bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of active cuprous oxide particles and their catalytic application in 1,2,3‐triazole synthesis via alkyne‐azide cycloaddition reaction in water
Authors: Sawkmie Micky Lanster , Paul Dipankar , Kalita Gitumoni , Agarwala Khushboo , Maji Pradip K. , Chatterjee Paresh Nath
Published: October 2019

Active cuprous oxide materials are synthesized from CuSO4.5H2O using sodium stannite as reducing agent in the presence of various stabilizers, viz., cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, sodium dodecyl sulphate, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The synthesized cuprous oxide materials are well characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to ascertain their identity, while field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy analysis were used to study their morphology and composition, respectively. We have compared the catalytic prowess of the various cuprous oxide materials in the cycloaddition reaction of alkynes and azides to synthesize 1,4‐disubstituted‐1,2,3‐triazoles. A wide variety of substitutions can nicely be tolerated in our optimized reaction conditions to produce very good to excellent yields of the corresponding triazoles in water at 55 °C. The reactions are carried out in water without any assistance of organic cosolvent or other additives, which renders the catalytic method as economical and environment friendly.
Anti-streptococcal antibody and T-cell interactions with vascular endothelial cells initiate the development of rheumatic carditis
Authors: Sikder Suchandan , Rush Catherine M. , Govan Brenda L. , Alim Md A. , Ketheesan Natkunam
Published: October 2019

The role of group A streptococcal and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis M-protein specific Abs and T-cells in endothelial cell activation was investigated using cultured rat aortic endothelial cells, and in a rat model of autoimmune valvulitis. Heat inactivated serum and mononuclear cells from streptococcal M-protein immunized rats independently induced upregulation of the endothelial cell adhesion molecules, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 in cultured cells. We also observed T-cell migration across endothelial cell monolayers incubated with serum from M-protein-immunized rats. Furthermore, we observed VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression in the myocardium of rats injected with M-protein compared to control animals. These observations support the contention that initial interactions between streptococcal M-protein specific Abs and/or T-cells with the heart endothelium lead to endothelial cell activation followed by transmigration of M-protein specific T-cells into heart tissue leading to an inflammatory process that leads to carditis in rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
A novel TDFEM scheme based on high‐performance parallel solver PaStiX
Authors: Wu Xia
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we focus on the theory and fulfillment of parallel time domain finite element method (TDFEM) with PaStiX (Parallel Sparse matriX package) for solving three‐dimensional electromagnetic (EM) radiation problems. The motivation behind the research is required to maintain numerical stability and achieve high speed for parallel sparse LU factorization on parallel platforms. Firstly, we overview the concept of an unconditional stable TDFEM scheme, and numerical optimization for ill‐conditioned equations obtained from the TDFEM with perfectly matched layer (PML) was presented to alleviate nonconvergent results. Secondly, we develop sparse linear system solvers that use DS factorization to solve the preconditioned system. Numerical results were obtained from the cases of the cavity resonance problem and a cone antenna. A noteworthy observation from the time‐consuming results in different solvers is that PaStiX is usually much faster compared with UMFPACK and SuperLU.
Solid acids assisted matrix solid‐phase dispersion microextraction of alkaloids by capillary electrophoresis coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Qiu‐Yan , Dong Xin , Yang Juan , Zhen Xiao‐Ting , Ye Li‐Hong , Chu Chu , Wang Bin , Hu Yu‐Han , Zheng Hui , Cao Jun
Published: October 2019

The quantification of three alkaloids is important because quantitative study is a means of assessing the reliability of the experimental method, and three alkaloids of peimine, peiminine, and peimisine are main active ingredients in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2015. An effective method based on the matrix solid‐phase dispersion microextraction was developed for the extraction of alkaloid compounds in Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus. Target analytes were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The optimized experimental condition was that 50 mg Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus was blended homogeneously with 10 mg citric acid for 5 min. Two hundred microliters of water acidized by 1 mol/L hydrochloric acid (pH = 4.5) was selected to elute tested alkaloids. The results demonstrated that the investigated method had low limits of detection (1.32–1.59 ng/mL), good recoveries (86.63–98.12%), and reproducibility (relative standard deviations of peak areas < 0.87%). The proposed matrix solid‐phase dispersion microextraction coupled with capillary electrophoresis combined with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was successfully applied for the extraction of alkaloids in plants.
Correlation Between Endorectal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Predicting the Circumferential Resection Margin in Patients With Mid‐Low Rectal Cancer Without Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Ye Dalin , Zhu Zhimin , Chen Fei , Lie Chaowei , Li Wenlu , Lin Yunyong , Qiu Shaodong
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To assess the correlation between endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting the circumferential resection margin (CRM) status of patients with mid‐low rectal cancer without preoperative chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

Twenty patients with rectal cancer who did not receive preoperative chemoradiotherapy and underwent ERUS and MRI examinations before total mesorectal excision from May 2018 to April 2019 were included in this study. The patient and tumor characteristics, lymph nodes, tumor stages, ERUS and MRI predictors of the CRM status, and postoperative pathologic results were recorded. The closest distance between the deepest portion of lesion invasion and the mesorectal fascia was independently measured on MRI and ERUS images by 2 observers. The observers were blinded to the pathologic results. Measurements from ERUS and MRI were compared.

Results

The mean distance between the distal edge of the lesion and the anal verge was 5.7 cm (range, 3.1–8.1 cm). The ERUS and pathologic evaluations of CRM involvement were consistent in 90% of the cases. The MRI and pathologic evaluations of CRM involvement were concordant in 95% of the cases. The Cohen κ coefficient of ERUS and MRI was 0.608 (P = .007). The correlation coefficient of ERUS and MRI for assessing the closest distance from the edge of cancer invasion to the mesorectal fascia was 0.99 (P = .0005).

Conclusions

Endorectal ultrasound and MRI assessments of the preoperative CRM status appear to be highly consistent. Endorectal ultrasound can be used as a complementary tool with MRI to predict the CRM status of patients with mid‐low rectal cancer without preoperative chemoradiotherapy.
STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES IN METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR THE ABSOLUTE QUANTIFICATION OF ENDOGENOUS BIOMARKER METABOLITES USING LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY‐TANDEM MASS SPECTROMETRY
Authors: Khamis Mona M. , Adamko Darryl J. , El‐Aneed Anas
Published: October 2019

Metabolomics is a dynamically evolving field, with a major application in identifying biomarkers for drug development and personalized medicine. Numerous metabolomic studies have identified endogenous metabolites that, in principle, are eligible for translation to clinical practice. However, few metabolomic‐derived biomarker candidates have been qualified by regulatory bodies for clinical applications. Such interruption in the biomarker qualification process can be largely attributed to various reasons including inappropriate study design and inadequate data to support the clinical utility of the biomarkers. In addition, the lack of robust assays for the routine quantification of candidate biomarkers has been suggested as a potential bottleneck in the biomarker qualification process. In fact, the nature of the endogenous metabolites precludes the application of the current validation guidelines for bioanalytical methods. As a result, there have been individual efforts in modifying existing guidelines and/or developing alternative approaches to facilitate method validation. In this review, three main challenges for method development and validation for endogenous metabolites are discussed, namely matrix effects evaluation, alternative analyte‐free matrices, and the choice of internal standards (ISs). Some studies have modified the equations described by the European Medicines Agency for the evaluation of matrix effects. However, alternative strategies were also described; for instance, calibration curves can be generated in solvents and in biological samples and the slopes can be compared through ratios, relative standard deviation, or a modified Stufour suggested approaches while quantifying mainly endogenous metabolitesdent t‐test. ISs, on the contrary, are diverse; in which seven different possible types, used in metabolomics‐based studies, were identified in the literature. Each type has its advantages and limitations; however, isotope‐labeled ISs and ISs created through isotope derivatization show superior performance. Finally, alternative matrices have been described and tested during method development and validation for the quantification of endogenous entities. These alternatives are discussed in detail, highlighting their advantages and shortcomings. The goal of this review is to compare, apprise, and debate current knowledge and practices in order to aid researchers and clinical scientists in developing robust assays needed during the qualification process of candidate metabolite biomarkers. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Mass Spec Rev
Expanding the Phenotype of Dystonia‐Deafness Syndrome Caused by ACTB Gene Mutation
Authors: Freitas Julian Letícia , Vale Thiago Cardoso , Barsottini Orlando G.P. , Pedroso José Luiz
Published: October 2019

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The performance improvement of visible light communication systems under strong nonlinearities based on Gaussian mixture model
Authors: Wu Xingbang , Hu Fangchen , Zou Peng , Lu Xingyu , Chi Nan
Published: October 2019

Nonlinearity is a major problem in visible light communication (VLC). In recent years, machine learning has emerged and has been widely used in many fields. Among them, the nonlinear algorithms have gradually become a powerful tool to solve the nonlinearity in VLC. In this article, we compare the performance of two main clustering algorithms—Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and K‐means under strong nonlinear conditions. Experimental results show that the signal peak‐to‐peak voltage (Vpp)r range is approximately 0.25 V that meets the BER threshold of forward error correction when using GMM and is larger than the range using K‐means under the data rate is 1.5 Gbps.
Transient analysis of full‐space unbounded domains by reciprocal absorbing boundaries
Authors: Nguyen Cuong T. , Tassoulas John L.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we explore a combination of the reciprocal absorbing boundary condition with perfectly matched discrete layers for the time‐domain analysis of wave motion in the full plane. Coupling of these absorbing boundaries leads to solutions for out‐of‐plane as well as in‐plane excitations of the full plane. Together with numerical transient simulations, harmonic analysis is also carried out for the purpose of verifying the results by comparing with available exact frequency‐domain solutions. The proposed combination is investigated through several numerical examples, which demonstrate its accuracy and efficiency.
Children's self‐reports of fear and pain levels during needle procedures
Authors: Hedén Lena , von Essen Louise , Ljungman Gustaf
Published: October 2019

Aim

The objective was to determine the levels of and potential relationships between, procedure‐related fear and pain in children.

Design

Clinical based cross‐sectional.

Methods

Ninety children aged between 7–18 years were included consecutively and self‐reported levels of pain and fear on a 0–100 mm visual analogue scales (VAS) when undergoing routine needle insertion into a subcutaneously implanted intravenous port following topical anaesthesia.

Results

The needle‐related fear level was reported to be as high as the needle‐related pain level (mean VAS: 14 mm and 12 mm, respectively, N = 90). With fear as the dependent variable, age and pain were significantly associated and explained 16% of the variance. With pain as the dependent variable, fear was significantly associated and explained 11% of the variance. A post hoc analysis indicated that younger children reported their fear levels to be higher than their pain levels.
Challenging the indiscriminate use of temozolomide in pediatric high‐grade gliomas: A review of past, current, and emerging therapies
Authors: Guerra‐García Pilar , Marshall Lynley V. , Cockle Julia V. , Ramachandran Purushotham V. , Saran Frank H. , Jones Chris , Carceller Fernando
Published: October 2019

Pediatric high‐grade gliomas (pHGG) constitute 8% to 12% of primary brain tumors in childhood. The most widely utilized treatment encompasses surgical resection followed by focal radiotherapy and temozolomide. However, experiences over past decades have not demonstrated improved outcomes. pHGG have been classified into different molecular subgroups defined by mutations in histone 3, IDH gene, MAPK pathway, and others, thereby providing a rationale for various targeted therapies. Additionally, immunotherapy and drug repurposing have also become attractive adjunctive treatments. This review focuses on past, present, and emerging treatments for pHGG integrating molecular research with the mainstream pediatric drug development in Europe and the United States to sketch a way forward in the development of novel therapeutic approaches. The implementation of randomized clinical trials with adaptive designs, underpinned by a robust biological rationale, and harnessing collaboration between the pharmaceutical industry, academia, regulators and patients/parents organizations will be essential to improve the outcomes for these children.
Significantly enhanced thermal conductivity in polyimide composites with the matching of graphene flakes and aluminum nitride by in situ polymerization
Authors: He Xuhua , Yu Xin , Wang Yuechuan
Published: October 2019

Highly thermally conductive polymer composites are urgently required for effective heat dissipation in advanced electronic devices. Rational matching of thermal conductive fillers and proper preparation method are important for obtaining a highly thermally conductive composites at low filler content. Here we report polyimide (PI) composites filled with graphene flakes (GF) and polyhedral aluminum nitride (AlN), which simultaneously exhibit high thermal conductivity, improved thermal mechanical properties, and excellent thermal stability. PI composite films were readily prepared by in situ polymerization at the presence of fillers that are dispersed with sonication. The thermal conductivity of PI composite films reached 11.19 Wm−1 K−1 at the low content of 1 wt% GF and 10 wt% AlN, which is ascribed to the construction of synergistically enhanced heat transfer pathways by the combination of the hybrid fillers. The PI composite films with hybrid fillers also showed lower electrical conductivity than that of the PI composite films with single GF filler. This study provides an effective method for preparation of high‐performance thermal management materials.
Fetal MRI for dummies: what the fetal medicine specialist should know about acquisitions and sequences
Authors: Aertsen Michael , Diogo Mariana C. , Dymarkowski Steven , Deprest Jan , Prayer Daniela
Published: October 2019

Fetal MRI is an increasingly used tool in the field of prenatal diagnosis. While US remains the first line screening tool, as an adjuvant imaging tool, MRI has been proven to increase diagnostic accuracy and change patient counseling. Further, there are instances when US may not be sufficient for diagnosis. As a multidisciplinary field, it is important that every person involved in the referral, diagnosis, counseling and treatment of the patients is familiar with the basic principles, indications and findings of fetal MRI. The purpose of the current paper is to equip radiologists and non‐radiologists with basic MRI principles and essential topics in patient preparation and provide illustrative examples of when fetal MRI may be used. This aims to aid the referring clinician in better selecting and improve patient counseling prior to arrival in the radiology department and, ultimately, patient care.
Synthesis of π‐conjugated polymer containing both thiophene and phosphole sulfide in the main chain by simultaneous post‐element transformation of organotitanium polymer
Authors: Matsumura Yoshimasa , Nishiyama Hiroki , Inagi Shinsuke , Tomita Ikuyoshi
Published: October 2019

The synthesis and unique optoelectronic features of a π‐conjugated polymer containing both thiophene and 1‐phenylphosphole sulfide units (multiple heteroles) in the main chain by the post‐element transformation of a regioregular organometallic polymer possessing titanacyclopentadiene‐2,5‐diyl unit are described. The π‐conjugated polymer containing multiple heteroles was obtained in 73% yield by the simultaneous reaction of the organotitanium polymer with sulfur monochloride and dichlorophenylphosphine (0.6 equiv each), whose number‐average molecular weight (Mn) and the molecular‐weight distribution (Mw/Mn) were estimated to be 11,000 and 3.4, respectively, by the size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The π‐conjugated polymer thus obtained was found to have the high HOMO and the low LUMO energy levels due to the electron‐rich thiophene and electron‐deficient phosphole sulfide units, respectively, as supported by its cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis. Compared to a mixture of a polymer containing sole thiophene‐unit and that containing sole phosphole sulfide units, the π‐conjugated polymer‐containing multiple heteroles proved to exhibit interesting optical properties. For example, a specific emission peak was observed at 608 nm in the photoluminescence spectrum, which was not observed in the case of the thiophene‐containing polymer, the phosphole‐containing polymer, and their mixture. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2519–2525
Mechanical deformations of a liquid crystal elastomer at director angles between 0° and 90°: Deducing an empirical model encompassing anisotropic nonlinearity
Authors: Mistry Devesh , Gleeson Helen F.
Published: October 2019

Despite the wealth of studies reporting mechanical properties of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), no theory can currently describe their complete mechanical anisotropy and nonlinearity. Here, we present the first comprehensive study of mechanical anisotropy in an all‐acrylate LCE via tensile tests that simultaneously track liquid crystal (LC) director rotation. We then use an empirical approach to gain a deeper insight into the LCE's mechanical responses at values of strain, up to 1.5, for initial director orientations between 0° and 90°. Using a method analogous to time–temperature superposition, we create master curves for the LCE's mechanical response and use these to deduce a model that accurately predicts the load curve of the LCE for stresses applied at angles between 15° and 70° relative to the initial LC director. This LCE has been shown to exhibit auxetic behavior for deformations perpendicular to the director. Interestingly, our empirical model predicts that the LCE will further demonstrate auxetic behavior when stressed at angles between 54° and 90° to the director. Our approach could be extended to any LCE; so it represents a significant step forward toward models that would aid the further development of LCE theory and the design and modeling of LCE‐based technologies. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1367–1377
Effect of low‐temperature physical aging on the dynamic transitions of atactic polystyrene in the glassy state
Authors: Grigoriadi Kalouda , Putzeys Tristan , Wübbenhorst Michael , van Breemen Lambèrt C. A. , Anderson Patrick D. , Hütter Markus
Published: October 2019

The local and cooperative dynamics of atactic PS (a‐PS) were studied by broadband dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (BDRS) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR). The a‐PS has been subjected to thermal rejuvenation and subsequent quenching, short‐term aging (6 weeks), and long‐term aging (1 year) at ambient conditions. Where for the rejuvenated sample only an α‐ and a γ‐relaxation is observed, short‐term aging results in an additional β*‐relaxation that merges with the α‐relaxation at longer aging times. The γ‐relaxation is increasing in intensity and activation energy during aging. The α‐process shows no spectral changes and shift in the relaxation time upon aging. This may be attributed to a possible erasure of history of the material during the temperature‐sweep mode measurement. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results suggest that the energetically favorable trans‐trans (tt) conformers are increased in population with aging. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1394–1401
Insulating Ag–Polyimide Hybrid Films with a Tunable Dielectric Constant
Authors: Wiesinger Markus Klaus Diether , Welzel Till , Stutzmann Martin
Published: October 2019

Herein, the production of nonpercolative hybrid insulating films with adjustable dielectric constant at low filler fractions is reported. These films might be useful to shape field distributions in passivation stacks or as dielectrics in passive components of integrated circuits such as capacitors. It is shown how such a system can be realized with commercially available materials and simple tools and how they can be significantly improved by adapting the processing techniques applied. The improved electric and dielectric properties are related to changes in the microstructure of the films caused by the different processing conditions. The experiments show that the films possess sufficiently stable properties from room temperature up to 150 °C, which enable them to be used in devices. Finally, a model is proposed for the dielectric breakdown of the films that gives a direction for the further improvement of such material systems.
Efficient bivariate EWMA charts for monitoring process dispersion
Authors: Osei‐Aning Richard , Abbasi Saddam Akber
Published: October 2019

To ensure high quality standards of a process, the application of control charts to monitor process performance has become a regular routine. Multivariate charts are a preferred choice in the presence of more than one process variable. In this article, we proposed a set of bivariate exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) charts for monitoring the process dispersion. These charts are formulated based on a variety of dispersion statistics considering normal and non‐normal bivariate parent distributions. The performance of the different bivariate EWMA dispersion charts is evaluated and compared using the average run length and extra quadratic loss criteria. For the bivariate normal process, the comparisons revealed that the EWMA chart based on the maximum standard deviation (SMAXE) was the most efficient chart when the shift occurred in one quality variable. It also performed well when the sample size is small and the shift occurred in both quality variables. The EWMA chart based on the maximum average absolute deviation from median (MDMAXE) performed better than the other charts in most situations when the shift occurred in the covariance matrix for the bivariate non‐normal processes. An illustrative example is also presented to show the working of the charts.
Inertia‐free attitude stabilization for flexible spacecraft with active vibration suppression
Authors: Liu Chuang , Yue Xiaokui , Shi Keke , Sun Zhaowei
Published: October 2019

This paper addresses the inertia‐free attitude control problem for flexible spacecraft in the presence of inertia uncertainties, external disturbances, actuator faults, measurement errors, and input magnitude and rate constraints (MRCs). By analyzing the influence of external disturbances, faulty signals, and actual inertial matrix, a lumped disturbance is reconstructed to facilitate the controller design. Then, a new intermediate observer is developed to estimate the attitude and modal information and the lumped disturbance. The Lyapunov stability analysis shows that the developed controller can achieve the objectives of the attitude stabilization and vibration suppression with input MRCs. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control method.
Cooperative attack strategy design via H−/H∞ scheme for linear cyber‐physical systems
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Lei , Yang Guang‐Hong
Published: October 2019

This paper studies the problem of cooperative attack strategy design for cyber‐physical systems modeled by discrete‐time linear systems. A function that reflects the attacker's target is established, and a linear attack strategy is designed based on the objective function, in which the attack signal is unknown but energy bounded, while the statistical information of the existing ones is required to be known. Unlike the existing analysis methods for attack strategy, new Lyapunov functions that depend on the system states at different instants are constructed in the attack strategy analysis, and the sensitivity to the state estimator and the robustness against the detector are both enhanced on attack signals through using the H−/H∞ scheme. Finally, two simulation examples are given to show that the designed attack strategy achieves larger estimation errors and smaller detection probability simultaneously than the existing design methods.
Direct Visualization of Local Spin Transition Behaviors in Thin Molecular Films by Bimodal AFM
Authors: Shalabaeva Victoria , Bas Alin‐Ciprian , Piedrahita‐Bello Mario , Ridier Karl , Salmon Lionel , Thibault Christophe , Nicolazzi William , Molnár Gábor , Bousseksou Azzedine
Published: October 2019

Thin films of the molecular spin‐crossover complex [Fe(HB(1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)3)2] undergo spin transition above room temperature, which can be exploited in sensors, actuators, and information processing devices. Variable temperature viscoelastic mapping of the films by atomic force microscopy reveals a pronounced decrease of the elastic modulus when going from the low spin (5.2 ± 0.4 GPa) to the high spin (3.6 ± 0.2 GPa) state, which is also accompanied by increasing energy dissipation. This technique allows imaging, with high spatial resolution, of the formation of high spin puddles around film defects, which is ascribed to local strain relaxation. On the other hand, no clustering process due to cooperative phenomena was observed. This experimental approach sets the stage for the investigation of spin transition at the nanoscale, including phase nucleation and evolution as well as local strain effects.
Sensing Infrared Photons at Room Temperature: From Bulk Materials to Atomic Layers
Authors: Wang Peng , Xia Hui , Li Qing , Wang Fang , Zhang Lili , Li Tianxin , Martyniuk Piotr , Rogalski Antoni , Hu Weida
Published: October 2019

Room‐temperature operating means a profound reduction of volume, power consumption, and cost for infrared (IR) photodetectors, which promise a wide range of applications in both military and civilian areas, including individual soldier equipment, automatic driving, etc. Inspired by this fact, since the beginning of 1990s, great efforts have been made in the development of uncooled thermal detectors. During the last two decades, similar efforts have been devoted using IR photon detectors, especially based on photovoltaic effects. Herein, the proven technologies, which have been commercialized with a large format, like InGaAs/InP pin diodes, InAsSb barrier detectors, and high‐operating‐temperature HgCdTe devices, are reviewed. The newly developed technology is emphasized, which has shown unique superiority in detecting mid‐wavelength and long‐wavelength IR signals, such as quantum cascade photodetectors. Finally, brand‐new concept devices based on 2D materials are introduced, which are demonstrated to provide additional degrees of freedom in designing and fabricating room‐temperature IR devices, for example, the construction of multi‐heterojunctions without introducing lattice strain, the convenient integration of optical waveguides and electronic gratings. All information provided here aims to supply a full view of the progress and challenges of room‐temperature IR detectors.
3D Oxygen‐Defective Potassium Vanadate/Carbon Nanoribbon Networks as High‐Performance Cathodes for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Wang , Dong Liubing , Yang Wu , Xu Chengjun , Shao Guangjie , Wang Guoxiu
Published: October 2019

Rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted extensive interest owing to their low cost and high safety. Herein, oxygen‐defective potassium vanadate/amorphous carbon nanoribbons (C‐KVO|Od) are successfully synthesized through a one‐step solid‐state sintering process as a high‐performance cathode material for ZIBs. This unique 3D interconnected network structure can not only act as a continuous conductive path but also decrease aggregation and provide more adsorption sites for zinc ions. The as‐prepared C‐KVO|Od exhibits a high capacity of 385 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, superior rate performance (166 mAh g−1 even at 20 A g−1), and an outstanding cycling stability with a 95% capacity retention over 1000 cycles. Density functional theory calculations elucidate that the oxygen defects in the C‐KVO|Od remarkably reduce the Zn2+ ion's adsorption Gibbs free energy and Zn2+‐diffusion barriers. Meanwhile, the amorphous carbon networks enable the rapid electron transfer and provide additional active sites for Zn2+ storage. This work can facilitate the development of high‐performance ZIBs for large‐scale energy storage.
Trendsetters in High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells: Toward 20% Power Conversion Efficiency
Authors: Upama Mushfika Baishakhi , Mahmud Md Arafat , Conibeer Gavin , Uddin Ashraf
Published: October 2019

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are one of the most promising low‐carbon technologies for the generation of electricity. It is blessed with a relatively lower installation time and cost, light weight, semitransparent nature, and suitability for roll‐to‐roll printing process. In the past, critics of OSCs were concerned about its limited efficiency compared with other contemporary photovoltaic (PV) technologies. However, in the past few years, researchers in this field have made sufficient progress in terms of high performance, and OSC efficiency has witnessed significant growth. Today, a large number of OSCs are demonstrating >10% efficiency, recently reaching the milestone of 17%. The boost in efficiency is crucial for the successful commercialization of OSC. Herein, the recent advancements in OSC are highlighted to analyze the key players working behind the surge in its efficiency. The contributions of novel organic photovoltaics materials and their morphology as well as novel device architectures are discussed. Finally, the major challenges facing the upscaling and commercialization of OSCs are addressed.
Minimum cost performance‐based seismic design of reinforced concrete frames with pushover and nonlinear response‐history analysis
Authors: Mergos Panagiotis E.
Published: October 2019

Previous studies compare results of pushover and nonlinear response‐history analysis of predesigned reinforced concrete frames. The present study employs nonlinear response‐history analysis and pushover analysis with the N2 method in a computational framework for the minimum cost performance‐based seismic design of reinforced concrete frames according to the fib Model Code 2010 methodology and compares their obtained design solutions in terms of cost and structural performance. It is found that the minimum costs of pushover‐based designs are similar to the costs from response‐history analysis for regular frames but the pushover‐based designs can be more expensive for irregular frames. Furthermore, the pushover‐based designs are not guaranteed to satisfy performance objectives when subjected to response‐history analysis even when more than one lateral load distributions are applied.
Prospective of sugarcane bagasse ash for controlling the alkali‐silica reaction in concrete incorporating reactive aggregates
Authors: Abbas Safeer , Sharif Asim , Ahmed Ali , Abbass Wasim , Shaukat Sbahat
Published: October 2019

Sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA) is a supplementary material widely used around the world for improving mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Main aim of this study was to examine the potential of SBA for controlling alkali‐silica reaction (ASR) in concrete incorporating reactive aggregates. SBA and reactive aggregates were acquired from local industry and quarry. Mortar bar specimens were cast to investigate various dosages of SBA (i.e., 10, 20, 30, and 40% by cement weight) for mitigating the alkali‐silica reactivity expansion as per ASTM C1260. Petrography analysis of aggregates revealed the presence of deleterious minerals, which are prone to ASR. Strength activity index and thermal analysis results confirmed the pozzolanic activity of SBA. Mortar bar results showed 20 and 40% decrease in ASR expansion for specimens incorporating 10 and 40% of SBA by cement weight, respectively. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy analysis showed no sign of cracks due to ASR for specimens incorporating SBA. The improved behavior of specimens with SBA addition was due to alkali absorption and dilution process leading to low CaO/SiO2 ratio, confirmed through energy disperse X‐ray spectroscopy. Therefore, it can be envisioned that full‐scale implementation of SBA addition in concrete mixtures could mitigate land filling of this by‐product and lead toward the development of eco‐friendly and sustainable technique for controlling the ASR associated damages in concrete structures.
Politics of (Dis)Integration – An Introduction
Authors: Collyer Michael , Hinger Sophie , Schweitzer Reinhard
Published: October 2019

Something called ‘integration’ has been an official policy goal for the last 50 years or more, at least in liberal democracies. As far as the integration of newcomers is concerned, this liberal consensus has however begun to change in the last few years. While some migrants have always been excluded from integration policies, we can now see a significant rise in the creation of barriers to their equal participation in social systems. In this chapter, we argue that such disintegration policies nonetheless remain linked to the idea of integration; and introduce ‘(dis)integration’ as an analytical tool to describe this intertwining. We thereby build on and seek to contribute to three strands of literature: civic stratification, inclusion/exclusion, and critical citizenship. In order to do this, we develop three related arguments: First, we highlight that integration is often framed in terms of limited capacity to justify accompanying measures of disintegration. Second, we explore how individuals (can) counter such disintegration measures through ‘acts of integration’ that range from adapting to legal constraints, to migrant activism and solidarity with identified others. Third, we show that the (dis)integration of some is inherently connected to the (dis)integration of society as a whole.
Erratum to: On the Noether charge and the gravity duals of quantum complexity
Authors: Fan Zhong-Ying , Guo Minyong
Published: October 2019

In the original published version of this paper, the corresponding author was selected by mistake during the review process. Here we state that Minyong Guo is the corresponding author of this paper.
Radiatively scotogenic type-II seesaw and a relevant phenomenological analysis
Authors: Chen Chuan-Hung , Nomura Takaaki
Published: October 2019

Abstract

When a small vacuum expectation value of Higgs triplet (𝜐∆) in the type-II seesaw model is required to explain neutrino oscillation data, a fine-tuning issue occurs on the mass-dimension lepton-number-violation (LNV) scalar coupling. Using the scotogenic approach, we investigate how a small LNV term is arisen through a radiative correction when an Z2-odd vector-like lepton (X) and an Z2-odd right-handed Majorana lepton (N) are introduced to the type-II seesaw model. Due to the dark matter (DM) direct detection constraints, the available DM candidate is the right-handed Majorana particle, whose mass depends on and is close to the m

X
parameter. Combing the constraints from the DM measurements, the h → γγ decay, and the oblique T -parameter, it is found that the preferred range of v∆ is approximately in the region of 10
−5
−10
−4 GeV; the mass difference between the doubly and the singly charged Higgs is less than 50 GeV, and the influence on the h → Z γ decay is not significant. Using the constrained parameters, we analyze the decays of each Higgs triplet scalar in detail, including the possible three-body decays when the kinematic condition is allowed. It is found that with the exception of doubly charged Higgs, scalar mixing effects play an important role in the Higgs triplet two-body decays when the scalar masses are near-degenerate. In the non-degenerate mass region, the branching ratios of the Higgs triplet decays are dominated by the three-body decays.
Six top messages of new physics at the LHC
Authors: Han Huayong , Huang Li , Ma Teng , Shu Jing , Tait Tim M.P. , Wu Yongcheng
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Six top signatures provide a novel probe of new physics. We discuss production of six top quarks as the decay products of a pair of top partners in the setting of a composite Higgs model, and argue that the six top signal may generically provide one of the first final states to show a discrepancy. We construct an analysis based on quantities such as H

T
and the numbers of jets which are tagged as boosted tops, W s, or containing b-tags, and show that the LHC with 3 ab
−1 can discover top partners with masses up to around 2.5 TeV in the six top signature.
Black hole remnants
Authors: Chamseddine Ali H. , Mukhanov Viatcheslav , Russ Tobias B.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We show that in asymptotically free mimetic gravity with limiting curvature the black hole singularity can be resolved and replaced by a static patch of de Sitter space. As a result of Hawking evaporation of these non-singular black holes, there remain stable remnants with vanishing Hawking temperature.
Patient‐Reported Barriers to Accessing Surgical Care in Northern Vanuatu
Authors: Young S. , Leodoro B. , Toukune A. , Ala R. , Bissett I. , Windsor J. A. , Dare A. J. , Perry W. R. G.
Published: October 2019

Background

The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery proposed that population access to essential surgical care within 2 h is a core indicator of health system preparedness. Little evidence exists to characterise access to surgical care for island nations, including Vanuatu, a lower middle‐income country in the Western Pacific.

Methods

A descriptive, facility‐based, survey of surgical inpatients was undertaken over a 6‐month period at Northern Provincial Hospital (NPH), Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. This evaluated demographics, access to surgical care using the ‘three delays’ framework and clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 121 participants were surveyed (60% of all surgical admissions), of which 31% required emergency surgery. Only 20% of emergency surgical cases accessed care within 2 h. There were no emergency cases from Torba or Malekula. The first delay (delay in seeking care) had the biggest impact on timely access. There was a geographic gradient to access, gender preponderance (males), and a delay in seeking surgical care due to a preference for traditional healers.

Conclusion

There is urgent need to improve access to surgical care in Vanuatu, particularly for Torba and Malekula catchments. Demographic, geographic, sociocultural, and economic factors impact on timely access to surgical care within the northern regions of Vanuatu and support the notion that addressing access barriers is more complex than ensuring the availability of surgical resources. Future priorities should include efforts to reduce the first delay, address the role of traditional medicine, and review the geographic disparities in access.
Repeat Hepatectomy for Early Recurrence of Colorectal Liver Metastases—Prognostic Impacts Assessed from the Recurrence Pattern
Authors: Watanabe Genki , Mise Yoshihiro , Ito Hiromichi , Inoue Yosuke , Ishizawa Takeaki , Takahashi Yu , Saiura Akio
Published: October 2019

Background

It is unclear how early liver recurrence negatively affects survival in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal liver metastases (CLM) and whether to perform re‐hepatectomy for early recurrence is still controversial. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of re‐hepatectomy for early recurrence of CLM.

Methods

We reviewed 634 patients undergoing initial hepatectomy for CLM between 2004 and 2015. In 131 patients (20.7%), liver recurrence occurred within 6 months after surgery (early recurrence group [ER]). Recurrence pattern and survivals of ER were compared with those of 150 patients (23.7%) who had liver recurrence more than 6 months after surgery (late recurrence group [LR]). Re‐hepatectomy was indicated for resectable disease regardless of the timing of recurrence without using preoperative chemotherapy.

Results

The 5‐year overall survival (OS) rates after initial hepatectomy in ER (24.0%) were worse than those in LR (57.7%, p < 0.01). Although the incidence of concomitant extrahepatic recurrence was not different between ER and LR, the rate of re‐hepatectomy for recurrence confined to the liver in ER (72.5% [58/80]) was lower than that in LR (88.9% [96/108], p < 0.01). In ER, re‐hepatectomy was found to independently improve survival (HR: 6.479, p < 0.01), offering the 5‐year OS rate after re‐hepatectomy of 45.2%. The sites and timing of re‐recurrence after re‐hepatectomy were not different between ER and LR.

Conclusions

Impaired survival of early liver recurrence is attributed to extensive liver recurrence. However, re‐hepatectomy indicated based on resectability is associated with improved survival in patients with early recurrence, tempering the re‐recurrence mode.
SPMSQ for risk stratification of older patients in the emergency department
Authors: Schönstein A. , Wahl H.-W. , Katus H. A. , Bahrmann A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Risk stratification of older patients in the emergency department (ED) is seen as a promising and efficient solution for handling the increase in demand for geriatric emergency medicine. Previously, the predictive validity of commonly used tools for risk stratification, such as the identification of seniors at risk (ISAR), have found only limited evidence in German geriatric patient samples. Given that the adverse outcomes in question, such as rehospitalization, nursing home admission and mortality, are substantially associated with cognitive impairment, the potential of the short portable mental status questionnaire (SPMSQ) as a tool for risk stratification of older ED patients was investigated.

Objective

To estimate the predictive validity of the SPMSQ for a composite endpoint of adverse events (e.g. rehospitalization, nursing home admission and mortality).

Method

This was a prospective cohort study with 260 patients aged 70 years and above, recruited in a cardiology ED. Patients with a likely life-expectancy below 24 h were excluded. Follow-up examinations were conducted at 1, 3, 6 and 12 month(s) after recruitment.

Results

The SPMSQ was found to be a significant predictor of adverse outcomes not at 1 month (area under the curve, AUC 0.55, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.46–0.63) but at 3 months (AUC 0.61, 95% CI 0.54–0.68), 6 months (AUC 0.63, 95% CI 0.56–0.70) and 12 months (AUC 0.63, 95% CI 0.56–0.70) after initial contact.

Conclusion

For longer periods of observation the SPMSQ can be a predictor of a composite endpoint of adverse outcomes even when controlled for a range of confounders. Its characteristics, specifically the low sensitivity, make it unsuitable as an accurate risk stratification tool on its own.
Genetic mapping of tuber size distribution and marketable tuber yield under drought stress in potatoes
Authors: Aliche Ernest B. , Oortwijn Marian , Theeuwen Tom P. J. M. , Bachem Christian W. B. , van Eck Herman J. , Visser Richard G. F. , van der Linden C. Gerard
Published: October 2019

Drought sensitivity of potato leads to a reduction in total tuber yield and marketable yield. An investigation of drought effects on tuber yield attributes will facilitate our understanding of how to reduce such huge yield losses. We have evaluated tuber yield, tuber size distribution and marketable yield of a set of 103 European commercial potato cultivars under irrigated and non-irrigated conditions in the field. The multi-year results from two locations, Connantre, France (2013–2015) and Nieuw-Namen in Zeeland, The Netherlands (2013–2014), were analysed. We used Normal and Gamma Distribution models to describe the tuber size distribution of tuber fresh weight and tuber number, respectively. The interactions among parameters of tuber size distribution and total/marketable tuber yield traits were analysed using correlation matrices and biplots. Finally, we used a 14K Infinium SNP marker array to find associations between the parameters or traits and genetic loci on the potato genome. Late foliage maturity facilitated a wider spread of tuber size distribution in favour of larger-sized tubers. Drought effects on total yield were representative of their impact on marketable yield, however, absolute values of total tuber number may not be indicative of marketable number of tubers. We found significant marker-trait associations between a region on chromosome 3 and the spread of tuber number distribution, size class with maximum tuber number and marketable fractions of tuber number and tuber weight. These findings will contribute to improvement and selection for drought tolerance in potato.
Prenatal Zidovudine Treatment Modifies Early Development of Rat Osteoid – Confocal Microspectroscopy Analysis
Authors: Drzazga Zofia , Ciszek Wojciech , Binek Mariusz
Published: October 2019

Autofluorescence of the bone extracellular matrix (ECM) has not been widely explored although the ECM plays a very important role in bone development. In our research we focused on examining the bone matrix of very young animals due to the intense growth process during the first month of life. Structure images and fluorescence spectra of the bone surface were carried out using confocal fluorescence microscope Eclipse Ti-S inverted CLSM (NIKON, Japan) for compact tibia of healthy 7-, 14- and 28-day-old rat newborns after prenatal zidovudine administration in comparison with control. Spectral features of ECM autofluorescence were analyzed statistically by taking into consideration p < 0.05. The CLSM technique allows for simultaneous examination of the structure and autofluorescence from selected areas of the bone surface. Excessive autofluorescence of ECM after prenatal zidovudine administration influences bone growth incommensurably to the newborns’ age. Therefore the possibility of an additional non-enzymatic mechanism of collagen cross-linking in the first two weeks of life of newborn rats prenatally treated with zidovudine has been considered. Our results suggest that ECM autofluorescence can be an indicator of bone development in the normal and pathological state.