bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the centralized purchasing policy for the treatment of hepatitis C: The Colombian CASE
Authors: Pérez Angela V. , Trujillo Antonio J. , Mejia Aurelio E. , Contreras Johnny D. , Sharfstein Joshua M.
Published: December 2019

The high cost of drugs for hepatitis C limits access and adherence to treatment. In 2017, the Colombian health care system decided to design a strategy. It consisted of centralized purchasing, regulations, clinical practice guidelines, and direct observation of the treatment and follow‐up of patients. The main objective of this study was to assess the centralized purchasing strategy in Colombia. The study design was a policy implementation assessment. We analyzed the change in prices, the clinical outcomes, and the opinions of stakeholders using data from the Ministry of Health. Additional information about effectiveness came from the Colombian Fund for High‐Cost Diseases and semi‐structured interviews of the stakeholders. The follow‐up was from October, 2017 to October, 2018. The total number of patients reported in the cohort period was 1069. The number that finished 12 weeks of treatment, completed the follow‐up for the case closure, and were considered cured through the end of October, 2018 was 563 (53%). The remainder, 506 patients (47%), are currently in treatment. A total of 543 of these treated patients (96%) were cured. After implementing this strategy, the drug prices decreased by more than 90% overall. Before implementation, the total direct cost was $100 102 171.75 dollars. Afterward, the cost was $8 378 747 dollars.
Interfacial Impurities and Their Electronic Signatures in High‐Voltage Regrown Nonpolar m‐Plane GaN Vertical p–n Diodes
Authors: Aragon Andrew , Monavarian Morteza , Stricklin Isaac , Pickrell Greg , Crawford Mary , Allerman Andrew , Armstrong Andrew M. , Feezell Daniel
Published: December 2019

Impacts of silicon, carbon, and oxygen interfacial impurities on the performance of high‐voltage vertical GaN‐based p–n diodes are investigated. The results indicate that moderate levels (≈5 × 1017 cm−3) of all interfacial impurities lead to reverse blocking voltages (Vb) greater than 200 V at 1 μA cm−2 and forward leakage of less than 1 nA cm−2 at 1.7 V. At higher interfacial impurity levels, the performance of the diodes becomes compromised. Herein, it is concluded that each impurity has a different effect on the device performance. For example, a high carbon spike at the junction correlates with high off‐state leakage current in forward bias (≈100× higher forward leakage current compared with a reference diode), whereas the reverse bias behavior is not severely affected (> 200 V at 1 μA cm−2). High silicon and oxygen spikes at the junction strongly affect the reverse leakage currents (≈ 1–10 V at 1 μA cm−2). Regrown diodes with impurity (silicon, oxygen, and carbon) levels below 5 × 1017 cm−3 show comparable forward and reverse results with the reference continuously grown diodes. The effect of the regrowth interface position relative to the metallurgical junction on the diode performance is also discussed.
Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of Tb3+‐Doped MgAl2O4 Spinel Ceramics Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering Technique
Authors: Valiev Damir , Khasanov Oleg , Dvilis Edgar , Stepanov Sergei , Paygin Vladimir , Ilela Alfa
Published: December 2019

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique is successfully used for the preparation of magnesium aluminate spinel ceramics doped with different concentrations of Tb3+ ions. Structural, morphological, optical, and photoluminescence (PL) characterization are conducted. It is demonstrated that the redshift in the absorption spectra is possibly due to the energy gap between the valence and conduction bands reducing and the formation of a higher concentration of nonbridging oxygen with an increase in the concentrations of Tb3+ ions in MgAl2O4 ceramics. The PL spectrum excited by nitrogen laser consists of a broad emission band with a maximum at λem ≈ 400 nm and a series of emission bands in the 400–700 nm spectral range responsible for Tb3+ ions. In the “blue” spectral region, the complex host centers such as oxygen vacancies are recorded. An increase in the terbium ion concentration does not lead to the effect of concentration quenching. Luminescence decay kinetics analysis for all ceramics samples is performed. The effect of terbium oxide on the optical, PL properties and luminescence decay kinetics of MgAl2O4 ceramics is discussed.
Constraining stochastic parametrisation schemes using high‐resolution simulations
Authors: Christensen Hannah M.
Published: December 2019

Stochastic parametrisations can be used in weather and climate models to improve the representation of unpredictable unresolved processes. When compared with a deterministic model, a stochastic model represents “model uncertainty”, that is, sources of error in the forecast due to the limitations of the forecast model. A technique is presented for systematically deriving new stochastic parametrisations or constraining existing stochastic approaches. A high‐resolution model simulation is coarse‐grained to the desired forecast model resolution. This provides the initial conditions and forcing data needed to drive a single‐column model (SCM). Comparing the SCM parametrised tendencies with the evolution of the high‐resolution model provides an estimate of the error in the SCM tendencies that a stochastic parametrisation seeks to represent. This approach is used to assess the physical basis of the widely used stochastically perturbed parametrisation tendencies (SPPT) scheme. Justification is found for the multiplicative nature of SPPT, along with some evidence for the use of spatio‐temporally correlated stochastic perturbations. Evidence that the stochastic perturbation should be positively skewed is found, indicating that occasional large‐magnitude positive perturbations are physically realistic. However, other key assumptions of SPPT are less well justified, including coherency of the stochastic perturbations with height, coherency of the perturbations for different physical parametrisation schemes, and coherency for different prognostic variables. Relaxing these SPPT assumptions allows for an error model that explains a larger fractional variance than traditional SPPT. In particular, it is suggested that independently perturbing the tendencies associated with different parametrisation schemes is justifiable and would improve the realism of the SPPT approach.
Self‐Assembled InAs/GaAs Coupled Quantum Dots for Photonic Quantum Technologies
Authors: Jennings Cameron , Ma Xiangyu , Wickramasinghe Thushan , Doty Matthew , Scheibner Michael , Stinaff Eric , Ware Morgan
Published: December 2019

Coupled quantum dots (CQDs) that consist of two InAs QDs stacked along the growth direction and separated by a relatively thin tunnel barrier have been the focus of extensive research efforts. The expansion of available states enabled by the formation of delocalized molecular wavefunctions in these systems has led to significant enhancement of the already substantial capabilities of single QD systems and have proven to be a fertile platform for studying light–matter interactions, from semi‐classical to purely quantum phenomena. Observations unique to CQDs, including tunable g‐factors and radiative lifetimes, in situ control of exchange interactions, coherent phonon effects, manipulation of multiple spins, and nondestructive spin readout, along with possibilities such as quantum‐to‐quantum transduction with error correction and multipartite entanglement, open new and exciting opportunities for CQD‐based photonic quantum technologies. This review is focused on recent CQD work, highlighting aspects where CQDs provide a unique advantage and with an emphasis on results relevant to photonic quantum technologies.
Data‐based iterative learning mechanism for unknown input‐output coupling parameters/matrices
Authors: Liu Jian , Chen Weisheng , Ruan Xiaoe , Zheng Yuanshi
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we explore how to get the information of input‐output coupling parameters (IOCPs) for a class of uncertain discrete‐time systems by using iterative learning technique. Firstly, by taking advantage of repetitiveness of control system and informative input and output data, we design an iterative learning scheme for unknown IOCPs. It is shown that we can get the exact values of IOCPs one by one through running the repetitive system T+1 times if the control system is with identical initial state and noise free. Secondly, we give the iterative learning scheme for unknown IOCPs in the presence of measurement noise, system noise, or initial state drift and analyze the influence factors on the performance of developed iterative learning scheme. Meanwhile, we introduce the maximum allowable control deviation into the iterative learning mechanism to minimize the negative impact of noise on the performance of learning scheme and to enhance the robust of iterative learning scheme. Thirdly, for a class of multiple‐input–multiple‐output systems, we also develop iterative learning mechanism for unknown input‐output coupling matrices. Finally, an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed iterative learning scheme.
HRTEM‐EELS cross‐sectional structural analyses of glassy carbon substrate irradiated by platinum ions using a coaxial arc plasma gun
Authors: Miyazawa Kun'ichi , Nagai Takuro , Kimoto Koji , Yoshitake Masaru , Tanaka Yumi
Published: December 2019

A glassy carbon (GC) substrate was irradiated by Pt ions using a coaxial arc plasma gun in vacuum. The structure of the substrate was studied in the atomic scale using high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) with a thin foil specimen prepared by cross‐sectioning using focused ion beam milling. HRTEM combined with the EELS measurements of the cross‐sectioned sample indicated a disordering of the GC substrate surface and the detection of phenol‐type species, carbon atoms in aliphatic chain molecules, and carboxyl groups, which are considered to have been formed by chemical reaction between the carbon atoms of the GC substrate surface and hydrogen or oxygen atoms. Penetrated Pt atoms were observed inside the GC substrate, and the surface position of the GC substrate was located from the depth profiles of the EELS spectra. STEM‐EELS analyses of a pristine GC substrate without Pt ion irradiation were also conducted for reference.
Multistate analysis from cross‐sectional and auxiliary samples
Authors: Zeng Leilei , Cook Richard J. , Lee Jooyoung
Published: December 2019

Epidemiological studies routinely involve cross‐sectional sampling of a population comprised of individuals progressing through life history processes. We consider features of a cross‐sectional sample in terms of the intensity functions of a progressive multistate disease process under stationarity assumptions. The limiting values of estimators for regression coefficients in naive logistic regression models are studied, and simulations confirm the key asymptotic results that are relevant in finite samples. We also consider the need for and the use of data from auxiliary samples, which enable one to fit the full multistate life history process. We conclude with an application to data from a national cross‐sectional sample assessing marker effects on psoriatic arthritis among individuals with psoriasis.
Self‐Assembly of Di‐Guanine Peptide Nucleic Acid Amphiphiles into Fractal Patterns
Authors: Abraham Jancy N. , Pawar Prabhakar , Kootteri Dilna K.
Published: December 2019

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) amphiphiles have been reported to assemble into different nanostructures; however, there is immense untapped potential to control their supramolecular assemblies by altering their lipid chain. Here, we functionalized di‐guanine PNA with various hydrophobic appendages, namely dodecyl, p‐dodecylbenzoyl and pentadecyl phenol groups, to investigate the effect of aromatic linkers, long alkyl and alkoxyl substituents on hierarchical self‐assembly of di‐guanine PNA. Systematic electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies revealed that while all three derivatives of di‐guanine‐PNA formed nanospheres, only nanospheres of dodecylamide and pentadecyl phenol derivatives matured into nanorods, these later formed higher order fractal assemblies. Furthermore, we observed that inclusion of a positively charged lysine at the C‐terminus prevented fractal assembly, possibly due to electrostatic repulsion between the head groups. Thus, the findings of the present work might guide rational design of PNA amphiphiles to obtain specific self‐assembled morphology.
Achieving Different Morphologies for a Zinc(II) Coordination Polymer by Green Sonochemical Synthesis and New Precursors for the Preparation of Zinc(II)oxide
Authors: Souri Bagher , Rezvani Ali Reza , Hayati Payam , Centore Roberto
Published: December 2019

A new 2D zinc(II) coordination polymer(CP) 1, [Zn(N3)(L)]n(1), [L= 2‐picolinate] has been synthesized using branch tube approach. Nano and micro structures of CP 1 were synthesized using sonochemical technique in diverse conditions (different times and solvents) and they were identified by elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). Single‐crystal X‐ray studies show that CP1 contains Zn(II) atoms with different coordination geometries (tetrahedral and octahedral). The effects of solvents and reaction time on the morphology and size of the nano and microstructure of CP 1 were also evaluated. The results showed that change in reaction time has almost no effect on the size of particles, but change in solvent leads to changes in the morphology of particles.
Gold Nanoparticles Stabilized by Sulfonated‐Imidazolium Salts as Promising Catalyst in Water
Authors: Monti Gustavo A. , Correa N. Mariano , Falcone R. Darío , Silbestri Gustavo F. , Moyano Fernando
Published: December 2019

We present the total characterization (by FT‐IR and NMR spectroscopies) of gold nanoparticles (Au‐NPs) stabilized by different sulfonated‐imidazolium salts. Also, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used in order to evaluate the degree of the Au‐NPs coverage. Our results show how the orientation of the sulfonated‐imidazolium salts and, the interaction of the hydrocarbon chain with the Au‐NP surface are responsible for the strength of the ligand‐Au‐NP interaction. The developed procedure is easy, fast and reproducible to carry out different catalytic organic reactions in water. Our preliminary studies indicate that Au‐NPs synthesized are active and recyclable catalysts for the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds at room temperature in water.
Synthesis and Acid Catalyzed Rearrangement of Cage Propellanes
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Cheekatla Subba Rao
Published: December 2019

The design and synthesis of highly decorated cage [4.3.2]propellanes and D3‐trishomocubanes have been reported via ring‐closing metathesis (RCM), [4+2] cycloaddition and acid‐catalyzed rearrangement as key steps. These cage polycycles were prepared starting with inexpensive synthons such as 2,5‐dimethoxybenzaldehyde and endo‐dicyclopentadiene. Propellanes containing fused spiro[4.4]nonane ring system was realized by RCM protocol. Interestingly, the dimethoxy cage propellane derivative was observed instead of the rearranged product with Lewis acid such as BF3⋅MeOH. Several intricate cage structures were synthesized from rearrangement approach that are difficult to generate by conventional routes.
Synthesis, Characterization and DFT Molecular Modeling of New Antibacterial Docked Dicarbohydrazones
Authors: Abu‐Melha Sraa
Published: December 2019

Five new dicarbohydrazones 3 a‐e were prepared from condensation of 9,10‐dihydro‐9,10‐ethanoanthracene‐11,12‐dicarbohydrazide (2) with various aryl/heteroaryl aldehydes. A DFT method has been employed to predict the geometry, bond lengths, and bond angles as well as other global chemical reactivity of the prepared dicarbohydrazones. In addition, the docking study of these synthesized dicarbohydrazones was applied against negative Escherichia coli bacterial strain by Schrödinger suite program using the XP glide dock protocol. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of these dicarbohydrazones indicated that compound 3 b and 3 e exhibited the higher inhibition against E. coli with a percentage of 100% and 95.45%.
Exploring the Functionalization of Polymeric Nanoparticles Based on Cyclodextrins for Tumor Cell Targeting
Authors: Giachino Carmela , Viale Maurizio , Vecchio Graziella
Published: December 2019

Some nanotherapeutics based on cyclodextrin polymers are currently undergoing clinical trials. In light of this interest, we synthesized new linear polymers based on β‐cyclodextrins containing targeting units, such as biotin or arginine, to explore the advantage of functionalization for drug delivery. The polymers increased doxorubicin solubility. Furthermore, they slightly enhanced doxorubicin cytotoxicity in A2780 cells. In particular, the polymer containing arginine moieties was the most effective system by increasing doxorubicin cytotoxicity by 50%.
Strongly Coupled Amorphous Porous NbOx(OH)y/g‐C3N4 Heterostructure Composite for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Yuelan , Li Liping , Han Dong , Fu Sixian , Liu Yan , Han Bingqi , Yang Min , Li Guangshe
Published: December 2019

Heterostructure composites are promising materials in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution due to their advantage on promoting photogenerated carrier separation efficiently. However, the weak interfacial interaction can block electron transfer and complicate synthesis methods restrict the practical application of catalysts. Here, we report an interfacial enhanced amorphous porous NbOx(OH)y/g‐C3N4 heterostructure composite through a spontaneous coupling process. It was characterized by XRD, TEM, FT‐IR, XPS, NH3‐TPD and CO2‐TPD, ect., which demonstrated that NbOx(OH)y possess amorphous porous structures with high specific surface area (205 m2/g) and plenty of acidic sites (418 μmol/g) as well as basic sites (184 μmol/g) contributed from uncoordinated Nb and ‐OH. These acidic and basic sites electrostatically attract ‐NHx and C‐OH on the surface of g‐C3N4 to form hydrogen bonds (Nb‐O‐H⋅⋅⋅NH2, Nb‐O⋅⋅⋅H‐O‐C), showing a strong electron interaction between NbOx(OH)y and g‐C3N4. When tested as a photocatalyst for water splitting under visible light, the optimal NbOx(OH)y/CN‐0.05 heterostructure composite exhibits a hydrogen evolution rate of 53 μmol/g/h, which is about 14 times higher than that of g‐C3N4 (3.8 μmol/g/h) and is even superior than P25 (16 μmol/g/h). These present findings lay a foundation for the synthesis of strongly interacting heterogeneous composites.
Urea‐assisted Strategy Controlling The Pore Structure And Chemical Composition Of The Porous Carbon For High‐performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Keke , Chen Mingming , Zhu Youyu , Liu Kunlin , Zhang Yang , Wang Chengyang
Published: December 2019

Porous carbon prepared by chemical activation with low KOH consumption always exhibits low SSA and micropore‐dominated porosity, which limits its application in non‐aqueous EDLCs. Herein, a facile strategy simultaneously combining pore structure and chemical composition controlling was developed to prepare nitrogen‐doped hierarchical porous carbon frameworks (N‐HPC) from low‐cost sulfonated pitch (SP). It was realized by utilizing the “function effect” of urea to introduce nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic units, which could enhance the “in‐suit etching” of activator to develop the porosity. Different from the sample that prepared only using KOH, the final activated sample with the help of urea not only delivers a high specific area (3054 m2 g−1) with mesopore‐dominated porosity, but also exhibits a high nitrogen content of 4.2 at. %. These distinct features afford a high specific capacity of 142 F g−1 at 20 A g−1 (C20/C0.05 of 79.7%), enhanced energy density 48.7 Wh kg−1 at 14.45 kW kg−1 and excellent cyclic stability (90.4% retention after 10000 cycles) in EMIMBF4 electrolyte. Our work may provide a new insight for design of N‐HPC with low KOH consumption in energy storage fields.
Iron‐Catalyzed Crossed‐Aldol Condensation for the Synthesis of 3‐Benzylidene‐4‐chromanones: An Efficient Synthesis of Homoisoflavanoids†
Authors: Shaikh Nadim S. , Kushalappa Yeshma M. , Sheshappa Swathi P. , Nagaraju Hareesh H.
Published: December 2019

A new, convenient and sustainable protocol for the aldol condensation of chroman‐4‐one derivatives with aldehydes using iron as a catalyst under microwave irradiation in the presence of green solvent (2‐methyl‐THF) is presented. The protocol offers a very simple, cost efficient and environmentally benign procedure with good to excellent yields of 3‐benzylidene‐4‐chromanone derivatives. The methodology is demonstrated to be useful for the synthesis of homoisoflavanoids Boundecullin, Sappanone A and their derivatives. The present method offers a potential to generate a quick library of homoisoflavanoids and their synthetic derivatives of medicinal importance.
Triarylamine‐Bonded Binaphthyl Derivatives as Fluorescence Quenching Probes for Fe3+: An Insight into the Mechanism Based on A Single Binding Site
Authors: Huang Qiaoxi , Peng Zhixing , Xie Xinrui , Tang Zefeng , Lei Ming
Published: December 2019

Triphenylamine (TPA) and binaphthyl (BINAP) have been widely used as building blocks in optoelectronics materials for their good electron donating and transport capability. However, TPA‐bonded BINAP type of fluorescent probe towards Fe3+, a kind of important metal ion, has not been studied. Herein, a series of TPA‐bonded BINAP D−A‐D type derivatives, 6,6‐TB‐1, 6,6‐TB‐2, 7,7‐TB‐1, 7,7‐TB‐2, and 7,7‐OMeTB‐1, was synthesized to investigate their fluorescence (FL) chemosensor properties and electronic effect on sensitivity. Results showed that these probes exhibited highly selective FL quenching toward Fe3+ in the presence of other common metal ions, and an enhanced sensitivity (limit of detection 1.7×10−7 M) not inferior to that of other works, could be achieved by introducing electron‐donating substituent into TPA group. Then, comprehensive studies, such as NMR, EPR, MALDI‐TOF‐MS, and XPS combined with Mulliken atomic charges analysis were performed to gain an insight into the probe's binding with Fe3+ to understand the detection mechanism. Compared with other works on TPA‐based fluorescent probes ascribed to fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) or charge transfer (CT) mechanism, we reveal the interaction between Fe3+ and N atom of TPA and the formation of probe‐Fe3+ complex leading to FL quenching. This work provides a simple strategy for designing a cost‐effective Fe3+ fluorescent probe based on a single binding site to target one specific analyte.
Flexible Membrane Consisting of MoP Ultrafine Nanoparticles Highly Distributed Inside N and P Codoped Carbon Nanofibers as High‐Performance Anode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yi Zhibin , Liu Ying , Li Yingzhi , Zhou Liangjun , Wang Zhenyu , Zhang Jianqiao , Cheng Hua , Lu Zhouguang
Published: December 2019

Rechargeable potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have attracted tremendous attention as potential electrical energy storage systems due to the special merit of abundant resources and low cost of potassium. However, one critical barrier to achieve practical application of PIBs has been the lack of suitable electrode materials. Here, a novel flexible membrane consisting of N, P codoped carbon nanofibers decorated with MoP ultrafine nanoparticles (MoP@NPCNFs) is fabricated via a simple electrospinning method combined with the later carbonization and phosphorization process. The 3D porous CNF structure in the as‐synthesized composite can shorten the transport pathways of K‐ions and improve the conductivity of electrons. The ultrafine MoP nanoparticles can guarantee high specific capacity and the N, P co‐doping could improve wettability of electrodes to electrolytes. As expected, the free‐standing MoP@NPCNF electrode demonstrates a high capacity of 320 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1, a superior rate capability maintaining 220 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, as well as a capacity retention of more than 90% even after 200 cycles. The excellent rate performance, high reversible capacity, long‐term cycling stability, and facile synthesis routine make this hybrid membrane promising anode for potassium‐ion batteries.
Designing Highly Conductive Functional Groups Improving Guest–Host Interactions in Li/S Batteries
Authors: Agostini Marco , Matic Aleksandar
Published: December 2019

Li‐sulfur batteries are of great interest due to their potential to surpass the energy densities of other battery types, but the low electronic conductivity of both sulfur and its discharge products requires the use of a conductive host material. The most common is the use of different porous carbons which normally are hydrophobic and hardly retain the polar discharge products of the Li/S reaction, such as Li2S and lithium polysulfides (LiPs), at the working electrode. Functionalized hosts have been proposed as a strategy to improve LiPs interactions, including the use of heteroatom doping, organic frameworks, metals, metal oxides, sulfide particles, and conductive polymers. Despite demonstrating an improved cycle life, the functionalized structures often have an intrinsic limitation related to a low electronic conductivity resulting in slow kinetics and poor rate capability of Li/S cells. Herein, recent research trends aimed at designing sulfur electrodes with highly conductive functional groups on nanostructured hosts surface are reviewed. The main concepts, key developments, and parameters for building 3D hosts architectures that enable fast charge rates and long cycle life at high sulfur loadings are discussed.
Ingenieurmethoden im Parkhausbau
Authors: Upmeyer Jens , Kleibömer Inka , Meyer Patrick
Published: December 2019

Herrn Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Peter Schaumann zum 65. Geburtstag gewidmet

Der Einsatz von Ingenieurmethoden zur Tragwerksbemessung im Brandfall ermöglicht es, ungeschützte Stahl‐ und Verbundtragwerke in offenen Parkgaragen auch dann zu realisieren, wenn baurechtliche Anforderungen an den Feuerwiderstand gestellt werden. Besonders wirtschaftliche Konstruktionen sind möglich, wenn reale Tragstrukturen unter der Einwirkung realer Brandszenarien nachgewiesen werden. Dazu wird die Temperaturverteilung infolge eines lokalen Brandszenarios in einem Brandsimulationsmodell ermittelt und als Eingangswert an die FE‐Software zur thermischen und mechanischen Berechnung der Bauteile übergeben. Hierzu wurde eine Schnittstelle zwischen den Programmen FDS und SAFIR entwickelt.

In diesem Beitrag werden die Grundlagen der Kopplung von FDS und SAFIR erläutert und mit den etablierten Ingenieurmethoden zur Bemessung einer Stahlverbundkonstruktion an einem Beispiel gegenübergestellt. Anhand des mittels verschiedenen methodischen Ansätzen ermittelten Erwärmungs‐ und Tragverhaltens wird gezeigt, dass die entwickelte Kopplung der Brandsimulations‐ und FE‐Software eine wesentlich wirtschaftlichere Bemessung für offene Parkgaragen ermöglicht, da die Widerstände realitätsnah berücksichtigt werden.
An improved phase interpolation estimator
Authors: Luo Jiufei , Zhou Wei , Li Xinyi , Tao Lingling
Published: December 2019

The capability of time‐shifting‐based phase difference method against noise can be considerably improved with the increase of the translation coefficient. However, the anti‐noise performance of the traditional method is limited due to the wrapped phase problem. In order to obtain high accuracy of estimate, this paper proposes an improved phase interpolation estimator which is derived in terms of the time‐shifting‐based phase difference method. First, the estimator utilizes three segments of signal in the time domain to build two sets of frequency estimate. Then the absolute difference of the frequency estimate between the two sets can be calculated. Subsequently, four frequency estimates with minimal absolute difference are selected. Finally, the one in four frequencies owning maximum energy is selected as the final frequency estimate. Simulation results show that the improved algorithm can overcome the wrapped phase problem to some extent and can achieve better noise immunity than traditional algorithms. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A case study of undergraduate L2 writers’ concerns with source‐based writing and plagiarism
Authors: Merkel Warren
Published: December 2019

In recent decades, a wealth of studies on second language writing and plagiarism have emerged, particularly with the increase of international students enrolling in academic institutions that favor English‐medium instruction. In most of these studies, the plagiarism‐related variables (e.g., paraphrase) under scrutiny are determined by the researcher prior to the study being conducted; few studies, however, have examined plagiarism‐related variables as determined by students. The purpose of this study was to investigate five undergraduate L2 students’ experiences and concerns with source‐based writing and plagiarism over the course of one semester within the context of the students’ in‐semester coursework assignments. Results show that mitigating factors, such as the context of assignment guidelines, disoriented students as they worked on their assignments. These factors, in turn, played a critical role in the agential moves students made to complete their assignments and the efforts they put forth to become members of their academic communities. Pedagogical implications for instructors of English as a second language and writing tutors are discussed.
Bisphenols B, E, F, and S and 4‐cumylphenol induce lipid accumulation in mouse adipocytes similarly to bisphenol A
Authors: Ramskov Tetzlaff Cecilie N. , Svingen Terje , Vinggaard Anne M. , Rosenmai Anna K. , Taxvig Camilla
Published: December 2019

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been widely reported to exert endocrine disrupting effects, including the induction of adipogenesis in cultured preadipocytes and intact animals. Because of the potential harm to human health, BPA is being substituted by structurally related bisphenols. Whether or not such BPA analogues are safe substitutes, however, remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the potential of bisphenol B (BPB), bisphenol E (BPE), bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), and 4‐cumylphenol (4‐CP) to affect lipid and hormone levels in 3 T3‐L1 cells. We found that BPB, BPE, BPF, BPS, and 4‐CP all affected lipid accumulation and leptin levels to the same extent and potencies as BPA. Based on these and other results, we conclude that these BPA analogues and 4‐CP most likely will elicit similar effects on adipocytes as BPA. Using them to substitute BPA in products should be done with caution.
Cadmium‐1,3,6,8‐tetrakis(4‐carboxylphenyl)pyrene Framework as a Thermometer for Fluorescence Sensing of Temperature
Authors: Zeng Xue‐Yun , Liu Rui , Liu Dan‐Dan , Liu Qing‐Yan , Wang Yu‐Ling
Published: December 2019

Compounds exhibiting tunable fluorescence emission upon adjusting the temperature are considered smart materials. Herein a three‐dimensional structure of {[Cd(TBAPy)(H2O)2]·4(H2O)}n (1) constructed from CdII and 1,3,6,8‐tetrakis(4‐carboxylphenyl)pyrene (TBAPy4–) ligand was synthesized and characterized. Temperature‐dependent fluorescence studies showed the emission intensities for compound 1 decrease as temperature increasing. The emission intensity is linearly related to temperature in the range of 100 to 300 K. This findings demonstrate that compound 1 is a good candidate for temperature sensitive sensor over a wide temperature range. Such a fluorescence behavior is closely related to the highly conjugated organic ligand with a pyrene core.
Universal spinning black holes and theories of class $$ \mathcal{R} $$
Authors: Bobev Nikolay , Crichigno P. Marcos
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We study a supersymmetric, rotating, electrically charged black hole in AdS4 which is a solution of four-dimensional minimal gauged supergravity. Using holography we show that the free energy on S
3 and the superconformal index of the dual three-dimensional

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 2 SCFT, in the planar limit, are related in a simple universal way. This result applies to large classes of SCFTs constructed from branes in string and M-theory which we discuss in some detail. For theories of class

$$ \mathcal{R} $$

R

, which arise from N M5-branes wrapped on hyperbolic three-manifolds, we show that the superconformal index agrees with the black hole entropy in the large N limit.
Bootstrapping the 3d Ising model at finite temperature
Authors: Iliesiu Luca , Koloğlu Murat , Simmons-Duffin David
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We estimate thermal one-point functions in the 3d Ising CFT using the operator product expansion (OPE) and the Kubo-Martin-Schwinger (KMS) condition. Several operator dimensions and OPE coefficients of the theory are known from the numerical bootstrap for flat-space four-point functions. Taking this data as input, we use a thermal Lorentzian inversion formula to compute thermal one-point coefficients of the first few Regge trajectories in terms of a small number of unknown parameters. We approximately determine the unknown parameters by imposing the KMS condition on the two-point functions 〈σσ〉 and 〈ϵϵ〉. As a result, we estimate the one-point functions of the lowest-dimension ℤ2-even scalar ϵ and the stress energy tensor T

μν
. Our result for 〈σσ〉 at finite-temperature agrees with Monte-Carlo simulations within a few percent, inside the radius of convergence of the OPE.
TGFβ-induced metabolic reprogramming during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer
Authors: Hua Wan , ten Dijke Peter , Kostidis Sarantos , Giera Martin , Hornsveld Marten
Published: December 2019

Metastasis is the most frequent cause of death in cancer patients. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process in which cells lose epithelial integrity and become motile, a critical step for cancer cell invasion, drug resistance and immune evasion. The transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling pathway is a major driver of EMT. Increasing evidence demonstrates that metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer and extensive metabolic changes are observed during EMT. The aim of this review is to summarize and interconnect recent findings that illustrate how changes in glycolysis, mitochondrial, lipid and choline metabolism coincide and functionally contribute to TGFβ-induced EMT. We describe TGFβ signaling is involved in stimulating both glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration. Interestingly, the subsequent metabolic consequences for the redox state and lipid metabolism in cancer cells are found to be in favor of EMT as well. Combined we illustrate that a better understanding of the mechanistic links between TGFβ signaling, cancer metabolism and EMT holds promising strategies for cancer therapy, some of which are already actively being explored in the clinic.
Prospective examination of synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine inhalation: effects on salivary IL-6, cortisol levels, affect, and non-judgment
Authors: Uthaug Malin V , Lancelotta Rafael , Szabo Attila , Davis Alan K , Riba Jordi , Ramaekers Johannes G
Published: December 2019

Rationale

5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine is a psychotropic substance found in various plant and animal species and is synthetically produced. 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine is used in naturalistic settings for spiritual exploration, recreation, or to address negative affect and mood problems. However, scientific knowledge on the effects of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine in humans is scarce.

Objectives

The first objective was to assess the effects of inhalation of vaporized synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine on neuroendocrine markers. The second objective was to assess effects of the substance on affect and mindfulness. In addition, we assessed whether ratings of subjective measures were associated with changes in stress biomarkers (i.e., cortisol) and immune response (i.e., IL-6, CRP, IL-1β), as well as the acute psychedelic experience.

Methods

Assessments (baseline, immediately post-session, and 7-day follow-up) were made in 11 participants. Salivary samples were collected at baseline and post-session and analyzed by high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine significantly increased cortisol levels and decreased IL-6 concentrations in saliva immediately post-session. These changes were not correlated to ratings of mental health or the psychedelic experience. Relative to baseline, ratings of non-judgment significantly increased, and ratings of depression decreased immediately post-session and at follow-up. Ratings of anxiety and stress decreased from baseline to 7-day follow-up. Participant ratings of the psychedelic experience correlated negatively with ratings of affect and positively with ratings of non-judgment.

Conclusion

Inhalation of vaporized synthetic 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine produced significant changes in inflammatory markers, improved affect, and non-judgment in volunteers. Future research should examine the effect of 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamineamine with healthy volunteers in a controlled laboratory setting.
Lipidomics from sample preparation to data analysis: a primer
Authors: Züllig Thomas , Trötzmüller Martin , Köfeler Harald C.
Published: December 2019

Lipids are amongst the most important organic compounds in living organisms, where they serve as building blocks for cellular membranes as well as energy storage and signaling molecules. Lipidomics is the science of the large-scale determination of individual lipid species, and the underlying analytical technology that is used to identify and quantify the lipidome is generally mass spectrometry (MS). This review article provides an overview of the crucial steps in MS-based lipidomics workflows, including sample preparation, either liquid–liquid or solid-phase extraction, derivatization, chromatography, ion-mobility spectrometry, MS, and data processing by various software packages. The associated concepts are discussed from a technical perspective as well as in terms of their application. Furthermore, this article sheds light on recent advances in the technology used in this field and its current limitations. Particular emphasis is placed on data quality assurance and adequate data reporting; some of the most common pitfalls in lipidomics are discussed, along with how to circumvent them.
Correction to: Twenty common errors in the diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection
Authors: Li Cheng , Renz Nora , Trampuz Andrej , Ojeda-Thies Cristina
Published: December 2019

The article “Twenty common errors in the diagnosis and treatment of periprosthetic joint infection”, written by Cheng Li, Nora Renz, Andrej Trampuz and Cristina Ojeda-Thies, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on October 2019 without open access.
Making MRI available for patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices: growing need and barriers to change
Authors: Bhuva A. N. , Moralee R. , Moon J. C. , Manisty C. H.
Published: December 2019

More than half of us will need a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in our lifetimes. MRI is an unmatched diagnostic test for an expanding range of indications including neurological and musculoskeletal disorders, cancer diagnosis, and treatment planning. Unfortunately, patients with cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators have historically been prevented from having MRI because of safety concerns. This results in delayed diagnoses, more invasive investigations, and increased cost. Major developments have addressed this—newer devices are designed to be safe in MRI machines under specific conditions, and older legacy devices can be scanned provided strict protocols are followed. This service however remains difficult to deliver sustainably worldwide: MRI provision remains grossly inadequate because patients are less likely to be referred, and face difficulties accessing services even when referred. Barriers still exist but are no longer technical. These include logistical hurdles (poor cardiology and radiology interaction at physician and technician levels), financial incentives (re-imbursement is either absent or fails to acknowledge the complexity), and education (physicians self-censor MRI requests). This article therefore highlights the recent changes in the clinical, logistical, and regulatory landscape. The aim of the article is to enable and encourage healthcare providers and local champions to build MRI services urgently for cardiac device patients, so that they may benefit from the same access to MRI as everyone else.

Key Points

• There is now considerable evidence that MRI can be provided safely to patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). However, the volume of MRI scans delivered to patients with CIEDs is fifty times lower than that of the estimated need, and patients are approximately fifty times less likely to be referred.

• Because scans for this patient group are frequently for cancer diagnosis and treatment planning, MRI services need to develop rapidly, but the barriers are no longer technical.

• New services face logistical, educational, and financial hurdles which can be addressed effectively to establish a sustainable service at scale.
Optimal timing for prediction of pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with diffusion-weighted MRI in patients with esophageal cancer
Authors: Borggreve Alicia S. , Heethuis Sophie E. , Boekhoff Mick R. , Goense Lucas , van Rossum Peter S. N. , Brosens Lodewijk A. A. , van Lier Astrid L. H. M. W. , van Hillegersberg Richard , Lagendijk Jan J. W. , Mook Stella , Ruurda Jelle P. , Meijer Gert J.
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study was conducted in order to determine the optimal timing of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) for prediction of pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for esophageal cancer.

Methods

Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma who planned to undergo nCRT followed by surgery were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients underwent six DW-MRI scans: one baseline scan before the start of nCRT and weekly scans during 5 weeks of nCRT. Relative changes in mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values between the baseline scans and the scans during nCRT (ΔADC(%)) were compared between pathologic complete responders (pCR) and non-pCR (tumor regression grades 2–5). The discriminative ability of ΔADC(%) was determined based on the c-statistic.

Results

A total of 24 patients with 142 DW-MRI scans were included. pCR was observed in seven patients (29%). ΔADC(%) from baseline to week 2 was significantly higher in patients with pCR versus non-pCR (median [IQR], 36% [30%, 41%] for pCR versus 16% [14%, 29%] for non-pCR, p = 0.004). The ΔADC(%) of the second week in combination with histology resulted in the highest c-statistic for the prediction of pCR versus non-pCR (0.87). The c-statistic of this model increased to 0.97 after additional exclusion of patients with a small tumor volume (< 7 mL, n = 3) and tumor histology of the resection specimen other than adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1).

Conclusion

The relative change in tumor ADC (ΔADC(%)) during the first 2 weeks of nCRT is the most predictive for pathologic complete response to nCRT in esophageal cancer patients.

Key Points

• DW-MRI during the second week of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy is most predictive for pathologic complete response in esophageal cancer.

• A model including ΔADCweek 2was able to discriminate between pathologic complete responders and non-pathologic complete responders in 87%.

• Improvements in future MRI studies for esophageal cancer may be obtained by incorporating motion management techniques.
Characteristics of lacrimal passage diseases by 80-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy: an observational study
Authors: Yan Xiaoqin , Xiang Nan , Hu Weikun , Liu Rong , Luo Ban
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To investigate the microstructure of the lacrimal canaliculus and the characteristics of lacrimal canalicular diseases by 80-MHz ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

Methods

This study included 33 participants: 20 normal subjects (40 eyes), 2 patients with chronic lacrimal canaliculitis (4 eyes), 10 patients with chronic dacryocystitis (16 eyes), and 1 patient with lacrimal punctum atresia (2 eyes). All participants underwent 80-MHz UBM; disease-specific features were noted.

Results

On 80-MHz UBM of the lacrimal canaliculi (vertical section) in normal subjects, low echo of the lacrimal canalicular lumen and high echo of the lacrimal canalicular wall were observed. The uniform low echo near the wall was the mucosal epithelium. The outermost layer of medium-to-high echo was the subepithelial elastic fibrous layer. In the horizontal section, the lumen was continuous. Two linear high echoes parallel to the canalicular wall could be observed at the center of the lacrimal canaliculus, which were sometimes attached and sometimes separated. When separated, the center of the lacrimal canaliculus was a low echo area (lumen). Lacrimal canaliculitis (vertical section) showed obvious ectasia of the lacrimal canalicular lumen, with a high echo mass shadow, which might have been calculi, and uneven thickness of the mucosal epithelium with a slightly high echo shadow. In the horizontal section, the lumen varied in size with clear boundaries of medium and high echoes. The central linear high echoes of the lumen were absent, and the echoes of the mucosal epithelium were discontinuous. In chronic dacryocystitis, the lacrimal canalicular lumen was extensively enlarged, with continuous echoes and uniform thickness of the mucosal epithelium and homogeneous patches of slightly higher echoes. Lacrimal punctum atresia indicated that the lacrimal canaliculus existed in both eyes and its structure was normal.

Conclusions

The 80-MHz UBM is a new non-invasive technique that can be used for clear visualization of the fine structure of the lacrimal canaliculus, including the mucosal epithelium and subepithelial elastic fiber layer. The use of this approach will improve understanding of the hierarchical structure of the lacrimal canaliculi and provide a comprehensive basis for diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment plan in patients with lacrimal passage diseases.
How I do it? Uniportal full endoscopic contralateral approach for lumbar foraminal stenosis with double crush syndrome
Authors: Wu Pang Hung , Kim Hyeun Sung , Jang Il-Tae
Published: December 2019

Background

Evolution of endoscopic surgery provides equivalent results to open surgery with advantages of minimal invasive surgery. The literature on technique Uniportal Full endoscopic contralateral approach is scarce.

Methods

The endoscopic contralateral approach technique applies for patients presenting with double crush syndrome with foraminal and extraforminal stenosis. The key steps focus on contralateral ventral overriding superior articular process decompression, foraminal and extraforaminal discectomy, and lateral vertebral syndesmophyte decompression leading to enlargement of the contralateral foramen and extraforamen size.

Conclusion

The Uniportal Full endoscopic contralateral approach is a good alternative to open surgery or minimally invasive microscopic surgery through direct endoscopic visualization of the entire route of exiting nerve with no neural retraction allowing both lateral recess and foraminal and extraforaminal decompression all in one approach.