bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐depositional bone destruction in cave sediments: a micromorphological study of the MIS 5a–d cave bear strata of Biśnik Cave, Poland
Authors: Krajcarz Magdalena , Krajcarz Maciej T. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTAccumulations of cave bear bones are common in Pleistocene cave sediments. The reasons for the deposition are usually clear, and believed to be associated with the hibernation behavior of bears. Although they are common, little is known about the post‐sedimentary processes that affect the assemblages. The cave bear bone accumulations from the Lower Weichselian layers of Biśnik Cave, Poland, represent an interesting case of intensive post‐depositional bone destruction. Bones are highly fragmented and rounded, although no traces of water currents have been detected in the stratigraphic series. In this paper we use the case of Biśnik Cave as an example of cave bear strata, to describe the taphonomic features of the abraded‐like bones and to recognize the underlying processes. We present a micromorphological study of rounded bones and surrounding sediments to increase knowledge of the depositional context in the cave environment. Micromorphological analysis of the sediments indicated in situ disintegration of bones rather than abrasion. The factor responsible here was internal stress, as opposed to the external pressure of mineral grains in the case of abrasion. We indicate frost action as a possible factor responsible for the post‐depositional bone disintegration.
Applying clustering and classification data mining techniques for competitive and knowledge‐intensive processes improvement
Authors: Khanbabaei Mohammad , Alborzi Mahmood , Sobhani Farzad Movahedi , Radfar Reza 
Published: February 2019

Processes as one of the valuable knowledge resources can create sustainable competitive advantages in organizations. There is a large number of processes in organizations. They generate a high volume of process data that leads to the high‐dimensionality problems, complex relationships, dynamic changes, and difficulties in the understanding of the process by human resources. Traditional process improvement methodologies have weaknesses in environment with the large number of processes. Data mining techniques can support process improvement in this environment. They can recommend the improvement suggestions through extracting valuable patterns from a high volume of the process dataset. Recently, knowledge‐intensive processes have been increasingly concentrated in the field of process improvement. These types of processes can induce a competitive behavior over the other processes. The main problem is the improvement of competitive and knowledge‐intensive processes in a high volume of process dataset.The main purpose of this paper is to present a model to identify the behavior of competitive and knowledge‐intensive processes and recommend improvement suggestions. For this purpose, data mining techniques are applied to extract valuable patterns hidden in a high volume of process dataset. In this regard, K‐means clustering and C5 classification algorithms are applied to extract valuable patterns. A real process dataset was used to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the model. The results confirmed that the proposed model can apply data mining techniques to support competitive and knowledge‐intensive process improvement in a high volume of process dataset.
Novel, anatomically appropriate balloon dilation technique of the glottis to treat posterior glottic stenosis in a 3D‐printed model
Authors: Cates Daniel J. , Magnetta Michael J. , Smith Libby J. , Rosen Clark A. 
Published: February 2019

ObjectivePosterior glottic stenosis (PGS) often requires a destructive surgical treatment. Early PGS treatment involves glottic dilation to reduce airway constriction associated with chronic PGS. Round laryngeal dilation may not optimize posterior glottic dilation due to the teardrop shape of the glottis and may injure vocal fold tissue. We compared pressure applied to the glottis during traditional single balloon dilation and a novel, anatomically appropriate dilation technique (teardrop‐shaped glottic dilation [TSGD]).MethodsPressure sensors were affixed at various points on a three‐dimensional printed glottic model. The anterior glottis was stented with a triangular stent (18‐32F) in combination with balloon dilator (10–20 mm) placed in the posterior glottis (TSGD) in 30 unique combinations. Force applied to the vocal folds (VF) and posterior commissure (PC) during round balloon dilation and TSGD was measured.ResultsDilatory force in the PC ranged from 0.0–3.8 newtons (N) using balloon dilators and 0.0–17.5 N using TSGD. The TSGD technique yielded a superior ratio of force applied to the PC versus VF (P = 0.0296) compared to round balloon dilation alone. Optimal targeting of the PC occurred when the sum of the anteroposterior (AP) dimensions of the stent and balloon dilator approached the AP length of the glottis.ConclusionUse of an anatomically appropriate glottic dilation maximizes expansive force applied to the posterior commissure and decreased force to the vocal folds. This study demonstrates that TSGD minimizes force to the anterior glottis and maximizes dilation of the posterior glottis. This technique may play a role in preventing laryngeal stenosis associated with chronic PGS.Level of EvidenceNALaryngoscope, 129:2239–2243, 2019
Technical Note: an algorithm and software for conversion of radiotherapy contour‐sequence data to ready‐to‐print 3D structures
Authors: Nowak Lukasz J. , Pawlowska Ewa 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThree‐dimensional (3D) printing is one of the most promising technologies that can significantly improve the efficiency of various radiotherapy (RT) procedures. In order to 3D print any structure from a DICOM file, it first has to be converted to one of the typical formats recognized by printing software, such as STL files. Due to the specificity of the data from RT planning systems and a lack of standardized methods, the geometry processing might be tricky and complex. However, all the articles presented in the literature so far either describe this step very briefly, or do not mention it at all.MethodsWe present a detailed description of an algorithm and a piece of open‐source software, that allow conversion of contour‐sequence data included within DICOM files into ready‐to‐print 3D structures saved as STL files. The algorithm allows automatic handling of the data from RT planning systems and takes into account and corrects for all the typical issues, such as different orientation of curves or artifacts. The implementing software, included as a supplementary material, is distributed as open source under GNU GPL license, which means that it can be freely used, modified, and redistributed by anyone.ResultsThe algorithm and implementing software were used to convert numerous structures contained within DICOM files created with RT planning systems into ready‐to‐print 3D structures. The structures were converted with absolute fidelity, without any errors.ConclusionsThe presented tools can be used for research and development of patient‐specific accessories for RT. The described algorithm and software can make 3D printing in RT more accessible to medical professionals, contributing to its further development.
SPARKLING: variable‐density k‐space filling curves for accelerated T2*‐weighted MRI
Authors: Lazarus Carole , Weiss Pierre , Chauffert Nicolas , Mauconduit Franck , El Gueddari Loubna , Destrieux Christophe , Zemmoura Ilyess , Vignaud Alexandre , Ciuciu Philippe 
Published: February 2019

PurposeTo present a new optimition‐driven design of optimal k‐space trajectories in the context of compressed sensing: Spreading Projection Algorithm for Rapid K‐space sampLING (SPARKLING).TheoryThe SPARKLING algorithm is a versatile method inspired from stippling techniques that automatically generates optimized sampling patterns compatible with MR hardware constraints on maximum gradient amplitude and slew rate. These non‐Cartesian sampling curves are designed to comply with key criteria for optimal sampling: a controlled distribution of samples (e.g., variable density) and a locally uniform k‐space coverage.MethodsEx vivo and in vivo prospective ‐weighted acquisitions were performed on a 7‐Tesla scanner using the SPARKLING trajectories for various setups and target densities. Our method was compared to radial and variable‐density spiral trajectories for high‐resolution imaging.ResultsCombining sampling efficiency with compressed sensing, the proposed sampling patterns allowed up to 20‐fold reductions in MR scan time (compared to fully sampled Cartesian acquisitions) for two‐dimensional ‐weighted imaging without deterioration of image quality, as demonstrated by our experimental results at 7 Tesla on in vivo human brains for a high in‐plane resolution of 390 μm. In comparison to existing non‐Cartesian sampling strategies, the proposed technique also yielded superior image quality.ConclusionsThe proposed optimization‐driven design of k‐space trajectories is a versatile framework that is able to enhance MR sampling performance in the context of compressed sensing.
Impact of congestion pricing schemes on costs and emissions of commercial fleets in urban areas
Authors: Zhang Shu , Campbell Ann M. , Ehmke Jan F. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAs urbanization increases, municipalities across the world have become aware of the negative impacts of road‐based transportation, which include traffic congestion and air pollution. As a result, several cities have introduced tolling schemes to discourage vehicles from entering the inner city. However, little research has been done to examine the impact of tolling schemes on the routing of commercial fleets, especially on the resulting costs and emissions. In this study, we investigate a vehicle routing problem considering different congestion charge schemes for several city types. We design comprehensive computational experiments to investigate whether different types of tolling schemes work in the way municipalities expect and what factors affect the performance of the congestion charge schemes. We compare the impact on a company's total costs, fuel usage (which drives emissions), and delivery tour plans. Our experimental results demonstrate that some congestion pricing schemes may even increase the emissions in the city center, and higher congestion charges may not necessarily lead to lower emissions.
Correlating structure with ionic conductivity in bis(phosphonium)‐containing [NTf2] thiol–ene networks
Authors: Sims Samantha M , Bontrager Nicholas C , Whittaker Rachel E , Miller Kevin M 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThiol–ene photopolymerization was employed in order to prepare a series of covalently crosslinked bis(phosphonium)‐containing poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) networks. While the counteranion was held constant (NTf2), the structure of the bis(phosphonium)‐containing ‘ene’ monomer was varied in order to explore the breadth of thermal, mechanical and conductive properties available for this system. Towards this end, it was determined that more flexible spacers within the cationic monomer led to PIL networks with lower Tg values and higher conductivities. Most notable was a two‐ to three‐orders‐of‐magnitude increase in ionic conductivity (from 10−9 to 10−6 S cm−1 at 30 °C, 30% relative humidity) when the R group on phosphonium was changed from phenyl to isopropyl. Changing the functional group ratio to off‐stoichiometry also led to a slight increase in conductivity. Although the thermal stability (Td5%) of the phosphonium ionic liquid monomers was found to be significantly higher (>400 °C) than that of analogous imidazolium monomers, this improvement was not observed to directly transfer over to the polymer where a two‐step decomposition pathway was observed. The first step is attributed to the thiol monomer backbone while the second step correlates well with decomposition of the phosphonium portion of the PIL. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of Moisture on the Mechanical Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose and the Mobility of the Water Molecules as Studied by the Hybrid Molecular Mechanics–Molecular Dynamics Simulation Method
Authors: Sahputra Iwan H. , Alexiadis Alessio , Adams Michael J. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTA hybrid molecular mechanics–molecular dynamics simulation method has been performed to study the effects of moisture content on the mechanical properties of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and the mobility of the water molecules. The specific volume and diffusion coefficient of the water increase with increasing moisture content in the range studied of 1.8–25.5 w/w%, while the Young's modulus decreases. The simulation results are in close agreement with the published experimental data. Both the bound scission and free‐volume mechanisms contribute to the plasticization of MCC by water. The Voronoi volume increases with increasing moisture content. It is related to the free volume and the increase enhances the mobility of the water molecules and thus increases the coefficient of diffusion of the water. Moreover, with increasing moisture content, the hydrogen bonding per water molecule between MCC–water molecules decreases, thus increasing the water mobility and number of free water molecules. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 454–464
Hydroxide‐Based Nanoenergetic Materials
Authors: Yolchinyan Srbuhi A. , Eads Ryker W. , Hobosyan Mkhitar A. , Martirosyan Karen S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHydroxide‐aluminum based nano‐energetic materials are new class of thermites which demonstrated high theoretical energy capacity of up to 50 kJ cm−3. Most of the hydroxide‐aluminum based systems exhibit a large gas generation (greater than two liters per gram) and high adiabatic combustion temperature (up to 3000 K), which ensures performance that attributes significantly for applications such as solid fuel propulsion, explosives, airbag deployment, etc. Thermodynamic calculations performed for a collection of 16 novel hydroxide‐based nano‐thermite systems show that most of the systems are stable. Four systems, based on bismuth, copper, nickel and cerium hydroxides, were mixed with aluminum to prepare nano‐thermites compositions. These formulations were tested to estimate the heat generation and pressure discharge values during the ignition. These systems were stable below ignition temperature, between 570–600 °C. The strongest performance was recorded for Al−Bi(OH)3 formulation with 5.6 kPa*m3 g−1 peak pressure, which is comparable to highest values reported in literature.
Separation of biologically relevant isomers on an Orbitrap mass spectrometer using high‐resolution drift tube ion mobility and varied drift gas mixtures
Authors: Kaszycki Julia L. , La Rotta Aurelio , Colsch Benoit , Fenaille François , Dauly Claire , Kamleh Anas , Wu Ching 
Published: February 2019

RationaleAtmospheric pressure drift tube ion mobility is a powerful addition to the Orbitrap mass spectrometer enabling direct separation of isomers. Apart from offering high resolving power in a compact design, it also facilitates optimization of the separation gas, as shown here for a series of biologically relevant isomer pairs.MethodsAn Excellims MA3100 High‐Resolution Atmospheric Pressure Ion Mobility Spectrometer (HR‐IMS) was coupled to a Thermo Scientific™ Q Exactive™ Focus hybrid quadrupole–Orbitrap™ mass spectrometer, using an Excellims Directspray™ Electrospray Ionization source and a gas mixture setup to provide various drift gases (air, CO2 and mixtures). This instrument combination was used to separate isomers of eight pairs of metabolites and gangliosides, optimizing drift gas conditions for best separation of each set.ResultsAll but one of the isomers pairs provided could be partially or fully separated by the HR‐IMS‐MS combination using ion mobility drift times. About half of the separated compounds showed significantly better analytical separation when analyzed in a mixture of CO2 and air rather than air or CO2 alone. Resolving power of up to 102 was achieved using the 10 cm atmospheric drift tube ion mobility add‐on for the Orbitrap mass spectrometer.ConclusionsThe present analysis demonstrates the usefulness of using atmospheric drift tube IMS on an Orbitrap mass spectrometer to characterize the isomeric composition of samples. It also highlights the potential benefits of being able to quickly optimize the drift gas composition to selectively maximize the mobility difference for isomer separation.
Robotic‐assisted repair of iatrogenic common bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Surgical technique and outcomes
Authors: Marino Marco Vito , Mirabella Antonello , Guarrasi Domenico , Lupo Massimo , Komorowski Andrzej Lech 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundBile duct injury after cholecystectomy can be a life‐threatening complication. Use of robotic approach to manage a complex biliary injury is in an early phase.MethodsWe have performed an analysis of our prospectively maintained database that included 12 patients who underwent robotic‐assisted repair of bile duct injury after laparoscopic cholecystectomy between 2014 and 2017.ResultsAll patients underwent robotic biliary repair within 2 weeks after primary injury. No conversion to open surgery was necessary, the estimated mean blood loss was 252 mL, and the mean operative time was 260 minutes. The mean length of stay was 9.4 days. The 30‐day complication events were a subhepatic abscess and a recurrent episode of cholangitis. One patient underwent the reoperation. The mortality was null.ConclusionRobotic‐assisted bile duct injury repair seems to be safe and feasible. It offers promising results, thus potentially capable of modifying the management of biliary injury.
Mechanically reshaping stream banks alters fish community composition
Authors: Holmes Robin JP , Hayes John W. , Closs Gerard P. , Beech Mary , Jary Marc , Matthaei Christoph D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMechanically reshaping stream banks is a common practice to mitigate bank erosion in streams that have been extensively channelised and lowered for land drainage. A common perception regarding this activity is that fish populations will be largely unaffected, at least in the short term, because the low‐flow wetted channel remains undisturbed. However, the response of fish populations to this practice has rarely been quantitatively evaluated. Using a Before‐After‐Control‐Impact design, we assessed fish community responses to a catchment‐scale bank reshaping event in a fourth‐order low‐gradient stream that drains an intensive agricultural landscape. Quantitative electric fishing and fish habitat data were collected 2 months before and annually for 3 years after the reshaping event. After reshaping, deposited fine sediment levels increased in impact reaches, and there was a significant reduction in anguillid eel biomass (by 49%). In contrast, densities of obligate benthic gobiid bully species increased significantly in impact reaches—potentially due to reduced predation pressure from eels. Three years after bank reshaping, fish community structure had largely returned to its preimpact state in the reshaped areas. Our results suggest that, even in highly modified stream channels, further bank modification can reduce instream habitat quality and displace eels for at least 1 year. Managers should endeavour to use bank erosion control measures that conserve bank‐edge cover, especially in streams with populations of anguillid eels, because these fish are declining globally.
Sensitive Colorimetric Assay Based on Peroxidase‐Like Activity of CeO2 Nanoparticles Supported on SBA‐15 Mesoporous Silica to Determination of H2O2
Authors: Oliveira Larissa H. , de Barros Anerise , Pinto Lidiane O. , Oliveira Cristine S. , Kubota Lauro T. , Sigoli Fernando A. , Mazali Italo O. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe report a novel combination of nanomaterial proposed as a peroxidase‐like enzymatic mimic for detection of H2O2, where CeO2 nanoparticles dispersed on SBA‐15 through synthesis by the impregnation‐decomposition cycles method (IDC). The system displays a good peroxidase‐like activity and catalyzes to the oxidation of 3,3',5,5‘‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by H2O2. KM values were calculated between 0.04 and 0.08 mM for different (CeO2/SBA‐15)x catalyst system, the results demonstrates that the combination of these materials displayed a good affinity to TMB substrate, consequently improving the colorimetric assay, due to uniform mesostructures of SBA‐15 and their high surface areas. A detailed study of synergistic effects between CeO2NPs and SBA‐15 support were held in order to understand how these effects can improve the colorimetric assay. Additionally, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and textural properties were utilized for characterization of the prepared catalysts systems.
Chemical Characterization and in vitro Metabolism of a Novel Class of Delta Opioid Receptor Agonists, Analogs of SNC‐80
Authors: Usai Elisabetta Maria , Manca Ilaria , Pettinau Francesca , Mastino Antonio , Pittau Barbara 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe diazatricyclodecane derivatives belong to a novel class of δ opioid receptor agonists, conformationally restricted analogs of SNC‐80. To support further investigation on the potential use of this class of δ opioid receptor agonists in humans, synthesis and chemical characterization of three tricyclic compounds of this class, designated as 3–4‐5, was carried out. Moreover, drug metabolism of the same compounds was investigated using human liver microsomes. Being drug candidates chiral compounds, they were also evaluated in terms of stereoisomers presence in the drug substances. Pharmacokinetic profiles and kinetic parameters of compound 3 and compound 4 and Michaelis parameters of compound 3 were determined. Remaining percentages of the parent drug versus time were analyzed. Results indicated that the examined derivatives display good in vitro metabolic stability.
Delamination‐Free Multifunctional Separator for Long‐Term Stability of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Sang Hyun , Kim Jungmin , Kim Byung‐Hyun , Yoon Sukeun , Cho Kuk Young 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNext‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) that satisfy the requirements for an electric vehicle energy source should demonstrate high reliability and safety for long‐term high‐energy‐density operation. This inevitably calls for a novel approach to advance major components such as the separator. Herein, a separator is designed and fabricated via application of multilayer functional coating on both sides of a polyethylene separator. The multilayer‐coated separator (MCS) has a porous structure that does not interfere with lithium ion diffusion and exhibits superior heat resistance, high electrolyte uptake, and persistent adhesion with the electrode. More importantly, it enables high capacity retention and reduced impedance build up during cycling when used in a coin or pouch cell. These imply its promising application in energy sources requiring long‐term stability. Fabrication of the MCS without the use of organic solvents is not only environmentally beneficial but also effective at cost reduction. This approach paves the way for the separator, which has long been considered an inactive major component of LIBs, to become an active contributor to the energy density toward achieving longer cycle stability.