bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global sensitivity analysis of influence parameters in pitting corrosion behavior of 304 stainless steel using adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference systems
Authors: Xu Kaixin , Sun Wen , Wang Lida , Yang Zhengqing , Wang Jing , Wang Suilin , Liu Guichang
Published: November 2020

Pitting corrosion is simultaneously influenced by many parameters. However, conventional experimental methods do not offer information on the relative importance of each parameter to pitting corrosion. Herein, pitting corrosion of 304SS under multiple parameter influences was investigated by the global sensitivity analysis (GSA) based on adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). It was applied for the first time in quantitatively analyzing the relative importance of each parameter to pitting corrosion. It was developed in two different systems, based on the experimental data and the published data, respectively. Both results show that ANFIS exhibits a highly accurate prediction result. The GSA based on ANFIS quantitatively analyzes the relative importance of the initiation of pitting corrosion of 304SS for each parameter, and based on the results of GSA, it can also be determined whether the parameter inhibits or promotes pitting corrosion. We believe this method could provide guidance for corrosion research.
One‐step preparation of the superhydrophobic Al alloy surface with enhanced corrosion and wear resistance
Authors: Shi Tian , Li Xuewu , Zhang Chuanwei , Wang Hongxing , He Zhenyan , Zhou Xuegang , Yang Danni , Yang Hejie , Zhang Binbin , Yang Kang
Published: November 2020

Corrosion and wear failures are bottlenecks for restricting applications and developments of Al‐based functional materials. As a new lubrication technology, superhydrophobic preparation provides an effective way to settle Al alloy corrosion. The preparation methods of superhydrophobic Al alloys are mainly multistep strategies. In this study, superhydrophobic Al alloy, has been prepared by an efficient one‐step electrochemical etching process. Meanwhile, its micromorphology has been observed by a scanning electron microscope. The wettability has been measured by video optical contact angle meter. The corrosion behavior has been tested by electrochemical workstation, and wear performance has been characterized by friction tester. The results show that the micro‐nanoterraced concave–convex structure has been fabricated and an as‐prepared surface exhibits excellent superhydrophobic behavior. Further electrochemical and tribological tests show that corrosion resistance and wear resistance have also been significantly improved. This study provides a new method to prepare wear‐resistant and corrosion‐resistant Al alloy for widening applications of multifunctional Al‐based engineering materials.
Comparison of Vectra three‐dimensional stereophotogrammetry measurement and tape measurement in the evaluation of perioperative volume change of the lower abdomen in association with lymphatic microsurgery
Authors: Akita Shinsuke , Tokumoto Hideki , Yamaji Yoshihisa , Ishigaki Tatsuya , Ogata Hideyuki , Tezuka Takafumi , Kosaka Kentaro , Kuriyama Motone , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki
Published: November 2020

Background

Although microsurgical treatment for lower extremity lymphedema (LEL) can improve lower abdominal morphology, methods to evaluate the volume change of the lower abdomen have yet to be established. This study aimed to determine the accuracy and reproducibility of three‐dimensional stereophotogrammetry (3DSM) in measuring the volume change in the lower abdomen.

Methods

The perioperative volume changes in the lower abdomen were estimated using tape measurement (TM) and 3DSM in 26 patients with LEL. Thirteen patients with suprapubic lymphedema underwent abdominoplasty simultaneously. Each of them underwent multiple lymphaticovenular anastomoses (LVAs), and five of them underwent vascularized lymph node transfer, simultaneously. Thirteen patients with pelvic lymphatic fluid underwent multiple LVAs. Two patients underwent this surgery twice. When assessed on the Internal Society of Lymphology scale, eight patients were Stage I, 10 patients were Stage II, four patients were late Stage II, and four patients were Stage III. The difference between the two measurement methods and reproducibility of each method were analyzed.

Results

During a mean follow‐up period of 6 months, all patients had no postoperative complications and their chief complaint improved. The calculated reduction volume between TM and 3DSM showed a high correlation (p < .0001, r = .84). The reduction volume based on TM was significantly larger than 3DSM (991.1 ± 460.3 ml vs. 862.3 ± 333.5 ml, p = .02). The interrater ICC was 0.94 and 0.98 based on TM and 3DSM, respectively.

Conclusion

3DSM may be a useful method for assessment of the lower abdominal morphology due to its high accuracy and reproducibility.
One Carbon Metabolism and Mammalian Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Cai Shuang , Quan Shuang , Yang Guangxin , Ye Qianhong , Chen Meixia , Yu Haitao , Wang Gang , Wang Yuming , Zeng Xiangfang , Qiao Shiyan
Published: November 2020

One‐carbon metabolism is involved in varieties of physiological processes in mammals, including nucleic acid synthesis, amino acid homeostasis, epigenetic regulation, redox balance and neurodevelopment. The current evidence linking levels of one‐carbon nutrients during pregnancy to the development of oocytes, embryos, and placentas, as well as maternal and offspring health, is reviewed. The sources of mammalian one‐carbon units, the pathways active in mammalian one‐carbon metabolism, the maternal and fetal needs for one‐carbon units and their functions during pregnancy are described. The demand for one‐carbon metabolism is highest during pregnancy compared to the entire lifetime of a mammal. The primary types of one‐carbon metabolism in mammals are the folate cycle, methionine cycle and transsulfuration pathway, which varies at different pregnancy stages (e.g., methylation programming of embryo, neural development of fetus, fetal growth and placenta development). Therefore, an overall consideration of one‐carbon metabolism requirements for different pregnancy stages, is called for, specifically, the balance of all nutrients involved, not just one single nutrient in one‐carbon metabolism. Moreover, the establishment of an ideal one‐carbon metabolism requirement model is suggested according to the requirements for different pregnancy stages to support optimal pregnancy outcomes and maternal and offspring health.
Generalized shape optimization of transient vibroacoustic problems using cut elements
Authors: Dilgen Cetin B. , Aage Niels
Published: November 2020

This article propose a generalized shape optimization method for transient coupled acoustic–mechanical interaction problems. The transient problem formulation allows to optimize for a broadband frequency content and the possibility to investigate transient phenomena such as pulse shaping. Throughout the work, the geometry is defined with the help of a nodal‐based design field, for which its zero‐level contour describes the interface between acoustic and structural domains. The approach utilizes a fixed background mesh to represent the geometry and a cut element immersed boundary method for the physical modeling. This modeling approach provides accurate solutions to the strongly coupled governing equations based on a special integration scheme. The optimization problem is solved using a gradient‐based optimizer and employs a fully discrete adjoint approach for calculating the sensitivity information. A numerical examination on the accuracy of the sensitivity analysis compares the fully discrete gradients to the commonly used semidiscrete adjoint approach for transient optimization revealing the importance of consistent sensitivities. The transient design formulation is validated on a 2D benchmark problem concerning the design of a time‐harmonic acoustic partitioner. The developed framework is then applied for the design of vibroacoustic pulse shaping devices to demonstrate control of a transient phenomena.
Characterization of intra‐ply shear behaviors of unidirectional prepregs during hot diaphragm forming process
Authors: Zhao Yueqing , Gu Yizhuo , Zhang Tao , Li Hongfu , Zhang Boming , Zhang Zhenchong
Published: November 2020

Intra‐ply shear is the most important deformation mode in composite sheet forming. In this study, the intra‐ply shear behaviors of cross‐ply unidirectional carbon fiber/epoxy prepregs under double diaphragm compaction at different temperatures and cross‐head rates were investigated by a home‐made testing system. The experimental test results indicate that uniform temperature distribution and low forming speed in double diaphragm process help to obtain high‐quality products. A modified model based on the temperature, cross‐head rate and the level of compaction was proposed for shear angle prediction. Then fifth‐degree polynomial and power functions combined with two rate‐independent theories were used to calculate the shear force and modulus. The shear force and shear modulus are strongly influenced by the function that describing the relationship between the shear force and shear angle.
Nonfragile stabilization for semi‐Markovian switching systems with actuator saturation via improved dynamic event‐triggered scheme
Authors: Luo Miaohong , Wu Xihui , Mu Xiaowu , Yang Zhe
Published: November 2020

This article addresses the problem of stabilization and the H∞ performance for semi‐Markovian systems with actuator saturation via dynamic event‐triggered scheme. Due to actuator degradation and numerical round‐off errors, nonfragile control is proposed. Meanwhile, the saturated nonlinearity is considered in the controller design process, which makes the controller design more practical. Furthermore, the improved event‐triggered scheme is utilized for reducing transmitting unnecessary sampled data to the network and saving communication cost. By establishing appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional that depends on model information and using free‐weighting matrix techniques, new sufficient conditions for ensuring the stabilization of the controlled systems are obtained. Then the gain matrices of the controller can be also designed. Finally, simulation examples are provided to verify that the results we get are effective.
Hydrogen Production via Partial Oxidation Reforming of Methane with Gliding Arc Discharge Plasma
Authors: Wang Chengyu , Wang Baowei , Liu Shize , Zou Jijun
Published: November 2020

Hydrogen production from partial oxidation reforming of methane in a gliding arc discharge (GAD) reactor is investigated. The effects of input power, the oxygen‐carbon molar ratio (O/C), and residence time are studied, respectively. Products such as H2, CO, CO2, and C2‐C4 hydrocarbons can be detected in the outlet gas. The experimental result shows that the input power of 36.4 W, the relitively low O/C of 0.705 and the 13.8 s residence time in this system will bring the highest H2 energy yield. Compared to the decomposition of methane, partial oxidation of methane with air can maintain a stable discharge state and no carbon deposition on electrodes is observed during the reaction process. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is also employed to characterize this methane‐air plasma. Based on the results of the experiment and OES, a possible mechanism of methane partial oxidation process was proposed, which points out that collisions of high‐energy electrons and excited N2 species (mainly N2(A)) with other species (such as O2, CH4) in the plasma region are two main ways for the activation of this reforming system. Hydrogen is generated principally through the H‐abstraction reaction and the H‐coupling reaction.
Photodynamic Applications of New Imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline Oxidovanadium(IV) Complexes: Synthesis, Photochemical, and Cytotoxic Evaluation
Authors: Sanasam Bandana , Raza Md K. , Musib Dulal , Pal Maynak , Pal Mrityunjoy , Roy Mithun
Published: November 2020

Four oxidovanadium (IV) complexes of 1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline analogues with the general formula [VO(L)2](acac)2 (1‐4) were synthesized and characterized, and their in‐vitro photodynamic activity was evaluated. The complexes showed broad, low‐intensity d‐d bands at wavelengths from 635 nm to 775 nm in aqueous DMSO. The 1‐(pyren‐2‐yl)‐1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline oxidovanadium(IV) complex (4) exhibited remarkable photocytotoxicity in HaCaT cells, and cellular apoptosis was confirmed in an AO/EB dual‐staining assay. The IC50 of complex 4 was 8.2 μM under visible light (400–700 nm), but it was less toxic in dark (IC50 ∼70 μM). None of the complexes were less toxic to immortalized lung epithelial cells (IC50>50 μM), which suggested their activity was target‐specific. Annexin V‐FITC/PI assays performed with 2′,7′‐dichlorofluorescein diacetate indicated that apoptosis induced by the photoactivated complexes was due primarily to the intracellular generation of singlet oxygen (1O2), a reactive oxygen species. Photophysical studies and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations suggested that the lowest triplet excited states of the complexes were long‐lived and facilitated effective intersystem crossing, resulting in the efficient generation of 1O2 with good quantum yields (0.49). The remarkable photocytotoxicity of complex 4 indicates that it is promising for the development of next‐generation oxidovanadium(IV)‐based photochemotherapeutic agents.
The Construction and Testing of an Amperometric Biosensor for Oxidized Glutathione with Glutathione Reductase Immobilized on Reduced Graphene Oxide Paper Modified with Cobalt Sulphur
Authors: Aksoy Mine , Kıranşan Kader Dağcı
Published: November 2020

The aim of this study is to build and test an amperometric biosensor to determine oxidized glutathione (GSSG). The biosensor is based on glutathione reductase (GR), which was immobilized onto the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified with cobalt sulfide (CoS2). CoS2 nanostructures on the composite paper surface are active centers for immobilizing the GR enzyme. The conversion of GSSG into reduced glutathione was monitored with voltammetry in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced form (NADPH) on the GR‐CoS2/rGO immobilized electrode surface. The biosensor's cyclic volt response is linearly correlated with GSSG concentrations of 0.01–500 μM in a 0.1 M pH 7.4 phosphate‐buffer solution (PBS). The performance of the sensor was high, with a detection limit of 0.48 μM and a sensitivity of 0.6 mA μM cm−2. Four human blood samples were tested for GSSG with both the biosensor and Ellman's assay, which showed nearly identical results, confirming the biosensor's reliability.
A Convenient Synthesis of Iguratimod‐Amine Precursor via NHC‐Catalyzed Aldehyde‐Nitrile Cross Coupling Reaction
Authors: Murugesh Nithya , Karvembu Ramasamy , Vedachalam Seenuvasan
Published: November 2020

A protocol for the synthesis of iguratimod‐amine precursor has been developed using N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)‐catalyzed aldehyde‐nitrile cross coupling reaction with overall atom efficiency of 71 %. The first step involves a nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) of 1‐chloro‐4‐methoxy‐2‐nitrobenzene (1) with phenol to produce 4‐methoxy‐2‐nitro‐1‐phenoxybenzene (2) which further undergoes nitro reduction followed by mesylation to produce N‐(5‐methoxy‐2‐phenoxyphenyl)methanesulfonamide (4). Furthermore, it was subjected to Vilsmeier‐Haack formylation and demethylation (using BBr3) to produce N‐(4‐formyl‐5‐hydroxy‐2‐phenoxyphenyl)methanesulfonamide (6). Subsequently, O‐alkylation followed by NHC‐catalyzed aldehyde‐nitrile cross coupling yields the amine precursor of iguratimod (8).
Amino Acid Assisted One‐Pot Green Synthesis of N‐Doped 3D Graphene for Ultrasensitive Neurochemical Sensing
Authors: Zhang Minwei , Wanfeng Wu , Chen Fei , Zhang Wenrui , Halder Arnab
Published: November 2020

Graphene is undoubtedly one of the most promising materials in the last decade due to its outstanding physicochemical properties. However, in order to use graphene for diverse electrochemical or device‐based applications, it is mandatory to tune its electronic properties through doping. 3D graphene is three‐dimensional structural arrangement of its 2D sheets. In this work, we have explored a simple, one‐pot hydrothermal reaction approach to synthesize nitrogen doped 3D graphene (3D N‐RGO) structure by using graphene oxide (GO) as raw material and amino acids as nitrogen doping agent. Twenty different amino acids were individually used as doping agents and each of their nitrogen doping ability in graphene were carefully analyzed by using x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis. The results demonstrated that a great majority of amino acids can enable nitrogen doping except for tyrosine and phenylalanine whose ‐R group has benzene group. Among others, lysine, histidine, tryptophan and proline have relatively higher doping amount of nitrogen compared with others. Lysine has shown the highest doping efficiency. Furthermore, lysine induced 3D N‐RGO was used for proof‐of‐concept electrochemical sensing of neurochemical dopamine with a lower limit of detection of 2.8 μM and high sensitivity of 40.81 mA mM−1.
A Novel Co3O4/MnO2/C Electrode with Hierarchical Heterostructure for High‐performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Ying , Ye Xiongbiao , Qiu Yiwei , Gan Chuanhai , Huang Liuqing , Tang Xueyuan , Luo Xuetao
Published: November 2020

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are promising materials for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries while the lithium storage and cycling stability of TMOs are still limited. Herein, a novel Co3O4/MnO2/C composite using metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) as sacrificial templates is reported. MnO2 and C shells are layer by layer coated on the MOF‐derived Co3O4/C samples via hydrothermal technique and heat treatment. When employed as anode materials for LIBs, the hierarchically heterostructured Co3O4/MnO2/C composites incorporate the merits of Co3O4, MnO2, and C, showing high Li storage performances at a current density of 0.2 A g−1 with an initial capacity of ∼1245.7 mAh g−1 and a reversible capacity of ∼854.9 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, remarkable cycling stability, and excellent rate capability (almost 98 % recovery as the current density returns to the initial 0.2 A g−1, and especially, the specific capacity remains ∼587.6 mAh g−1 at a high current density of 2.0 A g−1).
Iron‐Promoted Synthesis of (2‐Oxy/Thio)benzothiazole
Authors: Parvathi Edalada Venkata Krishna , Pinapati Srinivasa rao , Tamminana Ramana , Rudraraju Ramesh raju
Published: November 2020

The synthesis of (2‐Phenoxy)benzothiazole and (2‐Phenylthio)benzothiazole has been demonstrated in the presence of iron catalyst under mild reaction conditions. Library of target compounds are prepared under optimized reaction conditions. Both electron donating and electron withdrawing substituent's are readily carried out the reaction to provide their respective target products in moderate to good yield. Mechanistic studies have suggested that the methodology involves intra molecular C‐S cross‐coupling approach.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of N2/CO2 Displacement Process of Methane Hydrate
Authors: Song Weili , Sun Xiaoliang , Zhou Guanggang , Huang Wenqi , Lu Guiwu , Wu Chong
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we construct three kinds of hydrate replacement models: N2, CO2 and N2‐CO2. The molecular dynamics (MD) method is used to study the dynamic process of N2‐CO2 replacement for natural gas hydrate. The replacement efficiency of N2/CO2 is simulated, and the influence of gas replacement on the stability of the water cage is assessed. The results show that CH4 molecules in the driving hydrate are all enriched in the gas‐liquid interface or gas region. Compared with the replacement of methane hydrate with CO2, when N2‐CO2 mixed gas is used to replace methane hydrate, the diffusion rate of CO2 is increased by 2 times, and the replacement efficiency of hydrate is significantly improved. The radial distribution function and free energy calculation results show that although the barrier of the water cage is significantly reduced after replacement, the water molecules in the cage still have difficulty jumping over the free energy barrier compared with the thermal motion energy, so the water cage structure remains highly stable.
Synergistically Enhanced Electrochemical Performance in Electrospun Core‐Shell Nanofiber for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Caihua , Liu Jifei , Xin Duqiang , Zhu Xiaojun , Hu Shuntao
Published: November 2020

NiO@Co3O4 core‐shell oxide nanofiber (NF) with diameter of 200 nm were prepared by a simple sol‐gel based on electrospinning method. When applied as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), it delivers stable cyclic performance with specific capacity of 487 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. Moreover, high rate capabilities are observed in each current density in the core‐shell nanofiber. This indicates that the electrochemical performance of the core‐shell nanostructure significantly enhances reversible capacity and high rate capabilities over NiO and Co3O4 nanofibers. Such an enhanced electrochemical performance is attribute to the synergistic effect between each component.
Controllable Synthesis of Phosphorus‐Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride via a Simple Phosphorus Compound Towards Enhanced Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Meng Ruru , Tang Shengdao , Xia Bin , Chen Xiang
Published: November 2020

Introduction of phosphorus into graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4 or CN) has been demonstrated to be an effective route to improve the photocatalytic activity of CN. Many efforts have been made to synthesize phosphorus‐doped CN (PCN) by using different phosphorous precursors, but they are usually composed of at least four elements, which may lead to an increase in uncontrollable factors and environmental pollution in the thermal polymerization process. Herein, PCN photocatalysts were successfully prepared by using a simple inorganic precursor of phosphorus pentoxide as the phosphorous source. Under optimized conditions, PCN photocatalyst shows a visible light (λ>400 nm) photocatalytic rhodamine B degradation rate of 6.8 times higher than that obtained for the pure CN. Based on the measurements and analyses of ultraviolet‐visible diffraction reflectance spectra, photoluminescence spectra, transient photocurrent response and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, upon the incorporation of phosphorus, the visible light absorption and generation and separation of photogenerated electron‐hole pairs are enhanced dramatically compared with pure CN, which may be responsible for the photocatalytic activity improvement of PCN. This work provides a facile, environment‐friendly and controllable way to design and synthesize highly effective CN for solar energy utilization and environmental remediation.
Highly Luminescent Solid‐State Carbon Dots Embedded in a Boric Acid Matrix
Authors: Wang Henggang , Zhang Zhen , Yan Qinqin , Zhang Chenyang , Xing Yifei , Xiong Yuan , Zhang Feng , Wang Zhenguang
Published: November 2020

Aggregation‐caused quenching of carbon dots (CDs) has limited their application for optoelectronic devices. In this work, we reported a highly luminescent solid‐state CDs through a freeze‐drying assisted hydrothermal method, using citric acid, urea and boric acid as raw materials. The hydrothermal process triggers the formation of the carbonaceous structures, and freeze‐drying treatment results in the dehydration and crossing linking reactions between the carbonaceous structures and boric acid, forming CDs embedded in the matrix of boric acid. Steady‐state fluorescence spectra and time‐resolved PL decay curves, together with the XPS data suggest the significant promotion of photoluminescence quantum yield after processing CDs from solution to powder state is attributed to surface passivation and activating of new emissive states caused by the attraction of boron. The CDs shows a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 80.1 %, with an excellent thermal stability, which are further used as phosphor for fabricating LED. A white LED is obtained after combining blue emissive CDs with orange emissive Cu nanocluster with UV‐LED chips, achieving a high color rendering index of 89, and a Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage chromaticity coordinates of (0.33, 0.32).
Age‐dependent compressive strength and elastic modulus of fly ash‐based geopolymer concrete
Authors: Hassan Amer , Arif Mohammed , Shariq M.
Published: November 2020

This paper presents an experimental and analytical study on the age‐dependent mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete. The effect of total aggregate content and the ratio of sand‐to‐total aggregate content on the engineering properties of geopolymer concrete has been investigated. Geopolymer concrete cubes, prisms, and cylinders were prepared and tested for evaluation of the engineering properties of geopolymer concrete at the times of 3, 7, 28, 56, 90, and 180 days. The experimentally obtained results showed that the combination of 70% of the total aggregate by volume and 0.35 by weight the ratio of sand‐to‐total aggregate had been given the maximum strength of fly ash‐based geopolymer concrete. The assessment of available models for the calculation of age‐dependent modulus of elasticity and compressive strength with experimental results has been studied as well. An analytical model has been suggested for predicting the modulus of elasticity and compressive strength of geopolymer concrete at any age. The proposed models showed a good match with the experimental results. The present experimental and analytical study will be helpful in the production and design of geopolymer concrete structures.
The positive and negative appraisals of caregiving (PANAC) scale: A new measure to examine the caregiving experience in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Authors: Galvin James E. , Tolea Magdalena I. , Chrisphonte Stephanie
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Dementia caregiving is often examined as a monolithic experience describing the challenges caregivers face, exploring one construct at a time, with little research on the positive experiences of caregiving. To address this, we developed the Positive and Negative Appraisals of Caregiving (PANAC) scale.

Methods

PANAC was validated in 253 patient‐caregiver dyads. Factor analyses revealed a two‐factor solution: Positive Appraisals (PAs) and Negative Appraisals (NAs). Psychometric properties were compared with patient and caregiver characteristics and outcomes, disease stage, and etiology.

Results

Internal consistency was good with Cronbach's alpha: 0.82 NA and 0.80 PA (P  < 0.001). NA correlated with patient and caregiver characteristics, whereas PA correlated only with caregiver characteristics. The PA/NA ratio could be used to capture change due to an intervention.

Discussion

The PANAC scale is a useful measure of the overall caregiver experience accounting for negative and positive experiences and may be used to tailor support to individual caregivers.
Telehealth Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) Research: Analysis of the PCORI Telehealth-Related Research Portfolio
Authors: Weinstein Ronald S. , Krouse Robert S. , Holcomb Michael J. , Payne Camryn , Erps Kristine A. , Krupinski Elizabeth A. , Latifi Rifat
Published: November 2020

Improving outcomes through patient-centered care has emerged as an important focus of study in the clinical and research worlds over the past decade. While the principles of patient-centered care and community-centered care are found in philosophical writings in ancient times, only recently have physicians and the overall healthcare community begun to accept that the health and well-being of patients depends upon collaborative and integrated efforts between healthcare professionals, patients, and their communities. The aim of this chapter is to provide perspective and practical guidance on the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, and extramural Dissemination and Implementation funding for telemedicine and telehealth-related research. Hopefully, this data analysis provides new ideas about how to be successful in competing for patient-centered clinical intervention effectiveness funding going forward.
Undulating dark matter
Authors: Davighi Joe , McCullough Matthew , Tooby-Smith Joseph
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We suggest that an interplay between microscopic and macroscopic physics can give rise to dark matter (DM) whose interactions with the visible sector fundamentally undulate in time, independent of celestial dynamics. A concrete example is provided by fermionic DM with an electric dipole moment (EDM) sourced by an oscillating axion-like field, resulting in undulations in the scattering rate. The discovery potential of light DM searches can be enhanced by additionally searching for undulating scattering rates, especially in detection regions where background rates are large and difficult to estimate, such as for DM masses in the vicinity of 1 MeV where DM-electron scattering dominantly populates the single electron bin. An undulating signal could also reveal precious dark sector information after discovery. In this regard we emphasise that, if the recent XENON1T excess of events is due to light DM scattering exothermically off electrons, future analyses of the time-dependence of events could offer clues as to the microscopic origins of the putative signal.
Jejunalsonden bei Kindern und Jugendlichen
Authors: Broekaert Ilse , Bildheim Victor , Brunert Annette , Hauer Almuthe , Schwarz Christine , Schmidt-Choudhury Anjona
Published: November 2020

Die Ernährung über eine jejunale Sonde wird immer häufiger bei jenen Kindern notwendig, deren kalorischer Bedarf durch gastrale Ernährung nicht ausreichend gedeckt werden kann. Ursächlich hierfür können die Intoleranz gastral zugeführter Nahrung oder eine ausgeprägte gastroösophageale Refluxkrankheit (GÖRK) sein. Da nach Anlage der Jejunalsonde häufig regelmäßige Sondenwechsel notwendig werden, ist eine jejunale Sonde oft nur eine vorübergehende Lösung bis zur perkutanen Anlage eines Jejunostomas (mit oder ohne Antirefluxoperation) oder als Alternative vor einer etwaigen Antirefluxoperation.

Bevor eine jejunale Sonde gelegt wird, sollte eine Nahrungsintoleranz aufgrund anatomischer oder nicht gastrointestinal bedingter Probleme ausgeschlossen werden.

Die Versorgung eines Kindes, bei dem die Anlage einer jejunalen Sonde geplant ist, sollte durch ein multidisziplinäres Team, bestehend aus u. a. einem Kindergastroenterologen/einer Kindergastroenterologin, einer Ernährungsfachkraft, einem Psychologen/einer Psychologin und einem Logopäden/einer Logopädin, erfolgen. Das multidisziplinäre Team sollte bereits vor Indikationsstellung die Nahrung anpassen, das Kind logopädisch evaluiert haben und die Familie psychologisch und medizinisch mitbetreuen.

Eine adäquate Planung, welche auch ethische Aspekte beinhaltet, garantiert, dass sowohl der Patient/die Patientin, die Eltern und Betreuungspersonen wie auch das behandelnde Team ein klares Verständnis der Indikation und Gründe für die Anlage einer jejunalen Sonde haben. Dabei sollten auch die Fortsetzung einer möglichen oralen Ernährung und eine Sondenentwöhnung diskutiert werden.

Diese Übersicht beinhaltet Handlungsempfehlungen zur Indikationsstellung für den Einsatz jejunaler Sonden, gepaart mit praktischen Überlegungen, welche die Verwendung und die Sicherheit der jejunalen Sondenernährung im Kindes- und Jugendalter optimieren sollen.
Paraneoplastischer subakut kutaner Lupus erythematodes
Authors: Rezazadegan R. , Koushk-Jalali B. , Kuntz T. , Oellig F. , Tigges C. , Kreuter A.
Published: November 2020

Der subakut kutane Lupus erythematodes (SCLE) ist ein Subtyp des kutanen Lupus erythematodes, der sich durch hohe Photosensitivität, Auftreten von anulären oder papulosquamösen Hautveränderungen im Bereich der UV-exponierten Körperregionen, serologischen Nachweis von Anti-Ro/SS-A-Antikörpern und milde systemische Beteiligung wie Arthralgien und Myalgien auszeichnet. Wie bei anderen Formen des kutanen Lupus erythematodes kann auch der SCLE durch bestimmte Triggerfaktoren wie UV-Exposition, Zigarettenrauchen oder Medikamente ausgelöst werden. Rheumatische Erkrankungen wie die Dermatomyositis sind seit Langem als paraneoplastische Syndrome bekannt. In den letzten Jahren wird zunehmend über die Assoziation von SCLE und Tumorerkrankungen publiziert. Wir berichten den Fall einer 78-jährigen Patientin, bei der zeitgleich mit der Entwicklung eines SCLE ein Magenkarzinom diagnostiziert wurde. Bei SCLE-Patienten höheren Alters, ausgedehntem Befall außerhalb der UV-exponierten Körperpartien oder neu aufgetretener B‑Symptomatik sollte das Vorliegen eines paraneoplastischen SCLE in Erwägung gezogen und entsprechende diagnostische Schritte zur Abklärung einer Tumorerkrankung sollten eingeleitet werden.
Automatic multispectral MRI segmentation of human hippocampal subfields: an evaluation of multicentric test–retest reproducibility
Authors: Chiappiniello Andrea , Tarducci Roberto , Muscio Cristina , Bruzzone Maria Grazia , Bozzali Marco , Tiraboschi Pietro , Nigri Anna , Ambrosi Claudia , Chipi Elena , Ferraro Stefania , Festari Cristina , Gasparotti Roberto , Gianeri Ruben , Giulietti Giovanni , Mascaro Lorella , Montanucci Chiara , Nicolosi Valentina , Rosazza Cristina , Serra Laura , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Perani Daniela , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Jovicich Jorge
Published: November 2020

Accurate and reproducible automated segmentation of human hippocampal subfields is of interest to study their roles in cognitive functions and disease processes. Multispectral structural MRI methods have been proposed to improve automated hippocampal subfield segmentation accuracy, but the reproducibility in a multicentric setting is, to date, not well characterized. Here, we assessed test–retest reproducibility of FreeSurfer 6.0 hippocampal subfield segmentations using multispectral MRI analysis pipelines (22 healthy subjects scanned twice, a week apart, at four 3T MRI sites). The harmonized MRI protocol included two 3D-T1, a 3D-FLAIR, and a high-resolution 2D-T2. After within-session T1 averaging, subfield volumes were segmented using three pipelines with different multispectral data: two longitudinal (“long_T1s” and “long_T1s_FLAIR”) and one cross-sectional (“long_T1s_FLAIR_crossT2”). Volume reproducibility was quantified in magnitude (reproducibility error—RE) and space (DICE coefficient). RE was lower in all hippocampal subfields, except for hippocampal fissure, using the longitudinal pipelines compared to long_T1s_FLAIR_crossT2 (average RE reduction of 0.4–3.6%). Similarly, the longitudinal pipelines showed a higher spatial reproducibility (1.1–7.8% of DICE improvement) in all hippocampal structures compared to long_T1s_FLAIR_crossT2. Moreover, long_T1s_FLAIR provided a small but significant RE improvement in comparison to long_T1s (p = 0.015), whereas no significant DICE differences were found. In addition, structures with volumes larger than 200 mm3 had better RE (1–2%) and DICE (0.7–0.95) than smaller structures. In summary, our study suggests that the most reproducible hippocampal subfield FreeSurfer segmentations are derived from a longitudinal pipeline using 3D-T1s and 3D-FLAIR. Adapting a longitudinal pipeline to include high-resolution 2D-T2 may lead to further improvements.
Smartphone measurements of physical activity and fitness are associated with early trial discontinuation of patients in (hemato)oncology phase I/II clinical trials
Authors: Douma Joeri A. J. , Zweegman Sonja , Alberts Mieke , Kruyswijk Sandy , van de Donk Niels C. W. J. , van Linde Myra , Buffart Laurien M. , Verheul Henk M. W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Patients, who discontinue early, do not benefit from phase I/II clinical trials (early-phase clinical trials (EPCT)). In this study, associations between objective smartphone measurements of physical activity and fitness and early trial discontinuation in patients with cancer participating in EPCT were investigated.

Methods

Before start of treatment, physical activity (steps/day) and physical fitness (meters walked in 6 min) were measured with a smartphone, and patient-reported physical function (PRO-PF) was assessed (EORTC QLQ-C30-PF). Early trial discontinuation was defined as discontinuation ≤ 28 days. Univariable logistic regression analyses were performed to study associations of physical activity, fitness, and function with early trial discontinuation. Optimal cutoff values of physical activity and fitness were assessed with ROCs, based on positive predictive values (PPV).

Results

Median (interquartile range (IQR)) step count was 4263 (2548–6897) steps/day, mean ± standard deviation 6-min walking distance was 477 ± 120 m and median (IQR) PRO-PF score was 83 (67–95) points. Fourteen patients (12%) discontinued the trial early. Smartphone measurements of physical activity in units of 100 steps per day (odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94–0.99, p = 0.01), physical fitness (OR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98–0.99, p < 0.01), and PRO-PF (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.94–1.00, p = 0.03) were associated with early trial discontinuation. Optimal cutoff values were < 900 steps for physical activity and < 285 m for physical fitness. PPV for early trial discontinuation was 100% in patients who walked both < 1500 steps per day and < 300 m in 6 min.

Conclusions

Objective smartphone measurements of physical activity and fitness are associated with early trial discontinuation. However, cutoff values should be externally validated in a larger cohort before implementation in clinical practice.
Utilizing homogenized observation records and reconstructed time series data to estimate recent trends in Mid-Atlantic soil moisture scarcity
Authors: Smith Robert Kennedy , Guijarro José A. , Chang Der-Chen
Published: November 2020

The Mid-Atlantic region of the USA has experienced increasing annual precipitation amounts in recent decades, along with more frequent extreme events of greater magnitude. Unlike many US regions that have suffered increasing drought conditions from higher evapotranspiration demand, positive trends in the Mid-Atlantic accumulated precipitation are greater than the recent increases in reference evapotranspiration. The temporal correlation between precipitation events and soil moisture capacity is essential for determining how the nature of drought has changed in the region. This analysis has shown that soil moisture scarcity has declined in nine of ten subregions of the Mid-Atlantic that were analyzed from 1985 to 2019. Two algorithms were deployed to draw this conclusion: Climatol enabled the use of the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith equation on daily observation station data for which complete records were unavailable, and the second algorithm calculated soil moisture levels on a daily basis, more accurately capturing drought conditions than common methods using weekly or monthly summaries. Although the declining drought trends were not statistically significant, a result of more extreme events and higher evapotranspiration rates, the inclusion of direct data from an expanded set of locations provides greater clarity from the trends, allowing policymakers and landowners to anticipate changes in future Mid-Atlantic irrigation water demand.
An improved cluster formation process in wireless sensor network to decrease energy consumption
Authors: Farahzadi Hamid Reza , Langarizadeh Mostafa , Mirhosseini Mohammad , Fatemi Aghda Seyed Ali
Published: November 2020

Wireless sensor network has special features and many applications, which have attracted attention of many scientists. High energy consumption of these networks, as a drawback, can be reduced by a hierarchical routing algorithm. The proposed algorithm is based on the Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) and Quadrant Cluster based LEACH (Q-LEACH) protocols. To reduce energy consumption and provide a more appropriate coverage, the network was divided into several regions and clusters were formed within each region. In selecting the cluster head (CH) in each round, the amount of residual energy and the distance from the center of each node were calculated by the base station (including the location and residual energy of each node) for all living nodes in each region. In this regard, the node with the largest value had the highest priority to be selected as the CH in each network region. The base station calculates the CH due to the lack of energy constraints and is also responsible for informing it throughout the network, which reduces the load consumption and tasks of nodes in the network. The information transfer steps in this protocol are similar to the LEACH protocol stages. To better evaluate the results, the proposed method was implemented with LEACH LEACH-SWDN, and Q-LEACH protocols using MATLAB software. The results showed better performance of the proposed method in network lifetime, first node death time, and the last node death time.
On the effects of pore water pressure buildup and dissipation on the seismic performance of a propped r.c. diaphragm wall in sand
Authors: Oliynyk Kateryna , Pontani Nicola , Tamagnini Claudio
Published: November 2020

The study concerns the analysis of a retaining structure composed by a couple of r.c. diaphragm walls propped at the crest in loose and medium-dense, variably saturated sand under seismic conditions. Fully coupled dynamic equilibrium conditions and pore water flow in the porous soil have been taken into account, in order to assess the effects that the development and subsequent dissipation of excess pore water pressures can have on the performance of such structures under seismic conditions. To this end, a series of simulations in which the saturated soil permeability is varied of about two orders of magnitude has been carried out, in order to consider different evolution rates for the dynamic consolidation process. The von Wolffersdorff hypoplastic model and the van Genuchten water retention equation have been used to describe the mechanical and hydraulic behavior of the sand. The results obtained in a large series of finite element simulations show a significant dependence of the seismic performance of the structure evaluated in terms of permanent rotations and structural loads, in view of the modern performance-based design criteria on the excess pore pressures buildup during the seismic shaking and on its dissipation with time. For the particular seismic input considered, neither fully drained nor fully undrained conditions can be considered applicable in most of the cases considered. In such conditions, the quantitative assessment of wall and soil displacements, pore water pressures and effective stress distributions within the soil requires necessarily the solution of a fully coupled, nonlinear dynamic consolidation problem.
The Rolling 50s (and More): Cars and Life Satisfaction Among Seniors Across Europe
Authors: Brulé Gaël , Ravazzini Laura , Suter Christian
Published: November 2020

Cars represent a valuable real asset that most individuals use on a daily basis. Although cars are a form of material prosperity like income and other forms of wealth, the link between cars and subjective well-being (SWB) is barely covered in the existing literature. Furthermore, few existing contributions are scattered across specific cultural contexts. Here, we analyze the relationship between cars and the SWB of seniors in different European countries using the SHARE dataset. We construct multilevel and fixed-effect models to explore the extent of economic, infrastructural, and cultural factors and how they can explain this relationship. The results show that the value of the car is, among all wealth components (houses, bank account, bonds, stocks, mutual funds, debts and mortgages), the form of wealth most related to life satisfaction. In addition, cars matter less (a) in affluent societies, (b) where rail infrastructure is more developed, and (c) where people hold fewer materialistic values. We discuss these results in the framework of the functional and positional value of cars, i.e., respectively, the value derived from it regardless of others and the value derived from it vis-à-vis others.
Why Is the AfD so Successful in Eastern Germany? An Analysis of the Ideational Foundations of the AfD Vote in the 2017 Federal Election
Authors: Pesthy Maria , Mader Matthias , Schoen Harald
Published: November 2020

The Alternative for Germany party (AfD) has been more successful electorally in eastern than in western Germany. In this paper, we look at nativism coupled with populist attitudes as possible contributors to the 2017 federal electoral outcome. We compare two alternative mechanisms for the varying election results, the first being whether individuals living in eastern Germany are, on average, more nativist and populist inclined; the second, whether nativism and populism are more salient when these voters go to the polls. The results show that there indeed exists a slightly higher level of nativist and populist sentiment among the east German citizens than among the west Germans. This difference concerns older east Germans in particular, who were politically socialised during the German separation. Furthermore, elements of nativist and populist ideas explain electoral support for the AfD in both parts of the country, but nativism appears to be more relevant in the east. Overall, the analysis of the short-term campaign panel data from the German Longitudinal Election Study suggests that the inspected ideational foundations contribute to the east–west gap in AfD support without accounting for it completely.
Ulcer Disease in the Excluded Segments after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Current Review of the Literature
Authors: Plitzko Gabriel , Schmutz Grégoire , Kröll Dino , Nett Philipp C. , Borbély Yves
Published: November 2020

Ulcer disease in excluded segments after Roux-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is rare but can evolve into a life-threatening situation. The excluded segments exhibit a different behavior from that of non-altered anatomy; perforated ulcers do not result in pneumoperitoneum or free fluid, and therefore must be met with a low threshold for surgical exploration. The anatomical changes after RYGB impede routine access to the remnant stomach and duodenum. There are various options to address bleeding or perforated ulcers. While oversewing and drainage preserves the anatomy and forgoes resection, remnant gastrectomy offers a definitive solution. The importance of traditional risk factors such as smoking or use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is unclear. Eradication ofHelicobacter pyloriand secondary prophylaxis with proton-pump inhibitors is advisable, albeit in double-dose.
Model-Based Patterns of Lymphedema Symptomatology: Phenotypic and Biomarker Characterization
Authors: Fu Mei R. , Aouizerat Bradley E , Yu Gary , Conley Yvette , Axelrod Deborah , Guth Amber A. , Gagner Jean-Pierre , Qiu Jeanna M , Zagzag David
Published: November 2020

Purpose of the Study

More than 50% of breast cancer survivors without a diagnosis of lymphedema suffer daily from numerous and co-occurring lymphedema symptoms. This study aimed to identify lymphedema symptom patterns and the association of such patterns with phenotypic characteristics and biomarkers using latent class analysis (LCA). A prospective, descriptive, and repeated-measure design was used to enroll 140 women and collect data.

Recent Findings

LCA identified three distinct lymphedema symptom classes at 8 weeks and 12 months post-surgery: low, moderate, and severe symptom classes and associated phenotypic characteristics. Participants were more likely to be in the severe symptom classes at 12 months post-surgery if they had lower education level, cording, an axillary syndrome at 8 weeks post-surgery, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation.

Pre-surgery level of IL1-a, IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF was associated with the severe symptom class at 8 weeks post-surgery, suggesting that such biomarkers may be used to predict risk for lymphedema symptoms.