bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Density functional theory study of ω phase in steel with varied alloying elements
Authors: Sasikala Devi Assa Aravindh , Pallaspuro Sakari , Cao Wei , Somani Mahesh , Alatalo Matti , Huttula Marko , Kömi Jukka 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe presence of a long‐abandoned hexagonal omega (ω) phase in steel samples is recently gaining momentum owing to the advances in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements, even though it is already reported in other transition‐metal alloys. The stabilization of this metastable phase is mainly investigated in presence of C, even though the formation of the ω phase is attributed to the combined effect of many factors, one among which is the enrichment of solute elements such as Al, Mn, Si, C, and Cr in the nanometer‐sized regimes. The present study investigates the effect of the above alloying elements in ω‐Fe using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is seen that the magnetic states of the atoms play a major role in the stability of ω‐Fe. Cohesive energy calculations show that the alloying elements affect the energetics and stabilization of ω‐Fe. Further, density of states calculations reveal the variation in d‐band occupancy in the presence of alloying elements, which in turn affects the cohesive energy. Phonon band structure calculations show that only ω‐Fe with substitutional C shows positive frequencies and hence possess thermodynamic stability. Finally, we confirm the existence of ω‐Fe using TEM measurements of a steel sample containing the same alloying elements. Our results can shed light on the stabilization of the ω in other transition‐metal alloys as well, in the presence of minor alloying elements.
A less conservative approach to handle time‐varying parameters in discrete‐time linear parameter‐varying systems with applications in networked control systems
Authors: Palma Jonathan M. , Morais Cecília F. , Oliveira Ricardo C. L. F. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryThis article proposes a new strategy to deal with linear parameter‐varying discrete‐time systems, whose time‐varying parameters can be written as solutions (such as exponential, trigonometric, or periodic function) of a linear difference equation (DE). The novelty is to explicitly exploit the precise knowledge of the function describing the time‐varying parameter by incorporating the associated DE in the conditions, providing less conservative results when compared with conventional approaches based on bounded or arbitrary rates of variation. The advantage of the method comes from the fact that, differently from the available methods, the pointwise stability for the whole domain of the time‐varying parameters is not a necessary condition to obtain feasible solutions. The applicability and benefits of the proposed technique are investigated in terms of numerical examples concerning robust stability analysis, filtering, and state‐feedback control. As a final contribution, the problem of time‐varying sampling periods in the context of networked control systems is investigated using the proposed strategy. A numerical example based on a practical application is presented to illustrate the superiority of the approach when compared to methods from the literature based on matrix exponential computation.
Three‐dimensional impact angle‐constrained adaptive guidance law considering autopilot lag and input saturation
Authors: Lin Defu , Ji Yi , Wang Wei , Wang Yuchen , Wang Hui , Zhang Fubiao 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis work investigates three‐dimensional accurate guidance problem in the presence of impact angle constraint, input saturation, autopilot lag, and external disturbance, and presents a robust adaptive guidance method for maneuvering targets. More specifically, based on integral Lyapunov control algorithm, a robust guidance law, which can drive both terminal line‐of‐sight angle error and its rate to a small region around zero, while resisting the terrible influence caused by external disturbance, is proposed in this work. To deal with input saturation, guidance command is separated into two parts: real input and saturation error, and an adaptive control technique is employed to compensate the influence resulting from external disturbance and saturation error. Moreover, regarding autopilot lag as a first‐order dynamics, a backstepping designed controller with an adaptive term is proposed. Numerical simulations are carried out and their results demonstrate the proposed properties.
The mesenchymal stromal cell secretome impairs methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms via cysteine protease activity in the equine model
Authors: Marx Charlotte , Gardner Sophia , Harman Rebecca M. , Van de Walle Gerlinde R. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from various species, such as humans, mice, and horses, were recently found to effectively inhibit the growth of various bacteria associated with chronic infections, such as nonhealing cutaneous wounds, via secretion of antimicrobial peptides. These MSC antimicrobial properties have primarily been studied in the context of the planktonic phenotype, and thus, information on the effects on bacteria in biofilms is largely lacking. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the in vitro efficacy of the MSC secretome against various biofilm-forming wound pathogens, including the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and to explore the mechanisms that affect bacterial biofilms. To this end, we used equine MSCs, because the horse represents a physiologically relevant model for human wound healing and offers a readily translatable model for MSC therapies in humans. Our salient findings were that the equine MSC secretome inhibits biofilm formation and mature biofilms of various bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that equine MSC secrete cysteine proteases that destabilize MRSA biofilms, thereby increasing the efficacy of antibiotics that were previously tolerated by the biofilms. In light of the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains as an increasing global health threat, our results provide the rationale for using the MSC secretome as a complementary treatment for bacterial skin infections in both humans and horses.

Significance statement This study demonstrated for the first time that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are effective against bacteria in biofilms, including the antibiotic-resistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, via secretion of active proteases that destabilize biofilms by protein degradation, resulting in increased antibiotic effectiveness. In light of the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains as an increasing global health threat, these results provide the rationale for using the MSC secretome as a complementary treatment for bacterial infections.
Temperature Stable Dielectric Properties in BaTiO3–Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3–NaNbO3 Solid Solution
Authors: Muhammad Raz , Ali Asif , Camargo Javier , Castro Miriam S. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract0.5BaTiO3–(0.5–x)Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3–xNaNbO3 (x=0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) samples were processed via solid‐state sintering route. Phase identification of the samples showed the formation of a single‐phase cubic perovskite‐structure (space group Pm‐3 m) which was further confirmed using Raman spectroscopy. Microstructural analysis of the samples revealed some voids in the samples while grain size was observed to decrease with increasing NaNbO3 concentration. The addition of NaNbO3 shifted Tm to below room temperature and the stability range of 0.5BaTiO3–0.5Bi(Mg2/3Nb1/3)O3 ceramics was enhanced. The sample with x=0.20 exhibited ϵr(mid) = 400 ±15% stable over a wide temperature range from −85 to 500 °C and most importantly a low dielectric loss of < 0.05 stable across a wide temperature range −100 to 426 °C was maintained. The thermally stable dielectric properties of sample x=0.2 suggests that it could be useful candidate material for capacitor applications in both low (X9R) as well as harsh environment applications.
Design, Synthesis, and In vitro Evaluation of Thieno[a]dibenzothiophene Derivatives
Authors: Konus Metin , Algso Muheb A. S. , Kavak Emrah , Kurt‐Kızıldoğan Aslıhan , Yılmaz Can , Kivrak Arif 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA variety of highly substituted thieno[2,3‐a]dibenzothiophenes and thieno[3,2‐a]dibenzothiophenes are readily prepared via cascade electrophilic cyclization reaction. The reaction was tolerated a variety of compounds. In the present study, antimicrobial and antifungal activities were investigated for all synthesized molecules against A. niger ATCC 16404, C. albicans ATCC 10231, S. aureus ATCC 25923 and B. subtilis ATCC 6633, respectively.
Are U.S. firms becoming more short‐term oriented? Evidence of shifting firm time horizons from implied discount rates, 1980–2013
Authors: Sampson Rachelle C. , Shi Yuan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractResearch SummaryWe provide evidence that investors in U.S. public markets are increasingly discounting firms' expected future cash flows during 1980–2013. This trend is shown not only on average across firms, but also within firms over time after alternative explanations are accounted for. To corroborate a link with firm time horizons, we estimate the relationship between an implied discount rate (“IDR”) and factors relevant to firm long‐term strategy. We find that IDR is correlated in expected ways with firm investments, management incentives, financial health, ownership, and external pressures—measures that have been argued to correlate with firm time horizons. This article represents one of the first attempts to document market‐wide evidence of shortening firm time horizons. These changing horizons bear important implications for firm strategy.Managerial SummaryWhether U.S. firms have become more short‐term oriented remains an active debate among managers, investors, researchers, and policymakers. In this study, we report that investors have been increasingly discounting the expected future returns of public firms over the last three decades. We find that a firm's discounting rate is explained by signals of its long‐term strategy, including investment decisions, ownership structure, financial health, executive compensation scheme, and short‐term pressures from the external environment. Our findings indicate a market‐wide contraction of firm time horizons, highlighting firm characteristics that suggest how and why firms differ in their time horizons. These demonstrated relationships may help guide firms in devising investment strategies as well as external communications to attract investors that share a firm's preferred time horizon.
Novel percolation‐based measure for fiber efficacy in fiber‐reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Aryanfar Asghar , Sanal Irem , Marian Jaime 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFiber‐reinforced concrete exhibits a heterogeneous microstructure formed by aggregates, fibers and a matrix, where the stress from external forces can lead to cracking and fracture. This paper discusses the development of a computational measure for predicting the fiber's efficacy by means of the energy absorbed within the initiated area of the cracks. The analytical development was verified with experimental data from the literature and the results were justified with numerical simulations in the elastic regime. This development couples the localization of the stress in the crack tip with the random distribution of the cracks, which leads to the spatial strain field. Such percolation‐based quantification of the cracks in the early‐stage particularly is useful for effective utilization of fibers during the cracking progress.
T‐type Ca2+ channel activity increases in rat hippocampal CA1 region during kindling epileptogenesis
Authors: Aksoz Erkan , Sara Yildirim , Onur Rustu 
Published: March 2020

AbstractEpileptogenesis is a dynamical process that involves synaptic plasticity changes such as synaptic reorganization of excitatory and inhibitory systems and axonal sprouting in the hippocampus, which is one of the most studied epileptogenic regions in the brain. However, the early events that trigger these changes are not understood well. We investigated short‐term and long‐term synaptic plasticity parameters and T‐type Ca2+ channel activity changes in the early phase of a rat kindling model. Chronic pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) application was used in order to induce the kindling process in rats. The recordings were obtained from hippocampal slices in the CA1 region at 25th day of PTZ application. Tetraethylammonium was used in order to induce long‐term potentiation and T‐type Ca2+ channel activity was assessed in the presence of mibefradil. We found that tetraethylammonium‐induced long‐term potentiation was not prevented by mibefradil in the kindling group in contrast to control group. We also found an increase in paired‐pulse ratios in the PTZ‐applied group. Our findings indicate an increase in the “T‐type Ca2+ channel component of LTP” in the kindling group, which may be an early mechanism in epileptogenesis.
Modeling of GERDA Phase II data
Authors:   The GERDA collaboration, Agostini M. , Bakalyarov A. M. , Balata M. , Barabanov I. , Baudis L. , Bauer C. , Bellotti E. , Belogurov S. , Bettini A. , Bezrukov L. , Borowicz D. , Bossio E. , Bothe V. , Brudanin V. , Brugnera R. , Caldwell A. , Cattadori C. , Chernogorov A. , Comellato T. , D’Andrea V. , Demidova E. V. , Di Marco N. , Domula A. , Doroshkevich E. , Egorov V. , Fischer F. , Fomina M. , Gangapshev A. , Garfagnini A. , Gooch C. , Grabmayr P. , Gurentsov V. , Gusev K. , Hakenmüller J. , Hemmer S. , Hiller R. , Hofmann W. , Hult M. , Inzhechik L. V. , Janicskó Csáthy J. , Jochum J. , Junker M. , Kazalov V. , Kermaïdic Y. , Kihm T. , Kirpichnikov I. V. , Klimenko A. , Kneißl R. , Knöpfle K. T. , Kochetov O. , Kornoukhov V. N. , Krause P. , Kuzminov V. V. , Laubenstein M. , Lazzaro A. , Lindner M. , Lippi I. , Lubashevskiy A. , Lubsandorzhiev B. , Lutter G. , Macolino C. , Majorovits B. , Maneschg W. , Miloradovic M. , Mingazheva R. , Misiaszek M. , Moseev P. , Nemchenok I. , Panas K. , Pandola L. , Pelczar K. , Pertoldi L. , Piseri P. , Pullia A. , Ransom C. , Riboldi S. , Rumyantseva N. , Sada C. , Salamida F. , Schönert S. , Schreiner J. , Schütt M. , Schütz A-K. , Schulz O. , Schwarz M. , Schwingenheuer B. , Selivanenko O. , Shevchik E. , Shirchenko M. , Simgen H. , Smolnikov A. , Stukov D. , Vanhoefer L. , Vasenko A. A. , Veresnikova A. , Vignoli C. , von Sturm K. , Wester T. , Wiesinger C. , Wojcik M. , Yanovich E. , Zatschler B. , Zhitnikov I. , Zhukov S. V. , Zinatulina D. , Zschocke A. , Zsigmond A. J. , Zuber K. , Zuzel G. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
The GERmanium Detector Array (Gerda) experiment at the Gran Sasso underground laboratory (LNGS) of INFN is searching for neutrinoless double-beta (0νββ) decay of 76Ge. The technological challenge of Gerda is to operate in a “background-free” regime in the region of interest (ROI) after analysis cuts for the full 100 kg·yr target exposure of the experiment. A careful modeling and decomposition of the full-range energy spectrum is essential to predict the shape and composition of events in the ROI around Qββ for the 0νββ search, to extract a precise measurement of the half-life of the double-beta decay mode with neutrinos (2νββ) and in order to identify the location of residual impurities. The latter will permit future experiments to build strategies in order to further lower the background and achieve even better sensitivities. In this article the background decomposition prior to analysis cuts is presented for Gerda Phase II. The background model fit yields a flat spectrum in the ROI with a background index (BI) of $$ {16.04}_{-0.85}^{+0.78}\cdotp {10}^{-3} $$

16.04

−
0.85

+
0.78

·

10

−
3

cts/(keV·kg·yr) for the enriched BEGe data set and $$ {14.68}_{-0.52}^{+0.47}\cdotp {10}^{-3} $$

14.68

−
0.52

+
0.47

·

10

−
3

cts/(keV·kg·yr) for the enriched coaxial data set. These values are similar to the one of Phase I despite a much larger number of detectors and hence radioactive hardware components.
Pure and twisted holography
Authors: Li Songyuan , Troost Jan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
We analyze a simple example of a holographically dual pair in which we topologically twist both theories. The holography is based on the two-dimensional N = 2 supersymmetric Liouville conformal field theory that defines a unitary bulk quantum supergravity theory in three-dimensional anti-de Sitter space. The supersymmetric version of three-dimensional Liouville quantum gravity allows for a topological twist on the boundary and in the bulk. We define the topological bulk supergravity theory in terms of twisted boundary conditions. We corroborate the duality by calculating the chiral configurations in the bulk supergravity theory and by quantizing the solution space. Moreover, we note that the boundary calculation of the structure constants of the chiral ring carries over to the bulk theory as well. We thus construct a topological AdS/CFT duality in which the bulk theory is independent of the boundary metric.
Triangle diagram, distance geometry and Symmetries of Feynman Integrals
Authors: Kol Barak , Mazumdar Subhajit 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
We study the most general triangle diagram through the Symmetries of Feynman Integrals (SFI) approach. The SFI equation system is obtained and presented in a simple basis. The system is solved providing a novel derivation of an essentially known expression. We stress a description of the underlying geometry in terms of the Distance Geometry of a tetrahedron discussed by Davydychev-Delbourgo [1], a tetrahedron which is the dual on-shell diagram. In addition, the singular locus is identified and the diagram’s value on the locus’s two components is expressed as a linear combination of descendant bubble diagrams. The massless triangle and the associated magic connection are revisited.
Continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (cIONM) in head and neck surgery—a review
Authors: Stankovic P. , Wittlinger J. , Georgiew R. , Dominas N. , Hoch S. , Wilhelm T. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAlthough the history of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) dates back to the 19th century, the method did not evolve further than the mere differentiation of nerves until recently. Only the development of continuous IONM (cIONM) has allowed for non-stop analysis of excitation amplitude and latency during surgical procedures, which is nowadays integrated into the software of almost all commercially available neuromonitoring devices. The objective of cIONM is real-time monitoring of nerve status in order to recognize and prevent impending nerve injury and predict postoperative nerve function. Despite some drawbacks such as false-positive/negative alarms, technical artefacts, and rare adverse effects, cIONM remains a good instrument which is still under development. Active (acIONM) and passive (pcIONM) methods of cIONM are described in literature. The main fields of cIONM implementation are currently thyroid surgery (in which the vagal nerve is continuously stimulated) and surgery to the cerebellopontine angle (in which the facial nerve is either continuously stimulated or the discharge signal of the nerve is analyzed via pcIONM). In the latter surgery, continuous monitoring of the cochlear nerve is also established.
Prescribing medications of questionable benefit prior to death: a retrospective study on older nursing home residents with and without dementia in Germany
Authors: Rausch Christian , Hoffmann Falk 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose
We studied the prevalence of medications of questionable benefit in the last 6 months of life among older nursing home residents with and without dementia in Germany.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on claims data from 67,328 deceased nursing home residents aged 65+ years who were admitted between 2010 and 2014. We analyzed prescription regimens of medications of questionable benefit in the 180–91-day period and the 90-day period prior to death for residents with dementia (n = 29,052) and without dementia (n = 38,276). Factors associated with new prescriptions of medications of questionable benefit prior to death were analyzed using logistic regression models among all nursing home residents and stratified by dementia.

Results
A higher proportion of nursing home residents with dementia were prescribed at least one medication of questionable benefit in the 180–91-day (29.6%) and 90-day (26.8%) periods prior to death, compared with residents without dementia (180–91 days, 22.8%; 90 days, 20.1%). Lipid-lowering agents were the most commonly prescribed medications. New prescriptions of medications of questionable benefit were more common among residents with dementia (9.8% vs. 8.7%). When excluding anti-dementia medication, new prescriptions of these medications were more common among residents without dementia (6.4% vs. 8.0%). The presence of dementia (odds ratio [OR] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 1.32–1.48) and excessive polypharmacy were associated with new prescriptions of medications of questionable benefit prior to death (OR 4.74, 95%CI 4.15–5.42).

Conclusion
Even when accounting for anti-dementia prescriptions, the prevalence of nursing home residents with dementia receiving medications of questionable benefit is considerable and may require further attention.
Hoch dosierte Anderson- und Kestenbaum-Operation bei Nystagmus mit Kopfzwangshaltung
Authors: Gräf Michael , Hausmann Anja , Kowanz Dominik , Lorenz Birgit 
Published: March 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Die Korrektur einer Kopfzwangshaltung (KZH) bei infantilem Nystagmussyndrom (INS) erfolgt mit der Kestenbaum-Operation (KO) in Form der beidseitigen Rücklagerung der in KZH aktiven Agonisten und Verkürzung ihrer Antagonisten oder mit der Anderson-Operation (AO) durch die alleinige Rücklagerung der Agonisten.

Ziel der Arbeit
Vergleich der Ergebnisse hoch dosierter AO und KO bei ähnlicher KZH.

Patienten und Methoden
In unterschiedlichen Zeiträumen (2013 bis 2019 bzw. 2003 bis 2013) kam ausschließlich die AO bzw. die KO zur Anwendung. Eine hoch dosierte AO erhielten in einer konsekutiven Fallserie 33 Orthotrope mit INS und KZH, eine KO erhielten 19 Patienten. Die Mediane und Streubreiten (min–max) in den Gruppen AO/KO betrugen: Alter bei OP 7 (4–44) Jahre/6 (4–27) Jahre; KZH 32,5°(20–45)/30°(17–40); Operationsstrecke pro Auge AO 13 (10–16) mm (Standarddosis), KO 10 (6–12) mm + 10 (6–12) mm (Mittel 0,60 mm/°KZH).

Ergebnisse
Die KZH betrug nach ca. 3 Monaten 10°(−3–20)/10°(−7–20), bei der Spätkontrolle (8 bis 153 Monate) 10°(0–20)/10°(−27–30). Sie war bei der letzten Kontrolle um 67 % (20–100)/64 % (14–100) verringert. Eine Restdrehung ≤15° fand sich in 79/81 % der Fälle (91 % nach AO ≥13 mm; n = 23), ein Rest ≤10° in 55/57 %, (65 % nach AO ≥13 mm). Die Ad‑/Abduktionsfähigkeit der rückgelagerten Muskeln betrug nach AO 30°/30° (10–37/15–45), nach KO 32°/30° (10–40/12–45). Eine assoziierte Kopfneigung wurde durch den Eingriff nicht verbessert. Der mittlere Anstieg des binokularen Visus betrug jeweils <1 Zeile, in der Gruppe AO 1 Zeile bei Kindern ≤6 Jahre, kein Anstieg in der Altersklasse >6 Jahre.

Schlussfolgerung
AO und KO waren bei der verwendeten Dosierung wirkungsgleich. Die geringere Invasivität der AO spricht für deren Anwendung als Ersteingriff.