bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile salt‐free process for cotton fabric dyeing: Pad‐irradiate‐pad‐steam process using 3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride
Authors: Yu Chengbing , Lu Yilin , Chang Yixun , Liang Shanshan , Tao Kaixin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSevere effluent pollution has set new requirements for eliminating the use of salts during the reactive dyeing of cotton. In this study, 3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride was used as an etherifying agent via a pad‐irradiate‐pad‐steam process with a reactive dye to cationize cotton. The fabric underwent a microwave‐assisted pad‐irradiate process, and the cationic fabric was dyed salt‐free using a reactive dye in a pad‐steam process. The influence of etherifying conditions on the nitrogen content, grafting efficiency of the cotton samples, and dyeing properties of cationic cotton fabrics were investigated. Cationic cotton samples have the same dyeability with a reactive dye without salt as with dyes used in a conventional pad‐dry‐pad‐steam process because of the increase in the electrostatic attraction between the dye and the cationic cotton. Such an approach that eliminates salts is beneficial to environmental protection. Properties of the dyed cotton (such as color evenness, washing, and rubbing fastness) obtained using the reactive dye made the cotton fabric wearable enough to satisfy standard requirements.
Efficacy of combined surgery and 125I seed brachytherapy for treatment of primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the parotid gland
Authors: Wu Zhi‐Yuan , Wu Wen‐Jie , Zheng Lei , Huang Ming‐Wei , Shi Yan , Lv Xiao‐Ming , Liu Shu‐Ming , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Zhang Jie 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of surgery combined with postoperative 125I seed brachytherapy for treatment of primary mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the parotid gland.MethodsRetrospective analysis of data of patients with MEC (n = 108) treated with surgery plus postoperative 125I seed brachytherapy between 2004 and 2016. Overall survival (OS), disease‐free survival (DFS), local control rate (LCR), distant metastasis, and radiation‐associated toxicities were analyzed, and factors affecting outcomes were evaluated.ResultsThe 5‐ and 10‐year OS were 98.8% and 95.8%, respectively. The DFS and LCR at 5 and 10 years were all 91.4%. Age ≥ 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54‐30.55) and T4 disease (HR = 7.15, 95% CI: 1.40‐36.52) were poor prognostic factors. Acute radiation‐associated toxicities were minor.ConclusionSurgery plus 125I seed brachytherapy appears to be an effective treatment for parotid gland MEC, capable of providing satisfactory outcomes with few complications.
Survival of a Jehovah's Witness with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura without using plasma: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Baseri Babak , Vishwanathan Swati , Benasher Daniel , Khazan Mikhail , Luhrs Carol , Tsai Han‐Mou 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTAcquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) is a serious disorder with arteriolar and capillary thrombosis for which the treatment usually requires plasma exchange with plasma as the replacement fluid. Management of patients who do not accept blood products is a serious challenge. We present the case of a Jehovah's Witness patient who achieved clinical response after treatment with plasma exchange using human albumin solution as the replacing fluid, high dose corticosteroids, and rituximab. The patient also received ADAMTS13 containing plasma cryoprecipitate and von Willebrand factor VIII concentrates. She had an exacerbation of her TTP in less than 3 weeks. She was treated with further plasma exchange with human albumin solution as the replacement fluid, high dose steroids, and rituximab. Bortezomib and N‐acetylcysteine were added. The patient eventually improved clinically and achieved remission that is ongoing for more than 7 months. A review of the literature shows that all five previously reported cases of aTTP in Jehovah's Witnesses survived although none received plasma. Two were not even treated with plasma exchange. The experience of this case and those in the literature demonstrates that remission of aTTP may be achieved without using plasma or plasma exchange.
A comparative morphological and histological study of the gastrointestinal tract of four insectivorous bat species: Asellia tridens, Chaerephon pumilus, Nycteris thebaica, Rhinopoma hardwickii
Authors: Aylward Mikal , Beselaar Leandrie C. , Alagaili Abdulaziz N. , Amor Nabil M. S. , Mohammed Osama B. , Kotzé Sanet H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractVarious studies address the morphology of the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of insectivorous bat species. However, detailed morphometric studies including mucin histochemistry are scarce. This study compares various GIT measurements as well as the quantification of intestinal mucin secreting cells in four insectivorous bat species representing four different families of Chiroptera. Alcian blue/Periodic acid Schiff's stain was used to differentiate between acid and neutral mucin‐secreting cells while the Aldehyde fuchsin/Alcian blue stain further differentiated between two acid mucins, namely sialo‐, and sulphomucins. The number of cells was quantified and statistically analysed. All species had a simple GIT morphology represented by a simple, completely glandular stomach and the absence of a cecum. The exception was R. hardwickii, where a small cecum was observed which had histological mucosal features of both the small and large intestine. In R.hardwickii, distal to the cecum, typical colonic mucosal features such as the absence of villi and an abundance of goblet cells were observed. In all four species, the total number of goblet cells increased from the proximal to the distal intestinal regions. Mixed (acid and neutral) mucins dominated the entire GIT of all species. Neutral mucin‐secreting cells were observed in the gastric pylorus and proximal intestinal regions in all species. Brunner's glands stained positive for neutral mucins. Exclusively acid mucin‐secreting cells were seen in the distal intestinal regions of all species except N. thebaica. Sulphomucin‐secreting cells were the most prominent acid mucin cell‐type towards the distal intestine. The distribution of different mucin secreting cells indirectly provides information regarding the quality of the intestinal biofilm in the species studied.
A Laplace transform approach to the simulation of DC‐DC converters
Authors: Grasso Francesco , Manetti Stefano , Piccirilli Maria Cristina , Reatti Alberto 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAn approach to the simulation of pulse width modulation (PWM) direct current–direct current (DC‐DC) converters operated under continuous current mode (CCM) and discontinuous current mode (DCM) is presented. It is based on the use of the Laplace transform and of dedicated models for controlled switches and diodes. Time‐domain waveforms are obtained from network functions representing the circuit under analysis without assuming small‐signal approximation. A program implementing the proposed approach has been also developed by exploiting symbolic analysis techniques. Because of its symbolic nature, it can profitably support numerical simulators in design optimization phase. Its characteristics and potentialities are shown through examples and experimental tests.
Prediction of Cloud Point Curves of Alkyl Ethoxylates with the Hydrophilic–Lipophilic‐Difference and Net‐Average‐Curvature (HLD‐NAC) Framework
Authors: Choi Francis , Zarate‐Muñoz Silvia , Acosta Edgar J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUnderstanding and predicting cloud point phenomena is important for the formulation of nonionic surfactant systems, and the design of cloud‐phenomena‐associated separation processes. There have been several approaches to fit and predict the cloud point phenomena, in most cases using bulk thermodynamic approaches. In this work, we introduced the hydrophilic–lipophilic‐difference and net‐average‐curvature (HLD‐NAC) as an interfacial (curvature) approach to predict cloud point values at different surfactant concentrations (cloud point curve). The HLD‐NAC method could fully predict the cloud point of alkyl ethoxylate of pure surfactants, typically within 4 °C of the experimental values, using published HLD constants, and the molecular structure of the surfactants. For commercial (polydispersed) surfactants, the same level of accuracy can be achieved if the experimental cloud point at 1 wt.% is used to adjust the HLD values. One additional benefit of using the HLD framework is the ability to predict changes in the cloud point curve with the introduction of electrolytes. While other models can fit the experimental data within 1 °C, the greater uncertainty of the HLD‐NAC (~4 °C) is a reasonable compromise given the simplicity of the approach.
Tracing major metabolites of quinoxaline‐1,4‐dioxides in abalone with high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem positive‐mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yanshen , Sun Mingxue , Mao Xin , Li Juan , Sumarah Mark W , You Yanli , Wang Yunhui 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundOwing to the comprehensive application of quinoxaline‐1,4‐dioxides (QdNOs) in aquaculture, QdNOs and metabolites are often detected in marine food, including abalone. QdNOs are reported to exhibit cytotoxicity, photoallergy, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity activities. To monitor for contamination of QdNOS in abalone and assess dietary exposure, a simple and reliable analytical method for the detection of QdNOs and their major metabolites was developed.ResultsThis work is the first to present a simple and fast pretreatment procedure coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem positive‐mode electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for tracing of major metabolites of QdNOs in abalone. Extraction steps were simplified by the use of methanol and ethyl acetate containing 0.1% formic acid instead of more complicated acidolysis and enzymolysis pretreatment procedures. High‐sensitive characters were obtained with limits of detection ranged from 0.16 to 2.1 μg kg−1 for QdNOs and their major metabolites.ConclusionThese results indicate that the LC–MS/MS method developed could be applied for QdNOs and major metabolites detection in actual samples. Considering the large production and consumption of abalone in Shandong Province, China, this work will also contribute to the further understanding of the often‐ignored exposure pathway of QdNOs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Does prey elemental stoichiometry influence copepod movement over ontogeny?
Authors: Herstoff Emily M. , Baines Stephen B. , Boersma Maarten , Meunier Cédric L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMany planktonic consumers alter their behavior depending on the concentration of food in the environment, but responses to changes in food quality, as characterized by its elemental stoichiometry, are less well understood. Because of different nutritional demands across life history stages, consumer's responses to prey quality may vary across ontogeny. We build on previous observations of consumer selectivity and responses to prey presence by examining responses of displacement and movement patterns to prey stoichiometry. We used high‐speed videography to quantify displacement and movement patterns of the marine copepod, Acartia tonsa, as they varied with elemental content of microalgal food offered during preconditioning and during imaging trials. Life stages were sensitive to different nutrient elements in prey, with movement in copepodites generally varying with nitrogen content, and in adults with both nitrogen and phosphorus content. Net displacement was lower when adults and copepodites were offered fully replete and nitrogen‐replete food, respectively. Displacement of adults was more sensitive to the quality of food offered during preconditioning, and displacement of copepodites was affected by food quality during both preconditioning and trials. Naupliar displacement and movement patterns were generally insensitive to food quality. Only adults significantly altered movement patterns associated with feeding in response to food quality; adult helical swimming significantly increased in the treatments in which stoichiometrically replete food was offered in both preconditioning and behavioral trials. Older stages of A. tonsa alter movement in response to food quality in ways that may allow the selective use of patches of high‐quality prey.
Electrospun Ribbon‐Like Microfiber Films of a Novel Guanidine‐Based ABA Triblock Copolymer: Fabrication, Antibacterial Activity, and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Zhang Hao , Liu Yanna , Cui Kun , Zhao Qiaoling , Huang Jin , Mao Shuhong , Jiang Tao , Ma Zhi 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGuanidine‐based polymers have emerged as potential candidates for antibacterial agents and materials due to their high antibacterial property, no cytotoxicity, no bacterial resistance, and so on. A novel antimicrobial poly(methacryl guanidine hydrochloride)‐block‐polystyrene‐block‐poly(methacryl guanidine hydrochloride) (PMAGH‐b‐PS‐b‐PMAGH) is electrospun to ribbon‐like microfiber films for the first time. The electrospinning process parameters affecting structure and morphology of the ribbon‐like microfibers, including concentration, voltage, and feeding rate are systematically investigated. The mechanism inducing the formation of ribbon‐like fibers with a positively charged polymer is proposed and verified. PMAGH‐b‐PS‐b‐PMAGH microfiber films can inhibit 96% of Escherichia coli and 92% of Bacillus subtilis, and are not cytotoxic to mouse embryonic fibroblasts, but instead, provide a larger surface area for cell adherent growth.
A Multiscale Approach for the Nonlinear Mechanical Response of 3‐Phases Fiber Reinforced Graphene Nanoplatelets Polymer Composite Materials
Authors: Azoti Wiyao , Elmarakbi Ahmed 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis work presents an analytical approach for solving the nonlinear mechanical response of hybrid glass fibers reinforced graphene polymer composite materials. Two‐scale homogenization technique derives the effective properties of the composite. At the first scale, the properties of a 2‐phases graphene/polymer composite are obtained by accounting for the J2 plasticity coupled with the “Lemaitre–Chaboche” ductile damage model. An interfacial imperfection between the fillers and the matrix is considered through the linear spring model (LSM). At the second scale, the modeling of the 3‐phases glass fibers/graphene/polymer composite combines the 2‐phases composite as a matrix phase in which are embedded the glass fibers. For both scales, a modified Mori–Tanaka scheme derives the effective properties. Numerical results, obtained for a thermoplastic PA6 matrix, are compared with the multistep method of Digimat software. Finally, a tension–torsion test shows that the imperfection at the fibers/polymer interface is the driven parameter to weaken mechanical responses in the shear direction.
A comparison of genomic laboratory reports and observations that may enhance their clinical utility for providers and patients
Authors: Davis Kyle Walter , Hamby Erby Lori , Fiallos Katie , Martin Megan , Wassman Edward Robert 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeTo assess clinical chromosomal microarray (CMA) genomic testing reports for the following: (a) usage of reporting elements consistent with 2011 ACMG guidelines and other elements identified in the primary literature, (b) information quality, and (c) readability.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed genomic testing reports from 2011 to 2016 provided to, or by our laboratory to aid in clinical detection and interpretation of copy number variants. Analysis was restricted to the following sections: interpretation, recommendations, limitations, and citations. Analysis included descriptive characteristics, reporting elements, reading difficulty using the Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), and quality ratings using a subset of questions adapted from the DISCERN‐Genetics questionnaire.ResultsThe analysis included 44 unique reports from 26 laboratories comprising four groups: specialty laboratories (SL; N = 9), reference laboratories (RL; N = 12), hospital laboratories (HL; N = 10), and university‐based laboratories (UL; N = 13). There were 23 abnormal/pathogenic reports and 21 of uncertain/unknown significance. Nine laboratories did not include one or more pieces of information based on ACMG guidelines; only one of ten laboratories reported condition‐specific management/treatment information when available and relevant. Average quality ratings and readability scores were not significantly different between laboratory types or result classification.ConclusionsReporting practices for most report elements varied widely; however, readability and quality did not differ significantly between laboratory types. Management and treatment information, even for well‐known conditions, are rarely included. Effectively communicating test results may be improved if certain reporting elements are incorporated. Recommendations to improve laboratory reports are provided.
Effect of a nondominant perforator on multiterritory perforator flap survival in rats
Authors: Wang Long , Wu Hongqiang , Yan Hede , Dong Xiaoming , He Zhiling , Ding Jian , Gao Weiyang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundDuring flap surgery, the dominant perforator is usually selected as the pedicle. This study investigated the effect of a nondominant perforator on multiterritory perforator flap survival.MethodsThe deep circumflex iliac artery perforator flap (DCIA flap) and intercostal artery perforator flap (ICA flap) were performed (n = 12). Only the pedicle was different between the two flaps. The DCIA flap was based on the right and peripheral DCIA with three dynamic and two potential perforasomes. The ICA flap was based on the right and central ICA with five dynamic perforasomes. All adjacent perforators were ligated except the pedicle. On postoperative day 7, flap viability, angiography findings, and perfusion were compared.ResultsEven though the diameter of DCIA (mm) was larger than that of ICA (0.49 ± 0.03 vs. 0.4 ± 0.04; p < .05), the ICA flap survival rate (%) was higher than that of DCIA flap (99.5 ± 0.7 vs. 83.8 ± 3.9; p < .001). Based on a dominant perforator, a necrotic area was observed in the potential perforasomes of the DCIA flap. The choke vessels between the anatomical and dynamic perforasomes dilated postoperatively in the two flaps, whereas the others did not. The perfusion (PU) differences between the DCIA and ICA flaps in the dynamic perforasomes were nonsignificant (average, 342.4 ± 9.1 vs. 347.3 ± 7.3; p > .05).ConclusionIncreasing the number of dynamic perforasomes had no effect on flap survival, even based on a nondominant perforator. And the pedicle position affected flap survival.
Microsurgical reconstruction of the isolated columellar defect with a prelaminated radial forearm free flap. A case report and a review of the literature
Authors: Maruccia Michele , Elia Rossella , Nacchiero Eleonora , Giudice Giuseppe 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe columella is one of the smallest subunits of the nose, but the loss of this structure has important aesthetic and structural implications. Few papers in literature present microsurgical techniques for the reconstruction of an isolated columellar defect. This report describes the use of a prelaminated radial forearm free flap (RFFF) for the reconstruction of an isolated columellar defect and reviews the current literature. A 45‐year‐old woman presented to our Unit with a history of palate squamous cell carcinoma and severe nasal deformity with an almost complete loss of the columella. A prelaminated RFFF with the fifth rib was used for a two‐staged reconstruction of the isolated columellar defect. The radial pedicle was anastomosed to the facial vessels and the postoperative course was uneventful. Complete survival of the flap was achieved and, 10 months postoperatively, the patient had bilateral nasal patency, with an increased tip projection and a good aesthetic result. A prelaminated RFFF can be considered a valuable reconstructive option in cases of a large composite defect of the columella and limited availability of adjacent tissues.
A dual‐band high‐gain quasi‐Yagi antenna with split‐ring resonators for radio frequency energy harvesting
Authors: Chen Zhicong , Zeng Miaowang , Andrenko Andrey S. , Xu Yongzhao , Tan Hong‐Zhou 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article presents a quasi‐Yagi antenna operating with high gain at two frequency bands. Compared with a conventional Yagi antenna, the proposed antenna is designed by integrating a pair of printed split‐ring resonators (SRRs) into the antenna layout. The SRRs introduce a new resonant frequency band and the antenna gain remains high at both the bands. The simulated and measured results show that the antenna is well matched while the antenna gain is 6 and 5.80 dBi at the GSM1800 and ISM2450 bands, respectively. The proposed antenna is compact and efficient and achieves high gain so that it could be successfully used in various wireless communication and radio frequency energy harvesting applications.
Assessment of PET and SPECT phantom image quality through automated binary classification of cold rod arrays
Authors: DiFilippo Frank P. 
Published: May 2019

PurposeEvaluation of positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) performance often involves qualitative assessment of phantom images, namely the visibility of hot or cold structures in a warm background. Structure‐to‐background contrast is a quantitative measure of scanner performance; however, contrast measurements do not account for image noise and its effect on task performance. Although task‐based performance could be evaluated over an ensemble of phantom scans, a more practical approach is desired.MethodsRepeated structures, such as the cold rod arrays of the American College of Radiography (ACR) PET and SPECT phantoms, offer an opportunity to evaluate image quality based on statistical decision theory. Images are co‐registered to a digital template for placement of numerous regions of interest (ROIs) in multiple thick slices centered on each cold rod and on each midpoint between rods. The assumption is made that each ROI corresponds to a statistically independent measurement, known to be of either a cold rod or the background. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve then is generated for each cold rod sector of the phantom. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) provides a quantitative measure of cold rod visibility. In addition, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) is calculated, under the assumption that the rod and background ROI measurements are distributed normally.ResultsUsing this approach, data from PET and SPECT phantom studies from prior annual physics surveys were analyzed retrospectively. Rod and background ROI measurements had nearly normal (PET) or approximately normal (SPECT) distributions. Resultant ROC curves illustrated the varying degrees of overlap between rod and background histograms vs cold rod diameter. Both AUC and SNR correlated well with visual image assessment and had high consistency between phantom studies, demonstrating the quantitative accuracy of the automated analysis. AUC reliably quantified cases where cold rods were partially or mostly resolved, while SNR provided further characterization when cold rods were completely resolved. In comparison, contrast measurements often mirrored AUC and SNR but were inconsistent in cases of varying noise.ConclusionsAutomated analysis of phantom cold rod arrays using binary classification provides informative quantitative measures of image quality and is practical for routine use. This approach avoids observer dependencies associated with visual assessment and potentially can benefit quality assurance, physics surveys, laboratory accreditation, and harmonization of multicenter image quality.