bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Phase Structures of Novel Metallo‐Polyurethanes
Authors: Lucio Beatriz , de la Fuente José Luis , Cerrada María L. 
Published: September 2015

Two series of chemically well‐defined polyurethanes (PUs) have been synthesized containing two different soft segments of interest in aerospace applications. At a given soft fragment, four different hard segments (HSs) based on single diisocyanate molecules with no chain extenders have been incorporated. Both segmented PU series have been prepared by stoichiometric reactions of the macrodiol hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), and a metallo‐derived, this being the (ferrocenylbutyl) dimethylsilane grafted on HTPB, so‐called Butacene. Those HSs are isophorone diisocyanate, toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate, 4,4′‐diphenyl methane diisocyanate, and hexamethylene diisocyanate. Microphase separation and morphology development have been studied at room temperature in these copolymers using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, analyzing the change in the relative intensities of free and hydrogen‐bonded carbonyl peaks. Measurements of wide‐ and small‐angle X‐ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation allow analyzing the morphological and microstructural differences between these two series of samples. In addition, dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry have been used to learn about the relaxation processes and thermal transitions that are observed in these materials and to confirm the existence or lack of phase segregation. The knowledge of structure–property relationship is very important in these advanced organometallic PUs to get an understanding of their application as solid composite propellants binder.
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Heparanase: another renal player controlled by vitamin D
Authors: Masola Valentina , Zaza Gianluigi , Onisto Maurizio , Gambaro Giovanni 
Published: September 2015

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is inevitable in chronic kidney diseases. Clinical and experimental therapies with vitamin D supplements or analogues have demonstrated nephroprotective effects, which vitamin D exerts partly by controlling the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, but also by modulating other signalling pathways. In recent work published in the Journal of Pathology, Garsen and colleagues identified heparanase as a novel target of vitamin D and its antiproteinuric activity. Heparanase is an endoglycosidase with a role in remodelling the extracellular matrix through its ability to degrade heparan sulphate, and is involved in the pathogenesis of several proteinuric and fibrotic renal diseases. The new evidence that vitamin D inhibits heparanase expression sets the stage for a better understanding of the vitamin's kidney‐protecting effects and its possible application to proteinuric and non‐proteinuric chronic kidney diseases. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advance care planning for cancer patients: a systematic review of perceptions and experiences of patients, families, and healthcare providers
Authors: Johnson Stephanie , Butow Phyllis , Kerridge Ian , Tattersall Martin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundPatients with advanced cancer may benefit from end of life (EOL) planning, but there is evidence that their willingness and desire to engage in advance care planning (ACP) varies. The reasons for this remain poorly understood. Previous reviews on ACP most commonly report outcome measures related to medical interventions and type of care. Synthesis of the literature, which aims to illuminate the salient characteristics of ACP and investigates the psychological and social features of preparation for the EOL, is required.MethodsWe searched Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies on perceptions or experiences regarding ACP of adults with cancer, family, friends, or professionals caring for this group. Databases were searched from earliest records to 19 November 2014. A thematic analysis of the literature generated conceptual themes.ResultsOf the 2483 studies identified, 40 were eligible for inclusion. Studies addressed the relational nature of ACP, fear surrounding ACP, the conceptual complexity of autonomy, and the influence of institutional culture and previous healthcare experiences on ACP.ConclusionsThe complex social and emotional environments within which EOL planning is initiated and actioned are not sufficiently embedded within standardized ACP. The notion that ACP is concerned principally with the ‘right’ to self‐determination through control over treatment choices at the EOL may misrepresent the way that ACP actually occurs in cancer care and ultimately conflict with the deeper concerns and needs of patients, who experience ACP as relational, emotional, and social. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of X‐ray irradiation on the blinking of single silicon nanocrystals
Authors: Pevere Federico , Bruhn Benjamin , Sangghaleh Fatemeh , Hormozan Yashar , Sychugov Ilya , Linnros Jan 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPhotoluminescence (PL) intermittency (blinking) observed for single silicon nanocrystals (Si‐NCs) embedded in oxide is usually attributed to trapping/de‐trapping of carriers in the vicinity of the NC. Following this model, we propose that blinking could be modified by introducing new trap sites, for example, via X‐rays. In this work, we present a study of the effect of X‐ray irradiation (up to 65 kGy in SiO) on the blinking of single Si‐NCs embedded in oxide nanowalls. We show that the luminescence characteristics, such as spectrum and life‐time, are unaffected by X‐rays. However, substantial changes in ON‐state PL intensity, switching frequency, and duty cycle emerge from the blinking traces, while the ON‐ and OFF‐ time distributions remain of mono‐exponential character. Although we do not observe a clear monotonic dependence of the blinking parameters on the absorbed dose, our study suggests that, in the future, Si‐NCs could be blinking‐engineered via X‐ray irradiation.
InGaN/AlGaN stress compensated superlattices coherently grown on semipolar () GaN substrates
Authors: Nishinaka Junichi , Funato Mitsuru , Kido Ryohei , Kawakami Yoichi 
Published: September 2015

The crystal growth and optical properties of semipolar () InGaN/AlGaN stress‐compensated superlattices (SCSLs) are investigated. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal that appropriately designed 125‐period In0.2Ga0.8N (1 nm)/Al0.2Ga0.8N (3 nm) SCSLs grow coherently on () GaN substrates. The refractive index of a fabricated SCSL is lower than that of GaN in the green spectral range; indicating that SCSLs have potential as the cladding layers in green laser diodes (LDs). Photoluminescence appears in the near ultraviolet (UV) range without significant in‐plane optical anisotropy because the two topmost valence bands are close together in coherent semipolar InGaN with an experimentally determined In composition of 28%. This nearly isotropic nature allows photo‐pumped lasing in a cavity with () cleaved mirrors; suggesting potential applications of SCSLs in UV LD active layers.Schematic of InGaN/AlGaN SCSLs on GaN substrates. Balanced tensile and compressive stresses in AlGaN and InGaN, respectively, realize coherent growth of thick SCSLs.
Evidence‐based practice in sonography – making sense of diagnostic accuracy studies
Authors: Milanese Steven , Thoirs Kerry , Grimmer Karen 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe first paper in this series explored the general philosophy of evidence‐based practice for sonographers.AimsThis paper focuses on a specific type of research question that is of most relevance to the practice of sonography, the diagnostic accuracy study.ConclusionAs users of the medical literature, it is important that sonographers are able to accurately read and critically review diagnostic accuracy studies.
Intimate Partner Violence and Subsequent Depression: Examining the Roles of Neighborhood Supportive Mechanisms
Authors: Wright Emily M. , Pinchevsky Gillian M. , Benson Michael L. , Radatz Dana L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis study examines the direct effects of neighborhood supportive mechanisms (e.g., collective efficacy, social cohesion, social networks) on depressive symptoms among females as well as their moderating effects on the impact of IPV on subsequent depressive symptoms. A multilevel, multivariate Rasch model was used with data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods to assess the existence of IPV and later susceptibility of depressive symptoms among 2959 adult females in 80 neighborhoods. Results indicate that neighborhood collective efficacy, social cohesion, social interactions, and the number of friends and family in the neighborhood reduce the likelihood that females experience depressive symptoms. However, living in areas with high proportions of friends and relatives exacerbates the impact of IPV on females’ subsequent depressive symptoms. The findings indicate that neighborhood supportive mechanisms impact interpersonal outcomes in both direct and moderating ways, although direct effects were more pronounced for depression than moderating effects. Future research should continue to examine the positive and potentially mitigating influences of neighborhoods in order to better understand for whom and under which circumstances violent relationships and mental health are influenced by contextual factors.
4‐Hydroxynonenal (HNE), a Toxic Aldehyde in French Fries from Fast Food Restaurants
Authors: Csallany A. Saari , Han I. , Shoeman D. W. , Chen C. , Yuan Jieyao 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe toxic lipid peroxidation product, α,β,4‐hydroxy‐2‐trans‐nonenal (HNE) concentration, was measured in French fries (FF) from six local fast food restaurants. FF were purchased between 2 and 3 pm from all six restaurants. FF were also purchased at 12, 2, 4, 6 pm from one and at 1, 3, 5, 7 pm from another restaurant. Samples were analyzed for total fat, fatty acid distribution and for HNE by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HNE was confirmed by HPLC/MS. HNE concentrations in FF from the 6 fast food restaurants were between 7.83 and 32.15 µg HNE/100 g FF and between 0.9 and 4.9 µg HNE/g extracted fat. HNE concentrations in FF purchased at 12, 2, 4, 6 pm were between 19.07 and 32.15 µg/g of FF and purchased at 1, 3, 5, 7 pm were between 7.47 and 10.21 µg HNE/100 g of FF. Differences in FA distribution were observed in the samples from some restaurants. FF which contained higher levels of linoleic acid (LA) also contained more HNE. It is clear that HNE is produced during the heating process of the frying oils and is incorporated into FF. Frequently consumed foods containing considerable amounts of HNE, a toxic aldehyde, may be a public health concern since HNE toxicity is related to a number of common pathological conditions.
Novel Y-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Variants Detected through the use of Massively Parallel Sequencing
Authors: Warshauer David H. , Churchill Jennifer D. , Novroski Nicole , King Jonathan L. , Budowle Bruce 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology is capable of determining the sizes of short tandem repeat (STR) alleles as well as their individual nucleotide sequences. Thus, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the repeat regions of STRs and variations in the pattern of repeat units in a given repeat motif can be used to differentiate alleles of the same length. In this study, MPS was used to sequence 28 forensically-relevant Y-chromosome STRs in a set of 41 DNA samples from the 3 major U.S. population groups (African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics). The resulting sequence data, which were analyzed with STRait Razor v2.0, revealed 37 unique allele sequence variants that have not been previously reported. Of these, 19 sequences were variations of documented sequences resulting from the presence of intra-repeat SNPs or alternative repeat unit patterns. Despite a limited sampling, two of the most frequently-observed variants were found only in African American samples. The remaining 18 variants represented allele sequences for which there were no published data with which to compare. These findings illustrate the great potential of MPS with regard to increasing the resolving power of STR typing and emphasize the need for sample population characterization of STR alleles.
The need for improved brain lesion segmentation techniques for children with cerebral palsy: A review
Authors: Pagnozzi Alex M. , Gal Yaniv , Boyd Roslyn N. , Fiori Simona , Fripp Jurgen , Rose Stephen , Dowson Nicholas 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCerebral palsy (CP) describes a group of permanent disorders of posture and movement caused by disturbances in the developing brain. Accurate diagnosis and prognosis, in terms of motor type and severity, is difficult to obtain due to the heterogeneous appearance of brain injury and large anatomical distortions commonly observed in children with CP. There is a need to optimise treatment strategies for individual patients in order to lead to lifelong improvements in function and capabilities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is critical to non‐invasively visualizing brain lesions, and is currently used to assist the diagnosis and qualitative classification in CP patients. Although such qualitative approaches under‐utilise available data, the quantification of MRIs is not automated and therefore not widely performed in clinical assessment. Automated brain lesion segmentation techniques are necessary to provide valid and reproducible quantifications of injury. Such techniques have been used to study other neurological disorders, however the technical challenges unique to CP mean that existing algorithms require modification to be sufficiently reliable, and therefore have not been widely applied to MRIs of children with CP. In this paper, we present a review of a subset of available brain injury segmentation approaches that could be applied to CP, including the detection of cortical malformations, white and grey matter lesions and ventricular enlargement. Following a discussion of strengths and weaknesses, we suggest areas of future research in applying segmentation techniques to the MRI of children with CP. Specifically, we identify atlas‐based priors to be ineffective in regions of substantial malformations, instead propose relying on adaptive, spatially consistent algorithms, with fast initialisation mechanisms to provide additional robustness to injury. We also identify several cortical shape parameters that could be used to identify cortical injury, and shape modelling approaches to identify anatomical injury. The benefits of automatic segmentation in CP is important as it has the potential to elucidate the underlying relationship between image derived features and patient outcome, enabling better tailoring of therapy to individual patients.
Association between oral contraceptive use and markers of iron deficiency in a cross‐sectional study of Tanzanian women
Authors: Haile Zelalem T. , Teweldeberhan Asli K. , Chertok Ilana R.A. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the associations between oral contraceptive (OC) use and markers of iron deficiency, objectively measured using hemoglobin and soluble transferrin receptor.MethodsA secondary data analysis was performed of a population‐based cross‐sectional study using data from the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. Weighted percentages were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between OC use and iron deficiency, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia.ResultsOf the 4336 participants, only 7.3% reported a history of OC use. The prevalence rates of iron deficiency, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia were 30.3%, 40.9%, and 15.1%, respectively. Use of OCs was negatively associated with anemia and iron deficiency anemia, independent of potential confounders. Compared with OC nonusers, the multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio among OC users was 0.44 (95% confidence interval 0.32–0.59; P < 0.001) for anemia and 0.43 (95% confidence interval 0.27–0.68; P < 0.001) for iron deficiency anemia. A longer duration of OC use was negatively associated with iron deficiency (P = 0.003 for trend), anemia (P < 0.001 for trend), and iron deficiency anemia (P < 0.001 for trend).ConclusionThe significant association between OC use and iron status has important implications for educating healthcare providers and women about additional nutritional benefits of the use of OCs.
A case of rectal stricture associated with the use of a fecal management system
Authors: Chatterjee Kshitij , Klair Jagpal Singh , Agarwal Abhishek , Aduli Farshad 
Published: September 2015

AbstractFecal management systems are widely used to prevent complications of fecal incontinence such as skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. However they are occasionally associated with complications such as bleeding and pressure necrosis of rectal mucosa. We present a patient with Clostridium difficile colitis with a prolonged hospital stay requiring the use of Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System who developed abdominal pain and distention with obstipation. Computed tomography of abdomen showed dilatation of small and large bowel loops with a transition point at rectosigmoid junction. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed the presence of a severe stricture at the rectosigmoid junction that was not amenable to endoscopic dilation. Surgical resection with an end-colostomy was performed to relieve the obstruction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a high-grade stricture due to use of bowel management system that needed bowel resection surgery.
Secondary instabilities of Görtler vortices in high-speed boundary layer flows
Authors: Ren Jie , Fu Song 
Published: September 2015

Görtler vortices developed in laminar boundary layer experience remarkable changes when the flow is subjected to compressibility effects. In the present study, five $\mathit{Ma}$ numbers, covering incompressible to hypersonic flows, at $\mathit{Ma}=0.015$, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 are specified to illustrate these effects. Görtler vortices in subsonic and moderate supersonic flows ($\mathit{Ma}=0.015$, 1.5 and 3.0) are governed by the conventional wall-layer mode (mode W). In hypersonic flows ($\mathit{Ma}=4.5$, 6.0), the trapped-layer mode (mode T) becomes dominant. This difference is maintained and intensifies downstream leading to different scenarios of secondary instabilities. The linear and nonlinear development of Görtler vortices which are governed by dominant modal disturbances are investigated with direct marching of the nonlinear parabolic equations. The secondary instabilities of Görtler vortices set in when the resulting streaks are adequately developed. They are studied with Floquet theory at multiple streamwise locations. The secondary perturbations become unstable downstream following the sequence of sinuous mode type I, varicose mode and sinuous mode type II, indicating an increasing threshold amplitude. Onset conditions are determined for these modes. The above three modes can each have the largest growth rate under the right conditions. In the hypersonic cases, the threshold amplitude $A(u)$ is dramatically reduced, showing the significant impact of the thermal streaks. To investigate the parametric effect of the spanwise wavenumber, three global wavenumbers ($B=0.5$, 1.0 and $2.0\times 10^{-3}$) are specified. The relationship between the dominant mode (sinuous or varicose) and the spanwise wavenumber of Görtler vortices found in incompressible flows (Li & Malik, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 297, 1995, pp. 77–100) is shown to be not fully applicable in high-speed cases. The sinuous mode becomes the most dangerous, regardless of the spanwise wavelength when $\mathit{Ma}>3.0$. The subharmonic type can be the most dangerous mode while the detuned type can be neglected, although some of the sub-dominant secondary modes reach their peak growth rates under detuned states.
Synergic hypocholesterolaemic effect ofn-3 PUFA and oestrogen by modulation of hepatic cholesterol metabolism in female rats
Authors: Oh Yuna , Jin Youri , Park Yongsoon 
Published: September 2015

Abstractn-3 PUFA such as EPA and DHA as well as oestrogen have been reported to decrease blood levels of cholesterol, but their underlying mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the combination ofn-3 PUFA supplementation and oestrogen injection on hepatic cholesterol metabolism. Rats were fed a modified AIN-93G diet with 0, 1 or 2 %n-3 PUFA (EPA+DHA) relative to the total energy intake for 12 weeks. Rats were surgically ovariectomised at week 8, and, after 1-week recovery, rats were injected with 17β-oestradiol-3-benzoate (E2) or maize oil for the last 3 weeks. Supplementation withn-3 PUFA and E2injection significantly increased the ratio of the hepatic expression of phosphorylated AMP activated protein kinase (p-AMPK):AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) and decreased sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. Supplementation withn-3 PUFA increased hepatic expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1) and sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1); however, E2injection decreased CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 but not CYP27A1. Additionally, E2injection increased hepatic expression of oestrogen receptor-αandβ. In conclusion,n-3 PUFA supplementation and E2injection had synergic hypocholesterolaemic effects by down-regulating hepatic cholesterol synthesis (n-3 PUFA and oestrogen) and up-regulating bile acid synthesis (n-3 PUFA) in ovariectomised rats.
Curvature measurement of human bilateral cochleae
Authors: Yu J-F , Lee K-C , Wan Y-L , Peng Y-C 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to characterise the geometry of the human bilateral spiral cochlea by measuring curvature and length.Method:Eight subjects were recruited in this study. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to visualise the right and left cochlea. Visualisation of the cochlear spiral was enhanced by T2 weighting and further processing of the raw images. The spirals were divided into three segments: the basal turn, the middle turn and the apex turn. The length and curvature of each segment were non-invasively measured.Results:The mean left and right cochlear lengths were 3.11 cm and 3.95 cm, respectively. The measured lengths of the cochlear spiral are consistent with data in the literature derived from anatomical dissections. Overall, the apex turn segment of the cochlea had the greatest degree of curvature (p< 0.05). The mean apex turn segment curvatures for left and right cochleae were 9.65 cm−1and 10.09 cm−1, respectively.Conclusion:A detailed description of the cochlear spiral is provided, using measurements of curvature and length. These data will provide a valuable reference in the development of cochlear implantation procedures for minimising the potential damage during implantation.