bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and Construction of Hybrid Microcapsules with Higher‐Order Structure and Multiple Functions
Authors: Wu Guangyu , Wang Lei , Zhou Pei , Wen Ping , Ma Chao , Huang Xin , Huang Yudong
Published: December 2017

The construction of inorganic‐protein hybrid microcapsules by using bovine serum albumin, metal ion clusters, and poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide) nanoconjugates as building blocks is presented. These microcapsules have robust membranes, which can keep their spherical morphology. They support interfacial catalytic activity by the ion clusters on their surface, and can be used as a platform to immobilize enzyme on the interface of oil/water to increase the diversity and efficiency of catalysis. These microcapsules also act as a container to make materials away from bacteria when existing silver clusters on the membrane. The obtained results highlight the construction of these microcompartments. These novel microcompartments can provide some new opportunities in bottom‐up synthetic biology, bioinspired microstorage/ microreactor, and drug/gene delivery in the future.
High Discharge Energy Density at Low Electric Field Using an Aligned Titanium Dioxide/Lead Zirconate Titanate Nanowire Array
Authors: Zhang Dou , Liu Weiwei , Guo Ru , Zhou Kechao , Luo Hang
Published: December 2017

Polymer‐based capacitors with high energy density have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their wide range of potential applications in electronic devices. However, the obtained high energy density is predominantly dependent on high applied electric field, e.g., 400–600 kV mm−1, which may bring more challenges relating to the failure probability. Here, a simple two‐step method for synthesizing titanium dioxide/lead zirconate titanate nanowire arrays is exploited and a demonstration of their ability to achieve high discharge energy density capacitors for low operating voltage applications is provided. A high discharge energy density of 6.9 J cm−3 is achieved at low electric fields, i.e., 143 kV mm−1, which is attributed to the high relative permittivity of 218.9 at 1 kHz and high polarization of 23.35 µC cm−2 at this electric field. The discharge energy density obtained in this work is the highest known for a ceramic/polymer nanocomposite at such a low electric field. The novel nanowire arrays used in this work are applicable to a wide range of fields, such as energy harvesting, energy storage, and photocatalysis.
Carbon Nanofiber versus Graphene‐Based Stretchable Capacitive Touch Sensors for Artificial Electronic Skin
Authors: Cataldi Pietro , Dussoni Simeone , Ceseracciu Luca , Maggiali Marco , Natale Lorenzo , Metta Giorgio , Athanassiou Athanassia , Bayer Ilker S.
Published: December 2017

Stretchable capacitive devices are instrumental for new‐generation multifunctional haptic technologies particularly suited for soft robotics and electronic skin applications. A majority of elongating soft electronics still rely on silicone for building devices or sensors by multiple‐step replication. In this study, fabrication of a reliable elongating parallel‐plate capacitive touch sensor, using nitrile rubber gloves as templates, is demonstrated. Spray coating both sides of a rubber piece cut out of a glove with a conductive polymer suspension carrying dispersed carbon nanofibers (CnFs) or graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) is sufficient for making electrodes with low sheet resistance values (≈10 Ω sq−1). The electrodes based on CnFs maintain their conductivity up to 100% elongation whereas the GnPs‐based ones form cracks before 60% elongation. However, both electrodes are reliable under elongation levels associated with human joints motility (≈20%). Strikingly, structural damages due to repeated elongation/recovery cycles could be healed through annealing. Haptic sensing characteristics of a stretchable capacitive device by wrapping it around the fingertip of a robotic hand (ICub) are demonstrated. Tactile forces as low as 0.03 N and as high as 5 N can be easily sensed by the device under elongation or over curvilinear surfaces.
Dual Anion–Cation Reversible Insertion in a Bipyridinium–Diamide Triad as the Negative Electrode for Aqueous Batteries
Authors: Perticarari Sofia , Sayed‐Ahmad‐Baraza Yuman , Ewels Chris , Moreau Philippe , Guyomard Dominique , Poizot Philippe , Odobel Fabrice , Gaubicher Joël
Published: December 2017

Aqueous batteries are an emerging candidate for low‐cost and environmentally friendly grid storage systems. Designing such batteries from inexpensive, abundant, recyclable, and nontoxic organic active materials provides a logical step toward improving both the environmental and economic impact of these systems. Herein the first ever battery material that works with simultaneous uptake and release of both cations and anions is proposed by coupling p‐type (bipyridinium) and n‐type (naphthalene diimide) redox moieties. It represents one of a new family of electrode materials which demonstrates an optimal oxidation potential (−0.47 V vs saturated calomel electrode), extremely fast kinetics, a highly competitive capacity (63 mA h g−1 at 4C), and cyclability in both neutral Na+ and Mg2+ electrolytes of molar range concentration. Through a combination of UV–vis spectroelectrochemistry, electrochemical quartz‐crystal microbalance, Operando synchrotron‐X‐ray diffraction, and density functional theory calculations a novel dual cation/anion insertion mechanism was proven and rationalized. Based on these findings, this innovative p/n‐type product may well provide a viable option for use as a negative electrode material, thereby promoting the design of cutting‐edge, low‐cost, rocking‐chair dual‐ion aqueous batteries.
Revealing Pseudocapacitive Mechanisms of Metal Dichalcogenide SnS2/Graphene‐CNT Aerogels for High‐Energy Na Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Cui Jiang , Yao Shanshan , Lu Ziheng , Huang Jian‐Qiu , Chong Woon Gie , Ciucci Francesco , Kim Jang‐Kyo
Published: December 2017

SnS2 nanoplatelet electrodes can offer an exceptionally high pseudocapacitance in an organic Na+ ion electrolyte system, but their underlying mechanisms are still largely unexplored, hindering the practical applications of pseudocapacitive SnS2 anodes in Na‐ion batteries (SIBs) and Na hybrid capacitors (SHCs). Herein, SnS2 nanoplatelets are grown directly on SnO2/C composites to synthesize SnS2/graphene‐carbon nanotube aerogel (SnS2/GCA) by pressurized sulfidation where the original morphology of carbon framework is preserved. The composite electrode possessing a large surface area delivers a remarkable specific capacity of 600.3 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and 304.8 mA h g−1 at an ultrahigh current density of 10 A g−1 in SIBs. SHCs comprising a SnS2/GCA composite anode and an activated carbon cathode present exceptional energy densities of 108.3 and 26.9 W h kg−1 at power densities of 130 and 6053 W kg−1, respectively. The in situ transmission electron microscopy and the density functional theory calculations reveal that the excellent pseudocapacitance originates from the combination of Na adsorption on the surface/Sn edge of SnS2 nanoplatelets and ultrafast Na+ ion intercalation into the SnS2 layers.
Ibrutinib discontinuation in Waldenström macroglobulinemia: Etiologies, outcomes, and IgM rebound
Authors: Gustine Joshua N. , Meid Kirsten , Dubeau Toni , Severns Patricia , Hunter Zachary R. , Guang Yang , Xu Lian , Treon Steven P. , Castillo Jorge J.
Published: December 2017

Ibrutinib is the first approved therapy for symptomatic patients with Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). The reasons for discontinuing ibrutinib and subsequent outcomes have not been previously evaluated in WM patients. We therefore conducted a retrospective review of 189 WM patients seen at our institution who received treatment with ibrutinib, of whom 51 (27%) have discontinued therapy. Reasons for discontinuation include: disease progression (n = 27; 14%), toxicity (n = 15; 8%), nonresponse (n = 5; 3%), and other unrelated reasons (n = 4; 2%). The cumulative incidence of ibrutinib discontinuation at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months from treatment initiation was 22%, 26%, 35%, and 43%, respectively. A baseline platelet count ≤100 K/µL and presence of tumor CXCR4 mutations were independently associated with 4‐fold increased odds of ibrutinib discontinuation. An IgM rebound (≥25% increase in serum IgM) was observed in 37 patients (73%) following ibrutinib discontinuation and occurred within 4 weeks for nearly half of patients. The response rate to salvage therapy was 71%; responses were higher in patients without an IgM rebound and when salvage therapy was initiated within 2 weeks of stopping ibrutinib. Patients who discontinued ibrutinib due to disease progression versus nonprogression events had significantly shorter overall survival (21 versus 32 months; P = .046). Response to salvage therapy was associated with an 82% reduction in the risk of death following ibrutinib discontinuation. WM patients who discontinue ibrutinib require close monitoring, and continuation of ibrutinib until the next therapy should be considered to maintain disease control.
Stable Palladium Hydride Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydroamination of Vinylarenes
Authors: Kang On‐Yu , Kim Bo Eun , Park Seong Jun , Ryu Do Hyun , Lim Hwan Jung
Published: December 2017

A stable palladium hydride catalyzed intermolecular hydroamination reaction for vinylarenes has been developed. The metal hydride catalyst was prepared by treating PdLCl2 (L=ligand) with AgOTf (OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate) and (EtO)2MeSiH as the hydride source. The optimized reaction conditions were employed for the hydroamination of various styrenes with anilines, sulfonamides, and indoles. Chiral ligands such as 2,2′‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (BINAP) gave enantioenriched products in good to excellent yields.
Transition‐Metal‐Free Indole C3 Sulfenylation by KIO3 Catalysis
Authors: Bai Feicheng , Zhang Shikun , Wei Li , Liu Yunyun
Published: December 2017

A transition‐metal‐free catalytic protocol for the synthesis of 3‐sulfenylated indoles via indole C−H sulfenylation is reported. By using simple inorganic iodine salt KIO3 as the sole catalyst, the sulfenylated indole products are easily synthesized with good tolerance and satisfactory yield in DMSO/H2O.
Intensity‐Enhanced Apodization Effect on an Axially Illuminated Circular‐Column Particle‐Lens
Authors: Yue Liyang , Yan Bing , Monks James N. , Dhama Rakesh , Wang Zengbo , Minin Oleg V. , Minin Igor V.
Published: December 2017

A particle can function as a refractive lens to focus a plane wave, generating a narrow, high intensive, weak‐diverging beam within a sub‐wavelength volume, known as the ‘photonic nanojet’. It is known that apodization method, in the form of an amplitude pupil‐mask centrally situated on a particle‐lens, can further reduce the waist of a photonic nanojet, however, it usually lowers the intensity at the focus due to blocking the incident light. In this paper, the anomalously intensity‐enhanced apodization effect was discovered for the first time via numerical simulation of focusing of the axially illuminated circular‐column particle‐lenses, and a greater than 100% peak intensity increase was realised for the produced photonic nanojets.
Potassium Amide‐Catalyzed Benzylic C−H Bond Addition of Alkylpyridines to Styrenes
Authors: Zhai Dan‐Dan , Zhang Xiang‐Yu , Liu Yu‐Feng , Zheng Lei , Guan Bing‐Tao
Published: December 2017

The benzylic functionalization of alkylpyridines is an important pathway for pyridine derivatives synthesis. The reaction partners, however, were mostly limited to highly reactive polar electrophiles. Herein, we report a potassium amide‐catalyzed selective benzylic C−H bond addition of alkylpyridines to styrenes. Potassium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide (KHMDS), a readily available Brønsted base, showed excellent catalytic activity and chemoselectivity. A series of alkylpyridine derivatives, including benzylic quaternary carbon substituted pyridines, were obtained in good to high yield. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that the deprotonation equilibrium is probably responsible for the excellent selectivity.
In Situ Optical Imaging of the Growth of Conjugated Polymer Aggregates
Authors: Yang Jaesung , Park Heungman , Kaufman Laura J.
Published: December 2017

Understanding the mechanisms that contribute to conjugated polymer aggregate formation and growth may yield enhanced control of aggregate morphology and functional properties on the mesoscopic scale. In situ optical imaging of the growth of MEH‐PPV aggregates in real time in controlled swollen films shows that growth occurs through multiple mechanisms and is more complex than previously described. Direct evidence is provided for both Ostwald ripening and aggregate coalescence as operative modes of aggregate growth in solvent swollen films. These growth mechanisms have a distinct and strong impact on the evolution of morphological order of growing aggregates: while Ostwald ripening allows preservation of highly ordered morphology, aggregate coalescence occurs with no preferential orientation, leading to attenuation in degree of ordering.
Preparation of cellulose–graphene oxide aerogels with N‐methyl morpholine‐N‐oxide as a solvent
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Zhou Li , Li Ying , Xie Fei , Li He , Yang Hui , Li Wenjiang , Snyders Rony
Published: December 2017

Cellulose–graphene oxide (GO) aerogel composites were successfully prepared from cellulose and GO dispersed in N‐methyl morpholine‐N‐oxide monohydrate, a nontoxic and environmentally friendly solvent, after a freeze‐drying process. Because of the strong interactions between the numerous oxygen‐containing groups located on the surface of GO and the functional groups of the cellulose molecules, the GO monolayers were well dispersed in the three‐dimensional porous structure of the cellulose aerogels. With the addition of 10 wt % GO, the swelling ratios and water contents of the composite cellulose–GO aerogels increased from 468 to 706% and from 82.4% to 87.6%, respectively. The corresponding maximum decomposition temperatures also increased from 335 to 353 °C with increasing GO content from 0 to 10%; this indicated that the thermal stability of the cellulose–GO aerogels was enhanced. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46152.
Polymer adhesion in heat‐treated nonwovens
Authors: Staszel Christopher , Yarin Alexander L. , Pourdeyhimi Behnam
Published: December 2017

Polymer adhesion and sintering in compound nonwovens was studied. Nonwovens containing a mixture of binding bi‐component (BICO) fibers embedded in a fibrous matrix were heated to melt the outer shell of BICO fibers and interlock the matrix to create stiff load‐bearing surfaces. It was found that stiffness depends on heat‐treatment regimes. In low‐temperature regimes, BICO fibers melt, but do not fully flow and encase the surrounding filler matrix. At sufficiently high temperatures, the shells of BICO fibers melt and flow which results in encasing the neighboring filler fibers. This results in an abrupt increase in the nonwoven stiffness which is independent of heat‐treatment temperature. At significantly high temperatures, the filler matrix fibers sinter to each other leading to a further increase in stiffness. The experiments were conducted with co‐polymers frequently used in the shells of BICO to demonstrate the interlocking mechanism characteristic of these compound nonwovens. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46165.
Supernova ejecta in ocean cores used as time constraints for nearby stellar groups
Authors: Hyde M. , Pecaut M. J.
Published: December 2017

Evidence of a supernova (SN) event, discussed in Wallner et al., was discovered in the deep‐sea crusts with two signals dating back to 2–3 and 7–9 Myr ago. In this contribution, we place constraints on the birth site of the SN progenitors from the ejecta timeline, the initial mass function (IMF), and the ages of nearby stellar groups. We investigated the Scorpius–Centaurus OB Association, the nearest site of recent massive star formation, and the moving group Tucana‐Horologium. Using the known stellar mass of the remaining massive stars within these subgroups and factoring in travel time for the ejecta, we have constrained the ages and masses of the SN progenitors by using the IMF and then compared the results to the canonical ages of each subgroup. Our results identify the Upper Scorpius and Lower Centaurus‐Crux subgroups as unlikely birth sites for these SNe. We find that Tucana‐Horologium is the likely birth site of the SN 7–9 Myr ago, and Upper Centaurus‐Lupus is the likely birth site for the SN 2–3 Myr ago.
Visibility of comets during their outbursts and the night sky light pollution—Use the Bortle scale
Authors: Gronkowski P. , Tralle I. , Wesołowski M.
Published: December 2017

In recent decades, light pollution of the night sky has become a burning issue for all humanity. The negative impact of this state of affairs is particularly burdensome for the living organisms such as humans, animals, and plants, as well as for the whole ecosystems. In addition, it has a particularly negative impact on astronomical observations carried out by professional researchers as well as by amateurs. The night sky polluted by artificial electric light makes the observations of faint astronomical bodies very difficult or even impossible. A special type of such faint celestial bodies comprises comets. However, sometimes comets manifest very large, sudden increases in their luminosity called outbursts of brightness. During the outburst of their brightness, there is a chance to record comets, which are normally objects of low brightness. In this paper, we discuss the conditions of observability of comets during their outbursts of brightness in its relation to the light pollution of the night sky. Numerical calculations are carried out for a hypothetical comet belonging to the Jupiter family. The obtained results are consistent with the observations of outbursts of real comets orbiting in the solar system.
Modalanalyse von Monitoringdaten eines Sendeturms
Authors: Marwitz Simon , Zabel Volkmar , Könke Carsten
Published: December 2017

Im Rahmen des DFG Graduiertenkollegs 1462 wurde an einem ca. 200 m hohen Sendeturm mit rotationssymmetrischem Querschnitt ein Monitoringsystem zur Erfassung von Schwingbeschleunigungen, Temperaturen und Windeinwirkungen installiert, welches über einen Zeitraum von zwei Jahren betrieben wurde. Die Auswertung der Schwingungsdaten erfolgte mithilfe einer automatisierten Output‐only‐Modalanalyse. In der vorliegenden Studie wurde die Stochastic‐Subspace‐Identification‐Methode in Verbindung mit einem automatischen, dreistufigen Clustering‐Algorithmus zur Identifikation der modalen Parameter und deren Varianzen verwendet.

Es wurden Abhängigkeiten der modalen Parameter von den Umgebungsbedingungen unter Berücksichtigung der Unsicherheiten aller Datenpunkte ermittelt. Bei ideal rotationssymmetrischen Bauwerksquerschnitten treten alle Eigenschwingungen paarweise mit orthogonal zueinander stehenden Eigenformen auf. In realen Systemen ergeben sich aus diesen doppelten Eigenformen paarweise kombinierte Eigenformen mit eng beieinanderliegenden Eigenfrequenzen. Die Hauptschwingungsrichtungen dieser Eigenformen wurden ermittelt und in Beziehung zur Windrichtung betrachtet.
The Many Roles of Type II Phosphatidylinositol 4‐Kinases in Membrane Trafficking: New Tricks for Old Dogs
Authors: Minogue Shane
Published: December 2017

The type II phosphatidylinositol 4‐kinases (PI4KIIs) produce the lipid phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate (PtdIns4P) and participate in a confusing variety of membrane trafficking and signaling roles. This review argues that both historical and contemporary evidence supports the function of the PI4KIIs in numerous trafficking pathways, and that the key to understanding the enzymatic regulation is through membrane interaction and the intrinsic membrane environment. By summarizing new research and examining the trafficking roles of the PI4KIIs in the context of recently solved molecular structures, I highlight how mechanisms of PI4KII function and regulation are providing insights into the development of cancer and in neurological disease. I present an integrated view connecting the cell biology, molecular regulation, and roles in whole animal systems of these increasingly important proteins.
Protein‐engineering of chitosanase from Bacillus sp. MN to alter its substrate specificity
Authors: Regel Eva K. , Weikert Tobias , Niehues Anna , Moerschbacher Bruno M. , Singh Ratna
Published: December 2017

Partially acetylated chitosan oligosaccharides (paCOS) have various potential applications in agriculture, biomedicine, and pharmaceutics due to their suitable bioactivities. One method to produce paCOS is partial chemical hydrolysis of chitosan polymers, but that leads to poorly defined mixtures of oligosaccharides. However, the effective production of defined paCOS is crucial for fundamental research and for developing applications. A more promising approach is enzymatic depolymerization of chitosan using chitinases or chitosanases, as the substrate specificity of the enzyme determines the composition of the oligomeric products. Protein‐engineering of these enzymes to alter their substrate specificity can overcome the limitations associated with naturally occurring enzymes and expand the spectrum of specific paCOS that can be produced. Here, engineering the substrate specificity of Bacillus sp. MN chitosanase is described for the first time. Two muteins with active site substitutions can accept N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine units at their subsite (−2), which is impossible for the wildtype enzyme.
Is Supply's Actual Contribution to Sustainable Development Strategic and Operational?
Authors: Tchokogué André , Nollet Jean , Merminod Nathalie , Paché Gilles , Goupil Véronique
Published: December 2017

This paper addresses the issue of how sustainable supply practices are actually used as a leverage for sustainable development (SD). In order to assess the level of sustainable supply management within an organization, the authors have reviewed the literature extensively and then developed a five‐step maturity model around five management dimensions. A qualitative exploratory approach based on two detailed case studies of organizations whose reputation for SD is recognized internationally has been used. This methodology allowed us to show (1) how sustainable supply practices could be used as a leverage for an organization's sustainable development approach and (2) that sustainable supply practices still have quite a distance to go with regards to the maturity model for sustainable supply, even in organizations that are often mentioned as leaders in the SD area. In these organizations, managers still emphasize environmental considerations, while neglecting practices that would make it possible to reach the three SD objectives simultaneously. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Relationship between Organizational Culture and Energy Performance: A Municipal Energy Manager Level Study
Authors: Rizzi Francesco , Annunziata Eleonora , Frey Marco
Published: December 2017

For energy managers, finding personal meaning in the activities they are engaged in and gaining an identity in connection between energy efficiency and organizational goals is a necessary condition to mobilize passion and commitment, which in turn are fundamental to achieve organizational goals under tight budget constraints. Despite this, little is known about how municipalities, which are typical budget‐constrained organizations, can enhance the empowerment of employees with roles as energy managers. This paper draws from the literature on the person–organization fit in order to adapt and test the hypothesis that multiple dimensions of organizational culture are strong predictors of perceived managerial and technical energy performance. Data from 729 questionnaire responses from energy managers of Italian municipalities show that formalization, team orientation, innovation, centralization and reward systems are the key elements that enable energy managers to act as business partners instead of task managers. Causal relations are discussed and presented along with theoretical and policy implications that can provide inspiration also to private organizations. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Ventricular arrhythmias immediately following transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation: A cause for concern?
Authors: Simmons M. Abigail , Elder Robert W. , Shabanova Veronika , Hellenbrand William , Asnes Jeremy
Published: December 2017

Background

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) has revolutionized the care of patients with congenital disorders of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and is increasingly being used in patients with native outflow tracts. This is the first study to specifically report the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias in the immediate post‐TPVI period.

Methods and Results

Medical records of all adult and pediatric patients who underwent TPVI at our institution between May 1, 2011 and March 1, 2016, were reviewed for the presence of clinically significant ventricular arrhythmias occurring within 30 days of TPVI. We defined a clinically significant arrhythmia as any ventricular arrhythmia that led to hemodynamic instability, resulted in a change of dose or addition of a new anti‐arrhythmic medication, caused a delay in discharge, or was the primary reason for readmission. Seventy‐five patients, with a median age of 19 years (range 4–65 years), underwent TPVI. In total, 12 (16%) patients had a clinically significant ventricular arrhythmia within 30 days following TPVI. Patients with native outflow tracts were at higher risk of post‐TPVI arrhythmias than non‐native outflow tract (29% vs. 9%, P = 0.02, adjusted OR 4.8, 95%CI 1.2–20.2). There were no cases of hemodynamic compromise or sudden cardiac death. The arrhythmias were well controlled with beta‐blocker therapy.

Conclusion

In this single center study, ventricular arrhythmias were common following TPVI, particularly in native outflow tract patients. However, the arrhythmias were generally benign and responded well to medical therapy when indicated. Long term therapy was often not needed.
Repeat MitraClip for early recurrent mitral regurgitation
Authors: Hachinohe Daisuke , Latib Azeem , Agricola Eustachio , Colombo Antonio
Published: December 2017

Treatment for recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) after MitraClip therapy remains a challenging issue. This study reports the efficacy of repeat MitraClip therapy for recurrent MR during the early phase after the index MitraClip procedure. We present a case series of four consecutive patients who underwent repeat MitraClip procedures for severe recurrent MR during the early phase. Partial clip detachment (PCD) was the suspected cause of recurrent MR in these cases. All patients received additional clip(s). PCD could be stabilized and MR grade improved in all cases compared with that before the second procedure. Repeat MitraClip procedures for recurrent MR due to PCD are feasible during the early phase. However, patients having PCD with paracommissural MR may not be good candidates for repeat MitraClip.
AYRTON‐PERRY FORMULATION FOR THE BUCKLING RESISTANCE OF PRISMATIC BEAM‐COLUMNS
Authors: Tankova Trayana , Simões da Silva Luís , Marques Liliana
Published: December 2017

In this paper, the authors propose an Ayrton‐Perry type of equation for lateral‐torsional buckling of prismatic beams‐columns subject to axial compression and bending. Firstly, the analytical background of the method is summarized and then two alternative forms for its application are proposed. These two forms are also compared with a previously developed model based on the assumption that the axial force is fixed. The results obtained are in accordance with the analytical method described above and with numerical simulations (GMNIA).
PROBABILISTIC FAILURE ANALYSIS OF HIGH STEEL FRAMES WITH TUNED MASS DAMPER
Authors: Farrokhi Farshid , Rahimi Sepideh
Published: December 2017

In this study, the probability of failure of steel frames with Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) is investigated. A 20‐story steel frame was designed using SAP software and then, it was modelled in OpenSees. The behaviour of the frame towards accelerations in the range of 0.1 to the maximum acceleration of seismic records was investigated in this study. Using Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) and extracting seismic fragility curves, it was observed that TMD increased the stability of the structure against the earthquakes by absorbing the input energy to the structure. This significantly reduces the possibility of failure due to small PGAs. For example, for the acceleration scheme equal to 0.35 for Tehran (the capital of Iran), the probability of failure in all stories of the structures equipped with TMD will be insignificant.
Recent developments regarding the next version of Eurocode 3 part 1‐1 on steel structures.
Authors: Snijder H.H.
Published: December 2017

This paper gives an overview of the work necessary and underway for the next version of part 1‐1‐of Eurocode 3 on steel structures: EN 1993‐1‐1. This work is done by Working Group 1 (WG1) of subcommittee CEN/TC250/SC3 and by Project Team 1 (PT1) responsible for the technical content of the next version of EN 1993‐1‐1. In the past, WG1 collected a longlist of items that may need improvement and recently carried out a systematic review that also yielded topics that need to be considered for the next version of EN 1993‐1‐1. The work of WG1 already resulted in amendments for EN 1993‐1‐1 which were accepted by CEN/TC250/SC3. PT1 is currently implementing these amendments in the next version of EN 1993‐1‐1, that is due in a few years’ time. In this paper, an overview is given of the amendments and of other developments related to EN 1993‐1‐1. The amendments concern among others several strength and stability related design rules. This paper is an extended and updated version of [1].
A General Asymmetric Formal Synthesis of Aza‐Baylis–Hillman Type Products under Bifunctional Catalysis
Authors: Frías María , Carrasco Ana Cristina , Fraile Alberto , Alemán José
Published: December 2017

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of José Alemán at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. The image depicts a crane as the bifunctional catalyst, as it is able to selectively pick up the right container instead of the left one. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201705218.
A new non‐isolated free ripple input current bidirectional DC‐DC converter with capability of zero voltage switching
Authors: Saadatizadeh Zahra , Chavoshipour Heris Pedram , Sabahi Mehran , Tarafdar Hagh Mehrdad , Maalandish Mohammad
Published: December 2017

In this paper, a new nonisolated free ripple input current bidirectional dc‐dc converter with capability of zero voltage switching (ZVS) is proposed. The free ripple input current condition at low voltage side is achieved by using third winding of a coupled inductor and a capacitor for the whole range of duty cycles. In the proposed structure, the voltage conversion ratio can be more increased by adding the turn ratio of the second winding of the coupled inductor for the whole range of duty cycles. By adjusting the value of an auxiliary inductor in the topology of the converter, according to the power, the ZVS operation of the implemented 2 switches can be achieved throughout the whole power range. The mentioned features of proposed converter are validated theoretically for both boost and buck operations. In this paper, the proposed converter is analyzed for all operating modes. Moreover, all equations of the voltages and currents of all components, voltage conversion ratio, the required conditions for ZVS operation of switches, and also required conditions for canceling input current ripple at low voltage side are obtained. Finally, the performance of the proposed converter is reconfirmed through experimental and EMTDC/PSCAD simulation results.
Characteristics of an atmospheric‐pressure radio frequency‐driven Ar/H2 plasma discharge with copperwire in tube
Authors: Guo Q.J. , Ni G.H. , Li L. , Lin Q.F. , Zhao P. , Meng Y.D. , Zhao Y.J. , Sui S.Y.
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates a plasma discharge driven by a 13.56 MHz radio frequency (RF) power supply at atmospheric pressure, in which a copper wire is inserted in the discharge tube for the deposition of Cu films. The results show that the jet plasma formation originates from the discharge between the copper wire and induction coil because of its electrostatic field. The axial distribution of the plasma parameters in the RF plasma jet, namely the gas temperature, excitation temperature, and electron number density, is determined by diatomic molecule OH fitting, Boltzmann slope, and Hβ Stark broadening, respectively. The discharge current significantly declines when a small amount of hydrogen is added to the argon as the plasma‐forming gas, and the gas temperature of discharge plasma increases considerably.
A tribute to Dietrich Kremp
Authors: Bornath Th. , Kraeft W.‐D. , Redmer R. , Röpke G. , Schlanges M. , Ebeling W. , Bonitz M.
Published: December 2017

Dietrich Kremp (1937–2017) made important contributions to statistical physics, especially quantum statistics, plasma physics, and the physics of electrolytes. He was a recognized member of the strongly coupled Coulomb systems and non‐ideal plasmas communities, and his text books continue to have a profound influence on these fields.
Frugal incentive mechanism in periodic mobile crowdsensing
Authors: Sun Jiajun , Liu Ningzhong
Published: December 2017

Nowadays, numerous incentive mechanisms of mobile crowdsensing have been designed to attract extensive user participation, but most of these mechanisms focus only on independent task scenarios, where the sensing tasks are independent of each other. On the contrary, we focus on a periodical task scenario, where each user participates in the same type of sensing tasks periodically. In this paper, we consider the long‐term user participation incentive in a general periodical mobile crowdsensing system from a frugality payment perspective. We explore the issue under both semi‐online (the intraperiod interactive process is synchronous while the interperiod interactive process is sequential and asynchronous during each period) and online user arrival models (the previous 2 interactive processes are sequential and asynchronous). In particular, we first propose a semi‐online frugal incentive mechanism by introducing a Lyapunov method. Moreover, we also extend it to an online frugal incentive mechanism, which satisfies the long‐term participation constraint and approximate optimality. Finally, extensive simulations show that our mechanisms satisfy the above theoretical properties.
Retroperitoneal ectopic brain: Case report and literature review
Authors: Díaz del Arco Cristina , Ortega Medina Luis , Subhi‐Issa Ahmad Issa
Published: December 2017

Heterotopic neural tissue (HNT) has been identified in many sites. In our literature review, we have found only two cases of HNT located in the retroperitoneum. As far as we know, cytological features of HNT have not been described. We here report a case of retroperitoneal HNT diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology and subsequent resection. Our patient was a male infant born at 26 weeks’ gestation. A retroperitoneal solid‐cystic lesion measuring 3.8 cm was identified by abdominal ultrasound. FNA was performed and cytology showed highly cellular smears with single cells and masses of fibrillary material. Cells were small with rounded irregular nuclei and variable cytoplasm. Multinucleated cells, cells with neuronal morphology, calcifications, and hemosiderophages could also be seen. The lesion was excised and histology showed fibrillary areas, glial cells, neurons, and ependymal cells. Synaptophysin, GFAP, and EMA were expressed in distinct areas and cell types. No recurrences were observed.
Body mass index and mortality in patients with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Akirov Amit , Shochat Tzipora , Masri‐Iraqi Hiba , Dicker Dror , Diker‐Cohen Talia , Shimon Ilan
Published: December 2017

Objective

Investigate the association between body mass index (BMI), length of stay (LOS), and mortality in hospitalized patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

Historical prospectively collected data of adult patients hospitalized between 2011 and 2013. Body mass index was calculated according to measurement or self‐report on admission and classified as follows: underweight (<18.5), normal weight (18.5‐24.9), overweight (25‐29.9), obese (30‐34.9), and severely obese (≥35). The main outcomes were LOS, in‐hospital, and end‐of‐follow‐up mortality.

Results

Cohort included 24 233 patients (53% male; mean age ± SD, 65 ± 18), including 7397 patients with DM (31%). Among patients with normal BMI, LOS was shorter compared with underweight patients, but it was longer compared with overweight and obese patients. Following multivariate adjustment, this difference remained significant only for patients with DM. There was a significant interaction between DM status and BMI group, in the models for in‐hospital and end‐of‐follow‐up mortality. Compared with normal BMI, in‐hospital mortality risk was increased by 80% and 100% for the underweight with and without DM, respectively. For patients with and without DM, in‐hospital mortality risk was 30% to 40% lower among overweight and obese patients, and there was no difference between severely obese and normal weight patients. At the end‐of‐follow‐up, mortality risk was 1.6‐fold and 1.7‐fold higher among underweight patients with and without DM, respectively. For overweight, obese, and severely obese patients, mortality risk was decreased by 30% to 40% in those with DM and by 20% to 30% in those without DM.

Conclusions

In hospitalized patients with and without DM, there was an inverse association between BMI and mortality.
Cell ingression: Relevance to limb development and for adaptive evolution
Authors: Pasiliao Clarissa C. , Hopyan Sevan
Published: December 2017

Cell ingression is an out‐of‐plane type of cell intercalation that is essential for the formation of multiple embryonic structures including the limbs. In particular, cell ingression underlies epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of lateral plate cells to initiate limb bud growth, delamination of neural crest cells to generate peripheral nerve sheaths, and emigration of myoblasts from somites to assemble muscles. Individual cells that ingress undergo apical constriction to generate bottle shaped cells, diminish adhesion to their epithelial cell neighbors, and generate protrusive blebs that likely facilitate their ingression into a subepithelial tissue layer. How signaling pathways regulate the progression of delamination is important for understanding numerous developmental events. In this review, we focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cell ingression and draw comparisons between different morphogenetic contexts in various model organisms. We speculate that cell behaviors that facilitated tissue invagination among diploblasts subsequently drove individual cell ingression and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition. Future insights that link signalling pathways to biophysical mechanisms will likely advance our comprehension of this phenomenon.
Fine‐scale spatial climate variation and drought mediate the likelihood of reburning
Authors: Parks Sean A. , Parisien Marc‐André , Miller Carol , Holsinger Lisa M. , Baggett Larry Scott
Published: December 2017

In many forested ecosystems, it is increasingly recognized that the probability of burning is substantially reduced within the footprint of previously burned areas. This self‐limiting effect of wildland fire is considered a fundamental emergent property of ecosystems and is partly responsible for structuring landscape heterogeneity (i.e., mosaics of different age classes), thereby reducing the likelihood of uncharacteristically large fires in regions with active fire regimes. However, the strength and longevity of this self‐limiting phenomenon is not well understood in most fire‐prone ecosystems. In this study, we quantify the self‐limiting effect in terms of its strength and longevity for five fire‐prone study areas in western North America and investigate how each measure varies along a spatial climatic gradient and according to temporal (i.e., annual) climatic variation. Results indicate that the longevity (i.e., number of years) of the self‐limiting effect ranges between 15 yr in the warm and dry study area in the southwesternUnited Statesto 33 yr in the cold, northern study areas in located in northwestern Montana and the boreal forest of Canada. We also found that spatial climatic variation has a strong influence on wildland fire's self‐limiting capacity. Specifically, the self‐limiting effect within each study area was stronger and lasted longer in areas with low mean moisture deficit (i.e., wetter and cooler settings) compared to areas with high mean moisture deficit (warmer and drier settings). Last, our findings show that annual climatic variation influences wildland fire's self‐limiting effect: drought conditions weakened the strength and longevity of the self‐limiting effect in all study areas, albeit at varying magnitudes. Overall, our study provides support for the idea that wildland fire contributes to spatial heterogeneity in fuel ages that subsequently mediate future fire sizes and effects. However, our findings show that the strength and longevity of the self‐limiting effect varies considerably according to spatial and temporal climatic variation, providing land and fire managers relevant information for effective planning and management of fire and highlighting that fire itself is an important factor contributing to fire‐free intervals.
Can overcompensation increase crop production?
Authors: Poveda Katja , Díaz María F. , Ramirez Augusto
Published: December 2017

The two most pressing challenges to agriculture worldwide are feeding a rapidly growing human population and developing more sustainable agricultural practices that do not threaten human and ecosystem health. We address these challenges through research in plant‐herbivore interactions, specifically overcompensatory responses in potato to herbivore damage. While herbivory is usually detrimental to most crops, some potato cultivars can overcompensate and increase crop productivity up to two‐fold in response to herbivore damage. However, biotic and abiotic factors are known to influence compensatory responses. Here we tested if compensatory plant responses to herbivory increase productivity of potatoes under field conditions along gradients of altitude and landscape simplification in 15 different farms. Our results suggest that compensatory plant responses could double the mean productivity of a potato farm in relation to the productivity of undamaged plants. The compensatory response is best predicted by pest pressure on a farm with potato plants having the maximum productivity when 10% of the tubers are damaged and decreasing in productivity as pest pressure increases. To a lesser extent an interaction between altitude and landscape simplification did affect the compensatory response, suggesting that abiotic factors play an important role in compensation. Our results suggest that overcompensation‐based management practices could be used to maximize yields on working potato farms. Further research is required to determine action thresholds (i.e. the damage levels at which pest control needs to be enacted to maximize yields and minimize insecticide use) to develop more sustainable ways of increasing yields in the future.
Twenty‐four‐hour growth hormone profiling in the assessment of acromegaly
Authors: D'Arcy Robert , Courtney C. Hamish , Graham Una , Hunter Steven , McCance David R. , Mullan Karen
Published: December 2017

Objectives and background

Recent guidelines recommend insulin‐like growth factor (IGF‐1), random growth hormone (GH) and nadirGHon an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for assessment of acromegaly. At this Regional Centre, the 24‐hourGHprofile has also been used.

Design, patients and measurements

We evaluated 57GHprofiles from 34 patients from 2008 to 2012. Samples were drawn every 2 hour and matched with 0800GH, nadirGHafterOGTTandIGF‐1.

Results

Correlations between the mean 13‐point profiles and mean 5‐point profile,OGTTnadir and 0800GHwere as follows:r = .99, .99 and .90, respectively (P < .01 for all). The correlation between the mean 13‐point profiles andIGF‐1 wasr = .32P = .02.

Of 5 patients with very high 0800GHpreoperatively (≥20 μg/L), mean 13‐pointGHreduced by 88%‐99% postoperatively.IGF‐1 did not normalize in these patients, and all required extra treatment. Preoperatively, all patients had concordant 0800GHandIGF‐1. Postoperatively, 6 patients had 0800GH<1 μg/L and highIGF‐1; only 2 of these had a 13‐point mean >1 μg/L, but 5 required further treatment.

Conclusions

Growth hormone profiling is not necessary for assessing the majority of patients with acromegaly if there is confidence in the localIGF‐1 assay. When undertaken, a 5‐point profile is adequate. In patients with very high 0800GH, 24‐hour profiling was useful in demonstrating partial therapeutic success but did not alter management. Further work is needed to explore the possible role ofGHprofiling in stratifying patients with discordantIGF‐1 andGHresults.
Butylacrylate‐nucleobase Conjugates as Targets for Two‐step Redox Labeling of DNA with an Osmium Tetroxide Complex
Authors: Havranová‐Vidláková Pavlína , Špaček Jan , Vítová Lada , Hermanová Monika , Dadová Jitka , Raindlová Veronika , Hocek Michal , Fojta Miroslav , Havran Luděk
Published: December 2017

Modification of nucleic acids with osmium tetroxide reagents (Os,L, such as OsO4,2,2′‐bipyridine, Os,bpy) has been applied in redox DNA labeling, in probing DNA structure as well as in studies of DNA interactions with other molecules. In natural DNA, primarily thymine residues form adducts with the Os,bpy in a structure selective manner. In this paper we introduce a new two‐step technique of DNA modification with the electroactive Os,bpy, consisting in enzymatic construction of DNA bearing butyl acrylate (BA) moieties attached to uracil at C5 or to 7‐deaza adenine at C7, followed by chemical modification of a reactive C=C double bond in the acrylate residue. We demonstrate a facile modification of the BA conjugates in both single‐ and double‐stranded (ds) DNA under conditions when modification within the nucleobase rings in ds DNA is hindered. Various DNA−Os,bpy adducts can easily be analyzed electrochemically and distinguished by different redox potentials. The two‐step procedure appears to be applicable in osmium redox labelling of ds DNA.