bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thrombophilic risk factors for retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Vieira Maria J. , Campos António , do Carmo Anália , Arruda Henrique , Martins Joana , Sousa João P.
Published: December 2019

The aim is to study risk factors for retinal vein occlusion (RVO), such as thrombophilic and cardiovascular risk factors (CRF). A retrospective consecutive case series of 60 patients with RVO was made, tested for CRF, hyperhomocysteinemia, lupic anticoagulant, antiphospholipid antibody and 5 gene variants: factor V (FV) Leiden (G1691A), factor II (PT G20210A), 5,1-methylenetetra-hydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; 677 C > T and 1298 A > C), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1; 4 G/5 G). More than 1 CRF were present in 36 patients (60%), which had a significantly higher mean age at diagnosis (66.7 ± 12.9 versus 59.5 ± 13.7 with ≤1 CRF, [t(57) = −2.05, p = 0.045, d = 0.54). Patients with thermolabile MTHFR forms with decreased enzyme activity (T677T or C677T/A1298C) had a significant lower mean age [57.6 ± 15.1; t (58) = 3.32; p = 0.002; d = 0.846] than patients with normal MTHFR enzyme activity (68.5 ± 10.2). Regarding CRF and thermolabile forms of MTHFR, the mean age at diagnosis could be significantly predicted [F(2,56) = 7.18; p = 0.002] by the equation: 64.8 − 10.3 × (thermolabile MTHFR) − 5.31 × ( ≤ 1CRF). Screening of MTHFR polymorphisms may be useful in younger RVO patients, particularly when multiple CRF are absent.
Dynamics, nanomechanics and signal transduction in reelin repeats
Authors: Mikulska-Ruminska Karolina , Strzelecki Janusz , Nowak Wieslaw
Published: December 2019

Reelin is a large glycoprotein controlling brain development and cell adhesion. It regulates the positioning of neurons, as well as neurotransmission and memory formation. Perturbations in reelin signaling are linked to psychiatric disorders. Reelin participates in signal transduction by binding to the lipoprotein receptors VLDLR and ApoER2 through its central region. This part is rich in repeating BNR-EGF-BNR modules. We used standard molecular dynamics, steered molecular dynamics, and perturbation response scanning computational methods to characterize unique dynamical properties of reelin modules involved in signaling. Each module has specific sensors and effectors arranged in a similar topology. In the modules studied, disulfide bridges play a protective role, probably making both selective binding and protease activity of reelin possible. Results of single reelin molecule stretching by atomic force microscopy provide the first data on the mechanical stability of individual reelin domains. The forces required for partial unfolding of the modules studied are below 60 pN.
Minor compositional alterations in faecal microbiota after five weeks and five months storage at room temperature on filter papers
Authors: von Huth Sebastian , Thingholm Louise Bruun , Bang Corinna , Rühlemann Malte C. , Franke Andre , Holmskov Uffe
Published: December 2019

The gut microbiota is recognized as having major impact in health and disease. Sample storage is an important aspect to obtain reliable results. Mostly recommended is immediate freezing, however, this is not always feasible. Faecal occult blood test (FOBT) papers are an appealing solution in such situations, and most studies find these to be applicable, showing no major changes within 7 days storage at room temperature (RT). As fieldwork often requires RT storage for longer periods, evaluation of this is warranted. We performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 19 paired faecal samples immediately frozen or kept five weeks and five months at RT on FOBT papers. Alpha-diversity evaluation revealed no effect of FOBT storage, and evaluation of beta-diversity showed that host explained 65% of community variation, while storage method explained 5%. Evaluation of community dispersion and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio revealed a larger effect of storage time for fresh-frozen samples. Single taxa evaluation (order-to-genus level) showed significant alterations of four (of 37) genera after five weeks and five genera after five months. When comparing the two timepoints, alterations were only detectable for fresh-frozen samples. Our findings reveal that long term storage on FOBT papers is an applicable approach for microbiota research.
Dietary delphinidin inhibits human colorectal cancer metastasis associating with upregulation of miR-204-3p and suppression of the integrin/FAK axis
Authors: Huang Chi-Chou , Hung Chia-Hung , Hung Tung-Wei , Lin Yi-Chieh , Wang Chau-Jong , Kao Shao-Hsuan
Published: December 2019

Delphinidin is a flavonoid belonging to dietary anthocyanidin family that has been reported to possess diverse anti-tumoral activities. However, the effects of delphinidin on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the anti-cancer activity of delphinidin in CRC cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The effects of delphinidin on the viability, metastatic characteristics, signaling, and microRNA (miR) profile of human CRC cell lines used were analyzed. In vivo metastasis was also evaluated using xenograft animal models. Our findings showed that delphinidin (<100 μM) inhibited the colony formation of DLD-1, SW480, and SW620 cells, but non-significantly affected cell viability. Delphinidin also suppressed the migratory ability and invasiveness of the tested CRC cell lines, downregulated integrin αV/β3 expression, inhibited focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Src/paxillin signaling, and interfered with cytoskeletal construction. Analysis of the miR expression profile revealed a number of miRs, particularly miR-204-3p, that were significantly upregulated and downregulated by delphinidin. Abolishing the expression of one upregulated miR, miR-204-3p, with an antagomir restored delphinidin-mediated inhibition of cell migration and invasiveness in DLD-1 cells as well as the αV/β3-integrin/FAK/Src axis. Delphinidin also inhibited the lung metastasis of DLD-1 cells in the xenograft animal model. Collectively, these results indicate that the migration and invasion of CRC cells are inhibited by delphinidin, and the mechanism may involve the upregulation of miR-204-3p and consequent suppression of the αV/β3-integrin/FAK axis. These findings suggest that delphinidin exerts anti-metastatic effects in CRC cells by inhibiting integrin/FAK signaling and indicate that miR-204-3p may play an important role in CRC metastasis.
Characterization of the enzymatic activity of the serine protease domain of Factor VII activating protease (FSAP)
Authors: Nielsen Nis V. , Roedel Elfie , Manna Dipankar , Etscheid Michael , Morth Jens Preben , Kanse Sandip M.
Published: December 2019

Factor VII (FVII) activating protease (FSAP) is a circulating serine protease. Human genetic studies, based on the Marburg I (MI) (Gly221Glu, chymotrypsin numbering system) polymorphism, implicate FSAP in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Here, we describe the molecular and functional changes caused by the Gly221Glu substitution in the 220 loop using recombinant proteins expressed in E. coli. The serine protease domain (SPD) of wild type (WT) FSAP displayed auto-catalytic activation whereas the MI isoform displayed very low autocatalytic activation and low proteolytic activity against the chromogenic substrate S-2288, Factor VII, tissue factor pathway inhibitor as well as pro-urokinase. Introduction of a thermolysin cleavage site in the activation position (Arg15Gln) led to cleavage of both WT- and MI-SPD and the resulting WT-SPD, but not the MI-SPD, was active. Mutating the Gly221 position to Asp, Gln and Leu led to a loss of activity whereas the Ala substitution was partially active. These results suggest a disturbance of the active site, or non-accessibility of the substrate to the active site in MI-SPD. With respect to regulation with metal ions, calcium, more than sodium, increased the enzymatic activity of WT-SPD. Thus, we describe a novel method for the production of recombinant FSAP-SPD to understand the role of the MI-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the regulation of its activity.
Corrosion and Thermal Stability of CrMnFeNi High Entropy Alloy in Molten FLiBe Salt
Authors: Elbakhshwan Mohamed , Doniger William , Falconer Cody , Moorehead Michael , Parkin Calvin , Zhang Chuan , Sridharan Kumar , Couet Adrien
Published: December 2019

The corrosion behavior of the FCC Cr18Mn27Fe27.5Ni27.5 high entropy alloy (HEA) after exposure to molten FLiBe salt at 700 °C for 1000 hours, has been investigated. Results show that the HEA lost a higher mass compared to the reference 316 H stainless steel due to the dissolution of Mn into the molten salt. The loss of Mn from the alloy appeared to discourage the dissolution of Cr in the molten fluoride salts which is widely recognized as the mechanism of corrosion degradation. Thermal exposure at 700 °C for 1000 hours also led to the precipitation of an additional BCC phase Cr67Fe13Mn18.5Ni1.5, which was confirmed by CALPHAD predictions.
Genome-wide association analyses identify two susceptibility loci for pachychoroid disease central serous chorioretinopathy
Authors: Hosoda Yoshikatsu , Miyake Masahiro , Schellevis Rosa L. , Boon Camiel J. F. , Hoyng Carel B. , Miki Akiko , Meguro Akira , Sakurada Yoichi , Yoneyama Seigo , Takasago Yukari , Hata Masayuki , Muraoka Yuki , Nakanishi Hideo , Oishi Akio , Ooto Sotaro , Tamura Hiroshi , Uji Akihito , Miyata Manabu , Takahashi Ayako , Ueda-Arakawa Naoko , Tajima Atsushi , Sato Takehiro , Mizuki Nobuhisa , Shiragami Chieko , Iida Tomohiro , Khor Chiea Chuen , Wong Tien Yin , Yamada Ryo , Honda Shigeru , de Jong Eiko K. , Hollander Anneke I. den , Matsuda Fumihiko , Yamashiro Kenji , Tsujikawa Akitaka
Published: December 2019

The recently emerged pachychoroid concept has changed the understanding of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a major cause of blindness; recent studies attributed AMD in part to pachychoroid disease central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), suggesting the importance of elucidating the CSC pathogenesis. Our large genome-wide association study followed by validation studies in three independent Japanese and European cohorts, consisting of 1546 CSC samples and 13,029 controls, identified two novel CSC susceptibility loci: TNFRSF10A-LOC389641 and near GATA5 (rs13278062, odds ratio = 1.35, P = 1.26 × 10−13; rs6061548, odds ratio = 1.63, P = 5.36 × 10−15). A T allele at TNFRSF10A-LOC389641 rs13278062, a risk allele for CSC, is known to be a risk allele for AMD. This study not only identified new susceptibility genes for CSC, but also improves the understanding of the pathogenesis of AMD.
Chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed asymmetric dearomatization reactions
Authors: Xia Zi-Lei , Xu-Xu Qing-Feng , Zheng Chao , You Shu-Li
Published: December 2019

We summarize in this review the recent development of chiral phosphoric acid (CPA)-catalyzed asymmetric dearomatization reactions.
An ultra-sensitive “turn-off” fluorescent sensor for the trace detection of rifampicin based on glutathione-stabilized copper nanoclusters
Authors: Wu Xiao-Man , Zhang Jun-Hua , Feng Zi-Shuo , Chen Wen-Xin , Zhang Fei , Li Yan
Published: December 2019

A “turn-off” fluorescent sensor based on glutathione-stabilized copper nanoclusters (GSH-Cu NCs) was prepared for the sensitive detection of RFP via a static quenching strategy caused by the inner filter effect (IFE).
Facile synthesis of novel reduced graphene oxide@polystyrene nanospheres for sensitive label-free electrochemical immunoassay
Authors: Lan Qingchun , Shen Huifang , Li Juan , Ren Chuanli , Hu Xiaoya , Yang Zhanjun
Published: December 2019

Nanosized reduced graphene oxide@polystyrene nanospheres were first synthesized and further exploited for highly sensitive label-free electrochemical immunoassay applications.
Modelling flexible protein–ligand binding in p38α MAP kinase using the QUBE force field
Authors: Horton Joshua T. , Allen Alice E. A. , Cole Daniel J.
Published: December 2019

The accuracy of quantum mechanical bespoke (QUBE) force fields for protein–ligand binding free energy calculations are benchmarked against experiment.
Structural investigations on two typical lithium germanate melts byin situRaman spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations
Authors: Wan Songming , Zhang Shujie , Gong Xiaoye , Zeng Yu , Jiang Shengjie , You Jinglin
Published: December 2019

In situRaman spectroscopy, together with density functional theory calculations, was used to monitor the structural changes of polycrystalline Li4GeO4and Li6Ge2O7from room temperature to their melting temperatures.
Binding modes of carboxylic acids on cobalt nanoparticles
Authors: Farkaš Barbara , Terranova Umberto , de Leeuw Nora H.
Published: December 2019

Metadynamics resolves the cobalt nanoparticle–carboxylic acid interaction by identifying four different binding modes and bridging bidentate as a global minimum.
How strong are hydrogen bonds in the peptide model?
Authors: Dąbrowski Jakub , Nowak Wiesław , Ptak Arkadiusz
Published: December 2019

We provide a methodology based on the steered molecular dynamics simulations and dynamic force spectroscopy calculations to determine the kinetic and energetic characteristics of hydrogen bonds.
Hindered rotational barriers in conjugated donor–acceptor substituted systems: calculations vs. experiments
Authors: Sigalov Mark , Lokshin Vladimir , Larina Nina , Khodorkovsky Vladimir
Published: December 2019

Calculation of a barrier to rotation within push–pull derivatives requires considering at least three states: ground, donor and acceptor rotational transition states.
Facile one-pot synthesis of mesoporous g-C3N4nanosheets with simultaneous iodine doping and N-vacancies for efficient visible-light-driven H2evolution performance
Authors: Iqbal Waheed , Yang Bo , Zhao Xu , Rauf Muhammad , Mohamed Ibrahim M. A. , Zhang Jinlong , Mao Yanping
Published: December 2019

Direct and efficient visible-light water splitting by photocatalysis is essential for the sustainable conversion of solar energy into H2fuel.
A CO2-induced ROCO2Na/ROCO2H buffer solution promoted the carboxylative cyclization of propargyl alcohol to synthesize cyclic carbonates
Authors: Yan Shaorui , Zhou Ruinian , Han Feng , Feng Mengmeng , Miao Chengxia , Zhang Shuai , Ai Shiyun
Published: December 2019

A CO2-induced ROCO2Na/ROCO2H buffer solution is developed and employed in the carboxylative cyclization of propargyl alcohol to generate α-alkylene cyclic carbonates.
The SALSAC approach: comparing the reactivity of solvent-dispersed nanoparticles with nanoparticulate surfaces
Authors: Freimann Sven A. , Zare Davood , Housecroft Catherine E. , Constable Edwin C.
Published: December 2019

TiO2nanoparticles dispersed in solution have been functionalized with metal-binding anchoring ligands and then used to assemble surface-bound heteroleptic copper(i) and iron(ii) complexes. Relative binding preferences were shown through competition.
AgBiS2 as a low-cost and eco-friendly all-inorganic photovoltaic material: nanoscale morphology–property relationship
Authors: Ju Ming-Gang , Dai Jun , Ma Liang , Zhou Yuanyuan , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: December 2019

AgBiS2 nanocrystals can exhibit markedly different optoelectronic properties depending on their stoichiometry, and the optoelectronic properties can be tuned through ligand passivation.
Fast-developing machine learning support complex system research in environmental chemistry
Authors: Duan Qiannan , Lee Jianchao
Published: December 2019

Machine learning will radically accelerate analysis of complex material networks in environmental chemistry.
Phenazine-based photosensitizers for singlet oxygen generation
Authors: Imato Keiichi , Ohira Kazuki , Yamaguchi Masakuni , Enoki Toshiaki , Ooyama Yousuke
Published: December 2019

New phenazine-based photosensitizers with extended conjugation and different functional groups were developed, and their photophysical properties and photosensitizing abilities to produce singlet oxygen were investigated.
Transition-metal-free synthesis of CMe2CF3-containing chroman-4-ones via decarboxylative trifluoroalkylation
Authors: Liu Miao-Chang , Liu Wei , Wu Hua-Yue , Zhou Yun-Bing , Ding Qiuping , Peng Yiyuan
Published: December 2019

(NH4)2S2O8-mediated decarboxylative trifluoroalkylation of alkenes with 3,3,3-trifluoro-2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid under metal-free conditions has been described.
Zinc oxide-decorated polypyrrole/chitosan bionanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic, antibacterial and anticancer performance
Authors: Ahmad Nafees , Sultana Saima , Faisal Syed Mohd , Ahmed Anees , Sabir Suhail , Khan Mohammad Zain
Published: December 2019

Bio-nanocomposites were synthesizedviagrafting polypyrrole/ZnO onto chitosan chain for the photodegradation of organic pollutants and biomedical applications.
Metabolomics profiling of methamphetamine addicted human serum and three rat brain areas
Authors: Lin Ming , Xu Jiamin , Liu Xi , Dai Zhenfeng , Liu Zhimin , Zhao Xin , Sun Yi , Pu Xiaoping
Published: December 2019

To explore the mechanism of METH addiction, the metabolomics profiling of METH addicted human serum and rat brain were performed using UHPLC-MS/MS and MALDI-MSI, respectively. 35 differentially expressed metabolites were identified in the serum.
In situ synthesis of ZnO–GO/CGH composites for visible light photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Di Xiaoxuan , Guo Feng , Zhu Zihan , Xu Zhonghao , Qian Ziqi , Zhang Qian
Published: December 2019

A novel ZnO–GO/CGH composite was prepared using an in situ synthesis process for photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light illumination.
Design and performance of a poly(vinyl alcohol)/silk fibroin enzymatically crosslinked semi-interpenetrating hydrogel for a potential hydrophobic drug delivery
Authors: Niu Chunqing , Li Xiang , Wang Yiyu , Liu Xinyu , Shi Jian , Wang Xinyu
Published: December 2019

Enzymatically cross-linked PVA/SF semi-IPN hydrogels with tunable pore structure have potential applications in sustained release of hydrophobic drug.
Theoretical study of sensitive reactions in phenol decomposition
Authors: Pratali Maffei Luna , Pelucchi Matteo , Faravelli Tiziano , Cavallotti Carlo
Published: December 2019

The reactivity of phenol is of utmost importance in combustion systems.
Mechanism of CO production around oxygen vacancy of LaMnO3: an efficient and rapid evaluation of the doping effect on the kinetics and thermodynamic driving force of CO2-splitting
Authors: Fu Mingkai , Wang Lei , Ma Tianzeng , Ma Haitao , Xu Huajun , Li Xin
Published: December 2019

A rapid perovskite screening method for the fast and efficient solar thermochemical production of CO.
Advances and challenges in electrochemical CO2reduction processes: an engineering and design perspective looking beyond new catalyst materials
Authors: Garg Sahil , Li Mengran , Weber Adam Z. , Ge Lei , Li Liye , Rudolph Victor , Wang Guoxiong , Rufford Thomas E.
Published: December 2019

This review of design and operating conditions of electrochemical CO2reduction covers electrolytes, electrodes, reactors, temperature, pressure, and pH effects.
A wearable, self-adhesive, long-lastingly moist and healable epidermal sensor assembled from conductive MXene nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Xiaoxuan , Liao Hui , Ma Di , Chao Mingyuan , Wang Yonggang , Jia Xiaolong , Wan Pengbo , Zhang Liqun
Published: December 2019

MXene nanocomposites exhibit self-healing capability, self-adhesive performance and long-lasting moisture, and can be assembled as epidermal sensors to wirelessly detect human motion.
Carbon based Y-type molecules for application in nonlinear optics
Authors: Yang Cui-Cui , He Yuan-Yuan , Zheng Xue-Lian , Chen Jiu , Yang Ling , Li Wei-Qi , Tian Wei Quan
Published: December 2019

Introduction of polar azulenes and further functionalization significantly enhance the NLO properties of carbon based materials.
(Na0.5Bi0.5)0.7Sr0.3TiO3 modified by Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 ceramics with high energy-storage properties and an ultrafast discharge rate
Authors: Lin Ying , Li Da , Zhang Miao , Yang Haibo
Published: December 2019

Novel (Na0.5Bi0.5)0.7Sr0.3TiO3-based lead-free ceramics with vastly improved energy-storage properties for high power system applications.
Composition-driven inverse-to-conventional transformation of electrocaloric effect and large energy storage density in strontium modified Ba(Zr0.1Ti0.9)O3 thin films
Authors: Sun Yunlong , Zhang Le , Wang Haoyu , Guo Mengyao , Lou Xiaojie , Wang Danyang
Published: December 2019

Composition-tunable electrocaloric effect and large energy storage density with excellent thermal stability arising from synergistic effects of polar nano-regions and conformed defect dipoles were discovered in (Ba1−xSrx)Zr0.1Ti0.9O3 thin films.
Early Speech Rate Development: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Tendera Anna , Rispoli Matthew , Senthilselvan Ambikaipakan , Loucks Torrey M.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Our knowledge of speech rate development remains inadequate because of limited longitudinal data and lack of data from children under age 3;0 (years;months). The purpose of this longitudinal study was to test the pattern of speech rate development between ages 2;0 and 3;0.

Method

Speech rate was assessed at 4 time points between ages 2;0 and 3;0. The analysis employed multilevel models to characterize the development of speech rate (syllables per second), phonemes per second (PPS), length of active declarative sentences, and mean length of utterance.

Results

The results indicate a significant linear increase in speech rate, PPS, length of active declarative sentences, and mean length of utterance occurring over the 1-year period. Male and female children differed in speech rate, PPS, and utterance length, suggesting sex is a potential factor in early speech rate development.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the speech motor system develops rapidly during the period when grammar emerges. Speech rate has the potential to be an important metric for understanding typical speech development and speech disorders.
Integrated polarisation handling devices
Authors: Saber Md Ghulam , Xu Luhua , Sagor Rakibul Hasan , Wang Yun , Kumar Amar , Mao Deng , El‐Fiky Eslam , Patel David , Samani Alireza , Xing Zhenping , Jacques Maxime , D'Mello Yannick , Plant David V.
Published: December 2019

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) suffer from birefringence due to high‐index contrast. Polarisation handling devices improve the performance of the PICs by reducing the polarisation‐dependent dispersion and loss. Furthermore, there is a growing interest in building polarisation division multiplexed transceivers using PICs, which require polarisation management. The authors provide an overview of the recent work on developing polarisation handling devices such as polarisation beam splitters and polarisers in indium phosphide and silicon‐on‐insulator platforms for optical communications and sensing applications. These devices expand the PICs library of polarisation handling devices and can be used to design more complex circuits with advanced or new functionalities.
Design conditions in the middle range for implementation of integrated ring resonators in LiNbO3 by direct laser writing
Authors: Pagano Paula L. , Presti Damián , Peyton Roberto R. , Videla Fabian A. , Torchia Gustavo A.
Published: December 2019

The aim of this work is to design an integrated optical ring resonator to be implemented in LiNbO3 with a 2.5 mm radius and an operating wavelength of 1550 nm. Considering these ring parameters, a free spectral range of 71.54 pm and a quality factor of ∼ were calculated. The authors apply results to improve the implementation of femtosecond laser writing in lithium niobate crystals. As it is well‐known finite difference time domain method requires large memory and time for processing circuits with large footprint (few square mm), in contrast, the beam propagation method allows to simulate large bends in a simple way. RSoft suite design tools commonly represent circles by closed polygons whose geometrical parameters are not optimised to obtain bending losses as least as possible, as suggested by coherent coupling theory. In this sense, the suitable determination of a splice angle (in this case ), shape and length for segments are key parameters in the ring design. For this purpose, an ad hoc software was implemented to overcome this drawback. In summary, a 250 sided polygon side showed a suitable coupling performance and established a new layout approach for middle range rings.
Circuits neuronaux et neuromédiateurs impliqués dans les effets des drogues psychoactives – État de l’art avec un focus sur la cocaïne
Authors: Noble Florence
Published: December 2019

L’addiction est une maladie chronique qui engendre de lourdes conséquences, à la fois en termes de santé publique et au niveau économique. Des caractéristiques claires distinguent bien l’usage récréatif et contrôlé, de l’addiction. Ainsi, aujourd’hui, l’addiction inclut les notions de recherche compulsive de la drogue, associées à une perte de contrôle sur sa prise, favorisant l’émergence d’un désir persistant et irrépressible pour la drogue (appelé craving). À l’arrêt de la consommation, des symptômes de sevrage peuvent émerger : un état émotionnel négatif, des troubles cognitifs et des symptômes physiques avec certains produits (alcool et opiacés, par exemple). Les épisodes de rechute peuvent survenir au cours de cette période de sevrage pour contrer les effets négatifs du sevrage. De tels épisodes peuvent aussi être observés après de longues périodes d’abstinence. Ils peuvent être précipités par une réexposition au contexte dans lequel les prises de drogues s’effectuaient, ou encore par un stress. Quel que soit le stade auquel on se place (e.g., mise en place de l’addiction, ou rechute), des changements dans les fonctions et la structure du cerveau peuvent être observés. Certaines structures cérébrales sont donc modifiées, comme le cortex préfrontal, où plusieurs neuroadaptations ont été mises en évidence. Certaines de ces modifications sont revisitées dans cet article.
Mechanical Characterization of Angustifolia Kunth and Rayada Amarilla Guadua Bamboo
Authors: García Brayan , Preciado Camila , Bedoya Mónica , Mendoza Oscar
Published: December 2019

Guadua is a Colombian endemic type of grass belonging to the bamboo family. It can be considered an alternative construction material due to its physical and mechanical properties, as well as a sustainable source of timber due to its fast growing process and high availability in tropical countries. The Guadua is composed by the stem petiole or lower part, the stem base, and the stem. In turn, the stem is divided into sections separated by diaphragms that form knots, called culms. The distance between knots and the structure of the longitudinal fibers in the culms depend on the age of the plant. This implies a difficulty when determining the mechanical properties of the stem, since there are not specific standards for this purpose. In this work the mechanical properties of young samples of Angustifolia Kunt and Rayada Amarilla Guadua, of around 6 years of growth, were characterized. To account for the natural variability introduced by the presence of diaphragms, cylindrical and prismatic samples were extracted without knot, with one knot in the middle, and with one knot at each end. Cylindrical samples were used to measure compressive strength parallel to the fiber direction, while prismatic samples were used to measure tensile strength also parallel to the fiber direction and flexural strength by three point bending. Methodologies from conventional construction materials were adapted for this purpose. The obtained results allowed concluding that the Guadua samples present different mechanical properties depending on the position of the knots. Samples with a knot in the middle are more resistant to compressive stresses, while the samples without knot are more resistant to flexural and traction stresses. The samples with one knot at each end presented a more balanced behavior, being efficient when exposed to compression, traction and flexural stresses.
Overview of Constructions Made with architectural Membranes: Market, Geographical and Temporal Distribution
Authors: Macieira Mónica , Mendonça Paulo , Guedes João Miranda
Published: December 2019

With the growing concern about material savings and climate change, it is important to analyse how membranes have been applied to constructions over time according to geographic location and type of use. There are many requirements associated with membrane building technologies and structures, though, currently, there is no membrane in the market that fully meets all requirements. In this way, the criteria to use architectural membranes must be weighted according to the intended application and location. Because of it, this research presents an overview on membrane constructions regarding their use and geographic related aspects, such as climate and risk vulnerability to natural disasters.
The Application of Acoustic Emission Technique to Monitor the Early Setting Process of Cement Pastes
Authors: Hoduláková Michaela , Topolář Libor , Kucharczyková Barbara
Published: December 2019

The obtained physico-mechanical properties (mainly flexural and compressive strength) of cement-based composite materials depend on various factors (type of mixture, its composition, standard hardening process, proper testing, handling during transportation, etc.). Important properties to be tested include in particular properties of materials in the fresh, still plastic, state, since accurate identification of defects in building materials/structures at the early stage will allow early elimination and minimization of their future consequences. The aim of this paper is the application of the acoustic emission (AE) method for the detection of high-frequency elastic waves created by physical and chemical processes accompanying setting and hardening of cement pastes. The experiment was conducted on cement pastes produced from different cements but with the same water/cement ratio. Since there are many possible sources of AE and the identification of the individual sources is difficult, the monitoring of the setting cement paste was conducted simultaneously with measurements of the internal temperature. The results of these experiments can be used to expand the understanding of the various processes occurring at the early stage of setting and hardening of cement-based materials.
Use of Metal-mechanics Waste as an Addition in the Production of an Ecological Concrete
Authors: Alor Johnny , Alfaro Juan , Rodríguez José , Eyzaguirre Carlos
Published: December 2019

Currently, buildings are on the rise, which causes significant environmental pollution due to the lack of controlled landfills to deposit solid construction wast; an alternative solution is to recycle this waste produced by the construction and or demolition of concrete elements structural, and use them as coarse aggregate in the manufacture of concrete. On the other hand, the metalworking industry uses iron and steel as primary inputs, which are the main components of industrial waste, with its generation sources being industrial plants and manufacturing workshops for small and medium enterprises; a solution to this problem is to use your waste as a fine aggregate in the production of concrete due to its good properties. These solution alternatives preserve natural resources and promote their sustainability. The research work developed focuses on the use of structural concrete and steel waste to reduce its amount of waste and it is proposed to add it to the concrete. The results show that the addition of steel chips in concrete compared to standard concrete results in reduced slump, increased unit weight and contributes to the improvement of compressive strength, tcylinder splitting tensile strength and flexural strength.
Improved Pyrolysis Model of Polymer Materials under Windy Conditions
Authors: Yang Lizhong , Lai Dimeng , Zheng Yuan , Peng Fei
Published: December 2019

The polymer materials are widely used in various occasions, of which polymethyl methacrylate(PMMA) is used in architectural transparent roofs, telephone booths, stairs, and their fire risk is getting more and more attention.

The ignition conditions （critical surface temperatures and critical mass flow rates） of polymer materials have extensively researched, but their internal heat transfer studies have been relatively rare, especially in wind environments. Considering that internal heat transfer research is important for the heat transfer of multi-layer materials, the study of heat transfer inside materials is also worthy of attention.

In this work, we found that in-depth absorption theory is more suitable for solid pyrolysis models under wind conditions. An absorption coefficient depends with temperature are assumed, and it fits better than the constant absorption coefficient. In addition, this work made some improvements to the ignition model by employing the theory of in-depth absorption.
Fallstricke in der Dermatologie: Hautläsionen am Shuntarm einer Dialysepatientin durch Steal-Phänomen
Authors: Saternus R. , Stange B. , Körner R. , Glanemann M. , Vogt T. , Müller C. S. L.
Published: December 2019

Wir berichten über eine 78-jährige dialysepflichtige Patientin, welche sich mit stark schmerzhaften Nekrosen distal eines Dialyseshunts vorstellte und bei der abschließend ein Steal-Phänomen diagnostiziert wurde. Beim Steal-Syndrom handelt es sich um eine seltene Komplikation eines Gefäßshunts durch Minderperfusion der Extremität distal der AV-Anastomose. Diabetiker sind aufgrund des höheren peripheren Gefäßwiderstandes und der Mikroangiopathie eher gefährdet, ein Steal-Syndrom nach Shuntanlage zu entwickeln. Der vorgestellte Fall soll verdeutlichen, dass das Steal-Syndrom dringlich in die differenzialdiagnostischen Überlegungen bei kutanen Nekrosen am Shuntarm einzuschließen ist und die Patienten schnellstmöglich gefäßchirurgisch vorzustellen sind, um einen Zeitverlust bis zur therapeutischen Intervention mit der Gefahr des irreversiblen Gewebsverlust und damit verbunden ggf. konsekutiv erforderliche Amputationen zu vermeiden.
Hyperthermie als wertvolle Ergänzung im Konzept der neuen onkologischen Immuntherapien
Authors: Sahinbas Hüseyin , Rösch Martin
Published: December 2019

Bekannt ist, dass die Hyperthermie ein potenter Wirkverstärker der Strahlentherapie und von vielen Chemotherapien ist. Noch kaum wahrgenommen hingegen ist das interessante Potenzial dieser Methode in Hinblick auf eine Wirkverstärkung der in der Onkologie neu aufgekommenen Immuntherapien. Dieser Artikel stellt die neuen Immuntherapien am Beispiel der Checkpoint-Inhibitoren kurz vor und geht dann auf die Rationale ein, warum die Hyperthermie diese Ansätze fördernd unterstützt. Als Schlussfolgerung bietet sich die Überlegung an, Immuntherapien in Hinblick auf deren Effizienz mit Hyperthermie zu kombinieren. Interessant an dieser Option ist auch, dass im hier relevanten Temperaturbereich keine zusätzlichen unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen zu erwarten sind.
‘I Think I Was Born in the Wrong Place’: A Case of Ammonium muriaticum
Authors: Madsen Ruy
Published: December 2019

This is the case of a woman with recurrent sinusitis. The remedy was selected according to the themes and classifications proposed by the contemporary authors of Classical Homeopathy: Mangialavori, Scholten and Sankaran. The result was a long-lasting physical and mental improvement.
Usefulness of Robinia pseudoacacia in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Agarwal Radhika
Published: December 2019

Background and Objective Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition observed in daily clinical practice. This study was undertaken to explore the usefulness of Robinia pseudoacacia in the treatment of GERD. Traditionally, since many centuries, Robinia pseudoacacia has been in use for various gastric disturbances in physiological doses. This study is an effort to understand its utility in GERD when prescribed on homoeopathic indications.

Methods A prospective, observational study was conducted at Bakson Homeopathic College and Hospital, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh from 2016 to 2018. Patients who were 20 to 60 years of age suffering from heartburn and regurgitation were screened. Purposive sampling technique was used to enrol 30 patients (17 males and 13 females), who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The diagnosis was made on the basis of GERD questionnaire (GerdQ). Robinia pseudoacacia was prescribed in 6C potency in repeated doses to the enrolled patients on the clinical basis of symptom totality. The improvement in patients was assessed using GerdQ which was evaluated at baseline and after the 6 months treatment by using the paired ‘t’ test.

Results All enrolled cases completed the follow-up of 6 months. Out of the 30 cases, 1 case was cured, 26 showed a good improvement and 3 did not respond to the treatment. Overall, statistically significant difference was found in pre- and post-treatment GERDQ scores (p < 0.001).

Limitations include lack of control arm and prescription on common symptoms due to lack of characteristic symptoms.

Conclusion This study has shown positive results in terms of usefulness of Robinia pseudoacacia in the treatment of GERD. Further randomised controlled trial with long-term follow-ups need to be conducted for definite conclusions.
Integration of triaxial testing and pore-scale visualization of methane hydrate bearing sediments
Authors: Seol Yongkoo , Lei Liang , Choi Jeong-Hoon , Jarvis Karl , Hill Daniel
Published: December 2019

Understanding mechanical interactions between hydrate and hosting sediments is critical for evaluating formation stability and associated environmental impacts of hydrate-bearing sediments during gas production. While core-scale studies of hydrate-bearing sediments are readily available and some explanations of observed results rely on pore-scale behavior of hydrate, actual pore-scale observations supporting the larger-scale phenomena are rarely available for hydrate-bearing sediments, especially with methane as guest molecules. The primary reasons for the scarcity include the challenge of developing tools for small-scale testing apparatus and pore-scale visualization capability. We present a testing assembly that combines pore-scale visualization and triaxial test capability of methane hydrate-bearing sediments. This testing assembly allows temperature regulation and independent control of four pressures: influent and effluent pore pressure, confining pressure, and axial pressure. Axial and lateral effective stresses can be applied independently to a 9.5 mm diameter and 19 mm long specimen while the pore pressure and temperature are controlled to maintain the stability of methane hydrate. The testing assembly also includes an X-ray transparent beryllium core holder so that 3D computed tomography scanning can be conducted during the triaxial loading. This testing assembly permits pore-scale exploration of hydrate-sediment interaction in addition to the traditional stress-strain relationship. Exemplary outcomes are presented to demonstrate applications of the testing assembly on geomechanical property estimations of methane-hydrate bearing sediments.
Geometry effects on mean wake topology and large-scale coherent structures of wall-mounted prisms
Authors: Wang F. , Lam K. M.
Published: December 2019

Turbulent wake behind five wall-mounted rectangular prisms is measured by time-resolved particle-image velocimetry with an aim to generalize the effects of prism geometry (in terms of aspect ratio, AR, and side ratio, SR) on the wake characteristics. For the time-averaged wake, the arch-type topology is well supported. With AR increasing from 1 to 4 for the square prisms, a transition process between the “dipole” and “quadrupole” wake patterns is observed. On the other hand, an increase in SR does not seem to greatly influence the mean wake structure behind rectangular prisms unless reattachment occurs on the side walls. The turbulent wake velocity fields are analyzed with a proper orthogonal decomposition method, considering the intrinsic symmetries of vortex shedding activities. In the extraction of dominant low-order flow structures, the low-frequency shift mode and periodic vortex shedding mode pair are always captured as the most important turbulent kinetic energy contributors but with significant nonlinear cross-superposition. A low-pass Gaussian filter is then introduced to achieve separation between these two types of coherent structures via new spatial modes, which maintain the same mode shape patterns. The size of the shift mode vortex is found closely related to the time-averaged wake structure, while the pattern of the Karman vortex shedding mode pair seems completely independent. The two separated pure modes develop continuously and compete with each other along the model height. The present study appears to be the first one to investigate the effects of prism geometry on large-scale coherent wake motions from this perspective.
Compact water-cooled surface wave plasma source for remote plasma cleaning
Authors: You Hyun Jong , Girka Oleksii
Published: December 2019

This paper describes the design and operation of a compact surface wave plasma source for remote plasma processing [i.e., plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition chamber cleaning, dry etching (SiO2, Si3N4, and silicon), photoresist stripping (SU-8), and decapsulation of microchips]. In order to get higher radical generation and increased industrial throughput, the source is designed to generate plasma at a high flowrate. The source is designed to be compact so that it can be more beneficial in the case of positioning multiple sources on a large processing chamber for faster radical cleaning with better uniformity. The source can operate from low to high flowrates (i.e., 100 SCCM H2 or 10 slm NF3) and provide high decomposition rates for NF3. The etching rate for SiO2 (higher than 450 nm/min) is achieved with 2.5 kW microwave power and 3–5 slm. The key advantages of the source are compactness, higher microwave coupling due to indirect water-cooling, and thereby high operating flow and decomposition rates.
Disorder-insensitivity of room-temperature giant permittivity in Ca4 − xCuxTi4O12 (x = 3, 2 and 1) polycrystalline ceramics
Authors: Huang Lin , Li Yongqiang , Meng Fanqi , Guo Lei , Liang Yanping , Zhang Le , Chen Xiaoyan , Feng Bo , Chen Kai , Zhang Qinghua , Gu Lin , Liu Junming , Zhu Jinsong
Published: December 2019

When the stoichiometric proportion of Cu in Ca4 − xCuxTi4O12 polycrystalline ceramics is decreased from 3 to 2 and then to 1, the room-temperature permittivity is reduced by one order of magnitude during each step. Ca/Cu atomic disorder is observed only in some grains of Ca3CuTi4O12 single-phase polycrystalline ceramics, and the disorder is not the origin of the giant permittivity in CaCu3Ti4O12. Quantitatively, the permittivity magnitude is related to the mole ratio of polaronlike 3d electrons from Cu ions.
The dynamics of the plastically crystalline phase of cyanoadamantane revisited by NMR line shape analysis and field-cycling relaxometry
Authors: Flämig M. , Fatkullin N. , Rössler E. A.
Published: December 2019

The dynamics of cyanoadamantane (CN-ADA) in its plastically crystalline phase encompasses three processes: overall tumbling of the rigid molecule, rotation around the molecular symmetry axis, and vacancy diffusion. This makes CN-ADA a prototypical case to be studied by field-cycling as well as by conventional NMR relaxometry. Data are collected from 430 K down to about 4 K and frequencies in the range of 10 kHz–56 MHz are covered. The overall tumbling is interpreted as a cooperative jump process preceding along the orthogonal axis of the cubic lattice and exhibiting a temperature independent non-Lorentzian spectral density. Consequently, a master curve is constructed, which yields model-independent correlation times, which agree well with those reported in the literature. It can be interpolated by a Cole-Davidson function with a width parameter βCD = 0.83. The uniaxial rotation persisting in the glassy crystal (T < Tg = 170 K) is governed by a broad distribution of activation energies, g(E). In this case, the standard master curve construction applied for the overall tumbling, for example, fails, as the actually probed distribution of correlation times G(ln τ) strongly changes with temperature. We suggest a scaling method that generally applies for the case that a relaxation process is determined by a distribution of thermally activated processes. Frequency as well as temperature dependence of the relaxation rate can be used to reconstruct g(E). In addition, g(E) is extracted from the proton line-shape, which was measured down to 4 K. Vacancy diffusion governs the relaxation dispersion at highest temperatures; yet, a quantitative analysis is not possible due to instrumental limitations.
Nonaffine lattice dynamics with the Ewald method reveals strongly nonaffine elasticity of α-quartz
Authors: Cui Bingyu , Zaccone Alessio , Rodney David
Published: December 2019

A lattice dynamical formalism based on nonaffine response theory is derived for noncentrosymmetric crystals, accounting for long-range interatomic interactions using the Ewald method. The framework takes equilibrated static configurations as input to compute the elastic constants in excellent agreement with both experimental data and calculations under strain. Besides this methodological improvement, which enables faster evaluation of elastic constants without the need of explicitly simulating the deformation process, the framework provides insights into the nonaffine contribution to the elastic constants of α-quartz. It turns out that, due to the noncentrosymmetric lattice structure, the nonaffine (softening) correction to the elastic constants is very large, such that the overall elastic constants are at least 3–4 times smaller than the affine Born-Huang estimate.
Ab initio study of enhanced thermal conductivity in ordered AlGaO3 alloys
Authors: Mu Sai , Peelaers Hartwin , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: December 2019

We compute the lattice thermal conductivity of monoclinic β-Ga2O3 and the ordered AlGaO3 alloy from the phonon Boltzmann transport equation, with the harmonic and third-order anharmonic force constants calculated from density functional theory. The calculated thermal conductivity of β-Ga2O3 is consistent with experiment. We demonstrate that the lowest-energy structure of an Al0.5Ga0.5 alloy, which is ordered, has a thermal conductivity that is raised by more than 70% compared to β-Ga2O3. We attribute the enhancement to (1) increased group velocities and (2) reduced anharmonic scattering rates due to the reduced weighted phase space. The findings offer an avenue toward improved heat dissipation from Ga2O3 devices.