoichi , Maekawa Yuki , Sakata Toshiya 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe origin of the unusually high stability of the sialic acid (SA) and phenylboronic acid (PBA) complex was investigated by a combined nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) study. SA is a glycan‐terminating monosaccharide, and its importance as a clinical target has long been recognized. Inspired by the fact that the binding properties of SA–PBA complexation are anomalously high relative to those of typical monosaccharides, great effort has been made to build a clinical platform with the use of PBA as a SA‐selective receptor. Although a number of applications have been reported in recent years, the ability of PBA to recognize SA‐terminating surface glycans selectively is still unclear, because high‐affinity SA–PBA complexation might not occur in a physiological environment. In particular, different forms of SA (α‐ and β‐pyranose) were not considered in detail. To answer this question, the combined NMR spectroscopy/DFT study revealed that the advantageous binding properties of the SA–PBA complex arise from ester bonding involving the α‐carboxylate moieties (C1 and C2) of β‐SA but not α‐SA. Moreover, the facts that the C2 atom is blocked by a glycoside bond in a physiological environment and that α‐SA basically exists on membrane‐bound glycans in a physiological environment lead to the conclusion that PBA cannot selectively recognize the SA unit to discriminate specific types of cells. Our results have a significant impact on the field of SA‐based cell recognition.
Prenatal chromosomal microarray uptake with invasive prenatal diagnosis: How many patients take the leap?
Authors: Singletary Claire N. , Krstic Nevena Cvjetkovic , Czerwinski Jennifer L. , Choates Meagan Giles , Wagner Chelsea 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveCharacterize the uptake of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) among women undergoing invasive prenatal diagnosis at a large academic institution over a 4‐year time period.MethodsRetrospective database review of women who underwent invasive prenatal diagnosis via chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. Entries were reviewed for demographic and clinical information.ResultsNine hundred forty‐six diagnostic procedures were performed at our institution over a 4‐year time period including 259 CVS and 687 amniocentesis procedures. Overall, 32% elected CMA, with a significant increase in uptake over time. Women with Medicaid/CHIP insurance were more likely to elect CMA than those with private insurance (OR = 1.59, 95% CI, 1.18‐2.14), while multigravida women were less likely than primigravidas to elect CMA (P = 0.003). Women with ultrasound findings were more likely to elect CMA than any other indication. Those with structural abnormalities in multiple systems (OR = 3.75, 95% CI, 1.60‐8.79) or abnormalities in a single system (OR = 3.22, 95% CI, 1.47‐7.05) were more likely to elect CMA than with any other types of ultrasound findings.ConclusionThe uptake of CMA significantly increased over a 4‐year period at a large academic institution. Women with ultrasound indications, specifically structural abnormalities, are the most likely to elect CMA.
The development of a template for psychological assessment of women considering risk‐reducing or contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: A national Delphi consensus study
Authors: Braude Lucy , Kirsten Laura , Gilchrist Jemma , Juraskova Ilona 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveRisk‐reducing mastectomies (RRM) and contralateral prophylactic mastectomies (CPM) are increasingly prevalent strategies to reduce breast cancer risk. Given the associated physical and emotional challenges, presurgical psychological assessment is frequently recommended for this population, yet limited research exists to guide this. This study aimed to reach a consensus on the most relevant content and format of a psychological consultation prior to RRM/CPM.MethodsA modified two‐round online Delphi study was conducted Australia‐wide. Expert participants (n = 25), including psychologists, surgeons, nurses, oncologists, genetic specialists, and researchers completed a round‐one survey, informed by a literature review, previous qualitative study and expert clinicians' input. This required participants to rate their agreement with 36 statements regarding potential content of a psychological consultation and provide feedback on format/structure. A round‐two survey comprised items that had not reached consensus and six new items suggested by participants. Parameters for statement consensus were set a priori at >75% agreement.ResultsExpert participants indicated agreement with the majority of statements (39/42, 92.8%), endorsing that the assessment should include (1) patient understanding of the RRM/CPM procedure/cancer risk, (2) potential physical/emotional impact of surgery, (3) informed decision‐making, and (4) past/current psychological issues (anxiety and body image). A provisional assessment template and user manual is provided.ConclusionsThis research culminated in a consensus‐based template to guide psychological assessment of women considering RRM/CPM. This enables health professionals to assess suitability for surgery and preempt challenges within a standardised framework. Future evaluation of the acceptability and effectiveness of the template in clinical settings is warranted.
Graphene and Graphene‐Based Materials in Biomedical Science
Authors: Priya Swetha Poyye Dsouza , Manisha Hosabettu , Sudhakaraprasad Kariate 
Published: July 2018

AbstractGraphene and its composite materials are very important in many disciplines of science and have been used enormously by researchers since their discovery in 2004. These are a new group of compounds, and are also wonderful model systems for quantum behavior studies. Their properties like exceptional conductivity, biocompatibility, surface area, mechanical strength, and thermal properties make them rising stars in the scientific community. Graphene and its composite compounds are utilized widely in different medical applications, for example, biosensing of biological compounds responsible for disease development, bioimaging of various cells, tissues, microorganisms, animal models, etc. In addition, they are used for enhancing and supporting the stem cell differentiation, i.e., regenerative medicine for regeneration studies of various human organs, tissue engineering in biology for the development of carrier materials, as well as in bone reformation. This review focuses on the modification procedure involved in the fabrication of graphene‐based biomaterials for various applications and recent developments in research related to graphene and graphene‐based materials in biosensing, optical sensing, gas sensing, drug, gene, protein delivery, tissue engineering, and bioimaging. In addition, the potential toxicological effects of graphene‐based biomaterials are discussed.
Low‐Temperature‐Processed CdS as the Electron Selective Layer in an Organometal Halide Perovskite Photovoltaic Device
Authors: Zhao Wangen , Yao Zhun , Guo Ruisheng , Yu Fengyang , Wu Guohua , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOrganic–inorganic halide perovskites have recently been crowned as the leading next‐generation photovoltaic material due to their high efficiency and simple fabrication process. Herein, a low‐temperature‐processed CdS thin film (commonly used as a buffer layer in commercial CdTe or CIGSe solar cells) is reported as an electron selective layer in perovskite devices based on the following reasons: First, the photoelectric property of CdS thin film is investigated, illustrating the possibility of CdS as the electron selective layer in the application of methylammonium lead (II) iodide perovskite devices. More specifically, CdS semiconductor film presents a higher mobility compared with traditional TiO2 thin film, which benefits the electron extraction and transmission; second, it is found that the perovskite thin film spun‐coating on the CdS substrates grows with an obvious tendency along the direction toward the thickness of thin film, which reduces the chance of recombination of electrons and hole, beneficial to their separation. It is also revealed that the perovskite‐device‐based CdS electron selective layer has a higher stability compared with that of TiO2 due to the difference of substrates wetting.
Synthesis of Long Chain Bonding Agent of CSRP and its Effect on Propellant Mechanical Properties
Authors: Abd elall Ali. M. , Lin Guo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMechanical properties of composite solid rocket propellant are one of the most important propellant specifications and also improvement of the interfacial interactions between bonding agents and solid particles is a demand for composite solid propellants in order to withstand stresses produced due to various loading conditions, changes in environmental condition, transportation and handling. In this work, long chain bonding agent prepared from the reaction of fatty monocarboxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid with methyl aziridinyl phosphine oxide (MAPO) to form (MSA) bonding agent which is improved the mechanical properties especially strain value corresponding to stress value which gives the highest value in formulation B1 but with low yield properties. Also using an percentage of MAPO as a mixed bonding agent in order to increase the yield properties of the propellant has a significant effect on mechanical properties as giving high value of Young′s modulus and good strain value with the percentage of 0.1 % of MAPO and 0.2 % of MSA then by changing the curing agent using IPDI instead of HMDI also gives a remarkable mechanical properties as high strain corresponding stress with a good value with modulus in formulation CI2.
Nucleophile‐Initiated Catalytic and Multicomponent Reactions
Authors: Nair Vijay , Menon Rajeev S. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA number of well‐known reactions, proceed through the intermediacy of dipolar/zwitterionic species generated via the addition of a neutral nucleophile with an unsaturated electrophile. A mechanistic understanding of these reactions was made possible by seminal contributions of Huisgen. The design of novel reactions based on such dipolar species was, however, not pursued in detail for a long time. Our efforts to exploit various reactivity profiles available for the zwitterionic/dipolar intermediates have resulted in the discovery of a large number of novel, convenient protocols to access a wide variety of products. The nucleophilic initiators may participate in the reaction or play a mediating role depending upon the nature of nucleophile, its quantity and the reaction conditions. In a majority of these transformations two electrophilic components, that would normally be inert towards each other, are combined by the intermediacy of a nucelophile. A brief summary of such nucleophile‐initiated novel reactions that were developed in our research group are described. Reactions involving a variety of nucleophiles such as phosphines, pyridine, quinoline, isoquinoline, isocyanides, dimethoxycarbene and N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) are discussed.
Materials with Nanoscale Porosity: Energy and Environmental Applications
Authors: Bhanja Piyali , Bhaumik Asim 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn this personal account, several key inventions on designing novel microporous and mesoporous materials, and their applications in energy and environmental research are reviewed. Although, crystalline materials with sub‐nanometer pore size regime like zeolites, AlPOs, MOFs, ZIFs etc. are known over the years, silicious and non‐silicious mesoporous materials have revolutionized the research on the materials with nanoscale porosity in last two and half decades. A wide range of inorganic, organic‐inorganic hybrid as well as purely organic mesoporous materials with either periodic or disordered mesopores are known. Apart from conventional hydrothermal syntheses involving soft templating route, hard templating, evaporation induced self‐assembly (EISA), electrochemical or solvothermal (using hydrophilic solvents) synthetic routes are often employed in designing a large spectrum of mesoporous materials. Ease of synthesis using available cheap raw chemicals and versatility in the framework compositions together with the unique surface properties like exceptionally high surface area, pore volume and tunability in pore dimensions have made these materials very exciting to a wide range of researchers working on materials chemistry. Nanoscale porosity in the semiconductor nanomaterials is highly beneficial for the photocatalytic, optoelectronic and related light‐harvesting applications. Their high chemical stability has been explored intensively in designing novel heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of biofuels from biomass or CO2 fixation to reactive organic molecules for the synthesis of fine chemicals and fuels, which has a large impact on energy and environmental research for the years to come. Diversity in mesoporous frameworks and their potential applications related to light harvesting, generation of renewable energy and synthesis of value added fine chemicals and fuels through environment friendly routes are mostly focused in this review.