bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two dimensional sinusoidal Ag nanograting exhibits polarization‐independent surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy and its surface plasmon polariton and localized surface plasmon coupling with Au nanospheres colloids
Authors: Xiao Cheng , Chen Zhibin , Qin Mengze , Zhang Dongxiao , Wu Hao
Published: November 2018

A reproducible surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate based on two dimensional (2D) sinusoidal Ag nanograting is presented. This SERS substrate with large area can be easily fabricated by maskless laser interference photolithography. The potential SERS polarization‐independent performance of 2D sinusoidal Ag nanograting is deduced by finite difference time domain and demonstrated by SERS detection experiments. A double‐enhanced Raman scattering (DERS) substrate by coupling 2D sinusoidal Ag nanograting with Au nanospheres colloids is created. With the optimal DERS substrate, SERS enhancement factor can be 10 orders of magnitude as possible. The DERS substrate was fabricated and an extra SERS effect was proved by experiments. This DERS substrate will be fabricated in a microfluidics‐based sensor in the next work and used for in situ, real‐time, continuous monitoring of trace water soluble gas‐phase or airborne agents, such as trace explosives in air.
Negative effects on newborn piglets caused by excess dietary tryptophan in the morning in sows
Authors: Xu Kang , Bai Miaomiao , Bin Peng , Duan Yehui , Wu Xin , Liu Hongnan , Yin Yulong
Published: November 2018

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the effect of dynamic feeding models of dietary tryptophan on sows' performance during late pregnancy.

RESULTS

The average piglet birth weight and live farrowing rate from sows consuming a high–low tryptophan diet (0.39% Trp in the morning and 0.13% Trp in the afternoon) were decreased compared with those fed a 2×tryptophan diet (0.26% Trp in the morning and afternoon). Compared with the 2×tryptophan group, sow serum kynurenic acid and the newborn liver n‐6:n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio were significantly higher, and sow serum taurine and newborn serum taurine, phosphoserine, cysteine and proline were lower in the high–low tryptophan diet group. Eighty‐eight genes were differentially expressed in newborn piglets' livers between the 2×tryptophan and high–low groups. Genes related to cytotoxic effector regulation (major histocompatibility complex class I proteins), NADH oxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism and tissue development were differentially expressed between these two groups.

CONCLUSION

Together, the results provide information on new biomarkers in serum or liver and provide novel insights into variations in the fetal liver during exogenous stimulus response and biological processes of ROS metabolism in fetuses during late pregnancy caused by a single excessive tryptophan ingestion daily in the morning. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of the Placental Cord Insertion Using 3‐Dimensional Ultrasound at the Time of the Structural Fetal Survey
Authors: Rouse Caroline , Cantonwine David E. , Shipp Thomas D.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The influence of placental morphologic characteristics on pregnancy outcomes is poorly understood. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship of the distance of the placental cord insertion from the placental edge (PCI‐D) with associated placental characteristics as well as birth outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of nulliparous women with singleton gestations undergoing obstetric ultrasound examinations between 14 and 23 weeks’ gestation with a cervical length of greater than 3.0 cm who delivered between 24 and 42 weeks. A 3‐dimensional volume of the placenta was evaluated. The PCI‐D was obtained with Virtual Organ computer‐aided analysis software (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI). Generalized linear regression and generalized additive models were fitted to explore the associations between the PCI‐D in relation to demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results

A total of 216 pregnancies were included in the analysis. The PCI‐D did not correlate with maternal age, gestational age at delivery, mode of delivery, or 5‐minute Apgar score. Although not statistically significant, the birth weight z score (P = .09) was associated with a longer PCI‐D, and gravidity was associated with a shorter PCI‐D (P = .10). A low‐lying placenta or placenta previa was associated with a longer PCI‐D (P = .03).

Conclusions

The PCI‐D is associated with a low placental position in the second trimester. These data are helpful for understanding placental development. The PCI‐D may be associated with pregnancy‐related factors such as birth weight and multigravidity. More research is required to evaluate the effects of pregnancy‐related factors on the PCI‐D and the effect of the PCI‐D on pregnancy outcomes.
Treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte using a redesigned pulsed dye laser with a 15 mm diameter treatment spot
Authors: Bernstein Eric F. , Schomacker Kevin , Paranjape Amit , Jones Christopher J.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The pulsed‐dye laser has long been a gold standard in the treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte. Recent advances in pulsed dye laser technology enable output energies 50% higher, enabling beam diameters of up to 15 mm with clinically relevant fluences. In this study, we investigate this new laser for treatment of this condition.

Materials and Methods

Twenty subjects were enrolled in the study. A total of four treatments were administered at monthly intervals. Blinded assessment of digital, cross‐polarized photographs taken at baseline and two months following the last treatment was performed by blinded physician raters using an 11‐point clearance scale. Subject reported pain scores immediately following treatment and side effects at all visits were recorded by the investigator.

Results

Seventeen subjects completed the study. Blinded reviewers correctly identified the baseline photo in 48 of 51 cases (94%). All three reviewers mis‐identified the same subjects. The blinded reviewers scored 14 out of the 17 subjects with an improvement greater than 40% and 10 out of the 17 subjects greater than 50%. Average improvement was 49% for all 17 subjects. Side effects were limited to mild edema, and mild to moderate erythema and purpura. Pain scores averaged 3.5 on using an 11‐point scale.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of a new pulsed‐dye laser with a 15 mm spot and 50% higher fluences for the treatment of poikiloderma of Civatte. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:54–58, 2019. © 2018 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical benefit of using a multifractional Er:YAG laser combined with a spatially modulated ablative (SMA) module for the treatment of striae distensae: A prospective pilot study in 20 patients
Authors: Meningaud Jean Paul , SidAhmed‐Mezi Mounia , Billon Raphaelle , Rem Kessara , La Padula Simone , Hersant Barbara
Published: November 2018

Background and Objective

Striae distensae (SD) are cutaneous lesions that often occur on the breasts, abdomen, hips, and thighs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a new technique using a non‐invasive Er:YAG laser combined with Spatially Modulated Ablation (SMA) module for the treatment of SD.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This prospective pilot clinical study included 20 patients with skin phototypes I to IV who are affected by SD. The Er:YAG 2940 nm laser with SMA module was used in scanning mode with fluences of 2.3 J/cm2, frequency of 3 Hz, and pulse duration of 0.3 milliseconds. The laser beam is split into several microspots and penetrates only by 50 μm in the epidermis thickness. This technology induces also the generation of acoustic waves to stimulate tissue regeneration. Each patient underwent six laser sessions. An objective and subjective assessment of SD were used. All adverse events were reported.

Results

Most patients reported good improvement and expressed their satisfaction with the treatment. Cutometric analysis showed significant improvement in skin elasticity at the end of study. Moreover, ultrasound analysis revealed an increase in dermal thickness (P < 0.01). POSAS scores decreased significantly at 3 and 6 months, reflecting improved skin quality. The average recovery time was 5 days, with no adverse effects reported.

Conclusion

Using Er:YAG laser (2,940 nm) with SMA technology to treat SD resulted in improved volume and textural appearance without side effects. The elasticity and thickness of the dermis also improved. The Er:YAG laser with SMA module may be considered as a novel and effective technique to treat SD lesions with minimal time recovery. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:230–238, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Corrosion behavior of 17–4 PH stainless steel in simulated marine environment
Authors: Wu Ming , Zhao Zhihao , Wang Xu , Wang Chenchong , Liang Ping
Published: November 2018

The corrosion behavior of 17–4 precipitation hardened (PH) stainless steel in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution was investigated in the present research by both electrochemical experiments and constant strain rate tensile tests. Electrochemical experiments revealed that corrosion behavior of PH steel was mainly controlled by cathodic reactions. The double‐stage aging process exhibited poor corrosion resistance with a corrosion current density (icorr) of 1.18 × 10−5 A/cm2 in comparison to single‐stage aging and adding intermediate treatments. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images suggested that cracks in the samples were deeper and wider, whereas transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images expounded that the precipitation of carbides occurred at grain boundaries. The adding intermediate treatment process yielded the lowest SCC susceptibility (Iscc) with the lowest icorr of 4.98 × 10−6 A/cm2. Furthermore, it was found that anodic dissolution (AD) dominated the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) mechanism of 17–4 PH stainless steel; however, under the same process, applied strain rates also increased the values of Iscc. Therefore, among all factors, heat treatment processes manifested greater effects on Iscc as compared to applied strain rates and loading times.
Hydrogen permeation in 2205 duplex stainless steel under hydrostatic pressure and simulation by COMSOL
Authors: Yao Jizheng , Macdonald Digby D. , Macdonald Mirna , Cao Fahe , Dong Chaofang
Published: November 2018

This article explores the effect of hydrostatic pressure on hydrogen diffusion process in 2205 duplex stainless steel. The experiments were performed in a homemade high pressure autoclave. The Fick's second law was modified and taken reversible traps into account. The apparent diffusion coefficient decreased by 74.85% when pressure increased from 0.1 to 7 MPa, both of forward and reverse trapping rate constants, apparent hydrogen concentration, and activation energy increased with higher hydrostatic pressure. Additionally, finite element method based on diffusion model was performed using COMSOL Multiphysics software and the trapping constants effects were analyzed, which can be used in ocean industry.
Facile Synthesis and Topological Transformation of Multicomponent Miktoarm Star Copolymers
Authors: Zhao Youliang
Published: November 2018

Multicomponent miktoarm stars (MMSs) comprising at least three kinds of chemically different arm segments are extremely important due to their great potential as multiphase materials to elucidate composition/topology‐dependent properties and applications. At present, a “core first” route gives ABC stars, “coupling onto” and combinatorial methods afford ABC and ABCD stars, and modular and iterative approaches enable facile synthesis of MMSs with five or more components. Meanwhile, the introduction of stimuli‐labile linkages and couplable groups into star polymers further enriches the family of smart materials. Upon external stimuli, linking reaction, or postpolymerization modification, miktoarm stars are potentially converted into other architectural polymers such as linear, tadpole‐like, graft, and dendrimer‐like polymers via cleavage and rearrangement in the chain structure. This feature article aims to systematically summarize the synthetic methods and versatile topological transitions of ABC, ABCD, and ABCDE stars. The advantages and limitations of each approach are highlighted, and the future considerations on developments and challenges are discussed.
Bone infarction of the hip after hand allotransplantation: A case report
Authors: Kuo Yur‐Ren , Chen Chien‐Chang , Wang Jun‐Wen , Chang Jui‐Kun , Huang Yu‐Chi , Pan Cheng‐Chung , Lin Yi‐Chun , Wu Re‐Wen , Lee Chen‐Hsiang
Published: November 2018

Vascularized composite allotransplantation represents as an emerging field in reconstructive surgery. However, some complications can be associated with the procedure. The authors describe a case of bone infarctions of the bilateral hip joints following the first hand allotransplantation in Taiwan. A 45‐year‐old man who experienced a traumatic amputation of the distal third of his forearm received a hand transplantation from a brain‐dead donor. Immunosuppression included antithymocyte globulins, and bolus methylprednisolone (Solu‐Medrol) was used for the induction. The maintenance therapy protocol included systemic tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. The patient discontinued the systemic steroid 15 months after surgery. Two episodes of acute rejections were observed at 105 and 810 days after surgery. These signs disappeared after pulse therapy with Solu‐Medrol, titration with tacrolimus, and topical immunosuppressive creams (tacrolimus and clobetasol). However, the patient felt pain in both hips after long periods of standing 30 months after the transplantation. A pelvic radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging revealed avascular necrosis (AVN) in both hip joints. Because of the progressive worsening of the pain, the patient underwent a decompression surgery on the left hip involving a fibula bone graft. The patient underwent a right hip hemi‐arthroplasty with a bipolar prosthesis 3 months later. The patient remained in good health without major complications. These findings indicate that systemic steroids and tacrolimus might be the major predisposing factors for the induction of AVN after hand allotransplantation.
A note on kernel methods for multiscale systems with critical transitions
Authors: Hamzi Boumediene , Kuehn Christian , Mohamed Sameh
Published: November 2018

We study the maximum mean discrepancy (MMD) in the context of critical transitions modelled by fast‐slow stochastic dynamical systems. We establish a new link between the dynamical theory of critical transitions with the statistical aspects of the MMD. In particular, we show that a formal approximation of the MMD near fast subsystem bifurcation points can be computed to leading order. This leading order approximation shows that the MMD depends intricately on the fast‐slow systems parameters, which can influence the detection of potential early‐warning signs before critical transitions. However, the MMD turns out to be an excellent binary classifier to detect the change‐point location induced by the critical transition. We cross‐validate our results by numerical simulations for a van der Pol‐type model.
A miniaturized ultrawideband Archimedean spiral antenna for low‐power sensor applications in energy harvesting
Authors: Alex‐Amor Antonio , Padilla Pablo , Fernández‐González José M. , Sierra‐Castañer Manuel
Published: November 2018

This work presents the design, manufacturing, and measurement of a miniaturized circularly polarized ultrawideband Archimedean spiral antenna that operates from 0.3 GHz to 16 GHz. It acts as a radiofrequency harvester, capturing the energy spectrum in the bands of interest (FM, DTT, LTE‐800, GSM‐900, GSM‐1800, LTE‐2100, WiFi, LTE‐2600 and WiMAX). A prototype of the Archimedean spiral has been manufactured and characterized in the laboratory, and a comparison of the harvested power with respect to other also manufactured baseline 2.4 GHz patch antennas has been carried out in two different locations: inside and outside the laboratory. These results prove that hundreds of microwatts can be acquired in a normal situation, without the spiral pointing directly at a prefixed source.
Novel asymmetrical Swastik‐shaped aperture coupled cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna with dual‐band and dual‐sense circular polarization characteristics
Authors: Sharma Anand , Tripathi Devendra Kumar , Das Gourab , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: November 2018

This article presents the composition and investigation of asymmetrical Swastik‐shaped aperture coupled cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (cDRA). This antenna structure contains 3 attractive features: (1) Plus‐shaped aperture stimulates dual hybrid mode inside the cDRA, which help to obtain broadsided radiation properties; (2) conversion of plus to asymmetric Swastik‐shaped aperture added circular polarization feature in the proposed radiator; (3) dual‐sense CP wave is another important feature. To validate the proposed radiating structure, prototype has been practically constructed and measured. Experimental data confirms that the proposed antenna functions over dual frequency ranges that are, 2.2‐2.45 and 3.0‐3.55 GHz with the percentage bandwidth of 10.75% and 16.79%, respectively. Practically measured axial ratio confirms that the proposed radiator is capable to create CP waves in dual frequency ranges that is, 2.32‐2.45 and 3.0‐3.32 GHz. Input as well as far‐field parameters confirm its applicability for Wireless Local Area Network (2.4 GHz) and Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (3.3 GHz) applications.
Design of new reverberation chamber for electromagnetic compatibility and wireless device measurement applications and its reproducibility performance validation
Authors: Sim Dong‐UK , Kwak Sang Il , Kwon Jong Hwa , Park Seong‐Ook
Published: November 2018

This article proposes new reverberation chamber structure for electromagnetic compatibility and wireless device measurement applications. It consists of dual plate type mode stirrers and two types of reflectors that improve its original field uniformity. Based on the SD and eigenmode analysis, their effect is demonstrated, and through the final measured results, it is shown that the proposed reverberation chamber has excellent SD characteristic of <2.5 dB at 650 MHz or higher. In addition, from the viewpoint of its utilization, it is verified that for over the air performance of a commercial long‐term evolution mobile phone, its experimental reproducibility is very high, and its results show little difference from those obtained in the anechoic chamber.
The challenge of defining “ultra‐high‐risk” neuroblastoma
Authors: Morgenstern Daniel A. , Bagatell Rochelle , Cohn Susan L. , Hogarty Michael D. , Maris John M. , Moreno Lucas , Park Julie R. , Pearson Andrew D. , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , London Wendy B. , Irwin Meredith S.
Published: November 2018

Given the biological and clinical heterogeneity of neuroblastoma, risk stratification is vital to determining appropriate treatment. Historically, most patients with high‐risk neuroblastoma (HR‐NBL) have been treated uniformly without further stratification. Attempts have been made to identify factors that can be used to risk stratify these patients and to characterize an “ultra‐high‐risk” (UHR) subpopulation with particularly poor outcome. However, among published data, there is a lack of consensus in the definition of the UHR population and heterogeneity in the endpoints and statistical methods used. This review summarizes our current understanding of stratification of HR‐NBL and discusses the complex issues in defining UHR neuroblastoma.
Prediction of Interfacial Debonding in Fiber‐Reinforced Composite Laminates
Authors: Zhou Yi , Huang Zheng‐Ming , Liu Ling
Published: November 2018

An analytical method is established to estimate the load level when interfacial debonding occurs between fibers and matrix of a composite under an arbitrary load. Only the transverse tensile strength and the components’ properties of the unidirectional (UD) composite are required for this estimation. For internal stress analysis based on micromechanics, the homogenized stresses in matrix must be converted into true values because of the nonuniform stress distribution due to embedded fiber. The stress concentration factors (SCFs) of matrix before and after the interfacial debonding are both essential, between which the difference indicates the effect of debonding on the stress fluctuations in matrix. A final true stress is obtained by accumulating the products of stress increments of matrix arising before and after debonding and corresponding SCFs. Letting the predicted transverse tensile strength of a UD composite with an initial perfect and later cracked interface be equal to the measured corresponding value, a critical von Mises stress of matrix at which the interfacial cracks appear is obtained. For a UD composite subjected to an arbitrary load, when the principal stress is positive and the von Mises stress of matrix reaches the critical value, the applied load level when interfacial debonding occurs is determined accordingly. POLYM. COMPOS., 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Optical, mechanical, and photoelastic anisotropy of biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate films studied using transmission ellipsometer equipped with strain camera and stress gauge
Authors: Yang Sung Mo , Hong Sera , Kim Sang Youl
Published: November 2018

The anisotropic properties of polyethylene terephthalate film resulting from its manufacturing process are quantitatively investigated in terms of its optical, mechanical, and photoelastic aspects. Transmission ellipsometers and a Jones‐matrix‐based analysis software together with a 4 × 4 Berreman‐matrix‐based analysis software are adopted to determine the wavelength‐dependent in‐plane birefringence, the principal refractive indices, and the orientation of the optical axis. Mechanical anisotropy is characterized in terms of the elastic compliance tensor components using the measured azimuthal angle‐dependent Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. From the measured variation of the wavelength‐dependent in‐plane birefringence as a function of tensile stress, the dispersive photoelastic coefficients are obtained for a few sample azimuthal angles, and the components of the photoelastic tensor are determined. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 152–160
Design and characterization of an electromagnetic‐resonant cavity microwave plasma reactor for atmospheric pressure carbon dioxide decomposition
Authors: Mohsenian Sina , Sheth Shyam , Bhatta Saroj , Nagassou Dassou , Sullivan Daniel , Trelles Juan P.
Published: November 2018

Plasma processes are ideally suited for the conversion of renewable electricity into gas‐phase reactivity, such as for the decomposition of carbon dioxide (CO2). The design, development, and characterization of a microwave plasma reactor for atmospheric pressure undiluted carbon dioxide decomposition are presented. The reactor operates as an electromagnetic‐resonant cavity in which the generated plasma forms a bulb attached to a converging‐diverging nozzle and stabilized by streams of tangentially injected processing gas. Electromagnetic wave confinement, residence time, and critical gas vorticity constitute fundamental reactor sizing and operation parameters. Experimental results show that flow rate plays a dual role in plasma stabilization and process performance, whereas deposited power has a minor role in CO2 decomposition.
A traceless catch‐and‐release method for rapid peptide purification
Authors: Reimann Oliver , Seitz Oliver , Sarma Dominik , Zitterbart Robert
Published: November 2018

In contrast to peptide synthesis, peptide purification by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) cannot be easily varied in number and scale, which results in production restraints. Catch‐and‐release purification of peptides may help to ease HPLC‐related limitations and provides thus an alternative, allowing for fast protocols with great potential for parallelization and scale‐up. This work depicts a unique combination of base‐labile cleavable linkers with oxime‐based and hydrazone‐based ligation chemistry. For the first time, aminooxy or hydrazine functionalities are presented on site of the linker molecules. Aldehyde‐functionalized agarose beads are used for immobilization on the solid phase, allowing a rapid and high yielding purification protocol. In this experimental set‐up, many organic solvents or chaotropic reagents are accepted during immobilization, facilitating the dissolution of potentially hydrophobic or aggregation‐prone peptides. Feasibility of the system is demonstrated with six peptides ranging from 15 to 31 residues in length, including very hydrophobic and thus challenging sequences like the palmitoyl modified liraglutide and an aggregation prone beta‐amyloid fragment. Additionally, limitations of this system and the use of base‐labile linkers are discussed and demonstrated.
Combined Ultra High Vacuum Raman and Electronic Transport Characterization of Large‐Area Graphene on SiO2
Authors: Hell Martin G. , Falke Yannic , Bliesener Andrea , Ehlen Niels , Senkovskiy Boris V. , Szkopek Thomas , Grüneis Alexander
Published: November 2018

An original experimental setup which allows for simultaneous sample characterization by Raman spectroscopy and electronic tranport in ultra‐high vacuum at low temperatures is presented. We show the applicability of this setup for the case of graphene that is transferred from an Ir(111) single crystal onto SiO2. The transfer of graphene is carried out using a water‐promoted electrochemical bubbling technique which is applied to graphene/Ir for the first time. The characterization prior to the transfer includes electron diffraction, photoemission spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy using ultraviolet excitation. Following the transfer procedure, the graphene layer is electrically contacted and mounted onto a special sample carrier. This carrier allows for combined Raman and transport measurements inside an ultra high vacuum (UHV) system. UHV Raman mapping reveals a large area homogeneous graphene quality over several mm2 characterized by a D/G intensity ratio less than 0.1. UHV electrical characterization of transferred graphene in a field effect transistor geometry yields a carrier mobility of 675 cm2 V−1 s−1. Upon alkali metal doping in UHV conditions using a Cs getter, a decrease of the 4‐point resistance from above 2500 Ω to below 10 Ω is observed. The presented approach paves the way for future combined UHV Raman and transport characterization of two‐dimensional materials that are doped into superconducting or charge‐density‐wave ground states.
Treatment effect quantification for time‐to‐event endpoints–Estimands, analysis strategies, and beyond
Authors: Rufibach Kaspar
Published: November 2018

A draft addendum to ICH E9 has been released for public consultation in August 2017. The addendum focuses on two topics particularly relevant for randomized confirmatory clinical trials: estimands and sensitivity analyses. The need to amend ICH E9 grew out of the realization of a lack of alignment between the objectives of a clinical trial stated in the protocol and the accompanying quantification of the “treatment effect” reported in a regulatory submission. We embed time‐to‐event endpoints in the estimand framework and discuss how the four estimand attributes described in the addendum apply to time‐to‐event endpoints. We point out that if the proportional hazards assumption is not met, the estimand targeted by the most prevalent methods used to analyze time‐to‐event endpoints, logrank test, and Cox regression depends on the censoring distribution. We discuss for a large randomized clinical trial how the analyses for the primary and secondary endpoints as well as the sensitivity analyses actually performed in the trial can be seen in the context of the addendum. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to do so for a trial with a time‐to‐event endpoint. Questions that remain open with the addendum for time‐to‐event endpoints and beyond are formulated, and recommendations for planning of future trials are given. We hope that this will provide a contribution to developing a common framework based on the final version of the addendum that can be applied to design, protocols, statistical analysis plans, and clinical study reports in the future.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of TiO2 Nanowires‐Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite to Enhance Electrochemical Performance in Supercapacitor
Authors: Yue Hong Yan , Guan En Hao , Gao Xin , Yao Fei , Wang Wan Qiu , Zhang Teng , Wang Zhao , Song Shan Shan , Zhang Hong Jie
Published: November 2018

In this paper, uniform TiO2 nanowires (TiO2 NWs) on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets were successfully synthesized by a simple and low‐cost hydrothermal method. The high capacitance (202.5 F⋅g−1 at 1 A⋅g−1) and excellent cyclic stability (81.9% capacity retention after 5000 cycles) were achieved for TiO2 NWs‐RGO nanocomposite as supercapacitor electrode. The excellent electrochemical performance is due to the synergistic effect of one‐dimensional TiO2 NWs with chemical stability and RGO with excellent conductivity. Moreover, TiO2 NWs can effectively avoid agglomeration, shorten the ion diffusion length and greatly facilitate the charge transfer both at the contact interfaces and within the electrode materials during the electrochemical process. A symmetric supercapacitor was successfully assembled using the TiO2 NWs‐RGO nanocomposite. It possesses a remarkable performance with a specific capacitance of 45.7 F⋅g−1, an energy density of 9.08 Wh⋅kg−1 at a power density of 598 W⋅kg−1.
Simultaneous Increase in Brightness and Singlet Oxygen Generation of an Organic Photosensitizer by Nanocrystallization
Authors: Fateminia S. M. Ali , Kacenauskaite Laura , Zhang Chong‐Jing , Ma Suqian , Kenry  , Manghnani Purnima N. , Chen Junsheng , Xu Shidang , Hu Fang , Xu Bin , Laursen Bo W. , Liu Bin
Published: November 2018

Efficient organic photosensitizers are attractive for cancer cell ablation in photodynamic therapy. Bright fluorescent photosensitizers are highly desirable for simultaneous imaging and therapy. However, due to fundamental competition between emission and singlet oxygen generation, design attempts to increase singlet oxygen generation almost always leads to the loss of fluorescence. Herein, it is shown for the first time that nanocrystallization enables a simultaneous and significant increase in the brightness and singlet oxygen generation of an organic photosensitizer. Spectroscopic studies show simultaneous enhancement in the visible light absorption and fluorescence after nanocrystallization. The enhanced absorption of visible light in nanocrystals is found to translate directly to the enhanced singlet oxygen production, which shows a higher ability to kill HeLa cells as compared to their amorphous counterpart.
Synthesis of P‐Doped and NiCo‐Hybridized Graphene‐Based Fibers for Flexible Asymmetrical Solid‐State Micro‐Energy Storage Device
Authors: Zhou Caixia , Gao Taotao , Wang Yujue , Liu Qilin , Huang Zhihan , Liu Xiaoxia , Qing Miaoqing , Xiao Dan
Published: November 2018

Fiber supercapacitors (FSCs) are promising energy storage devices in portable and wearable smart electronics. Currently, a major challenge for FSCs is simultaneously achieving high volumetric energy and power densities. Herein, the microscale fiber electrode is designed by using carbon fibers as substrates and capillary channels as microreactors to space‐confined hydrothermal assembling. As P‐doped graphene oxide/carbon fiber (PGO/CF) and NiCo2O4‐based graphene oxide/carbon fiber (NCGO/CF) electrodes are successfully prepared, their unique hybrid structures exhibit a satisfactory electrochemical performance. An all‐solid‐state PGO/CF//NCGO/CF flexible asymmetric fiber supercapacitor (AFSC) based on the PGO/CF as the negative electrode, NCGO/CF hybrid electrode as the positive electrode, and poly(vinyl alcohol)/potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte is successfully assembled. The AFSC device delivers a higher volumetric energy density of 36.77 mW h cm−3 at a power density of 142.5 mW cm−3. In addition, a double reference electrode system is adopted to analyze and reduce the IR drop, as well as effectively matching negative and positive electrodes, which is conducive for the optimization and improvement of energy density. For the AFSC device, its better flexibility and electrochemical properties create a promising potential for high‐performance micro‐supercapacitors. Furthermore, the introduction of the double reference electrode system provides an interesting method for the study on the electrochemical performances of two‐electrode systems.
Improving the structural quality and adhesion of functional coatings
Authors: Kostrin D. K.
Published: November 2018

In this paper a method of improving the structural quality and adhesion of functional coatings due to the pulsed mode of operation of a vacuum arc plasma source is described. The experiments were carried out by producing a carbon‐based coating on a molybdenum substrate by spraying a graphite cathode in the benzene vapors. Plasma flow control is provided by alternating connection of two power sources, which allows variable closure of electron and ion currents on the substrate. This mode of operation allows to alternate the mode of heating and active diffusion of particles into the substrate with the mode of their deposition, as well as to provide the process of formation and annealing of the coating layers.
Urbanization in the time of climate change: Examining the response of Indian cities
Authors: Khosla Radhika , Bhardwaj Ankit
Published: November 2018

India's urban transition is salient to the growing emphasis on city responses to climate change. While projected to experience the largest global urban transition with significant infrastructure investment in the next few decades, the welfare of Indian cities remains poor, which complicates the implications for climate change mitigation and adaptation. This paper traces, synthesizes and characterizes the emerging literature on Indian urban climate debates. It discusses the arc of urban climate efforts, from an initial emphasis on climate vulnerabilities and risks, broadening over time to include climate mitigation. The paper examines the governance forms and political motivations with which such actions are pursued in cities and finds three overarching characteristics: the use of local development priorities as an entry point to climate mitigation and adaptation; the role of nonstate actors in promoting climate‐relevant outcomes; and the proclivity for discrete project‐based activities. The paper suggests that while a range of Indian cities are beginning to consider climate concerns, a larger strategic understanding of the interaction between climate and development priorities, across policy and governance levels, is yet to be developed. The future trajectory of urban India's responses to climate change will be shaped by the institutional prioritising, linking and integrating of urgent local development and mitigation and adaptation goals.

This article is categorized under:

Climate and Development > Urbanization, Development, and Climate Change
Above Room Temperature Organic Dielectric Switchable Material: Diprotonated 1,4‐Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane Shifts between Two Pyruvic Acids
Authors: Fang Ting , Jie Yang , Huang Yuan , Ye Yao‐Hui , Chen Wen‐Bin , Li Bing‐Qi , Zou Chen , Xu Dan‐Lei , Qian Kun
Published: November 2018

A pure organic single crystal, [H2dabco]·[PA]2 ([H2dabco]2+ = diprotonated 1,4‐diazabicyclo‐[2.2.2]octane, PA = pyruvic acid), was synthesized and its dielectric property was studied. [H2dabco]·[PA]2 owns a distinctive architecture composed of discrete hydrogen‐bonded trimeric units, of which one [H2dabco]2+ cation bridged by two PA– anions through N–H···O hydrogen bonding. The switchable property around 348 K was revealed by crystal structure studies between low and high dielectric states. In the high temperature phase, the [H2dabco]2+ cation presents itself in a rotationally disordered state and lies at the symmetric center of the trimer. In the room temperature phase, it is frozen in an ordered state and shifts toward a PA– anion at one end along the hydrogen bond.
Synthesis and Structural Investigation of Brightly Colored Organoammonium Violurates
Authors: Liebing Phil , Stein Franziska , Hilfert Liane , Lorenz Volker , Oliynyk Karyna , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: November 2018

Nine new organoammonium violurates [R1R2R3NH][C4H2N3O4] [R1 = R2 = H, R3 = c‐C3H5 (2), R3 = tBu (3), R3 = adamantyl (4), R3 = C6H2Me2‐4,5‐NH2‐2 (5); R1 = H, R2 = R3 = Et (6), iPr (7); R1 = H, R2/R3 = (–CH2–)4 (8); R1 = R2 = R3 = Et (9); R1 = R2 = Me, R3 = (CH2)2NMe2 (10)] were prepared by treatment of violuric acid (1) with a variety of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines. With the exception of orange 5, all these violurate salts form bright blue or blue‐purple crystalline solids. The acidic triethylammonium violurate [NHEt3]H[C4H2N3O4]2·H2O (9a) was isolated in the form of red‐violet, plate‐like crystals by the reaction of violuric acid hydrate with triethylamine in a molar ratio of 2:1 in ethanol. All compounds were fully characterized by their IR and NMR (1H, 13C) data as well as elemental analyses. X‐ray crystal structures determinations of 2, 7, and 9a revealed supramolecular self‐assembly through networks of N–H···N and N–H···O hydrogen bonds in the crystalline state.
A Metal‐Containing N‐Heterocyclic Germylene Based on an Oxalamidine Framework
Authors: Moos Eric M. B. , Feuerstein Wolfram , Krämer Felix , Breher Frank
Published: November 2018

A metal‐containing N‐heterocyclic germylene based on a N‐mesityl (Mes)‐substituted oxalamidine framework is reported. The precursor (MesN=)2C–C(–N(H)Mes)2 (1H2) was converted into its rhodium complex [Rh(κ2N‐1H2)(cod)][OTf] (2) (cod = 1,5‐cyclooctadiene; OTf = triflate) in 62 % isolated yield. Subsequent reaction of 2 with Ge{N(SiMe3)2}2 gave the crystalline N‐heterocyclic germylene [Rh(cod)(μ‐1)Ge][OTf] (3) in 50 % yield. The compounds under study were fully characterized by various methods, also including X‐ray crystallographic studies on single crystals of 2 and 3. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that π conjugation in the bridging oxalamidine framework is increased and n(N)–p(Ge) π bonding is decreased upon κ2N metal coordination; a further weakening of the Ge–N bond occurs through triflate coordination to the GeII atom. Nevertheless, preliminary coordination studies revealed that 3 behaves as 2‐electron (L‐type) germylene donor ligand. More details can be found in the article by Eric M. B. Moos, Wolfram Feuerstein, Felix Krämer, and Frank Breher. DOI: 10.1002/zaac.201800298.
Sustainability Index (S‐Index): A tool for use in the evaluation and planning of institutional animal collections
Authors: Lynch Colleen
Published: November 2018

Maintaining sustainable living collections is at the core of every zoo's and aquarium's mission. In spite of increasing awareness of sustainability challenges, few practical applications to support collection sustainability have been developed. In addition, much of the onus to address issues regarding collection sustainability has fallen to regional zoo associations, rather than on individual collection managers, creating a “tragedy of the commons.” Responsibility for sustainability, however, ultimately defaults to each individual institution; as active participants in an association and the population management system, other institutions are the most reliable source of animals. Each collection manager must ensure that their collection contributes to association‐wide sustainability. With this in mind, a sustainability index tool, S‐Index, has been developed using basic demographic concepts and novel metrics for institutional collection evaluation. Furthermore, combining S‐Index data across facilities allows the evaluation of the sustainability of individual taxa or taxonomic groups within the Association. An S‐Index analysis of 27 Association of Zoos and Aquariums member avian collections over ten years demonstrates the use of this analytical tool.
High-energy limit of mass-suppressed amplitudes in gauge theories
Authors: Liu Tao , Penin Alexander
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We present a detailed analysis of the factorization and all-order resummation of the double-logarithmic radiative corrections which determine the asymptotic behavior of the gauge theory amplitudes suppressed by the leading power of the fermion mass in the limit of high-energy fixed-angle scattering. The result is applied to estimate the bottom quark mediated contribution to the Higgs boson production in gluon fusion.
Renormalised CFT 3-point functions of scalars, currents and stress tensors
Authors: Bzowski Adam , McFadden Paul , Skenderis Kostas
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We discuss the renormalisation of mixed 3-point functions involving tensorial and scalar operators in conformal field theories of general dimension. In previous work we analysed correlators of either purely scalar or purely tensorial operators, in each case finding new features and new complications: for scalar correlators, renormalisation leads to beta functions, novel conformal anomalies of type B, and unexpected analytic structure in momentum space; for correlators of stress tensors and/or conserved currents, beta functions vanish but anomalies of both type B and type A (associated with a 0/0 structure) are present. Mixed correlators combine all these features: beta functions and anomalies of type B, plus the possibility of new type A anomalies. Following a non-perturbative and general momentum-space analysis, we present explicit results in dimensions d = 3, 4 for all renormalised 3-point functions of stress tensors, conserved currents and scalars of dimensions Δ = d and Δ = d − 2. We identify all anomalies and beta functions, and explain the form of the anomalous conformal Ward identities. In d = 3, we find a 0/0 structure but the corresponding type A anomaly turns out to be trivial. In addition, the correlators of two currents and a scalar, and of two stress tensors and a scalar, both feature universal tensor structures that are independent of the scalar dimension and vanish for opposite helicities.
Supersymmetric partially massless fields and non-unitary superconformal representations
Authors: Garcia-Saenz Sebastian , Hinterbichler Kurt , Rosen Rachel A.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

We find and classify the$$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$N=1SUSY multiplets on AdS4which contain partially massless fields. We do this by studying the non-unitary representations of thed= 3 superconformal algebra of the boundary. The simplest super-multiplet which contains a partially massless spin-2 particle also contains a massless photon, a massless spin-3/2 particle and a massive spin-3/2 particle. The gauge parameters form a Wess-Zumino super-multiplet which contains the gauge parameters of the photon, the partially massless graviton, and the massless spin-3/2 particle. We find the AdS4action and SUSY transformations for this multiplet. More generally, we classify new types of shortening conditions that can arise for non-unitary representations of thed= 3 superconformal algebra.
Tests of Matrix Structure for Construct Validation
Authors: Segal Brian D. , Braun Thomas , Gonzalez Richard , Elliott Michael R.
Published: November 2018

Psychologists and other behavioral scientists are frequently interested in whether a questionnaire measures a latent construct. Attempts to address this issue are referred to as construct validation. We describe and extend nonparametric hypothesis testing procedures to assess matrix structures, which can be used for construct validation. These methods are based on a quadratic assignment framework and can be used either by themselves or to check the robustness of other methods. We investigate the performance of these matrix structure tests through simulations and demonstrate their use by analyzing a big five personality traits questionnaire administered as part of the Health and Retirement Study. We also derive rates of convergence for our overall test to better understand its behavior.
Incidence of Nerve Repair Following Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is Higher Compared to Open Release in New York State
Authors: Trehan Samir K. , Lyman Stephen , Ge Yile , Do Huong T. , Daluiski Aaron
Published: November 2018

Background

Carpal tunnel release (CTR) has traditionally been performed through an open approach, although in recent years endoscopic CTR has gained in popularity.

Questions/Purposes

We sought to assess whether a difference exists between the rates of nerve repair surgery following open versus endoscopic CTR in New York State (NYS).

Methods

Patients undergoing endoscopic and open CTR from 1997 to 2013 were identified from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database from the NYS Department of Health using Current Procedural Terminology, 4th Revision (CPT-4) codes 29848 and 64721, respectively. The primary outcome measure was subsequent nerve repair surgery (as identified using CPT-4 codes 64831–64837, 64856, 64857, 64859, 64872, 64874, and 64876). Other variables analyzed included patient age, sex, payer, and surgery year.

Results

There were 294, 616 CTRs performed in NYS from 1997 to 2013. While the incidence of open CTR remained higher than endoscopic CTR, the proportion of endoscopic CTR steadily increased, from 16% (2984/19, 089) in 2007 to 25% (5594/22, 271) in 2013. For the 134, 143 patients having a single CTR, the rate of subsequent nerve repair was significantly higher following endoscopic CTR (0.09%) compared to open CTR (0.04%). The Cox model showed that factors significantly associated with a higher risk of subsequent nerve repair surgery were endoscopic CTR and younger age.

Conclusions

Endoscopic CTR has been increasingly performed in NYS and associated with a higher rate of subsequent nerve repair. This rate likely underestimates the incidence of nerve injuries because it only captures those patients who had subsequent surgery. While this catastrophic complication remains rare, further investigation is warranted, given the rise of endoscopic CTR in the setting of equivalent outcomes, but favorable reimbursement, versus open CTR.
The Effect of Fe Addition on Fragmentation Phenomena, Macrostructure, Microstructure, and Hardness of TiC-Fe Local Reinforcements Fabricated In Situ in Steel Casting
Authors: Olejnik Ewa , Tokarski Tomasz , Sikora Gabriela , Sobula Sebastian , Maziarz Wojciech , Szymański Łukasz , Grabowska Beata
Published: November 2018

The dependences of the macro- and microstructures as well as the hardness of local TiC-Fe-type reinforcements (LR) fabricated in situ in steel casting using compacts containing different contents of TiC reactants and the addition of an Fe moderator have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Vickers hardness (HV) tests. Five powder mixtures were selected for compact preparation; one of them contains only TiC reactants, while the other four contain TiC reactants as well as 10, 30, 50, and 70 wt pct Fe moderator additions, respectively. Next, the ready compacts were introduced to the mold cavity and poured by cast steel for the in situ LR fabrication. This is the first time, through this study, that the fragmentation phenomena was revealed by macrostructural observations of the LR produced with only the TiC reactants. The increasing Fe content gradually limited the fragmentation and infiltration processes and stabilized the dimensions of the LR. With the increasing contents of the Fe moderator, the refinement of the TiC particles in the LR was observed. Due to the limited infiltration process and high surface content of the TiC, the LR produced with 30 wt pct Fe exhibited the greatest hardness.