bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of AAPM Reports 204 and 220: Estimation of effective diameter, water‐equivalent diameter, and ellipticity ratios for chest, abdomen, pelvis, and head CT scans
Authors: Burton Christiane S. , Szczykutowicz Timothy P.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To confirm AAPM Reports 204/220 and provide data for the future expansion of these reports by: (a) presenting the first large‐scale confirmation of the reports using clinical data, (b) providing the community with size surrogate data for the head region which was not provided in the original reports, and additionally providing the measurements of patient ellipticity ratio for different body regions.

Method

A total of 884 routine scans were included in our analysis including data from the head, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis for adults and pediatrics. We calculated the ellipticity ratio and all of the size surrogates presented in AAPM Reports 204/220. We correlated the purely geometric‐based metrics with the “gold standard” water‐equivalent diameter (DW).

Results

Our results and AAPM Reports 204/220 agree within our data's 95% confidence intervals. Outliers to the AAPM reports’ methods were caused by excess gas in the GI tract, exceptionally low BMI, and cranial metaphyseal dysplasia. For the head, we show lower correlation (R2 = 0.812) between effective diameter and DW relative to other body regions. The ellipticity ratio of the shoulder region was the highest at 2.28 ± 0.22 and the head the smallest at 0.85 ± 0.08. The abdomen pelvis, chest, thorax, and abdomen regions all had ellipticity values near 1.5.

Conclusion

We confirmed AAPM reports 204/220 using clinical data and identified patient conditions causing discrepancies. We presented new size surrogate data for the head region and for the first time presented ellipticity data for all regions. Future automatic exposure control characterization should include ellipticity information.
High‐Efficiency and Low Distortion Photoacoustic Effect in 3D Graphene Sponge
Authors: Giorgianni Flavio , Vicario Carlo , Shalaby Mostafa , Tenuzzo Lorenzo Donato , Marcelli Augusto , Zhang Tengfei , Zhao Kai , Chen Yongsheng , Hauri Christoph , Lupi Stefano
Published: November 2017

The conversion of light in sound plays a crucial role in spectroscopy, applied physics, and technology. In this paper, light‐sound conversion in 3D graphene sponge through a photo‐thermoacoustic mechanism is reported. It is shown that the unique combination of mechanical, optical, and thermodynamic properties of graphene assembled in a 3D sponge structure allows an unprecedented high efficiency conversion independent of light wavelength from infrared to ultraviolet. As a first application of this effect, a photothermal based graphene sponge loudspeaker is demonstrated, providing a full digital operation for frequencies from acoustic to ultrasound. The present results suggest a new pathway for light generation and control of sound and ultrasound signals potentially usable in a variety of new technological applications from high‐fidelity loudspeaker and radiation detectors to medical devices.
Influence of Blend Morphology and Energetics on Charge Separation and Recombination Dynamics in Organic Solar Cells Incorporating a Nonfullerene Acceptor
Authors: Cha Hyojung , Wheeler Scot , Holliday Sarah , Dimitrov Stoichko D. , Wadsworth Andrew , Lee Hyun Hwi , Baran Derya , McCulloch Iain , Durrant James R.
Published: November 2017

Nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) in blends with highly crystalline donor polymers have been shown to yield particularly high device voltage outputs, but typically more modest quantum yields for photocurrent generation as well as often lower fill factors (FF). In this study, we employ transient optical and optoelectronic analysis to elucidate the factors determining device photocurrent and FF in blends of the highly crystalline donor polymer PffBT4T‐2OD with the promising NFA FBR or the more widely studied fullerene acceptor PC71BM. Geminate recombination losses, as measured by ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, are observed to be significantly higher for PffBT4T‐2OD:FBR blends. This is assigned to the smaller LUMO‐LUMO offset of the PffBT4T‐2OD:FBR blends relative to PffBT4T‐2OD:PC71BM, resulting in the lower photocurrent generation efficiency obtained with FBR. Employing time delayed charge extraction measurements, these geminate recombination losses are observed to be field dependent, resulting in the lower FF observed with PffBT4T‐2OD:FBR devices. These data therefore provide a detailed understanding of the impact of acceptor design, and particularly acceptor energetics, on organic solar cell performance. Our study concludes with a discussion of the implications of these results for the design of NFAs in organic solar cells.
Ultrathin IrO2 Nanoneedles for Electrochemical Water Oxidation
Authors: Lim Jinkyu , Park Dongmin , Jeon Sun Seo , Roh Chi‐Woo , Choi Juhyuk , Yoon Daejin , Park Minju , Jung Hyeyoung , Lee Hyunjoo
Published: November 2017

Electrochemical water splitting is promising for utilizing intermittent renewable energy. The sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), however, is a bottleneck in obtaining high efficiency. Only a few OER electrocatalysts have been developed for the use in acidic media despite the importance of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzer. IrO2 is the only material that is both active and stable for the OER in highly corrosive acidic conditions. Herein, a facile and scalable synthesis of ultrathin IrO2 nanoneedles is reported with a diameter of 2 nm using a modified molten salt method. The activity and durability for the OER are significantly enhanced on the ultrathin IrO2 nanoneedles, compared to conventional nanoparticles. The ultrathin nanoneedles are successfully introduced to a PEM electrolyzer single cell with the enhanced cell performance.
A Perspective on Bio‐Mediated Material Structuring
Authors: Deuerling Steffi , Kugler Sabine , Klotz Moritz , Zollfrank Cordt , Van Opdenbosch Daniel
Published: November 2017

Bioinspiration, biomorphy, biomimicry, biomimetics, bionics, and biotemplating are terms used to describe the fabrication of materials or, more generally, systems to solve technological problems by abstracting, emulating, using, or transferring structures from biological paradigms. Herein, a brief overview of how the different terminologies are being typically applied is provided. It is proposed that there is a rich field of research that can be expanded by utilizing various novel approaches for the guidance of living organisms for “bio‐mediated” material structuring purposes. As examples of contact‐based or contact‐free guidance, such as substrate patterning, the application of light, magnetic fields, or chemical gradients, potentially interesting methods of creating hierarchically structured monolithic engineering materials, using live patterned biomass, biofilms, or extracellular substances as scaffolds, are presented. The potential advantages of such materials are discussed, and examples of live self‐patterning of materials are given.
Evidence for Itinerant Carriers in an Anisotropic Narrow‐Gap Semiconductor by Angle‐Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy
Authors: Ju Sailong , Bai Wei , Wu Liming , Lin Hua , Xiao Chong , Cui Shengtao , Li Zhou , Kong Shuai , Liu Yi , Liu Dayong , Zhang Guobin , Sun Zhe , Xie Yi
Published: November 2017

The ability to accurately determine the electronic structure of solids has become a key prerequisite for modern functional materials. For example, the precise determination of the electronic structure helps to balance the three thermoelectric parameters, which is the biggest challenge to design high‐performance thermoelectric materials. Herein, by high‐resolution, angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), the itinerant carriers in CsBi4Te6 (CBT) are revealed for the first time. CBT is a typical anisotropic, narrow‐gap semiconductor used as a practical candidate for low‐temperature thermoelectric applications, and p‐doped CBT series show superconductivity at relatively low carrier concentrations. The ARPES results show a significantly larger bandwidth near the Fermi surface than calculations, which means the carriers transport anisotropically and itinerantly in CBT. It is reasonable to believe that these newly discovered features of carriers in narrow‐gap semiconductors are promising for designing optimal thermoelectric materials and superconductors.
Synthesis of Carbon Dots with Multiple Color Emission by Controlled Graphitization and Surface Functionalization
Authors: Miao Xiang , Qu Dan , Yang Dongxue , Nie Bing , Zhao Yikang , Fan Hongyou , Sun Zaicheng
Published: November 2017

Multiple‐color‐emissive carbon dots (CDots) have potential applications in various fields such as bioimaging, light‐emitting devices, and photocatalysis. The majority of the current CDots to date exhibit excitation‐wavelength‐dependent emissions with their maximum emission limited at the blue‐light region. Here, a synthesis of multiple‐color‐emission CDots by controlled graphitization and surface function is reported. The CDots are synthesized through controlled thermal pyrolysis of citric acid and urea. By regulating the thermal‐pyrolysis temperature and ratio of reactants, the maximum emission of the resulting CDots gradually shifts from blue to red light, covering the entire light spectrum. Specifically, the emission position of the CDots can be tuned from 430 to 630 nm through controlling the extent of graphitization and the amount of surface functional groups, COOH. The relative photoluminescence quantum yields of the CDots with blue, green, and red emission reach up to 52.6%, 35.1%, and 12.9%, respectively. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the CDots can be uniformly dispersed into epoxy resins and be fabricated as transparent CDots/epoxy composites for multiple‐color‐ and white‐light‐emitting devices. This research opens a door for developing low‐cost CDots as alternative phosphors for light‐emitting devices.
(E)‐3‐(Alkoxycarbonyl‐2‐Alkyliden)‐2‐Oxindoles: Multidentate Pronucleophiles for the Organocatalytic, Vinylogous Michael Addition to Nitroolefins
Authors: Curti Claudio , Battistini Lucia , Sartori Andrea , Rassu Gloria , Pelosi Giorgio , Lombardo Marco , Zanardi Franca
Published: November 2017

We introduce 3‐(alkoxycarbonyl‐2‐alkyliden)‐2‐oxindoles as pronucleophilic donors in the direct, vinylogous Michael addition to nitroolefins orchestrated by a chiral, bifunctional cinchona‐thiourea organocatalyst. This reaction displays excellent levels of γ‐site‐, diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity delivering valuable enantioenriched functionalized oxindoles. Of note, the C‐γ enolization of these pronucleophiles by the organocatalyst generates a multidentate, captodative dienolate that delivers vinylogous adducts with an unprecedented Z‐selectivity through a peculiar interaction with the catalyst and the nitroolefin. The optimized procedure is operatively simple: the reaction is conducted in air, at room temperature, with low catalyst loading (up to 1 mol%). The synthetic versatility of these Michael adducts is demonstrated by several transformations leading to a valuable quaternary oxindolyl proline analogue and a chiral spirocyclic furoindolone structure. Finally, a mechanistic rationale and a suitable transition state accounting for the observed selectivities are proposed, which are supported by DFT calculations.

magnified image
Inverted Design for High‐Performance Supercapacitor Via Co(OH)2‐Derived Highly Oriented MOF Electrodes
Authors: Deng Ting , Lu Yue , Zhang Wei , Sui Manling , Shi Xiaoyuan , Wang Dong , Zheng Weitao
Published: November 2017

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered as promising candidates for supercapacitors because of high specific area and potential redox sites. However, their shuffled orientations and low conductivity nature lead to severely‐degraded performance. Designing an accessibly‐manipulated and efficient method to address those issues is of outmost significance for MOF application in supercapacitors. It is the common way that MOFs scarify themselves as templates or precursors to prepare target products. But to reversely think it, using target products to prepare MOF could be the way to unlock the bottleneck of MOFs' performance in supercapacitors. Herein, a novel strategy using Co(OH)2 as both the template and precursor to fabricate vertically‐oriented MOF electrode is proposed. The electrode shows a double high specific capacitance of 1044 Fg−1 and excellent rate capability compared to MOF in powder form. An asymmetric supercapacitor was also fabricated, which delivers a maximum energy density of 28.5 W h kg−1 at a power density of 1500 W kg−1, and the maximum of 24000 W kg−1 can be obtained with a remaining energy density of 13.3 W h kg−1. Therefore, the proposed strategy paves the way to unlock the inherent advantages of MOFs and also inspires for advanced MOF synthesis with optimum performance.
Violence against emergency medical services personnel: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Maguire Brian J. , O'Meara Peter , O'Neill Barbara J. , Brightwell Richard
Published: November 2017

Background

Violence against emergency medical services (EMS) personnel is a growing concern. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesize the current literature on violence against EMS personnel.

Methods

We examined literature from 2000 to 2016. Eligibility criteria included English‐language, peer‐reviewed studies of EMS personnel that described violence or assaults. Sixteen searches identified 2655 studies; 25 studies from nine countries met the inclusion criteria.

Results

The evidence from this review demonstrates that violence is a common risk for EMS personnel. We identified three critical topic areas: changes in risk over time, economic impact of violence and, outcomes of risk‐reduction interventions. There is a lack of peer reviewed research of interventions, with the result that current intervention programs have no reliable evidence base.

Conclusions

EMS leaders and personnel should work together with researchers to design, implement, evaluate and publish intervention studies designed to mitigate risks of violence to EMS personnel.
Temperature‐Directed Biocatalysis for the Sustainable Production of Aromatic Aldehydes or Alcohols
Authors: Ni Jun , Gao Yan‐Yan , Tao Fei , Liu Hong‐Yu , Xu Ping
Published: November 2017

The biosynthesis of aromatic aldehydes and alcohols from renewable resources is currently receiving considerable attention because of an increase in demand, finite fossil resources, and growing environmental concerns. Here, a temperature‐directed whole‐cell catalyst was developed by using two novel enzymes from a thermophilic actinomycete. Ferulic acid, a model lignin derivative, was efficiently converted into vanillyl alcohol at a reaction temperature at 30 °C. However, when the temperature was increased to 50 °C, ferulic acid was mainly converted into vanillin with a productivity of 1.1 g L−1 h−1. This is due to the fact that the redundant endogenous alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) are not active at this temperature while the functional enzymes from the thermophilic strain remain active. As the biocatalyst could convert many other renewable cinnamic acid derivatives into their corresponding aromatic aldehydes/alcohols, this novel strategy may be extended to generate a vast array of valuable aldehydes or alcohols.
Ion–Solvent Complexes Promote Gas Evolution from Electrolytes on a Sodium Metal Anode
Authors: Chen Xiang , Shen Xin , Li Bo , Peng Hong‐Jie , Cheng Xin‐Bing , Li Bo‐Quan , Zhang Xue‐Qiang , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Qiang
Published: November 2017

Lithium and sodium metal batteries are considered as promising next‐generation energy storage devices due to their ultrahigh energy densities. The high reactivity of alkali metal toward organic solvents and salts results in side reactions, which further lead to undesirable electrolyte depletion, cell failure, and evolution of flammable gas. Herein, first‐principles calculations and in situ optical microscopy are used to study the mechanism of organic electrolyte decomposition and gas evolution on a sodium metal anode. Once complexed with sodium ions, solvent molecules show a reduced LUMO, which facilitates the electrolyte decomposition and gas evolution. Such a general mechanism is also applicable to lithium and other metal anodes. We uncover the critical role of ion–solvent complexation for the stability of alkali metal anodes, reveal the mechanism of electrolyte gassing, and provide a mechanistic guidance to electrolyte and lithium/sodium anode design for safe rechargeable batteries.
Lessons To Be Learned: The Molecular Basis of Kinase‐Targeted Therapies and Drug Resistance in Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Lategahn Jonas , Keul Marina , Rauh Daniel
Published: November 2017

The treatment of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is currently experiencing a revolution. Over the last decade, the knowledge gained about the biochemical features of biomarkers and their predictive abilities has led to the development of targeted small‐molecule inhibitors that present an alternative to harsh chemotherapy. The use of these new therapies has improved the quality of life and increased the survival of patients. The occurrence of inevitable drug resistance requires the constant development of precision medicine. The detailed understanding of the target biology and the search for innovative chemical approaches has encouraged investigations in this field. Herein, we review selected aspects of the molecular targets and present an overview of current topics and challenges in the rational development of small molecules to target NSCLC.
Immune Checkpoint PD‐1/PD‐L1: Is There Life Beyond Antibodies?
Authors: Konstantinidou Markella , Zarganes‐Tzitzikas Tryfon , Magiera‐Mularz Katarzyna , Holak Tad A. , Dömling Alexander
Published: November 2017

The PD‐1/PD‐L1 interaction has emerged as a significant target in cancer immunotherapy. Current medications include monoclonal antibodies, which have shown impressive clinical results in the treatment of several types of tumors. The cocrystal structure of human PD‐1 and PD‐L1 is expected to be a valuable starting point for the design of novel inhibitors, along with the recent crystal structures with monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, and macrocycles.
Evidence for Triplet Sensitization in the Visible‐Light‐Induced [2+2] Photocycloaddition of Eniminium Ions
Authors: Hörmann Fabian M. , Chung Tim S. , Rodriguez Elsa , Jakob Matthias , Bach Thorsten
Published: November 2017

Εniminium ions were prepared from the corresponding α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds (enones and enals), and were found to be promoted to their respective triplet states by energy transfer. The photoexcited intermediates underwent intra‐ or intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition in good yields (50–78 %) upon irradiation at λ=433 nm or λ=457 nm. Iridium or ruthenium complexes with a sufficiently high triplet energy were identified as efficient catalysts (2.5 mol % catalyst loading) for the reaction. The intermolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition of an eniminium ion derived from a chiral secondary amine proceeded with high enantioselectivity (88 % ee).
RAFT‐mediated emulsion polymerization of chloroprene and impact of chain‐end structure on chloroprene rubbers
Authors: Ishigaki Yuhei , Mori Hideharu
Published: November 2017

The reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of chloroprene (CP) in an emulsion system using a dithiocarbamate‐type RAFT agent was studied. The controlled RAFT‐mediated emulsion polymerization was achieved by the appropriate combination of a RAFT agent and nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene phenyl ether) using a water‐soluble initiator (VA‐044) at 35 °C. An almost linear first‐order kinetic plot was observed until relatively high conversion (>80%) with molecular weights between 22,300 and 33,100 and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn ≦ 1.5) were achieved. The amount of the emulsifier used and the pH of the system were found to affect the controlled character, polymerization rate, and induction period, which are related to the size of the emulsion particles. Large‐scale RAFT‐mediated emulsion polymerization was also employed to afford industrially applicable poly(CP) (Mw > 25 × 104, resulting product > 2300 g). The vulcanized CP rubber obtained from the RAFT‐synthesized poly(CP) exhibited better physical properties, particularly tensile modulus and compression set, which may be due to the presence of the reactive end groups and the absence of low‐molecular‐weight products. We also evaluated the impact of the chain‐end structure on the mechanical and physical properties of these industrially important CP rubbers with carbon black. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46008.
Starch‐graphene oxide bionanocomposites prepared through melt mixing
Authors: Ávila‐Orta Carlos A. , Soriano Corral Florentino , Fonseca‐Florido Heidi A. , Estrada Aguilar Flor I. , Solís Rosales Silvia G. , Mata Padilla José M. , González Morones Pablo , Fernández Tavizón Salvador , Hernández‐Hernández Ernesto
Published: November 2017

Bionanocomposites (BNCs) of waxy corn starch, glycerol, and graphene oxide (GO) or graphite oxide (GrO) were prepared by melt mixing. First, the GrO was pre‐exfoliated in a water solution using ultrasound at 1 wt %. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering was used to determinate the interlaminar separation of GrO and transmission electron microscopy, Fourier infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterized the GrO. Next, BNCs were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical property measurements. A complete exfoliation of GrO was obtained in the waxy corn matrix. Amorphous X‐ray patterns of the BNCs were observed, indicating that the exfoliated GO avoid the retrogradation of starch. According to scanning electron microscopy results, the BNCs showed an irregular texture and a good dispersion of GO, while thermoplastic starch showed a smooth morphology with a fragile structure. The BNCs exhibited higher thermal stability than thermoplastic starch. The tensile strength and the Young's modulus increased by 140% and 230% at a GO loading levels of 0.5% due to good interfacial interactions of GO and the waxy corn starch matrix. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46037.
Updated Estimates Suggest a Much Higher Prevalence of Arthritis in United States Adults Than Previous Ones
Authors: Jafarzadeh S. Reza , Felson David T.
Published: November 2017

Objective

National estimates of arthritis prevalence rely on a single survey question about doctor‐diagnosed arthritis without using survey information on joint symptoms, even though some subjects with only the latter have been shown to have arthritis. The sensitivity of the current surveillance definition is only 53% and 69% in subjects ages 45–64 years and ages ≥65 years, respectively, resulting in misclassification of nearly one‐half and one‐third of subjects in those age groups. This study was undertaken to estimate arthritis prevalence based on an expansive surveillance definition that is adjusted for the measurement errors in the current definition.

Methods

Using the 2015 National Health Interview Survey, we developed a Bayesian multinomial latent class model for arthritis surveillance based on doctor‐diagnosed arthritis, joint symptoms, and whether symptom duration exceeded 3 months.

Results

Of 33,672 participants, 19.3% of men and 16.7% of women ages 18–64 years and 15.7% of men and 13.5% of women ages ≥65 years affirmed joint symptoms without doctor‐diagnosed arthritis. The measurement error–adjusted prevalence of arthritis was 29.9% (95% Bayesian probability interval [95% PI] 23.4–42.3) in men ages 18–64 years, 31.2% (95% PI 25.8–44.1) in women ages 18–64 years, 55.8% (95% PI 49.9–70.4) in men ages ≥65 years, and 68.7% (95% PI 62.1–79.9) in women ages ≥65 years. Arthritis affected 91.2 million adults (of 247.7 million; 36.8%) in the US in 2015, which included 61.1 million persons between 18 and 64 years of age (of 199.9 million; 30.6%). Our arthritis prevalence estimate was 68% higher than the previously reported national estimate.

Conclusion

Arthritis prevalence in the US population has been substantially underestimated, especially among adults younger than 65 years of age.
Exponential Stability and Delayed Impulsive Stabilization of Hybrid Impulsive Stochastic Functional Differential Systems
Authors: Li Dianqaing , Cheng Pei , Deng Feiqi
Published: November 2017

This paper is concerned with the stability and impulsive stabilization of hybrid impulsive stochastic functional differential systems with delayed impulses. Using the Razumikhin techniques and Lyapunov functions, some sufficient conditions for the pth moment exponential stability of the systems under consideration are established. Based on the derived stability results, impulsive controllers are designed to stabilize a given unstable linear or nonlinear hybrid stochastic delayed differential system. Different from the existing stability and impulsive stabilization results in the literature, the results obtained in this paper shown that the delayed part of impulses can make a contribution to the stability of systems. Three examples are provided to present the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed results.
A Control Architecture for Time‐Optimal Landing of a Quadrotor Onto a Moving Platform
Authors: Hu Botao , Lu Lu , Mishra Sandipan
Published: November 2017

We address the problem of autonomous landing of a quadrotor onto a heaving (moving vertically) platform in this paper. A control architecture that consists of a motion estimation module, a trajectory generation module and a tracking control module is proposed. The motion estimation module estimates the absolute motion of the platform and the quadrotor with the measurements from an on‐board accelerometer and vision measurements. Based on these estimates, the trajectory generation module generates a time‐optimal reference trajectory. With the reference trajectory and motion estimation, the tracking control module synthesizes a control command that enables robust tracking of the reference trajectory. Experimental results and comparison with a state‐of‐the‐art landing controller demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control architecture.
Stahlbeton‐Dachtragwerke – eine typische Konstruktionsform der Nachkriegszeit
Authors: Beyer Christine , Ortlepp Sebastian , Naumann Thomas , Ortlepp Regine
Published: November 2017

Zu den markanten Baukonstruktionen der Nachkriegszeit in Mittel‐ und Ostdeutschland gehören Dachtragwerke aus Stahlbeton. Der wesentliche Grund für die Konzeption und Errichtung derartiger Strukturen lag in dem zur Bauzeit existierenden Mangel an Bauholz. Betonfertigteilbetriebe entwickelten insbesondere in den 1950er‐ und 1960er‐Jahren Systemlösungen für Dächer verschiedener Spannweiten. Solche Konstruktionen wurden als Sprossendach bezeichnet und anfangs in nur gering technisierter Form umgesetzt. Jedoch gelang es sehr schnell, derartige Dachtragwerke stärker zu systematisieren, auf eine weitgehende Vorfertigung umzustellen und qualitativ zu verbessern. Dieser Aufsatz zeigt eine Analyse ausgewählter Stahlbetondachkonstruktionen in Mittel‐ und Ostdeutschland am Beispiel der Region Dresden. Im Ergebnis der Bestandsaufnahmen weisen die nunmehr über 50 Jahre alten Strukturen in der Regel vergleichsweise geringe Schäden auf. Trotz ihres durchaus günstigen Langzeitverhaltens hat sich diese Bauweise, wohl aufgrund des recht hohen Planungs‐ und Montageaufwands sowie ihrer mangelnden Flexibilität, nicht durchgesetzt.
Flood protection for the City of Beira
Authors: Spekker Heiko , Heskamp Jan
Published: November 2017

A new tidal outlet is now protecting the port city on Mozambique's Indian Ocean coast with a population of approximately half a million people, and improving the city's drainage. Since the Indian Ocean in this area has a very large tidal range of up to 7 m, reliable coastal protection is of great importance. The Chiveve tidal river, which runs through the city for a distance of approx. 5 km, was neglected in the past, and became increasingly silted up, to the point that it no longer served as a drainage channel for the surrounding area. The standing water promoted the spreading of diseases such as malaria and cholera. During very high tides or storm surges in the adjacent ocean, combined with heavy rainfall, the Chiveve regularly overflowed its banks and flooded much of its catchment area – particularly the informal settlements along its banks. To address this problem, Inros Lackner designed a new tidal outlet and flood barrier to protect Beira's city centre. The project also included a comprehensive plan for the reestablishment of the original river course and renaturation measures along its embankments. This included excavation of the river, dredging of sludge within the fishing port downstream, resettlement measures, and planting of young mangroves along the river banks.
Peptide modulators of Rac1/Tiam1 protein‐protein interaction: An alternative approach for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Contini Alessandro , Ferri Nicola , Bucci Raffaella , Lupo Maria Giovanna , Erba Emanuela , Gelmi Maria Luisa , Pellegrino Sara
Published: November 2017

Rac1 GTPase interaction with guanine nucleotide exchange factor Tiam1 is involved in several cancer types and cardiovascular diseases. Although small molecules interfering with their protein‐protein interaction (PPI) were identified and studied, the ability of small peptides and peptide mimics acting as Rac1/Tiam1 PPI inhibitors has not been yet explored. Using computational alanine scanning (CAS), the “hot” interfacial residues have been determined allowing the design of a small library of putative PPI inhibitors. In particular, the insertion of an unnatural alpha, alpha disubstituted amino acid, that is norbornane amino acid, and the side chain stapling have been evaluated regarding both conformational stability and biological activity. REMD calculations and CD studies have indicated that one single norbornane amino acid at the N‐terminus is not sufficient to stabilize the helix structure, while the side‐chain stapling is a more efficient strategy. Furthermore, both engineered peptides have been found able to reduce Rac1‐GTP levels in cultured human smooth muscle cells, while wild type sequence is not active.
3D aggregate culture improves metabolic maturation of human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Correia Cláudia , Koshkin Alexey , Duarte Patrícia , Hu Dongjian , Carido Madalena , Sebastião Maria J. , Gomes‐Alves Patrícia , Elliott David A. , Domian Ibrahim J. , Teixeira Ana P. , Alves Paula M. , Serra Margarida
Published: November 2017

Three‐dimensional (3D) cultures of human pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC‐CMs) hold great promise for drug discovery, providing a better approximation to the in vivo physiology over standard two‐dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures. However, the transition of CM differentiation protocols from 2D to 3D cultures is not straightforward. In this work, we relied on the aggregation of hPSC‐derived cardiac progenitors and their culture under agitated conditions to generate highly pure cardiomyocyte aggregates. Whole‐transcriptome analysis and 13C‐metabolic flux analysis allowed to demonstrate at both molecular and fluxome levels that such 3D culture environment enhances metabolic maturation of hiPSC‐CMs. When compared to 2D, 3D cultures of hiPSC‐CMs displayed down‐regulation of genes involved in glycolysis and lipid biosynthesis and increased expression of genes involved in OXPHOS. Accordingly, 3D cultures of hiPSC‐CMs had lower fluxes through glycolysis and fatty acid synthesis and increased TCA‐cycle activity. Importantly, we demonstrated that the 3D culture environment reproducibly improved both CM purity and metabolic maturation across different hPSC lines, thereby providing a robust strategy to derive enriched hPSC‐CMs with metabolic features closer to that of adult CMs.
The anatomy of forearm free flap phalloplasty for transgender surgery
Authors: Kim S. , Dennis M. , Holland J. , Terrell M. , Loukas M. , Schober J.
Published: November 2017

Transgender surgeries are becoming more frequent and visual interpretation of anatomy is essential for both surgeons and patients. Since the forearm free flap phalloplasty was introduced in 1984, it has been known to provide reliable cosmetic and functional results for transitioning men compared with phalloplasty by different flaps. Surgical text descriptions were enhanced by the creation of new anatomic illustrations. The forearm free flap consists of the anterior forearm skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia containing the radial artery as the perforator and its venae comitantes, cephalic and basilic veins, and lateral and medial antebrachial cutaneous nerves are demonstrated in relation to the surgically derived flap. Song's forearm free flap phalloplasty requires two surgical stages with a three‐month interval between the stages: prelamination of a neourethra and construction of a neophallus. The neophallus created by forearm flap phalloplasty is reported to achieve acceptable aesthetical and psychological satisfaction, appropriate size and shape, and satisfying sexual intercourse. Despite increasing experiences in gender confirming surgery with modifications made by many authors, urethral complications including fistula and/or stricture formation are the leading causes of reoperation. The poor esthetic outcome of the forearm donor site and a decrease in rigidity of the neophallus are the main limitations. Illustrations of anatomy help inform surgical choice and understanding of risks and benefits by patients. The anatomy of the free forearm flap phalloplasty supports creation of a neophallus for transsexual anatomy revision. Clin. Anat. 31:145–151, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomy of the pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for phalloplasty in transitioning‐males
Authors: Terrell Mark , Roberts Wallisa , Price Charles Wesley , Slater Michael , Loukas Marios , Schober Justine
Published: November 2017

Incidence of transexualism and request for neophalloplasty is increasing yielding a current prevalence of trans‐male in the USA of 1:2500. Surgeons have explored various techniques to improve desirable outcomes of neophallic construction, decrease the length of surgery, and minimize stigmatizing scars. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is an alternative to the traditional radial forearm flap for patients who do not want a forearm scar. Surgical text descriptions were enhanced by the creation of new anatomic illustrations. Anatomy of the donor and recipient sites as well as the surgical technique leading to creation of the neophallus are demonstrated in detail with new relevant illustrations. The ALT flap is a skin, fat and fascia flap that is usually supplied by the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral vessels and the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. However, variability in neurovascular supply does exist with important clinical implications. In the pedicled surgical procedure, neurovascular supply is left partly attached to the donor site (“pedicle”) and simply transposed to the perineum, keeping the pedicle intact as a conduit to supply the tissue with blood and innervation. ALT flap offers clinical advantages of less obvious donor site concealable with clothing, decreased surgical time, preservation of erogenous sensation and vascular supply of the flap without microsurgical anastomosis of nerves and vessels, and good potential for urethroplasty. This surgery may be difficult in patients with thicker skin and more subcutaneous thigh fat. Clin. Anat, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Revisiting the functional anatomy of the palmaris longus as a thenar synergist
Authors: Moore Colin W. , Fanous Jacob , Rice Charles L.
Published: November 2017

Surgical studies describe the palmaris longus (PL) as a synergist in thumb abduction, which may facilitate its use in restoring thumb function using opponensplasty. However, beyond morphological descriptions and isometric thenar abduction strength measures, the evidence supporting the PL as a thenar synergist in‐vivo is limited. The purpose here was to determine whether the PL provides synergistic contributions to thenar musculature by: (1) recording PL muscle activity using indwelling electromyography (EMG) during thumb movements; and (2) quantifying changes in PL muscle architecture using ultrasonography. In 10 healthy males, PL muscle activity was recorded during maximal thenar muscle contractions (abduction, flexion, opposition, adduction, and extension) with the wrist secured in a neutral position. The PL EMG was normalized to its maximal EMG recorded during isometric wrist flexion. Dynamic changes in PL muscle thickness (MT) were determined during abduction and adduction using ultrasound imaging. The results indicate that the PL is activated during thenar movements with greatest relative PL EMG recorded during thenar abduction (46%), flexion (35%) and opposition (37%). Compared to rest, PL MT significantly increased (21%) during maximal thenar abduction. With direct measures in vivo, this study supports morphological and surgical observations indicating the PL acts as an extrinsic hand muscle in enhancing thenar muscle actions. Knowledge of the synergistic relationship between the PL and thenar musculature may allow for further development of surgical opponensplasty approaches using the abductor pollicis brevis and PL as a functional digastric unit. Clin. Anat. 31:760–770, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical Composition andIn vitroAnthelmintic Activity of Extracts ofTagetes patulaAgainst a Multidrug‐Resistant Isolate ofHaemonchus contortus
Authors: Politi Flávio Augusto Sanches , Souza Júnior Amauri Alves , Fantatto Rafaela Regina , Pietro Rosemeire Cristina Linhari Rodrigues , Barioni Júnior Waldomiro , Rabelo Márcio Dias , Bizzo Humberto Ribeiro , Chagas Ana Carolina de Souza , Furlan Maysa
Published: November 2017

Sheep breeding has suffered economic losses due to parasitism by gastrointestinal nematodes, particularlyHaemonchus contortus. The use of natural products, specificallyTagetes patula, has been suggested as an alternative method of combatting this issue. Chemical analyses of the extracts of this species described in the literature report the presence of important classes of secondary metabolites such as thiophenes, flavonoids, alkaloids, and benzofurans, some of which were identified and isolated in this study. The aim of this work was to test the effect of the essential oil (EO) and the ethanolic extract of the aerial parts (TpEtOH) ofT. patulaon eggs and larvae ofH. contortus, through an egg hatch test (EHT) and a larval development test (LDT). In theEHT, theEOshowed 100% inhibition at 0.75 mg mL−1(LC50= 0.0780 mg mL−1), and the TpEtOHshowed 100% inhibition at 100 mg mL−1(LC50= 12.8 mg mL−1). In theLDT, theEOshowed 100% inhibition at 0.375 mg mL−1(LC50= 0.0400 mg mL−1), and the TpEtOHshowed 100% inhibition at 1.56 mg mL−1(LC50= 0.340 mg mL−1). Compared to available literature data, the results presented here suggest that the crude extracts ofT. patulahave substantial potential for controlling this nematode by interrupting its life cycle and/or preventing it from reaching the infective stage.
Quantitative Electrochemical DNA Microarray on a Monolith Electrode with Ten Attomolar Sensitivity, 100 % Specificity, and Zero Background
Authors: Raghunath Shobana , Prasad Abhijeet , Tevatia Rahul , Gunther Jillian.R. , Roy Santanu , Krishnan Sunil , Saraf Ravi F.
Published: November 2017

Circulating microRNA are promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of disease in quantitative blood tests. A label‐free, PCR‐free, electrochemical microarray technology on a monolith electrode is described, with 10 attomolar (aM) sensitivity and responsiveness to binding of <1 zeptomole of target to immobilized ssDNA probes with zero background. Specificity is 100 % in a mixture with five nonspecific miRNA each with a 103‐fold higher concentration. Direct measurement on plasma‐derived miRNA without cDNA conversion and PCR demonstrated multiplexing and near‐ideal quantitative correlation with an equivalent pure sample. The dynamic range is a target concentration ranging from 10−2 to 103 femtomolar (fM). This PCR‐free novel technology can be applied as a test for cancer diagnosis/prognosis to detect 103 copies of a miRNA sequence in RNA extracted from 100 μL of plasma.
From Water and Ni Foam to a Ni(OH)2@Ni Foam Binder‐Free Supercapacitor Electrode: A Green Corrosion Route
Authors: Liu Xu , Yang Yue , Xing Xinxin , Zou Tong , Wang Zidong , Wang Yude
Published: November 2017

In this work, a Ni(OH)2@Ni foam binder‐free electrode was obtained through the corrosion of Ni foam with ultrapure water under hydrothermal conditions. The structure, morphology, and surface chemical states of the obtained Ni(OH)2@Ni foam were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The chemical formation mechanism is discussed. In addition, it was found that the loading amount and morphology of the deposited Ni(OH)2 depend largely on the corrosion time. Furthermore, electrodes corroded for different times were then directly used as working electrodes to investigate the areal and specific capacitances of the deposited Ni(OH)2 by using cyclic voltammetry, through which a relationship between the corrosion time, loading amount, morphology, and final capacitance is built up. The electrode with the highest areal capacitance was further studied with cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge−discharge processes, as well as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The as‐prepared Ni(OH)2@Ni foam is a typical pseudocapacitance electrode. At a high current density of 5 mA cm−2, the electrode exhibits an areal capacitance of 0.863 F cm−2. For the deposited Ni(OH)2, its specific capacitance reaches 693 F g−1 at a current density of 4 A g−1. After 3000 charge−discharge cycles at a current density as high as 10 A g−1 (12.5 mA cm−2), the areal capacitance retains 77.3 % of its initial value. The findings in this work could be meaningful for the corrosion preparation of related electrodes and the design of binder‐free electrodes.
Supramolecular Chirality Issues in Unorthodox Naphthalene Diimide Gelators
Authors: Ghosh Goutam , Paul Mithun , Sakurai Tsuneaki , Matsuda Wakana , Seki Shu , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: November 2017

Herein, the self‐assembly of a few 1,3‐dihydroxyl functionalized naphthalene diimide (NDI) derivatives has been reported with particular emphasis on the impact of chirality on gelation and the effect of self‐assembly on charge‐carrier mobility. A nonconventional gelator (R)‐NDI, devoid of any long alkyl chains, exhibited spontaneous gelation in tetra‐chloroethylene (TCE). Based on X‐ray crystallography and powder X‐ray diffraction studies, it was established that a ladder‐like hydrogen‐bonded chain formation between the 1,3‐dihydroxyl group leads to the fibrillar structures with preferential helicity. Likewise the (S)‐isomer also exhibited identical gelation and mesoscopic structure but produced fibrils with the opposite handedness. Intriguingly, an equimolar mixture of the (R)‐ and (S)‐isomers did not show any gelation ability, rather a macroscopic precipitation was observed and, in sharp contrast to the individual isomers, the morphology of the mixture showed ill‐defined near spherical agglomerates. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies revealed an identical crystallization peak for the supramolecular polymer produced from the enantiopure gelators ((R)‐ or (S)‐isomer), which was absent in their equimolar mixture. However, mixtures of the two isomers with enantiomeric excess retrieved the gelation ability and preferential helicity demonstrating that chiral amplification is operative in the present system through the so‐called “majority rule” effect. Chirality induction was also realized by the “sergeant and soldier” principle in the supramolecular assembly of an achiral NDI gelator in the presence of either the (R)‐ or (S)‐isomer as the chiral dopant. However, the strong helical bias induced by the chiral gelator was found to be opposite in nature compared to that found in the self‐assembly of the pure chiral gelator that has been rarely reported in the literature. Flash‐photolysis time‐resolved microwave conductivity (FP‐TRMC) measurements indicated the strong positive impact of the gelation on the electrical conductivity.
Fabrication of Neutral Supramolecular Polymeric Films via Post‐electropolymerization of Discrete Metallacycles
Authors: Yin Guangqiang , Chen Lijun , Wang Cuihong , Yang Haibo
Published: November 2017

Self‐assembly post‐modification has proven to be an efficient strategy to build higher‐order supramolecular architectures and functional materials. In this study, we successfully realized the construction of a new family of neutral supramolecular polymeric films containing well‐defined metallacycles as the main scaffolds through combination of coordination‐driven self‐assembly with post‐electropolymerization. The obtained neutral polymeric materials were fully characterized by the cyclic voltammogram (CV), SEM, and TEM. The thickness of the films was able to be well regulated by the number of scanning cycles. Moreover, we found that the shape of the metallacycles and the number of triphenylamine moieties played important roles in the formation of the final polymer films. We believe that the introduction of the neutral metallacycles into the final polymer structures not only enriches the library of supramolecular polymeric films but also provides a new platform to study neutral molecule detection, separation, and capture.
Comparative morphology of gigantopyramidal neurons in primary motor cortex across mammals
Authors: Jacobs Bob , Garcia Madeleine E. , Shea‐Shumsky Noah B. , Tennison Mackenzie E. , Schall Matthew , Saviano Mark S. , Tummino Tia A. , Bull Anthony J. , Driscoll Lori L. , Raghanti Mary Ann , Lewandowski Albert H. , Wicinski Bridget , Ki Chui Hong , Bertelsen Mads F. , Walsh Timothy , Bhagwandin Adhil , Spocter Muhammad A. , Hof Patrick R. , Sherwood Chet C. , Manger Paul R.
Published: November 2017

Gigantopyramidal neurons, referred to as Betz cells in primates, are characterized by large somata and extensive basilar dendrites. Although there have been morphological descriptions and drawings of gigantopyramidal neurons in a limited number of species, quantitative investigations have typically been limited to measures of soma size. The current study thus employed two separate analytical approaches: a morphological investigation using the Golgi technique to provide qualitative and quantitative somatodendritic measures of gigantopyramidal neurons across 19 mammalian species from 7 orders; and unbiased stereology to compare the soma volume of layer V pyramidal and gigantopyramidal neurons in primary motor cortex between 11 carnivore and 9 primate species. Of the 617 neurons traced in the morphological analysis, 181 were gigantopyramidal neurons, with deep (primarily layer V) pyramidal (n = 203) and superficial (primarily layer III) pyramidal (n = 233) neurons quantified for comparative purposes. Qualitatively, dendritic morphology varied considerably across species, with some (sub)orders (e.g., artiodactyls, perissodactyls, feliforms) exhibiting bifurcating, V‐shaped apical dendrites. Basilar dendrites exhibited idiosyncratic geometry across and within taxonomic groups. Quantitatively, most dendritic measures were significantly greater in gigantopyramidal neurons than in superficial and deep pyramidal neurons. Cluster analyses revealed that most taxonomic groups could be discriminated based on somatodendritic morphology for both superficial and gigantopyramidal neurons. Finally, in agreement with Brodmann, gigantopyramidal neurons in both the morphological and stereological analyses were larger in feliforms (especially in the Panthera species) than in other (sub)orders, possibly due to specializations in muscle fiber composition and musculoskeletal systems.