bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single shot three‐dimensional pulse sequence for hyperpolarized 13C MRI
Authors: Wang Jiazheng , Wright Alan J. , Hu De‐en , Hesketh Richard , Brindle Kevin M. 
Published: February 2016

PurposeMetabolic imaging with hyperpolarized 13C‐labeled cell substrates is a promising technique for imaging tissue metabolism in vivo. However, the transient nature of the hyperpolarization, and its depletion following excitation, limits the imaging time and the number of excitation pulses that can be used. We describe here a single‐shot three‐dimensional (3D) imaging sequence and demonstrate its capability to generate 13C MR images in tumor‐bearing mice injected with hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate.MethodsThe pulse sequence acquires a stack‐of‐spirals at two spin echoes after a single excitation pulse and encodes the kz‐dimension in an interleaved manner to enhance robustness to B0 inhomogeneity. Spectral‐spatial pulses are used to acquire dynamic 3D images from selected hyperpolarized 13C‐labeled metabolites.ResultsA nominal spatial/temporal resolution of 1.25 × 1.25 × 2.5 mm3 × 2 s was achieved in tumor images of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate and [1‐13C]lactate acquired in vivo. Higher resolution in the z‐direction, with a different k‐space trajectory, was demonstrated in measurements on a thermally polarized [1‐13C]lactate phantom.ConclusionThe pulse sequence is capable of imaging hyperpolarized 13C‐labeled substrates at relatively high spatial and temporal resolutions and is robust to moderate system imperfections. Magn Reson Med 77:740–752, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Dama Dentition: A New Tooth Eruption and Wear Method for Assessing the Age of Fallow Deer (Dama dama)
Authors: Bowen F. , Carden R. F. , Daujat J. , Grouard S. , Miller H. , Perdikaris S. , Sykes N. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractReliable ageing techniques for wild animals are notoriously challenging to develop because of the scarcity of sizeable collections of known‐age specimens. Without such techniques it is difficult to reconstruct hunting patterns, which is a significant problem for the examination of assemblages from pre‐farming cultures. This paper presents a new method, based on mandibular tooth eruption and wear, for assessing the age of fallow deer. The method was developed from a large collection (n = 156) of known‐age Dama dama specimens, has been blind tested by members of the zooarchaeological community and represents a user‐friendly system with the potential to generate large compatible datasets through which the dynamics of human–Dama relationships can be examined. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and properties of poly(arylene ether)s based on 3‐pentadecyl 4,4'‐biphenol
Authors: Tawade Bhausaheb V , Shaligram Sayali V , Valsange Nitin G , Kharul Ulhas K , Wadgaonkar Prakash P 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA new biphenol, 3‐pentadecyl 4,4′‐biphenol, was synthesized starting from 3‐pentadecylphenol and was polycondensed with 4,4′‐difluorobenzophenone, 1,3‐bis(4‐fluorobenzoyl)benzene and bis(4‐fluorophenyl)sulfone to obtain poly(arylene ether)s with biphenylene linkages in the backbone and pendent pentadecyl chains. Inherent viscosities and number‐average molecular weights (Mn) of the poly(arylene ether)s were in the range 0.50 − 0.81 dL g−1 and 2.2 × 104 − 8.3 × 104, respectively. Detailed NMR spectroscopic studies of the poly(arylene ether)s indicated the presence of constitutional isomerism which existed because of the non‐symmetrical structure of 3‐pentadecyl 4,4′‐biphenol. The poly(arylene ether)s readily dissolved in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform and tetrahydrofuran and could be cast into tough, transparent and flexible films from their chloroform solutions. The poly(arylene ether)s exhibited Tg values in the range 35–60 °C which are lower than that of reference poly(arylene ether)s without pentadecyl chains. The 10% decomposition temperatures (T10) of the poly(arylene ether)s were in the range 410–455 °C indicating their good thermal stability. A gas permeation study of poly(ether sulfone) containing pendent pentadecyl chains revealed a moderate increase in permeability for helium, hydrogen and oxygen. However, there was a large increase in permeability for carbon dioxide which could be attributed to the internal plasticization effect of pendent pentadecyl chains. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Photovoltaic energy competitiveness and risk assessment for the South African residential sector
Authors: Betz Stephanie , Caneva Silvia , Weiss Ingrid , Rowley Paul 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe establishment of new photovoltaic (PV) markets in emerging economies represents a business development opportunity for expansion outside traditional energy markets. Appropriate assessment of PV market competitiveness is thus necessary in order to inform policy and regulatory development, and in order to manage risks related to investment. This paper presents an evaluation of PV energy competitiveness using a case study of the emerging residential PV market in South Africa. Competitiveness is defined in light of the risks associated with the financial performance of domestic grid‐connected rooftop PV considering the current market status together with three proposed business models, namely net‐metering, net‐billing and an energy savings performance contract framework. Financial performance is evaluated in terms of a socket parity evaluation together with a discounted net cash flow analysis. Investment risk assessment was facilitated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The results indicate the highest potential profitability for the energy savings performance contract model, which includes PV system ownership by an energy services company. It is also shown that appropriate application of risk modelling has the potential to inform decisions by investors and policy makers alike that result in improved policy and business solutions that are able to support increased residential PV energy market competitiveness without the need for explicit subsidy frameworks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What do women with breast cancer expect from their treatment? Correlates of negative treatment expectations about endocrine therapy
Authors: Heisig Sarah R. , Shedden‐Mora Meike C. , von Blanckenburg Pia , Rief Winfried , Witzel Isabell , Albert Ute‐Susann , Nestoriuc Yvonne 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesPatients' negative treatment expectations can lead to nocebo‐related side effects and non‐initiation of treatment. This study aims to identify correlates of treatment expectations in patients with breast cancer before the start of endocrine therapy.MethodsExpectations were assessed in a cross‐sectional sample of 166 patients with breast cancer after receiving treatment information. Side effect expectations (one item) and treatment necessity–concern balance (Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire) were assessed. Correlates were analyzed using regression analyses. The structure of treatment expectations was investigated using a network analysis.ResultsAbout 25% of patients expressed negative expectations. Higher side effect expectations were associated with lower treatment efficacy expectations (ß = −0.20, p = 0.01), higher medication overuse beliefs (ß = 0.17, p = 0.01), and a negative treatment appraisal before study treatment information (ß = −0.17, p = 0.02). A negative necessity–concern balance was associated with lower treatment efficacy expectations (ß = 0.36, p < 0.001), lower adherence intention (ß = 0.21, p < 0.001), and no knowledge of tumor's receptor status (ß = 0.21, p < 0.001); furthermore, it was associated with higher medication harmfulness beliefs (ß = −0.16, p = 0.02), negative treatment pre‐appraisal (ß = 0.15, p = 0.01), higher somatosensory amplification (ß = −0.14, p = 0.02), and higher education (ß = −0.12, p = 0.02). The most important network node was the concern that endocrine therapy disrupts life.ConclusionNegative treatment expectations before treatment start are mainly associated with psychological variables. These results are relevant for patient education in clinical settings. To improve expectations, clinicians might emphasize treatment efficacy and discuss general and specific medication concerns. Improving treatment knowledge could also be beneficial. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological variables associated with quality of life following primary treatment for head and neck cancer: a systematic review of the literature from 2004 to 2015
Authors: Dunne Simon , Mooney Orla , Coffey Laura , Sharp Linda , Desmond Deirdre , Timon Conrad , O'Sullivan Eleanor , Gallagher Pamela 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveThere has been a recent proliferation of research on quality of life (QoL) in head and neck cancer (HNC). The objective of this review was to systematically examine the evidence on psychological factors associated with QoL outcomes for HNC survivors in the post‐treatment period published during 2004–2015.MethodsFive databases were searched for studies investigating psychological factors associated with QoL in HNC survivors. Empirical studies published between January 2004 and June 2015 were included if they measured QoL as an outcome following treatment using a reliable and valid measure, examined its association with at least one psychological factor and included at least 50 HNC survivors.ResultsTwenty‐four publications describing 19 studies (9 cross‐sectional, 10 prospective) involving 2,263 HNC survivors were included. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design and diversity in measurement and analysis. Distress‐related variables (depression, anxiety, distress) were most frequently investigated, and mostly reported negative associations with QoL outcomes. Associations were also observed between other psychological factors (e.g., coping, neuroticism and fear of recurrence) and QoL.ConclusionsSeveral psychological factors predict QoL among HNC survivors who have completed treatment. Routine screening and early interventions that target distress could improve HNC survivors' QoL following treatment. Longitudinal and population‐based studies incorporating more systematic and standardised measurement approaches are needed to better understand relationships between psychological factors and QoL and to inform the development of intervention and supportive care strategies.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of polysomnography to assess safe decannulation in children
Authors: Cristea A. Ioana , Jalou Hasnaa E. , Givan Deborah C. , Davis Stephanie D. , Slaven James E. , Ackerman Veda L. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundTracheostomy is a lifesaving procedure to secure the airway and provide respiratory support. The decision to decannulate has classically been an individual physician decision without consensus among experts. The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a standard institutional protocol that utilizes the sleep laboratory to assist in the decannulation process.MethodsBetween 2006 and 2013, patients were identified using a clinical database of decannulation studies. A protocol, finalized in 2005, was implemented for each decannulation attempt. In brief, all patients eligible for decannulation based on physician's assessment undergoes bronchoscopy. Once bronchoscopy findings reveal that the patient's airway is free of significant obstruction, decannulation is conducted in the sleep laboratory. The stoma is covered by an occlusive dressing and respiratory parameters are measured awake and asleep during the day and overnight by polysomnogram (PSG). The patient undergoes re‐cannulation if the study shows significant obstruction, hypoventilation, or prolonged desaturation.ResultsA total of 210 decannulation attempts were performed on 189 patients (16 patients had multiple attempts). One hundred sixty‐seven (79.5%) decannulation attempts were successful. Of those successfully decannulated, four (2.4%) were recannulated within 6 months. PSG parameters, specifically the apnea‐hypopnea index, percent of total sleep time with oxygen saturation levels less than 90%, and lowest oxygen saturation levels were significantly associated with successful decannulation. No deaths occurred.ConclusionsWe present a safe and successful decannulation protocol that includes bronchoscopy coupled with PSG evaluation of the patient with the stoma decannulated and covered by an occlusive dressing. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:796–802. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liberation from home mechanical ventilation and decannulation in children
Authors: Henningfeld Jennifer K. , Maletta Kristyn , Ren Bixiang , Richards Kathie L. , Wegner Carole , D'Andrea Lynn A. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe prevalence of children requiring outpatient invasive long‐term mechanical ventilation is increasing. For some children, liberation from home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and decannulation is the desired outcome. This study describes our experience liberating tracheostomy and HMV (T‐HMV) dependent children from respiratory technologies.MethodsWe reviewed charts of T‐HMV dependent children who were cared for at our institution and decannulated between July 1999 and December 2011. Patient characteristics, diagnoses, and important steps leading to decannulation were recorded.ResultsForty‐six children achieved HMV independence and decannulation. The most common indications for T‐HMV were lower airway and parenchymal lung disease. The median ages at tracheotomy, initiation of HMV, initiation of tracheostomy collar (TC) trials, HMV independence, and decannulation were 3.5, 6.0, 12.0, 25.5, and 40.5 months, respectively. Twenty‐five children (54%) skipped either using a speaking valve, tracheostomy capping, or both without increased likelihood of recannulation. (P = 0.03). Common procedures prior to decannulation were airway surgery, bronchoscopy, and polysomnography (n = 30, 46, and 46 children, respectively). A median of 9.5 clinic visits and 5 hospitalizations occurred from initial hospital discharge to just prior to decannulation. HMV was primarily weaned as an outpatient.ConclusionLiberation from respiratory technology is a complex, multi‐step process that can be accomplished in medically complex children with varying underlying disease processes at relatively young ages. Five major steps (tracheotomy, initiation of HMV, initiation of TC trials, HMV independence, and decannulation) performed in conjunction with clinic visits, procedures, and home nursing support were integral in the successful decannulation process. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:838–849. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Artificial placenta: Recent advances and potential clinical applications
Authors: Metelo‐Coimbra Catarina , Roncon‐Albuquerque Roberto 
Published: February 2016

SummaryLung immaturity remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in extremely premature infants. Positive‐pressure mechanical ventilation, the method of choice for respiratory support in premature infants, frequently promotes by itself lung injury and a negative impact in the circulatory function. Extracorporeal lung support has been proposed for more than 50 years as a potential alternative to mechanical ventilation in the treatment of severe respiratory failure of extremely premature infants. Recent advances in this field included the development of miniaturized centrifugal pumps and polymethylpentene oxygenators, as well as the successful use of pump‐assisted veno‐venous extracorporeal gas exchange systems in experimental artificial placenta models. This review, which includes studies published from 1958 to 2015, presents an update on the artificial placenta concept and its potential clinical applications. Special focus will be devoted to the milestones achieved so far and to the limitations that must be overcome before its clinical application. Notwithstanding, the artificial placenta stands as a promising alternative to mechanical ventilation in extremely premature infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:643–649. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study on the Viscoelastic Poisson‘s Ratio of Solid Propellants Using Digital Image Correlation Method
Authors: Cui Hui Ru , Tang Guo Jin , Shen Zhi Bin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDigital image correlation methods were used for further studies of the viscoelastic Poisson's ratio of solid propellants. The Poisson's ratio and the Young's relaxation modulus of solid propellants were separately determined in a single stress relaxation test. In addition, the effects of temperature, longitudinal strain, preload and storage time on the Poisson's ratio of solid propellants were discussed. The Poisson's ratio master curve and the Young's relaxation modulus master curve were constructed based on the time‐temperature equivalence principle. The obtained results showed that the Poisson's ratio of solid propellants is a monotone non‐decreasing function of time, the instantaneous Poisson's ratio increased from 0.3899 to 0.4858 and the time of the equilibrium Poisson's ratio occurred late when the temperature was varied from −30 °C to 70 °C. The Poisson's ratio increased with temperature and longitudinal strain, decreased with preload and storage time, while the amplitude Poisson's ratio increased with preload, decreases with longitudinal strain and storage time. The time of the equilibrium Poisson's ratio occurred in advance with the increase of longitudinal strain, preload and storage time.
Shock Sensitivity Studies for PBXN‐109
Authors: Lu Jing Ping , Lochert Ian J. , Daniel Merran A. , Franson Mark D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAn understanding of the explosive’s shock sensitivity is of vital importance for the hazard assessment and vulnerability evaluations of munitions. This paper summarizes the experimental and modeling research relating to shock initiation and sympathetic reaction of PBXN‐109. The modeling has focused on developing and applying Ignition and Growth (I&G) models using the hydrocode LS‐DYNA, taking into consideration the reduced shock sensitivity due to changes in source of ingredients. Detonation front tracking was applied to selected sympathetic reaction experiments and one Large Scale Gap Test series to extract additional information of the response of the acceptor charges. The simulated arrival times were compared with the measured data at the fibreoptic array positions. Finally, the shock sensitivity curve that summarizes the critical combination of peak shock pressure P and the derived parameter P2t was described for the PBXN‐109 formulations and compared with curves reported for other explosives.
Insensitive Munitions – Design Principles and Technology Developments
Authors: Powell Ian J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe concept of Insensitive Munitions was developed more than 40 years ago. The challenge for the munition designer was to produce munitions that gave the required performance but did not respond violently when subject to accidents or enemy action. Given that munitions contain metastable energetic materials which are by design able to release large quantities of energy in very short timeframes, coupled with the other constraints of reliability, service life, environmental impact, ease of disposal and cost it is easy to understand that this was and to some extent still is a major challenge. This paper provides a brief summary of the key technologies developed over the last 40 years and provides a set of design principles to facilitate the IM design process.
Salt bridge as a gatekeeper against partial unfolding
Authors: Hinzman Mark W. , Essex Morgan E. , Park Chiwook 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSalt bridges are frequently observed in protein structures. Because the energetic contribution of salt bridges is strongly dependent on the environmental context, salt bridges are believed to contribute to the structural specificity rather than the stability. To test the role of salt bridges in enhancing structural specificity, we investigated the contribution of a salt bridge to the energetics of native‐state partial unfolding in a cysteine‐free version of Escherichia coli ribonuclease H (RNase H*). Thermolysin cleaves a protruding loop of RNase H* through transient partial unfolding under native conditions. Lys86 and Asp108 in RNase H* form a partially buried salt bridge that tethers the protruding loop. Investigation of the global stability of K86Q/D108N RNase H* showed that the salt bridge does not significantly contribute to the global stability. However, K86Q/D108N RNase H* is greatly more susceptible to proteolysis by thermolysin than wild‐type RNase H* is. The free energy for partial unfolding determined by native‐state proteolysis indicates that the salt bridge significantly increases the energy for partial unfolding by destabilizing the partially unfolded form. Double mutant cycles with single and double mutations of the salt bridge suggest that the partially unfolded form is destabilized due to a significant decrease in the interaction energy between Lys86 and Asp108 upon partial unfolding. This study demonstrates that, even in the case that a salt bridge does not contribute to the global stability, the salt bridge may function as a gatekeeper against partial unfolding that disturbs the optimal geometry of the salt bridge.
Molecular beam epitaxy of free‐standing bulk wurtzite AlxGa1‐xN layers using a highly efficient RF plasma source
Authors: Novikov S. V. , Staddon C. R. , Sahonta S.‐L. , Oliver R. A. , Humphreys C. J. , Foxon C. T. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRecent developments with group III nitrides suggest AlxGa1‐xN based LEDs can be new alternative commercially viable deep ultra‐violet light sources. Due to a significant difference in the lattice parameters of GaN and AlN, AlxGa1‐xN substrates would be preferable to either GaN or AlN for ultraviolet device applications. We have studied the growth of free‐standing wurtzite AlxGa1‐xN bulk crystals by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA‐MBE) using a novel RF plasma source. Thick wurtzite AlxGa1‐xN films were grown by PA‐MBE on 2‐inch GaAs (111)B substrates and were removed from the GaAs substrate after growth to provide free standing AlxGa1‐xN samples. Growth rates of AlxGa1‐xN up to 3 µm/h have been demonstrated. Our novel high efficiency RF plasma source allowed us to achieve free‐standing bulk AlxGa1‐xN layers in a single day's growth, which makes our MBE bulk growth technique commercially viable.