bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Performance Li–SeSx All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Li Xiaona , Liang Jianwen , Luo Jing , Wang Changhong , Li Xia , Sun Qian , Li Ruying , Zhang Li , Yang Rong , Lu Shigang , Huang Huan , Sun Xueliang
Published: March 2019

All‐solid‐state Li–S batteries are promising candidates for next‐generation energy‐storage systems considering their high energy density and high safety. However, their development is hindered by the sluggish electrochemical kinetics and low S utilization due to high interfacial resistance and the electronic insulating nature of S. Herein, Se is introduced into S cathodes by forming SeSx solid solutions to modify the electronic and ionic conductivities and ultimately enhance cathode utilization in all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Theoretical calculations confirm the redistribution of electron densities after introducing Se. The interfacial ionic conductivities of all achieved SeSx–Li3PS4 (x = 3, 2, 1, and 0.33) composites are 10−6 S cm−1. Stable and highly reversible SeSx cathodes for sulfide‐based ASSLBs can be developed. Surprisingly, the SeS2/Li10GeP2S12–Li3PS4/Li solid‐state cells exhibit excellent performance and deliver a high capacity over 1100 mAh g−1 (98.5% of its theoretical capacity) at 50 mA g−1 and remained highly stable for 100 cycles. Moreover, high loading cells can achieve high areal capacities up to 12.6 mAh cm−2. This research deepens the understanding of Se–S solid solution chemistry in ASSLB systems and offers a new strategy to achieve high‐performance S‐based cathodes for application in ASSLBs.
Spatially Confined Growth of Fullerene to Super‐Long Crystalline Fibers in Supramolecular Gels for High‐Performance Photodetector
Authors: Liu Kaiqiang , Gao Sheng , Zheng Zhi , Deng Xinling , Mukherjee Somnath , Wang Suansuan , Xu Hua , Wang Jinqiang , Liu Jianfei , Zhai Tianyou , Fang Yu
Published: March 2019

As a superstar organic semiconductor, fullerene (C60) is versatile in nature for its multiple photoelectric applications. However, owing to its natural 0D structure, a challenge still remains unbeaten as to growth of 1D fullerene crystals with tunable sizes. Herein, reported is an efficient approach to grow C60 as super‐long crystalline fibers with tunable lengths and diameters in supramolecular gel by synergic changes of anti‐solvent, gel length, crystallization time or fullerene concentration. As a result, the crystalline C60 fibers can be modulated to as long as 70 mm and 70 000 in their length‐to‐width ratio. In this case, the gel 3D network provides spatial confinements for the growth of 1D crystal along the directional dispersion of anti‐solvent. The fabricated fullerene device exhibits high responsivity (2595.6 mA W‐1) and high specific detectivity (2.7 × 1012 Jones) at 10 V bias upon irradiation of 400 nm incident light. The on/off ratio and its quantum efficiency are near to 540 and about 800%, respectively, and importantly, its photoelectric property remains very stable after storage in air for six months. Therefore, spatially confined growth of fullerene in supramolecular gels will be another crucial strategy to synthesize 1D semiconductor crystals for photoelectrical device applications in near future.
Room Temperature Electrically Driven Ultraviolet Plasmonic Lasers
Authors: Yang Xun , Ni Pei‐Nan , Jing Peng‐Tao , Zhang Li‐Gong , Ma Ren‐Min , Shan Chong‐Xin , Shen De‐Zhen , Genevet Patrice
Published: March 2019

Plasmonic lasers, which make use of the strong confinement of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), are key components to realize ultracompact coherent light sources at deep subwavelength scale. Currently, large metal and radiation losses of their metallic cavities limit electrically driven plasmonic lasers operation mainly at cryogenic temperature, where sufficient gain can be obtained. It is a crucial challenge to accomplish high performance electrically driven plasmonic lasers operated at room temperature. Benefiting from the large exciton binding energy and large oscillator strength of zinc oxide (ZnO) gain media, an optically pumped ultraviolet (UV) plasmonic laser is demonstrated from a hybrid metal–insulator–semiconductor structure, in which a magnesium oxide (MgO) gap layer plays a critical role in reducing the metallic loss. Further optimizing the thickness of the MgO gap layer and ZnO active layer, room temperature electrically driven UV plasmonic lasers with a threshold of 70.2 A cm‐2 are realized for the first time under the injection of electrical carriers through the metallic electrode of the hybrid structure. Localizing light in subwavelength dimension, this novel type of UV plasmonic nanolasers may find various applications in photolithography, sensing, integrated microfluidic systems for surface sterilizations and nanoscale treatment processes.
On‐Demand Coalescence and Splitting of Liquid Marbles and Their Bioapplications
Authors: Wang Ben , Chan Kai Fung , Ji Fengtong , Wang Qianqian , Chiu Philip Wai Yan , Guo Zhiguang , Zhang Li
Published: March 2019

Coalescence and splitting of liquid marbles (LMs) are critical for the mixture of precise amount precursors and removal of the wastes in the microliter range. Here, the coalescence and splitting of LMs are realized by a simple gravity‐driven impact method and the two processes are systematically investigated to obtain the optimal parameters. The formation, coalescence, and splitting of LMs can be realized on‐demand with a designed channel box. By selecting the functional channels on the device, gravity‐based fusion and splitting of LMs are performed to mix medium/drugs and remove spent culture medium in a precise manner, thus ensuring that the microenvironment of the cells is maintained under optimal conditions. The LM‐based 3D stem cell spheroids are demonstrated to possess an approximately threefold of cell viability compared with the conventional spheroid obtained from nonadhesive plates. Delivery of the cell spheroid to a hydrophilic surface results in the in situ respreading of cells and gradual formation of typical 2D cell morphology, which offers the possibility for such spheroid‐based stem cell delivery in regenerative medicine.
Preparation of the Borane (Fmes)BH2 and its Utilization in the FLP Reduction of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Li Jun , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: March 2019

Treatment of 1,3,5‐tris(trifluoromethyl)benzene with n‐BuLi, followed by H3B⋅SMe2 and subsequent hydride removal gave the (Fmes)BH2 reagent, which was isolated as a SMe2 stabilized monomer or a ligand free (μ‐H)2‐bridged dimer. Reaction with Mes2P(vinyl) gave the respective ethylene‐bridged P/B(Fmes)H FLP. It reduced carbon monoxide to the formyl stage and carbon dioxide to the formaldehyde oxidation state. Most new compounds were characterized by X‐ray diffraction.
Vinylogous Reactivity of Cyclic 2‐Enones: Organocatalysed Asymmetric Addition to 2‐Enals to Synthesize Fused Carbocycles
Authors: Sofiadis Manolis , Kalaitzakis Dimitris , Sarris John , Montagnon Tamsyn , Vassilikogiannakis Georgios
Published: March 2019

A method for asymmetric and site selective annulations at the γ and γ′ positions of cyclic 2‐enones with α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes has been developed. The organocatalysed [3+3]‐annulations proceed with high levels of regio‐, diastereo‐, and enantioselectivity, affording a series of high value fused carbocycles. Further elaboration gave key lactones (both bridged and fused).
Piano‐stool Ru (II) arene complexes that contain ethylenediamine and application in alpha‐alkylation reaction of ketones with alcohols
Authors: Kavukcu Serdar Batıkan , Günnaz Salih , Şahin Onur , Türkmen Hayati
Published: March 2019

A series of piano‐stool Ru (II) complexes (Ru1–7) bearing ethylenediamine with aryl and aliphatic groups were prepared and fully characterized by 1H, 13C, 19F and 31P NMR spectroscopy, FT‐IR and elemental analysis. The crystal structures of Ru2–4 and Ru7 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. They were successfully applied to the alpha(α)‐alkylation of aliphatic and aromatic ketones with alcohols via the borrowing hydrogen strategy in mild reaction conditions within a short time. The catalytic system has a broad substrate scope, which allows the synthesis of alpha alkylated ketones with excellent yields. The electronic and steric effects of complexes on catalytic activity were analysed. The influence of the carbon chain length of the ligand on the alpha‐alkylation reaction of ketones was also investigated. The catalytic cycle was also examined by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy in d8‐toluene.
New transition metal complexes of 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone p‐toluyl hydrazone Schiff base: Synthesis, spectroscopy, DNA and HSA interactions, antimicrobial, DFT and docking studies
Authors: Moradinia Elham , Mansournia Mohammadreza , Aramesh‐Boroujeni Zahra , Bordbar Abdol‐Khalegh
Published: March 2019

The new complexes of Cu (II) and Ni (II) of a tridentate Schiff base ligand derived from 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone and p‐toluic hydrazide have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electrical conductometry, FT‐IR, Mass, NMR and UV–Vis. The DFT calculations were carried out at B3LYP/6‐31G*(d) level for the determination of the optimized structure of the ligand and its complexes. The as‐synthesized compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Also, their binding behavior with fish salmon‐DNA (FS‐DNA) and human serum albumin (HSA) were studied by different kinds of spectroscopic and molecular modeling techniques. The fluorescence data at different temperatures were applied in order to estimate the thermodynamics parameters of interactions of ligand and its complexes with DNA and HSA. The results showed that the as‐made compounds could bind to FS‐DNA and HSA via the groove binding as the major binding mode. According to molecular docking calculation and competitive binding experiments, these compounds bind to the minor groove of DNA and hydrophobic residues located in the subdomain IB of HSA. In addition, the molecular docking results kept in good consistence with experimental data.
Is the Newly Described Interstitial Network the Anatomical Basis of Acupuncture Meridians? A Commentary
Authors: Tomov Nikola , Atanasova Dimitrinka , Dimitrov Nikolay
Published: March 2019

A network passing through interstitial tissues of the human body has been recently described. Despite its functional importance is yet unknown, we try to briefly summarize the known data and to interpret it from the viewpoint of Traditional Chinese medicine. We consider the peculiarities of the interstitium to be the morphological basis of at least some of the known phenomena along acupuncture meridians.
Catalytic Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Dehydroamino Acid Esters with Biscarbamate Protection and Its Application to the Synthesis of xCT Inhibitors
Authors: Yasuno Yoko , Mizutani Iho , Sueuchi Yuki , Wakabayashi Yuuka , Yasuo Nozomi , Shimamoto Keiko , Shinada Tetsuro
Published: March 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is Tetsuro Shinada and co‐workers at Osaka City University and Suntory Foundation For Life Science. The image depicts new catalytic asymmetric synthesis (dragon ball), designed molecules (dragon), and the molecular target (xCT) on cancer cells (tiger). Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201900289.
Chemical Modification of the sp‐Hybridized Carbon Atoms of Graphdiyne by Using Organic Sulfur
Authors: Yang Ze , Cui Weiwei , Wang Kun , Song Yuwei , Zhao Fuhua , Wang Ning , Long Yunze , Wang Huanlei , Huang Changshui
Published: March 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Changshui Huang and co‐workers at the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The image depicts sulfur‐decorated graphdiyne, which can provide more defects and storage sites, thus displaying good performance for energy storage devices. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201900477.
Electrocardiographic modifications induced by breast implants
Authors: Bun Sok‐Sithikun , Taghji Philippe , Errahmouni Abdelkarim , Laţcu Decebal Gabriel , Al Amoura Alaa , Enache Bogdan , Hugues Thomas , Yaïci Khelil , Saoudi Nadir
Published: March 2019

Background

Echocardiography realization can be challenging in the presence of breasts implants (BI). It is less known if electrocardiograms (ECG) may be modified in the presence of BI.

Methods

ECG from women with BI (and without any known cardiac structural disease) were sent and analyzed by two experienced electrophysiologists (EP1 and EP2) who were blinded and completely unaware of the context of the patients (Group 1). ECG from a control matched‐group of female women without BI (Group 2) were also blindly sent for analysis.

Results

ECG were collected from 28 women with BI (42 ± 8 years) without any acute medical condition. A proportion of 42% of the ECG were considered abnormal by EP1 and 46% by EP2. The abnormalities were for EP1: negative T waves (5), ST depression in inferolateral leads (2), absence of R wave progression from V1 to V4 (4), left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (1), long QT(1), early repolarization (1), short PR (1); For EP2: negative T waves (6), ST depression in inferolateral leads (2), absence of R wave progression from V1 to V4 (4), LV hypertrophy(3), long QT (1), early repolarization (1). ECG from group 2 were considered abnormal in only 1 patient (5%) for EP1, and normal in all for EP2 (P = 0.0002 between the groups).

Conclusions

ECG from women with BI were considered abnormal in 42% to 46% of the cases by expert readers. ECG interpretation can thus be misleading in these women.
Molecular Imaging of the Heart
Authors: Boutagy Nabil E. , Feher Attila , Alkhalil Imran , Umoh Nsini , Sinusas Albert J.
Published: March 2019

Multimodality cardiovascular imaging is routinely used to assess cardiac function, structure, and physiological parameters to facilitate the diagnosis, characterization, and phenotyping of numerous cardiovascular diseases (CVD), as well as allows for risk stratification and guidance in medical therapy decision‐making. Although useful, these imaging strategies are unable to assess the underlying cellular and molecular processes that modulate pathophysiological changes. Over the last decade, there have been great advancements in imaging instrumentation and technology that have been paralleled by breakthroughs in probe development and image analysis. These advancements have been merged with discoveries in cellular/molecular cardiovascular biology to burgeon the field of cardiovascular molecular imaging. Cardiovascular molecular imaging aims to noninvasively detect and characterize underlying disease processes to facilitate early diagnosis, improve prognostication, and guide targeted therapy across the continuum of CVD. The most‐widely used approaches for preclinical and clinical molecular imaging include radiotracers that allow for high‐sensitivityin vivodetection and quantification of molecular processes with single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography. This review will describe multimodality molecular imaging instrumentation along with established and novel molecular imaging targets and probes. We will highlight how molecular imaging has provided valuable insights in determining the underlying fundamental biology of a wide variety of CVDs, including: myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmias, and nonischemic and ischemic heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. In addition, the potential of molecular imaging to assist in the characterization and risk stratification of systemic diseases, such as amyloidosis and sarcoidosis will be discussed. © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:477‐533, 2019.
Slc26 Family of Anion Transporters in the Gastrointestinal Tract: Expression, Function, Regulation, and Role in Disease
Authors: Seidler Ursula , Nikolovska Katerina
Published: March 2019

SLC26 family members are multifunctional transporters of small anions, including Cl−, HCO3−, sulfate, oxalate, and formate. Most SLC26 isoforms act as secondary (coupled) anion transporters, while others mediate uncoupled electrogenic transport resembling Cl−channels. Of the 11 described SLC26 isoforms, the SLC26A1,2,3,6,7,9,11 are expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, where they participate in salt and water transport, surface pH‐microclimate regulation, affect the microbiome composition, the absorption, and secretion of oxalate and sulfate, and other functions that require further study. Several intestinal or extra‐intestinal diseases are related to SLC26A mutations. Patients with congenital chloride diarrhea (CLD) suffer from Cl−‐rich acidic diarrhea and systemic alkalosis due to SLC26A3 mutations. Patients with osteochondrodysplastic syndromes experience skeletal defects due to SLC26A2 mutations, resulting in defective sulfate absorption in enterocytes and sulfate uptake in chondrocytes. Because of functional interactions between SLC26 and other proteins, such as the Cl−channel CFTR, some of the intestinal cystic fibrosis manifestations may be attributed to impaired SLC26 isoform localization and function. The altered expression of SLC26 members due to inflammation or operative procedures have important consequences on intestinal transport and barrier function in common diseases as inflammatory bowel disease or bariatric surgery. The present review gives an overview on the current state of knowledge of the intestinally expressed SLC26A isoforms (SLC26A1,2,3,6,7,9,11) from the history of their functional identification, cloning and expression, the insights into their function, interaction partners and regulation gained in heterologous expression systems and Slc26a‐deficient mice, to information about their transcriptional regulation and roles in gastrointestinal disease manifestations. © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:839‐872, 2019.
Exercise and Cardiovascular Progenitor Cells
Authors: Landers‐Ramos Rian Q. , Sapp Ryan M. , Shill Daniel D. , Hagberg James M. , Prior Steven J.
Published: March 2019

Autologous stem/progenitor cell‐based methods to restore blood flow and function to ischemic tissues are clinically appealing for the substantial proportion of the population with cardiovascular diseases. Early preclinical and case studies established the therapeutic potential of autologous cell therapies for neovascularization in ischemic tissues. However, trials over the past ∼15 years reveal the benefits of such therapies to be much smaller than originally estimated and a definitive clinical benefit is yet to be established. Recently, there has been an emphasis on improving the number and function of cells [herein generally referred to as circulating angiogenic cells (CACs)] used for autologous cell therapies. CACs include of several subsets of circulating cells, including endothelial progenitor cells, with proangiogenic potential that is largely exerted through paracrine functions. As exercise is known to improve CV outcomes such as angiogenesis and endothelial function, much attention is being given to exercise to improve the number and function of CACs. Accordingly, there is a growing body of evidence that acute, short‐term, and chronic exercise have beneficial effects on the number and function of different subsets of CACs. In particular, recent studies show that aerobic exercise training can increase the number of CACs in circulation and enhance the function of isolated CACs as assessed inex vivoassays. This review summarizes the roles of different subsets of CACs and the effects of acute and chronic exercise on CAC number and function, with a focus on the number and paracrine function of circulating CD34+ cells, CD31+ cells, and CD62E+ cells. © 2019 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol9:767‐797, 2019.
Oxidation of a Dithieno[3,4‐b:3′,4′‐d]thiophene Cyclic Dimer Containing a Planar Cyclooctatetraene Ring: Retention of High Antiaromaticity During Reactions
Authors: Hamaoka Hinako , Shiroma Shun , Aburaya Kazuaki , Hasegawa Masashi , Nishinaga Tohru
Published: March 2019

One‐electron and peracid oxidations of dithieno[3,4‐b : 3’,4’‐d]thiophene cyclic dimer, which contains an antiaromatic planar cyclooctatetraene (COT) core, were conducted. The reaction of the cyclic dimer with SbCl5 produced isolable radical cation salts. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that the spin density of the radical cation resides not on the COT ring but on the peripheral sulfur and carbon atoms in the thiophene unit with retention of high antiaromaticity based on the nucleus‐independent chemical shift (NICS). The peracid oxidation of the cyclic dimer was found to proceed not on the COT ring but on the bridging sulfur atom in the dithienothiophene moiety. The retention of the high antiaromaticity of the COT ring after the sulfoxide formation was experimentally confirmed based on the relative hardness, and also was theoretically supported by NICS calculations. Interestingly, the DFT calculations suggested that the high antiaromaticity does not enhance the reactivity towards the epoxidation on the COT ring.
Building peace through systemic compassion
Authors: Rothbart Daniel , Allen Susan H.
Published: March 2019

More than an individual emotion experienced by conflict resolution practitioners, compassion constitutes a primary norm of the field of peacebuilding. Three domains of peacebuilding practice are showcased: first, the human rights agenda of the United Nations, second, the practices of everyday peace, and third, the strategies among professionals of interactive conflict resolution. Motivated by the compassion‐related programs in these domains, we propose that peacebuilders develop strategies that are intended to foster compassion among the conflict parties. The notion of systemic compassion is introduced and illustrated with examples within current practice.
A UWB receiver with modified CS‐CG LNTA: Noise and nonlinearity analysis
Authors: Javadi Mohsen , Miar‐Naimi Hossein , Hosseini Andargoli Seyed Mehdi
Published: March 2019

A modified common source‐common gate (CS‐CG) low‐noise transconductance amplifier (LNTA) with an improved noise figure (NF), operational bandwidth, and power consumption are analyzed in this paper. The common source (CS) stage of the modified LNTA is utilized for noise cancellation and transconductance enhancement of the common gate (CG) transistor. Using these, NF, bandwidth, and power consumption are improved without using extra active elements. Noise analyses show the modified CS‐CG LNTA has lower NF than conventional CS‐CG LNTA. The linearity of the modified CS‐CG LNTA is calculated by Taylor series expression. Besides, a design procedure is proposed based on the obtained equations for linearity and NF. Finally, an ultra‐wideband (UWB) surface acoustic wave (SAW‐less) direct‐conversion receiver is designed in 65 nm complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) technology. NF and third‐order intercept point (IIP3) of the designed receiver are simulated as 5 dB and −2 dBm, respectively. The receiver consumes 18.4 mA from a 1.8 V supply voltage.
Electrochemical Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling of N‐Aryl‐tetrahydroisoquinolines with Phosphites and Indole
Authors: Xie Wenxia , Liu Nian , Gong Bowen , Ning Shulin , Che Xin , Cui Lili , Xiang Jinbao
Published: March 2019

A metal‐ and reagent‐free, electrochemical cross‐dehydrogenative coupling reaction of N‐aryl‐tetrahydroisoquinolines with phosphites and indole is developed. This method provides an environmentally benign and simple approach for the construction of C–P and C–C bonds in moderate to high yields with wide tolerance of functional groups.
Direct Synthesis of an Oligomeric Series of Interlocked, Cyclodextrin‐Based [c2]Daisy Chains
Authors: Randone Lisa , Onagi Hideki , Lincoln Stephen F. , Easton Christopher J.
Published: March 2019

Despite their anticipated utility and aesthetic appeal, attempts to prepare extended molecular daisy chains have been thwarted by preferential formation of cyclic dimers ([c2]‐rotaxanes). Previously, to circumvent this limitation, an alternative type of molecular chain has been synthesized by linking pre‐prepared [c2]rotaxanes already interlocked with bulky capping groups. Instead of this stepwise approach, here we describe the direct self‐assembly of dimeric complexes and their in situ oligomerization, which simultaneously interlocks the dimers so that no prior capping of the complexes is required. Eight individual supramolecular species, including a tetramer, hexamer, octamer and decamer series, have been isolated and characterized. The decamer is derived from 16 molecular components, through ten highly selective reactions of six equivalents of the bifunctional linking reagent with five self‐assembled dimeric cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, all in one pot.
N‐Trifluoromethylthiosaccharin/TMSOTf: A New Mild Promoter System for Thioglycoside Activation
Authors: Carthy Cian Mc , Tacke Matthias , Zhu Xiangming
Published: March 2019

For the first time, N‐trifluoromethylthiosaccharin was used to activate thioglycosides in the presence of catalytic amounts of TMSOTf. The results show that the activated thioglycosides undergo glycosidation reactions with various glycosyl acceptors to give the corresponding glycosides in moderate to excellent yields. In addition, orthogonal activation of ethyl thioglycoside in the presence of phenyl thioglycoside was achieved under the developed conditions.
Synthesis and Applications of Dihydropyrrolocarbazoles
Authors: Giraud Francis , Pereira Elisabeth , Anizon Fabrice , Moreau Pascale
Published: March 2019

In this review, the synthesis as well as the potential applications of various dihydropyrrolocarbazole regioisomers ([2,3‐a], [2,3‐b], [2,3‐c], [3,2‐a], [3,2‐b], and [3,2‐c]) are reported. The review mainly describes the synthetic methodologies allowing the construction of the heteroaromatic scaffolds, excluding patents and covering literature from 2000 until present.
Development of a ten‐element hybrid simulation platform and an adjustable yielding brace for performance evaluation of multi‐story braced frames subjected to earthquakes
Authors: Mojiri Saeid , Kwon Oh‐Sung , Christopoulos Constantin
Published: March 2019

This paper presents a ten‐element hybrid (experimental‐numerical) simulation platform, referred to as UT10, which was developed for running hybrid simulations of braced frames with up to ten large‐capacity physical brace specimens. This paper presents the details of the development of different components of UT10 and an adjustable yielding brace (AYB) specimen, which was designed to perform hybrid simulations with UT10. As the first application of UT10, a five‐story buckling‐restrained braced frame and a special concentrically braced frame (BRBF and SCBF) were designed and tested with AYB specimens and buckling specimens representing the braces. Cyclic tests of the AYB, one‐ and three‐element hybrid simulations of the BRBF, and four‐element hybrid simulations of the SCBF inside the UT10 confirmed the functionality of UT10 for running hybrid simulations on multiple specimens. The tests also indicated that AYB was capable of producing a stable hysteretic response with characteristics similar to BRBs. Comparison of the results of the hybrid simulations of the BRBF and SCBF with their fully numerical models showed that the modeling inaccuracies of the yielding braces could potentially affect the global response of the multi‐story braced frames further emphasizing the need for experimental calibration or hybrid simulation for achieving more accurate response predictions. UT10 provides a simple and reconfigurable platform that can be used to achieve a realistic understanding of the seismic response of multi‐story frames with yielding braces, distinguish their modeling limitations, and improve different modeling techniques available for their seismic response prediction.
Variations in the dynamic response of structures founded on piles induced by obliquely incident SV waves
Authors: Medina Cristina , Álamo Guillermo M. , Aznárez Juan J. , Padrón Luis A. , Maeso Orlando
Published: March 2019

Although the seismic actions generally consist of a combination of waves, which propagates with an angle of incidence not necessarily vertical, the common practice when analyzing the dynamic behavior of pile groups is based on the assumption of vertically incident wave fields. The aim of this paper is to analyze how the angle of incidence of SV waves affects the dynamic response of pile foundations and piled structures. A three‐dimensional boundary element‐finite element coupling formulation is used to compute impedances and kinematic interaction factors corresponding to several configurations of vertical pile groups embedded in an isotropic homogeneous linear viscoelastic half‐space. These results, which are provided in ready‐to‐use dimensionless graphs, are used to determine the effective dynamic properties of an equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillator that reproduces, within the range where the peak response occurs, the response of slender and nonslender superstructures through a procedure based on a substructuring model. Results are expressed in terms of effective flexible‐base period and damping as well as maximum shear force at the base of the structure. The relevance and main trends observed in the influence of the wavefront angle of incidence on the dynamic behavior of the superstructure are inferred from the presented results. It is found that effective damping is significantly affected by the variations of the wave angle of incidence. Furthermore, it comes out that the vertical incidence is not always the worst‐case scenario.
A new macromodel for the assessment of the seismic response of infilled RC frames
Authors: Pantò Bartolomeo , Rossi Pier Paolo
Published: March 2019

Numerous research studies have proved that numerical models aiming at an accurate evaluation of the seismic response of RC framed buildings cannot ignore the inelastic behaviour of infills and the interaction between infill and frame elements. To limit the high computational burden of refined non‐linear finite element models, in the latest decades, many researchers have developed simplified infill models by means of single or multiple strut‐elements. These models are low time‐consuming and thus adequate for static and dynamic analyses of multi‐storey structures. However, their simulation of the seismic response is sometimes unsatisfying, particularly in the presence of infill walls with regular or (particularly) irregular distributions of openings. This paper presents a new 2D plane macro‐element, which provides a refined simulation of the non‐linear cyclic response of infilled framed structures at the expense of a limited computational cost. The macro‐element consists of an articulated quadrilateral panel, a single 1D diagonal link, and eight 2D links and is able to model the shear and flexural behaviour of the infill and the non‐linear flexural/sliding interaction between infill and surrounding frame. The proposed macro‐element has been implemented into the open source software OpenSees and used to simulate the response of single‐storey, single‐span RC infilled frame prototypes tested by other authors. The above prototypes are selected as made of different masonry units and characterised by full or open geometric configuration.
Improving the flame retardancy of polypropylene by nano metal–organic frameworks and bioethanol coproduct
Authors: Xie Jiong , Shi Xiaowei , Zhang Mi , Dai Xiu , Wang Xinlong
Published: March 2019

In this work, a novel flame retardant system based on nano zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) and the distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) without traditional flame retardants has been designed and blended with polypropylene (PP) to prepare the green flame retarded composites. The influences of nano ZIF‐8 and DDGS on mechanical properties and flame retardancy of PP are studied. The results indicate that combination of nano ZIF‐8 and DDGS improves the mechanical properties of PP, and the tensile strength of the composites containing 29 wt% of DDGS and 1 wt% of nano ZIF‐8 reaches 34.0 MPa compared with 24.7 MPa of pure PP. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the composites containing 27 wt% DDGS and 3 wt% of nano ZIF‐8 is about 25.0% compared with 17.5% of pure PP. Besides, its horizontal burning velocity also decreases significantly. The char residues after burning of the PP composites are analyzed, and the mechanism is discussed in detail.
India's family planning market and opportunities for the private sector: An analysis using the total market approach
Authors: Mozumdar Arupendra , Acharya Rajib , Mondal Subrato Kumar , Shah Amit Arun , Saggurti Niranjan
Published: March 2019

The private (commercial) sector in India can complement public sector for family planning services, but the roadmap to engage these two sectors remains a challenge. The total market approach (TMA) offers a strategy by understanding the comparative advantage of public, commercial, and nonprofit sectors. We estimated TMA indicators using data of four rounds of the National Family Health Surveys: 1992‐93, 1998‐99, 2005‐06, and 2015‐16. The contraceptive prevalence of modern methods in India did not increase in recent years, but the number of users increased, and so did the market size for the commercial sector. In rural areas, the current market size in 2015‐16 (75 million) failed to reach its potential size in 1992‐93 (84 million). In urban areas, the market of modern contraceptives is mostly composed of the users from higher wealth, and a high percentage of users obtain contraceptives from subsidized sources. The family planning market of northern part of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh and of Northeast India are in the “early” stage and need more demand generation; “matured” markets are mostly concentrated in and around big metros. Subsidization in urban areas should be offered to the targeted population who need family planning products and services at low cost.
A predictive formula for the Nusselt number of compressible laminar fluid flow passing the thermal developing zone of a hot tube
Authors: Abolpour Bahador , Shamsoddini Rahim
Published: March 2019

Many of the industrial and engineering problems need to know the value of the convective heat transfer coefficient of fluid flows within various tools, systems, or tubes. In the present study, a predictive formula has been obtained for the Nusselt number for compressible laminar flows passing the velocity developed and thermal developing zone of a hot tube with different angles with the horizon. A fractional factorial experimental design method and an optimization method have been utilized for obtaining a width range and accurate formula. Finally, the ability of this formula has been examined using a set of testing data.
Biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction in inherited cystathionine β‐synthase deficient homocystinuria and the impact of taurine treatment in a phase 1/2 human clinical trial
Authors: Van Hove Johan L. K. , Freehauf Cynthia L. , Ficicioglu Can , Pena Loren D. M. , Moreau Kerrie L. , Henthorn Thomas K. , Christians Uwe , Jiang Hua , Cowan Tina M. , Young Sarah P. , Hite Michelle , Friederich Marisa W. , Stabler Sally P. , Spector Elaine B. , Kronquist Kathryn E. , Thomas Janet A. , Emmett Peggy , Harrington Mary J. , Pyle Laura , Creadon‐Swindell Geralyn , Wempe Michael F. , MacLean Kenneth N.
Published: March 2019

Study Objective

A phase 1/2 clinical trial was performed in individuals with cystathionine
β synthase (CBS) deficient homocystinuria with aims to: (a) assess pharmacokinetics and safety of taurine therapy, (b) evaluate oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular function in CBS deficiency, and (c) evaluate the impact of short‐term taurine treatment.

Methods

Individuals with pyridoxine‐nonresponsive CBS deficiency with homocysteine >50 μM, without inflammatory disorder or on antioxidant therapy were enrolled. Biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, endothelial function (brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation [FMD]), and disease‐related metabolites obtained at baseline were compared to normal values. While maintaining current treatment, patients were treated with 75 mg/kg taurine twice daily, and treatment response assessed after 4 hours and 4 days.

Results

Fourteen patients (8‐35 years; 8 males, 6 females) were enrolled with baseline homocysteine levels 161 ± 67 μM. The study found high‐dose taurine to be safe when excluding preexisting hypertriglyceridemia. Taurine pharmacokinetics showed a rapid peak level returning to near normal levels at 12 hours, but had slow accumulation and elevated predosing levels after 4 days of treatment. Only a single parameter of oxidative stress, 2,3‐dinor‐8‐isoprostaglandin‐F2α, was elevated at baseline, with no elevated inflammatory parameters, and no change in FMD values overall. Taurine had no effect on any of these parameters. However, the effect of taurine was strongly related to pretreatment FMD values; and taurine significantly improved FMD in the subset of individuals with pretreatment FMD values <10% and in individuals with homocysteine levels >125 μM, pertinent to endothelial function.

Conclusion

Taurine improves endothelial function in CBS‐deficient homocystinuria in patients with preexisting reduced function.
Shifting corporate social responsibility to corporate social opportunity through creating shared value
Authors: Moon Hwy‐Chang , Parc Jimmyn
Published: March 2019

Contributing to society is not simply a charitable gesture but can be a value creating activity when utilized with an appropriate strategy. Companies should attempt to move from “good corporation” to “smart corporation.” Society should also recognize that corporations are the organizations that create values in collaboration rather than just offering away some of their profits to society. When both corporations and society realize this mutually beneficial role, we can develop a virtuous cycle of increasing the benefits for both corporations and society.
Multispectral photoacoustic imaging for the detection of subclinical melanoma
Authors: Sinnamon Andrew J. , Neuwirth Madalyn G. , Song Yun , Schultz Susan M. , Liu Shujing , Xu Xiaowei , Sehgal Chandra M. , Karakousis Giorgos C.
Published: March 2019

Background

Photoacoustic imaging (PAI) is a noninvasive technique for melanin detection within melanoma metastases. While ex vivo and early studies suggest promising clinical application, there are no standardized parameters for defining presence of melanoma metastases.

Methods

Following flank/hindlimb melanoma induction in BRaf‐PTEN transgenic mice, bilateral inguinal lymph nodes (LN) were imaged in vivo at 4 to 8 weeks using PAI. Fourteen diagnostic parameters for in vivo detection of LN metastases were compared using the receiver operating characteristic and area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC). Limits of detectability were assessed in ex vivo and in vitro phantom studies.

Results

Forty‐nine LNs were imaged in 25 mice. Among metastatic LNs, tumor size ranged from scattered cells to 2.8 mm. The strongest predictor of LN metastasis was the ratio of peak 10% PA melanin signal in the LN compared with adjacent soft tissue (median 4.22 for positive LNs vs 1.07 for negative LNs, P < 0.0001). The AUC was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.90‐1.00). In phantom studies, B16 tumor cells were detectable at a concentration of 10 to 25 cells/μL and at a tissue depth of 2.5‐3 cm.

Conclusions

We identified a simple, objective diagnostic parameter for identifying melanoma LN metastases in vivo. These findings may help inform the design of future clinical trials.
How can a questionable journal be identified: Frameworks and checklists
Authors: Frandsen Tove Faber
Published: March 2019

Questionable journals represent an increasing problem in scholarly communication. The warnings about such journals are plentiful, but the methods used to identify them vary a great deal and make it difficult to accurately determine which journals are fraudulent or simply of low quality. This article presents an overview of the existing frameworks for identifying questionable journals and discussions around them. Most of the frameworks rely on describing the journals under investigation according to a set of criteria, and some can even be turned into a metric or mechanism. The development of frameworks for identifying questionable journals has so far been characterized by a great diversity in format, length, and content. Generally, the frameworks come with little information on development, validation, and reliability. The consequences of prolific tool development are discussed, and a recommendation for testing such frameworks is proposed.
State‐Based Liver Distribution: Broad Sharing With Less Harm to Vulnerable and Underserved Communities Compared With Concentric Circles
Authors: Lynch Raymond J. , Ye Fei , Sheng Quanhu , Zhao Zhiguo , Karp Seth J.
Published: March 2019

Allocation of livers for transplantation faces regulatory pressure to move toward broader sharing. A current proposal supported by the United Network for Organ Sharing Board of Directors relies on concentric circles, but its effect on socioeconomic inequities in access to transplant services is poorly understood. In this article, we offer a proposal that uses the state of donation as a unit of distribution, given that the state is a recognized unit of legal jurisdiction and socioeconomic health in many contexts. The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients liver simulated allocation model algorithm was used to generate comparative estimates of regional transplant volume and the impact of these considered changes with regard to vulnerable and high‐risk patients on the waiting list and to disparities in wait‐list access. State‐based liver distribution outperforms the concentric circle models in overall system efficiency, reduced discards, and minimized flights for organs. Furthermore, the efflux of organs from areas of greater sociodemographic vulnerability and lesser wait‐list access is more than 2‐fold lower in a state‐based model than in concentric circle alternatives. In summary, we propose that a state‐based system offers a legally defensible, practical, and ethically sound alternative to geometric zones of organ distribution.
Chimeric mouse model for MRI contrast agent evaluation
Authors: Mir Faryal F. , Tomaszewski Ryan P. , Shuboni‐Mulligan Dorela D. , Mallett Christiane L. , Hix Jeremy M. L. , Ether Nicholas D. , Shapiro Erik M.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

While rodents are the primary animal models for contrast agent evaluation, rodents can potentially misrepresent human organ clearance of newly developed contrast agents. For example, gadolinium (Gd)‐BOPTA has ~50% hepatic clearance in rodents, but ~5% in humans. This study demonstrates the benefit of chimeric mice expressing human hepatic OATPs (organic anion‐transporting polypeptides) to improve evaluation of novel contrast agents for clinical use.

Methods

FVB (wild‐type) and OATP1B1/1B3 knock‐in mice were injected with hepatospecific MRI contrast agents (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA, Gd‐BOPTA) and nonspecific Gd‐DTPA. T1‐weighted dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI was performed on mice injected intravenously. Hepatic MRI signal enhancement was calculated per time point. Mass of gadolinium cleared per time point and percentage elimination by means of feces and urine were also measured.

Results

Following intravenous injection of Gd‐BOPTA in chimeric OATP1B1/1B3 knock‐in mice, hepatic MRI signal enhancement and elimination by liver was more reflective of human hepatic clearance than that measured in wild‐type mice. Gd‐BOPTA hepatic MRI signal enhancement was reduced to 22% relative to wild‐type mice. Gd‐BOPTA elimination in wild‐type mice was 83% fecal compared with 32% fecal in chimeric mice. Hepatic MRI signal enhancement and elimination for Gd‐EOB‐DTPA and Gd‐DTPA were similar between wild‐type and chimeric cohorts.

Conclusion

Hepatic MRI signal enhancement and elimination of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA, Gd‐BOPTA, and Gd‐DTPA in chimeric OATP1B1/1B3 knock‐in mice closely mimics that seen in humans. This study provides evidence that the chimeric knock‐in mouse is a more useful screening tool for novel MRI contrast agents destined for clinical use as compared to the traditionally used wild‐type models.
Is Information Enough? The Effect of Information about Education Tax Benefits on Student Outcomes
Authors: Bergman Peter , Denning Jeffrey T. , Manoli Dayanand
Published: March 2019

There is increasing evidence that tax benefits for college do not affect college enrollment. This may be because prospective students do not know about tax benefits for college or because the design of tax benefits is not conducive to affecting educational outcomes. We focus on changing awareness of tax benefits by providing information to students or prospective students. We sent e‐mails and letters to students that described tax benefits for college, and we tracked college outcomes. For all three of our samples—rising high school seniors, already enrolled students, and students who had previously applied to college but were not currently enrolled—information about tax benefits for college did not affect enrollment or reenrollment. We test whether effects vary according to information frames and found that no treatment arms changed student outcomes. We conclude that awareness is not the primary reason that tax benefits for college do not affect enrollment.
Impact of delisting high‐strength opioid formulations from a public drug benefit formulary on opioid utilization in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Martins Diana , Khuu Wayne , Tadrous Mina , Juurlink David N. , Mamdani Muhammad M. , Paterson J. Michael , Gomes Tara ,   On behalf of the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network
Published: March 2019

Purpose

High‐strength opioid formulations were delisted (removed) from Ontario's public drug formulary in January 2017, except for palliative patients. We evaluated the impact of this policy on opioid utilization and dosing.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal study among patients receiving publicly funded, high‐strength opioids from August 2016 to July 2017. The primary outcome measure was weekly median daily opioid dose (in milligrams of morphine or equivalent; MME) of (1) publicly funded and (2) all opioid prescriptions irrespective of funding source, evaluated using interrupted time series analyses and stratified by palliative care status.

Results

Following policy implementation, the weekly median daily dose of publicly funded opioids decreased immediately among non‐palliative patients by 10 MME (95% confidence limit [CL], −16.8 to −3.1) from a pre‐intervention dose of 424.5 MME (95% CL, 417.8‐431.2) and fell gradually among palliative patients by 3.9 MME per week (95% CL, −5.5 to −2.3) from a pre‐intervention dose of 450.1 MME (95% CL, 432.5‐467.7). In contrast, among all opioid prescriptions, gradual reductions in weekly median daily doses were observed only for non‐palliative patients, which decreased by 0.7 MME per week (95% CL, −1.3 to −0.2) from a pre‐intervention dose of 426.2 MME (95% CL, 420.9‐431.5).

Conclusion

The delisting of publicly‐funded, high‐strength opioids was accompanied by changes in funding source and small reductions in the weekly median daily doses dispensed. Although observed dose reductions of less than 1 MME weekly are likely not clinically relevant, safety implications of these changes require further monitoring.