bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Micro‐Topographic Variability on the Distribution of Inorganic Soil‐Nitrogen Age in Intensively Managed Landscape
Authors: Woo Dong K. , Kumar Praveen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHow does the variability of topography structure the spatial heterogeneity of nutrient dynamics? In particular, what role does micro‐topographic depression play in the spatial and temporal dynamics of nitrate, ammonia, and ammonium? We explore these questions using the 3‐D simulation of their joint dynamics of concentration and age. To explicitly resolve micro‐topographic variability and its control on moisture, vegetation, and carbon‐nitrogen dynamics, we use a high‐resolution LiDAR data over an agricultural site under a corn‐soybean rotation in the Intensively Managed landscapes Critical Zone Observatory in the U.S. Midwest. We utilize a hybrid CPU‐GPU parallel computing architecture to reduce the computational cost associated with such high‐resolution simulations. Our results show that in areas that present closed topographic depressions, relatively lower nitrate concentration and age are observed compared to elsewhere. The periodic ponding in depressions increases the downward flux of water that carries more dissolved nitrate to the deeper soil layer. However, the variability in the depressions is relatively higher as a result of the episodic ponding pattern. When aggregate efflux from the soil domain at the bottom of the soil is considered, we find a gradual decrease in the age on the rising limb of nitrate efflux and a gradual increase on the falling limb. In addition, the age of the nitrate efflux ranges from 4 to 7 years. These are significantly higher as compared to the ages associated with a nonreactive tracer indicating that they provide an inaccurate estimate of residence time of a reactive constituent through the soil column.
100 days with scans of the same Catphan phantom on the same CT scanner
Authors: Husby Ellen , Svendsen Elisabeth D , Andersen Hilde K , Martinsen Anne Catrine T 
Published: September 2017

AbstractQuality control (QC) of CT scanners is important to evaluate image quality and radiation dose. Different QC phantoms for testing image quality parameters on CT are commercially available, and Catphan phantoms are widely used for this purpose. More data from measured image quality parameters on CT are necessary to assess test methods, tolerance levels, and test frequencies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of essential image quality parameters for axial and helical scans on one CT scanner over time. A Catphan 600 phantom was scanned on a Philips Ingenuity CT scanner for 100 days over a period of 6 months. At each day of testing, one helical scan covering the entire phantom and four axial scans covering four different modules in the phantom were performed. All images were uploaded into Image Owl for automatic analysis of CT numbers, modular transfer function (MTF), low‐contrast resolution, noise, and uniformity. In general, the different image quality parameters for both scan techniques were stable over time compared to given tolerance levels. Average measured CT numbers differed between axial and helical scans, while MTF was almost identical for helical and axial scans. Axial scans had better low‐contrast resolution and less noise than helical scans. The uniformity was relatively similar for axial and helical scans. Most standard deviations of measured values were larger for helical scans compared to axial scans. Test results in this study were stable over time for both scan techniques, but further studies on different CT scanners are required to confirm that this also holds true for other systems.
Potential proton and photon dose degradation in advanced head and neck cancer patients by intratherapy changes
Authors: Stützer Kristin , Jakobi Annika , Bandurska‐Luque Anna , Barczyk Steffen , Arnsmeyer Carolin , Löck Steffen , Richter Christian 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPurposeEvaluation of dose degradation by anatomic changes for head‐and‐neck cancer (HNC) intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) relative to intensity‐modulated photon therapy (IMRT) and identification of potential indicators for IMPT treatment plan adaptation.MethodsFor 31 advanced HNC datasets, IMPT and IMRT plans were recalculated on a computed tomography scan (CT) taken after about 4 weeks of therapy. Dose parameter changes were determined for the organs at risk (OARs) spinal cord, brain stem, parotid glands, brachial plexus, and mandible, for the clinical target volume (CTV) and the healthy tissue outside planning target volume (PTV). Correlation of dose degradation with target volume changes and quality of rigid CT matching was investigated.ResultsRecalculated IMPT dose distributions showed stronger degradation than the IMRT doses. OAR analysis revealed significant changes in parotid median dose (IMPT) and near maximum dose (D1ml) of spinal cord (IMPT, IMRT) and mandible (IMPT). OAR dose parameters remained lower in IMPT cases. CTV coverage (V95%) and overdose (V107%) deteriorated for IMPT plans to (93.4 ± 5.4)% and (10.6 ± 12.5)%, while those for IMRT plans remained acceptable. Recalculated plans showed similarly decreased PTV conformity, but considerable hotspots, also outside the PTV, emerged in IMPT cases. Lower CT matching quality was significantly correlated with loss of PTV conformity (IMPT, IMRT), CTV homogeneity and coverage (IMPT). Target shrinkage correlated with increased dose in brachial plexus (IMRT, IMPT), hotspot generation outside the PTV (IMPT) and lower PTV conformity (IMRT).ConclusionsThe study underlines the necessity of precise positioning and monitoring of anatomy changes, especially in IMPT which might require adaptation more often. Since OAR doses remained typically below constraints, IMPT plan adaptation will be indicated by target dose degradations.
Highly Sensitive Detection of Protein Biomarkers with Organic Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Fu Ying , Wang Naixiang , Yang Anneng , Law Helen Ka‐wai , Li Li , Yan Feng 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe analysis of protein biomarkers is of great importance in the diagnosis of diseases. Although many convenient and low‐cost electrochemical approaches have been extensively investigated, they are not sensitive enough in the detection of protein biomarkers with low concentrations in physiological environments. Here, this study reports a novel organic‐electrochemical‐transistor‐based biosensor that can successfully detect cancer protein biomarkers with ultrahigh sensitivity. The devices are operated by detecting electrochemical activity on gate electrodes, which is dependent on the concentrations of proteins labeled with catalytic nanoprobes. The protein sensors can specifically detect a cancer biomarker, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, down to the concentration of 10−14 g mL−1, which is several orders of magnitude lower than the detection limits of previously reported electrochemical approaches. Moreover, the devices can successfully differentiate breast cancer cells from normal cells at various concentrations. The ultrahigh sensitivity of the protein sensors is attributed to the inherent amplification function of the organic electrochemical transistors. This work paves a way for developing highly sensitive and low‐cost biosensors for the detection of various protein biomarkers in clinical analysis in the future.
Two‐Step Synthesis of Hierarchical Dual Few‐Layered Fe3O4/MoS2 Nanosheets and Their Synergistic Effects on Lithium‐Storage Performance
Authors: Lu Feifei , Xu Chunbo , Meng Fuchang , Xia Tian , Wang Ruihong , Wang Jingping 
Published: September 2017

AbstractOwing to unique lamellar nanostructures, 2D inorganic materials are considered as promising candidates in energy storage and conversion. In this paper, a facile two‐step synthesis is developed to fabricate 3D hierarchical dual Fe3O4/MoS2 nanosheets (HD‐FMNs), in which few‐layered MoS2 nanosheets are anchored in 3D Fe3O4 nanosheet network to form the heterojunction structure. Furthermore, it is proved that the synergistic effects on both electron/lithium‐ion transport kinetics and mechanical cycling stability benefit from Fe3O4/MoS2 nanosheet incorporation in 3D HD‐FMN anode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), resulting in the dramatically enhanced performance. The Fe3O4 nanosheet incorporation effectively improves the electronic conductivity due to its half‐metal characteristic, while the defect‐rich structure in the MoS2 nanosheets can facilitate the lithium ion transport. When tested as potential anode materials, 3D HD‐FMNs exhibit a high reversible capacity (650 mAh g−1) at current rate of 5 C (1 C = 1 A g−1) after superior long‐term cycles (1000 times), as well as an excellent rate capability even at high current rates. The outstanding electrochemical property of 3D HD‐FMNs allows their application in high‐performance anode materials for next‐generation LIBs. This strategy also opens a new way to design the novel 2D composite materials for electrochemical devices.
Low‐Temperature Mullite Formation in Ternary Oxide Coatings Deposited by ALD for High‐Temperature Applications
Authors: Furlan Kaline P. , Krekeler Tobias , Ritter Martin , Blick Robert , Schneider Gerold A. , Nielsch Kornelius , Zierold Robert , Janßen Rolf 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAtomic layer deposition (ALD) process presents thickness control in an Ångstrom scale due to its inherent surface self‐limited reactions. In this work, an ALD super cycle approach, where a superposition of nanolaminates of SiO2 and Al2O3 is generated by cycling the precursors APTES–H2O–O3 and TMA–H2O, is used to deposit thin films with varying ratio of Al2O3:SiO2 into silicon wafers and into inverse photonic crystals. The resulting ternary oxide films deposited at low temperature (150 °C) are amorphous. However, conversion to mullite occurs at 1000 °C, way below the conversion temperatures found into powder processing or diphasic sol–gel routes (type II) and comparable to monophasic sol–gel synthesis. By means of such a mullite coating, the structural stability of an Al2O3 inverse photonic crystal is increased up to 1400 °C.
Self‐Assembled Silver–Germanium Nanolayer Metamaterial with the Enhanced Nonlinear Response
Authors: Stefaniuk Tomasz , Olivier Nicolas , Belardini Alessandro , McPolin Cillian P. T. , Sibilia Concita , Wronkowska Aleksandra A. , Wronkowski Andrzej , Szoplik Tomasz , Zayats Anatoly V. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPlasmonic metamaterials and metasurfaces are important for many linear and nonlinear photonic applications. Here, the possibility to control a nanostructured layer spontaneously formed near an interface of a thin silver film is shown, where the interplay between a grain boundary structure and surface segregation of germanium atoms leads to encapsulation of the grains and, as the result, formation of a composite metamaterial near the film surface. This Ag/Ge composite exhibits strong localized surface plasmon resonances at Ge‐encapsulated silver grains, leading to extraordinary second harmonic generation for both transverse magnetic and transverse electric polarized fundamental light with up to two orders of magnitude enhancement compared to thin Ag films without Ge atoms. Segregation phenomena open the possibility for fabrication of a new class of composite materials and gives additional degree of freedom in designing optical properties of nanostructured metamaterials.
Rh(II)‐Catalyzed Tandem Cyclization of Aliphatic N‐Sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles and Alcohols for the Synthesis of 6‐Alkoxy Piperidin‐3‐ones
Authors: Zhang Ran , Li Yang , Ali Arshad , Hao Jiamin , Bi Xihe , Fu Junkai 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA diastereoselective synthesis of 6‐alkoxy piperidin‐3‐ones based on a novel Rh(II)‐catalyzed tandem cyclization of aliphatic N‐sulfonyl triazoles and alcohols is reported herein for the first time, which provides a facile entry into piperidinones bearing quaternary carbons at C4 or C5 position. By employing an external chiral alcohol, the asymmetric version of the reaction has been realized.magnified image
Palladium‐catalyzed Oxa‐[4+2] Annulation of para‐Quinone Methides
Authors: Yuan Zhenbo , Pan Rui , Zhang He , Liu Lina , Lin Aijun , Yao Hequan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA palladium‐catalyzed oxa‐[4+2] annulation of para‐quinone methides with allyl carbonates bearing a nucleophilic alcohol side chain has been developed. This method provided an efficient strategy to the construction of 2‐oxaspiro‐cyclohexadienones via 1,6‐conjugated addition‐mediated allylation in moderate to good yields. Preliminary results on asymmetric derivatives promised potential in the synthesis of enantioenriched frameworks.magnified image
The evaluation of stretchability and its applications for biaxially oriented polypropylene film
Authors: Kanai Toshitaka , Egoshi Kentaro , Ohno Satoshi , Takebe Tomoaki 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn recent years, plastic film is essential in our daily lives. Among them, polypropylene has good physical properties, for example, tensile strength, impact strength, and transparency. Recently, it was found that the stretchability of polypropylene (PP) is improved by blending a small amount of low modulus polypropylene (LMPP) which is a low tacticity polypropylene. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of blending LMPP, which has different characteristic of resin such as tacticity and molecular weight, on PP and to study the mechanism of the structure formation in a biaxial stretching process. The blending of LMPP to PP reduces the spherulite size and increases the thickness of the amorphous phase in the lamella without changing the thickness of the crystal phase, namely the melting temperature. LMPP blends also reduced the yield stress during the stretching process and increased the stress buildup ratio. For these reasons, it improved film thickness uniformity of biaxially stretched film and reduced film break during the high production line. Furthermore, as the stretchable temperature window was widened to the low‐temperature side, the thickness uniformity was improved in the wide stretchable temperature. As a result, improving the stretchability and the film thickness uniformity of PP were achieved by blending LMPP to PP.
Wear performance of multiwalled carbon nanotube‐reinforced ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene composite
Authors: Camacho Nayeli , Franco‐Urquiza Edgar A. , Stafford Stephen W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUltra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has proven to be a good counterpart articulating surface against Cr–Co–Mo femoral components in artificial joints. Nevertheless, UHMWPE wear damage and subsequent aseptic loosening continues to be the main reason for revision of knee replacements. There is an ongoing research effort to improve the metal‐on‐UHMWPE couple. This study compares the wear resistance of multiwalled carbon nanotube‐reinforced UHMWPE composite with conventional orthopedic grade UHMWPE currently used in total knee replacements. Defined by previous studies, 1.25 wt.% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were incorporated into UHMWPE to fabricate UHMWPE‐MWCNT composites by solution blending, achieving an even distribution in the polymeric matrix. UHMWPE‐MWCNT samples were manufactured by compression molding and sterilized with γ‐rays. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a uniform distribution of the MWCNTs. The volumetric wear was reduced by 86.9%, and the indentation depth in creep testing decreased 68%. The composite displayed superior wear behavior producing less wear debris than conventional materials.
Recent Progress in Electrocatalyst for Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Chang Zhiwen , Xu Jijing , Zhang Xinbo 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn the Li‐O2 field, the electrocatalyst plays an important role in accelerating the sluggish electrochemical reactions, thus improving the performances of Li‐O2 battery. In this field, numerous researches regarding the incorporation of electrocatalyst have been published. With the aim to provide an easy as well as timely access for readers to follow the latest development in the catalyst area, the progress regarding the recent development on the application and research of electrocatalyst for Li‐O2 batteries is reviewed in a comprehensive and systematic manner. The application of various kinds of electrocatalyst including solid catalyst and soluble catalyst is first summarized. Then, relevant research including the catalyst design and the correlation between the catalyst property and the Li‐O2 battery performance is discussed. Finally, insights on how to fabricate an effective electrocatalyst are provided, which are expected to provide guidance for further catalyst design.
Single‐Crystalline Ultrathin Co3O4 Nanosheets with Massive Vacancy Defects for Enhanced Electrocatalysis
Authors: Cai Zhao , Bi Yongmin , Hu Enyuan , Liu Wen , Dwarica Nico , Tian Yang , Li Xiaolin , Kuang Yun , Li Yaping , Yang Xiao‐Qing , Wang Hailiang , Sun Xiaoming 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe role of vacancy defects is demonstrated to be positive in various energy‐related processes. However, introducing vacancy defects into single‐crystalline nanostructures with given facets and studying their defect effect on electrocatalytic properties remains a great challenge. Here this study deliberately introduces oxygen defects into single‐crystalline ultrathin Co3O4 nanosheets with O‐terminated {111} facets by mild solvothermal reduction using ethylene glycol under alkaline condition. As‐prepared defect‐rich Co3O4 nanosheets show a low overpotential of 220 mV with a small Tafel slope of 49.1 mV dec−1 for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which is among the best Co‐based OER catalysts to date and even more active than the state‐of‐the‐art IrO2 catalyst. Such vacancy defects are formed by balancing with reducing environments under solvothermal conditions, but are surprisingly stable even after 1000 cycles of scanning under OER working conditions. Density functional theory plus U calculation attributes the enhanced performance to the oxygen vacancies and consequently exposed second‐layered Co metal sites, which leads to the lowered OER activation energy of 2.26 eV and improved electrical conductivity. This mild solvothermal reduction concept opens a new door for the understanding and future designing of advanced defect‐based electrocatalysts.
Taking Your Qualitative Research to the Next Level: A Guide for the Medical Educator
Authors: Schneider Nancy C. , Coates Wendy C. , Yarris Lalena M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractQualitative research is a focused and deliberate approach to understanding the human condition and can identify areas that warrant further investigation through hypothesis‐testing (quantitative) research. In this overview article, we discuss reasons to undertake a qualitative study; introduce three research paradigms whose frameworks are commonly used by medical education researchers (grounded theory, ethnography, phenomenology); describe the four most commonly used data gathering techniques (interviews, focus groups, observation, document tracing); and discuss the nature of the sampling/data gathering process. Examples of research questions that employ each paradigm and data gathering technique as well as a list of published sample articles to guide researchers are provided.
To Serve or Not to Serve: Ethical and Policy Implications
Authors: Jason Leonard A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe Institute of Medicine (IOM) is one of the nation's more influential health‐related non‐profit organizations. It plays a large role in shaping health policy by commissioning panels to develop “white papers” describing research and recommendations on a variety of health topics. These white paper publications are often used to help make policy decisions at the legislative and executive levels. Such a prominent institution might seem like a natural ally for policy‐related collaborative efforts. As community psychologists, we strongly endorse efforts to positively influence public policy at the national level. However, while serving on influential panels and commissions like the IOM might seem to be very much part of the ethos of our discipline, there are occasions when such institutions are pursuing a mission that inadvertently has the potential to instigate divisive friction among community activists and organizations. A case study is presented whereby I describe my decision not to accept an invitation to serve on a controversial IOM panel. I explore the ethical challenges regarding maintaining my independence from this institution and its attempt to redefine chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), as well as the process of searching for alternative avenues for collaborating with community activists to influence policy related to these debilitating illnesses.
Evaluating real‐time effects of topical 1:1000 epinephrine in endoscopic sinus and skull‐base surgery on hemodynamic parameters through intraoperative arterial line monitoring
Authors: Yim Michael T. , Ahmed Omar G. , Takashima Masayoshi 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundAdministration of topical 1:1000 epinephrine is commonly used in practice to achieve vasoconstriction during endoscopic sinus surgery and skull‐base surgery; however, real‐time effects on cardiovascular changes from systemic absorption have not been well studied.MethodsTwenty‐six patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of a pituitary lesion at a single institution were included into the study. Following arterial line placement by anesthesiology, 6 cottonoid pledgets soaked in 1:1000 epinephrine were placed into the bilateral nasal passages. Hemodynamic parameters including heart rate, blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure were collected at baseline, 30 seconds, and increments in minutes up to 10 minutes. Additional potentially confounding factors such as use of antihypertensives, stress dose steroids, and positioning with head pins were all performed following termination of data collection.ResultsThe majority of patients (20/26, 77%) showed no significant change in any parameter following placement of epinephrine soaked cottonoids. Six patients, however, had transient increases in blood pressure following administration of topical epinephrine, with a few requiring vasodilatory interventions. Return to baseline cardiovascular values were noted after an average of 7 minutes. There was no correlative preoperative characteristic that predicted sensitivity to placement of epinephrine. There were no lasting or permanent effects.ConclusionAlthough intranasal topical 1:1000 epinephrine use showed no substantial hemodynamic changes in the majority of patients, in a subset of patients it can cause significant transient elevations in blood pressure to a degree necessitating intervention. Topical epinephrine should be used judiciously in endoscopic sinus surgery.
Stimulus‐Induced Conformational Transformation of a Cyclic Peptide for Selective Cell‐Targeting On–Off Gatekeeper for Mesoporous Nanocarriers
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Oh Eun‐Taex , Song Jaehun , Kim Ha Gyeong , Park Heon Joo , Kim Chulhee 
Published: September 2017

Abstractαvβ3 Integrin is upregulated on many cancer cells. We designed a dual functional cyclic peptide gatekeeper with a capability of stimuli‐responsive conformational transformation which could serve as a selective cell‐targeting on–off gatekeeper for mesoporous nanocarriers. The advantage of employing the motif of stimuli‐induced conformational transformation of cyclic peptides is that they could be utilized not only as an on–off gatekeeper for the triggered release of cargo drugs but also as a targeting ligand of the carriers to desired cells with their respective binding receptors. The peptide gatekeepers on the surface of nanocarriers exhibited on–off gatekeeping via conformational transformation triggered by intracellular glutathione levels of the cancer cells. The cyclic RGD sequence of the peptide gatekeepers enhanced the intracellular uptake into tumor cells (A549) and the therapeutic efficacy of the nanocarrier.