bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of prognoses between surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and esophagogastric varices
Authors: Wei Cheng-Yi , Chau Gar-Yang , Chen Ping-Hsien , Liu Chien-An , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Huo Teh-Ia , Hou Ming-Chih , Lin Han-Chieh , Su Yu-Hui , Wu Jaw-Ching , Su Chien-Wei 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThere has been insufficient investigation of the differences in long-term outcomes between surgical resection (SR) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and esophagogastric varices (EGV). We retrospectively enrolled 251 patients with treatment-naïve HCC and EGV who underwent SR or RFA as a first-line treatment. Prognostic factors were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model. A total of 68 patients underwent SR, and the remaining 183 patients received RFA. Patients who underwent SR were younger, had better liver functional reserves, and had larger tumors. After a median follow-up duration of 45.1 months, 151 patients died. The cumulative 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was significantly higher among patients who underwent SR than those treated with RFA (66.7% vs. 36.8%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age > 65 years, multiple tumors, RFA, albumin bilirubin grade > 1, and the occurrence of major peri-procedural morbidity were the independent risk factors that are predictive of poor OS. In conclusion, SR could be recommended as a first-line treatment modality for HCC patients with EGV if the patients are carefully selected and liver function is well preserved.
Large spin-Hall effect in non-equilibrium binary copper alloys beyond the solubility limit
Authors: Masuda Hiroto , Modak Rajkumar , Seki Takeshi , Uchida Ken-ichi , Lau Yong-Chang , Sakuraba Yuya , Iguchi Ryo , Takanashi Koki 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNon-magnetic materials exhibiting large spin-Hall effect (SHE) are eagerly desired for high-performance spintronic devices. Here, we report that non-equilibrium Cu-Ir binary alloys with compositions beyond the solubility limit are candidates as spin-Hall materials, even though Cu and Ir do not exhibit remarkable SHE themselves. Thanks to non-equilibrium thin film fabrication, the Cu-Ir binary alloys are obtained over a wide composition range even though they are thermodynamically unstable in bulk form. We investigate the SHE of Cu-Ir by exploiting a combinatorial technique based on spin Peltier imaging, and find that the optimum Ir concentration for enhancing SHE is around 25 at.%. We achieve a large spin-Hall angle of 6.29 ± 0.19% for Cu76Ir24. In contrast to Cu-Ir, non-equilibrium Cu-Bi binary alloys do not show remarkable SHE. Our discovery opens a new direction for the exploration of spin-Hall materials.
ACE2 as therapeutic agent
Authors: Li Qiuhong , Grant Maria B. , Richards Elaine M. , Raizada Mohan K. 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has emerged as a critical regulator of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), which plays important roles in cardiovascular homeostasis by regulating vascular tone, fluid and electrolyte balance. ACE2 functions as a carboxymonopeptidase hydrolyzing the cleavage of a single C-terminal residue from Angiotensin-II (Ang-II), the key peptide hormone of RAS, to form Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), which binds to the G-protein–coupled Mas receptor and activates signaling pathways that counteract the pathways activated by Ang-II. ACE2 is expressed in a variety of tissues and overwhelming evidence substantiates the beneficial effects of enhancing ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis under many pathological conditions in these tissues in experimental models. This review will provide a succinct overview on current strategies to enhance ACE2 as therapeutic agent, and discuss limitations and future challenges. ACE2 also has other functions, such as acting as a co-factor for amino acid transport and being exploited by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoVs) as cellular entry receptor, the implications of these functions in development of ACE2-based therapeutics will also be discussed.
Fast and accurate approximation of the angle-averaged redistribution function for polarized radiation
Authors: Paganini A. , Hashemi B. , Alsina Ballester E. , Belluzzi L. 
Published: October 2020

Context.Modeling spectral line profiles taking frequency redistribution effects into account is a notoriously challenging problem from the computational point of view, especially when polarization phenomena (atomic polarization and polarized radiation) are taken into account. Frequency redistribution effects are conveniently described through the redistribution function formalism, and the angle-averaged approximation is often introduced to simplify the problem. Even in this case, the evaluation of the emission coefficient for polarized radiation remains computationally costly, especially when magnetic fields are present or complex atomic models are considered.Aims.We aim to develop an efficient algorithm to numerically evaluate the angle-averaged redistribution function for polarized radiation.Methods.The proposed approach is based on a low-rank approximation via trivariate polynomials whose univariate components are represented in the Chebyshev basis.Results.The resulting algorithm is significantly faster than standard quadrature-based schemes for any target accuracy in the range [10−6, 10−2].
Synthesis of gem-Difluoroalkenes via a Sequence of Hydroboration and 1,2-Elimination of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyls
Authors: Jiang Gaoxi , An Shiyun , Zhang Jinlong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe reported a simple protocol for the synthesis of gem-difluoroalkenes via a reaction sequence of hydroboration and 1,2-elimination of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl substrates under mild conditions. Two steps of this method could be executed in one pot. The β-CF2H- and β-CFH2-α,β-unsaturated carbonyls can be obtained smoothly from the α,β-unsaturated gem-difluoroamide with NaH as the base and via a boration–1,2-elimination sequence.
A Growing Dilemma: Antenatal Corticosteroids and Long-Term Consequences
Authors: Asztalos Elizabeth V. , Murphy Kellie E. , Matthews Stephen G. 
Published: October 2020

Objective A single course of synthetic antenatal corticosteroids is standard care for women considered to be at risk for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. While the intended target is the fetal lung, the fetal brain contains remarkably high levels of glucocorticoid receptors in structures critical in the regulation of behavior and endocrine function. Negative programming signals may occur which can lead to permanent maladaptive changes and predispose the infant/child to an increased risk in physical, mental, and developmental disorders.
Methods Framed around these areas of concerns for physical, mental, and developmental disorders, this narrative review drew on studies (animal and clinical), evaluating the long-term effects of antenatal corticosteroids to present the case that a more targeted approach to the use of antenatal corticosteroids for the betterment of the fetus urgently needed.
Results Studies raised concerns about the potential negative long-term consequences, especially for the exposed fetus who was born beyond the period of the greatest benefit from antenatal corticosteroids. The long-term consequences are more subtle in nature and usually manifest later in life, often beyond the scope of most clinical trials.
Conclusion Continued research is needed to identify sufficient safety data, both short term and long term. Caution in the use of antenatal corticosteroids should be exercised while additional work is undertaken to optimize dosing strategies and better identify women at risk of preterm birth prior to administration of antenatal corticosteroids.
Key Points
The role of business models in firm internationalization: An exploration of European electricity firms in the context of the energy transition
Authors: Bohnsack René , Ciulli Francesca , Kolk Ans 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article ties in directly with recently intensified interest in business models in international business (IB), using the energy transition as empirical context to explore their relevance in firm internationalization. The global energy transition presents a challenge for almost all industries, but some face specific difficulties particularly important from an IB perspective. We study a set of European firms that used to operate in a highly regulated context with (partial) state ownership, until government-directed market liberalization started to allow further competition and internationalization. Existing firms were prompted to adapt their business models to these changes, with new ventures entering the market to reap opportunities with novel energy-related technologies and business models. Linking insights from strategic management to the IB literature, we conceptualize business model-related specific advantages (BMSAs), and explore the role of BMSAs in the internationalization of the firms in our sample. We also uncover barriers to BMSA recombination in (potential) host countries, consider BMSA location-boundedness, and discuss implications for firms’ international expansion by presenting a new framework. Consequences for the energy transition and the actors already involved and (in)directly confronted with it are explicated, while outlining promising areas for further research, building on the insights and limitations of our study.
Asymptotic behavior of correlation functions of one-dimensional polar-molecules on optical lattices
Authors: De Silva Theja N 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We combine a slave-spin approach with a mean-field theory to develop an approximate theoretical scheme to study the density, spin, and, pairing correlation functions of fermionic polar molecules. We model the polar molecules subjected to a one-dimensional periodic optical lattice potential using a generalized t–J model, where the long-range part of the interaction is included through the exchange interaction parameter. For this model, we derive a set of self-consistent equations for the correlation functions, and evaluate them numerically for the long-distance behavior. We find that the pairing correlations are related to spin correlations through the density and the slave-spin correlations. Further, our calculations indicates that the long-range character of the interaction can be probed through these correlation functions. In the absence of exact solutions for the one-dimensional t–J model, our approximate theoretical treatment can be treated as a useful tool to study one dimensional long-range correlated fermions.
New investigation of the electron-impact ionization of the intermediate valence state of ammonia
Authors: El Mir R , Kaja K , Naja A , Staicu Casagrande E M , Houamer S , Dal Cappello C 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We report on the measurement of the triply differential cross-section for electron-impact ionization of the valence 1e orbitals of ammonia using the (e, 2e) technique with coplanar asymmetric kinematics. The experimental results are first compared to the theoretical cross sections calculated using the 1CW, 1DW and the BBK models recently extended to molecules. We then introduce the short-range (SR) potential of interaction between the incident electron and the target into these models. The experimental data are thus compared to the newly developed extended models 1CWSR, 1DWSR and BBKSR. We show that the introduction of the SR potential improves the visibility of the recoil region.
Ultralight plat-type vibration damper with designable working bandwidth and strong multi-peak suppression performance
Authors: Ma Fuyin , Cai Yongqing , Wu Jiu Hui 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This paper proposed a low-frequency vibration damping method which attaches some ultralight locally resonant plate-type units onto the vibration structure as dampers. Owing to the designable band gap property of the units, the structural vibration in the pre-defined band gap range is localized and consumed by the dampers, thereby realizing a vibration damping effect. This damping method achieved vibration attenuation via the band gap characteristics of the local resonance unit, while the band gap properties operated in a frequency band with a certain width, so the vibration within the band gap range could be attenuated effectively. Moreover, as the frequency range, bandwidth and polarization direction of the band gap are tunable by adjusting the configuration and parameters of the unit cell, this vibration damping method shows flexible design potential. The advantage of this damping method was that, in addition to a considerable working bandwidth and convenient designable working frequency range, the additional mass was minimal and negligible. The total weight of the damper could reach levels as low as 0.3‰ of the objective vibration structure, displaying no evident increase in the overall weight. Moreover, even if only a single cell was used, a good damping effect with strong multi-peak suppression performance could be obtained. Compared with conventional methods, this damping method reduced the amplitude of the vibration peak of the original structure but did not generate additional vibration peaks on either side of the reduced peak like previous vibration absorbers. In addition, due to the fact that the configuration of the damper unit can be easily and flexibly designed according to actual application requirements, it has a wide range of engineering applications including but not limiting to aircraft, land-based vehicles, modern industrial equipment, precision instruments and household appliances.
Driving frequency effect on discharge parameters and higher harmonic generation in capacitive discharges at constant power densities
Authors: Sharma Sarveshwar , Sirse Nishant , Kuley Animesh , Sen Abhijit , Turner Miles M 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Very high frequency (VHF) driven capacitive discharges are now being increasingly adopted for plasma-based materials processing due to their high processing rates and lower substrate damage. Past studies related to complex plasma dynamics and higher harmonics generation in such systems were limited to constant voltage/current conditions, whereas, industrial systems are mostly driven by constant power density sources. In the present study, using particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation, we explore the dynamics of collisionless symmetric capacitive discharges that is operated at constant power densities. Our focus is on the effect of the driving frequency on the discharge parameters like the electron density/temperature, the electron energy distribution function (EEDF), the ion energy distribution function (IEDF), and the generation of higher harmonics in the device. The simulations are performed for a driving frequency from 27.12 to 100 MHz in argon plasma at a gas pressure of 1 Pa and for two values of the power density, namely, 2 kW m−3 and 20 kW m−3. It is observed that the required discharge voltage for maintaining constant power density decreases and discharge current increases with an increase in the driving frequency. A transition frequency is observed at both power densities. The density decreases (electron temperature increases) before the transition frequency and the trend is reversed after crossing the transition frequency. The EEDF shows an enhancement in the population of the mid-energy range of electrons as the driving frequency increases up to the transition frequency thereby changing the shape of EEDF from bi-Maxwellian to nearly Maxwellian, and then transforms into a nearly bi-Maxwellian at higher driving frequencies. The IEDF at the electrode surface shows bimodal behaviour at a lower driving frequency, becoming more pronounced at a power density of 20 kW m−3, and then turning into a single energy peak. The corresponding maximum ion energy is found to decrease with driving frequency.
Inhomogeneous superconductivity and quasilinear magnetoresistance at amorphous LaTiO3/SrTiO3 interfaces
Authors: Lebedev N , Stehno M , Rana A , Gauquelin N , Verbeeck J , Brinkman A , Aarts J 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
We have studied the transport properties of LaTiO3/SrTiO3 (LTO/STO) heterostructures. In spite of 2D growth observed in reflection high energy electron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the samples tend to amorphize. Still, we observe that the structures are conducting, and some of them exhibit high conductance and/or superconductivity. We established that conductivity arises mainly on the STO side of the interface, and shows all the signs of the two-dimensional electron gas usually observed at interfaces between STO and LTO or LaAlO3, including the presence of two electron bands and tunability with a gate voltage. Analysis of magnetoresistance (MR) and superconductivity indicates the presence of spatial fluctuations of the electronic properties in our samples. That can explain the observed quasilinear out-of-plane MR, as well as various features of the in-plane MR and the observed superconductivity.
A new approach to achieving strong ferroelectric properties in TiN/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/TiN devices
Authors: Kim Hyungwoo , Kashir Alireza , Oh Seungyeol , Hwang Hyunsang 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a method to improve the performance of TiN/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO)/TiN Nano-capacitors used in memory devices. Instead of direct fabrication of the TiN/HZO/TiN device, our method involves an intermediate step in which W metal is used as a capping material to induce a large in-plane tensile strain during rapid thermal annealing, resulting in a total suppression of the monoclinic phase and the appearance of the ferroelectric phase. Consequently, after removing the W capping electrode through an etching process and the post-deposition of a TiN top electrode at room temperature, a high remnant polarization of approximately 40 μC cm−2 and a 65% increase of coercive field were obtained. Moreover, the leakage current was reduced by an order of magnitude compared to the normal TiN/HZO/TiN capacitor; this result is attributed to the presence (absence) of the W/HZO (TiN/HZO) top interface during thermal annealing. The formation of a TiO
x
interfacial layer at elevated temperatures, which pulls oxygen from the HZO layer, resulting in the formation of oxygen vacancies, is the main cause of the high leakage current through the TiN/HZO/TiN stacks. It was confirmed that the re-capped TiN/HZO/TiN capacitor has a comparable endurance to a normal capacitor. Our results offer the re-capping process as a promising approach to fabricating HfO2-based ferroelectric memory devices with various electrode materials.
Generative adversarial network-based sinogram super-resolution for computed tomography imaging
Authors: Tang Chao , Zhang Wenkun , Wang Linyuan , Cai Ailong , Liang Ningning , Li Lei , Yan Bin 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Compared with the conventional 1×1 acquisition mode of projection in computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction, the 2×2 acquisition mode improves the collection efficiency of the projection and reduces the x-ray exposure time. However, the collected projection based on the 2×2 acquisition mode has low resolution (LR) and the reconstructed image quality is poor, thus limiting the use of this mode in CT imaging systems. In this study, a novel sinogram-super-resolution (SR) generative adversarial network model is proposed to obtain high-resolution (HR) sinograms from LR sinograms, thereby improving the reconstruction image quality under the 2×2 acquisition mode. The proposed generator is based on the residual network for LR sinogram feature extraction and SR sinogram generation. A relativistic discriminator is designed to render the network capable of obtaining more realistic SR sinograms. Moreover, we combine the cycle consistency loss, sinogram domain loss, and reconstruction image domain loss in the total loss function to supervise SR sinogram generation. Then, a trained model can be obtained by inputting the paired LR/HR sinograms into the network. Finally, the classic filtered-back-projection reconstruction algorithm is used for CT image reconstruction based on the generated SR sinogram. The qualitative and quantitative results of evaluations on digital and real data illustrate that the proposed model not only obtains clean SR sinograms from noisy LR sinograms but also outperforms its counterparts.
High-strength steel frames with SMA connections in self-centring energy-dissipation bays: insights and a multimodal nonlinear static procedure
Authors: Ke Ke , Yam Michael C H , Zhang Huanyang , Lam Angus C C , Zhou Xuhong 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
This study explores the effectiveness of shape-memory-alloy (SMA)-based self-centring energy-dissipation bays (SCEDBs) for enhancing the seismic performance of high-strength-steel (HSS) frames. The work commences with the development of an ensemble of prototype HSS frames equipped with SCEDBs, known as HSSF-SCEDB structures. The prototype systems are examined using cyclic-pushover and nonlinear-response-history analyses (NL-RHAs). According to the analysis database, it is found that the cyclic-pushover responses generally show a typical flag shape over a wide deformation range and that the post-earthquake residual deformations are below 0.5%, even following maximum interstorey drifts beyond the codified deformation threshold (i.e. 2%). To offer a practical tool to engineers for damage-control behaviour evaluation and seismic demand estimation, we develop a multimodal nonlinear static procedure based on a modified energy-balance concept. Conventional procedures relating to the fundamental vibration mode are also revisited. The results indicate that a medium-rise HSSF-SCEDB may be appreciably influenced by higher vibration modes. The difference between the average maximum interstorey drifts calculated by NL-RHAs and those obtained using the proposed procedure for an ensemble of earthquake motions is generally below 5%, and the adequacy of the proposed method is confirmed.