bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring associations between psychiatric disorder, psychological distress, and health care utilization in cancer patients
Authors: Compen F.R. , Adang E.M.M. , Bisseling E.M. , Van der Lee M.L. , Speckens A.E.M.
Published: December 2017

Objective

The mental burden of cancer might elicit additional health care utilization. However, it is unclear how psychiatric disorder and psychological distress relate to health care utilization. Therefore, this study explores associations between psychiatric disorder, psychological distress, and health care utilization. It was hypothesized that presence of psychiatric disorder and psychological distress was associated with increased health care utilization and costs.

Methods

The current study consisted of secondary analyses of baseline data of a larger randomized controlled trial. Two hundred forty‐five mixed‐cancer patients with at least mild symptoms of psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale–T ≥ 11) were mainly recruited via online media, participating centers and patient associations. Patients were assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV‐TR Axis I Disorders (SCID‐I) for depressive, anxiety, and/or adjustment disorder. Psychological distress was measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Retrospective self‐reported health care utilization in the past 3 months was collected. Associations between predictors and health care utilization in terms of incidence rate ratios (IRR) and costs per category (mental, primary, somatic, and complementary) were assessed by negative binomial, logistic, and gamma regression.

Results

Eighty‐nine (36.3%) patients suffered from psychiatric disorder, which was associated with mental health care utilization (IRR = 1.63) and costs (OR = 3.11). We observed a nonsignificant trend of somatic health care utilization in patients with psychiatric disorder. Psychological distress was associated with mental health care utilization (IRR = 1.09) and costs (OR = 1.09). Psychological distress was also associated with complementary health care utilization (IRR = 1.03).

Conclusion

Psychiatric disorder and psychological distress were associated with mental health care use and costs. Psychological distress was associated with complementary health care use. Adequate assessment and referral to mental health care might prevent unnecessary health care utilization.
General Synthesis and Lithium Storage Properties of Metal Oxides/MnO2 Hierarchical Hollow Hybrid Spheres
Authors: Wang Yong , Wang Dongxia , Li Qingyuan , Guo Wenbin , Zhang Fanchao , Yu Yang , Yang Yiqing
Published: December 2017

Metal oxides/MnO2 hierarchical hollow hybrid nanostructures have attracted significant attention because of their wide potential applications. However, the exploration of a general synthetic approach for fabricating hierarchical hollow hybrid nanostructures is still a great challenge. Herein, a “penetration‐carbonization and reduction‐coating–annealing” route is presented for the generalized synthesis of metal oxides/MnO2 hierarchical hollow hybrid spheres, including NiO/MnO2, Co3O4/MnO2, and CuO/MnO2. Because of the unique hierarchical hollow hybrid nanostructures, NiO/MnO2 nanomaterials possess a desirable capacity (1520 mA h g−1) and outstanding cyclic stability (909 mA h g−1 at the 200th cycle) as Li‐ion battery anode materials. The work reported herein can not only pave the way for the generalized synthetic strategy of metal oxides/MnO2 hierarchical hollow hybrid nanostructures, but also provide a promising application of NiO/MnO2 nanomaterials for Li‐ion battery anode.
Impact of Plasma‐Damaged‐Layer Removal on GaN HEMT Devices
Authors: Kodera Masako , Yoshioka Akira , Sugiyama Toru , Ohguro Tatsuya , Hamamoto Takeshi , Kawamoto Tatsuyoshi , Yamanaka Tatsuya , Xinyu Zhang , Lester Steve , Miyashita Naoto
Published: December 2017

Plasma‐damage during the dry‐etch process often induces degradation of the electric performance in GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) devices. In this paper, the effects of wet‐etch processing on plasma‐damaged AlGaN films using various chemical solutions and propose the best chemical formulation are reported. Three chemical solutions are selected by a combinatorial method. A MIS‐capacitor TEG is fabricated on an AlGaN/GaN structure, and each surface is evaluated by XPS, SIMS, TEM, and AFM. From the results of C–V measurements of wet‐etched samples, the study reveals that the wet chemicals successfully remove charge traps at ≈−2.3 eV induced by the dry‐etch process. Moreover, these C–V results show excellent agreement with simulated trap models. The XPS results show that O/Ga ratios increase from 0.32 to 1.00 after the dry‐etch process, whereas after the wet‐etch process, the ratios return to less than 0.31. Moreover, the TEM observations reveal that an amorphous layer is only detected in the dry‐etched sample. Therefore, this amorphous layer should be an oxidized AlGaN layer. Thus, the selected chemical formulation can successfully remove the damaged‐layer induced by the dry‐etch process. The increase of surface roughness by the wet‐etch process is suppressed less than 0.1 nm.
Effect of Annealing Temperature on the Structural and the Electrical Transport Properties of La2NiMnO6 Nanoparticles
Authors: Chakraborty Deblina , Nandi Upendranath , Dey Animesh Kumar , Dasgupta Papri , Poddar Asok , Jana Debnarayan
Published: December 2017

The effect of annealing temperatures on the structural and the electrical transport properties of La2NiMnO6 nanoparticles is investigated in detail. The grain size, grain boundary and the antisite disorder (ASD) are affected by the annealing temperature during the preparative conditions of annealing. The HRTEM image indicates that the average grain size increases with annealing temperature providing a platform for explanation of the transport data. Both and measurements show that the electrical conduction is non‐Ohmic and characterized by a voltage , known as the onset voltage, which scales with the Ohmic conductance as , being the onset exponent having negative values in both cases. refers to the fact that is changed by the annealing temperature (AT). depends strongly on the grain size and grain boundaries and decreases with the increase in annealing temperature. The negative value of is physically understood from the concept of inter‐granular tunneling effect. This non‐Ohmic conduction, onset voltage and onset exponent are qualitatively explained by considering the conduction through both the ordered and disordered regions and by applying Glazman–Matveev model. The transport data are systematically analyzed within the framework of scaling formalism.
Dielectric Properties of DMSO‐Doped‐PEDOT:PSS at THz Frequencies
Authors: Du Yan , Cui Xuan , Li Li , Tian Hao , Yu Wen‐Xiu , Zhou Zhong‐Xiang
Published: December 2017

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4‐styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is a promising candidate for terahertz (THz) metamaterial devices. Its dielectric properties can be changed by the dopant dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). In this study, the dielectric properties of DMSO‐doped‐PEDOT:PSS films are investigated using terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy (THz‐TDS) measurements. The values of the carrier density and mobility are also determined by fitting the dielectric permittivity to the Drude–Smith model. A simple THz frequency selective surface (FSS) is designed based on these DMSO‐doped‐PEDOT:SS films. Strong band rejection can be achieved at resonant frequencies. These results may inspire the development of new materials for manipulating THz waves in future studies.
Relative efficiency of precision medicine designs for clinical trials with predictive biomarkers
Authors: Shih Weichung Joe , Lin Yong
Published: December 2017

Prospective randomized clinical trials addressing biomarkers are time consuming and costly, but are necessary for regulatory agencies to approve new therapies with predictive biomarkers. For this reason, recently, there have been many discussions and proposals of various trial designs and comparisons of their efficiency in the literature. We compare statistical efficiencies between the marker‐stratified design and the marker‐based precision medicine design regarding testing/estimating 4 hypotheses/parameters of clinical interest, namely, treatment effects in each marker‐positive and marker‐negative cohorts, marker‐by‐treatment interaction, and the marker's clinical utility. As may be expected, the stratified design is more efficient than the precision medicine design. However, it is perhaps surprising to find out how low the relative efficiency can be for the precision medicine design. We quantify the relative efficiency as a function of design factors including the marker‐positive prevalence rate, marker assay and classification sensitivity and specificity, and the treatment randomization ratio. It is interesting to examine the trends of the relative efficiency with these design parameters in testing different hypotheses. We advocate to use the stratified design over the precision medicine design in clinical trials with predictive biomarkers.
Evaluating Pred(p) and standardized accuracy criteria in software development effort estimation
Authors: Idri Ali , Abnane Ibtissam , Abran Alain
Published: December 2017

Software development effort estimation (SDEE) plays a primary role in software project management. But choosing the appropriate SDEE technique remains elusive for many project managers and researchers. Moreover, the choice of a reliable estimation accuracy measure is crucial because SDEE techniques behave differently given different accuracy measures. The most widely used accuracy measures in SDEE are those based on magnitude of relative error (MRE) such as mean/median MRE (MMRE/MedMRE) and prediction at level p (Pred(p)), which counts the number of observations where an SDEE technique gave MREs lower than p. However, MRE has proven to be an unreliable accuracy measure, favoring SDEE techniques that underestimate. Consequently, an unbiased measure called standardized accuracy (SA) has been proposed.

This paper deals with the Pred(p) and SA measures. We investigate (1) the consistency of Pred(p) and SA as accuracy measures and SDEE technique selectors, and (2) the relationship between Pred(p) and SA. The results suggest that Pred(p) is less biased towards underestimates and generally selects the same best technique as SA. Moreover, SA and Pred(p) measure different aspects of technique performance, and SA may be used as a predictor of Pred(p) by means of the 3 association rules.
Recent Smart Methods for Achieving High‐Energy Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Huang Yalan , Zeng Yinxiang , Yu Minghao , Liu Peng , Tong Yexiang , Cheng Faliang , Lu Xihong
Published: December 2017

With the development of portable electronic equipment, electric vehicle, space technology, and power‐grid and energy‐storage technology, new efficient energy‐storage devices need to be developed urgently. Recently, asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) have attracted ever‐increasing interest as one of the most promising energy‐storage devices given their remarkable advantages of wide operation voltage window, high power density, and moderate energy density. However, to meet the needs of the rapid development of electronic equipment, it is necessary to optimize the electrode materials and device design to further boost the energy density of ASCs. In recent years, numerous attempts have been made to improve the energy density of ASC devices by increasing the capacitance and/or enlarging the voltage window. Here, recent smart strategies are highlighted, including the introduction of intrinsic defects, element doping, and surface functionalization to increase the capacitance of the electrode materials, and optimizing the electrolyte and electrode materials, as well as their surface charge, to broaden the voltage of cells. Moreover, the current challenges and future opportunities for the development of high‐performance ASCs are also discussed.
Aerosol‐Spray Pyrolysis toward Preparation of Nanostructured Materials for Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Nie Ping , Xu Guiyin , Jiang Jiangmin , Dou Hui , Wu Yuting , Zhang Yadi , Wang Jiang , Shi Minyuan , Fu Rurui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: December 2017

There is an ever‐increasing demand for energy storage combined with high energy density, long lifespan, and low cost. Design and fabrication of electrode materials with characteristics of scale and fast charge (electrons and ions) access to electrochemically active site are of great importance. The aerosol‐spray synthesis technique has shown considerable promise as an attractive, cost‐effective, and scalable route for material preparation. Particles with complex architectures and chemistry can be produced by simply using an economical, continuous, and rapid process. Here, recent advances of the industrially viable aerosol‐spray‐pyrolysis method are summarized with regard to structure design and processing of electrode materials in the field of energy storage. Beginning with an introduction to the principles, characteristics, and process parameters of aerosol‐spray methods, the focus then moves to recent achievements to date in experimental exploration of fabricating a variety of electrode materials for energy‐storage devices, including lithium‐ion batteries, sodium‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, and lithium–sulfur batteries. Also discussed are the current status, directions, and prospects for future exploration of material synthesis using aerosol‐spray techniques. Aerosol‐spray pyrolysis represents an important breakthrough in multidimensional structure design, and exhibits incredible versatility for material fabrication for high‐performance energy‐storage devices.
Transfer of Individual Micro‐ and Nanoparticles for High‐Precision 3D Analysis Using 360° Electron Tomography
Authors: Przybilla Thomas , Zubiri Benjamin Apeleo , Beltrán Ana M. , Butz Benjamin , Machoke Albert G. F. , Inayat Alexandra , Distaso Monica , Peukert Wolfgang , Schwieger Wilhelm , Spiecker Erdmann
Published: December 2017

A versatile approach is demonstrated, providing a general routine for an extensive and advanced 3D characterization of individually selected micro‐ and nanoparticles, enabling the combination of complementary and scale‐bridging techniques. Quintessential to the method is the transfer of individual particles onto tailored tips using a conventional scanning electron microscope equipped with a suitable micromanipulator. The method enables a damage‐ and contamination‐free preparation of freestanding particles. This is of significant importance for applications addressing the measurement of structural, physical, and chemical properties of specifically selected particles, such as 360° electron tomography, atom probe tomography, nano X‐ray tomography, or optical near‐field measurements. In this context, the method is demonstrated for 360° electron tomography of micro‐/macroporous zeolite particles with sizes in the micrometer range and mesoporous alpha‐hematite nanoparticles exhibiting sizes of 50–100 nm, including detailed pre‐ and post‐characterization on the nanoscale.
The Gender Gap in Economics Degrees: An Investigation of the Role Model and Quantitative Requirements Hypotheses
Authors: Emerson Tisha L. N. , McGoldrick KimMarie , Siegfried John J.
Published: December 2017

Using a panel of 159 institutions over 10 years, we investigate the role model effect of women faculty and quantitative requirements on the female proportion of undergraduate economics majors. We find no evidence that female faculty attract female students. Calculus, however, does matter. A one semester calculus requirement is associated with more female majors at institutions offering business degrees and liberal arts colleges. A second semester calculus requirement deters women from majoring in economics at Ph.D.–granting universities, but is associated with more female majors at liberal arts colleges. Econometrics requirements are unrelated to the gender gap in economics majors.
An effective Bat algorithm for node localization in distributed wireless sensor network
Authors: Mihoubi Miloud , Rahmoun Abdellatif , Lorenz Pascal , Lasla Noureddine
Published: December 2017

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have recently been extensively investigated due to their numerous applications in processes that have to be spread over a large area. One of the important issues of WSN is node localization; node localization capability is highly desirable for the performance evaluation in monitoring applications. Localization is defined as estimating the locations of sensors with initially unknown location information as most sensors do not know their locations due to the cost and size of sensors. The main objective of localization is to find the nodes' positions in a short time with a low energy cost; for this reason, recent approaches relying on swarm intelligence techniques are utilized, and node localization is considered an optimization problem in a multidimensional space. Recently, the meta‐heuristic Bat algorithm was proposed as a solution for the node localization problem. This paper proposes an effective Bat algorithm for the node localization problem, the effectiveness of which is based on the adaptation of velocity of the Bats by hybridization, with Doppler effect for improving the performance, aptly termed Dopeffbat. Hence, Dopeffbat computes (through evolution) the nodes' positions iteratively through the Euclidian distance as fitness. Deploying this algorithm on a large WSN with hundreds of sensors demonstrates decent performance in terms of node localization. Moreover, the Dopeffbat parameters are simulated and interpreted in different scenarios of simulation; in addition, a comparative study was performed to further demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm, and the simulation results prove that Dopeffbat has a high convergence rate and greater precision compared with the original Bat algorithm and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms.
Effect of Intercritical Annealing on Mechanical Properties and Work‐Hardening Response of High Formability Dual Phase Steel
Authors: Maleki Mehdi , Mirzadeh Hamed , Zamani Mehran
Published: December 2017

The effect of austenitization and intercritical annealing temperature on mechanical properties and work‐hardening response of high‐formability dual phase (DP) steel with low C and Mn content is studied. Different mechanisms of microstructural development are characterized. At intercritical temperature range, austenite forms in the ferritic matrix, which will transform to martensite during quenching. However, at austenitization temperatures, the material becomes completely austenitic with low hardenability. As a result, during quenching, there will be some ferrite phase in the martensitic matrix of the resultant DP steel. These differences are found to have important effects on the mechanical properties. The yield strength decreases at low martensite fraction due to the disappearance of the yield‐point phenomenon and the presence of martensite‐induced dislocations that move at low stresses. However, the yield strength rapidly increases by the dominance of the martensitic matrix at high martensite fractions. Moreover, the dependence of the ultimate tensile strength on martensite volume fraction is discussed based on the work‐hardening capacity of the DP steels. Finally, the mechanical properties are summarized by consideration of strength‐ductility trade‐off seen for DP steels.
From Starch to Magnetic Porous Fe2O3@C: A Promising Peroxidase‐Mimicking Heterogeneous Biocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Dye
Authors: Su Linjing , Xiong Yuhao , Wu Mei , Duan Zhenhua , Zhang Zhi , Xie Wei , Zhu Dongjian , Luo Yanghe , He Xingcun
Published: December 2017

Researchers remain attracted to the development of more efficient and cost‐effective materials for the degradation of organic dyes in wastewater. Ultra‐small (sub‐5 nm) Fe2O3 nanocrystals embedding magnetic porous carbon, referred to as Fe2O3@C, in which starch is used as a carbon source, is demonstrated, and is synthesized by a facile microwave‐enhanced high‐temperature ionothermal method within 4 min. The Fe2O3@C obtained is used as a peroxidase‐mimicking catalyst in heterogeneous Fenton‐like reactions to degrade organic dyes (i.e., methylene blue) with aid from the green oxidant, hydrogen peroxide. Because of its unique structure and high specific surface area, Fe2O3@C displays enhanced treatment properties in the degradation of methylene blue. Moreover, Fe2O3@C demonstrates stability and resistance to a broad range of pH, recyclability, and convenient separation. This promising peroxidase‐mimicking composite material may have potential applications in degradation of organic pollutants in the environmental cleaning field.
Influence of PEG on Mechanical Properties and Biodegradability of Composites Based on PLA and Starch
Authors: Rogovina Svetlana Z. , Aleksanyan Kristine V. , Loginova Anastasia A. , Ivanushkina Natalya E. , Vladimirov Leonid V. , Prut Eduard V. , Berlin Aleksandr A.
Published: December 2017

Biodegradable composites based on polylactide (PLA) and starch are obtained via solid‐phase mixing under conditions of shear deformation. The mechanical properties and biodegradability of composites under action of mold fungi as well as during exposure in soil are investigated. Using the scanning electron microscopy, the comparative study of the morphology of the initial samples and samples after biodegradation is carried out and the formation of structural defects resulting in sample destruction followed by fragmentation is revealed. The influence of PEG on mechanical properties and biodegradation process of the composites is shown. The analysis of composites by FTIR spectroscopy allows the estimation of the change in the PLA crystallinity and morphology of the film composites during the biodegradation in soil. The appearance of starch on the surface of films after exposure in soil enables a mechanism of biodegradation to be proposed.
Is Starch or Maltodextrin “Glucose?”
Authors: Qi Xin , Tester Richard F.
Published: December 2017

On the face of it, starch granules are polymeric structures containing two polysaccharides – amylose and amylopectin with one constituent monomer only – glucose. The number of glucose units bonded together and their bond profile affects the functionality of the polysaccharides. This brief review is written to highlight similarities and differences between the three forms (starch granules, dextrins, and molecular) of glucose. It is designed to question if glucose, maltodextrin, and starch are comparable from a chemical, physical, or nutritional perspective.
Nanoarchitectonics from Molecular Units to Living‐Creature‐Like Motifs
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko , Mori Taizo , Shrestha Lok Kumar
Published: December 2017

Important points for the fabrication of functional materials are the creation of nanoscale/molecular‐scale units and architecting them into functional materials and systems. Recently, a new conceptual paradigm, nanoarchitectonics, has been proposed to combine nanotechnology and other methodologies including supramolecular chemistry, self‐assembly and self‐organization to satisfy major features of nanoscience and promote the creation of functional materials and systems. In this account article, our recent research results in materials development based on the nanoarchitectonics concept are summarized in two stories, (i) nanoarchitectonics from fullerenes as the simplest nano‐units and (ii) dimension‐dependent nanoarchitectonics from various structural units. The former demonstrates creativity of the nanoarchitectonics concept only with simple construction stuffs on materials fabrications, and a wide range of material applicability for the nanoarchitectonics strategy is realized in the latter ones.
In vitro stimulatory effect of N‐acetyl tryptophan‐glucopyranoside against gamma radiation induced immunosuppression
Authors: Malhotra Poonam , Singh Darshana , Kumar Raj
Published: December 2017

Radiation‐induced manifestations like free radical burst, oxidative damage and apoptosis leading to cell death. In present study, N‐acetyl tryptophan glucopyranoside (NATG) was assessed for its immune‐radioprotective activities using J774A.1 cells. Clonogenic cell survival, cell cycle progression and cytokines i.e. IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐13 and IL‐17A expression were evaluated in irradiated and NATG pretreated cells using clonogenic formation ability, flow cytometry and ELISA assay. Results indicated that 0.25μg/ml NATG exhibited maximum radioprotection against gamma‐radiation (2Gy) without intervening in cell cycle progression. NATG pretreated (−2 h) plus irradiated cells showed significant elevation in IFN‐γ (∼38.2%), IL‐17A (∼53.7%) and IL‐12 (∼58.8%) expression as compared to only irradiated cells. Conversely, significant decrease in TNF‐α (∼21.6%), IL‐10 (∼31.2%), IL‐2 (∼23.7%) and IL‐13 expression (∼17.8%) were observed in NATG pretreated plus irradiated cells as compared to irradiated cells. Conclusively, NATG pretreatment to irradiated J774A.1 cells, stimulate Th1 while diminish Th2 cytokines that contributes to radioprotection.
Recovery of puborectalis muscle after vaginal delivery: an ultrasound study
Authors: Van de Waarsenburg M. K. , Verberne E. A. , van der Vaart C. H. , Withagen M. I. J.
Published: December 2017

Objectives

To assess change in levator hiatal dimensions between pregnancy and different timepoints after vaginal delivery, and map recovery of the hiatus in order to contribute to secondary prevention of symptoms of pelvic floor disorders.

Methods

Twenty nulliparous women with a singleton pregnancy underwent ultrasound assessment of the pelvic floor at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) and on Valsalva maneuver at 12 weeks' gestation and at 1 day and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks after vaginal delivery. Dimensions of the levator hiatus were measured and contractility and distensibility were calculated. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare each postpartum value with that at 12 weeks' gestation.

Results

Levator hiatal area at rest, on PFMC and on Valsalva maneuver was significantly increased at 1 day and at 1 and 2 weeks after vaginal delivery compared with measurements at 12 weeks' gestation. Hiatal area at rest and on PFMC from 3 weeks postpartum onward, as well as contractility from 6 weeks onward, were comparable to values at 12 weeks' gestation, whereas, a significant difference remained on Valsalva maneuver until 24 weeks after delivery. Moreover, distensibility was still increased at 24 weeks postpartum compared with measurements at 12 weeks' gestation.

Conclusion

The puborectalis muscle has the ability to recover anatomically from a first vaginal delivery, and recovery occurs mainly during the first 3 weeks after delivery. Stretching of the puborectalis muscle, as reflected by distensibility, persisted 24 weeks after the first vaginal delivery. The data provide a better understanding of the early ‘normal’ regeneration process and we hypothesize that the first 3 weeks postpartum is the best window in which to start secondary prevention. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The Reactivity of Cyameluric Chloride C6N7Cl3 towards Phosphines and Phosphine Oxides
Authors: Posern Christian , Böhme Uwe , Kroke Edwin
Published: December 2017

Organophosphines (R2PH) and phosphineoxides (R2OPH) show a very high reactivity towards cyameluric chloride C6N7Cl3. For example, 2,4,6‐trisdiphenylphosphino‐tri‐s‐triazine (1) forms quantitatively within a few seconds. Tris‐diphenylphosphinsulfide‐s‐heptazine (2) was obtained by reaction of 1 with sulfur. These compounds represent a new class of s‐heptazine derivatives which tend, unlike their s‐triazine analogues, to decompose in solution. 1 forms crystals with nitromethane, which were analysed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The nitromethane molecules fill the gaps in the crystal lattice supported by hydrogen bonds, C–H···π ring, and N–O···π ring interactions. All compounds were characterized by 1H, 13C and 31P NMR and vibrational (FT‐IR, Raman) spectroscopy. The thermal stability of selected derivatives was measured by TG, indicating surprisingly low thermal decomposition temperatures.
Study of B+ c decays to the K+K−π+ final state by using B0 s , χc0 and D0 resonances and weak annihilation nonresonant topologys
Authors: Mohammadi Behnam
Published: December 2017

Abstract

In this research the weak decay ofBc+decays to theK+K−π+final state, which is being observed by LHCb collaboration for the first time, is calculated in the quasi-two-body decays which takes theBs0, χc0andD0resonances and weak annihilation nonresonant contributions into account. In this process, theBc+meson decays first intoBs0π+, χc0π+andD0π+intermediate states, and then theBs0, χc0andD0resonances decay intoK+K−components, which undergo final state interaction. The mode of theBc+ → D0(→K−π+)K+is also associated with the calculation, in this mode the intermediate resonanceD0decays to theK−π+final mesons. The resonancesBs0, χc0andD0effects in theBc+ → Bs0(→K+K−)π+,Bc+ → χc0(→K+K−)π+andBc+ → D0(→K+K−)π+,D0(→K−π+)K+decays are described in terms of the quasi-two-body modes. There is a weak annihilation nonresonant contribution in whichBc+decays to theK+K−π+directly, so the point-like 3-body matrix element$$ \left\langle {K}^{+}{K}^{-}{\pi}^{+}\left|u\overline{d}\right|0\right\rangle $$K+K−π+ud¯0is also considered. The decay mode of the$$ {B}_c^{+}\to {\overline{K}}^{\ast 0}(892){K}^{+} $$Bc+→K¯∗0892K+is contributed to the annihilation contribution. The branching ratios of quasi-two-body decays expand in the range of (2.12 ± 0.61) × 10−6to (7.56 ± 1.71) × 10−6.
Analysis of the coated and textured ring/liner conjunction based on a thermal mixed lubrication model
Authors: Gu Chunxing , Meng Xianghui , Zhang Di
Published: December 2017

For the ring/liner conjunction, well-designed surface texturing has been regarded as a potential means to improve its tribological performance, as well as the application of coating. However, so far most researchers focused on the one of these aspects. In this study, the combined effect of coating and texturing on the performance of ring/liner conjunction is numerically investigated. A thermal mixed lubrication model is presented. The effects of the coating’s thermal and mechanical properties on the tribological performance are studied under the cold and warm engine operating conditions. Along with the increasing coating thickness, the effects of the coating’s thermal properties on friction loss are found to be significant, as well as the effects of the coating’s mechanical properties. It is also found that a soft coating with a lower thermal inertia has a greater ability to reduce the friction loss of the textured conjunction.
Acute Pain Related to Vascular Access Port Implantation in Adult Cancer Patients: A Prospective Assessment
Authors: Mejri Nesrine , Mansour Manel Haj , Labidi Soumaya , Benna Houda El , Afrit Mehdi , Boussen Hamouda
Published: December 2017

Background: We aimed to describe characteristics of acute pain related to port-a-cath implantation (PACI) in an oncology department.

Methodology: We prospectively followed 145 patients who received PACI under local anesthesia. Our study asked patients to rate their pain according to a numerical scale immediately after implantation and within 72 hours. Patient and disease characteristics, PACI data, pain peak, and need for analgesic agents were collected. Patients already taking painkillers were excluded.

Results: Median age was 55 years (range = 28–83 years) and 71% were women. Pain after PACI was rated mild by 52.4%, moderate by 35.9%, and severe by 11.7% of patients. Pain peaks were described during introducer insertion (40.7%), venous puncture (23.4%), anesthesia (18.6%), tunneling (5.9%), and suturing (1.4%). Patients with severe pain were significantly more frequently women and had a fast heart rate (≥120 bpm) before PACI (94.1% vs. 68% [P = .018] and 11.8% vs. 3.9% [P = .021], respectively). Within 72 hours of PACI, 56% of patients experienced no pain, 24.1% had mild pain, 6.2% had moderate pain, and 10.3% had severe pain. All patients who needed to use painkillers (39%) used acetaminophen.

Conclusions: Women and patients with heart rate ≥ 120 bpm before PACI should probably be considered for systematic painkillers after the implantation.
A Retrospective Analysis of Catheter-Related Upper Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Peripherally Inserted Catheters With and Without a Dermatotomy
Authors: Suleman Adam , McDiarmid Sheryl
Published: December 2017

Background: Successful placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased with the use of a modified Seldinger technique (MST). However, differences exist between MST kits related to the transition between the introducer and dilator. When blunt, a skin nick (dermatotomy) is necessary to allow the dilator/sheath combination to pass through the skin. However, this does not reduce the trauma on the vein. Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) is a PICC-related complication. It is unclear what effect the MST kit has on this complication. Our previous study found a rate of 0.76% UEDVT ≤ 2 weeks postinsertion using a MST kit without dermatotomy.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on a cohort of patients at The Ottawa Hospital undergoing a PICC insertion using a MST kit requiring a dermatotomy between November 1, 2016, and January 1, 2017. We obtained a complete dataset for 701 patients and determined the incidence of UEDVT ≤ 2 weeks postinsertion.

Results: Of 701 patients included in the study, 8 patients developed symptomatic UEDVT ≤ 2 weeks postinsertion, for a rate of 1.14%. The odds ratio comparing the group that received a dermatotomy to the previous group who did not was 1.50% (95% confidence interval 0.40-4.62).

Conclusions: The odds ratio of UEDVT ≤ 2 weeks post-PICC insertion with a dermatotomy compared with those without was not significantly different. We conclude that a MST kit requiring a dermatotomy does not increase the risk of early UEDVT.
Anatomically Associated Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters
Authors: Kimple Travis , Nazir Niaman , Cannon Chad M.
Published: December 2017

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are ubiquitous in modern hospitals, but are associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and/or pulmonary embolism (PE). We retrospectively examined this association in hospitalized patients, highlighting anatomically associated VTEs (those with DVT in the PICC extremity).

Methods: Charts with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD9) code for VTE were collected from a discharge database of PICC-managed patients at a tertiary hospital. A sample (52.3%) of the VTE charts was manually reviewed to verify PICC-associated VTE (unverified charts were excluded), and determine such data as the extremity in which each DVT was diagnosed (using ultrasound reports). VTE rates were calculated using an uncorrected method (from charts with VTE ICD9 code) and a corrected method (from charts with manually verified PICC-associated VTE).

Results: Our uncorrected VTE rate was 3.9% (P < .0001), whereas the corrected rate was 1.5%. Among 125 charts with manually verified PICC-associated VTE, 69 (60.5%) out of 114 patients with a DVT had their DVT occur in the PICC extremity, yielding an anatomically associated VTE rate of 0.84%. The most common reason for a chart being excluded (60.2%) was a VTE occurring before PICC placement.

Conclusions: We found clinically significant rates of PICC-associated VTE. The majority of patients' DVT occurred in the same extremity as their PICC, lending further evidence that PICCs are an independent risk factor for VTE and require judicious use. There was also a discrepancy in VTE rate derived from ICD codes alone vs. manual chart review.
Accessing Implantable Ports: An Opportunistic Computed Tomography-Based Audit
Authors: Murray Timothy E. , O'Neill Damien C. , Lee Michael J.
Published: December 2017

Aim: Implantable ports are typically inserted by interventional radiologists or surgeons; however, daily maintenance, access, and de-access are often performed by members of nursing staff in accordance with manufacturers' guidelines and local policy. An audit of port access using retrospective computed tomography (CT) scanning was proposed.

Methodology: Across a 4-year period, all CT scans performed for any reason while a port was accessed were reviewed.

Results: Fifty-four CT scans of accessed ports were included. Mean depth of tissue between skin and port was 3.74 mm, and between port and pectoralis major was 5.91 mm. Port tilt in side-to-side and up-down axes measured 6.9° and 10.6°, respectively. Mean distance from needle to center of the septum was 1.96 mm. Mean distance from center of the chamber to the needle tip was 2.73 mm. In 2 cases (3.7%), the needle bevel was malpositioned, with the bevel still within the silicone-rubber septum. Mean angulation of the access needle from perpendicular was 11.5°. Angulation of the needle correlated with port tilt (r = 0.37; P = .006). Angle of the needle bevel relative to the port exit channel was 140.8°. No significant correlation between needle bevel directionality and needle angle, depth of port, or tilt of port was detected (all P values > .21).

Conclusions: Variability in accessing of implantable ports is described relative to research- and manufacturer-recommended needle bevel angle, needle puncture angle, and central puncture position. The extent to which such deviation influences port function deserves focused clinical research.
Composition of alkyl arenes of Phanerozoic oils
Authors: Pevneva G.S. , Golovko A.K.
Published: December 2017

We summarize the results of our long-term research into the composition of alkyl derivatives of mono-, bi-, and tricyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of 113 crude oils from the Cenozoic (Sakhalin, Pannonian Basin (Serbia), China, and Vietnam), Cretaceous (West Siberia, Mongolia, China, and Saxony), Jurassic (West Siberia and Saxony), and Paleozoic (West Siberia, East Siberia, and Timan–Pechora and Volga–Ural petroliferous provinces) deposits localized at depths from 200 to 4500 m. To identify compositional similarities and differences of crude oils from deposits of different ages, we processed the obtained data on the individual composition of alkanes, alkyl benzenes, alkyl naphthalenes, and alkyl phenanthrenes by principal-component analysis. The analysis has revealed the regularities of changes in the content and composition of alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons in crude oils depending on the age of the enclosing deposits.
Middle–Late Paleozoic geodynamic complexes and structure of Gorny Altai and their record in gravity data
Authors: Dobretsov N.L. , Buslov M.M. , Rubanova E.S. , Vasilevsky A.N. , Kulikova A.V. , Bataleva E.A.
Published: December 2017

Middle–Late Paleozoic geodynamics and structure of Gorny Altai are studied with reference to gravity data. The northern and central parts of the area belong to the Gorny Altai terrane consisting of Late Precambrian–Paleozoic rocks originated in different tectonic settings on the Siberian continental margin, including Devonian active-margin volcanoplutonic complexes. In the south and east, the Gorny Altai terrane borders the Altai–Mongolia terrane along the Charysh–Terekta–Ulagan shear zone. The Altai–Mongolia terrane is composed of Early Paleozoic turbidites of the Kazakhstan–Baikal continent, Middle Paleozoic collisional garnet–disthene–andalusite schists, and Late Paleozoic zoned andalusite–cordierite schists, with granitic plutons on their periphery. The pattern of these complexes is similar to that of Cenozoic volcanoplutonic and metamorphic domes in the Kamchatka and Chukchi Peninsulas. The Devonian volcanoplutonic complexes from the Gorny Altai terrane and the Middle–Late Paleozoic metamorphic complexes from the Altai–Mongolia terrane are well evident in the gravity field. In general, gravity anomalies in the two terranes strike in different directions: NW in the Gorny Altai terrane and W–E in the Altai–Mongolia terrane, which highlights the structural heterogeneity of the Gorny Altai region. New dates have been obtained for magmatic detrital zircons from Paleozoic sedimentary rocks of the Anui–Chuya basin in the Gorny Altai terrane. The inferred source areas of zircon hosts are igneous rocks of the Precambrian craton basement and the Vendian–Early Ordovician Kuznetsk–Altai island arc. Early Neoproterozoic (1.00–0.75 Ma) detrital zircons are abundant in the Early Paleozoic turbidites of the Altai–Mongolia terrane but are absent from samples of the Gorny Altai terrane. Populations of detrital zircons in the the Gorny Altai terrane contain Devonian and Early Neoproterozoic specimens. The reported data prove that the Kazakhstan–Baikal and Siberian continents amalgamated in the Middle–Late Paleozoic. The resulting Gorny Altai tectonic framework of that time is recorded in the gravity field and in the provenance of detrital zircons.
Predictive models for the localization of soil liquefaction in earthquakes on the Main Sayan Fault (southern East Siberia)
Authors: Denisenko I.A. , Lunina O.V.
Published: December 2017

Predictive models for the localization of soil liquefaction for seismic events with magnitudes Ms = 7.5 and 8.0 were constructed based on available data on a possible earthquake in the zone of the Main Sayan Fault. It has been established that for MS = 7.5, liquefaction will extend over a distance of 40 km from the causative seismogenic fault. For MS = 8.0, the limiting distance from the activated segment of the Main Sayan Fault will be 112 km. The calculation models take into account the effect of faults on the predicted process, which allows a more accurate identification of areas with different probabilities of this event. Zones of possible liquefaction at MS = 7.5 include the towns of Kultuk, Sludyanka, Baikal’sk, Arshan, and Podkamennaya. At MS = 8.0, the liquefaction process will spread over a large area including the cities of Usol’e-Sibirskoe, Angarsk, and Irkutsk, especially localities near the Angara River and its major tributaries. Similar evaluation can also be made for other natural situations with known seismogenic faults, fault-block divisibility of the Earth’s crust for the Pliocene–Quaternary stage of tectonism, earthquake magnitude, and potentially liquefiable soils within the model area.
Mantle heterogeneity at the Bouvet triple junction based on the composition of olivine phenocrysts
Authors: Migdisova N.A. , Sobolev A.V. , Sushchevskaya N.M. , Dubinin E.P. , Kuz’min D.V.
Published: December 2017

Tholeiitic melts from the Bouvet triple junction (BTJ) of rift zones in the South Atlantic are moderately enriched rocks with specific lithophile-element patterns. The high (Gd/Yb)n values (up to 2.5) in some tholeiite compositions suggest the presence of garnet in the mantle source of primary BTJ melts. The high Ni and low Mn contents of the most magnesian olivines determined by high-precision probe microanalysis suggest the presence of pyroxenite, along with typical peridotite, in the melting source. The unusually wide within-sample variation in the proportions of pyroxenitic component in the source region (XPx Mn/Fe = 0–90%) indicates different degrees of mantle heterogeneity beneath the spreading zone. Based on geochemical data, this component is a silica-oversaturated eclogite, reacting with peridotite to form olivine-free pyroxenite in the melting source. This component is probably represented either by subducted and recycled oceanic crust or by fragments of the ancient continental lithosphere buried into the mantle after the Gondwana breakup. The observed global and local mantle heterogeneities might have been developed during the complex geodynamic evolution of the Southern Ocean, whose opening was affected by the activity of the Mesozoic Karoo–Maud–Ferrar plume and multiple jumps of the spreading axes, which led to the involvement of fragments of the early oceanic lithosphere in the melting process.
Geochemistry of the barite deposits near Adana-Feke area (Eastern Taurides)
Authors: Tas Ozdogan A. , Uras Y. , Oner F.
Published: December 2017

The barite deposits that emerge as veins and lodes within or along the contact zones of recrystallized limestone and dolomite units of Cambrian Degirmentas Formation are of epigenetic character. Depositional styles, mineral paragenesis, host rock alteration styles, and high SrO contents of the barites suggest a hydrothermal origin for their formation. However, considering their rare earth element compositions, barite samples surround the field for seawaters when plotted on CeN/YbN–YbN and CeN/SmN–CeN/YbN diagrams. Fluid inclusion data obtained from the barites indicated a formation from a fluid with low salinity (0.9–1.6 wt.% NaCl eq.) at homogenization temperatures between 78 and 190 °C. Sulfur isotopic compositions of barites vary between +32.2 and +36.3‰, and their 87Sr/86Sr values range between 0.709885 and 0.749652. Depositional styles, mineral assemblage, trace element compositions, fluid inclusion data as well as δ34S and 87Sr/86Sr isotopic data indicate a model in which hydrothermal fluids were possibly derived from a buried intrusion mixed with meteoric and marine waters, further interacting with the Precambrian–Phanerozoic metaclastic and Cambrian carbonate rocks to form barite deposits.
Authigenic carbonate sedimentation in Eravnoe group lakes (Western Transbaikalia
): Response to Holocene climate change
Authors: Solotchina E.P. , Sklyarov E.V. , Solotchin P.A. , Zamana L.V. , Danilenko I.V. , Sklyarova O.A. , Tat’kov P.G.
Published: December 2017

Sediments of intracontinental closed lakes are unique natural archives that store climate history records. We study Late Holocene carbonate-bearing sediments of Lake Dolgoe, a small saline lake in the Eravnoe basin on the Vitim Plateau (western Transbaikalia). Sediment samples have been analyzed by several methods: X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, stable isotope (18O and 13C) determination, laser diffraction particle size analysis, XRF elemental analysis, etc. The mineral phases of bottom sediments include clastic and carbonate components and hydromagnesite at the section top; carbonates are authigenic varieties of the calcite-dolomite series. Modeling of complex XRD profiles reveal Mg-calcite with various Mg contents and excess-Ca dolomites, which are mixed-structure crystals compositionally close to stoichiometric dolomite. The crystal structure and relative percentages of carbonates from the dated sedimentary section controlled by climate and lake level changes allow reconstructing the Holocene history of Lake Dolgoe.
Recurrence of strong seismic events in the area of the 2011–2012 Tuva earthquakes according to paleoseismological data
Authors: Ovsyuchenko A.N. , Butanaev Yu.V. , Marakhanov A.V. , Lar’kov A.S. , Novikov S.S. , Kuzhuget K.S.
Published: December 2017

This paper presents the results of paleoseismological studies in the epicentral area of the Tuva earthquake of 2011 (M = 6.7) and 2012 (M = 6.8). Their seismotectonic position and seismic history over the last millennia has been studied. The results are of great importance because these earthquakes are the strongest in the history of seismological observations in Tuva and are thus the first well-studied strong earthquakes in this region. The data show that relatively weak events similar to the 2011–2012 Tuva earthquakes recurred every 300–500 years in the past millennium, while catastrophic earthquakes with M = 7.0-7.2 and higher occur approximately every thousand years.