bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of erlotinib adsorption pattern onto silver nanoparticles: SERS studies
Authors: Piergies N. , Oćwieja M. , Paluszkiewicz C. , Kwiatek W.M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this study, we present surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) investigations for the erlotinib adsorbed onto silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The observed spectral patterns, namely, changes in width and wavenumber of the SERS bands in comparison with these occurring in the corresponding Raman spectrum suggest how the investigated drug interacts with the applied metal nanoparticles. Moreover, the physicochemical investigations including transmission electron microscope, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and electrophoretic mobility measurements were used for characterization of the nanoparticles and erlotinib/nanoparticles stability. Briefly, the performed measurements suggest that the erlotinib strong interacts with the applied AgNPs. Additionally, the studied interaction seems to be the strongest for the acetylene moiety, which undergoes deprotonation. Also the –CNH and –OCH3 groups play an important role in the erlotinib–metal nanoparticles interaction. This is opposite for the CH2, which is only in certain distance from this nanosurface. In the case of the aromatic rings the two different ways of interaction were recognized. The phenyl ring interacts rather weak with the AgNPs and is oriented perpendicular onto the surface. Whereas, the quanizoline moiety only participates in this interaction with more or less tilted orientation with regards to the AgNPs. On the other hand, the SERS analysis for the different erlotinib concentration indicates that the discussed interaction is sensitive for the drug dilution.
Wrist and Hand Ultrasound: Reliability of Side‐to‐Side Comparisons of Very Small (<2‐mm) Clinically Relevant Anatomic Structures
Authors: Rossi Federica , Romano Nicola , Muda Alessandro , Martinoli Carlo , Tagliafico Alberto 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesIn ultrasound (US) examinations of clinically relevant very small structures of the wrist and hand, the healthy contralateral side can be used as a reference to identify subtle abnormalities. Intraindividual side‐to‐side variability must be minimal. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of side‐to‐side US evaluations of very small structures of the wrist and hand.MethodsForty‐one healthy volunteers were prospectively studied. Small structures of the wrist and hand were evaluated bilaterally by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists in separate sessions. The first annular pulleys of the second finger and the thumb, sagittal band of the third finger, extensor and flexor retinacula, ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb, radial collateral ligament of the second finger, and palmar cutaneous branches of the median and ulnar nerves were considered. To assess intra‐ and inter‐reader agreement, 10 of 41 (24%) examinations were repeated. Nonparametric statistics were used.ResultsData were not normally distributed (P > .001). Intra‐reader agreement was κ = 0.674 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57–0.78), and inter‐reader agreement was κ = 0.935 (95% CI, 0.92–0.95). The mean value ± SD for all of the structures was 0.78 ± 0.44 mm. The overall coefficient of variation was 9.8% ± 0.07%. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.96–0.98).ConclusionsIn clinical practice, the healthy contralateral side can be used as a reference during a real‐time musculoskeletal US evaluation of small (<2‐mm) structures.
Preoperative Transurethral Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Female Urethral Diverticula
Authors: Wang Xia , Dou Chaoran , Yan Yulin , Song Lujie , Hu Bing , Ying Tao 
Published: April 2018

ObjectivesTo explore the value of transurethral contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the diagnosis and evaluation of female urethral diverticula.MethodsThis study prospectively enrolled 35 women with periurethral cystic lesions, who underwent preoperative transurethral CEUS at our single center between April 2015 and May 2017. The diagnosis of a urethral diverticulum was made by the detection of microbubbles inside the lesion. Data regarding the structure and ostia of the diverticula were collected and then compared with intraoperative findings.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) age of the 35 patients was 43 (34–48) years. The most common manifestations were dysuria (43%) and palpable masses (40%). On transurethral CEUS, 20 patients were found to have urethral diverticula. The diverticula involved the proximal, mid, and distal urethra with different sizes. The shapes of the diverticula were simple in 4 patients (20%), U shaped in 8 patients (40%), and circumferential in 8 patients (40%). A total of 23 ostia were identified. Seventeen women (85%) had 1 ostium, and 3 women (15%) had 2 ostia. Twenty‐one diverticular ostia (91%) were located from the 3‐ to 9‐o'clock positions. The median (interquartile range) distance from the diverticular ostia to the bladder neck was 20 (9–31) mm. During surgery, all US presentations correlated well with surgical findings, and 21 patients were confirmed to have urethral diverticula. The transurethral CEUS had sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 100%.ConclusionsTransurethral CEUS is an effective method for identifying the structure and ostium of female urethral diverticula. It may have a potential role in preoperative planning and surgical management.
5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural Derivative Based Thermoplastic Elastomers Synthesized via Thiol‐Michael Addition Reaction Utilizing Poly(lactic acid) as Hard End Blocks
Authors: Zhang Daihui , Dumont Marie‐Josée 
Published: April 2018

Abstract5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural derivative based thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are efficiently synthesized via a two‐step thiol‐Michael addition reaction using polylactide (PLA) as the hard segments in a one‐pot reaction under mild conditions. The first step involves the synthesis of prepolymers having thiol groups as end groups. The macromolecular coupling reaction which occurs between the prepolymers and the PLA having acrylate‐end groups is demonstrated via1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Additionally, by varying the ratio of 1,3‐propanedithiol and 2,5‐furan diacrylate, TPEs with soft segments having different molecular weights are synthesized, and then characterized. The cyclic tensile tests demonstrate the elasticity of the synthesized TPEs. Furthermore, the Diels–Alder reaction is used to dynamically crosslink the soft segments in the TPEs, leading to the increased mechanical properties in terms of Young's modulus and tensile strength.
Lobbying as a potent political marketing tool for firm performance: A closer look
Authors: Anderson Jeffrey E. , Martin Silvia L. , Lee Ruby P. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study endeavors to enhance political marketing literature about the impact of lobbying on firm performance. Our sample is composed of 140 U.S. firms and spans the years 2007–2014 to encompass the 2007–2009 recession and the subsequent recovery period. Our findings indicate that lobbying expenses positively contribute to firm performance. Also, government contracts in both ways, dollar amount and number of government contracts, act as mediators between lobbying expenses and firm performance. In addition, organizational slack moderates the relationship between lobbying expenses and government contracts. The managerial implications suggest that lobbying expenses can be leveraged as a potent tool for firm performance. Firms with larger lobbying efforts acquired both, higher dollar amounts and a greater number of government contracts.
Dopamine Receptor D3 rs6280 is Associated with Aberrant Decision‐Making in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Rajan Roopa , Krishnan Syam , Sarma Gangadhara , Sarma Sankara P. , Kishore Asha 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe functional Ser9Gly single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the dopamine D3 receptor gene is associated with impulse control disorders (ICD) in Parkinson's disease (PD) in Indian patients. Whether the same SNP modulates impulsivity in PD patients without active ICD is unknown. We aimed to compare decision‐making under uncertainty in PD patients with DRD3 p.S9G (rs6280) variants CT/CC or TT.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study including PD patients (n = 78) whose DRD3 p.S9G (rs6280) genotypic status was known (CC, CT, and TT). Decision‐making was assessed using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT).ResultsIGT total (p = 0.267) or block scores did not differ between the DRD3 rs6280 variant groups. Deck choice analysis revealed that the CT/CC group showed a skewed preference in deck choice (p = 0.002) due to significantly fewer draws from deck B, compared to all other decks (deck A, p < 0.001; deck C, p = 0.004; deck D, p = 0.002).ConclusionsThe functional Ser9Gly DRD3 variant is associated with aberrant decision‐making under uncertainty in PD patients without active ICD. This ability to modulate impulsivity may underlie its association with clinical ICD in PD.
Enhancements in RF feedback oscillators using a microstrip resonator with second harmonic rejection
Authors: Urbina‐Martínez J. L. , Loo‐Yau J. R. , Moreno P. , Reynoso‐Hernández J. A. , Figueroa‐Reséndiz B. E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this article, the effect of the second harmonic on the microwave performance of RF feedback oscillators is investigated. A microstrip bandpass filter, which combines the characteristics of a 1st order coupled line and a hairpin filter allowing to reject the second harmonic, is used as feedback circuit. It is demonstrated that by mitigating the effect of the second harmonic the phase noise as well as the drain efficiency of the feedback oscillator are improved without affecting the output power at the oscillation frequency. Two RF feedback oscillator circuits based on GaAs FET were designed at 2.45 GHz with and without reducing the output power at the second harmonic. Experimental and simulated data have a high correlation and the results show that when the output power of the second harmonic is reduced it is obtained an improvement in the drain efficiency, phase noise, and second harmonic reduction of 36.61%, 14.75 dB, and 15.51 dB, respectively.
Analysis of SAR distribution in a heterogeneous and homogenous head model at 2.4 GHz using the FDTD method
Authors: I. Espinosa R Ezequiel , Linares y M Roberto 
Published: April 2018

AbstractUsing the FDTD method the SAR distribution in two models of head, heterogeneous and homogenous, is determined to carry out a statistical analysis of the data. A breaking down of the data is done and a set of head sections are depicted to show the SAR distribution in both models.
3.5 Gbit/s OOK THz signal delivery over 88 cm free‐space at 441.504 GHz
Authors: Zhao Mingming , Zhou Wen , Yu Jianjun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTHz (Terahertz) wave communication has been widely researched for its great properties in high quality short distance communication. In this article, we have proposed an experimental system using electronic multipliers to realize 3.5 Gbit/s OOK signal delivery at 441.504 GHz over 88 cm free‐space transmission, and the BER is below the 7% FEC threshold of 3.8 × 10−3. Without the photonics‐aided procedure, the system complexity can be significantly reduced, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to realize THz signal generation and wireless transmission with an electrical method.
An injection‐locked power oscillator in 0.35 μm SiGe BiCMOS process for power amplifier driver
Authors: Lee Ho‐Chang , Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Chiou Ji‐Shin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn this article, we present an injection‐locked power amplifier (ILPA) suitable for 7‐GHz applications. The ILPA uses cascode SiGe HBT amplifier and was fabricated in the 0.35 μm 3P3M BiCMOS process for high supply voltage operation. The free‐running oscillation of the ILPA is around 7 GHz. The locking range is 2.4 GHz from 6.8 to 9.2 GHz. The output power from the buffer is 5.07 dBm at the ILFP‐core supply 3 V and it increases with the ILFP‐core supply voltage.
Design and characterization for travelling wave electrodes of high‐speed Mach‐Zehnder electro‐optic modulator on an n‐doped InP substrate
Authors: Kim Sungil , Lee Chul‐Uk , Song Minhyup , Hwan Kwak Min 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDesigning a traveling wave electrode (TWE), which feeds a high‐speed electrical signal to modulate an optical signal, is a key issue of high‐speed Mach‐Zehnder electro‐optic modulator (MZM) development fields. In this article, we have presented TWE design and characterization results for an MZM on an n‐type InP substrate operating frequency range from DC to 25 GHz. A coplanar waveguide with ground structure has been adapted to the TWE to overcome lossy characteristics of the n‐type InP substrate and increase noise immunity. The designed results are analyzed as comparing with equivalent circuits extracted by the data, which is measured by a vector network analyzer. Consequently, we hope our results can be helpful in the fields of design and fabrication of high‐speed opto‐electric components.
MRI‐based, wireless determination of the transfer function of a linear implant: Introduction of the transfer matrix
Authors: Tokaya Janot P. , Raaijmakers Alexander J.E. , Luijten Peter R. , van den Berg Cornelis A.T. 
Published: April 2018

PurposeWe introduce the transfer matrix (TM) that makes MR‐based wireless determination of transfer functions (TFs) possible. TFs are implant specific measures for RF‐safety assessment of linear implants. The TF relates an incident tangential electric field on an implant to a scattered electric field at its tip that generally governs local heating. The TM extends this concept and relates an incident tangential electric field to a current distribution in the implant therewith characterizing the RF response along the entire implant. The TM is exploited to measure TFs with MRI without hardware alterations.Theory and MethodsA model of rightward and leftward propagating attenuated waves undergoing multiple reflections is used to derive an analytical expression for the TM. This allows parameterization of the TM of generic implants, e.g., (partially) insulated single wires, in a homogeneous medium in a few unknowns that simultaneously describe the TF. These unknowns can be determined with MRI making it possible to measure the TM and, therefore, also the TF.ResultsThe TM is able to predict an induced current due to an incident electric field and can be accurately parameterized with a limited number of unknowns. Using this description the TF is determined accurately (with a Pearson correlation coefficient R ≥ 0.9 between measurements and simulations) from MRI acquisitions.ConclusionThe TM enables measuring of TFs with MRI of the tested generic implant models. The MR‐based method does not need hardware alterations and is wireless hence making TF determination in more realistic scenarios conceivable.
Analysis of refracturing in horizontal wells: Insights from the poroelastic displacement discontinuity method
Authors: Rezaei Ali , Bornia Giorgio , Rafiee Mehdi , Soliman Mohamed , Morse Stephen 
Published: April 2018

SummaryIn this paper, a fully coupled 2‐dimensional poroelastic displacement discontinuity method is used to investigate the refracturing process in horizontal wells. One of the objectives of refracturing is to access new reserves by adding new hydraulic fractures in zones that were bypassed in the initial fracturing attempt. Pore pressure depletion in the vicinity of old fractures directly affects the state of stress and eventually the propagation of newly created hydraulic fractures. Thus, a poroelastic analysis is required to identify guidelines for the refracturing process, in particular to understand the extension of the pore pressure depletion, and eventually, the orientation of new as well as old fractures. We propose a fully coupled approach to model the whole process of child fracture propagation in a depleted area between 2 parent fractures in the same wellbore. This approach omits the need of using multistep workflow that is regularly used to model the process. The maximum tensile stress criterion (σcriterion) is used for hydraulic fracture propagation. The proposed method is verified using available analytical solutions for total stress and pore pressure loading modes on a line fracture in drained and undrained conditions. Then, test cases of multifractured horizontal wells are studied to calculate the time evolution of the stress and pore pressure fields around old fractures and to understand the effect of these fields on the propagation path of newly created fractures. Finally, the effect of the pore pressure depletion on the propagation path of the newly created fractures in the bypassed area of the same wellbore is studied. The results show that the depleted areas around old fractures are highly affected by the extent and severity of the stress redistribution and pore pressure depletion. It is observed that a successful creation of new fractures may only happen in certain time frames. The results of this study provide new insights on the behavior of newly created fractures in depleted zones. They also clarify the relationship between stress change and pore pressure depletion in horizontal wells.
Parallel implementation of implicit finite element model with cohesive zones and collision response using CUDA
Authors: Gribanov Igor , Taylor Rocky , Sarracino Robert 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe aim of this work is to efficiently implement the Park‐Paulino‐Roesler cohesive zone model with the objective of creating realistic high‐resolution simulations of material deformation, fracture, and postfracture behavior. Intrinsically, unstructured meshes can create more realistic fracture patterns in bulk material than structured meshes. Implicit methods, stable for much larger time steps, have greater potential to model both fracture and postfracture behavior without sacrificing speed of execution. Several technical contributions are presented, including (i) GPU‐accelerated implementation of the Park‐Paulino‐Roesler cohesive zone model, (ii) efficient creation of sparse matrix structure, and (iii) comparison of different unloading/reloading relations when using an implicit scheme. A potential‐based collision response scheme was implemented that allows one to model the interaction of fragmented material. Several test simulations are carried out to demonstrate the flexibility of the model and its ability to reproduce different materials under various loading conditions. Benchmarking results show that most of the computational time is spent by the third‐party solver library, meaning that other operations do not require optimization. The library is made available as open source.
Proteomic Analysis of Exosomes and Its Application in HIV‐1 Infection
Authors: Cheruiyot Collins , Pataki Zemplen , Ramratnam Bharat , Li Ming 
Published: April 2018

AbstractExosomes are 30–100 nm extracellular vesicles secreted from late endosomes by various types of cells. Numerous studies have suggested that exosomes play significant roles in human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV‐1) biogenesis. Proteomics coupled with exosome fractionation has been successfully used to identify various exosomal proteins and helped to uncover the interactions between exosomes and HIV‐1. To inform the current progress in the intersection of exosome, proteomics, and HIV‐1, this review is focused on: i) analyzing different exosome isolation, purification methods, and their implications in HIV‐1 studies; ii) evaluating the roles of various proteomic techniques in defining exosomal contents; iii) discussing the research and clinical applications of proteomics and exosome in HIV‐1 biology.
Laboratory‐scale Investigation of the Influence of Ageing on the Performance and Sensitivity of an Explosive Containing ϵ‐CL‐20
Authors: Gottfried Jennifer L. , Pesce‐Rodriguez Rose A. , Farrow Darcie , Dellinger Jennifer 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe performance and sensitivity of aged composite explosives based on the epsilon polymorph of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (ϵ‐CL‐20) have been evaluated with the laser‐induced air shock from energetic materials (LASEM) technique using only milligram quantities of material. The LASEM results demonstrated reduced explosive performance (i. e., lower estimated detonation velocities) and higher sensitivity to ignition with increasing ageing. Chemical analysis of the explosive formulation subjected to ambient and accelerated aging was conducted to help understand the LASEM results. The Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed no evidence for conversion to lower‐energy polymorphs. Based on the desorption gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (D‐GC/MS) results, the observed decrease in performance and increase in sensitivity for the explosive powder aged at 100 °C (relative to ambient and 70 °C aging) have been attributed to changes related to solvent inclusions in the molding powders.
Population diversity of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) in China based on whole mitochondrial genome sequences
Authors: Wu Fengnian , Jiang Hongyan , Beattie G Andrew C , Holford Paul , Chen Jianchi , Wallis Christopher M , Zheng Zheng , Deng Xiaoling , Cen Yijing 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTBackgroundDiaphorina citri (Asian citrus psyllid; ACP) transmits ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’ associated with citrus Huanglongbing (HLB). ACP has been reported in 11 provinces/regions in China, yet its population diversity remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated ACP population diversity in China using representative whole mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) sequences. Additional mitogenome sequences outside China were also acquired and evaluated.ResultsThe sizes of the 27 ACP mitogenome sequences ranged from 14 986 to 15 030 bp. Along with three previously published mitogenome sequences, the 30 sequences formed three major mitochondrial groups (MGs): MG1, present in southwestern China and occurring at elevations above 1000 m; MG2, present in southeastern China and Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam) and occurring at elevations below 180 m; and MG3, present in the USA and Pakistan. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in five genes (cox2, atp8, nad3, nad1 and rrnL) contributed mostly in the ACP diversity. Among these genes, rrnL had the most variation.ConclusionMitogenome sequences analyses revealed two major phylogenetic groups of ACP present in China as well as a possible unique group present currently in Pakistan and the USA. The information could have significant implications for current ACP control and HLB management. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid and non‐invasive multivariate approach for the quality control of raw milk from mountain areas based on proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry data
Authors: Asaduzzaman Mohammad , Kerschbaumer Martin , Scampicchio Matteo 
Published: April 2018

RationaleA rapid and non‐invasive method for the control of milk by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry was developed. The approach has the potential to verify the geographic origin and altitude of dairy farms, provided that the cows have been extensively grazed with forage that reflects the botanical composition of the mountain environment.MethodsOver a 1‐month period, a total of 116 samples were analysed by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTRMS). A multivariate control chart based on the Hotelling T2 statistic was built with PTRMS data and, for comparison, with the chemical parameters obtained by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR, MilkoScan).ResultsThe headspace analysis of the samples led to characteristic volatile profiles. Farms located in different mountain areas were discriminated by the protonated molecules m/z 45 (acetaldehyde), 59 (acetone), 73 (2‐butanone) and 89 (butyric acid, ethyl acetate, pentanol). Milk samples were also discriminated according to the altitude of the farms according to m/z 45, 59, 63 (dimethyl sulfide), 73 (propionic acid, methyl acetate) and 81 (terpenes).ConclusionsA multivariate control chart based on PTRMS data was used for the quality control of milk. Milk samples from farms located at different mountain areas and altitudes were successfully discriminated.