bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine learning–based 3‐D geometry reconstruction and modeling of aortic valve deformation using 3‐D computed tomography images
Authors: Liang Liang , Kong Fanwei , Martin Caitlin , Pham Thuy , Wang Qian , Duncan James , Sun Wei 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTo conduct a patient‐specific computational modeling of the aortic valve, 3‐D aortic valve anatomic geometries of an individual patient need to be reconstructed from clinical 3‐D cardiac images. Currently, most of computational studies involve manual heart valve geometry reconstruction and manual finite element (FE) model generation, which is both time‐consuming and prone to human errors. A seamless computational modeling framework, which can automate this process based on machine learning algorithms, is desirable, as it can not only eliminate human errors and ensure the consistency of the modeling results but also allow fast feedback to clinicians and permits a future population‐based probabilistic analysis of large patient cohorts. In this study, we developed a novel computational modeling method to automatically reconstruct the 3‐D geometries of the aortic valve from computed tomographic images. The reconstructed valve geometries have built‐in mesh correspondence, which bridges harmonically for the consequent FE modeling. The proposed method was evaluated by comparing the reconstructed geometries from 10 patients with those manually created by human experts, and a mean discrepancy of 0.69 mm was obtained. Based on these reconstructed geometries, FE models of valve leaflets were developed, and aortic valve closure from end systole to middiastole was simulated for 7 patients and validated by comparing the deformed geometries with those manually created by human experts, and a mean discrepancy of 1.57 mm was obtained. The proposed method offers great potential to streamline the computational modeling process and enables the development of a preoperative planning system for aortic valve disease diagnosis and treatment.
A Dynamic Ion–Atom Hybrid Trap for High‐Resolution Cold‐Collision Studies
Authors: Eberle Pascal , Dörfler Alexander D. , von Planta Claudio , Ravi Krishnamurthy , Willitsch Stefan 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe present a dynamic ion–atom hybrid trap for studies of cold ion‐neutral collisions and reactions with a significantly improved energy resolution compared with previous experiments. Our approach is based on pushing a cloud of laser‐cooled Rb atoms through a stationary Coulomb crystal of cold ions by using precisely controlled, tunable radiation pressure forces. We demonstrate the tuning of the atom kinetic energies over an interval ranging from 30 mK up to 350 mK with energy spreads as low as 24 mK, inferred from the comparison of experimental time‐of‐flight measurements with Monte Carlo trajectory simulations. We also demonstrate the first applications of our method to the investigation of chemical reactions. Our development opens up perspectives for accurate studies of the energy dependence of the reaction rates, the dynamics, and the reaction–product ratios of the ion‐neutral processes in the cold regime. It also paves the way for the realization of fully energy‐ and state‐controlled cold‐collision experiments.
Activation of the Carbon Nitride Surface by Silica in a CO‐Evolving Hybrid Photocatalyst
Authors: Wada Keisuke , Eguchi Miharu , Ishitani Osamu , Maeda Kazuhiko 
Published: August 2016

AbstractPhotocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO proceeded by visible light (λ>400 nm) using mesoporous graphitic carbon nitride (C3N4) coupled with a RuII–ReI binuclear complex (RuRe) containing a photosensitizer and catalytic units. The selectivity to CO exceeded 90 % during the initial stage. Photocatalytic reactions (including isotope tracer experiments) and electrochemical measurements revealed that the reaction proceeded according to a two‐step photoexcitation of C3N4 and the RuII photosensitizer unit, that is, it followed the Z‐Scheme mechanism. Modification of C3N4 with highly dispersed silica was found to improve the ability of C3N4 to accommodate RuRe, which enhanced the photocatalytic activity for CO production.
Sparse least mean mixed‐norm adaptive filtering algorithms for sparse channel estimation applications
Authors: Li Yingsong , Wang Yanyan , Jiang Tao 
Published: August 2016

SummarySparse least‐mean mixed‐norm (LMMN) algorithms are developed to improve the estimation performance for sparse channel estimation applications. Both the benefits of the least mean fourth and least mean square algorithms are utilized to exploit a type of sparse LMMN algorithms. The proposed sparse‐aware LMMN algorithms are implemented by integrating anl1‐norm or log‐sum function into the cost function of traditional LMMN algorithm so that they can exploit the sparse properties of the broadband multi‐path channel and achieve better channel estimation performance. The proposed sparse LMMN algorithms are equal to adding an amazing zero‐attractor in the update equation of the traditional LMMN algorithm, which aim to speed up the convergence. The channel estimation performance of the proposed sparse LMMN algorithms are evaluated over a sparse broadband multi‐path channel to verify their effectiveness. Simulation results depict that the sparse LMMN algorithms are superior to the previously reported sparse‐aware least mean square/fourth, least mean fourth and least mean square and their corresponding sparse‐aware algorithms in terms of both the convergence and steady‐state behavior when the broadband multi‐path channel is sparse. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detailed fatty acid profile of serum lipid classes in lactating women and their relationship with milk fat
Authors: Gómez‐Cortés Pilar , Martínez Marín Andrés L. , de la Fuente Miguel Angel 
Published: August 2016

Little is known about fatty acid (FA) distribution among triacylglyceride (TG), cholesterol ester (CE), and phospholipid (PL) plasma lipid fractions in lactating women, and the relationships between these fractions and the FA profile of the milk that mothers produce. Milk fat and serum lipid FA compositions in lactating women were compared to investigate which serum lipids are the source of FA in milk fat. A TLC methodology was used to fractionate serum lipids including PL subclasses, that is, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), and sphingomyelin (SM). Plasma lipids consisted of CE (36.4%), TG (19.1%), PE (1.40%), PC (39.80%), and SM (3.29%). With regard to PL fractions, PE was characterized by the highest levels of 18:0, 20:4 n‐6, 22:6 n‐3, and alkenyl ethers. PC revealed 16:0 as the predominant FA, followed by 18:2 n‐6, 18:0, cis‐9 18:1, and 20:4 n‐6, whereas saturated FA from 16:0 to 24:0 were characteristic of SM. Although n‐6 and n‐3 polyunsaturated FA were mostly found in PE and PC, strong correlations were found for 18:2 n‐6 and 18:3 n‐3 between plasma TG and milk lipids. This study also shows that trans 18:1 isomers may be selectively incorporated into milk fat from specific serum fractions.Practical applications:An easy‐to‐use and inexpensive two‐stage TLC methodology to fractionate plasma lipids requiring only 1 mL of blood serum has been developed. Moreover, this study provides valuable information on the composition of serum lipids in lactating women, particularly with regard to PL classes, and their influence on the milk fat FA profile.Fatty acid transfer from serum lipids to milk fat in lactating women.
Synthesis and application of environmental soybean oil‐based epoxidized glycidyl ester plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Chen Jie , Li Xiaoying , Wang Yigang , Huang Jinrui , Li Ke , Nie Xiaoan , Jiang Jianchun 
Published: August 2016

A novel environmental soybean oil‐based plasticizer, epoxidized glycidyl ester of soybean oil fatty acids (EGESOFa), was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐NMR). Effects of EGESOFa substitution of commercial plasticizer dioctyl phthalate (DOP) in poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) films were studied. Dynamic mechanical property, thermal stability and mechanical properties of PVC films plasticized with different content of EGESOFa were investigated with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile and hardness tests. The results indicated that soybean oil‐based plasticizer could significantly increase plasticizing effect and improve thermal stability of PVC blends when partially of completely replaced DOP. Furthermore, EGESOFa could endow PVC resin with well‐balanced properties of flexibility, strength, and hardness. Surface characterization of films and the possible interaction between plasticizers and PVC molecular were also investigated. This soybean oil‐based alternative plasticizer has the potential to be a main or secondary plasticizer in food packing, children toys, medical devices, and other environmental plastic materials.Practical applications: An efficient alternative plasticizer was obtained in this study. The addition of EGESOFa to the PVC blends could be a potential application to manufacture high‐performance PVC products for the markets with high safety, health, and environmental demands, which are currently restricted to the petroleum‐based phthalates. This could be also a new way of soybean oil for industrial uses.A novel soybean oil‐based alternative plasticizer, epoxidized glycidyl ester of soybean oil fatty acids (EGESOFa), is successfully prepared and applied as a main or secondary plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride).
Cobalt Oxide@Tin Oxide@Silver Core–Shell Nanowire Arrays as Electrodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Hao , Du Ning , Wu Man , Zhao Wenjia , Yang Deren 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThree‐dimensional Co3O4@SnO2@Ag core–shell nanowire arrays are prepared by the hydrothermal synthesis of Co3O4 nanowire arrays and subsequent deposition of SnO2 and Ag by radiofrequency sputtering. When used as anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries, the Co3O4@SnO2@Ag core–shell nanowire arrays show good cycling and rate performance, compared to corresponding Co3O4 arrays, Co3O4@SnO2 arrays, and Co3O4@SnO2@Ag planar electrodes. The enhanced performance can be attributed to the three‐dimensional core‐shell nanostructures and the addition of Ag, which can improves the electrical conductivity and structure stability during the charge/discharge process.
Effect of Post‐Functionalization Conditions on the Carbon Dioxide Adsorption Properties of Aminosilane‐Grafted Zirconia/Titania/Silica‐Poly(amide‐imide) Composite Hollow Fiber Sorbents
Authors: Brennan Patrick J. , Thakkar Harshul , Li Xin , Rownaghi Ali A. , Koros William J. , Rezaei Fateme 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn this study, 3‐aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APS) was used as a grafting agent in three solvents with different polarities for post‐functionalization of a ZrO2–TiO2–SiO2/poly(amide‐imide) composite hollow fiber sorbent (Zr–Ti–Si/PAI‐HF) at ambient temperature. The same fiber at two different states: (i) wet (as‐spun) and (ii) dry were used for amine grafting. The influence of the polarity/nature of various solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and toluene on the CO2 sorption characteristics of wet and dry Zr–Ti–Si/PAI‐HF fibers was investigated accordingly. Several parameters such as grafting time (1–4 h), amine concentration (10–50 wt %), and solvent type (acetone, ethanol, and toluene) were systematically varied. The CO2 sorption capacity and breakthrough tests were performed under simulated flue gas conditions for grafted fiber composites. Our results indicate that the CO2 sorption capacity of amine‐grafted Zr–Ti–Si/PAI‐HF strongly depends on both the type of solvent and the state of the fibers (i.e., dryness or wetness). The APS grafting of wet fibers performed in toluene led to high amine loading and CO2 capacity (1.40 mmol g−1), whereas dry fibers gave rise to a relatively low CO2 capacity (0.90 mmol g−1). In contrast, dry fibers functionalized in either acetone or ethanol exhibited higher CO2 capacity compared to the wet fibers prepared in the same solvent. By using ethanol as a solvent, the solvolysis of the Si−O−Si linkages is much faster than the competitive condensation reaction between the silanol groups (Si−OH) of APS moieties and hydroxyl group (OH) of the ethanol, which leads to the lower siloxane formation. In the case of acetone, a dense polymeric network is formed under condensation reaction between an acetone molecule and the amine moieties, thus reducing the amount of primary amine groups available for interacting with the CO2 molecules.
Reptilian exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and associated effects
Authors: Zychowski Gregory V. , Godard-Codding Céline A.J. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Reptiles are an underrepresented taxon in ecotoxicological literature, and the means by which toxicants play a role in population declines are only partially understood. Among the contaminants of interest for reptiles are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of organic compounds that is already a concern for numerous other taxa. The objectives of the present review are to summarize the existing literature on reptilian exposure to PAHs and synthesize general conclusions, to identify knowledge gaps within this niche of research, and to suggest future directions for research. Results confirm a relative scarcity of information on reptilian exposure to PAHs, although research continues to grow, particularly after significant contamination events. The orders Testudines and Squamata are better represented than the orders Crocodilia and Rhynchocephalia. For the taxonomic orders with relevant literature (all but Rhynchocephalia), some species are more frequently represented than others. Few studies establish solid cause-effect relationships after reptilian exposure to PAHs, and many more studies are suggestive of effect or increased risk of effect. Despite the scarcity of information in this area, researchers have already employed a wide variety of approaches to address PAH-related questions for reptiles, including molecular techniques, modeling, and field surveys. As more research is completed, a thoughtful interpretation of available and emerging data is necessary to make the most effective use of this information. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:25–35. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Longitudinal association of delta activity at sleep onset with cognitive and affective function in community‐dwelling older adults
Authors: Kawai Makoto , Beaudreau Sherry A. , Gould Christine E. , Hantke Nathan C. , Cotto Isabelle , Jordan Josh T. , Hirst Rayna B. , O'Hara Ruth 
Published: August 2016

ObjectiveThis investigation sought to determine whether delta activity at sleep onset (DASO) in the sleep electroencephalography of older adults represents normal variation or is associated with clinical pathology. To this end, we examined its longitudinal associations with cognitive and affective function in older adults without dementia.MethodsParticipants were 153 community‐dwelling older adults without dementia. We evaluated polysomnography (PSG), cognitive performance, and affective function at four time points: baseline, 12, 24, and 36 months. All participants completed PSG and measures of global cognition, delayed verbal memory, information processing speed, attention, inhibition, verbal naming, visuospatial ability, and measures of anxiety and depression. DASO was defined as sequences of rhythmic anterior delta activity on PSG in the transition from awake to sleep during the baseline assessment (Figure ).ResultsAt the baseline, 83 women and 70 men, mean age 71.3 ± 0.6 years participated and 19.6% of participants exhibited DASO. Age, years of education, gender, and body mass index did not differ according to DASO status. Linear mixed modeling showed that the presence of DASO was actually associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression. Further, participants with DASO, versus those without DASO, exhibited a trend towards better cognitive performance over time, although none of these associations reached statistical significance.ConclusionsWhereas DASO was associated with better affective function, no significant association was found between DASO and cognitive change over time. These longitudinal findings support the view that the presence of DASO in healthy older adults represents normal variation rather than pathological aging. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost–benefit analysis of the intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Badii Benedetta , Staderini Fabio , Foppa Caterina , Tofani Lorenzo , Skalamera Ileana , Fiorenza Giulia , Qirici Eva , Cianchi Fabio , Perigli Giuliano 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the routine intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) assay, the role of unilateral and bilateral cervical exploration and of preoperative imaging, and to do a cost–benefit analysis in parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism.MethodsTwo hundred sixty‐four patients who underwent operations between January 2000 and March 2015 were retrospectively divided into 2 groups.ResultsGroup A (IOPTH) was composed of 64 patients. Ultrasonography and technetium‐99m‐sestamibi (MIBI) identified the adenoma in 38 cases. Bilateral exploration was performed in 43 patients; of which 2 failures occurred. The IOPTH false‐negative rate was 18.4%. The average cost was €1297.30. Group B (without IOPTH) was composed of 200 patients. Ultrasonography and MIBI identified the adenoma in 113 cases. Bilateral exploration was performed in 129 patients; of which 2 failures occurred. The average cost was €618.75.ConclusionThe IOPTH assay should be used only in few selected cases because of its high cost. The experience of the team is essential to obtain a high cure rate. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 241–246, 2017
Bilateral vocal fold paralysis and dysphagia secondary to diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
Authors: Allensworth Jordan J. , O'Dell Karla D. , Schindler Joshua S. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundDiffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is an idiopathic spinal disease common in the elderly and characterized by flowing ossification and osteophyte formation along the spinal column. Cervical hyperostosis is capable of producing dysphagia, stridor, and airway obstruction; however, there are no extant reports of true paralysis of bilateral vocal folds in patients fulfilling the criteria for DISH.Methods and ResultsWe report a case of a 61‐year‐old man presenting with dysphagia and dyspnea. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed bilateral true vocal fold paralysis. Cervical radiograph showed flowing ossification of the anterior longitudinal ligament with preservation of intervertebral disc height. Tracheotomy and cervical osteophytectomy were performed, after which the patient showed improved swallowing and speaking ability and was decannulated without complication.ConclusionIn the case presented, cervical osteophytectomy dramatically reversed bilateral vocal fold paralysis and dysphagia secondary to hyperostosis, thus negating the need for prolonged tracheostomy and feeding tube dependence. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: E1–E3, 2017
OBSERVING TODDLERS’ INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCES IN CLASSROOMS: INITIAL USE OF THE PARENTING INTERACTIONS WITH CHILDREN: CHECKLIST OF OBSERVATIONS LINKED TO OUTCOMES
Authors: Lippard Christine N. , Riley Katie L. , Hughes‐Belding Kere 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTThis study investigated using the Parenting Interactions with Children: Checklist of Observations Linked to Outcomes (PICCOLO; Roggman, Cook, Innocenti, Norman, & Christiansen, 2013a) measure to assess teacher–child interactions experienced by individual toddlers within their childcare classrooms. Forty toddlers were observed, each during three 10‐min cycles, and all their interactions with adults in the classroom were coded using the PICCOLO. Results, in terms of psychometric properties, indicate promise for using this measure to observe toddlers’ individual experiences of teacher–child interactions in group settings. Furthermore, certain individual teacher–toddler interactions were associated with toddlers’ problem behavior. Implications for use of the PICCOLO in early childhood classroom research and particular findings related to toddlers’ behavior are discussed.
RNA‐sequencing analysis reveals the hepatotoxic mechanism of perfluoroalkyl alternatives, HFPO2 and HFPO4, following exposure in mice
Authors: Wang Jianshe , Wang Xiaoyang , Sheng Nan , Zhou Xiujuan , Cui Ruina , Zhang Hongxia , Dai Jiayin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe toxicological impact of traditional perfluoroalkyl chemicals has led to the elimination and restriction of these substances. However, many novel perfluoroalkyl alternatives remain unregulated and little is known about their potential effects on environmental and human health. Daily administration of two alternative perfluoroalkyl substances, HFPO2 and HFPO4 (1 mg kg−1 body weight), for 28 days resulted in hepatomegaly and hepatic histopathological injury in mice, particularly in the HFPO4 group. We generated and compared high‐throughput RNA‐sequencing data from hepatic tissues in control and treatment group mice to clarify the mechanism of HFPO2 and HFPO4 hepatotoxicity. We identified 146 (101 upregulated, 45 downregulated) and 1295 (716 upregulated, 579 downregulated) hepatic transcripts that exhibited statistically significant changes (fold change ≥2 or ≤0.5, false discovery rate < 0.05) after HFPO2 and HFPO4 treatment, respectively. Among them, 111 (82 upregulated, 29 downregulated) transcripts were changed in both groups, and lipid metabolism associated genes were dominant. Thus, similar to their popular predecessors, HFPO2 and HFPO4 exposure exerted hepatic effects, including hepatomegaly and injury, and altered lipid metabolism gene levels in the liver, though HFPO4 exerted greater hepatotoxicity than HFPO2. The unregulated use of these emerging perfluoroalkyl alternatives may affect environmental and human health, and their biological effects need further exploration. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.