bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financeirização E Pobreza No Brasil: Análise Do Programa Bolsa Família Como Instrumento De Inclusão Social
Authors: Carvalho Safira Cardoso , Brito Alexsandro Sousa , Azevedo Vanessa Ragone , Caumo Alessandra Juliana , Pires Selma Sousa
Published: November 2024

Este artigo investiga os impactos da financeirização no Programa Bolsa Família (PBF), principal política de
transferência de renda no Brasil, com foco em suas implicações para a redução da pobreza e das desigualdades
sociais. Adotando uma abordagem interdisciplinar, o estudo analisa como a influência crescente do setor
financeiro molda a gestão e a operacionalização do PBF, transformando direitos sociais em instrumentos de
mercado. A pesquisa também examina as limitações da abordagem que reduz a pobreza à insuficiência de renda, negligenciando suas dimensões multidimensionais e estruturais. Os resultados indicam que, embora o
PBF tenha avanços avançados no rompimento da pobreza extrema, sua inserção na lógica impõe desafios
consideráveis, como o endividamento dos beneficiários e a dependência de instrumentos de consumo. Concluise que a financeirização enfraquece a eficácia das políticas sociais, desviando o foco de investimentos
estruturais necessários para promover a emancipação social. Recomenda-se uma formulação de políticas
públicas que priorizem a garantia de direitos e a redução de desigualdades, rompendo com uma lógica
financeira predominantemente. Este estudo contribui para o debate acadêmico e político sobre a necessidade de reorientar programas sociais para atender de forma mais ampla às demandas da população vulnerável
Grounding system for a hospital
Authors: Baza Yoram Astudillo- , Sabino Manuel Torres- , Gonzaga Mercedes Lázaro-
Published: November 2024

This work describes the essential steps to calculate a grounding system in a hospital, according to the current regulations, the design of the grounding system will be made to dissipate the atmospheric discharges in an efficient way, protecting the medical personnel, patients and medical equipment
Atmospheric Co2 Concentration Measured During Rush Hour In Bamako
Authors: Satao Kadidiatou Dite Sérifa , Adamou Mohamadou , Guindo David , Guindo Boucari , Samake Salimatou , Traore Aboubacar
Published: November 2024

Air pollution has become a major concern in Bamako. Road traffic is considered the main cause of this pollution.
The overall aim of this study is to assess atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide on major roads in Bamako
during rush hour. In order to achieve the objectives of this study, the methodology was based on the use of the
Testo 535 device to measure atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Some physical parameters related to CO2
concentrations were also measured. Data were recorded and processed using tools (Excel 2019, and the human
exposure grid).
Research results show that average atmospheric CO2 concentrations in the communes of the city of Bamako range
from 347.20 (± 45.03) ppm to 420.80 (± 25.09) ppm, with an overall mean of 382.70 (± 20.27) ppm. The overall
mean temperature in the city of Bamako is estimated at 28.97 (± 1.80) °C for a humidity of 65.23 (± 6.88) %.
Taking as a reference the average concentration which is equal to 382.70 ppm, each liter of air contains
approximately 0.00857 liters (8.57 milliliters) of CO₂.
However, variations in CO2 concentrations are influenced by biological, physical and human environmental
factors. Health risks of the utmost importance can arise from CO2 air pollution. The results of this study show that Bamako's cars considerably degrade air quality. Mitigation measures must be taken to combat this air pollution
Inclusive Education – The Impact Of Inclusive Educational Policies
Authors: Junqueira Maria José Dos Santos , Torres Silvana Leal
Published: November 2024

Background: The data evaluation revealed six articles that mention important historical events that support the
implementation of inclusive education policies, confirming that preschool education is the first stage of basic
education and rights in Brazil. The purpose of the study is to expose the inclusive education policies in force in
Brazil.
Materials e Methods:
The approach used is bibliographical and descriptive.
Result:
The result obtained showed that early childhood education has undergone constant restructuring and
transformations, evolving towards updating and guaranteeing access to school, sustainability and quality of
facilities for all young children.
Conclusion:
Therefore, it is concluded that, when considering inclusion from this perspective, this objective seems
unattainable. It is clear that issues of accessibility and behavioral development are prioritized in schools, rather than an education that provides opportunities to live with diversity, interaction and immortality.
Technological Interfaces In Smart Cities: Cultural Mediators And The Consumer Experience In Public Health Services
Authors: Kerley Tonny
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to analyze how technologies applied to the public health system impact citizens' perceptions of
quality and their cultural consumption experience, introducing the concept of "technological cultural
consumption experience." Using a qualitative interpretative approach, in-depth interviews and digital
ethnographic observation were conducted with users of public health platforms, analyzed through thematic
analysis. Results reveal that digital technologies play symbolic roles, acting as cultural mediators that reshape
consumption practices but also create barriers to digital and cultural inclusion. Collective dynamics were
identified in public digital consumption communities, shaping narratives about efficiency and accessibility,
alongside paradoxes between technological modernization and social exclusion. This study advances the
literature by proposing novel concepts, such as "culturally sensitive technologies" and "public digital
consumption communities," offering new perspectives at the intersection of technology, culture, and
consumption. Theoretical and practical implications include the need to develop more inclusive and culturally relevant technological solutions for Smart Cities.
“The Economic Impact Of Financial Inclusion: A Pathway To Reducing Poverty In The Digital Economy”
Authors: Maurice Joshua
Published: November 2024

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Composite learning adaptive backstepping control using neural networks with compact supports
Authors: Pan Yongping , Yang Chenguang , Pratama Mahardhika , Yu Haoyong
Published: May 2019

The ability to learn is crucial for neural network (NN) control as it is able to enhance the overall stability and robustness of control systems. In this study, a composite learning control strategy is proposed for a class of strict‐feedback nonlinear systems with mismatched uncertainties, where raised‐cosine radial basis function NNs with compact supports are applied to approximate system uncertainties. Both online historical data and instantaneous data are utilized to update NN weights. Practical exponential stability of the closed‐loop system is established under a weak excitation condition termed interval excitation. The proposed approach ensures fast parameter convergence, implying an exact estimation of plant uncertainties, without the trajectory of NN inputs being recurrent and the time derivation of plant states. The raised‐cosine radial basis function NNs applied not only reduces computational cost but also facilitates the exact determination of a subregressor activated along any trajectory of NN inputs so that the interval excitation condition is verifiable. Numerical results have verified validity and superiority of the proposed approach.
Hill Day: The three big ‘asks’ from NAATP
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2019

At the “Hill Day” event that marked the end of the annual leadership conference of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), 120 association members went to the Senate and House of Representatives to make their case. “I felt it would be successful if we had 50 members who stayed the extra day and did the Hill visits,” Mark Dunn, NAATP policy representative, told ADAW of the May 8 visits. So he was thrilled that so many went.
An Amorphous Nickel–Iron‐Based Electrocatalyst with Unusual Local Structures for Ultrafast Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Chen Gao , Zhu Yanping , Chen Hao Ming , Hu Zhiwei , Hung Sung‐Fu , Ma Nana , Dai Jie , Lin Hong‐Ji , Chen Chien‐Te , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: May 2019

Rationally designing active and durable catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of primary importance in water splitting. Perovskite oxides (ABO3) with versatile structures and multiple physicochemical properties have triggered considerable interest in the OER. The leaching of A site cations can create nanostructures and amorphous motifs on the perovskite matrix, thus facilitating the OER process. However, selectively dissolving A site cations and simultaneously obtaining more active amorphous motifs derived from the B site cations remains a great challenge. Herein, a top‐down strategy is proposed to transform bulk crystalline perovskite (LaNiO3) into a nanostructured amorphous hydroxide by FeCl3 post‐treatment, resulting in an extremely low overpotential of 189 mV at 10 mA cm−2. The top‐down‐constructed amorphous catalyst with a large surface area has dual NiFe active sites, where high‐valence Ni3+‐based edge‐sharing octahedral frameworks are surrounded by interstitial distorted Fe octahedra and contribute to the superior OER performance. This top‐down strategy provides a valid way to design novel perovskite‐derived catalysts.
Flexible and Transparent Microwave–Infrared Bistealth Structure
Authors: Zhang Changlei , Wu Xiaoyu , Huang Cheng , Peng Jinqiang , Ji Chen , Yang Jianing , Huang Yijia , Guo Yinghui , Luo Xiangang
Published: May 2019

A flexible and transparent microwave–infrared bistealth structure is proposed to avoid composite detection in the microwave and infrared bands. By combining intrinsic material properties with proper design, the proposed flexible metamaterial can simultaneously achieve high absorption in the microwave band, low emission the in infrared band, and optical transparency. The structure exhibits wide‐angle (40°), broadband (7.7–18 GHz), and high‐efficiency (>90%) absorption. Furthermore, by using the structure to cover a metallic column, a 10 dB reduction in radar cross section at 7.5–18 GHz is achieved. The thermal emissivity of the structure is about 0.23 in the infrared atmosphere window, which is close to that of metal. It is optically transparent and flexible due to the use of indium tin oxide films and polyvinyl chloride substrates. These unique and interesting properties promise it will find potential applications in various stealth fields.
The Structural Colors of Photonic Glasses
Authors: Schertel Lukas , Siedentop Lukas , Meijer Janne‐Mieke , Keim Peter , Aegerter Christof M. , Aubry Geoffroy J. , Maret Georg
Published: May 2019

The color of materials usually originates from a combination of wavelength‐dependent absorption and scattering. Controlling the color without the use of absorbing dyes is of practical interest, not only because of undesired bleaching properties of dyes but also regarding minimization of environmental and health issues. Color control without dyes can be achieved by tuning the material's scattering properties in controlling size and spatial arrangement of scatterers. Herein, calibrated photonic glasses (PGs), which are isotropic materials made by random aggregation of nonabsorbing, monodisperse colloidal polystyrene spheres, are used to generate a wide spectral range of purely structural, angular‐independent colors. Experimental reflectance spectra for different sized spheres compare well with a recent theoretical model, which establishes the latter as a tool for color mapping in PGs. It allows to determine the range of visible colors accessible in PGs as function of size, packing fraction, and refractive index of scatterers. It also predicts color saturation on top of the white reflectance as function of the sample's optical thickness. Blue, green, and red are obtained even with low index, while saturated green, cyan, yellow, and magenta can be reached in higher index PGs over several orders of magnitude of sample thickness.
Experimental Demonstration of a 3D‐Printed Arched Metasurface Carpet Cloak
Authors: Jiang Zijie , Liang Qingxuan , Li Zhaohui , Lv Peiyao , Chen Tianning , Li Dichen
Published: May 2019

Metasurfaces have an extraordinary wavefront manipulation capability to generate various functionalities with ultrathin planar structures and provide an unprecedented means of easily achieving invisibility carpet cloaks in practice. However, due to the limitation of the fabrication method, great challenges exist in the implementation of curved or spherical metasurface‐based cloaks with good performance. Here, a novel fabrication method that combines 3D printing via stereolithography and injection molding of liquid metal is proposed, and an arched metasurface carpet cloak operating in the microwave domain is realized successfully as a demonstration. Experiments show that the proposed ultrathin and polarization‐independent cloak has good stealth performance in terms of bandwidth and angular span. Notably, the fabrication method is also suitable for obtaining other metasurfaces and metamaterials with arbitrary shapes, which may greatly promote the practical application of artificial electromagnetic structures.
A Mild and Regioselective Synthesis of α‐Fluoroketones via Gold and Selectfluor Partnership
Authors: Chen Xi , Martini Sophie , Michelet Véronique
Published: May 2019

An efficient, mild and rapid synthesis of α‐fluoroketones has been developed, via a fruitful association between gold and Selectfluor starting from aldehyde‐yne and alkynylaryl ketone derivatives. Several functionalized and synthetically highly valuable α‐fluoroketones (21 compounds, up to 92%) were isolated in good to excellent yields via a remarkable regioselective oxyfluorination reaction in EtOH/H2O at room temperature. We have shed some light on parts of the mechanism by reacting diphenylacetylene and aldehyde‐yne with or without Selectfluor. The reaction most presumably occurs via a sequential gold‐catalyzed regioselective hydration followed by the α‐fluorination reaction, but the presence of aldehyde moiety is crucial for the reactivity of alkyne function. The fluoroketones were efficiently transformed to 4‐fluoroisoquinolines (9 compounds, 82–95%) of high pharmaceutical interest.

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I2/TBHP Mediated Divergent C(sp2)‐P Cleavage of Allenylphosphine Oxides: Substituent‐Controlled Regioselectivity
Authors: Liu Teng , Zhu Jie , Sun Xue , Cheng Liang , Wu Lei
Published: May 2019

A highly regioselective C(sp2)‐P(O) cleavage of allenylphosphine oxides mediated by I2/TBHP is achieved for the first time. The divergent pathway via cleavage of (Ph)C−P(O) or (allene)C−P(O) modulated by substituents, renders the formation of 4‐iodo‐2‐phenyl‐5H‐1,2‐oxa‐phosphole 2‐oxide and α‐iodoenone derivatives, respectively. A plausible mechanism through radical pathways, along with the cleavage of phenyl and diphenylphosphine oxide moieties, are verified by the trapping experiments and 18O‐isotopic labeling studies.

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A Bacteriochlorin‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheet Superoxide Radical Generator for Photoacoustic Imaging‐Guided Highly Efficient Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhang Kai , Yu Zhaofeng , Meng Xiangdan , Zhao Weidong , Shi Zhuojie , Yang Zhou , Dong Haifeng , Zhang Xueji
Published: May 2019

Hypoxic tumor microenvironment is the bottleneck of the conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT) and significantly weakens the overall therapeutic efficiency. Herein, versatile metal–organic framework (MOF) nanosheets (DBBC‐UiO) comprised of bacteriochlorin ligand and Hf6(µ3‐O)4(µ3‐OH)4 clusters to address this tricky issue are designed. The resulting DBBC‐UiO enables numerous superoxide anion radical (O2−•) generation via a type I mechanism with a 750 nm NIR‐laser irradiation, part of which transforms to high toxic hydroxyl radical (OH•) and oxygen (O2) through superoxide dismutase (SOD)‐mediated catalytic reactions under severe hypoxic microenvironment (2% O2), and the partial recycled O2 enhances O2−• generation. Owing to the synergistic radicals, it realizes advanced antitumor performance with 91% cell mortality against cancer cells in vitro, and highly efficient hypoxic solid tumor ablation in vivo. It also accomplishes photoacoustic imaging (PAI) for cancer diagnosis. This DBBC‐UiO, taking advantage of superb penetration depth of the 750 nm laser and distinct antihypoxia activities, offers new opportunities for PDT against clinically hypoxic cancer.
Continuous 3D Titanium Nitride Nanoshell Structure for Solar‐Driven Unbiased Biocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Kuk Su Keun , Ham Youngjin , Gopinath Krishnasamy , Boonmongkolras Passarut , Lee Youngjun , Lee Yang Woo , Kondaveeti Sanath , Ahn Changui , Shin Byungha , Lee Jung‐Kul , Jeon Seokwoo , Park Chan Beum
Published: May 2019

Z‐scheme‐inspired tandem photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells have received attention as a sustainable platform for solar‐driven CO2 reduction. Here, continuously 3D‐structured, electrically conductive titanium nitride nanoshells (3D TiN) for biocatalytic CO2‐to‐formate conversion in a bias‐free tandem PEC system are reported. The 3D TiN exhibits a periodically porous network with high porosity (92.1%) and conductivity (6.72 × 104 S m−1), which allows for high enzyme loading and direct electron transfer (DET) to the immobilized enzyme. It is found that the W‐containing formate dehydrogenase from Clostridium ljungdahlii (ClFDH) on the 3D TiN nanoshell is electrically activated through DET for CO2 reduction. At a low overpotential of 40 mV, the 3D TiN‐ClFDH stably converts CO2 to formate at a rate of 0.34 µmol h−1 cm−2 and a faradaic efficiency (FE) of 93.5%. Compared to a flat TiN‐ClFDH, the 3D TiN‐ClFDH shows a 58 times higher formate production rate (1.74 µmol h−1 cm−2) at 240 mV of overpotential. Lastly, a bias‐free biocatalytic tandem PEC cell that converted CO2 to formate at an average rate of 0.78 µmol h−1 and an FE of 77.3% only using solar energy and water is successfully assembled.
Fluid‐dynamic gauging for studying the initial swelling of soft solid layers
Authors: Tsai Jheng‐Han , Cuckston Georgina L. , Hallmark Bart , Wilson D. Ian
Published: May 2019

An innovative fluid‐dynamic gauging (FDG) device to study the initial as well as long‐term swelling or removal of soft solid layers immersed in a liquid environment in real time and in situ is presented. This sideways FDG (SiDG) device was developed for soft solid layers whose properties change significantly on contact with liquid. Calibration tests indicated a resolution of ±10 μm. The open source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code OpenFOAM was used to model the flow in the SiDG nozzle. Good agreement was obtained between experimental and CFD results at different nozzle clearances, so that the shear stress exerted by the gauging flow can be computed accurately. A series of demonstration studies are presented, on layers of petroleum jelly, polyvinyl acetate, gelatin and a complex model soil. Initial swelling dynamics are captured and the influence of pH on initial swelling behavior, previously inaccessible, is reported.
Who Gets What? Describing the Non‐supervisory Training and Supports Received by Home Visiting Staff Members and its Relationship with Turnover
Authors: Chen Wei‐Bing , Spiker Donna , Wei Xin , Gaylor Erika , Schachner Abby , Hudson Laura
Published: May 2019

Highlights

Technical assistance (TA) received by home visiting staff members differed based on staff members’ characteristics.

Supervisors received more TA hours and more remote and individual TA compared to home visitors.

Home visitors more commonly participated in on‐site trainings for multiple staff members.

TA received by staff members also differed by program characteristics including model, size, and maturity.

Characteristics of the TA that staff members received did not predict staff members’ turnover.
Development of an online registry for adults with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: A protocol paper
Authors: Sawatzky Bonita , Dahan‐Oliel N. , Davison Ann‐Marie , Hall Judith , Van Bosse Harold , Mortenson W. Ben ,   Registry Team
Published: May 2019

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is considered a rare disorder resulting in multiple congenital contractures in two or more areas. Considerable literature is available on managing the contractures during an affected child's development but little information is available to those managing these ongoing issues in adulthood. Due to the heterogeneity etiological factors and presentation of AMC, and the small sample sizes of previous studies, it has been difficult to generalize results to the adult population. This current study presents the several steps taken to create an international AMC database for adults to populate with their own data over time. The methods included a scoping review of the literature for valid and reliable outcome measures used for AMC, a Delphi methodology to create the database with a team of clinicians, researchers and patients, a Beta testing of the database, and a final launch of the Adult AMC Registry. This registry includes 48 nonstandardized questions and 12 standardized questionnaires. It takes 35–45 min for a participant to complete. A shorter version will be created for participants to complete for years 2 and 3, followed by this longer version every 4 years. The protocol for referring English‐speaking patients and access to the registry is provided. Data will be reviewed every year to ensure quality. The registry will be maintained for a minimum of 10 years and data will be comprehensively analyzed every 5 years. Our goal is to have 500 adults with AMC from around the world as participants.
Synthesis of α‐Quaternary Aldehydes via a Stereoselective Semi‐Pinacol Rearrangement of Optically Active Epoxy Alcohols
Authors: Hirama Naomichi , Sakamoto Ryu , Maruoka Keiji
Published: May 2019

This article describes a Lewis‐acid‐promoted semi‐pinacol rearrangement of chiral epoxy alcohols to provide chiral β‐hydroxy aldehydes with a quaternary center at the α‐position that are otherwise difficult to access in modern organic synthesis. The aldehydes thus obtained are highly useful synthetic intermediates, which is demonstrated by the synthesis of a serotonin antagonist.
Variation of 3D outer and inner crown morphology in modern human mandibular premolars
Authors: Krenn Viktoria A. , Fornai Cinzia , Wurm Lisa , Bookstein Fred L. , Haeusler Martin , Weber Gerhard W.
Published: May 2019

Objectives

This study explores the outer and inner crown of lower third and fourth premolars (P3, P4) by analyzing the morphological variation among diverse modern human groups.

Materials and Methods

We studied three‐dimensional models of the outer enamel surface and the enamel–dentine junction (EDJ) from μCT datasets of 77 recent humans using both an assessment of seven nonmetric traits and a standard geometric morphometric (GM) analysis. For the latter, the dental crown was represented by four landmarks (dentine horns and fossae), 20 semilandmarks along the EDJ marginal ridge, and pseudolandmarks along the crown and cervical outlines.

Results

Certain discrete traits showed significantly different regional frequencies and sexual dimorphism. The GM analyses of both P3s and P4s showed extensive overlap in shape variation of the various populations (classification accuracy 15–69%). The first principal components explained about 40% of shape variance with a correlation between 0.59 and 0.87 of the features of P3s and P4s. Shape covariation between P3s and P4s expressed concordance of high and narrow or low and broad crowns.

Conclusions

Due to marked intragroup and intergroup variation in GM analyses of lower premolars, discrete traits such as the number of lingual cusps and mesiolingual groove expression provide better geographic separation of modern human populations. The greater variability of the lingual region suggests a dominance of functional constraints over geographic provenience or sex. Additional information about functionally relevant aspects of the crown surface and odontogenetic data are needed to unravel the factors underlying dental morphology in modern humans.
Awake tracheal intubation for blunt airway trauma
Authors: Milne B. , Kandasamy G.
Published: May 2019

A 64‐year‐old man sustained blunt trauma to the anterior neck following a mechanical fall resulting in an isolated laryngeal fracture of the left cricoarytenoid complex. Although there was no acute airway compromise, he developed worsening airway oedema which necessitated tracheal intubation. He underwent oral awake tracheal intubation with a flexible bronchoscope to facilitate formation of a tracheostomy under general anaesthesia. The challenges encountered in the clinical management of this case relate to decision making for the patient with airway trauma in the absence of the need for emergency tracheal intubation. We describe the advantages and pitfalls of various airway management strategies in the context of blunt airway trauma.
Lipids from Wastewater‐Activated Sludge Cultivated on Acetic Acid as Potential Alternatives to High‐Value Oils and Fats
Authors: Fortela Dhan Lord B. , Hernandez Rafael , Revellame Emmanuel , Holmes William , Sharp Wayne , Zappi Mark
Published: May 2019

This study focuses on new interpretations of the published literature by statistically evaluating the potential of microbial lipids from activated sludge (AS) as alternatives to high‐value oils and fats. There are two data analysis stages involved in this study after compilation and organization of fatty acid profiles from the literature databases: (1) comparison of fatty acid profiles of the cultivated AS lipids with that of oils and fats found in the literature databases, and (2) hierarchical cluster analysis of the fatty acids of the combined dataset of literature oils and fats, and the AS lipids. Results show that fatty acid profiles of lipids from cultivated AS were similar to the fatty acid profiles of some oils and fats of plant, animal, single‐microbial cultures, and algal origins; hence, lipids from AS could be potential alternatives to specialty oils and fats. The cultivation conditions of AS during lipid content enhancement may influence lipid application.
Development of 17 microsatellite markers in the federally endangered species Liatris helleri (Asteraceae)
Authors: Clark Logan C. , Gaglianese‐Woody Morgan R. , Estep Matt C.
Published: May 2019

Premise

Microsatellite markers were developed in the federally endangered species Liatris helleri (Asteraceae) to evaluate species boundaries with closely related congeners within the genus.

Methods and Results

Using Illumina data, 17 primer pairs were developed in populations of L. helleri. The primers amplified motifs from tri‐ to hexanucleotide repeats with one to 17 alleles per locus. Primers were also tested for cross‐amplification in L. aspera, L. microcephala, and L. pycnostachya.

Conclusions

The developed primers for L. helleri serve as a novel genetic tool for future investigations in this genus, allowing for more explicit species delineation as well as population genetic analyses.
Dynamic output feedback control with output quantizer for nonlinear uncertain T‐S fuzzy systems with multiple time‐varying input delays and unmatched disturbances
Authors: Zheng Wei , Wang Hongbin , Wang Hongrui , Zhang Zhiming
Published: May 2019

The dynamic output feedback control problem with output quantizer is investigated for a class of nonlinear uncertain Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy systems with multiple time‐varying input delays and unmatched disturbances. The T‐S fuzzy model is employed to approximate the nonlinear uncertain system, and the output space is partitioned into operating regions and interpolation regions based on the structural information in the fuzzy rules. The output quantizer is introduced for the controller design, and the dynamic output feedback controller with output quantizer is constructed based on the T‐S fuzzy model. Stability conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities are derived by introducing the S‐procedure, such that the closed‐loop system is stable and the solutions converge to a ball. The control design conditions are relaxed and design flexibility is enhanced because of the developed controller. By introducing the output‐space partition method and S‐procedure, the unmatched regions between the system plant and the controller caused by the quantization errors can be solved in the control design. Finally, simulations are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Verstärkungsmethode für aussteifende Mauerwerkswände in Erdbebengebieten
Authors: Wertenbroch Axel , Ötes Atilla
Published: May 2019

Zur Verbesserung des Tragverhaltens von aussteifenden Mauerwerkswänden unter Erdbebeneinwirkung wurde an der TU Dortmund eine neuartige Verstärkungsmethode entwickelt. Dünne textilbewehrte Betonelemente, die mittels mechanischer Verbindungsmittel an der Mauerwerkswand befestigt werden, führen zu einem Wandsystem, das nicht nur die Anforderungen an Integrität und Tragwiderstand erfüllt, sondern auch ein duktiles Grenztragverhalten entwickelt. Nach der Vorstellung des Konzepts und der Konstruktionsprinzipien werden anhand der Ergebnisse experimenteller und rechnerischer Untersuchungen die Kapazität sowie die Wirkungsweise dieses Verstärkungssystems detailliert vorgestellt. Besonders instruktiv sind dabei die Erdbebensimulationsversuche an geschosshohen Wänden mit dem direkten Vergleich zwischen unverstärkten und verstärkten Mauerwerkswänden. Nach der genaueren Beschreibung des Tragverhaltens und der Systemvoraussetzungen wird die Wirksamkeit des Verstärkungssystems für ein Gebäude mit aussteifenden Mauerwerkswänden mittels vergleichender Erdbebenberechnung identifiziert.
The Gut Microbiota–Brain Axis Expands Neurologic Function: A Nervous Rapport
Authors: Bauer Kylynda C. , Rees Tobias , Finlay Barton Brett
Published: May 2019

Does exploration of the gut microbiota–brain axis expand our understanding of what it means to be human? Recognition and conceptualization of a gut microbiota–brain axis challenges our study of the nervous system. Here, integrating gut microbiota–brain research into the metaorganism model is proposed. The metaorganism—an expanded, dynamic unit comprising the host and commensal organisms—asserts a radical blurring between man and microbe. The metaorganism nervous system interacts with the exterior world through microbial‐colored lenses. Ongoing studies have reported that gut microbes contribute to brain function and pathologies, even shaping higher neurological functions. How will continued collaborative efforts (e.g., between neurobiology and microbiology), including partnerships with the arts (e.g., philosophy), contribute to the knowledge of microbe‐to‐mind interactions? While this is not a systemic review, this nascent field is briefly described, highlighting ongoing challenges and recommendations for emerging gut microbiota–brain research. Also see the video abstract here https://youtu.be/lP9gOW8StXg.
More Inclusive Leadership Helping to Advance Wisconsin Companies
Authors: Hammerer Lindsay
Published: May 2019

Lindsay Hammerer is chair of Milwaukee Women inc. and partner at KPMG. MWi is an organization of professional women determined to change the face and quality of leadership in the Wisconsin business community by increasing the number of women corporate directors. In this article, Hammerer presents research and case‐study examples demonstrating the value of diversity and inclusiveness at the boardroom level.
High‐sensitivity simultaneous quantification of tacrolimus and 13‐O‐demethyl tacrolimus in human whole blood using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ono Hiroyuki , Suzuki Yosuke , Kaneko Tetsuya , Tanaka Ryota , Sato Fuminori , Sato Yuhki , Mimata Hiromitsu , Itoh Hiroki
Published: May 2019

Blood concentrations of tacrolimus show large variability among patients and the narrow therapeutic range is related to adverse effects. Therefore, therapeutic drug monitoring is needed for strict management. 13‐O‐Demethyl tacrolimus (13‐O‐DMT) was reported as the major metabolite formed by cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A such as CYP3A5. In previous studies, the best lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.1 ng/mL for both substances. However, this LLOQ may not be low enough now because the dosage of tacrolimus has decreased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a high‐sensitivity and high‐throughput assay for simultaneous quantification of tacrolimus and 13‐O‐DMT in human whole blood using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Thirty‐five stable kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus were recruited in this study. The calibration curve range was 0.04–40 ng/mL. All calibration samples and quality control samples fulfilled the requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency guidelines for assay validation. Trough concentrations of tacrolimus and 13‐O‐DMT in 35 stable kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus were within the range of the respective calibration curve. Our novel UPLC–MS/MS method is more sensitive than previous methods for quantification of tacrolimus and 13‐O‐DMT.
Validated UHPLC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of four triterpene saponins from Akebia trifoliata extract in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Chen Weikang , Zheng Yangbin , Yan Liang , Yuan Mingming , Ouyang Lan , Li Jun , Zhou Guoping , Zhong Ruijian
Published: May 2019

Saponin PH, akemisaponins E, saponin PJ1 and scheffoleoside A, the main bioactive triterpene saponins of Chinese traditional medicine Akebia trifoliata, contribute to its diuretic pharmacological activity. Because of interactions of the multiple ingredients in vivo, pharmacokinetic studies of multiple triterpenes after administration of A. trifoliata extract are essential to clarify their pharmacological effects. The purpose of this study was to develop an efficient and sensitive UHPLC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of these four triterpene saponins in rat plasma. The biosamples were prepared by liquid–liquid extraction with n‐butanol. The chromatographic separation was performed on a Phenomenex Luna® C18 (150 × 2 mm, 3 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The MS/MS system was operated in a negative multiple reaction monitoring mode, and the precursor–product ion transitions were optimized as m/z 941.6 → 471.1 for saponin PH, 941.7 → 471.2 for akemisaponins E, 1089.7 → 601.1 for saponin PJ1, 957.6 → 487.4 for scheffoleoside A and 799.5 → 637.3 for ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1, internal standard). Method validation parameters (calibration curve linearity, lower limit of detection, recovery, matrix effect, intra‐ and inter‐day precision) were within the acceptable ranges. This is the first reported on the UHPLC–MS/MS detection of saponin PH, akemisaponins E, saponin PJ1 and scheffoleoside A, and applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of A. trifoliata extract in rats. This study provides a basis for clinical application and further development of A. trifoliata extract.
The impact of national culture on integrated reporting quality. A stakeholder theory approach
Authors: Vitolla Filippo , Raimo Nicola , Rubino Michele , Garzoni Antonello
Published: May 2019

Integrated reporting (IR) is a new corporate‐reporting system that aims to represent the firm's value creation in the short, medium, and long term. In contrast to other disclosure systems focusing on non‐financial dimensions, including social and environmental aspects, IR is characterized by information connectivity. In recent years, integrated reporting has received increasing interest, both academic and professional. However, report quality is still a critical aspect of IR. Although several studies investigate IR, few focus on quality and its determinants. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the impact of national culture, an external determinant, from a stakeholder theory perspective. The results show that IR quality is related to five dimensions of Hofstede—power distance, individualism, masculinity, and indulgence negatively and uncertainty avoidance positively. This study contributes to the relevant literature by analysing an additional factor that influences the quality of corporate reports, namely, national culture. This is the first study that investigates national culture as a determinant of integrated‐reporting quality.
Association of time interval between cancer diagnosis and initiation of palliative chemotherapy with overall survival in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Lee Shu‐Hui , Chang Pei‐Hung , Chen Ping‐Tsung , Lu Chang‐Hsien , Hung Yu‐Shin , Tsang Ngan‐Ming , Hung Chia‐Yen , Chen Jen‐Shi , Hsu Hung‐Chih , Chen Yen‐Yang , Chou Wen‐Chi
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Palliative chemotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Whether the early initiation of palliative chemotherapy is associated with a favorable survival outcome for these patients is not known. This study aimed to analyze the association of the time interval between cancer diagnosis and initiation of palliative chemotherapy with survival outcome in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Method

A total of 838 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer who underwent palliative chemotherapy from 2010 to 2016 at 4 institutions in Taiwan were retrospectively enrolled. All patients were categorized according to time interval between cancer diagnosis and initiation of palliative chemotherapy for comparison of the survival outcome.

Result

The median time interval was 14 days (range, 0 to 163 days) in our patient cohort. Accordingly, 22%, 29%, and 49% of the patients underwent palliative chemotherapy within 1, 1 to 2, and >2 weeks after cancer diagnosis, respectively. The survival outcome had no statistical difference among these 3 patient groups. Subgroup analyses revealed that patients with the time interval ≤2 weeks exhibited poorer survival outcome than those with the time interval >2 weeks if they initially presented with jaundice (6.1 months vs 8.4 months, P = 0.029). In contrast, patients with the time interval ≤2 weeks revealed a better survival outcome than those with the time interval >2 weeks if they initially presented with pain (8.0 vs 6.3 months, P = 0.014).

Conclusion

In our study, time interval between cancer diagnosis and the initiation of palliative chemotherapy >2 weeks was not associated with a poorer survival outcome for patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. Our result might help clinicians to clarify that early initiation of palliative chemotherapy might provide survival benefit for patients who present with tumor pain, but not for those who present with jaundice.
Salter‐Harris type II fracture of the distal femur in a newborn: Acute anatomic imaging alterations after labor dystocia
Authors: Laliotis Nicolaos , Kapetanakis Stylianos , Gkasdaris Grigorios , Konstantinidis Panagiotis , Karoutsou Ritsa , Chourmouzi Danae , Giannakopoulou Lamprini
Published: May 2019

Key Clinical Message

A rare clinical presence of Salter‐Harris type II fracture of the distal femur in a newborn. The crucial role of imaging in depicting urgent anatomical alterations.
Hypoplastic acute myeloid leukemia in an elderly patient. A long‐term partial remission with low‐dose prednisone and G‐CSF
Authors: Islam Anwarul
Published: May 2019

Hypoplastic acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a rare variant of AML that mainly affects the elderly and accounts for 5%‐7% of de novo AML. Prognosis for this disease is poor, and there is no standard therapy. We have treated an elderly patient with hypoplastic AML with low‐dose prednisone and G‐CSF with good results. We propose that this treatment may be a viable alternative to supportive therapy alone, or the tenuous chemotherapeutic challenge to elderly patients with hypoplastic AML.
Rapid and Quantitative Profiling of Substrate Specificity of ω‐Transaminases for Ketones
Authors: Han Sang‐Woo , Shin Jong‐Shik
Published: May 2019

ω‐Transaminases (ω‐TAs) have gained growing attention owing to their capability for asymmetric synthesis of chiral amines from ketones. Reliable high‐throughput activity assay of ω‐TAs is essential in carrying out extensive substrate profiling and establishing a robust screening platform. Here we report spectrophotometric and colorimetric methods enabling rapid quantitation of ω‐TA activities toward ketones in a 96‐well microplate format. The assay methods employ benzylamine, a reactive amino donor for ω‐TAs, as a cosubstrate and exploit aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) as a reporter enzyme, leading to formation of benzaldehyde detectable by ALDH owing to concomitant NADH generation. Spectrophotometric substrate profiling of two wild‐type ω‐TAs of opposite stereoselectivity was carried out at 340 nm with 22 ketones, revealing subtle differences in substrate specificities that were consistent with docking simulation results obtained with cognate amines. Colorimetric readout for naked eye detection of the ω‐TA activity was also demonstrated by supplementing the assay mixture with color‐developing reagents whose color reaction could be quantified at 580 nm. The colorimetric assay was applied to substrate profiling of an engineered ω‐TA for 24 ketones, leading to rapid identification of reactive ketones. The ALDH‐based assay is expected to be promising for high‐throughput screening of enzyme collections and mutant libraries to fish out the best ω‐TA candidate as well as to tailor enzyme properties for efficient amination of a target ketone.
Visualization of Mass Transfer during Droplet Formation
Authors: Heine Jens Stefan , Bart Hans-Jörg
Published: May 2019

The impact of mass transfer in liquid‐liquid extraction during droplet formation in a quiescent continuous phase was investigated. The impact of droplet size, concentration, and formation rate on a hanging droplet was analyzed via laser induced fluorescence (LIF) using rhodamine 6G as tracer in the system of toluene and acetone in water. The droplet formation rate has a major impact on mass transfer and the mixing pattern inside the droplet. Very fast mass transfer induced by Marangoni convection was visualized at a high local resolution independently of concentration and formation rate.
Numerical Characterization of the Bubble Rise Behavior in Viscoelastic Liquids
Authors: Enders Frauke , Merker David , Kolano Markus , Böhm Lutz , Kraume Matthias
Published: May 2019

The bubble rise behavior in viscoelastic media is analyzed numerically with CFD. Three different constitutive models, Giesekus, linear and exponential Phan‐Thien‐Tanner, are used to evaluate three different biopolymer solutions. The terminal rise velocity over a range of bubble sizes is validated against experimental data. The local velocity fields are compared with respect to the shape and onset of the negative wake. Furthermore, the normal and shear components of the stress fields, transformed according to the local flow direction, are given. The simulations are performed with a volume of fluid solver in OpenFOAM.
Bräunungsmechanismen pflanzlicher Lebensmittel
Authors: Mai Franziska , Mertens Nils , Glomb Marcus A.
Published: May 2019

Die vielfältigen Reaktionsmechanismen, die bei der enzymatischen Bräunung von pflanzlichen Lebensmitteln eine Rolle spielen, sind nicht allein auf die enzymkatalysierte Oxidation von phenolischen Verbindungen zurückzuführen. Neuere Untersuchungen haben zu der Einsicht geführt, dass die nach gewollter oder nicht beabsichtigter Verletzung des Pflanzengewebes einsetzende Bräunung maßgeblich auch auf anderen Vorläuferstrukturen etwa aus der Gruppe der Sesquiterpene beruht. Offensichtlich sind die Wege der Pflanzen, bei mikrobiellen Infektionen, bei tierischem Verbiss, oder dem Lagern und Verarbeiten von Lebensmitteln Abwehrstoffe zu bilden, je nach Spezies sehr unterschiedlich. Vorkommende Substrate, Spezifität und Aktivität der beteiligten Enzyme, aber evtl. auch die Art der Einwirkung auf die Pflanzenzellen können Einflussfaktoren sein. Bis heute sind kaum farbgebende Chromophore noch die dahinterstehenden Mechanismen auf strukturell molekularer Basis bekannt. Eine Ausnahme bildet die Chemie der Teefermentation, aber auch hier sind im Wesentlichen nur die ersten, niedermolekularen Verbindungen der Bräunungsreaktionen bekannt. Die Erforschung der Bräunungsmechanismen von pflanzlichen Lebensmitteln bleibt daher auch in Zukunft ein interessantes und für die Nahrungsmittelindustrie sehr wichtiges Thema.
Dysbiotic gut microbes may contribute to hypertension by limiting vitamin D production
Authors: Zuo Kun , Li Jing , Xu Qiuhua , Hu Chaowei , Gao Yuanfeng , Chen Mulei , Hu Roumu , Liu Ye , Chi Hongjie , Yin Qing , Cao Yudan , Wang Pan , Qin Yanwen , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhong Jiuchang , Cai Jun , Li Kuibao , Yang Xinchun
Published: May 2019

Background

Accumulating studies have suggested that gut microbiota (GM) dysbiosis and vitamin D3 deficiency each play an important role during the progression of hypertension (HTN). However, few studies have characterized the underlying interaction between GM shift and vitamin D3 deficiency in HTN patients.

Hypothesis

This study aimed to evaluate the possible crosstalk between GM dysbiosis and vitamin D deficiency in the pathogenesis of HTN.

Methods

In a cohort of 34 HTN patients and 15 healthy controls, we analyzed the fecal microbiota products, GM composition, and the interaction between GM and vitamin D3.

Results

Vitamin D3 was significantly decreased in feces of HTN patients (P = .006, vs controls) and was correlated with altered GM, including decreased Shannon index (R2 = 0.1296, P = .0111) and Pielou evenness (R2 = 0.1509, P = .0058). Moreover, vitamin D3 positively correlated with HTN‐reduced bacterial genera, including Subdoligranulum (R2 = 0.181, P = .0023), Ruminiclostridium (R2 = 0.1217, P = .014), Intestinimonas (R2 = 0.2036, P = .0011), Pseudoflavonifractor (R2 = 0.1014, P = .0257), Paenibacillus (R2 = 0.089, P = .0373), and Marvinbryantia (R2 = 0.08173, P = .0464). Partial least squares structural equation modeling showed that 27.7% of the total effect of gut microbiome on HTN was mediated by limiting vitamin D production. Finally, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed the predictive capacity of differential gut microbiome signatures and decreased vitamin D3 to distinguish HTN patients (AUC = 0.749, P = .006).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the GM dysbiosis contributing to the development of HTN might be partially mediated by vitamin D3 deficiency. Future studies involving the underlying mechanism and intervention strategies targeting microbiome composition and vitamin D3 to counteract the progression of HTN are warranted.