bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal‐Free Iodine‐Mediated Deoxygenation of Alcohols in the Position α to Electron‐Withdrawing Groups
Authors: Pichon Maëva M. , Stauffert Fabien , Addante‐Moya Luis G. , Bodlenner Anne , Compain Philippe
Published: February 2018

The use of a substoichiometric amount of molecular iodine in the presence of PPh3 and pyridine effects a direct deoxygenation of primary and secondary alcohols in positions α to a variety of activating electron‐withdrawing groups, including ketones, esters, amides, imides and nitrile groups.
Hypervalent Fluoroiodane‐Triggered Synthesis of Fluoro‐Azabenzoxazepines and Azaindoles
Authors: Brunner Christoph , Andries‐Ulmer Anna , Kiefl Gabriel M. , Gulder Tanja
Published: February 2018

Fluorination reactions facilitated by hypervalent F‐iodanes have experienced vivid attention recently, since they often lead to novel, fluorinated scaffolds not accessible with common electrophilic fluorination reagents. The fluorocyclization of styrenes equipped with an amide functionality in the ortho position using F‐iodanes represents a transformation with unusual chemoselectivity. Within this context, the conversion of pyridine derivatives to fluoropyridyloxazepines, which constitutes a particular challenge due to the deactivating properties of the aza heterocycle, was accomplished in this work using the bench‐stable λ3‐F‐benzoiodoxole under Lewis acid catalysis. The versatility of the obtained F‐heterocycles as building blocks in organic synthesis was demonstrated by their straightforward conversion into azaindoles in a one‐pot, three‐step reaction sequence.
Modified Electrodes and Electrochemical Systems Switchable by Light Signals
Authors: Katz Evgeny
Published: February 2018

This article is an overview of extensive research efforts in many laboratories in the last two decades in the area of light‐switchable electrochemical systems and modified electrodes. Electrochemical reactions, including electrocatalytic and bioelectrocatalytic processes, have been reversibly activated and inhibited upon irradiation with light at different wavelengths. In order to realize these light activated or inhibited processes, the electrodes or/and reacting molecules were functionalized with photoisomerizable molecules including various derivatives of diarylethene, phenoxynaphthacenequinone, azobenzene and spiropyran/merocyanine. Photochemical reactions of these species resulted in change of their redox activity, conformation and electrical charge. All these changes affected electrode surfaces or (bio)molecules resulting in switching ON‐OFF corresponding (bio)electrochemical processes. Various systems based on different light‐controlled reactions are reviewed and discussed with specific examples and with many illustrating figures. Possible extensions of the research area and future applications are briefly overviewed in the conclusion section. The present comprehensive review is addressed to a broad scientific community, including newcomers to the area.
PAGANI Toolkit: Parallel graph‐theoretical analysis package for brain network big data
Authors: Du Haixiao , Xia Mingrui , Zhao Kang , Liao Xuhong , Yang Huazhong , Wang Yu , He Yong
Published: February 2018

The recent collection of unprecedented quantities of neuroimaging data with high spatial resolution has led to brain network big data. However, a toolkit for fast and scalable computational solutions is still lacking. Here, we developed the PArallel Graph‐theoretical ANalysIs (PAGANI) Toolkit based on a hybrid central processing unit–graphics processing unit (CPU‐GPU) framework with a graphical user interface to facilitate the mapping and characterization of high‐resolution brain networks. Specifically, the toolkit provides flexible parameters for users to customize computations of graph metrics in brain network analyses. As an empirical example, the PAGANI Toolkit was applied to individual voxel‐based brain networks with ∼200,000 nodes that were derived from a resting‐state fMRI dataset of 624 healthy young adults from the Human Connectome Project. Using a personal computer, this toolbox completed all computations in ∼27 h for one subject, which is markedly less than the 118 h required with a single‐thread implementation. The voxel‐based functional brain networks exhibited prominent small‐world characteristics and densely connected hubs, which were mainly located in the medial and lateral fronto‐parietal cortices. Moreover, the female group had significantly higher modularity and nodal betweenness centrality mainly in the medial/lateral fronto‐parietal and occipital cortices than the male group. Significant correlations between the intelligence quotient and nodal metrics were also observed in several frontal regions. Collectively, the PAGANI Toolkit shows high computational performance and good scalability for analyzing connectome big data and provides a friendly interface without the complicated configuration of computing environments, thereby facilitating high‐resolution connectomics research in health and disease.
Child‐parent agreement on alcohol‐related parenting: Opportunities for prevention of alcohol‐related harm
Authors: Shaw Thérèse , Johnston Robyn S. , Gilligan Conor , McBride Nyanda , Thomas Laura T.
Published: February 2018

Issue addressed

Excessive alcohol consumption places adolescents at increased risk of preventable, acute alcohol‐related injury. Parental attitudes and behaviours influence adolescents’ alcohol use. This study examined alignment in parent and child reports of alcohol‐related parenting and whether misalignment related to the child ever having drunk alcohol.

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted in five secondary schools in [information removed for blinding in Perth, Western Australia] in 2015. All students in Years 7, 10 and 12 and their parents were eligible, and data were matched for 124 child‐parent dyads. Alignment of parent‐child reports was assessed using kappa statistics. In dyads where the parent reported protective attitudes and behaviours, the association between misalignment and alcohol use was tested in logistic regressions.

Results

Overall, child‐parent reports were aligned on parents’ expectations, knowledge and actions (65% and higher agreed). While alignment on parental expectations seemed to decrease with age, alignment on parental communication and rule‐setting increased. Misalignment on reports of parents’ expectations was associated with increased odds of the child reporting having ever had alcohol (OR = 5.5; 95% CI = 2.7‐47.7), as was parental supply (OR = 20.2; 95% CI = 3.3‐121.5), but misalignment on parental communication, rule‐setting and knowledge were not.

Conclusions

Parent nonsupply of alcohol and disapproval of use were most important in terms of associations with ever drinking.

So what?

These findings call for interventions that support parents to expect no alcohol use and enable parents to communicate their expectation in a manner that resonates with their child. Effective parenting will contribute to reducing alcohol‐related harm in adolescents.
Does X‐ray imaging by GPC at emergency care access points in the Netherlands change patient flow and reduce ED crowding? A cohort study
Authors: van den Bersselaar D.L.C.M. , Maas M. , Thijssen W.A.M.H.
Published: February 2018

Objective

Organizing out‐of‐hours emergency care is a challenge in many countries. In the Netherlands, general practitioner cooperatives (GPCs) and emergency departments (EDs) are increasingly working together, creating one emergency care access point (ECAP). This has redirected the majority of patients with musculoskeletal problems from the ED to the GPC in out‐of‐hours care, due to the treatment of self‐referrals by the general practitioner (GP). Only a minority of the GPs at ECAPs have the possibility to request X‐rays, and expanding these facilities could reduce patient presentations to the ED even more. The aim of our study was to explore patient flow and possible reductions in ED referrals at an ECAP with X‐ray facilities for GPs.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study examines all patients that visited an ECAP at a general city hospital in the Netherlands and had an X‐ray imaging requested by the GPC between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. General practitioner cooperatives could request X‐rays between 5 pm and 10 pm on weekdays and between 8 am and 10 pm during weekends. Recorded data included sex, age, number and type of X‐ray, X‐ray abnormalities, referral to the ED, and treatment. The annual number of patients presenting to the GPC and ED in 2014 were gathered. Patient outcome was stated negative when the X‐ray revealed no abnormality.

Results

A total of 2243 patients received 2663 X‐ray examinations. The mean age was 31 years and 48% was male. A total of 1517 (68%) patients were treated at the GPC without an ED referral, a reduction of 4.5% of the annual ED patients.

Conclusions

With a majority (68%) of the patients examined and treated at the GPC, X‐ray facilities at ECAPs will substantially reduce ED population, change patient flow, and have a positive effect on ED crowding. Implementing 24/7 X‐ray facilities at all ECAPs will further enhance these effects.
Childcare experiences and early school outcomes: The mediating role of executive functions and emotionality
Authors: Son Seung‐Hee Claire , Chang Young Eun
Published: February 2018

The current study examined whether young children's executive functions and emotionality are related to childcare experiences and whether they work as mediators explaining the associations between childcare experiences and early school outcomes. Findings from a national sample of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (N = 990) revealed that centre‐based care experiences and childcare quality positively predicted preschool children's executive functions, which then were linked to their academic skills and social skills in preschool and kindergarten years. Childcare hours were negatively related to executive functions. Further, childcare experiences did not predict children's emotionality, which was related to their social skills. Overall, childcare experiences, of higher quality, more structure and less hours, were modelled as predicting early school outcomes directly as well as indirectly through executive functioning.

Highlights

A mediated model of childcare experiences and early school outcomes through executive functions and emotionality is proposed.

SEM analysis revealed that high‐quality, center‐type, and non‐excessive care experiences predicted executive functions, which then predicted academic and social outcomes, None of the childcare characteristics predicted emotionality while emotionality predicted social outcomes.

Executive functions can be stimulated by high‐quality, structured care experiences and need to be a target of early learning and intervention.
The future and challenges of communications—Toward a world where 5G enables synchronized reality and an internet of skills
Authors: Dohler Mischa
Published: February 2018

Will 5G be the last G? Is the ecosystem ripe for significant disruption which will change the way we design telecom systems, how we go about innovating its features? Are we able to bootstrap the design of novel and prior unheard concepts, such as synchronized reality, or even facilitate the birth of a new internet, the internet of skills? In this paper, I summarize some thoughts on how our ecosystem will evolve over the next decade and why I believe substantial disruption is in making. I will finish the article by highlighting some research and innovation challenges which I believe to be important over the next decade.
Photoacoustic microscopy for evaluating combretastatin A4 phosphate induced vascular disruption in orthotopic glioma
Authors: Bi Renzhe , Balasundaram Ghayathri , Jeon Seungwan , Tay Hui Chien , Pu Yang , Li Xiuting , Moothanchery Mohesh , Kim Chulhong , Olivo Malini
Published: February 2018

The use of an optical resolution photoacoustic microscopy (OR‐PAM) system to evaluate the vascular disruptive effect of combretastatin A4 Phosphate (CA4P) on a murine orthotopic glioma with intact skull is described here. Second generation optical‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy scanner with a 532 nm pulsed diode‐pumped solid‐state laser that specifically matches the absorption maximum of hemoglobin in tissues was used to image orthotopic glioma inoculated in mouse brain. Two‐dimensional maps of brain vasculature with a lateral resolution of 5 μm and a depth of 700 μm at a field of view 5 × 4 mm were acquired on normal brain and glioma brain. Longitudinal imaging of the brain pre‐ and post‐administration of CA4P, a FDA approved drug for solid tumors, enabled the monitoring of hemodynamic changes in tumor vasculature revealing the well documented vascular shutdown and recovery associated with this drug. Our study marks the beginning of potential prospects of this technology as an imaging tool for preclinical and clinical study of pathologies characterized by changes in the vasculature.
Transformation of cellobiose during the interaction of cellobiose dehydrogenase and β‐glucosidase of Cerrena unicolor
Authors: Lisov Alexander V. , Belova Oksana V. , Vinokurova Nataliya G. , Semashko Tatiana V. , Lobanok Anatolii G. , Leontievsky Alexey A.
Published: February 2018

This work investigated the regulatory role of the interaction between cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) and β‐glucosidase (β‐GLU) in the conversion of cellobiose into cellobionolactone or glucose in vitro. To study the regulation, the two enzymes were isolated from the culture medium of the fungus Cerrena unicolor grown on a medium with microcrystalline cellulose. The enzymes were obtained in an electrophoretically homogeneous state. Their properties were studied. Both enzymes had acidic pH optima and were more stable in the acidic pH range. CDH was moderately thermostable, while β‐GLU had a low thermostability. Both enzymes efficiently catalyzed the transformation of cellobiose. A mixture of CDH and β‐GLU transformed cellobiose to glucose or cellobionolactone in the presence of various concentrations of laccase and hydroquinone. Formation of glucose and cellobionolactone in vitro during the competition between CDH and β‐GLU for cellobiose depended on the availability of quinones, formed as a result of the interaction of laccase and hydroquinone, for CDH. At low laccase and hydroquinone concentrations, the formation of glucose was found to predominate over that of cellobionolactone. The possible physiological role of the enzymes’ interaction is discussed.
Individualized Postnatal Growth Trajectories for Preterm Infants
Authors: Landau‐Crangle Erin , Rochow Niels , Fenton Tanis R. , Liu Kai , Ali Anaam , So Hon Yiu , Fusch Gerhard , Marrin Michael L. , Fusch Christoph
Published: February 2018

Background

Growth of preterm infants is monitored using fetal charts despite individual trajectories being downshifted postnatally by adaptational processes. The study aims to compare different approaches to create individualized postnatal trajectories.

Methods

Three approaches to achieve growth similar to healthy term infants at 42+0/7 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) on World Health Organization growth standards (WHOGS) (target weight) were tested by comparing trajectories obtained by: 1) following birth percentiles (Birth‐Weight‐Percentile Approach); 2) following percentiles achieved at day of life 21 (Postnatal‐Percentile Approach); 3) using day‐specific fetal median growth velocities starting at day of life 21 (Fetal‐Median‐Growth Approach [FMGA]). The primary outcome was delta weight (ΔW), defined as difference between target weight (WHOGS) at 42+0/7 weeks and weight predicted by trajectories. The secondary outcome was ΔW vs %fat mass in a cohort of 20 disease‐free surviving very low‐birth‐weight infants.

Results

Birth‐Weight‐Percentile and Postnatal‐Percentile Approach showed high ΔW; FMGA alone reduced ΔW. Introducing a factor to FMGA to reflect the transition to extrauterine conditions (Growth‐Velocity Approach [GVA]) minimized ΔW. GVA merged with target and best normalized for body composition related to ΔW.

Conclusions

GVA provides an evidence‐based approach for individualized growth trajectories. GVA is based on physiologic data and that healthy preterm infants adjust their postnatal trajectory below their birth percentile. GVA may reflect a biologic principle because it matches consistently with WHOGS at 42+0/7 weeks for all preterm infants from 24 to 34 weeks. This concept could become a bedside tool to aid clinicians in monitoring growth, guiding nutrition, and minimizing chronic adult disease risks as a consequence of unguided, inappropriate growth.
Change in the color of heat‐treated, vacuum‐packed broccoli stems and florets during storage: effects of process conditions and modeling by an artificial neural network
Authors: Pero Milad , Askari Gholamreza , Skåra Torstein , Skipnes Dagbjørn , Kiani Hossein
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Vacuum‐packed broccoli stems and florets were subjected to heat treatment (60–99 °C) for various time intervals. The activity of peroxidase was measured after processing. Thermally processed samples were then stored at 4 °C for 35 days, and the color of the samples was measured every 7 days. Effects of parameters (heating temperature and duration, storage time) on the color of broccoli were modeled and simulated by an artificial neural network (ANN).

RESULTS

Simulations confirmed that stems were predicted to be more prone to changes than florets. More color loss was observed with longer processing or storage combinations. The simulations also confirmed that higher temperatures during heat processing could retard color changes during storage. For stems treated at 80 °C for short durations, color loss was more predominant than both 65 and 99 °C, probably due to the incomplete inactivation of enzymes besides more tissue damage, with increased enzyme access to the substrate.

CONCLUSION

The greenness of both stems and florets during storage can be better preserved at higher temperatures (99 °C) and short times. The simulation results revealed that the ANN method could be used as an effective tool for predicting and analyzing the color values of heat‐treated broccoli. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Patient and surgeon factors explain variation in the frequency of frontal sinus surgery
Authors: Soneru Christian P. , Pinto Jayant M.
Published: February 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Ethmoidectomy may be sufficient to address frontal sinus disease, but some surgeons may perform frontal recess dissection initially. Our objectives were to describe patient‐associated factors with frequency of frontal sinus surgery and analyze the association with provider volume.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis.

Methods

The 2013 State Ambulatory Surgery Databases of New Jersey, Florida, and Kentucky were queried to identify adults who underwent anterior ethmoidectomy or total ethmoidectomy using standard Current Procedural Terminology codes. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the odds of undergoing concurrent frontal sinus exploration along with ethmoidectomy, adjusting for age, gender, race, insurance type, median income, and the metropolitan designation by zip code. We also examined provider and center volume, use of image guidance, and total charges.

Results

There were 10,564 ethmoidectomies, of which 4,726 had concurrent frontal sinus surgery. Women were less likely to have frontal sinus surgery (P = .0011), as were patients with Medicare (P = .007). Hispanics were more likely to have frontal sinus surgery (P = .0003). Surgeons with higher surgical volumes were more likely to perform frontal sinus surgery; it was also more likely to be performed in centers where more sinus procedures occurred (P < .0001, both).

Conclusions

Variation in the utilization of frontal sinus surgery is associated with patient sex, ethnicity, insurance status, geography, as well as provider and hospital volumes. These data support the idea that nonclinical factors may influence the treatment of frontal sinus disease.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2008–2014, 2018
Viscoelasticity of Maxwell's model and non‐Newtonian viscosity revisited
Authors: Hoffmann H.‐J.
Published: February 2018

The viscosity of fluids and melts is an important characteristic to steer processes and reactions of materials, to use lubricants and to fabricate diverse products of glass. To steer such fabrication processes reliably and free of failures one necessarily needs to understand and use the true data of the viscosity. The forces applied to measure the viscosity act also to accelerate parts of the samples and particularly to deform them elastically. To evaluate the viscosity one must necessarily consider such ‘side reactions’. Cylindrical samples under longitudinal deformation are demonstrated to deform rather elastically than by viscous flow upon application of the load, e. g. Neglecting this effect the ’viscosity’ apparently decreasing with increasing load may be misinterpreted as non‐Newtonian viscosity. In fact, it represents the change from viscous to elastic behaviour with decreasing time interval of the application of force. Furthermore, production of entropy during deformation for measurement has to be taken into account adequately. The sample warms up during heavy deformation. If the viscosity depends strongly on the temperature, one must take into account that temperature and viscosity change with the intensity of the load. Then the so called ’shear thinning’ is rather ’sheer heating’. This is demonstrated quantitatively with data of the viscosity as a function of the load, which have recently been published using capillary rheometers.
Texture analysis of T1‐w and T2‐w MR images allows a quantitative evaluation of radiation‐induced changes of internal obturator muscles after radiotherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Scalco Elisa , Rancati Tiziana , Pirovano Ileana , Mastropietro Alfonso , Palorini Federica , Cicchetti Alessandro , Messina Antonella , Avuzzi Barbara , Valdagni Riccardo , Rizzo Giovanna
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To investigate the potential of texture analysis applied on T2‐w and postcontrast T1‐w images acquired before radiotherapy for prostate cancer (PCa) and 12 months after its completion in quantitatively characterizing local radiation effect on the muscular component of internal obturators, as organs potentially involved in urinary toxicity.

Methods

T2‐w and postcontrast T1‐w MR images were acquired at 1.5 T before treatment (MRI1) and at 12 months of follow‐up (MRI2) in 13 patients treated with radiotherapy for PCa. Right and left internal obturator muscle contours were manually delineated upon MRI1 and then automatically propagated on MRI2 by an elastic registration method. Planning CT images were coregistered to both MRIs and dose maps were deformed accordingly. A high‐dose region receiving >55 Gy and a low‐dose region receiving <55 Gy were identified in each muscle volume. Eighteen textural features were extracted from each region of interest and differences between MRI1 and MRI2 were evaluated.

Results

A signal increase was highlighted in both T2‐w and T1‐w images in the portion of the obturators near the prostate, i.e., in the region receiving medium‐high doses. A change in the spatial organization was identified, as an increase in homogeneity and a decrease in contrast and complexity, compatible with an inflammatory status. In particular, the region receiving medium‐high doses presented more significant or, at least, stronger differences.

Conclusions

Texture analysis applied on T1‐w and T2‐w MR images has demonstrated its ability in quantitative evaluating radiation‐induced changes in obturator muscles after PCa radiotherapy.
Spectral resolution and high‐flux capability tradeoffs in CdTe detectors for clinical CT
Authors: Hsieh Scott S. , Rajbhandary Paurakh L. , Pelc Norbert J.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Photon‐counting detectors using CdTe or CZT substrates are promising candidates for future CT systems but suffer from a number of nonidealities, including charge sharing and pulse pileup. By increasing the pixel size of the detector, the system can improve charge sharing characteristics at the expense of increasing pileup. The purpose of this work is to describe these considerations in the optimization of the detector pixel pitch.

Methods

The transport of x rays through the CdTe substrate was simulated in a Monte Carlo fashion using GEANT4. Deposited energy was converted into charges distributed as a Gaussian function with size dependent on interaction depth to capture spreading from diffusion and Coulomb repulsion. The charges were then collected in a pixelated fashion. Pulse pileup was incorporated separately with Monte Carlo simulation. The Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) of the measurement variance was numerically estimated for the basis material projections. Noise in these estimates was propagated into CT images. We simulated pixel pitches of 250, 350, and 450 microns and compared the results to a photon counting detector with pileup but otherwise ideal energy response and an ideal dual‐energy system (80/140 kVp with tin filtration). The modeled CdTe thickness was 2 mm, the incident spectrum was 140 kVp and 500 mA, and the effective dead time was 67 ns. Charge summing circuitry was not modeled. We restricted our simulations to objects of uniform thickness and did not consider the potential advantage of smaller pixels at high spatial frequencies.

Results

At very high x‐ray flux, pulse pileup dominates and small pixel sizes perform best. At low flux or for thick objects, charge sharing dominates and large pixel sizes perform best. At low flux and depending on the beam hardness, the CRLB of variance in basis material projections tasks can be 32%–55% higher with a 250 micron pixel pitch compared to a 450 micron pixel pitch. However, both are about four times worse in variance than the ideal photon counting detector. The optimal pixel size depends on a number of factors such as x‐ray technique and object size. At high technique (140 kVp/500 mA), the ratio of variance for a 450 micron pixel compared to a 250 micron pixel size is 2126%, 200%, 97%, and 78% when imaging 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm of water, respectively. If 300 mg/cm2 of iodine is also added to the object, the variance ratio is 117%, 91%, 74%, and 72%, respectively. Nonspectral tasks, such as equivalent monoenergetic imaging, are less sensitive to spectral distortion.

Conclusions

The detector pixel size is an important design consideration in CdTe detectors. Smaller pixels allow for improved capabilities at high flux but increase charge sharing, which in turn compromises spectral performance. The optimal pixel size will depend on the specific task and on the charge shaping time.
The use of upconversion microparticles as a novel internal radiation source for fabrication of composite materials
Authors: Jalili Mojtaba , Bastani Saeed , Ghahari Mehdi , Mohajerani Ezeddin
Published: February 2018

Upconversion (UC) microparticles were used as novel internal radiation sources for composite preparation. These particles emit Ultraviolet‐Visible radiation when exposed to Near‐infrared waves. This radiation causes uniform and deep polymerization. Two types of UC particles were prepared via a facile hydrothermal method, including NaLuF4: Yb 20%, Tm 0.5% and NaLuF4: Yb 40%, Tm 0.5%. The effect of three different photoinitiator systems, including titanocene, bisacylphosphine oxide, and camphorquinone, on the cure depth and the degree of conversion (DC) was investigated. Polymerization reaction rate was also studied. Moreover, the effect of weight percentage of UC particles and laser intensity on the cure depth and the DC were evaluated. Rheological behavior of the composites with different percentage of the particles (1, 3, and 5%) and the effect of temperature were studied. The results showed that the overlap of the UC particles emission spectrum with the photoinitiator absorption spectrum and the intensity of the photoinitiator absorption in the emission range of the particles are of the most important factors affecting cure depth, rate and DC. The cure depth with DC up to approximately 80% was 41 mm. Moreover, the DC was almost constant along the sample. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:884–892, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Infant multiple breath washout using a new commercially available device: Ready to replace the previous setup?
Authors: Kentgens Anne‐Christianne , Guidi Marisa , Korten Insa , Kohler Lena , Binggeli Severin , Singer Florian , Latzin Philipp , Anagnostopoulou Pinelopi
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Multiple breath washout (MBW) is a sensitive test to measure lung volumes and ventilation inhomogeneity from infancy on. The commonly used setup for infant MBW, based on ultrasonic flowmeter, requires extensive signal processing, which may reduce robustness. A new setup may overcome some previous limitations but formal validation is lacking.

Aim

We assessed the feasibility of infant MBW testing with the new setup and compared functional residual capacity (FRC) values of the old and the new setup in vivo and in vitro.

Methods

We performed MBW in four healthy infants and four infants with cystic fibrosis, as well as in a Plexiglas lung simulator using realistic lung volumes and breathing patterns, with the new (Exhalyzer D, Spiroware 3.2.0, Ecomedics) and the old setup (Exhalyzer D, WBreath 3.18.0, ndd) in random sequence.

Results

The technical feasibility of MBW with the new device‐setup was 100%. Intra‐subject variability in FRC was low in both setups, but differences in FRC between the setups were considerable (mean relative difference 39.7%, range 18.9; 65.7, P = 0.008). Corrections of software settings decreased FRC differences (14.0%, −6.4; 42.3, P = 0.08). Results were confirmed in vitro.

Conclusion

MBW measurements with the new setup were feasible in infants. However, despite attempts to correct software settings, outcomes between setups were not interchangeable. Further work is needed before widespread application of the new setup can be recommended.
Ferroelectricity and Elasticity of Rhombohedral BiFeO3 Under Uniaxial Stress
Authors: Dong Huafeng , Wu Zhigang , Wu Fugen , Li Jingbo
Published: February 2018

We report on first‐principles calculations of electric polarization in multiferroic rhombohedral BiFeO3 under the [111] uniaxial stress, and our results suggest that the polarization varies nearly linearly from 75.5  to 97.1 μC cm−2 within the stress range of 8 to −8 GPa. The change of polarization is mainly due to atomic displacements since the calculated Born effective charges barely change under stress. We also compute the elastic stiffness coefficients and the elastic compliance coefficients, and these results demonstrate that the rhombohedral structure of BiFeO3 remains stable under the uniaxial stress between 8 and −8 GPa. Because in a ferroelectric‐based photovoltaic cell the photocurrent is proportional to the magnitude of electric polarization, it is possible to improve the photovoltaic efficiency of BiFeO3 thin film by applying uniaxial stress.
Carvacrol induces cytotoxicity in human cervical cancer cells but causes cisplatin resistance: Involvement of MEK–ERK activation
Authors: Potočnjak Iva , Gobin Ivana , Domitrović Robert
Published: February 2018

Carvacrol has been shown to possess anticancer activity, but the mechanism is unknown, as well as the possibility of interaction with anticancer drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in carvacrol‐induced human cervical cancer HeLa cell cytotoxicity. In addition, we studied sensitization of HeLa cells to cisplatin (CP) by carvacrol. Both carvacrol and CP showed dose‐dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells and activated ERK1/2. The MEK inhibitor PD325901 suppressed ERK expression and further increased cytotoxicity of carvacrol but increased viability of CP‐treated cells by modulating apoptosis. The MEK inhibitor also increased microtubule‐associated protein 1A/1B‐light chain 3 beta expression in CP treatment. Cotreatment with CP and carvacrol resulted in increased viability of the cancer cells compared with CP treatment, which was associated with the suppression of apoptosis. MEK inhibition decreased the cell viability, without changes in apoptosis. Concomitantly, carvacrol increased CP‐induced expression of light chain 3 beta, which was enhanced by MEK inhibition. The results of the current study suggest the opposite role of ERK1/2 in carvacrol and CP‐induced HeLa cell cytotoxicity. Interestingly, carvacrol induced CP resistance in HeLa cells through ERK1/2‐independent suppression of apoptosis and ERK1/2‐dependent modulation of autophagy.
A Flexible High‐Performance Photoimaging Device Based on Bioinspired Hierarchical Multiple‐Patterned Plasmonic Nanostructures
Authors: Lee Yoon Ho , Lee Tae Kyung , Kim Hongki , Song Inho , Lee Jiwon , Kang Saewon , Ko Hyunhyub , Kwak Sang Kyu , Oh Joon Hak
Published: February 2018

In insect eyes, ommatidia with hierarchical structured cornea play a critical role in amplifying and transferring visual signals to the brain through optic nerves, enabling the perception of various visual signals. Here, inspired by the structure and functions of insect ommatidia, a flexible photoimaging device is reported that can simultaneously detect and record incoming photonic signals by vertically stacking an organic photodiode and resistive memory device. A single‐layered, hierarchical multiple‐patterned back reflector that can exhibit various plasmonic effects is incorporated into the organic photodiode. The multiple‐patterned flexible organic photodiodes exhibit greatly enhanced photoresponsivity due to the increased light absorption in comparison with the flat systems. Moreover, the flexible photoimaging device shows a well‐resolved spatiotemporal mapping of optical signals with excellent operational and mechanical stabilities at low driving voltages below half of the flat systems. Theoretical calculation and scanning near‐field optical microscopy analyses clearly reveal that multiple‐patterned electrodes have much stronger surface plasmon coupling than flat and single‐patterned systems. The developed methodology provides a versatile and effective route for realizing high‐performance optoelectronic and photonic systems.
Progress and Perspective in Low‐Dimensional Metal Halide Perovskites for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Chen Peng , Bai Yang , Lyu Miaoqiang , Yun Jung‐Ho , Hao Mengmeng , Wang Lianzhou
Published: February 2018

Organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites with three‐dimensional (3D) crystal structures have attracted tremendous attention due to their successful demonstrations in varying optoelectronic applications, particularly in photovoltaics (PV). Despite the rapid progress in achieving high performance in optoelectronic devices, the long‐term instability and lead toxicity in 3D perovskites are still two major challenges hindering their steps toward commercialization. To overcome these issues, a series of low‐dimensional perovskites and their derivatives are investigated, aiming at prolonging device lifetime and reducing toxicity. Herein, recent advances of low‐dimensional perovskites and their derivatives in PV with a focus on enhanced long‐term stability and reduced toxicity are reviewed. The fundamental understanding on their crystal structures and properties is presented. Beyond PV, the exploration of low‐dimensional perovskites for other promising optoelectronic applications is also summarized. In addition, the current challenges and future opportunities are discussed to provide a roadmap to the development of low‐dimensional perovskites.
Zur Einführung der BIM‐Methode in den Planungsund Herstellungsprozess
Authors: Grawe Wigand , Wichers Michael
Published: February 2018

Mit dem Anspruch der durchgängigen Nutzung eines digitalen Gebäudemodells über den gesamten Lebensdauerzyklus eines Bauwerks, beginnend mit den ersten Entwürfen, über die Planung und Ausführung bis hin zur Nutzung und Verwaltung, war die Idee des Building Information Modeling (BIM) geboren. Die daraus resultierende Umstrukturierung der Planungsabläufe fordert von allen Planungsbeteiligten einen Paradigmenwechsel und damit die Bereitschaft, vorhandene Planungsstrukturen zu verlassen. Das Zusammenfügen der einzelnen Fachbeiträge zu einem Gesamtmodell stellt die Planer vor technische als auch menschliche Herausforderungen. Erkenntnisse, die sich im Rahmen der Einführung für die Praxis zeigen können, sollen diskutiert und erläutert werden. BIM steht somit nicht nur für eine neue Planungskultur, sondern auch für ein neues Miteinander der Planungsbeteiligten.
Ermittlung der Sicherheitselemente bei der verformungsorientierten Bemessung von hybriden Trägern
Authors: Geißler Karsten , Korpas Gregor
Published: February 2018

Für Hybridträger, die zunehmend auch in Baukonstruktionen häufiger eingesetzt werden, stellt sich die Frage nach den erforderlichen Sicherheitsfaktoren für die Werkstoffe und die Verbundfuge. Die für die Einzelwerkstoffe bekannten Sicherheitsfaktoren erfassen das Problemfeld des hybriden Trägers nicht bzw. ggf. nur zufällig. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird zunächst eine neue Methode zur Berechnung hybrider Träger mit nachgiebiger Verbundfuge vorgestellt. Dabei wird das gesamte Dehnungsverhalten bis zum Grenzzustand der Tragfähigkeit betrachtet. Wegen der aus der Nachgiebigkeit der Verbundfuge resultierenden Spannungsumlagerungen im Gesamtquerschnitt ergeben sich andere Wichtungen für die Querschnittsteile. Mit streuenden Eingangsparametern können eine probabilistische Auswertung vorgenommen und die Bemessungswerte für die einzelnen Werkstoffeigenschaften einschließlich der Verbundfuge bestimmt werden.

Allgemein ergibt sich, dass die Bemessungswerte der Einzelwerkstoffe – neben ihren eigenen Streuungen – auch von der Bedeutung der Querschnittsteile innerhalb des Hybridträgers maßgeblich beeinflusst werden. Die Tragfähigkeit des Hybridträgers und die Wichtung bzw. die Bemessungswerte der Einzelwerkstoffe sind stark abhängig von der Nachgiebigkeit der Verbundfuge.
Einflussfaktoren auf die Vorspannkraft von Schrauben mit Durchmessern bis M72 in Ringflanschverbindungen
Authors: Schwedler Michael , Dörfeldt Stefan , Lüddecke Falk , Seidel Marc , Thiele Marc
Published: February 2018

Bei Monopfahlgründungen von Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen wird die Verbindung zwischen Monopfahl und Übergangsstück als geschraubter Ringflansch ausgeführt. Die zunehmende Leistungsfähigkeit der Windenergieanlagen führt zu immer größeren Schnittgrößen in diesem Anschluss. In der Folge erhöhen sich nicht nur die Querschnittsabmessungen, sondern es kommen auch zunehmend größere Schrauben zum Einsatz. Da die einschlägigen Regelwerke zur Bemessung dieser Verbindungen nicht für Schrauben der Größen M64 oder M72 konzipiert wurden, stellt sich die Frage der Übertragbarkeit auf solche Anwendungsfälle. Im Rahmen des Aufsatzes werden Einflüsse diskutiert, die eine Herabsetzung der Schraubentragfähigkeit verursachen könnten. Diese Einflüsse, vornehmlich geometrische Imperfektionen, werden systematisch untersucht und ergänzend in praxisrelevanten Beispielen bewertet. Die somit gewonnenen Erkenntnisse werden für die abschließende Beurteilung der großen Schrauben in Ringflanschverbindungen herangezogen.
Konsequent Digital
Authors: Peter Boris , Helbig Thorsten , Oppe Matthias
Published: February 2018

In Teilbereichen der Planung und Ausführung bestehen im Stahlbau bereits seit vielen Jahren geschlossene Prozessketten im Sinne der „closed BIM‐Methode”. Durch computerunterstützte Fertigungsmethoden gewonnene Freiheitsgrade konnten architektonisch und technisch genutzt werden. Die konsequente Weiterentwicklung der digitalen Prozessketten im Stahlbau ermöglicht eine wirtschaftliche und qualitativ hochwertige Umsetzung äußerst komplexer Bauwerksgeometrien innerhalb kürzester Zeit. Dieser Artikel erläutert die konsequente Weiterentwicklung digitaler Planungsmethoden im Stahlbau anhand von Projektbeispielen.
Derivation of the characteristic water pressure resistance of combined steel pile walls
Authors: Just Adrian , Kuhlmann Ulrike , El Boueiz Perla , Prüm Cécile
Published: February 2018

World trade is steadily increasing, leading to a high demand for economic solutions for quay walls. The combined steel pile wall is the most common steel construction solution. The primary elements are king piles, while intermediate piles function as secondary elements. The design of these secondary elements is governed by section 5.5.2 of EN 1993‐5 [9]. The test‐based method described in section 5.5.2(5) and (6) is used to generate the characteristic water pressure resistance values of the different combinations of I‐shaped king and Z‐shaped intermediate piles, each in different steel grades, which are given in the product catalogue of ArcelorMittal [1]. The test series executed and the subsequent setting‐up and validation of a numerical model are presented in detail in this paper. A numerical model was used for a parametric study. The different failure modes observed in this parametric study are presented. A statistical evaluation according to Annex D of EN 1990 [6] and Annex C of EN 1993‐1‐5 [8] leads to characteristic resistance values.
Buckling design of axially compressed steel silos on discrete supports
Authors: Jansseune Arne , Belis Jan , De Corte Wouter
Published: February 2018

This paper compares the buckling strengths derived from a validated shell‐based FEM model of discretely supported axially compressed silos with the interaction curves given in EN 1993‐1‐6 for axial compression. The buckling strengths were numerically determined for a wide range of geometries and yield strengths, considering two configuration types of discretely supported steel silos: with engaged columns and partial‐height U‐shaped longitudinal stiffeners. For these types, remarkably good correspondence was found between the numerical results of discretely supported steel silos and the interaction curves for uniformly compressed cylindrical steel silos, although unconservative in many cases.
Code‐Meshing and Writing Instruction in Multilingual Classrooms
Authors: Lee Alice Y. , Handsfield Lara J.
Published: February 2018

Classrooms act as linguistic sieves when they continue to accept only dominant forms of English as the “correct” and “appropriate” language choice for all students. Students who speak other languages, such as African American Language or Spanish, are often encouraged to use those languages on the playground or at home but not in “official” spaces. This article interrogates such language practices by considering code‐meshing as an instructional approach that invites multiple languages within the classroom. The authors highlight the choices of teachers who encourage code‐meshing in their writing practices and offer pedagogical suggestions that can help teachers broaden their incorporation of all students' languages.
Re: International Endometrial Tumor Analysis (IETA) terminology in women with postmenopausal bleeding and sonographic endometrial thickness ≥ 4.5 mm: agreement and reliability study. P. Sladkevicius, A. Installé, T. Van den Bosch, D. Timmerman, B. Benacerraf, L. Jokubkiene, A. Di Legge, A. Votino, L. Zannoni, B. De Moor, B. De Cock, B. Van Calster and L. Valentin. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 51: 259–268.
Authors: Neto M. Coelho
Published: February 2018

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 51: 259–268
Re: Validation of prediction model for successful vaginal birth after Cesarean delivery based on sonographic assessment of hysterotomy scar. A. Baranov, K. Å. Salvesen and O. Vikhareva. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 51: 189–193.
Authors: Timmerman D.
Published: February 2018

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2018; 51: 189–193
Procedural and obstetric outcomes after embryo reduction vs fetal reduction in multifetal pregnancy
Authors: Kim M. S. , Choi D. H. , Kwon H. , Ahn E. , Cho H. Y. , Baek M. J. , Shin J. E. , Moon M. J.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To compare the obstetric outcome and incidence of procedure‐related adverse events after embryo reduction (ER) vs fetal reduction (FR), in multifetal pregnancies undergoing reduction to twins or singletons.

Methods

We analyzed retrospectively data from multifetal pregnancies that underwent transvaginal ER (n = 181) at a mean gestational age of 7.6 weeks or transabdominal FR (n = 115) at a mean gestational age of 12.9 weeks between December 2006 and January 2017. FR was performed after a detailed fetal anomaly scan. The two groups were compared with respect to obstetric outcomes, such as incidence of miscarriage, early or late preterm delivery, maternal complications and fetal loss, and procedure‐related adverse events, including incidence of subchorionic hematoma and procedure‐related fetal loss.

Results

Compared with pregnancies that underwent ER, the incidence of procedure‐related fetal loss was lower in the FR group (7.2% vs 0.9%; P = 0.039; odds ratio (OR), 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02–0.89). Mean gestational age at delivery for twins was 34.2 weeks in the ER group and 35.7 weeks in the FR group (P = 0.014). Compared with the ER group, the FR group had lower miscarriage (8.8% vs 2.6%; P = 0.045; OR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.08–0.97) and overall fetal loss (13.3% vs 5.2%; P = 0.031; OR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.14–0.91) rates.

Conclusions

The FR procedure is, overall, a better and safer approach to reducing morbidity and mortality in multifetal pregnancies. Spontaneous demise of one fetus may occur after ER, and FR has the advantage that chorionic villus sampling and ultrasound screening for increased nuchal translucency and anatomical defects can be conducted before the procedure. The ER approach is still reasonable when a patient's religious or other ethical concerns are of primary importance. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.