bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimized preprocessing and machine learning for quantitative Raman spectroscopy in biology
Authors: Storey Emily E. , Helmy Amr S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRaman spectroscopy's capability to provide meaningful composition predictions is heavily reliant on a preprocessing step to remove insignificant spectral variation. This is crucial in biofluid analysis. Widespread adoption of diagnostics using Raman requires a robust model that can withstand routine spectra discrepancies due to unavoidable variations such as age, diet, and medical background. A wealth of preprocessing methods are available, and it is often up to trial‐and‐error or user experience to select the method that gives the best results. This process can be incredibly time consuming and inconsistent for multiple operators. In this study, we detail a method to analyze the statistical variability within a set of training spectra and determine suitability to form a robust model. This allows us to selectively qualify or exclude a preprocessing method, predetermine robustness, and simultaneously identify the number of components that will form the best predictive model. We demonstrate the ability of this technique to improve predictive models of two artificial biological fluids. Raman spectroscopy is ideal for noninvasive, nondestructive analysis. Routine health monitoring that maximizes comfort is increasingly crucial, particularly in epidemic‐level diabetes diagnoses. High variability in spectra of biological samples can hinder Raman's adoption for these methods. Our technique allows the decision of optimal pretreatment method to be determined for the operator; model performance is no longer a function of user experience. We foresee this statistical technique being an instrumental element to widening the adoption of Raman as a monitoring tool in a field of biofluid analysis.
Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering studies of gold‐coated ripple‐like nanostructures on iron substrate achieved by femtosecond laser irradiation in water
Authors: Byram Chandu , Moram Sree Satya Bharati , Soma Venugopal Rao 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDuring the past several years, numerous efforts have been accomplished on designing efficient surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates with high sensitivity, good reproducibility, and recyclable nature. However, it still remains a significant challenge to realize all these qualities in a single substrate. We have fabricated ripple‐like nanostructures (NSs) on Iron (Fe) substrate using femtosecond (fs) laser irradiation of Fe target in distilled water. These ripple‐like structures had periodicities in the range of ~90–190 nm, which was confirmed from the analysis of field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) data. We subsequently deposited a thin layer of gold on these ripple‐like Fe NSs using thermal evaporation. Later, these coated NSs were effectively utilized as SERS substrates for methylene blue (MB) detection and were found to be sensitive evident from the data obtained at a very low concentration of 500pM. Furthermore, we observed that the SERS signal variations on the substrate were <11.2% indicating the reproducible nature of these substrates. Additionally, we demonstrate that these substrates can be reused (we establish this for three times consecutively) by detecting malachite green (MG) and an explosive molecule (picric acid, PA) followed by the mixture compound (Rhodamine 6G+MB) through employment of simple cleaning procedures. The detected molecular concentrations in terms of masses were found to be 3.2 pg, 36.5 pg, and 23 ng for MB (for a concentration of 500pM), MG (for a concentration of 5nM), and PA (for a concentration of 5μM), respectively. Furthermore, these Fe NSs exhibited superior batch‐to‐batch reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) value of ~l4%. The proposed method of fabricating ripple structures as SERS platforms are highly feasible, reliable, and have great potential for on‐site detection of several analyte molecules with an easily transportable Raman spectrometer.
Differential Scanning Calorimetric Study of the Effect of Cholesterol on the Thermotropic Phase Behavior of the Phospholipid 1‐Stearoyl‐2‐Oleoyl‐sn‐Glycero‐3‐Phosphocholine
Authors: Genova Julia , Chamati Hassan , Slavkova Zdravka , Petrov Minko 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUsing the differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) technique, the thermal properties of 1‐stearoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine (SOPC) phospholipid and its mixture with cholesterol (Chol), in the range between 10 and 50 mol.%, were investigated. A considerable modification of the structural conformation and the biophysical properties of the bilayer of the phospholipid system after the Chol incorporation were detected. Concentrations below 30 mol.%, and especially in the range 10–20 mol.%, were found to be optimal in the effective miscibility of SOPC and Chol components. The effective miscibility completeness, mainly in the gel and liquid crystal phases, was indicated. It was discovered that Chol mixed with SOPC slightly shifts its gel (L
β) to liquid crystal (L
α) phase transition temperature, decreases cooperativity, expressed by the van't Hoff enthalpy, and markedly and progressively reduces the transition enthalpy to almost zero at 50 mol.%. By deep incubation of the cholesteric phospholipid mixture, it was revealed that the endothermic peak associated with laminar crystal to gel phase transition does not exist in conventional pure SOPC bilayer systems.
Epidemiology and gender differences in pediatric recreational and firearms noise exposure in the USA
Authors: Bhatt Jay M. , Lin Harrison W. , Bhattacharyya Neil 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveWe aim to identify contemporary noise exposures and hearing protection use among U.S. children in a large, population‐based study.MethodsCross‐sectional analysis of the 2014 National Health Interview Series was performed. Results from in‐person interviews of families with children under 18 years of age in all 50 states were queried. Potentially harmful exposures to loud sounds and patterns of hearing protection use in the last 12 months were analyzed after representative sample weights were applied.ResultsAmong 73.4 million children, 18.4% (9.1 ± 0.4 million) (boys: 23.2%, girls: 13.5%; P < 0.001) were exposed to firearms noise, and 28.2% (20.7 ± 0.6 million) (boys: 30.5%, girls: 25.8%; P < 0.001) to firecrackers and other explosive sounds. Exposure to recreational “very‐loud” noise exposure was more common (7.9%; 5.8 ± 0.3 million), consisting of music players (46.5%), fireworks (44.8%), lawnmowers (42.6%), and firearms (32.5%). However, only 17.1% of boys and 15.6% of girls, totaling 16.4% of all children, always used hearing protection during noise exposures.ConclusionChildren in the United States are commonly exposed to firearms and recreational loud noises. Hearing protection is infrequently used, and gender disparities in patterns of exposure and use of hearing protection are prevalent. Those children and families at risk should be identified via public health initiatives and appropriately counseled by healthcare providers.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:541–545, 2020
Impact of international classification of diseases, 10th revision, on head and neck surgery
Authors: Al‐Qurayshi Zaid , Robins Russell , Pagedar Nitin , Randolph Gregory W. , Kandil Emad 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesReview changes in the number of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM) codes utilized in head and neck surgery service and associated changes in cost and charges of health services.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional analysis was performed utilizing the Nationwide Readmissions Database, 2015. The study population included patients who were admitted for a primary head and neck procedure. Patients discharged in the third quarter (Q3), coding system ICD‐9‐CM, compared to patients discharged in the fourth quarter (Q4), coding system ICD‐10‐CM.ResultsA total of 11,456 and 10,431 patients discharged in Q3 and Q4, respectively. Comparing the top 90% billed disease codes demonstrated that the number of ICD‐10‐CM codes was more by a factor of 1.20. However, classifying codes by type of surgery, fewer codes were used in patients who had laryngeal surgeries or tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy by a factor of 0.8. Codes used to document the primary diagnoses for patients who underwent tracheostomy increased the most by a factor of 1.42. Controlling for multiple factors that would affect the cost of health services, there were no significant changes in the cost of management per case (Q3: $70,189.00 ± 1,546.39 vs. Q4: $70,502.00 ± 1,560.17, P = 0.68) or hospital charges (Q3: $273,411.00 ± 7,852.78 vs. Q4: 265,996 ± 7922.77, P = 0.05).ConclusionThe ICD‐10‐CM provides an expansion of codes. Initial indication is that utilization of ICD‐10‐CM codes for head and neck surgery is within expected parameters and appears not to affect the cost of management and hospital charges despite the overall increase in ICD codes in the newer version.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 130:398–404, 2020
Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocyte quantification stratifies early‐stage human papillomavirus oropharynx cancer prognosis
Authors: Faraji Farhoud , Fung Nicholas , Zaidi Munfarid , Gourin Christine C. , Eisele David W. , Rooper Lisa M. , Fakhry Carole 
Published: May 2019

Objectives/HypothesisTo evaluate if a simple method for assessing tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) in primary tumor specimens improves the prognostic value of the American Joint Committee on Cancer, 8th Edition (AJCC8) cancer staging system in human papillomavirus–positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV‐OPC).Study DesignRetrospective study.MethodsIn this study, TIL density was quantified on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)–stained specimens from patients presenting to Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2009 and 2017 who underwent primary surgical therapy and had primary tumor specimens available for analysis. The prognostic effect of TIL density was evaluated by Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models considering recurrence‐free survival (RFS) as the primary outcome.ResultsThis study included 132 patients. Ninety‐five percent were classified by clinical criteria with AJCC8 early‐stage disease (stage I: 82%, stage II: 13%). After 84 months of follow‐up, 15 recurrences were observed. Among clinically early‐stage disease, TILhigh status was associated with improved RFS compared to TILlow (P = .002). Adjusted analysis showed TILhigh status was associated with 79% lower risk of recurrence than TILlow (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 0.210, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.061‐0.723). In clinical stage I disease, TILhigh status was associated with improved RFS compared to TILlow in both univariate and multivariate analyses (hazard ratio: 0.235, P = .021; aHR: 0.218; 95% CI: 0.058‐0.822). TIL density similarly stratified risk in pathologically staged disease.ConclusionsIn patients with AJCC8 stage I disease, low TIL density was associated with diminished RFS. Our data suggest that assessing TIL density on H&E‐stained primary tumor specimens may enhance the prognostic resolution of the AJCC8 staging criteria for HPV‐OPC.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 130:930–938, 2020
The impact of expanded endonasal skull base surgery on midfacial growth in pediatric patients
Authors: Parasher Arjun K. , Lerner David K. , Glicksman Jordan T. , Storm Phillip B. , Lee John Y.K. , Vossough Arastoo , Brooks Steven , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D. 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveSurgical resection of skull base tumors in children is increasingly accomplished through an expanded endonasal approach (EEA). We aim to evaluate the potential effect of the EEA on midfacial growth as a result of iatrogenic damage to nasal growth zones.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of children undergoing craniopharyngioma resection via an open transcranial or EEA. Pre‐ and postoperative magnetic resonance imaging was evaluated for growth in four midfacial measurements based on established cephalometric landmarks: anterior midface height, posterior midface height, palatal length, and sella–nasion distance. Statistical analysis was conducted using a mixed‐effects linear regression model.ResultsTwenty‐two patients underwent an EEA (n = 12) or open transcranial approach (n = 10) for tumor resection with 3 years of imaging follow‐up. There was no difference in midfacial growth between groups for each measurement. Compared to the open group, patients undergoing EEA demonstrated relative anterior midface height growth of −0.42 mm (P = 0.880), posterior midface height growth of −0.44 mm (P = 0.839), palatal length growth of 0.35 mm (P = 0.894), and sella–nasion distance growth of −2.16 (P = 0.365).ConclusionWe found no difference in midfacial growth measurements between patients undergoing craniopharyngioma resection via an EEA and the open transcranial route after 3 years of imaging follow‐up. Preliminary results on midfacial growth demonstrate that the EEA is a safe alternative to traditional transcranial approaches for the pediatric population. Further investigation with larger sample size and longer duration of follow‐up is warranted to more thoroughly investigate the long‐term implications of the EEA to the skull base.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 130:338–342, 2020
Viscoelastic Evaluation of Poly(Trimethylene Carbonate)s Bearing Oligoethylene Glycol Units Which Show Thermoresponsive Properties at Body Temperature
Authors: Haramiishi Yoshiaki , Kawatani Ryo , Chanthaset Nalinthip , Ajiro Hiroharu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPoly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) derivatives have been extensively researched for use as low‐toxicity biomaterials. Better biocompatibility and lower toxicity have been achieved by eliminating acid generation from the ester group at the side chains. In this study, thermosensitive PTMC derivatives bearing oligo(ethylene glycol) units are synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization for the development of low‐toxicity and thermosensitive soft materials. The viscoelastic properties of the obtained polymers are then investigated by rheometry to clarify the thermosensitive and molecular weight effects. Furthermore, thermosensitive behaviors and dynamics of these polymers are observed by UV–vis transmittance, DSC, and 1H NMR spectra analysis. These data suggest a mechanism for the thermosensitive behavior where it is surmised that some kind of dehydration phenomenon induces aggregation behavior in aqueous media above lower critical solution temperature. These thermosensitive behaviors provide an important road map for the development of thermosensitive soft materials using ester‐free PTMC derivatives by controlling the thermosensitive behaviors and bulk properties.
Modeling the thermal decomposition of friction composite systems based on yarn reinforced polymer matrices using artificial neural networks
Authors: Kopal I. , Vršková J. , Ondrušová D. , Harničárová M. , Valíček J. , Koleničová Z. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe presented work deals with the application of artificial neural networks in the modelling of the thermal decomposition process of friction composite systems based on polymer matrices reinforced by yarns. The thermal decomposition of the automotive clutch friction composite system consisting of a polymer blend reinforced by yarns from organic, inorganic and metallic fibres impregnated with resin, as well as its individual components, was monitored by a method of non‐isothermal thermogravimetry over a wide temperature range. A supervised feed‐forward back‐propagation multi‐layer artificial neural network model, with temperature as the only input parameter, has been developed to predict the thermogravimetric curves of weight loss and time derivative of weight loss of studied friction composite system and its individual components acquired at a fixed constant heating rate under a pure dry nitrogen atmosphere at a constant flow rate. It has been proven that an optimized model with a 1‐25‐6 architecture of an artificial neural network trained by a Levenberg‐Marquardt algorithm is able to predict simultaneously all the analyzed experimental thermogravimetric curves with a high level of reliability and that it thus represents the highly effective artificial intelligence tool for the modelling of thermal stability also of relatively complicated friction composite systems.
Processing and properties of a new biodegradable Mg−Zn−Ca−Zr alloy
Authors: Răducanu D. , Cojocaru V.D. , Șerban N. , Trişcă‐Rusu C. , Necula M.G. , Mudrac R.A. , Dan I. , Nocivin A. , Cinca I. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMagnesium alloys are used for degradable orthopaedic and cardiovascular implants due to their favourable mechanical and biological properties, degradation ability in physiological environment and stimulatory effect on the new bone formation. The research challenges are related to the increase of biological and mechanical compatibility. For the present study, a magnesium based alloy design was conducted to the following chemical composition: Mg−2.7Zn−1Ca−0.6Zr (wt.%). A complex thermomechanical processing route was applied: a plastic deformation by extrusion at various temperatures and deformation degrees (400 °C–480 °C, ϵ = 20 %–40 %), followed by various final heat treatments at 200 °C–400 °C for 10 min–60 min. Further, the influence of processing parameters upon the structure, mechanical properties and biological response was studied. Processed specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (secondary electron imaging and energy dispersive spectroscopy) and mechanically by tensile tests. The most representative results were obtained for the samples extruded at 450 °C/ϵ = 20 %, followed by a final heat treatment at 350 °C/15 min, air cooling. Further, for samples which revealed promising results, in‐vitro testing was developed. Biocompatibility testing of the Mg−2.7Zn−1Ca−0.6Zr (wt.%) alloy was realized by indirect contact studies using the Vero (ATCC® CCL‐81™, American Type Culture Collection) cell line. Cells morphologies, cell viability and proliferation were evaluated.
The influence of post‐heat treatments on the tensile strength and surface hardness of selectively laser‐melted AlSi10Mg
Authors: Heilgeist S. , Heine B. , Merkel M. , Hitzler L. , Javanbakht Z. , Öchsner A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTo improve the mechanical properties of cast aluminium alloys several post‐heat treatments are known. However, these treatments cannot directly be transposed to additively via selective laser melting manufactured aluminium alloys, e. g., aluminium‐silicon‐magnesium (AlSi10Mg). Therefore, this study aims to determine suitable post‐heat treatments to optimise the mechanical properties of SLM‐built AlSi10Mg specimen. The influence of various post‐heat treatment conditions on the material characteristics was examined through hardness and tensile tests. The findings indicate that the Vickers hardness and ultimate tensile strength could not be improved via secondary precipitation hardening, whereas the fracture elongation shows a value which is distinctly higher than the values of a comparable cast alloy. Solution annealing at 525 °C reduces the hardness and the ultimate tensile strength by about 40 % and increases the fracture elongation three times. A subsequent precipitation hardening allows recovery of 80 % of the as‐built hardness, and 90 % of the previous ultimate tensile strength combined with maintaining an improved fracture elongation of about 35 % compared to the respective as‐fabricated condition.
Laser heat treatment of titanium GRADE 1 with iron‐nickel powder
Authors: Wiśniowski M. , Tański T. , Janicki D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTitanium alloys thanks to their low density and high mechanical properties are a group of materials that are being used willingly nowadays. A promising method of titanium heat treatment is laser alloying. Process parameters like laser beam power, its traverse speed, amount of alloying elements and shield gas, have influence on the resulting material. Different chemical composition and morphology can be achieved resulting in a change of properties on the surface of the material. The paper presents the investigation of titanium GRADE 1 processed with iron‐nickel powder using laser alloying. The treatment was performed using a high power diode laser. Different laser beam power values were used. Treatment resulted in obtaining good‐adhere, porous‐free, uniform composite material with no cracks. Formation of new phases and solid solution was the reason why it was possible to achieve an increase in microhardness on the surface. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy examination, microhardness results and X‐ray diffraction are presented within the paper.
The advance of assembly of exopolysaccharide Psl biosynthesis machinery in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Wu Huijun , Wang Di , Tang Maomao , Ma Luyan Z. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBiofilms are microbial communities embedded in extracellular matrix. Exopolysaccharide Psl (ePsl) is a key biofilm matrix component that initiates attachment, maintains biofilms architecture, and protects bacteria within biofilms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen. There are at least 12 Psl proteins involved in the biosynthesis of this exopolysaccharide. However, it remains unclear about the function of each Psl protein and how these proteins work together during the biosynthesis of ePsl. PslG has been characterized as a degrader of ePsl in extracellular or periplasm and PslD is predicted to be a transporter. In this study, we found that PslG and its glycoside hydrolytic activity were also involved in the biosynthesis of ePsl. PslG localized mainly in the inner membrane and some in the periplasm. The inner membrane association of PslG was critical for the biosynthesis of ePsl. The expression of PslA, PslD, and PslE helped PslG remain in the inner membrane. The bacterial two‐hybrid results suggested that PslE could interacted with either PslA, PslD, or PslG. The strongest interaction was found between PslE and PslD. Consistently, PslD was disabled to localize on the outer membrane in the ΔpslE strain, suggesting that the PslE‐PslD interaction affected the localization of PslD. Our results shed light on the assembly of ePsl biosynthesis machinery and suggested that the membrane‐associated PslG was a part of ePsl biosynthesis proteins complex.
Shelter planning for uncertain seismic hazards using multicriteria decision approach: A case of Nepal earthquake
Authors: Trivedi Ashish , Singh Amol 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis paper explores the location and relocation decision problem of temporary shelters under uncertain damage situations in humanitarian relief contexts. The article proposes a multicriteria decision support framework based on fuzzy sets, analytic hierarchy process, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution, and weighted goal programming to address the issue of temporary shelter planning. The paper formulates a multiobjective location–relocation model that considers multiple objectives of risk, number of sites, unmet demand, qualitative suitability of locations, unmet demand, and nature of land ownership while generating solutions under different scenarios of earthquake damage. The robustness and performance of the proposed model are illustrated using a real case study of 2015 Nepal earthquake. The framework can benefit governments and humanitarian agencies in high‐seismic areas for adequate shelter planning under damage uncertainties.