bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Optimization of Carrier Concentration and Alloy Scattering for Ultrahigh Performance GeTe Thermoelectrics
Authors: Li Juan , Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Xinyue , Yu Hulei , Wu Zihua , Xie Huaqing , Chen Yue , Pei Yanzhong
Published: October 2017

In order to locate the optimal carrier concentrations for peaking the thermoelectric performance in p‐type group IV monotellurides, existing efforts focus on aliovalent doping, either to increase (in PbTe) or to decrease (in SnTe and GeTe) the hole concentration. The limited solubility of aliovalent dopants usually introduces insufficient phonon scattering for thermoelectric performance maximization. With a decrease in the size of cation, the concentration of holes, induced by cation vacancies in intrinsic compounds, increases rapidly from ≈1018 cm−3 in PbTe to ≈1020 cm−3 in SnTe and then to ≈1021 cm−3 in GeTe. This motivates a strategy here for reducing the carrier concentration in GeTe, by increasing the mean size of cations and vice‐versa decreasing the average size of anions through isovalent substitutions for increased formation energy of cation vacancy. A combination of the simultaneously resulting strong phonon scattering due to the high solubility of isovalent impurities, an ultrahigh thermoelectric figure of merit, zT of 2.2 is achieved in GeTe–PbSe alloys. This corresponds to a 300% enhancement in average zT as compared to pristine GeTe. This work not only demonstrates GeTe as a promising thermoelectric material but also paves the way for enhancing the thermoelectric performance in similar materials.
Ultrafast RESET Analysis of HfOx‐Based RRAM by Sub‐Nanosecond Pulses
Authors: Wang Chen , Wu Huaqiang , Gao Bin , Wu Wei , Dai Lingjun , Li Xinyi , Qian He
Published: October 2017

Ultrafast switching is an attractive performance for resistive random access memory (RRAM) as one of the next‐generation nonvolatile memory options. A high‐speed measurement setup is designed and constructed to characterize the RESET operation of HfOx‐based RRAM device with sub‐nanosecond pulse. The analysis of the RESET process is quantitatively performed by studying the relationship between resistance and pulse conditions. Experimental data show that stable resistive switching can be achieved by sub‐nanosecond pulse on HfOx‐based RRAM. A compact model is built based on high‐speed RESET measurement results, and it is found that the oxygen ions migration driven by the electric field is the dominant factor during the sub‐nanosecond pulse RESET process rather than thermal effect. It demonstrates HfOx‐based RRAM has great potential on extremely high‐speed memory applications.
The lift on a disc immersed in a rotating granular bed
Authors: Debnath Bhanjan , Rao K. Kesava , Nott Prabhu R.
Published: October 2017

The discrete element method has been used to study the lift FL on a stationary disc immersed coaxially in a slowly rotating cylinder containing a granular material. In a tall granular column, FL rises with the immersion depth h, but reaches a roughly constant asymptote at large h, in agreement with previous studies. Our results indicate that the argument in some earlier studies that FL is proportional to the static stress gradient is incorrect. Instead, our results show that the lift is caused by an asymmetry in the dilation and shear rate between the regions above and below the disc. We argue that the cause of the lift is similar to that in fluids, namely that it arises as a result of the disturbance in the velocity and density fields around the body due to its motion relative to the granular bed. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 5482–5489, 2017
Pooled analysis of the HLA‐DRB1 by smoking interaction in Parkinson disease
Authors: Chuang Yu‐Hsuan , Lee Pei‐Chen , Vlaar Tim , Mulot Claire , Loriot Marie‐Anne , Hansen Johnni , Lill Christina M. , Ritz Beate , Elbaz Alexis
Published: October 2017

Objective

Inflammatory response plays an important role in Parkinson disease (PD). Previous studies have reported an association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1 and the risk of PD. There has also been growing interest in investigating whether inflammation‐related genes interact with environmental factors such as smoking to influence PD risk. We performed a pooled analysis of the interaction between HLA‐DRB1 and smoking in PD in 3 population‐based case–control studies from Denmark and France.

Methods

We included 2,056 cases and 2,723 controls from 3 PD studies (Denmark, France) that obtained information on smoking through interviews. Genotyping of the rs660895 polymorphism in the HLA‐DRB1 region was based on saliva or blood DNA samples. To assess interactions, we used logistic regression with product terms between rs660895 and smoking. We performed random‐effects meta‐analysis of marginal associations and interactions.

Results

Both carrying rs660895‐G (AG vs AA: odds ratio [OR] = 0.81; GG vs AA: OR = 0.56; p‐trend = 0.003) and ever smoking (OR = 0.56, p < 0.001) were inversely associated with PD. A multiplicative interaction was observed between rs660895 and smoking using codominant, additive (interaction parameter = 1.37, p = 0.005), and dominant (interaction parameter = 1.54, p = 0.001) genetic models without any heterogeneity (I² = 0.0%); the inverse association of rs660895‐(AG+GG) with PD seen in never smokers (OR = 0.64, p < 0.001) disappeared among ever smokers (OR = 1.00, p = 0.99). Similar interactions were observed when we investigated light and heavy smokers separately.

Interpretation

Our study provides the first evidence that smoking modifies the previously reported inverse association of rs660895‐G with PD, and suggests that smoking and HLA‐DRB1 are involved in common pathways, possibly related to neuroinflammation. Ann Neurol 2017;82:655–664
Serum tau and neurological outcome in cardiac arrest
Authors: Mattsson Niklas , Zetterberg Henrik , Nielsen Niklas , Blennow Kaj , Dankiewicz Josef , Friberg Hans , Lilja Gisela , Insel Philip S. , Rylander Christian , Stammet Pascal , Aneman Anders , Hassager Christian , Kjaergaard Jesper , Kuiper Michael , Pellis Tommaso , Wetterslev Jørn , Wise Matthew , Cronberg Tobias
Published: October 2017

Objective

To test serum tau as a predictor of neurological outcome after cardiac arrest.

Methods

We measured the neuronal protein tau in serum at 24, 48, and 72 hours after cardiac arrest in 689 patients in the prospective international Target Temperature Management trial. The main outcome was poor neurological outcome, defined as Cerebral Performance Categories 3–5 at 6 months.

Results

Increased tau was associated with poor outcome at 6 months after cardiac arrest (median = 38.5, interquartile range [IQR] = 5.7–245ng/l in poor vs median = 1.5, IQR = 0.7–2.4ng/l in good outcome, for tau at 72 hours, p < 0.0001). Tau improved prediction of poor outcome compared to using clinical information (p < 0.0001). Tau cutoffs had low false‐positive rates (FPRs) for good outcome while retaining high sensitivity for poor outcome. For example, tau at 72 hours had FPR = 2% (95% CI = 1–4%) with sensitivity = 66% (95% CI = 61–70%). Tau had higher accuracy than serum neuron‐specific enolase (NSE; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.91 for tau vs 0.86 for NSE at 72 hours, p = 0.00024). During follow‐up (up to 956 days), tau was significantly associated with overall survival. The accuracy in predicting outcome by serum tau was equally high for patients randomized to 33 °C and 36 °C targeted temperature after cardiac arrest.

Interpretation

Serum tau is a promising novel biomarker for prediction of neurological outcome in patients with cardiac arrest. It may be significantly better than serum NSE, which is recommended in guidelines and currently used in clinical practice in several countries to predict outcome after cardiac arrest. Ann Neurol 2017;82:665–675
One‐Pot Synthesis of ABCDE Multiblock Copolymers with Hydrophobic, Hydrophilic, and Semi‐Fluorinated Segments
Authors: Anastasaki Athina , Oschmann Bernd , Willenbacher Johannes , Melker Anna , Van Son Martin H. C. , Truong Nghia P. , Schulze Morgan W. , Discekici Emre H. , McGrath Alaina J. , Davis Thomas P. , Bates Christopher M. , Hawker Craig J.
Published: October 2017

The scope and accessibility of sequence‐controlled multiblock copolymers is demonstrated by direct “in situ” polymerization of hydrophobic, hydrophilic and fluorinated monomers. Key to the success of this strategy is the ability to synthesize ABCDE, EDCBA and EDCBABCDE sequences with high monomer conversions (>98 %) through iterative monomer additions, yielding excellent block purity and low overall molar mass dispersities (Ð<1.16). Small‐angle X‐ray scattering showed that certain sequences can form well‐ordered mesostructures. This synthetic approach constitutes a simple and versatile platform for expanding the availability of tailored polymeric materials from readily available monomers.
Differential Epitope Mapping by STD NMR Spectroscopy To Reveal the Nature of Protein–Ligand Contacts
Authors: Monaco Serena , Tailford Louise E. , Juge Nathalie , Angulo Jesus
Published: October 2017

Saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR spectroscopy is extensively used to obtain epitope maps of ligands binding to protein receptors, thereby revealing structural details of the interaction, which is key to direct lead optimization efforts in drug discovery. However, it does not give information about the nature of the amino acids surrounding the ligand in the binding pocket. Herein, we report the development of the novel method differential epitope mapping by STD NMR (DEEP‐STD NMR) for identifying the type of protein residues contacting the ligand. The method produces differential epitope maps through 1) differential frequency STD NMR and/or 2) differential solvent (D2O/H2O) STD NMR experiments. The two approaches provide different complementary information on the binding pocket. We demonstrate that DEEP‐STD NMR can be used to readily obtain pharmacophore information on the protein. Furthermore, if the 3D structure of the protein is known, this information also helps in orienting the ligand in the binding pocket.
Consecutive Transformations of Tetrafluoropropenes: Hydrogermylation and Catalytic C−F Activation Steps at a Lewis Acidic Aluminum Fluoride
Authors: Meißner Gisa , Kretschmar Konrad , Braun Thomas , Kemnitz Erhard
Published: October 2017

Functionalization reactions of the refrigerants HFO‐1234yf (2,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropene) and HFO‐1234ze (1,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropene) were developed. The selectivity and reactivity towards CF3 groups of C−F activation reactions can be controlled by employing either a germane or a silane as the hydrogen source. Unique transformations were designed to accomplish consecutive hydrogermylation and C−F activation steps. This allowed for an unprecedented transformation of an olefinic C−F bond into a C−H bond by heterogeneous catalysis. These reactions are catalyzed by nanoscopic aluminum chlorofluoride (ACF) under very mild conditions.
Die Struktur von Mn(acac)3 – experimenteller Beleg für einen statischen Jahn‐Teller‐Effekt in der Gasphase
Authors: Berger Raphael J. F. , Girichev Georgiy V. , Giricheva Nina I. , Petrova Angelika A. , Tverdova Natalya V.
Published: October 2017

Die Struktur von freiem Mangan(III)tris(acetylacetonat) [Mn(acac)3] wurde mit massenspektrometrisch kontrollierter Gasphasenelektronenbeugung bestimmt. Mn(acac)3‐Gas besteht bei 125(5) °C aus einem einzigen C2‐symmetrischen Konformer von Mn(acac)3 mit einem tetragonal gedehnten MnO6‐Oktaeder als zentralem Strukturmotiv und aus 47(2) Mol‐% Acetylaceton (Hacac), das sich durch teilweise thermische Zersetzung aus Mn(acac)3 bildet. Drei Typen von Mn‐O‐Abständen ergaben sich aus der Verfeinerung (rh1=2.157(16), 1.946(5) und 1.932(5) Å). Wir fanden keine Anzeichen für merkliche Abweichungen der sechsgliedrigen Ringe ‐C‐C‐C‐O‐Mn‐O‐ von der Planarität, die man im Festkörper beobachtet.
Enantioselective Rhodium‐Catalyzed Coupling of Arylboronic Acids, 1,3‐Enynes, and Imines by Alkenyl‐to‐Allyl 1,4‐Rhodium(I) Migration
Authors: Callingham Michael , Partridge Benjamin M. , Lewis William , Lam Hon Wai
Published: October 2017

A chiral rhodium complex catalyzes the highly enantioselective coupling of arylboronic acids, 1,3‐enynes, and imines to give homoallylic sulfamates. The key step is the generation of allylrhodium(I) species by alkenyl‐to‐allyl 1,4‐rhodium(I) migration.
Pd nanoparticles immobilized on magnetic chitosan as a novel reusable catalyst for green Heck and Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction: In water at room temperature
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Sadeghi Ali R. , Khorsandi Zahra
Published: October 2017

A novel type of magnetically responsive chitosan nanocomposite was successfully synthesized as a green and high powerful palladium‐based heterogeneous catalyst and its efficiency in Heck and Suzuki cross‐coupling was evaluated. This catalyst promote a large library of functional substrates of these reactions under mild and sustainable conditions (water or ethanol as solvent, at room temperature, in significantly short reaction time (20 minutes)) and stand as recyclable, metal scavenging catalytic systems.
Facile synthesis of silicone‐toughened unsaturated polyester by hydroxyl‐terminated silicone copolycondensation
Authors: Xu Dawei , Wu Dingcai , Yu Tongbai , Fu Ruowen
Published: October 2017

A facile method is developed to synthesize silicone‐toughened unsaturated polyester (SUP‐M) by monomer copolymerization of anhydrides and diols with hydroxyl‐terminated silicone. The structures and molecular weights of the SUP‐M resins were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography, respectively. The gelation time and mechanical properties, including impact strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength, were investigated. The fracture behaviors were studied by scanning electron microscopy, and their glass‐transition temperature and storage modulus were measured by dynamic mechanical analysis. The experimental results showed that the impact strength of SUP‐M can be obviously improved through copolymerization with a small amount of silicone without decreasing its mechanical properties. The impact strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength of SUP‐M‐0.5 are as high as 12.5 KJ m−2, 131 MPa, and 59 MPa, which are increased by 76.1%, 21.2%, and 6.7%, respectively, compared with those of unsaturated polyester. Impacts on SUP‐M with low silicone content produce a large number of evenly and regularly distributed continuous narrow crack bands combined with many evenly distributed branching crazes, which are of great benefit in absorbing a large amount of impact energy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45562.
Working mechanism of post‐acting polycarboxylate superplasticizers containing acrylate segments
Authors: Zhang Liran , Kong Xiangming , Xing Feng , Dong Biqin , Wang Fang
Published: October 2017

Acrylate‐containing polycarboxylate superplasticizers were synthesized by copolymerizing acrylic acid, α‐methallyl‐ω‐methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) ether, and acrylic esters [hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) or hydroxypropyl acrylate (HPA)]. Their dispersing effects and fluidity‐retaining capabilities were evaluated by spread tests of cement pastes. The temperature sensitivity of the performance was especially focused upon. It was found by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and specific anionic charge density measurements that the ester groups in the acrylate‐containing copolymers hydrolyze in alkaline conditions, and thus additional RCOO− groups are continuously produced. The gradual production of RCOO− leads to increasing charge density and hence increasing adsorption of the polymer on the cement surface. The hydrolysis of HEA units is slightly faster than of HPA units in the corresponding copolymers. By this mechanism, a post‐acting, or delayed, dispersing effect is realized. Such post‐acting polymers alone or formulated with normal polycarboxylate superplasticizer can be used achieve a long fluidity retention of fresh concrete, especially under elevated temperatures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45753.
Optimization of material formulation and processing parameters in relation to mechanical properties of bioepoxy/clay nanocomposites using Taguchi design of experiments
Authors: Salam H. , Dong Y. , Davies I. J. , Pramanik A.
Published: October 2017

This article aims to study the effects of material formulation and processing parameters on mechanical properties of bioepoxy/clay nanocomposites based on epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) via Taguchi design of experiments (DoEs). A mixed‐level DoE with an L16 orthogonal array was constructed to achieve maximum levels of tensile strength, tensile modulus, and impact strength for corresponding bionanocomposites. Pareto analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to identify significant factors and preferred formulations in the manufacture of bioepoxy/clay nanocomposites. The ESO content was found to have the most significant effect with regards to bionanocomposite mechanical properties with contribution percentages of 66.63, 72.96, and 40.14% for their tensile strength, tensile modulus, and impact strength, respectively. With regards to material processing parameters, mechanical mixing speed was identified as a critical factor to achieve optimal tensile and impact properties. Nonetheless, the results also indicated clay content to be a significant factor for tensile strength, whereas curing agent type was vital for the improvement of tensile modulus and impact strength. Clay type and sonication time were also found to be significant factors for impact strength. In contrast to this, manufacturing parameters such as mechanical mixing temperature, mixing time, and sonication frequency were considered to be non‐significant factors due to their low cumulative contribution percentages of <10%. Finally, experimental confirmation tests based on the preferred combination of factors demonstrated good agreement with statistically predicted results. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45769.
Laccase‐mediated grafting of polyphenols onto cationized cotton fibers to impart UV protection and antioxidant activities
Authors: Kim Suyeon , Lee Hyunkyung , Kim Juhea , Oliveira Fernando , Souto Pedro , Kim Hyerim , Nakamatsu Javier
Published: October 2017

Enzyme‐mediated in situ functionalization of cotton fibers was studied using laccase. Caffeic acid and morin were used as reactive phenolic substrates for laccase and further employed to the modification of fiber surfaces. Laccase‐mediated oxidation and polymerization reactions of caffeic acid were monitored by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. During the wetting process, initial cationization of fiber surfaces using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) followed by enzymatic treatment with phenolic substrates resulted ineffective polymer grafting evidenced by high color stability. Changes of fiber surface properties by polymer grafting, such as morphology and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, were tested using scanning electron microscopy and gravimetric absorption tests. An acceptable level of color resistance to washing stress was obtained on caffeic acid treated samples, and a high level of rubbing resistance was obtained on samples treated with both caffeic acid and morin. Regarding the ultraviolet protection test, the cationized and enzymatically functionalized samples showed a very good protection grade (ultraviolet protection factor = 25). Finally, the antioxidant activity test of the modified fibers presented an improvement for radical scavenging potential due to the phenolic compounds incorporated to cotton fibers by laccase‐mediated catalysis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45801.
The microencapsulation of calcium chloride hexahydrate as a phase‐change material by using the hybrid coupler of organoalkoxysilanes
Authors: Yang Jeong Min , Kim Jeong Soo
Published: October 2017

A novel method of microencapsulation for inorganic salt hydrates as phase‐change material (PCM), which is essential for their broad application, was pursued by combining sol–gel process with interfacial polymerization. Calcium chloride hexahydrate (CCH), chosen as a representative PCM of salt hydrates, was used as a core material, and organoalkoxysilane was applied to provide hybrid properties of mediating the hydrophilic core and hydrophobic shell material. The Fourier transform infrared spectra and SEM images confirmed that the siloxane and polyurea shell material successfully capsulated the CCH core. Fine morphology of microcapsules was further investigated with SEM, and it presented almost‐spherical shape and a well‐defined core–shell structure. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that microcapsules containing CCH have sufficient thermal stability, which usually degraded in four steps. Differential scanning calorimeter investigation confirmed additionally that the microencapsulated CCH absorbs thermal energy with phase change during the melt process but undergo a severe super cooling phenomenon in the crystallizing process. In addition, the durability test was conducted to evaluate the siloxane polymer and polyurea as a shell material, protecting CCH from leaking. The effect of pH and the ratio of ingredients were studied in terms of encapsulation possibility and performance of core PCM, which include morphology of core–shell particles and essential thermal properties as a PCM. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45821.
Evidence of compatibility and thermal stability improvement of poly(propylene carbonate) and polyoxymethylene blends
Authors: Calderón Bárbara A. , Sobkowicz Margaret J.
Published: October 2017

Poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) is a promising new sustainable polymer produced from carbon dioxide. PPC has inferior thermal stability which could be enhanced by synergistic blending with other polymers. Blends of PPC and the engineering thermoplastic polyoxymethylene are produced by melt compounding in various weight ratios. The compatibility of the blends is investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), density measurements, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). TGA reveals that thermal stability of the blends increases dramatically in comparison to the neat PPC. A small shift in the glass transition temperature demonstrates the immiscibility of the blends but also indicates some compatibility, attributed to potential dipole–dipole interactions which are also corroborated with the FTIR results. A deviation of the rule of mixtures for density is found for some of the blends. SEM analysis of the blends shows two phase morphology; however, the interfacial adhesion appeared to be enhanced with increasing PPC content. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45823.
Construction of tissue‐engineered lymphatic vessel using human adipose derived stem cells differentiated lymphatic endothelial like cells and decellularized arterial scaffold: A preliminary study
Authors: Yang Yi , Yang Jian‐Tao , Chen Xiao‐Hu , Qin Ben‐Gang , Li Fu‐Gui , Chen Yun‐Xian , Gu Li‐Qiang , Zhu Jia‐Kai , Li Ping
Published: October 2017

We have previously demonstrated that human adipose‐derived stem cells (hADSCs) can be differentiated into lymphatic endothelial like cells. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of utilizing the induced lymphatic endothelial like cells and decellularized arterial scaffold to construct the tissue‐engineered lymphatic vessel.

The hADSCs were isolated from adipose tissue in healthy adults and were characterized the multilineage differentiation potential. Decellularized arterial scaffold was prepared using the Triton x‐100 method. ADSCs were differentiated into lymphatic‐like endothelial cells, and the induced cells were then seeded onto the decellularized arterial scaffold to engineer the lymphatic vessel. The histological analyses were performed to examine the endothelialized construct.

The decellularized arterial scaffold was successfully obtained and was able to maintain its vessel morphology. The isolated ADSCs can be differentiated into osteocytes and adipocytes. After seeding onto the scaffold, the seeded cells attached and grew well on the decellularized arterial scaffold.

Our preliminary results demonstrated that the induced lymphatic endothelial like cells combined with decellularized arterial scaffold could be utilized to successfully engineer the lymphatic vessel. Our findings may be helpful for the development of tissue‐engineering of the lymphatic graft.
Raumkonditionierung durch Sandwichfertigteildecken mit integrierten Phasenwechselmaterialien
Authors: Bilgin Deniz , Carrigan Svenja , Friedrich Thomas , Kornadt Oliver
Published: October 2017

In diesem Beitrag wird über die Entwicklung und Erprobung einer neuartigen Raumkonditionierung unter Verwendung von Phasenwechselmaterialien (PCM) berichtet. Das Prinzip besteht darin, überschüssige Wärme im Gebäudeinneren durch ein Umluftsystem in makroverkapseltes PCM, welches in die Sandwichdecke integriert ist, zu speichern. Das PCM erhöht die Wärmespeicherfähigkeit des Bauteils im relevanten Temperaturbereich um mehr als das 10‐fache und reduziert weitgehend vollständig ein Ansteigen der Bauteiltemperatur über die Temperatur des Phasenübergangs des PCM. Einer Überhitzung des Raums wird dadurch ganz beträchtlich entgegengewirkt. Die hier vorgestellten Ergebnisse umfangreicher Laborversuche belegen die grundsätzliche Funk tionsfähigkeit des Systems hinsichtlich Verarbeitbarkeit, Zyklenstabilität des verwendeten PCMs und Absenkung der Lufttemperatur. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass in einem zyklischen Tag‐Nachtbetrieb eine Reduktion der Lufttemperatur von 2 Kelvin erreicht werden könnte.
Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung von Schutzbauteilen mit dem Impakt‐Echo‐Verfahren
Authors: Zircher Tobias , Schulz Tobias
Published: October 2017

Militärische Einrichtungen der deutschen Bundeswehr stellen bei Einsätzen in einem Konfliktgebiet ein mögliches Ziel für Angriffe dar. Aus diesem Grund kommt der Sicherung von Infrastruktur mittels massiver Schutzbauteile eine hohe Bedeutung zu. Als Grundlage für die Entwicklung von Ingenieurmodellen zur Bemessung der Bauteile für Einwirkungen mit hohen Belastungsgeschwindigkeiten wurden Kontaktdetonationsversuche an Probekörpern, die aus Normal‐ und Stahlfaserbeton hergestellt sind, durchgeführt. Der durch die Kontaktdetonation erzeugte Schädigungsverlauf im Bauteil ist mittels zerstörungsfreier Prüfung untersucht worden. Ziel der Untersuchung war es, die Eignung des Impakt‐Echo(IE)‐Verfahrens für dieses besondere Anwendungsgebiet zu überprüfen. Die Untersuchungen zeigten, dass das IE‐Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Größe des geschädigten Bereichs geeignet war, aber nicht zur Detektion der exakten Schadenstiefe an jedem einzelnen Messpunkt. In der Zukunft werden noch weitere Untersuchungen mit zerstörungsfreien Prüfgeräten wie beispielsweise dem Georadar durchgeführt.
Abschätzung der Rissausbreitung in Stahlbetonbauteilen
Authors: Meinhardt Marcel
Published: October 2017

Die Rissbildung in Beton ist ein komplexes Phänomen, welches durch äußere Lasten und Zwang hervorgerufen werden kann und somit das Last‐Verformungs‐Verhalten von Stahlbeton beeinflusst, sobald die Zugfestigkeit überschritten wird. Folglich ist es bedeutsam vorherzusagen, wo Risse auftreten und wie sie sich ausbreiten.

Dieser Artikel gibt einen kurzen Überblick über die im Labor für Konstruktiven Ingenieurbau an der Universität der Bundeswehr München durchgeführten Experimente an Stahlbetonscheiben und ‐platten sowie über die wesentlichen Ergebnisse derselben. Anschließend wird auf die aktuelle Forschung des Autors eingegangen. Um ein besseres Verständnis zur Spannungsverteilung in der direkten Umgebung der Längs‐ und Querbewehrung zu erlangen, wird ein kleiner vereinfachter Ausschnitt einer Stahlbetonplatte in dem Finite‐Elemente‐Programm ANSYS modelliert. Ziel war es, die Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM), welche in ANSYS zur Rissfortschrittsanalyse implementiert ist, zu evaluieren sowie den Ort der Rissinitiierung und die Rissausbreitung zu untersuchen.
Verbund von Beton und Bewehrungsstahl bei hochdynamischer Beanspruchung
Authors: Michal Mathias
Published: October 2017

Bei dem Entwurf von Bauwerken wie Botschaften, militärischen Einrichtungen und Kernkraftwerken sind neben den planmäßigen auch außergewöhnliche Beanspruchungen wie Explosion und Impakt zu berücksichtigen. Diese Einwirkungen führen zu großen Verzerrungsraten in den betroffenen Baustoffen. Es ist bekannt, dass sich die mechanischen Eigenschaften von Stahl und Beton ebenso wie ihr Verbundverhalten mit der Belastungsgeschwindigkeit verändern. Die Kenntnis des ratenabhängigen Verbundverhaltens von Stahl und Beton ist die Voraussetzung für die nichtlineare Analyse von Stahlbetonbauteilen bei hochdynamischen Beanspruchungen, wenn Systemreserven durch plastische Lastumlagerungen ausgenutzt werden sollen, die Dichtigkeit gegen Flüssigkeiten oder Gase gewährleistet sein muss und Anforderungen an die Begrenzung der Rissbreite bestehen oder die auftretende Verformung begrenzt werden muss. Um das komplexe Zusammenwirken von Stahl und Beton bei hohen Belastungsgeschwindigkeiten zu erfassen, wurden geeignete experimentelle Methoden entwickelt. Auf Grundlage der Versuchsergebnisse werden Modelle vorgeschlagen, mit denen der Einfluss der Zeit auf den Verbund beschrieben werden kann.
Developing students’ mathematical and computational knowledge to investigate mooring line in ocean engineering
Authors: Zhou Xiang‐Lian , Wang Jian‐Hua , Zhang Lu‐Lu , Zhang Jun
Published: October 2017

The rapid development of fast, powerful, and affordable computer technology has provided educators options to introduce innovations in teaching and learning process. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of computational simulations on students' understanding of marine mooring line tension in ocean engineering course. Instructional strategies need to incorporate mathematical and computational knowledge into their practice project so that students can use its core concepts to solve interdisciplinary problems. By writing students own Matlab program, students will demonstrate the effect of mathematical and computational tools on the analysis of ocean structural dynamics. The effectiveness of instructional methods by investigating learning gains, instructional effect, and student perceptions about the course are evaluated. Through the teaching practice, students significantly increase their understanding of ocean engineering concepts.
Metabolic characteristics of programmed cell death‐ligand 1‐expressing lung cancer on 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography
Authors: Takada Kazuki , Toyokawa Gouji , Okamoto Tatsuro , Baba Shingo , Kozuma Yuka , Matsubara Taichi , Haratake Naoki , Akamine Takaki , Takamori Shinkichi , Katsura Masakazu , Shoji Fumihiro , Honda Hiroshi , Oda Yoshinao , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: October 2017

Programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1) and programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) have been identified as novel targets of immunotherapy of lung cancer. In present study, we evaluated the metabolic characteristics of lung cancer by using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F‐FDG PET/CT) with regard to PD‐L1 protein expression. PD‐L1 protein expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry with the antibody clone SP142 in 579 surgically resected primary lung cancer patients. Cases with less than 5% tumor membrane staining were considered negative. We examined the association between the frequency of PD‐L1 protein expression and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in preoperative 18F‐FDG PET/CT. The cut‐off values for SUVmax were determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses. The SUVmax was significantly higher in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with PD‐L1 protein expression compared with those without PD‐L1 protein expression (P < 0.0001). However, there was no correlation between SUVmax and PD‐L1 protein expression in patients with neuroendocrine tumors (P = 0.6545). Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking, the presence of pleural invasion, and high SUVmax were independent predictors of PD‐L1 positivity. PD‐L1‐expressing NSCLC had a high glucose metabolism. The SUVmax in preoperative 18F‐FDG PET/CT was a predictor of PD‐L1 protein expression in patients with NSCLC.
Dynamic changes of urine proteome in a Walker 256 tumor‐bearing rat model
Authors: Wu Jianqiang , Guo Zhengguang , Gao Youhe
Published: October 2017

Despite advances in cancer treatments, early diagnosis of cancer is still the most promising way to improve outcomes. Without homeostatic control, urine reflects systemic changes in the body and can potentially be used for early detection of cancer. In this study, a tumor‐bearing rat model was established by subcutaneous injection of Walker 256 cells. Urine samples from tumor‐bearing rats were collected at five time points during cancer development. Dynamic urine proteomes were profiled using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). Several urine proteins that changed at multiple time points were selected as candidate cancer biomarkers and were further validated by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analysis. It was found that the urinary protein patterns changed significantly with cancer development in a tumor‐bearing rat model. A total of 10 urinary proteins (HPT, APOA4, CO4, B2MG, A1AG, CATC, VCAM1, CALB1, CSPG4, and VTDB) changed significantly even before a tumor mass was palpable, and these early changes in urine could also be identified with differential abundance at late stages of cancer. Our results indicate that urine proteins could enable early detection of cancer at an early onset of tumor growth and monitoring of cancer progression.
Simultaneous IR‐Spectroscopic Observation of α‐Synuclein, Lipids, and Solvent Reveals an Alternative Membrane‐Induced Oligomerization Pathway
Authors: Fallah Mohammad A. , Gerding Hanne R. , Scheibe Christian , Drescher Malte , Karreman Christiaan , Schildknecht Stefan , Leist Marcel , Hauser Karin
Published: October 2017

The intrinsically disordered protein α‐synuclein (αS), a known pathogenic factor for Parkinson's disease, can adopt defined secondary structures when interacting with membranes or during fibrillation. The αS–lipid interaction and the implications of this process for aggregation and damage to membranes are still poorly understood. Therefore, we established a label‐free infrared (IR) spectroscopic approach to allow simultaneous monitoring of αS conformation and membrane integrity. IR showed its unique sensitivity for identifying distinct β‐structured aggregates. A comparative study of wild‐type αS and the naturally occurring splicing variant αS Δexon3 yielded new insights into the membrane's capability for altering aggregation pathways.
AGT Activity Towards Intrastrand Crosslinked DNA is Modulated by the Alkylene Linker
Authors: O'Flaherty Derek K. , Wilds Christopher J.
Published: October 2017

DNA oligomers containing dimethylene and trimethylene intrastrand crosslinks (IaCLs) between the O4 and O6 atoms of neighboring thymidine (T) and 2′‐deoxyguanosine (dG) residues were prepared by solid‐phase synthesis. UV thermal denaturation (Tm) experiments revealed that these IaCLs had a destabilizing effect on the DNA duplex relative to the control. Circular dichroism spectroscopy suggested these IaCLs induced minimal structural distortions. Susceptibility to dealkylation by reaction with variousO6‐alkylguanine DNA alkyltransferases (AGTs) from human andEscherichia coliwas evaluated. It was revealed that only human AGT displayed activity towards the IaCL DNA, with reduced efficiency as the IaCL shortened (from four to two methylene linkages). Changing the site of attachment of the ethylene linkage at the 5′‐end of the IaCL to the N3 atom of T had minimal influence on duplex stability and structure, and was refractory to AGT activity.
Cell Factory Design and Optimization for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Polyhydroxylated Compounds
Authors: Wiesinger Thomas , Bayer Thomas , Milker Sofia , Mihovilovic Marko D. , Rudroff Florian
Published: October 2017

A synthetic cascade for the transformation of primary alcohols into polyhydroxylated compounds in Escherichia coli, through the in situ preparation of cytotoxic aldehyde intermediates and subsequent aldolase‐mediated C−C bond formation, has been investigated. An enzymatic toolbox consisting of alcohol dehydrogenase AlkJ from Pseudomonas putida and the dihydroxyacetone‐/hydroxyacetone‐accepting aldolase variant Fsa1‐A129S was applied. Pathway optimization was performed at the genetic and process levels. Three different arrangements of the alkJ and fsa1‐A129S genes in operon, monocistronic, and pseudo‐operon configuration were tested. The last of these proved to be most beneficial with regard to bacterial growth and protein expression levels. The optimized whole‐cell catalyst, combined with a refined solid‐phase extraction downstream purification protocol, provides diastereomerically pure carbohydrate derivatives that can be isolated in up to 91 % yield over two reaction steps.
Nintedanib treatment delays prostate dorsolateral lobe cancer progression in the TRAMP model: contribution to the epithelial‐stromal interaction balance
Authors: Nogueira Pangrazi Ellen , da Silva Raquel F. , Kido Larissa A. , Montico Fabio , Cagnon Valéria H. A.
Published: October 2017

Prostate cancer (PCa) progression mechanism has been linked to epithelial proliferation, tumor invasion ability, and growth factors. Nintedanib (BIBF 1120) has been reported as being FGF and VEGF pathway inhibitors, exhibiting antitumor activity. Thus, the objective herein was to characterize the early Nintedanib treatment effects on the structure and molecules involved in the basal membrane, the extracellular matrix (ECM) maintenance, in addition to the angiogenesis and mitogenic processes at different grades of prostatic tumor development in TRAMP mice. Therefore, 45 male TRAMP mice were divided into control groups: 8‐week‐old mice (TC8), 12‐week‐old mice (TC12), and 16‐week‐old mice (TC16); and treated groups with 10 mg/kg/day Nintedanib dose for 4 weeks. The treated groups were euthanized at 12 (TN12) and 16 (TN16) weeks of age. Samples from the dorsolateral lobe were collected and processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and microvessel density analysis. The results showed that early Nintedanib treatment led to an increase of healthy epithelium frequency and a reduction of LGPIN and a maximum vascularization density in the TN12 group. Also, treatment led to a well‐differentiated adenocarcinoma decrease and an α and β dystroglycan and also laminin 1 increase in the TN16 group. IGFR1 decreased in the TN16 group. To conclude, early Nintedanib treatment led to a reduction in cancer severity, interfering in both ECM compounds and angiogenesis process to then contribute to a balance, not only in the prostatic epithelium and stroma, but also in the epithelial‐stromal interaction during PCa progression.
Fractional flow reserve versus angiography guided percutaneous coronary intervention: An updated systematic review
Authors: Enezate Tariq , Omran Jad , Al‐Dadah Ashraf S. , Alpert Martin , White Christopher J. , Abu‐Fadel Mazen , Aronow Herbert , Cohen Mauricio , Aguirre Frank , Patel Mitul , Mahmud Ehtisham
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To compare outcomes of fractional flow reserve (FFR) to angiography (ANGIO) guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

The results of a recent randomized controlled trial reported unfavorable effects of routine measurement of FFR, thereby questioning its validity in improving clinical outcomes.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were queried from January, 2000 through December, 2016 and studies comparing FFR and ANGIO guided PCI were included. Clinical endpoints assessed during hospitalization and at follow‐up (>9 months) included: myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), target lesion revascularization (TLR), and all‐cause mortality. Additional endpoints included number of PCIs performed, procedure cost, procedure time, contrast volume, and fluoroscopy time.

Results

A total of 51,350 patients (age 65 years, 73% male) were included from 11 studies. The use of FFR was associated with significantly lower likelihood of MI during hospitalization (OR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.39 to 0.75, P = 0.0003) and at follow‐up (OR 0.53, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.70, P = 0.00001). Similarly, FFR‐PCI was associated with lower in‐hospital MACE (OR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.70, P = 0.0001) and follow‐up MACE (OR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.47 to 0.86, P = 0.004). In‐hospital TLR was lower in the FFR‐PCI group (OR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.97, P = 0.04), but not at follow‐up (OR 0.83, 95% CI: 0.50 to 1.37, P = 0.46). There was no difference of in‐hospital (OR 0.58, 95% CI: 0.31 to 1.09, P = 0.09) or follow‐up all‐cause mortality (OR 0.84, 95%CI: 0.59 to 1.20, P = 0.34). FFR‐PCI was associated with significantly less PCI (OR 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.15, P = 0.00001) with lower procedure cost (Mean Difference −4.27, 95% CI: −6.61 to −1.92, P = 0.0004). However, no difference in procedure time (Mean Difference 0.79, 95% CI: −2.41 to 3.99, P = 0.63), contrast use (Mean Difference −8.28, 95% CI: −24.25 to 7.68, P = 0.31) or fluoroscopy time (Mean Difference 0.38, 95% CI: −2.54 to 3.31, P = 0.80) was observed.

Conclusions

FFR‐PCI as compared to ANGIO‐PCI is associated with lower in‐hospital and follow‐up MI and MACE rates. Although, in‐hospital TLR was lower in the FFR‐PCI group, this benefit was not present after 9 months. FFR‐PCI group was also associated with less PCI and lower procedure costs with no effect on procedure time, contrast volume or fluoroscopy time.
Vascular complications after balloon aortic valvuloplasty in recent years: Incidence and comparison of two hemostatic devices
Authors: Dall'Ara Gianni , Santarelli Andrea , Marzocchi Antonio , Bacchi Reggiani Maria Letizia , Sabattini Maria Rita , Moretti Carolina , Marrozzini Cinzia , Taglieri Nevio , Baldazzi Federica , Franco Nicoletta , Ortolani Paolo , Chiarabelli Matteo , Rodinò Giulio , Piovaccari Giancarlo , Rapezzi Claudio , Saia Francesco
Published: October 2017

Objectives

To define the incidence of vascular complications (VC) after balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in recent years, and to compare the performance of two vascular closure devices (VCD).

Background

VC remain the most frequent drawback of BAV and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes.

Methods

All BAV procedures performed at 2 high‐volume centers over a 6‐year period (n = 930) were collected in prospective registries and investigated to assess the incidence of Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 (VARC‐2) defined VC. Incidence of life‐threatening, major and minor bleeding was also assessed. In‐hospital major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) rate (composite of in‐hospital death, myocardial infarction, TIA/stroke, and life‐threatening bleeding) as well as 30‐day survival was compared between a suture‐mediated closure system and a collagen plug hemostatic device.

Results

A 9 Fr arterial sheath was used in most of the patients (84.1%). Vascular closure was obtained with the Angio‐Seal in 643 patients (69.1%) and the ProGlide in 287 (30.9%). The overall incidence of major VC was 2.7%, and minor VC 6.6%, without significant differences between groups. The Angio‐Seal group was associated with a higher rate of small hematomas (6.9% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.042), whilst blood transfusions were more frequent in the ProGlide group (6.6% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.034). Rates of in‐hospital MACCE and 30‐day survival were similar. Use of either VCD was not independently associated with major VC.

Conclusions

VC rate after BAV is fairly low in experienced centers without major differences between the 2 most used VCD.
Hierarchically Structured NiFeOx/CuO Nanosheets/Nanowires as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Czioska Steffen , Wang Jianying , Zuo Shangshang , Teng Xue , Chen Zuofeng
Published: October 2017

It is desirable to fabricate hierarchically structured NiFe‐based materials to further boost the performance of these state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Most of the NiFeOx catalysts in the form of layered double hydroxides feature a nanosheet structure, which limits their spatial extension at the electrode substrate. Herein, we report the fabrication of unique NiFeOx/CuO nanosheets/nanowires and their use as efficient electrocatalysts for the OER. The surface‐bound Cu(OH)2 nanowires were grown in situ on a copper substrate by a simple solution‐based method, which were then converted to CuO nanowires by calcination in air. The coating of NiFeOx nanosheets was achieved by anodic co‐deposition in concentrated carbonate solution containing NiII and FeIII. The presence of concentrated carbonate anions allows FeIII to be dissolved in a basic solution by complex ion formation. This strategy therefore avoids the destruction of CuO nanowires caused by the usual cathodic procedure in acidic solutions. At a planar copper foil, a small Tafel slope of 36 mV dec−1 was obtained in 1 m KOH and a current density of 100 mA cm−2 was reached at a very low overpotential of 300 mV from the Tafel plot. Electrolysis experiments showed high stability of the catalyst with nearly no loss in efficiency and morphology change after a prolonged period. The same catalyst could be established on a three‐dimensional copper foam.
Electronic Structures of Mono‐Oxidized Copper and Nickel Phosphasalen Complexes
Authors: Mustieles Marín Irene , Cheisson Thibault , Singh‐Chauhan Rohit , Herrero Christian , Cordier Marie , Clavaguéra Carine , Nocton Grégory , Auffrant Audrey
Published: October 2017

Non‐innocent ligands render the determination of the electronic structure in metal complexes difficult. As such, a combination of experimental techniques and quantum chemistry are required to correctly elucidate them. This paper deals with the one‐electron oxidation of copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes featuring a phosphasalen ligand (Psalen), which differs from salen analogues by the presence of iminophosphorane groups (P=N) instead of imines. Various experimental techniques (X‐ray diffraction, cyclic voltammetry, NMR, EPR, and UV/Vis spectroscopies, and magnetic measurements) as well as quantum chemical calculations were used to define the electronic structure of the oxidized complexes. These can be modified by a small change in the ligand structure, that is, the replacement of a tert‐butyl group by a methoxy on the phenoxide ring. The different techniques have allowed quantifying the amount of spin density located on the metal center and on the Psalen ligands. All complexes were found to possess a multi‐configurational ground state, in which the ratio of the +II versus +III oxidation state of the metal center, and therefore the phenolate versus phenoxyl radical ligand character, varies upon the substituents. The tert‐butyl group favors a strong localization on the metal center whereas with the methoxy group the metallic configurations decrease and the ligand configurations increase. The importance of the geometrical considerations compared with the electronic substituent effect is highlighted by the differences observed between the solid‐state (EPR, magnetic measurements) and solution characterizations (EPR and NMR data).
Saccharide‐Containing Dynamic Proteoids
Authors: Liu Yun , Stuart Marc C. A. , Witte Martin D. , Buhler Eric , Hirsch Anna K. H.
Published: October 2017

Dynamic proteoids are dynamic covalent analogues of proteins, which can be used as new adaptive biomaterials. We designed and synthesized a range of sugar‐containing dynamic proteoid biodynamers based on the polycondensation of different types of amino acid and dipeptide hydrazides with a biological aliphatic dialdehyde and a nonbiological aromatic dialdehyde. By using the saccharide‐based dialdehyde, the biocompatibility of biodynamers should be enhanced compared to previously reported biodynamers.