bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase II trial of the pan‐HER inhibitor poziotinib, in patients with HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancer who had received at least two prior HER2‐directed regimens: results of the NOV120101‐203 trial
Authors: Park Yeon Hee , Lee Kyung‐Hun , Sohn Joo Hyuk , Lee Keun Seok , Jung Kyung Hae , Kim Jee‐Hyun , Lee Ki Hyeong , Ahn Jin Seok , Kim Tae‐Yong , Kim Gun Min , Park In Hae , Kim Sung‐Bae , Kim Se Hyun , Han Hye Sook , Im Young‐Hyuck , Ahn Jin‐Hee , Kim Jung‐Yong , Kang Jahoon , Im Seock‐Ah
Published: July 2018

Although the introduction of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)2‐directed therapy including trastuzumab, pertuzumab, lapatinib and trastuzumab emtansine (T‐DM1) in the treatment of HER2‐positive metastatic breast cancers (mBCs) favorably changed the natural history of this disease, most cases of HER2‐positive mBC will eventually progress. Poziotinib is an oral pan‐HER kinase inhibitor showing potent activity through irreversible inhibition of these kinases. This open‐label, multicenter phase II study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of poziotinib monotherapy in patients with HER2‐positive mBC who had progressed from more than two HER2‐directed therapies. Patients received 12 mg poziotinib once daily on a 14‐day on/7‐day off schedule. Progression‐free survival (PFS) as the primary endpoint, the objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and safety were evaluated. From April 2015 to February 2016, 106 patients were enrolled in the trial from seven institutes in South Korea. They had a median age of 51 years (range 30–76) and had received a median of four prior therapies including two HER2‐directed therapies for advanced or metastatic cancers. The median follow‐up duration was 12 months. The median PFS was 4.04 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.94–4.40 months), and median overall survival has not been reached. The most common treatment‐related adverse events were (total/grade ≥3) diarrhea (96.23%/14.15%), stomatitis (92.45%/12.26%) and rashes (63.21%/3.77%). Poziotinib showed meaningful activity in these heavily treated HER2‐positive mBCs. Diarrhea and stomatitis were the major toxicities. Biomarker studies analyzed are warranted to support further evaluation of this treatment in such cases.
Genetic variant of IRAK2 in the toll‐like receptor signaling pathway and survival of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Yinghui , Liu Hongliang , Liu Shun , Wang Yanru , Xie Jichun , Stinchcombe Thomas E. , Su Li , Zhang Ruyang , Christiani David C. , Li Wei , Wei Qingyi
Published: July 2018

The toll‐like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway plays an important role in the innate immune responses and antigen‐specific acquired immunity. Aberrant activation of the TLR pathway has a significant impact on carcinogenesis or tumor progression. Therefore, we hypothesize that genetic variants in the TLR signaling pathway genes are associated with overall survival (OS) of patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To test this hypothesis, we first performed Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to evaluate associations between genetic variants of 165 TLR signaling pathway genes and NSCLC OS using the genome‐wide association study (GWAS) dataset from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (PLCO). The results were further validated by the Harvard Lung Cancer Susceptibility GWAS dataset. Specifically, we identified IRAK2 rs779901 C > T as a predictor of NSCLC OS, with a variant‐allele (T) attributed hazards ratio (HR) of 0.78 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.67–0.91, P = 0.001] in the PLCO dataset, 0.84 (0.72–0.98, 0.031) in the Harvard dataset, and 0.81 (0.73–0.90, 1.08x10−4) in the meta‐analysis of these two GWAS datasets. In addition, the T allele was significantly associated with an increased mRNA expression level of IRAK2. Our findings suggest that IRAK2 rs779901 C > T may be a promising prognostic biomarker for NSCLC OS.
Newly characterized motile sperm domain‐containing protein 2 promotes human breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Salem Yaniv , Yacov Niva , Propheta‐Meiran Oshrat , Breitbart Eyal , Mendel Itzhak
Published: July 2018

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Breast cancer metastasis results in poor prognosis and increased mortality, but the mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis are yet to be fully resolved. Identifying distinctive proteins that regulate metastasis might be targeted to improve therapy in breast cancer. We previously described MOSPD2 as a surface membrane protein that regulates monocyte migration in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that MOSPD2 has a major role in breast cancer cell migration and metastasis. MOSPD2 expression was highly elevated in invasive and metastatic breast cancer while it was absent or residual in normal tissue and in primary in situ tumors. In vitro experiments showed that silencing MOSPD2 in different breast cancer cell lines significantly inhibited cancer cell chemotaxis migration. Mechanistically, we found that silencing MOSPD2 profoundly abated phosphorylation events that are involved in breast tumor cell chemotaxis. In vivo, MOSPD2‐silenced breast cancer cells exhibited marked impaired metastasis to the lungs. These results indicate that MOSPD2 plays a key role in the migration and metastasis of breast cancer cells and may be used to prevent the spreading of breast cancer cells and to mediate their death.
An Electric Trap: Electron‐Rich Carbonyl Axis Ends Slow Threading/Dethreading Exchange Dynamics of Pillar[5]arene Ring along Axis
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Yamafuji Daiki , Aoki Takamichi , Yamagishi Tada‐aki
Published: July 2018

Viologen axes with negative carbonyl ends such as carboxylic acid and carbonylethyl groups were synthesized. The threading/dethreading exchange dynamics of the pillar[5]arene ring and these axes were studied by variable‐temperature 1H NMR and two‐dimensional exchange spectroscopy NMR spectroscopies. The exchange rate increased on introduction of electron‐rich carbonyl ends into the axis: the exchange rate constants of the pillar[5]arene ring along the carboxylic acid‐ended and carbonylethyl‐ended viologen axes were ca. 2000 and 360 times smaller, respectively, than that along the alkyl‐ended viologen axis.
Recent Developments in AIEgens for Non‐doped and TADF OLEDs
Authors: Rizzo Fabio , Cucinotta Fabio
Published: July 2018

The design of innovative and more efficient Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) chromophores has kept a very high scientific interest since the first report on 2001. Among the possible applications, the field of the organic electroluminescent diodes (OLEDs) is highly attractive. This review will focus on very recent development in the design of AIE molecules for OLEDs, with particular attention on the performance of different emitting devices. Another key point is the description of the new class of AIE luminogens showing Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF), which appears as possible solution to overcome the limitation of fluorescent dyes employed in electroluminescent devices.
Balancing Systems Engineering Rigor with Agile Software Development Flexibility
Authors: Tolentino Glenn , Wood John
Published: July 2018

Conflict among team members predictably emerged in a successful US Department of Defense project when leadership inserted agile software development methodologies into the well‐established systems engineering‐oriented work environment. Yet, despite the conflict, project leadership saw inherent value in both agile development and systems engineering methodologies. So, instead of choosing one methodology over the other, project leadership took action to structure an approach that mitigated the conflict and enabled the project stakeholders to enjoy the benefits each methodology provided. This paper describes the project team's problem space analysis, the analysis results, and the balanced approach they developed with the goal of advancing the project to the next level.
Computer simulation analysis of source‐detector position for percutaneously measured O2‐gas signal in a three‐dimensional preterm infant lung
Authors: Liao Peilang , Larsson Jim , Krite Svanberg Emilie , Lundin Patrik , Swartling Johannes , Lewander Xu Märta , Bood Joakim , Andersson‐Engels Stefan
Published: July 2018

Further improvements in the clinical care of our most vulnerable patients—preterm infants—are needed. Novel diagnostic and surveillance tools facilitate such advances. The GASMAS technique has shown potential to become a tool to, noninvasively, monitor gas in the lungs of preterm infants, by placing a laser source and a detector on the chest wall skin. It is believed that this technology will become a valuable clinical diagnostic tool for monitoring the lung function of these patients. Today, the technology is, for this application, in an early stage and further investigations are needed. In the present study, a three‐dimensional computer model of the thorax of an infant is constructed, from a set of CT images. Light transport simulations are performed to provide information about the position dependence of the laser‐ and detector probe on the thorax of the infant. The result of the simulations, based on the study method and the specified model used in this work, indicates that measurement geometries in front and on the side of the lung are favorable in order to obtain a good gas absorption signal.
Molecular modeling, biochemical characterization, and pharmacological properties of Cc3‐SPase: A platelet‐aggregating thrombin‐like enzyme purified from Cerastes cerastes venom
Authors: Chérifi Fatah , Saoud Samah , Laraba‐Djebari Fatima
Published: July 2018

Cc3‐SPase (30 kDa‐proteinase; pI 5.98) was isolated from Cerastes cerastes venom. Its sequence of 271 residues yielded from LC‐MALDI‐TOF showed high degrees of homology when aligned with other proteinases. Cc3‐SPase cleaved natural and synthetic proteins such as casein and fibrinogen leaving fibrin clots unaffected. Cc3‐SPase was fully abolished by ion chelators, whereas aprotinin, antithrombin III (Sigma Aldrich, Saint‐Louis, Missouri, USA), and heparin were ineffective. Affinity of Cc3‐SPase to benzamidine indicated the presence of an aspartate residue in the catalytic site as confirmed by three‐dimensional structure consisting of 14 β‐strands and four α‐helices. Molecular mechanisms revealed that Cc3‐SPase is capable of promoting dysfunctional platelet aggregation via two signaling pathways mediated by the G‐coupled protein receptors and αIIbβ3 integrin. Cc3‐SPase is involved in both extrinsic/intrinsic coagulation pathways in deficient plasmas by replacing defective/lacking factors FII, FVII, and FVIII but not FX. Cc3‐SPase could substitute missing factors in blood diseases related to plasma factor deficiencies.
Three cachexia phenotypes and the impact of fat‐only loss on survival in FOLFIRINOX therapy for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kays Joshua K. , Shahda Safi , Stanley Melissa , Bell Teresa M. , O'Neill Bert H. , Kohli Marc D. , Couch Marion E. , Koniaris Leonidas G. , Zimmers Teresa A.
Published: July 2018

Background

By the traditional definition of unintended weight loss, cachexia develops in ~80% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we measure the longitudinal body composition changes in patients with advanced PDAC undergoing 5‐fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin therapy.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 53 patients with advanced PDAC on 5‐fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin as first line therapy at Indiana University Hospital from July 2010 to August 2015. Demographic, clinical, and survival data were collected. Body composition measurement by computed tomography (CT), trend, univariate, and multivariate analysis were performed.

Results

Among all patients, three cachexia phenotypes were identified. The majority of patients, 64%, had Muscle and Fat Wasting (MFW), while 17% had Fat‐Only Wasting (FW) and 19% had No Wasting (NW). NW had significantly improved overall median survival (OMS) of 22.6 months vs. 13.0 months for FW and 12.2 months for MFW (P = 0.02). FW (HR = 5.2; 95% confidence interval = 1.5–17.3) and MFW (HR = 1.8; 95% confidence interval = 1.1–2.9) were associated with an increased risk of mortality compared with NW. OMS and risk of mortality did not differ between FW and MFW. Progression of disease, sarcopenic obesity at diagnosis, and primary tail tumours were also associated with decreased OMS. On multivariate analysis, cachexia phenotype and chemotherapy response were independently associated with survival. Notably, CT‐based body composition analysis detected tissue loss of >5% in 81% of patients, while the traditional definition of >5% body weight loss identified 56.6%.

Conclusions

Distinct cachexia phenotypes were observed in this homogeneous population of patients with equivalent stage, diagnosis, and first‐line treatment. This suggests cellular, molecular, or genetic heterogeneity of host or tumour. Survival among patients with FW was as poor as for MFW, indicating adipose tissue plays a crucial role in cachexia and PDAC mortality. Adipose tissue should be studied for its mechanistic contributions to cachexia.
Titin‐based mechanosensing modulates muscle hypertrophy
Authors: van der Pijl Robbert , Strom Joshua , Conijn Stefan , Lindqvist Johan , Labeit Siegfried , Granzier Henk , Ottenheijm Coen
Published: July 2018

Background

Titin is an elastic sarcomeric filament that has been proposed to play a key role in mechanosensing and trophicity of muscle. However, evidence for this proposal is scarce due to the lack of appropriate experimental models to directly test the role of titin in mechanosensing.

Methods

We used unilateral diaphragm denervation (UDD) in mice, an in vivo model in which the denervated hemidiaphragm is passively stretched by the contralateral, innervated hemidiaphragm and hypertrophy rapidly occurs.

Results

In wildtype mice, the denervated hemidiaphragm mass increased 48 ± 3% after 6 days of UDD, due to the addition of both sarcomeres in series and in parallel. To test whether titin stiffness modulates the hypertrophy response, RBM20ΔRRM and TtnΔIAjxn mouse models were used, with decreased and increased titin stiffness, respectively. RBM20ΔRRM mice (reduced stiffness) showed a 20 ± 6% attenuated hypertrophy response, whereas the TtnΔIAjxn mice (increased stiffness) showed an 18 ± 8% exaggerated response after UDD. Thus, muscle hypertrophy scales with titin stiffness. Protein expression analysis revealed that titin‐binding proteins implicated previously in muscle trophicity were induced during UDD, MARP1 & 2, FHL1, and MuRF1.

Conclusions

Titin functions as a mechanosensor that regulates muscle trophicity.
Design, Synthesis, and Fungicidal Activity of Novel Imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Liu Minhua , Quan Chunsheng , Dang Mingming , Ren Yeguo , Ren Jianwei , Xiang Jun , Liu Xingping , He Lian , Liu Weidong , Liu Aiping
Published: July 2018

A series of novel imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine derivatives were designed and synthesized. The structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were identified by spectroscopic data NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. Bioassay showed that the compounds exhibited potent fungicidal activities against Erysiphe graminis, Puccinia polysora, and so forth. Particularly, 2‐chloro‐5‐((5‐methoxy‐2‐(2‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)‐3H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl)methyl)thiazole (9b) displayed fungicidal potency against P. polysora. Its EC50 value: 4.00 mg/L is comparable with that of tebuconazole. The structure–activity relationship for the target compounds is discussed.
Synthesis of Novel Pyrazole–sucrose Derivatives by 1,3‐dipolar Cycloaddition
Authors: Hajlaoui Khaoula , El Guesmi Ahlem , Ben Hamadi Naoufel , Msaddek Moncef
Published: July 2018

The syntheses of an important class of enantiopure five‐membered glyconjucates containing furan unit are described. The regioselective synthesis of a series of sugar‐fused pyrazole heterocycles was achieved by the Huisgen cyclization of aryl diazomethanes with propargyl O‐glycoside derivatives in good yields. The cycloaddition regioselectivity was confirmed by NMR.
Microwave Assisted Neat Synthesis of Spiropyrrolidine Library
Authors: Kalluraya Balakrishna , Mallya Sahana , Kumar K Anish
Published: July 2018

A new class of functionalized nitrothiophene containing spirropyrrolidines has been synthesized with high regioselectivity in moderate to excellent yields via microwave assisted solvent‐free‐three component 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of in situ generated azomethineylides with various substituted chalcones as dipolarophiles. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were established by analytical and spectral analysis. The product yields were slightly improved and reaction times were reduced to a great extent under microwave condition.
Influence of substrate modification in catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation on the incidence of acute complications: Analysis of 10 795 procedures in J‐CARAF Study 2011‐2016
Authors: Murakawa Yuji , Yamane Teiichi , Goya Masahiko , Inoue Koichi , Naito Shigeto , Kumagai Koichiro , Miyauchi Yasushi , Morita Norishige , Nogami Akihiko , Shoda Morio , Okumura Ken , Hirao Kenzo ,   on behalf of the Japanese Heart Rhythm Society Members
Published: July 2018

Background and purpose

In expectation of better outcome of catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF), several strategies of extra‐PV (pulmonary vein) substrate modification have been utilized. We assessed whether substrate modification or ablation of extra‐PV source is a predictor of complications.

Methods

Japanese Heart Rhythm Society requested electrophysiology centers to register the data of patients who underwent AF ablation.

Results

The data of 10 795 AF ablation cases (age; 63.8 ± 10.6 years) treated during 2011‐2016 were registered. Pericardial effusion (n = 105), massive bleeding (n = 108), stroke (n = 6), atrial‐esophageal fistula (n = 2), and other 114 complications occurred in 323 patients (3.0%). Univariate analysis revealed that age ≧ 65 years, female gender, heart failure, CHA2DS2‐VASc≧3, hemodialysis, deep sedation, and complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE)‐guided ablation ([+] vs [−] = 4.3% vs 2.8%, P = .005) were related with the higher incidence of complications. Redo session, 3‐D imaging system ([+] vs [−]: 4.4% vs 2.9%, P = .017), and periprocedural dabigatran were related with the lower incidence of complications. None of the linear ablation of the left atrium, ganglionated plexi ablation, and superior vena cava ablation affected the incidence of complications. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that in addition to 3‐D imaging system, age ≧ 65 years, redo session, and deep sedation, CFAE ablation was an independent predictor of the risk of complications (OR 1.78, P = .001). Specifically, implantation of a permanent pacemaker due to emerging sinus node dysfunction was frequent after CFAE ablation (CFAE [+] vs [−] = 4/1047 vs 2/9748, P < .001).

Conclusions

Among extra‐PV ablation strategies, CFAE‐guided ablation is a predictor of ablation‐related complications.
Micro‐electrochemical investigation of the passive behavior of thin anodic titanium oxide films on TiAlV6‐4
Authors: Langklotz Ulrike , Noeske Michael , Schneider Michael
Published: July 2018

The present work describes the passive film behavior of thin anodic oxide films on polycrystalline TiAlV6‐4. Firstly, the influence of the microstructure was addressed. Therefore, the crystallographic grain orientations of the substrate were determined by EBSD and selected grains were investigated with an electrochemical micro‐capillary cell. The barrier‐like oxide films were produced by local anodization in an acetate buffered electrolyte (pH 5.9) and investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and optical reflectometry. Second, the chemical composition of the native oxide film was determined by XPS, and the results related with the micro‐electrochemical experiments. The work shows a strong effect of the basal orientation on the electrochemical behavior. During anodic oxidation, strong electron transfer reactions occur at this orientation, while the enhanced conductivity of the oxide film is also proved by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Moreover, a non‐highfield conformal oxide growth and crystallization was observed on the basal plane. These effects, especially the electron conductivity, is related to the incorporation of alloying elements in the passive film.
The new complex rational function prototype structures for the nonlinear Schrödinger‐inviscid burgers system
Authors: Saha Ray Santanu
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a system representing the coupling between the nonlinear Schrödinger equation and the inviscid burgers equation in modeling the interactions between short and long waves in fluids has been investigated. The new algorithms, like improved tan(Φ(ξ)/2)‐expansion method and improved Bernoulli subequation function method, have been proposed. The proposed methods have been discussed comprehensively in this article. Using these methods, some new prototype for exact solutions such as complex exponential, complex hyperbolic, and complex trigonometric function solutions have been obtained for nonlinear Schrödinger‐inviscid burgers system. Through the present analysis, it has been established that, with the help of symbolic computation, these methods provide a straightforward and powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear evolution equations.
High‐resolution reflection seismics reveal the structure and the evolution of the Quaternary glacial Tannwald Basin
Authors: Burschil Thomas , Buness Hermann , Tanner David C. , Wielandt‐Schuster Ulrike , Ellwanger Dietrich , Gabriel Gerald
Published: July 2018

Over‐deepened basins exist throughout the Alpine realm. Improving our knowledge on these basins is of high social relevance, since these areas are often well‐populated and they possess, for instance, unusual hydrological settings. Nonetheless, geophysical and sedimentological investigations of over‐deepened basins are rare. We analyse the sedimentary succession of such a basin, the Tannwald Basin, through geological interpretation of seismic reflection profiles. The basin is located approximately 60 km north of the European Alps. It was incised into Tertiary molasse sediments by the Rhine Glacier and later filled by glacial, fluvial, and lacustrine deposits of 250 m thickness. The Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics acquired a grid of five high‐resolution seismic reflection lines that imaged till the deepest parts of the Tannwald Basin. The seismic profiles, processed to a pre‐stack depth migration level, allow a detailed geological interpretation that is calibrated with the help of a nearby borehole. We determine the structure and the seismic facies of the sediment succession in the basin and presume the following hypothesis of the evolution of the basin: sub‐glacial erosion comprises the excavation of the over‐deepened basin as well as detachment of large fragments of molasse material. These molasse slabs were deposited within the basin in a layer of basal till that graded upwards in water‐lain till and fine‐grained deposits. During the last two glaciations, the basinal structure became buried by till sequences and glacio‐fluvial sediments.
Synthesis and characterization of fourth generation polyester‐based dendrimers with cationic amino acids‐modified crown as promising water soluble biomedical devices
Authors: Alfei Silvana , Catena Silvia
Published: July 2018

Dendrimers are nanostructured “architectural motifs” which fascinate researchers for their several potentiality due to well‐tailored structure, symmetric tree‐like shape, and abilities in entrapping or binding hydrophilic or hydrophobic entities such as genetic materials, drugs, and target molecules. Nowadays dendrimers inhabit the top places among the materials suitable for biomedical applications as drug delivery, gene transfection, and imaging. In this work, we report the design and realization of two versatile successful procedures to decorate a fourth generation polyester‐based dendrimer matrix with a mixture of four different amino acids. The hydrochloride dendrimers achieved after removal of protecting groups were characterized by a core‐shell structure. They harmonized a not charged hydrolysable inner matrix potentially able to accommodate hydrophobic molecules and a cationic highly hydrophilic crown conferred by biocompatible amino acids that provided very satisfactory buffer capacity and will allow easy host/guest electrostatic interactions. Their structures and peripheral composition were confirmed by NMR analysis and experimental molecular weight computed by volumetric titration, while their buffer capacity was obtained by potentiometric titrations. Because in the inner matrix, the achieved hetero dendrimers do not present the high density of positive charges typical of PAMAM, they ensure a lower level of toxicity. But thanks to the cationic periphery, as preliminary investigations still in progress have already put in evidence, they were able to entrap not water soluble molecules by electrostatic interactions, with the result to increase their water solubility in a very satisfactory or amazing way. They therefore represent two new very promising devices for biomedical applications.
Near‐field scanning microscopy and physico‐chemical analysis versus time of SiCN:H thin films grown in Ar/NH3/TMS gas mixture using MW‐Plasma CVD at 400 °C
Authors: Plujat Béatrice , Glénat Hervé , Hamon Jonathan , Gazal Yoan , Goullet Antoine , Hernandez Emmanuel , Quoizola Sébastien , Thomas Laurent
Published: July 2018

Silicon carbonitride thin films (a‐SiCN:H) are deposited by means of microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition with argon, ammonia and TetraMethylSilane (TMS). Morphological studies are realized using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and different deposition times are compared for two gas mixture ratios. Abbott‐Firestone curves and the ratio “projected area to developed area” studies allow us to attribute films growth in this process to Volmer‐Weber mode. These results are correlated to thin films compositions: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (entire thickness of films), and X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (extreme surface). Extreme surface composition does not vary versus deposition time according to plasma composition. However bulk composition of the deposited films varies due to heating of the substrate along the deposition process.
Applications of a L1‐Regularized Linear Regression to X‐Ray Fluorescence Holography Data of Functional Materials
Authors: Hosokawa Shinya , Stellhorn Jens Rüdiger , Hayashi Kouichi , Matsushita Tomohiro
Published: July 2018

To clarify atom‐resolved structural characterizations of materials, X‐ray fluorescence holography (XFH) technique is employed for drawing three‐dimensional (3D) atomic images around a specific element emitting fluorescent X‐rays. By taking the angle dependences of the fluorescent X‐ray intensity (hologram), 3D images of the surrounding atoms can be, in principle, obtained via simple Fourier transform‐like approaches with no special atomic models. In reality, however, an infinite number of the holograms with different incident X‐ray energies are necessary to reproduce the artifact‐less atomic images at the correct positions. Instead, here an inverse problem is applied using a sparse modeling approach of a L1‐regularized linear regression to solve such statistical problem of a small data size. The excellent results of this approach are presented on complex crystals of some functional materials, such as Mn doped Bi2Te3 topological insulator, Fe65Ni35 Invar alloy, and Fe chalcogenide high‐temperature superconductor.
Reduction of the linear stability problem for general zonal flows with any Rossby and Richardson numbers to a PDE
Authors: Bell Michael J.
Published: July 2018

The stability to linear disturbances of a general laterally and/or vertically sheared zonal flow in thermal wind balance is considered for any Rossby number and any Richardson number. The problem for normal mode perturbations is reduced to a second‐order partial differential equation (PDE) for a single dependent variable, the pressure perturbation, in which the complex phase speed is an eigenvalue. It is shown that the boundary conditions of no normal flow are expressible in terms of the pressure and its first‐order derivatives, and that the PDE can be derived from the linearized equation for conservation of the Ertel potential vorticity. The derivations are performed first for an incompressible Boussinesq fluid in Cartesian coordinates allowing the perturbations to be either hydrostatic or non‐hydrostatic. They are shown to generalize to a perfect gas and to motions on a sphere. A PDE for general (non‐normal mode) linear perturbations can also be derived. The Ertel potential vorticity of the zonal flow is shown to arise in the component of the momentum equation parallel to the zonal flow in a generalized Coriolis acceleration term. An ordinary differential equation (ODE) is also derived for the vertical velocity perturbation to laterally uniform zonal flows which is consistent with previous results. The differences between the singularities of the equations for pressure and vertical velocity perturbations are discussed. Integral constraints on the perturbations are used to prove the standard necessary condition for symmetric instabilities and a generalization of the Charney–Stern–Pedlosky integral constraints.
Improved stability conditions for discrete‐time systems under dynamic network protocols
Authors: Liu Kun , Seuret Alexandre , Fridman Emilia , Xia Yuanqing
Published: July 2018

This paper deals with the stability of discrete‐time networked systems with multiple sensor nodes under dynamic scheduling protocols. Access to the communication medium is orchestrated by a weighted try‐once‐discard or by an independent and identically‐distributed stochastic protocol that determines which sensor node can access the network at each sampling instant and transmit its corresponding data. Through a time‐delay approach, a unified discrete‐time hybrid system with time‐varying delays in the dynamics and in the reset conditions is formulated under both scheduling protocols. Then, a new stability criterion for discrete‐time systems with time‐varying delays is proposed by the discrete counterpart of the second‐order Bessel‐Legendre integral inequality. The developed approach is applied to guarantee the stability of the resulting discrete‐time hybrid system model with respect to the full state under try‐once‐discard or independent and identically‐distributed scheduling protocol. The communication delays can be larger than the sampling intervals. Finally, the efficiency of the presented approach is illustrated by a cart‐pendulum system.
Surface characterisation of Escherichia coli under various conditions by near‐ambient pressure XPS
Authors: Kjærvik Marit , Schwibbert Karin , Dietrich Paul , Thissen Andreas , Unger Wolfgang E. S.
Published: July 2018

Bacteria are inherently in a hydrated state and therefore not compatible to ultra‐high vacuum techniques such as XPS without prior sample preparation involving freeze drying or fast freezing. This has changed with the development of near‐ambient pressure (NAP)‐XPS, which makes it possible to characterise the bacterial surface with minimal sample preparation. This paper presents NAP‐XPS measurements of Escherichia coli under various NAP conditions: at 11 mbar in a humid environment, at 2 mbar after drying in the chamber, pre‐dried at 4 mbar, and at 1 mbar after overnight pumping at 10−4 mbar. The high‐resolution spectra of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are presented and found to be in general agreement with XPS measurements from freeze‐dried and fast‐frozen bacteria. However, it was found that the amount of carbon components associated with polysaccharides increases relative to aliphatic carbon during drying and increases further after overnight pumping. This implies that drying has an impact on the bacterial surface.
Repair of defects created by Ar+ sputtering on graphite surface by annealing as confirmed using ToF‐SIMS and XPS
Authors: Xie Wenjing , Weng Lu‐Tao , Yeung King Lun , Chan Chi‐Ming
Published: July 2018

Defects were created on the surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) by sputtering with an Ar+ ion beam, then characterized using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) at 500°C. In the XPS C1s spectrum of the sputtered HOPG, a sp3 carbon peak appeared at 285.3 eV, representing surface defects. In addition, 2 sets of peaks, the Cx− and CxH− ion series (where x = 1, 2, 3...), were identified in the ToF‐SIMS negative ion spectrum. In the positive ion spectrum, a series of CxH2+• ions indicating defects was observed. Annealing of the sputtered samples under Ar was conducted at different temperatures. The XPS and ToF‐SIMS spectra of the sputtered HOPG after 800°C annealing were observed to be similar to the spectra of the fresh HOPG. The sp3 carbon peak had disappeared from the C1s spectrum, and the normalized intensities of the CxH− and CxH2+• ions had decreased. These results indicate that defects created by sputtering on the surface of HOPG can be repaired by high‐temperature annealing.
Donor‐Acceptor Styrylisoxazoles: Solvatochromism and Large First Hyperpolarizability
Authors: Katla Jagadish , Hazra Bidhan , Verma Mrigank Singh , Palakollu Veerabhadraiah , S Nagaraju , Chandra Manabendra , Kanvah Sriram
Published: July 2018

The present work describes the synthesis and linear as well as nonlinear optical studies of donor‐acceptor based styrylisoxazoles. Six styrylisoxazoles were synthesized, and examination of their photophysical properties reveals strong solvent polarity sensitivity due to intramolecular charge transfer characteristics. Most interestingly, we have measured large first hyperpolarizability (β) values for these styrylisoxazoles. The largest β value calculated was for the compound that bears the dimethylamine group as the donating moiety. Our current results suggest that a careful selection of the donor and acceptor groups can potentially lead to unprecedented enhancement of the (β) values of isoxazole derivatives.
Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Nitrophosphonates Using Immobilized Quinine Organocatalyst on Mesoporous SBA‐15 as an Efficient Recyclable Catalyst
Authors: Nazish Mohd , Kumar Gaurav , Tak Rajkumar , Khan Noor‐ul H. , Kureshy Rukhsana I.
Published: July 2018

Quinine (QN) organocatalyst immobilized on mesoporous SBA‐15 was synthesized by radical polymerization method. The characterization of the synthesized heterogeneous organocatalystQN‐SBA‐15(4 b) was accomplished by various physico‐chemical methods to confirm the successful loading of quinine organocatalyst over SBA‐15 material. The heterogeneous organocatalyst4 bwas used for asymmetric Michael addition of diphenylphosphite to nitroalkenes. In contrast to its homogeneous analogue, the catalytic activity of4 bwas significantly improved as revealed by high enantioselectivity (98%) and yield (92%) of β‐nitro phosphonates when molecular sieve was used as an additive. Moreover, the catalyst was recyclable for five cycles with retention of enantioselectivity and yield.
Vortex simulations of wind turbines operating in atmospheric conditions using a prescribed velocity‐vorticity boundary layer model
Authors: Ramos‐García Néstor , Spietz Henrik Juul , Sørensen Jens Nørkær , Walther Jens Honoré
Published: July 2018

A prescribed velocity‐vorticity boundary layer model for the vorticity transport equation is proposed, which corrects the unphysical upward deflection of the wake seen in a simpler prescribed velocity shear approach. A Lagrangian implementation of the boundary layer model has been investigated using our in‐house vortex solver MIRAS. The MIRAS code contains both an aerodynamic part and a structural‐mechanical part taking into account aeroelastic phenomena. The solver is employed to simulate flows around wind turbines and uses a combination of filaments and particles in order to mimic the vorticity released by the wind turbine blades. The vorticity is interpolated onto a uniform Cartesian mesh, where the interaction is efficiently calculated by an fast Fourier transform‐based method. Simulations of wind turbines operating in an atmospheric boundary layer flow are carried out and analysed in detail for a range of scenarios. The manuscript focuses on studying the influence of wind shear and turbulence, which is varied to mimic natural atmospheric conditions. A traverse virtual probe up to 30 diameters downstream of the rotor plane is used to investigate the properties of the turbulent wake flow for the different cases. This includes mean and standard deviation of the streamwise velocity component, wake deficit, Reynolds stresses, and power spectral density of the velocity signal. The results show that combining a prescribed boundary layer approach with a vortex method gives consistent and physically correct results if properly implemented.
The impact of wind direction yaw angle on cliff flows
Authors: Barthelmie R. J. , Pryor S. C.
Published: July 2018

The behavior of flow close to a cliff at heights relevant to wind turbines is explored using observations and simulations from a field experiment conducted at the Wind Energy Institute of Canada Prince Edward Island field site. There are 4 wind turbines located approximately 100 m from a 12 m high cliff and a fifth turbine located 500 m inland. During the field experiment, ongoing mast‐based observations were supplemented with additional sonic anemometers and Doppler lidars. Consistent with wind tunnel measurements and previous model simulations, a small speedup in the flow (~3‐5%) at the turbine hub‐height (of 80 m) is observed when the flow is perpendicular to the cliff. The objective here is to determine the degree to which the magnitude of the speedup, or horizontal distance over which it is manifest, changes as the flow deviates from the perpendicular impingement angle (ie, for nonzero yaw angles). Results indicate that the zone of deceleration upwind of the cliff and the downwind acceleration zone are maintained with flow ±25° to the perpendicular. Further, there is little change in the relative magnitude of either the wind speed or the turbulence intensity with modest deviations from perpendicular flow. However, as the angle from the perpendicular increases (ie, flow becomes increasingly parallel to the coast), the impact on wind speed and turbulence intensity decreases and is manifest over narrow and spatially less coherent regions.
Synthesis of Benzonitrile from Dinitrogen
Authors: Klopsch Isabel , Schendzielorz Florian , Volkmann Christian , Würtele Christian , Schneider Sven
Published: July 2018

The rhenium mediated synthesis of benzonitrile is reported with direct use of N2 as a nitrogen source. The reaction affords benzonitrile in about 30 % overall yield upon N2 splitting and benzylation of resulting terminal nitride. Subsequent oxidation of an intermediate phenylketimido compound restores the parent rhenium complex within a full four‐step synthetic cycle. The reaction shows that previously observed nitrile tautomerization is not a prerequisite for nitrile synthesis from N2 with this system.
Model of massless relativistic particle with continuous spin and its twistorial description
Authors: Buchbinder I. L. , Fedoruk S. , Isaev A. P. , Rusnak A.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We propose a new world-line Lagrangian model of the D= 4 massless relativistic particle with continuous spin and develop its twistorial formulation. The description uses two Penrose twistors subjected to four first class constraints. After the first quantization of the world-line twistorial model, the wave function is defined by an unconstrained function on the two-dimensional complex affine plane. We find the twistor transform that determines the space-time field of the continuous spin particle through the corresponding twistor one, which plays the role of a prepotential. It is shown that this space-time field is an exact solution of the space-time constraints defining the irreducible massless representation of the Poincaré group with continuous spin.
A warped relaxion
Authors: Fonseca Nayara , von Harling Benedict , de Lima Leonardo , Machado Camila S.
Published: July 2018

Abstract

We construct a UV completion of the relaxion in a warped extra dimension. We identify the relaxion with the zero mode of the fifth component of a bulk gauge field and show how hierarchically different decay constants for this field can be achieved by different localizations of anomalous terms in the warped space. This framework may also find applications for other axion-like fields. The cutoff of the relaxion model is identified as the scale of the IR brane where the Higgs lives, which can be as high as 106 GeV, while above this scale warping takes over in protecting the Higgs mass.
Appendiceal neuroendocrine tumors: approach and treatment
Authors: Abreu Rui Pedro Neto da Silva
Published: July 2018

The incidence of tumors in the appendix has increased over the years, and they are mainly found in the anatomical and pathological examination of appendices operated due to acute appendicitis. The annual incidence of neuroendocrine tumors of the appendix, also called carcinoid tumors, is 0.15–0.16 per 100,000 people. In absolute terms, the incidence of these tumors has increased in the last decade by 70–133%. Appendiceal carcinoid tumors occur more often in women, and are found in 0.3–0.9% of the appendices removed in appendectomies. They appear in the subepithelial neuroendocrine cells and have an indolent course, with the symptoms being indistinguishable from an acute appendicitis. There are two classifications, one presented by the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society and the other by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. Both classifications use tumor size as a predictor of tumor burden. The classification used by European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society also uses the invasion of the mesoappendix to select the best surgical treatment. However, these classifications require the inclusion of more criteria to define the selection of surgical treatment of tumors between 1 and 2 cm. Thus, along with the size of the tumor and the invasion of the mesoappendix, other factors such as vascular invasion, ki67 index, mitotic index and tumor location should be considered at the time of classification, for a better selection of the treatment and prognostic evaluation.
Comprehensive strategy for capturing and integrating community input into community research training curricula
Authors: Cunningham-Erves Jennifer , Joosten Yvonne , Bruce Marino A. , Elzey Jared , Luther Patrick , Lipham Lexie , Vaughn Yolanda , Micah Tonya , Wilkins Consuelo H. , Miller Stephania T.
Published: July 2018

Introduction

Community stakeholders often participate in community research training curricula development. There is limited information describing how their input informs curricula. This paper describes input solicitation methods, input received, and examples of its integration.

Methods

From June 2014 to June 2016, community members (CMs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) guided curricula development tailored for CMs and CBOs, respectively. Engagement methods included a strategic planning retreat, surveys, a listening session, workgroup meetings, and community engagement studios. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize survey input. For other methods, input was extracted and compiled from facilitator notes.

Results

CMs (n=37) and CBOs (n=83) providing input included patients and caregivers and advocacy, community service, and faith-based organizations, respectively. The major feedback categories were training topic priorities, format (e.g., face-to-face vs. online), logistics (e.g., training frequency), and compensation (e.g., appropriateness). Input directly guided design of CBO and CM curricula (e.g., additional time devoted to specific topics based on feedback) or helped to finalize logistics.

Conclusions

Multiple quantitative and qualitative methods can be used to elicit input from community stakeholders to inform the development of community research training curricula. This input is essential for the development of training curricula that are culturally relevant and acceptable.
Integrality properties of Böttcher coordinates for one-dimensional superattracting germs
Authors: SALERNO ADRIANA , SILVERMAN JOSEPH H.
Published: July 2018

Let$R$be a ring of characteristic$0$with field of fractions$K$and let$m\geq 2$. The Böttcher coordinate of a power series$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}(x)\in x^{m}+x^{m+1}R\unicode[STIX]{x27E6}x\unicode[STIX]{x27E7}$is the unique power series$f_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}}(x)\in x+x^{2}K\unicode[STIX]{x27E6}x\unicode[STIX]{x27E7}$satisfying$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}\circ f_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}}(x)=f_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}}(x^{m})$. In this paper we study the integrality properties of the coefficients of$f_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}}(x)$, partly for their intrinsic interest and partly for potential applications to$p$-adic dynamics. Results include: (1) if$p$is prime and$R=\mathbb{Z}_{p}$and$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}(x)\in x^{p}+px^{p+1}R\unicode[STIX]{x27E6}x\unicode[STIX]{x27E7}$, then$f_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}}(x)\in R\unicode[STIX]{x27E6}x\unicode[STIX]{x27E7}$. (2) If$\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}(x)\in x^{m}+mx^{m+1}R\unicode[STIX]{x27E6}x\unicode[STIX]{x27E7}$, then$f_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D711}}(x)=x\sum _{k=0}^{\infty }a_{k}x^{k}/k!$with all$a_{k}\in R$. (3) In (2), if$m=p^{2}$, then$a_{k}\equiv -1~\text{(mod}~p\text{)}$for all$k$that are powers of$p$.
Continuity of the spectrum of quasi-periodic Schrödinger operators with finitely differentiable potentials
Authors: ZHAO XIN
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we consider the spectrum of discrete quasi-periodic Schrödinger operators on $\ell ^{2}(\mathbb{Z})$ with the potentials $v\in C^{k}(\mathbb{T})$. For sufficiently large $k$, we show that the Lebesgue measure of the spectrum at irrational frequencies is the limit of the Lebesgue measure of the spectrum of its periodic approximants. This gives a partial answer to the problem proposed in Jitomirskaya and Mavi [Continuity of the measure of the spectrum for quasiperiodic schrödinger operator with rough potentials. Comm. Math. Phys.325 (2014), 585–601]. Our results are based on a generalization of the rigidity theorem in Avila and Krikorian [Reducibility or non-uniform hyperbolicity for quasiperiodic Schrödinger cocycles. Ann. of Math. (2)164 (2006), 911–940]; more precisely, we prove that in the $C^{k}$ case, for almost every frequency $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}\in \mathbb{R}\backslash \mathbb{Q}$ and for almost every $E$, the corresponding quasi-periodic Schrödinger cocycles are either reducible or non-uniformly hyperbolic.
A simple physics-based improvement to the positive degree day model
Authors: TSAI VICTOR C. , RUAN XIAOZHOU
Published: July 2018

Meltwater is important to understanding glacier health and dynamics. Since melt measurements are uncommon, ice ablation estimates are often based on models including the positive degree day (PDD) model. The PDD estimate is popular since it only requires air temperature as input, but suffers from the lack of physical motivation of an energy-balance model. We present a physics-based alternative to the PDD model that still only takes air/surface temperature as input. The model resembles the PDD model except accounting for time lags in ablation when cold ice needs to be warmed. The model is expressed as a differential equation with a single extra parameter related to the efficiency of heating a near-surface layer of ice. With zero thickness, the model reduces to the PDD model, providing a physical basis for the PDD model. Applying the model to data from Greenland, it improves modestly upon the PDD model, with the main improvement being better prediction of early season melting. This new model is a useful compromise, with some of the physics of more realistic models and the simplicity of a PDD model. The model should improve estimates of meltwater production and help constrain PDD parameters when empirical calibration is challenging.