bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct Generation of Mn‐Doped ZnS Quantum Dots/Alginate Nanocomposite Beads Based on Gelation and In Situ Synthesis of Quantum Dots
Authors: Chen Wei , Lei Jian , Wang Yifeng , Mendes Paula M. , Zhang Zheng , Hu Qian , Xiong Yanfei , Pan Jie 
Published: January 2019

AbstractHerein, a concise and novel method is developed to directly generate Mn‐doped ZnS QDs/alginate nanocomposite beads. In this method, the ionic gelation of alginate is employed to produce alginate gel beads in a solution of Zn2+ and Mn2+ ions. Subsequently, the gel beads serve as the reaction support for in situ synthesis of Mn‐doped ZnS QDs in the beads through the reaction of sodium sulfide with Zn2+ and Mn2+ ions. The method has many benefits such as the simple preparation, the environmentally friendly process, the mild conditions, and the easy post‐treatment for the beads. The resulting QDs/alginate beads are homogeneous and stable gel spheres which show clear fluorescence. TEM images demonstrate that Mn‐doped ZnS QDs are homogeneously distributed within the QDs/alginate nanocomposite, and their average size is 2.4 ± 0.3 nm. Potentially, the QDs/alginate beads can be utilized for fluorescence bioimaging, as well as fluorescence detection toward metal ions.
Analysis of the whole implementation process and optimization of a Nitinol superelastic stent
Authors: Wang X. M. , Liu P. , Liang H. , Zhang M. C. , Li L. , Yue Z. F. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNitinol superelastic stents have been widely used to treat the vascular stenosis due to its excellent mechanical behavior and biocompatibility. However, there exist conflicts between the functional properties and mechanical properties of the stent. An optimization method has been employed to deal with the conflictions with the consideration of the whole implementation process of the stent in this paper. A straight vascular with tumor inside is considered. A commonly used NiTinol superleastic stent with diamond shape strut is employed. The vascular wall tissue and stenotic plaque are also treated as hyperelastic materials. Softwares Isight, ABAQUS and Solidworks are utilized to perform the optimization job. It can be seen that the stresses are high at the areas around the fillets of the stent due to the stress concentration from a primary analysis. Therefore, the two fillets radius, thickness and radius of the stent are chosen as four optimization variables. The optimization object is to decrease the maximum stress of stent and increase the displacement of the plaque. After the optimization, the maximum stress can be decreased by 8.2 %, which implies that the stent's work life can be increased. The stenosis of the blood vessel can be decreased from 56 % to 40.0 %.
Development and characterization of nano‐crystalline cellulose incorporated poly(lactic acid) composite films
Authors: Raza Z.A. , Aslam M. , Azeem A. , Maqsood H.S. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDevelopment of nano‐cellulose has fascinated a substantial attention for last few decades because of their exceptional and potentially useful features. Herein, nano‐crystalline cellulose has successfully been prepared from local cotton yarn via acid hydrolysis. Both X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy showed improvement in crystallinity of nano‐crystalline cellulose on acid hydrolysis of cotton yarn. The prepared nano‐crystalline cellulose has been used for the fabrication of poly(lactic acid) composite films using solution casting approach. The prepared composite films were characterized using advanced analytical techniques. The differential scanning calorimetry analysis, moreover, showed that on incorporating nano‐crystalline cellulose in the poly(lactic acid) matrix, glass transition temperature increased; whereas, melting temperature and cold crystallization temperature decreased. The decreasing value of crystallization temperature indicated an enhancement in chain mobility of composite films. The mechanical analysis showed that the composite films were stronger and more flexible than the pure poly(lactic acid) films.
Lower urinary tract symptoms 7 years after the first delivery: Correlation to the mode of delivery
Authors: Li Zhiyi , Xu Tao , Li Zhaoai , Gong Jian , Liu Qing , Zhu Lan 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveTo investigate the extent of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) during pregnancy and 7 years after birth in primipara and their association with delivery mode history and other factors.MethodsA longitudinal cohort study was conducted in 12 hospitals representative of the diversity of the seven administrative regions of China. Of 10 098 women recruited at the third trimester, 3862 (38.25%) responded at 1 year, and 1115 (11.04%) responded at 7 years. A modified Chinese Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire was administered. No intervention was implemented.ResultsAmong the participants, 75.4% reported nocturia during gestation, followed by frequency (58.4%), which gradually decreased after delivery. The prevalence of urge urinary incontinence (UUI) increased from 5.7% during pregnancy to 22.8% at 1 year after delivery and 10.2% at 7 years postpartum. The prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) increased from 29.9% during pregnancy to 46.4% at 1 year postpartum and 23.7% at 7 years after delivery.The odds of storage LUTS and voiding LUTS 7 years after delivery were lower for the cesarean section (CS) group than for the vaginal delivery (VD) group (OR = 0.49, 95%CI, 0.36‐0.68; OR = 0.25, 95%CI, 0.09‐0.70). The most frequent moderately to severely bothersome LUTS after VD was SUI (19.18%), while that for CS was UUI (19.18%).ConclusionThe incidence of storage LUTS was higher than that of voiding LUTS both during pregnancy and postpartum. The most frequently reported LUTS during pregnancy were nocturia and frequency, while the most frequent LUTS after delivery were urgency and SUI. CS was associated with a decreased prevalence of both storage and voiding LUTS after delivery.
Repeatability of tools to assist in the follow up and troubleshooting of sacral neuromodulation patients using the sensory response
Authors: Vaganée Donald , Van de Borne Sigrid , Fransen Erik , Voorham Jeroen , Voorham‐van der Zalm Petra , De Wachter Stefan 
Published: January 2019

PurposeSacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an established minimally invasive therapy for functional disorders of the pelvic organs in which electrodes are stimulated in proximity of the sacral spinal nerves. Reprogramming of the electrodes is regularly required and is based on the sensory response. This study assesses the repeatability of a pelvic chart and grading system to enable a more objective assessment of the sensory response upon electrode stimulation.Material and MethodsIn 26 SNM patients, with OAB or NOUR, assessment of the sensory response was done using the sensory threshold (ST) and a pelvic chart with 1 cm2 coordinates, each coordinate corresponding with a dermatome and location of sensation (LoS). A grading system was developed based upon the ST and LoS. Repeatability of ST was assessed using a two‐way mixed effects, absolute agreement, single rater/measurement intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and displayed using a correlation and Bland Altman plot. Repeatability of dermatomes, LoS, and grading system was assessed using kappa correlation coefficient.ResultsOn average, 1.55 ± 0.85 coordinates were used to point out the area where the stimulation was perceived. The mean amount of coordinates between the area pointed at during the first and second measurement was 0.47 ± 0.74. ST showed excellent repeatability (ICC 0.93, 95%CI 0.90‐0.94, P < 0.001). Dermatomes, LoS and grading system showed a substantial to almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.740‐0.833, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe pelvic chart and grading system, using the sensory response upon electrode stimulation, are repeatable tools and can be used to assist in follow up and troubleshooting of SNM patients.
Diagnostic Workup and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Children With Failure to Thrive Without Underlying Diseases
Authors: Selbuz Suna , Kırsaçlıoğlu Ceyda Tuna , Kuloğlu Zarife , Yılmaz Mustafa , Penezoğlu Nilay , Sayıcı Ufuk , Altuntaş Cansu , Kansu Aydan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectives and studyFailure to thrive (FTT) is an interruption in the normal pattern of growth. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, underlying etiologies, diagnostic workup, and frequency of micronutrient deficiencies (MDs) in children with FTT.MethodsThis retrospective study was done with 729 children (319 male, mean age 6.8 ± 5.5 years) with FTT (weight for age <3rd percentile) who had visited the Pediatric Gastroenterology outpatient clinic between 2011 and 2016. Children who had previously known chronic diseases, inadequate intake, or inadequate absorption were excluded. Acute malnutrition was considered if weight‐for‐age z‐scores were below −2 and height‐for‐age z‐scores were above −2, and chronic malnutrition was defined if height‐for‐age z‐scores were below −2.ResultsThe malnutrition rate was 57.1% (acute: 37.8%, chronic: 19.3%). Of children, 98.7% had laboratory evaluation. We found that 1.1% of laboratory tests, 0.4% of imaging studies, 27% of endoscopic findings, and biopsy results led to a specific diagnosis, equating to a total of 1.3% of diagnostic workup leading to a diagnosis related to FTT. The causes of FTT were inadequate nutrition (61.4%), psychiatric and behavioral disorders (17.2%), endocrinologic disorders (9%), recurrent infections (6.4%), gastrointestinal diseases (1.9%), and cardiac disorders (0.1%). Vitamin A and D deficiencies were the most common MD.ConclusionWe showed that the most common cause of FTT is “purely nutrition” FFT because of inadequate caloric intake, and extensive diagnostic workup is rarely helpful to reveal the etiology. These results implicate the importance of clinical evaluation and anthropometry to evaluate a child with FTT.
Thiamin Status in Adults Receiving Chronic Diuretic Therapy Prior to Admission to a Medical Intensive Care Unit: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gundogan Kursat , Akbudak Ismail Hakki , Bulut Kadir , Temel Sahin , Sungur Murat , Guven Muhammet , Dave Nisha J. , Griffith Daniel P. , Ziegler Thomas R. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to determine serum thiamin concentrations in critically ill medical patients who required chronic diuretic drug treatment before admission to a medical intensive care unit (ICU).MethodsThis prospective study was performed in a medical ICU. Subjects who received diuretic drug therapy for at least 6 months prior to ICU admission constituted the diuretic group. The control group was clinically matched adults admitted to the same ICU but without a history of diuretic therapy.ResultsA total of 50 subjects were included (25 subjects in each of the diuretic and control groups). In the diuretic group, daily dose of furosemide prior to admission was 40 mg/d (range of 20–160 mg/d). In all subjects, the ICU admission baseline blood thiamin concentrations were 31.2 ± 27.1 ng/mL. In the diuretic group, the baseline whole blood thiamin level was significantly lower compared with levels in the control group (15.5 ± 10.7 vs 46.8 ± 29.5 ng/mL; P < 0.001). On day 2 after entry, thiamin levels remained low (23.2 ± 15.4 ng/mL in the diuretic group vs 49 ± 38 ng/mL in the control group; P = 0.003). Low thiamin levels were found in 96% of patients at baseline and in 72% of patients on the second day in the diuretic group.ConclusionAdults receiving chronic diuretic therapy and then requiring medical ICU care commonly exhibit thiamin depletion on admission to the ICU and during the initial days of ICU care.
Impact of Feeding Interval on Time to Achieve Full Oral Feeding in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Unal Sezin , Demirel Nihal , Bas Ahmet Yağmur , Arifoğlu İlter , Erol Sara , Ulubas Isik Dilek 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundPreterm infants are scheduled to receive total feeding amount in either 3‐hour or 2‐hour intervals. A gavage feeding may be required if the scheduled amount is not completed orally. Feedings every 2 hours are one‐third smaller than feedings every 3 hours. Thus, if the volume of each feed is reduced by decreasing the feeding interval from 3 to 2 hours, the likelihood that the infant completes each volume orally increases, and the probability of requiring gavage feeding decreases. The impact of feeding with 2‐hour or 3‐hour intervals on time to achieve full oral feeding in preterm infants was investigated.MethodsInfants on full enteral gavage feedings were randomized into 2 groups to receive feedings in either 3‐hour or 2‐hour intervals. The time to achieve full oral feeding and the duration of feeding transition from gavage to oral feedings were investigated. Data were presented as median (interquartile range).ResultsThe study included 100 infants (gestational age: 29 [28–31] weeks, birth weight: 1205 [1040–1380] g) with 50 in each group. The postmenstrual age to achieve full oral feeding was 35 (35–37) weeks in the 3‐hour‐interval group and 35 (34–36) weeks in the 2‐hour‐interval group; P = 0.131. The duration of feeding transition was similar between groups.ConclusionsFeeding every 2 hours caused no improvement in the time to achieve full oral feeding. The 3‐hour‐interval feeding is appropriate for the neonatal units, where less handling of preterms and decreased workload of nurses are valuable.
On the Barzilai‐Borwein basic scheme in FFT‐based computational homogenization
Authors: Schneider Matti 
Published: January 2019

SummaryBuilding upon the equivalence of the basic scheme in the work of Moulinec and Suquet with gradient descent methods, we investigate the effect of using the celebrated Barzilai‐Borwein step size selection technique in this context. We provide an overview of recent convergence theory and present efficient implementations in the context of computational micromechanics, with and without globalization. In contrast to polarization schemes and fast gradient methods, no lower bound on the eigenvalues of the material tangent is necessary for the Barzilai‐Borwein scheme. We demonstrate the power of the proposed method for linear elastic and inelastic large scale problems with finite and infinite material contrast.
Manufacturing Graphene‐Encapsulated Copper Particles by Chemical Vapor Deposition in a Cold Wall Reactor
Authors: Chen Shujing , Zehri Abdelhafid , Wang Qianlong , Yuan Guangjie , Liu Xiaohua , Wang Nan , Liu Johan 
Published: January 2019

AbstractFunctional fillers, such as Ag, are commonly employed for effectively improving the thermal or electrical conductivity in polymer composites. However, a disadvantage of such a strategy is that the cost and performance cannot be balanced simultaneously. Therefore, the drive to find a material with both a cost efficient fabrication process and excellent performance attracts intense research interest. In this work, inspired by the core–shell structure, we developed a facile manufacturing method to prepare graphene‐encapsulated Cu nanoparticles (GCPs) through utilizing an improved chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system with a cold wall reactor. The obtained GCPs could retain their spherical shape and exhibited an outstanding thermal stability up to 179 °C. Owing to the superior thermal conductivity of graphene and excellent oxidation resistance of GCPs, the produced GCPs are practically used in a thermally conductive adhesive (TCA), which commonly consists of Ag as the functional filler. Measurement shows a substantial 74.6 % improvement by partial replacement of Ag with GCPs.
Flupirtine Analogues: Explorative Synthesis and Influence of Chemical Structure on KV7.2/KV7.3 Channel Opening Activity
Authors: Surur Abdrrahman S. , Beirow Kristin , Bock Christian , Schulig Lukas , Kindermann Markus K. , Bodtke Anja , Siegmund Werner , Bednarski Patrick J. , Link Andreas 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNeuronal voltage‐gated potassium channels KV7.2/KV7.3 are sensitive to small‐molecule drugs such as flupirtine, even though physiological response occurs in the absence of ligands. Clinically, prolonged use of flupirtine as a pain medication is associated with rare cases of drug‐induced liver injury. Thus, safety concerns prevent a broader use of this non‐opioid and non‐steroidal analgesic in therapeutic areas with unmet medical needs such as hyperactive bladder or neonatal seizures. With the goal of studying influences of chemical structure on activity and toxicity of flupirtine, we explored modifications of the benzylamino bridge and the substitution pattern in both rings of flupirtine. Among twelve derivatives, four novel thioether derivatives showed the desired activity in cellular assays and may serve as leads for safer KV channel openers.
Improving reporting of meta‐ethnography: The eMERGe reporting guidance
Authors: France Emma F. , Cunningham Maggie , Ring Nicola , Uny Isabelle , Duncan Edward A.S. , Jepson Ruth G. , Maxwell Margaret , Roberts Rachel J. , Turley Ruth L. , Booth Andrew , Britten Nicky , Flemming Kate , Gallagher Ian , Garside Ruth , Hannes Karin , Lewin Simon , Noblit George W. , Pope Catherine , Thomas James , Vanstone Meredith , Higginbottom Gina M. A. , Noyes Jane 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to provide guidance to improve the completeness and clarity of meta‐ethnography reporting.BackgroundEvidence‐based policy and practice require robust evidence syntheses which can further understanding of people's experiences and associated social processes. Meta‐ethnography is a rigorous seven‐phase qualitative evidence synthesis methodology, developed by Noblit and Hare. Meta‐ethnography is used widely in health research, but reporting is often poor quality and this discourages trust in and use of its findings. Meta‐ethnography reporting guidance is needed to improve reporting quality.DesignThe eMERGe study used a rigorous mixed‐methods design and evidence‐based methods to develop the novel reporting guidance and explanatory notes.MethodsThe study, conducted from 2015 to 2017, comprised of: (1) a methodological systematic review of guidance for meta‐ethnography conduct and reporting; (2) a review and audit of published meta‐ethnographies to identify good practice principles; (3) international, multidisciplinary consensus‐building processes to agree guidance content; (4) innovative development of the guidance and explanatory notes.FindingsRecommendations and good practice for all seven phases of meta‐ethnography conduct and reporting were newly identified leading to 19 reporting criteria and accompanying detailed guidance.ConclusionThe bespoke eMERGe Reporting Guidance, which incorporates new methodological developments and advances the methodology, can help researchers to report the important aspects of meta‐ethnography. Use of the guidance should raise reporting quality. Better reporting could make assessments of confidence in the findings more robust and increase use of meta‐ethnography outputs to improve practice, policy, and service user outcomes in health and other fields. This is the first tailored reporting guideline for meta‐ethnography. This article is being simultaneously published in the following journals: Journal of Advanced Nursing, Psycho‐oncology, Review of Education, and BMC Medical Research Methodology.
The social impact of early psychological maturity in adolescents with cancer
Authors: Anthony Samantha J. , Robertson Taylor , Selkirk Enid , Dix David , Klaassen Robert J. , Sung Lillian , Klassen Anne F. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractObjectiveThere is a growing need to assess the long‐term quality of life (QOL) of pediatric oncology patients since many children now survive their disease. This paper highlights the subjective perspectives of pediatric cancer patients and specifically explores how experiencing cancer at a young age impacts adolescents in the areas of social functioning, peer relationships, and QOL. The findings emerged from a qualitative research study that explored how pediatric oncology patients ascribe meaning to their illness.MethodsStudy participants were recruited from four Canadian academic pediatric hospitals. In this study, we used an interpretative description approach. Semistructured interviews were completed, transcribed verbatim, and coded through the method of constant comparison.ResultsA total of 37 children and adolescents (n = 19 female; 51%) participated. The majority of participants were diagnosed with leukemia (n = 16; 43%) or lymphoma (n = 9; 24%). Sixty‐two percent of participants were adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 years (n = 23). Data illustrated a unique adolescent experience, which has been reported as a subset of the original population. Adolescent participants noted an accelerated experience of maturation, which invited reflections of gratitude as well as feelings of isolation and disconnect from peers. Participants were saddened to have “missed out” on normative parts of childhood.ConclusionFindings highlighted experiences of accelerated maturity that prompted adverse social outcomes for adolescent participants, which impacted their QOL. Future research is needed to explore the intersection of accelerated maturity attributed to illness, social functioning, and QOL. Peer support through technology engagement is suggested for this population.
A 3‐D bonding perspective of the factors influencing the relative stability of the S1/S0 conical intersections of the penta‐2,4‐dieniminium cation (PSB3)
Authors: Bin Xin , Momen Roya , Xu Tianlv , Kirk Steven R. , Filatov Michael , Jenkins Samantha 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA balanced treatment of the covalent and ionic contributions to the ground and excited states originating from torsion about double bonds is known to be strongly dependent on the presence of dynamic electron correlation. We undertake an analysis of the minimum energy pathways corresponding to deactivation of the first excited singlet state of PSB3. In doing so we consider torsion about the three double bonds including other intramolecular degrees of freedom, such as the bond length alternation. The 3‐D bond‐path analysis provides a new ‘bond‐localized orbital‐like’ directional interpretation of bonding. Therefore, we present a more sophisticated method of determination of the degree of covalent and ionic contributions known to be responsible for altering the relative stability of the S1/S0 conical intersections. The results presented suggest that the commonly used simplified multi‐reference methodologies that often result in incorrect predictions for the excited state deactivation reaction mechanism.