bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐thin carbon/silicon carbide composite bipolar plate for advanced fuel cells
Authors: Raunija T. S. K. , Gautam R. K. , Sharma S. C. , Verma A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe first cut results on the development of ultra‐thin, low gas permeable, easily machineable, high electrical conductivity and high mechanical strength bipolar plate made up of carbon reinforced ceramic matrix are reported for the strategic application. Short carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix composite is fabricated by chopping continuous carbon fibers into discrete length, exfoliating and dispersing the exfoliated carbon fibers in silicon carbide powder and finally hot‐pressing to make the composite. Three compacts containing exfoliated carbon fiber contents of 20, 30, 50 vol. % in silicon carbide matrix are prepared and characterized for electrical, thermal, gas permeability, density, and mechanical properties. The composite plates with exfoliated carbon fiber vol. % of 50, offer excellent electrical conductivity, flexural and compressive strengths and gas permeability of 2.2 × 10‐7 cm‐3 cm‐2 s‐1. Carbon/silicon carbide plate shows 37.5 % and 4.7 % lower volume and weight, respectively on comparing with the best reported data of carbon/polymer composite plate. Competency of the material for bipolar plate fabrication is tested and found that the ceramic carbon composite may open up the new horizon for the fabrication of ultra‐thin bipolar plates for strategic applications.
Kalibrierung in der Werkstofftechnik als Mittel zur Qualitätssicherung
Authors: Gerber S. , Ellermeier J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDie Kalibrierung von Werkstoffprüfmaschinen ist die Voraussetzung für gesicherte Ergebnisse aus Versuchen. Die Versuchsergebnisse müssen auf ein nationales Normal rückführbar sein, was über die Kalibrierung sichergestellt wird. Nach heutigem Stand der Technik erfolgt der Nachweis der fachlichen Kompetenz zumeist durch eine Akkreditierung. Im Rahmen der Kalibrierung von Werkstoffprüfmaschinen werden auch die Messunsicherheiten berechnet und berücksichtigt. Anhand der Kalibrierung von Werkstoffprüfmaschinen wird gezeigt, wie die Berücksichtigung der Messunsicherheit ohne Verschlechterung der Maschinenklassifizierung auch unter der neuen ISO/IEC 17025 erfolgen kann. Die Betrachtung der Kalibrierergebnisse einer Werkstoffprüfmaschine über die letzten 60 Jahre bestätigt dies.
Improved tolerance to off‐resonance in spectral‐spatial EPI of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and metabolites
Authors: Lau Justin Y. C. , Geraghty Benjamin J. , Chen Albert P. , Cunningham Charles H. 
Published: January 2018

PurposeFor 13C echo‐planar imaging (EPI) with spectral‐spatial excitation, main field inhomogeneity can result in reduced flip angle and spatial artifacts. A hybrid time‐resolved pulse sequence, multi‐echo spectral‐spatial EPI, is proposed combining broader spectral‐spatial passbands for greater off‐resonance tolerance with a multi‐echo acquisition to separate signals from potentially co‐excited resonances.MethodsThe performance of the imaging sequence and the reconstruction pipeline were evaluated for 1H imaging using a series of increasingly dilute 1,4‐dioxane solutions and for 13C imaging using an ethylene glycol phantom. Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate was administered to two healthy rats. Multi‐echo data of the rat kidneys were acquired to test realistic cases of off‐resonance.ResultsAnalysis of separated images of water and 1,4‐dioxane following multi‐echo signal decomposition showed water‐to‐dioxane 1H signal ratios that were in agreement with the independent measurements by 1H spectroscopy for all four concentrations of 1,4‐dioxane. The 13C signal ratio of two co‐excited resonances of ethylene glycol was accurately recovered after correction for the spectral profile of the redesigned spectral‐spatial pulse. In vivo, successful separation of lactate and pyruvate‐hydrate signals was achieved for all except the early time points during which signal variations exceeded the temporal resolution of the multi‐echo acquisition.ConclusionImproved tolerance to off‐resonance in the new 13C data acquisition pipeline was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. Magn Reson Med 80:925–934, 2018. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy functional composite outcome measure
Authors: Eichinger Katy , Heatwole Chad , Iyadurai Stanley , King Wendy , Baker Lindsay , Heininger Susanne , Bartlett Amy , Dilek Nuran , Martens William B. , Mcdermott Michael , Kissel John T. , Tawil Rabi , Statland Jeffrey M. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: We developed an evaluator‐administered functional facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy composite outcome measure (FSHD‐COM) comprising patient‐identified areas of functional burden for future clinical trials. Methods: We performed a prospective observational study of 41 patients with FSHD at 2 sites. The FSHD‐COM includes functional assessment of the legs, shoulders and arms, trunk, hands, and balance/mobility. We determined the test‐retest reliability and convergent validity compared to established FSHD disease metrics. Results: The FSHD‐COM demonstrated excellent test‐retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.96; subscale ICC range, 0.90–0.94). Cross‐sectional associations between the FSHD‐COM and disease duration, clinical severity, and strength were moderate to strong (Pearson correlation coefficient range |0.51–0.92|). Discussion: The FSHD‐COM is a disease‐relevant, functional composite outcome measure suitable for future FSHD clinical trials that shows excellent test‐retest reliability and cross‐sectional associations to disease measures. Future directions include determining multisite reliability, sensitivity to change, and the minimal clinically important change in the FSHD‐COM. Muscle Nerve 58: 72–78, 2018
Parent perspectives on information about late effects of childhood cancer treatment and their role in initial treatment decision making
Authors: Greenzang Katie A. , Dauti Angela , Mack Jennifer W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThough most childhood cancer survivors experience late effects of treatment, we know little about parent preferences for late effects information during therapy, or how parents weigh late effects when making treatment decisions. Our objective was to explore how parents of children with cancer consider late effects in initial treatment decision making and during active cancer treatment.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 12 parents of children with cancer who were actively receiving treatment at Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsTen of 12 parents reported that they had to decide between two or more treatment options for their child's cancer. Of those, 50% (5/10) considered late effects to be an important factor in their decision making. Most parents wanted early and detailed information about their child's risk of late effects to make treatment decisions and to feel prepared for the future. However, a few parents felt too overwhelmed to focus on late effects at diagnosis. While many recalled extensive late effects information in informed consent discussions, some parents felt these issues were minimally addressed.ConclusionParents desire detailed information about late effects to make informed treatment decisions and prepare for the future. Despite the role of late effects in treatment decision making, some parents feel that late effects are either inadequately addressed or too overwhelming to process at diagnosis. Parents may benefit from early assessment of their information needs and a return to these issues over time.
CD34+ Cell Transplantation Improves Right Ventricular Function in Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Frljak Sabina , Jaklic Martina , Zemljic Gregor , Cerar Andraz , Poglajen Gregor , Vrtovec Bojan 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
We investigated the effects of CD34+ cell therapy on right ventricular (RV) function in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). We enrolled 60 patients with DCM who were randomized to CD34+ cell therapy (Stem Cells (SC) Group n = 30), or no cell therapy (Controls, n = 30). The SC Group received granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and CD34+ cells were collected by apheresis and injected transendocardially. Patients were followed for 6 months. At baseline, the groups did not differ in age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide, or parameters of RV function. At 6 months, we found a significant improvement in RV function in the SC Group (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion [TAPSE]: +0.44 ± 0.64 cm, p = .001; peak systolic tissue Doppler velocity of tricuspid annulus [St]: +1.5 ± 2.1 cm/s; p = .001; percent of fractional area change [FAC]: +8.6% ± 5%, p = .01), but not in Controls (TAPSE: −0.07 ± 0.32 cm, p = .40; St: −0.1 ± 1.2 cm/s; p = .44; FAC: −1.2% ± 3.2%, p = .50). On repeat electroanatomical mapping, we found an improvement in interventricular septum viability in 19 of 30 patients from the SC Group; this correlated with the improvements in RV function (13/19 in the improved septum group versus 3/11 in the remaining cohort, p = .029). These results suggest that patients with DCM, changes in RV function correlate with changes of viability of interventricular septum. CD34+ cell therapy appears to be associated with improved right ventricular function in this patient cohort. (Clinical Trial Registration Information: www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02248532).
Switching the Ion Selectivity from Fe3+ to Al3+ by a Triazole‐Appended Calix[4]arene‐Based Amphiphile†
Authors: Nag Rahul , Vashishtha Manu , Rao Chebrolu Pulla 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA triazole appended benzaldehydic lower rim derivative of calix[4]arene (L) has been synthesized and was thoroughly characterized. In CH3CN solution, the L showed greater sensitivity for Fe3+ by a 5‐fold increase in the absorbance and 37% quenching in the fluorescence intensity, by forming a 1:1 complex. The Fe3+ induces aggregation in L as studied by microscopy. The Langmuir film formed at the air‐water interface was characterized by pressure‐area isotherm and Brewster angle micrographs, both in the presence and absence of metal ions. The Langmuir films of pure L, {L+Al3+} and {L+Zn2+} were transferred onto H‐terminated Si‐wafer and characterized using Atomic Force Microscopy, contact angle, Grazing Incidence Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrscopy and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The study resulted selective binding of Al3+ to the Langmuir film of L among the nine metal ions studied. Thus, the calix[4]arene‐conjugate L is sensitive and selective to Fe3+ in acetonitrile solution whereas to Al3+ in Langmuir film and hence acts as an ion switch depending upon the physical state of L.
Erbium Mixed‐Ligand β‐Diketiminato‐Diamido Complex: Unusual Structure of Diamide Ligand
Authors: Klementyeva Svetlana V. , Petrov Pavel A. , Starikova Alyona A. , Konchenko Sergey N. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA novel mixed‐ligand erbium complex [(NacNac)ErL(THF)] (1) containing two types of sterically hindered ligands ‐ monoanionic N‐mesityl substituted β‐diketiminate (NacNac=(MesN−C(Me)CHC(Me)‐NMes)−, Mes=2,4,6‐Me3C6H2) and dianionic modified diamide ligand with mesityls as the N‐aryl substituents (L=(MesN−C(H)(Me)‐C(=CH2)‐NMes)2−) ‐ was isolated from the salt metathesis reaction of [(NacNac)Er(THF)2] with potassium salt of doubly reduced diazabutadiene K2(DAD‐Mes2−) (DAD‐Mes=MesN=C(Me)‐C(Me)=NMes) prepared in situ. A solid‐state structure of 1 was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and revealed unusual asymmetrical diamide ligand with sp3‐ and sp2‐hybridized carbon backbone atoms and exometallacyclic double carbon‐carbon bond. In spite of the energy preference of symmetrical form of diamide ligand Lsym (Lsym=(MesN−C(Me)=C(Me)‐NMes)2−) calculated by DFT asymmetrical form L was found as minor product in the mixture of dipotassium salts obtained by reduction of DAD‐Mes.
Optimal non‐invasive diagnosis of fetal achondroplasia combining ultrasonography with circulating cell‐free fetal DNA analysis
Authors: Vivanti A. J. , Costa J.‐M. , Rosefort A. , Kleinfinger P. , Lohmann L. , Cordier A.‐G. , Benachi A. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo assess the performance of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for achondroplasia using high‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis, and to propose an optimal diagnostic strategy combining ultrasound examination and cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) analysis.MethodsIn this prospective multicenter study, cffDNA was extracted from blood of pregnant women at risk for fetal achondroplasia (owing to paternal achondroplasia, previous affected child or suspected rhizomelic shortening) and of pregnant low‐risk controls. The presence of either one of the two main fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3) mutations was determined using HRM combined with confirmation by SNaPshot minisequencing. Results were compared with phenotypes obtained using three‐dimensional computed tomography or postnatal examination, and/or molecular diagnosis by an invasive procedure. Fetal biometry (head circumference and femur length) was analyzed in order to develop a strategy in which cffDNA analysis for diagnosis of
achondroplasia is offered only in selected cases.ResultsEighty‐six blood samples from women at risk for fetal achondroplasia and 65 from controls were collected. The overall sensitivity and specificity of NIPT were 1.00 (95% CI, 0.87–1.00) and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.96–1.00), respectively. Critical reduction in femur length of affected fetuses could be observed from 26 weeks' gestation.ConclusionsHRM combined with SNaPshot minisequencing is a reliable method for NIPT for achondroplasia. Its implementation in routine clinical care combined with ultrasonography is an efficient strategy for the non‐invasive diagnosis of achondroplasia. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
From Initial Description by Wermer to Present‐Day MEN1: What have We Learned?
Authors: Perrier Nancy D. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionPancreas, parathyroid, and pituitary, are referred to as the “3 Ps” of MEN1. The time has come to move beyond those Ps and begin to discuss (1) prediction, (2) pausing progression, and (3) prevention of MEN1.MethodsIn preparation for the International Association of Endocrine Surgeons State of the Art address, updates and uncertainties of MEN were reviewed. This included a detailed examination of the MEN1 gene and the library of implicated mutations, exon sequencing databases and cell cycle pathways. Therapeutic options including radiofrequency ablation, systemic therapy, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitor mechanisms and preimplantation genetic testing were described.ResultsSeveral key points included mutations in exon 2 are suspected of being associated with a higher rate of distant metastases, a higher rate of PNET development, and more aggressive disease. The suggestion that missense mutations involving loss of interaction with CHES1 (associated with DNA repair) correlates with more aggressive disease and is more closely associated with death related to PNET than to death from other causes was mentioned. For advanced NETs, optimism for agents under study include lanreotide, a long‐acting somatostatin analog, and everolimus (Afinitor), a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor. The NETest shows the potential value of being a multidimensional tumor marker for response to therapy. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is applicable.ConclusionAdjunct modalities and determination of the effect of therapy for MEN1 is needed. Prediction through early detection of aggressive disease is an idea worth spreading. We are called us to engage with our patients about prevention, the only true cure.
Predicting time to recall in patients conditionally released from a secure forensic hospital: A survival analysis
Authors: Jewell Amelia , Cocks Christopher , Cullen Alexis E. , Fahy Tom , Dean Kimberlie 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe recall of conditionally discharged forensic patients in England is a formal order from the Ministry of Justice under the Mental Health Act (1983) which has the power to revoke conditional release and direct readmission to hospital. Recall has significant implications for the individual and for hospital services, but despite this, little is known about predictors of recall for forensic patients.MethodsWe examined the rate of recall for 101 patients conditionally discharged from medium secure forensic inpatient services between 2007 and 2013. Demographic, clinical, and forensic factors were examined as possible predictors of time to recall using Cox regression survival techniques.ResultsConditionally discharged patients were followed for an average of 811 days, during which 45 (44.5%) were recalled to hospital. Younger age (HR 1.89; 95% CI 1.02–3.49; p = 0.04), non-white ethnicity (HR 3.44; 95% CI 1.45–8.13), substance abuse history (HR 2.52; 95% CI 1.17–5.43), early violence (HR 1.90; 95% CI 1.03–3.50), early childhood maladjustment (HR 1.92; 95% CI 1.01–3.68), treatment with a depot medication (HR 2.17; 95% CI 1.14–4.11), being known to mental health services (HR 3.44; 95% CI 1.06–11.16), and a psychiatric admission prior to the index admission (HR 2.44; 95% CI 1.08–5.52) were significantly associated with a shorter time to recall. Treatment with clozapine reduced the risk of recall to hospital (HR 0.40; 95% CI 0.20–0.79).ConclusionsTime to recall can be predicted by a range of factors that are readily available to clinical teams. Further research is required to determine if targeted interventions can modify the likelihood or time to recall for conditionally released forensic patients.
Engaging emergency clinicians in emergency department clinical research
Authors: McRae Andrew D. , Perry Jeffrey J. , Brehaut Jamie , Brown Erica , Curran Janet , Emond Marcel , Hohl Corinne , Taljaard Monica , Stiell Ian G. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this panel was to generate recommendations to promote the engagement of front-line emergency department (ED) clinicians in clinical and implementation research.MethodsPanel members conducted semi-structured interviews with 37 Canadian adult and pediatric emergency medicine researchers to elicit barriers and facilitators to clinician engagement in research activities, and to glean strategies for promoting clinician engagement.ResultsResponses were organized by themes, and, based on these responses, recommendations were developed and refined in an iterative fashion by panel members.ConclusionsWe offer eight recommendations to promote front-line clinician engagement in clinical research activities. Recommendations to promote clinician engagement specifically address the creation of a research-friendly culture in the ED, minimizing the burden of data collection on clinical staff through the careful design of data collection tools and the use of research staff, and communication between researchers and clinical staff to promote adherence to study protocols.
Canadian Pediatric Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs: Current Resources and Implementation Characteristics
Authors: Wong Jacqueline , Timberlake Kathryn , Boodhan Sabrina , Barton Michelle , Fanella Sergio , Read Stanley , Science Michelle ,   the members of the Groupe Antibiothérapie en Pédiatrie Canada Alliance for Stewardship of Antimicrobials in Pediatrics
Published: January 2018

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) became an accreditation requirement for Canadian hospitals in 2013. Pediatric programs are in various stages of program development and implementation, with 93% of surveyed Canadian academic pediatric hospitals having established ASPs. The programs varied in their team composition, implementation of stewardship strategies, and measured metrics.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:350–354
Wiping Is Inferior to Rubbing: A Note of Caution for Hand Hygiene With Alcohol-Based Solutions
Authors: Ory Jérôme , Zingg Walter , de Kraker Marlieke E. A. , Soule Hervé , Pittet Didier 
Published: January 2018

We evaluated whether hand wiping is noninferior to hand rubbing in reducing the bacterial concentration on hands. In 20 healthy volunteers, hand wiping with or without an alcohol-based solution was inferior to hand rubbing with an alcohol-based solution. This finding warrants a note of caution for the application of wipes in health care.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:332–335
Guidance on Frequency and Location of Environmental Sampling for Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Sbarra Alyssa N. , Harris Anthony D. , Johnson J. Kristie , Madger Laurence S. , O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Jackson Sarah S. , Thom Kerri A. 
Published: January 2018

We assessed various locations and frequency of environmental sampling to maximize information and maintain efficiency when sampling for Acinetobacter baumannii. Although sampling sites in closer proximity to the patient were more likely positive, to fully capture environmental contamination, we found value in sampling all sites and across multiple days.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:339–342
WEAK SQUARES AND VERY GOOD SCALES
Authors: LEVINE MAXWELL 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe assume the existence of a supercompact cardinal and produce a model with weak square but no very good scale at a particular cardinal. This follows work of Cummings, Foreman, and Magidor, but uses a different approach. We produce another model, starting from countably many supercompact cardinals, where □K,<Kholds but □K,λfails forλ<K.
History of intranasal splints
Authors: Lau J , Elhassan H A , Singh N 
Published: January 2018

AbstractObjective:Intranasal splints have long been utilised as a post-operative adjunct in septoplasty, intended to reduce the risk of adhesions and haematoma formation, and to maintain alignment during healing.Methods:A Medline literature review of the history and evolution of intranasal splint materials and designs was performed. Advantages and disadvantages of various splints are discussed.Results:Intranasal splints fashioned from X-ray film were first reported in 1955. Since then, a variety of materials have been utilised, including polyethylene coffee cup lids, samarium cobalt magnets and dental utility wax. Most contemporary splints are produced from silicon rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon). Designs have varied in thickness, flexibility, shape, absorption and the inclusion of built-in airway tubes. Future directions in splint materials and designs are discussed.Conclusion:Intranasal splints have steadily evolved since 1955, with numerous novel innovations. Despite their simplicity, they play an important role in nasal surgery and will continue to evolve over time.