bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multistage homogenization process of aluminum alloy 2618
Authors: Zhu Z. , Peng H. , Liu Y. , Tu H. , Wang J. , Su X.
Published: July 2020

Single‐, two‐, and three‐stage homogenization treatments of heat‐resistant alloy 2618 were conducted in this study. Results reveal a low melting point Al2CuMg phase and high melting point Al2Cu phase in the as‐cast aluminum alloy 2618. After single‐stage homogenization at 495 °C for 10 h, the Al2CuMg phase dissolves completely, but the Al2Cu phase cannot be completely dissolved even once the homogenization time is prolonged to 18 h. After the alloy 2618 are homogenized using two stages: 495 °C for 10 h and 520 °C for 8 h, a portion of the Al2Cu phase remains in the alloy. The Al2Cu phase remains undissolved even after prolonged time. After the two‐stage homogenization treatment at 495 °C for 10 h and 540 °C for 5 h, the high melting point Al2Cu phase completely dissolves but overburn occurs. After the alloy 2618 are homogenized using three stages at 495 °C for 10 h, 520 °C for 5 h, and 540 °C for 3 h, the Al2Cu phase completely dissolves and no overburn is detected. The three‐stage homogenization treatment is an effective method for dissolving the high melting point Al2Cu phase in the alloy 2618 and increasing their overburn temperature and solid solution temperature.
Effects of aluminum content and mechanical nano‐alloying time on the preparation of titanium‐aluminum composite coatings on magnesium‐lithium alloy
Authors: Li Y. , Sun J. , Zhu X.C. , Mei L.Y. , Lei Y.Y. , Du X.D. , Wu Y.C.
Published: July 2020

A titanium‐aluminum composite coating was successfully fabricated on magnesium‐lithium alloy substrate by mechanical nano‐alloying treatment (SMNAT). The effects of aluminum content and mechanical nano‐alloying time on the microstructure and properties of titanium‐aluminum composite coatings were investigated. The experimental results showed that the ratio of titanium‐aluminum powder has a significant effect on the preparation of the coating. Low aluminum content and high aluminum content in the mixture powder resulted in the formation of the coatings with inhomogeneous thickness. The titanium‐aluminum ratio of 3 : 1 was considered to be optimal for fabricating the coating with homogeneous thickness under the selected milling parameters. The hardness of top surface layer on titanium‐ aluminum coatings decreased from 292.0 HV 0.01 to 121.4 HV 0.01 with the increase of aluminum content. Additionally, the prolongation of treatment time facilitated to increase the thickness and density of the coatings, resulting to enhance their hardness and corrosion resistance.
BRCA2 c.8827C>T pathogenic mutation in a consanguineous Chinese family with hereditary breast cancer
Authors: Wang Jiangfen , Qin Jiayue , Xi Chunfang , Zhang Yafen
Published: July 2020

Background

Mutations in the BRCA2 DNA repair associated gene (BRCA2) are associated with the development of breast cancer, with different ethnic mutations at different sites. Based on different types of BRCA2 variants, the underlying mechanism remains still elusive.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to detect germ line mutations in BRCA2. The expressions of BRCA2 mRNA and BRCA2 protein were detected by Real‐time PCR and Western blot, respectively.

Results

In a consanguineous Chinese family with hereditary breast cancer, one woman had unilateral breast cancer, two women had bilateral asynchronous breast cancer, and one man had prostate cancer. We identified a mutation site (NM_000059.4: c.8827C>T, NP_ 000050.3: p.(Gln2943*)) in BRCA2 gene, which was a nonsense mutation that predicted disrupting peptide chain synthesis and limiting BRCA2 protein production, validated by the decreased expressions of both BRCA2 mRNA and BRCA2 protein.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified a BRCA2 c.8827C>T nonsense mutation with a truncated BRCA2 protein in a consanguineous Chinese Han family, suggesting individuals with this mutation should be regularly screened for malignancies such as breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. Our study verified the function of this BRCA2 mutation site and provided a new target for the precise treatment of such patients.
Simpson and Newton type inequalities for convex functions via newly defined quantum integrals
Authors: Budak Hüseyin , Erden Samet , Ali Muhammad Aamir
Published: July 2020

We first establish two new identities, based on the kernel functions with either two section or three sections, involving quantum integrals by using new definition of quantum derivative. Then, some new inequalities related to Simpson's 1/3 formula for convex mappings are provided. In addition, Newton type inequalities, for functions whose quantum derivatives in modulus or their powers are convex, are deduced. We also mention that the results in this work generalize inequalities given in earlier study.
Two solutions for a class of singular Kirchhoff‐type problems with Hardy–Sobolev critical exponent II
Authors: Liao Jia‐Feng
Published: July 2020

In this article, we devote ourselves to investigate the following singular Kirchhoff‐type equation:

where
is a bounded domain with smooth boundary ∂Ω,0∈Ω,a≥0,b,λ>0,0<γ,s<1, and
By using the variational and perturbation methods, we obtain the existence of two positive solutions, which generalizes and improves the recent results in the literature.
Mathematical modeling of vaporization process for a polydisperse ensemble of liquid drops
Authors: Alexandrov Dmitri V. , Alexandrova Irina V. , Ivanov Alexander A.
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the vaporization process of a polydisperse ensemble of liquid drops on the basis of a nonlinear set of balance and kinetics equations for the particle‐radius distribution function and temperature in the gaseous phase. We found an exact parametric solution to this problem using a modified time variable and the Laplace integral transform method. The distribution function of vaporizing drops as well as its moments, the temperature dynamics in gas, and the unvaporized mass of drops are found. The initial particle‐radius distribution shifts to smaller particle radii with increasing the vaporization time. As this takes place, the temperature difference between the drops and gas decreases with time. It is shown that the heat of vaporization and initial total number of particles in the system substantially influence the dynamics of a polydisperse ensemble of liquid drops.
NMR structural characterization from one‐bond 13C13C couplings: Complete assignment of a hydrogen‐poor depsidone
Authors: Sestile Shannon , Richardson David , Toomey Ryan , Cool Laurence G. , Harper James K.
Published: July 2020

The connectivity, conformation, tautomeric form, and dynamics of a new depsidone (perisalazinic acid) were characterized using one‐bond 13C13C NMR scalar couplings (1JCC) obtained from the INADEQUATE experiment. Characterization of perisalazinic acid using more conventional NMR techniques is problematic due to the extremely limited number of CH protons present. In the present study, 81 candidate structures were considered and a best fit structure was selected by comparing computed 1JCC values for each candidate to 15 experimental values. Of the six flexible moieties in perisalazinic acid, three are adequately represented by a single orientation stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The three remaining groups are present as mixtures of conformers with two sites consisting of a pair of conformations and another disordered over six orientations. This study demonstrates the feasibility of complete three‐dimensional structural characterization of an unknown using only theoretical and experimental 1JCC values.
Physical activity in people with axial spondyloarthritis and the impact of overall attitudes, barriers, and facilitators: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rasmussen Jens Ole , Primdahl Jette , Fick Willy , Bremander Ann
Published: July 2020

Objective

To study the association between self‐reported physical activity level and overall attitudes and barriers to and facilitators of physical activity in people with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and to compare health status and quality of life (QoL) in people with different levels of physical activity.

Methods

Four hundred forty‐five members of the Danish Patient Association for Axial Spondyloarthritis completed an online survey including questions on physical activity, overall attitudes, barriers, and facilitators to physical activity, health, and QoL. Nonparametric tests and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

The response rate was 46%, median age 56 years (range 22–85), and 54% were men. In all, 23% reported low physical activity (physical activity ≥30 min on a moderate intensity level ≤1 day/week), 36% were moderately physically active (2–3 days/week), and 41% reported high physical activity (≥4 days/week). In a multivariate model, high physical activity was associated with a positive overall attitude (“physical activity is ok,” OR 5.44, 95%CI [1.24, 23.87], and “I like physical activity,” OR 14.22, 95%CI [3.34, 60.61]), and higher disagreement with barriers to physical activity, OR 1.12, 95%CI [1.07, 1.17]). People with moderate or high physical activity levels reported better self‐perceived health and QoL, compared with those with low physical activity level (p ≤ 0.003).

Conclusion

To support changes in physical activity level in people with axSpA, health professionals need to discuss attitudes and barriers to physical activity with their clients. Barriers seem to be of greater significance than facilitators of any kind.
On inexact alternating direction implicit iteration for continuous Sylvester equations
Authors: Liu Zhongyun , Zhou Yang , Zhang Yulin
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we study the alternating direction implicit (ADI) iteration for solving the continuous Sylvester equation AX + XB = C, where the coefficient matrices A and B are assumed to be positive semi‐definite matrices (not necessarily Hermitian), and at least one of them to be positive definite. We first analyze the convergence of the ADI iteration for solving such a class of Sylvester equations, then derive an upper bound for the contraction factor of this ADI iteration. To reduce its computational complexity, we further propose an inexact variant of the ADI iteration, which employs some Krylov subspace methods as its inner iteration processes at each step of the outer ADI iteration. The convergence is also analyzed in detail. The numerical experiments are given to illustrate the effectiveness of both ADI and inexact ADI iterations.
Pension funds, capital market development, and macroeconomic variables: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Daradkah Demeh , Al‐Hamdoun Nadia
Published: July 2020

This study investigates the dynamic relationship between pension funds and development of capital market in Jordan over the period 1980–2017. Autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approaches for co‐integration (bounds test) are employed to achieve the objectives of the study. Using annual data, the results indicate no statistically significant relationship between pension funds and development of capital market on the short run. However, the co‐integration tests show a statistically significant long‐run equilibrium relationship between pension funds and development of capital market regardless of whether capital market development was measured by market depth or market liquidity. Moreover, the co‐integration tests show a statistically significant long‐run equilibrium relationship between economic growth, and interest rate and development of capital market regardless of whether capital market development was measured by market depth or market liquidity. These findings have important implications for academics, investment managers, and policy makers in Jordan.
Parts‐per‐million polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane loading induced mechanical reinforcement in polyethylene nanocomposites. When small and well‐dispersed yields big
Authors: Romo‐Uribe Angel , Lichtenhan Joseph , Reyes‐Mayer Adriana , Calixto‐Rodriguez Manuela , Sarmiento‐Bustos Estela , Yañez‐Lino Mauricio
Published: July 2020

The expectation that composites fabricated with nanoscale reinforcing materials will exhibit exceptional mechanical properties remains to be fulfilled. Here, octaisobutyl‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (buPOSS) nanochemical was melt blended with low‐density/linear low‐density polyethylene (LDPE/LLDPE) to form nanostructured films. We demonstrate that buPOSS concentrations of only 80 to 400 parts‐per‐million (ppm) are enough to produce nearly 2‐fold increase of the film's tensile Young's modulus, EMD. Strikingly, there was no penalty on strain at fracture εf,MD, as usually seen in reinforced (nano) composites, rather εf,MD increased with buPOSS content. Furthermore, other important mechanical properties like toughness, yield stress, tear resistance, and dart impact strength were also an increasing function of buPOSS content. The dispersion of buPOSS into the polyethylene matrix at nearly single cage unit is the key to mechanical reinforcement. The buPOSS size D, smaller than the virtual tube diameter dt defined by Doi and Edwards, indicate that buPOSS is capable to intercalate the entangled macromolecules and mechanically reinforce without acting as stress concentrators. Furthermore, the entanglement intercalation and consequent reduction of free volume induced reduction of oxygen transmission (OTR) through the films and the barrier properties were intact after 18 months aging at room temperature. The nanosized and efficient dispersion of buPOSS is key to the mechanical reinforcement at only ppm loading and these results add a new paradigm to polymer nanocomposites formulation.
Epoxy resin/tin ethylenediamine tetra‐methylene phosphonate composites with simultaneous improvement of flame retardancy and smoke suppression
Authors: Wang Wenduo , Wang Zhengzhou
Published: July 2020

A nitrogen‐containing metal‐organic phosphonate, that is, tin ethylenediamine tetra‐methylene phosphonate (TETP) was synthesized, characterized, and then used as the flame‐retardant additive in epoxy resin (EP). The flame retardancy, smoke suppression, thermal stability, and mechanical performances of the EP/TETP composites were thoroughly evaluated. It is found that the EP composite with 7.0 wt% of TETP (EP/TETP‐7) can pass UL‐94 V‐0 rating with a high LOI value of 29.5%. Cone calorimeter results show that the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke release of EP/TETP‐7 are decreased by 45.7%, 27.3%, and 37.3%, respectively, compared with pure EP. Besides, the production rates of CO and CO2 of EP/TETP‐7 are reduced remarkably. Thermogravimetric analysis results indicate that the char residue of EP/TETP‐7 at 800°C is almost double than that of pure EP. Moreover, the incorporation of TETP has less influence on the mechanical performances and thermal resistance (ie, glass transition temperature) of EP/TETP composites.
Calcineurin inhibitors ameliorate PAN‐induced podocyte injury through the NFAT–Angptl4 pathway
Authors: Shen Xiujin , Zhang Ying , Lin Chuan , Weng Chunhua , Wang Yucheng , Feng Shi , Wang Cuili , Shao Xue , Lin Weiqiang , Li Bingjue , Wang Haibing , Chen Jianghua , Jiang Hong
Published: July 2020

Podocyte injury plays a vital role in proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome. Calcineurin (CaN) inhibitors are effective in reducing proteinuria. However, their molecular mechanism is still not fully understood. Angiopoietin‐like‐4 (ANGPTL4) is a secreted protein that mediates proteinuria in podocyte‐related nephropathy. In this study, we established a puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)‐induced minimal‐change disease (MCD) rat model and a cultured podocyte injury model. We found that CaN inhibitors protected against PAN‐induced podocyte injury, accompanied by an inhibition of Nfatc1 and Angptl4 both in vivo and in vitro. Nfatc1 overexpression and knockdown experiments indicated that Angptl4 was regulated by Nfatc1 in podocytes. ChIP assays further demonstrated that Nfatc1 increased Angptl4 expression by binding to the Angptl4 promoter. In addition, overexpression and knockdown of Angptl4 revealed that Angptl4 directly induced rearrangement of the cytoskeleton of podocytes, reduced the expression of synaptopodin, and enhanced PAN‐induced podocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, in a cohort of 83 MCD and 94 membranous nephropathy (MN) patients, we found increased expression of serum ANGPTL4 compared to 120 healthy controls, and there were close correlations between serum ANGPTL4 and Alb, urinary protein, urinary Alb, eGFR, Scr, and BUN in MCD patients. No obvious correlation was found in MN patients. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that increased ANGPTL4 in MCD and MN patients was located mostly in podocytes. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that CaN inhibitors ameliorate PAN‐induced podocyte injury by targeting Angptl4 through the NFAT pathway, and Angptl4 plays a vital role in podocyte injury and is involved in human podocyte‐related nephropathy. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A VKORC1‐based SNP survey of anticoagulant rodenticide resistance in the house mouse, Norway rat and roof rat in the USA
Authors: Díaz Juan C , Kohn Michael H
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

We conducted a vitamin K epoxide reductase subcomponent 1 (Vkorc1)‐based nonsynonymous Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (nsSNP) screen with focus on the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus), but that also considered the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and roof rat (R. rattus) in the USA.

RESULTS

We detected six Vkorc1 nsSNPs underlying the amino‐acid polymorphisms Ala21Thr, Trp59Leu, Ile104Val, Val118Leu, Leu128Ser and Tyr139Cys in house mice (average coverage/SNP; n = 182 individuals), two nsSNPs underlying Arg35Pro and Gly46Ser in the Norway rat (n = 93), with the notable absence of Tyr139Cys (n = 179), and one nsSNP underlying Tyr25Phe in the roof rat (n = 27). Inferred resistance frequency is 29.1% for mice (variability of states 0–98.8%), 6.5% (0–33.3%) for the Norway rat, and 39.3% (0–52.6%) for the roof rat based on Tyr25Phe frequencies.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance detected in the USA in the 1980s likely was the consequence of Vkorc1 mutations in mice (Leu128Ser and Tyr139Cys), Norway rats (Arg35Pro) and roof rats (Tyr25Phe). Patterns of variant sharing between the USA and Europe indicate the importance of convergent evolution and gene flow in spreading resistance. The spread of nsSNPs in mice between continents appears to have been more effective than in Norway rats. We hypothesize that Arg35Pro may have originated in Norway rats in the USA, whereas Tyr139Cys variants originated in Europe. Tyr25Phe is the likely cause for resistance in roof rats. Further genetic testing in the USA is required to close sampling gaps, and population genomic data are needed to study the origin and spread of this adaptive trait.
Simulating sulfosulfuron fate in soil under different weather scenarios to support weed management decisions
Authors: Paporisch Amit , Laor Yael , Rubin Baruch , Eizenberg Hanan
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Residual herbicides are an important component in many weed control strategies. Their herbicidal activity depends on their fate in soil, with respect to the required concentration for weed control in space and time. In this study, the effect of weather conditions on sulfosulfuron fate in soil, following pre‐planting incorporation, and the predicted control efficacy of Egyptian broomrape in tomato, were analyzed for two sites using simulations in Hydrus‐1D modeling software. Simulated concentration was compared to measured data from field experiments.

RESULTS

Model evaluation against measured data from two fields, with weakly alkaline clay soils, showed high correlations between simulated and measured sulfosulfuron concentrations (r = 0.98 and 0.89). The ratio of measured to simulated concentration was relatively low (1.03) at the top 10‐cm layer, in which the mean measured concentration was high (29.6 ng g−1). This ratio was higher (12.5) at the 30–60 cm depth, in which the mean measured concentration was lower (0.3 ng g−1). Simulations of sulfosulfuron fate in each site, using weather data from the years 2009 to 2019, revealed substantial variations in transport patterns. Thirty days after treatment, 16 out of the 22 years simulated for the two sites (11 at each site) resulted in concentrations lower than the critical value for Egyptian broomrape control throughout the soil profile. The data indicates that variation in sulfosulfuron fate is mainly due to differences in the cumulative precipitation. According to simulation results, cumulative precipitation above 20 or 10 mm during the first 10 or 20 days after treatment, respectively, is expected to reduce the efficiency of broomrape control.

CONCLUSION

Considering weather effects when planning herbicide application could optimize herbicide use efficiency. A decision‐support tool is presented, whose factors are the time gap and precipitation amount between sulfosulfuron application and tomato planting.
A spatial model for return values of warm extremes in the high Arctic
Authors: Messori G. , Wada R. , Woods C.
Published: July 2020

Wintertime warm extremes in the high Arctic, primarily associated with intrusions of moist airmasses from the midlatitudes, have occurred with an ostensibly high frequency in recent years. Here, we compute the temperature anomaly return values associated with such events for long return times. Our approach, which we term space‐time maxima–exposure (STM–E), improves on conventional extreme value estimates performed on a single‐location basis by explicitly taking into account the spatial structure of the moisture intrusions driving the temperature extremes. We specifically show that the STM–E approach provides spatially smoother return value estimates, a lower uncertainty in the parameters of the extreme value distribution fits and mitigates the single‐location underestimation of the magnitude of return values of temperature extremes.
Sharp bounds for the variance of linear statistics on random permutations
Authors: Manstavičius Eugenijus
Published: July 2020

We are concerned with the variance of a completely additive function defined on the symmetric group endowed with the Ewens probability. Overcoming specific dependence of the summands, we obtain the upper and lower bounds including optimal constants. We also derive a decomposition of such a function into a sum with uncorrelated summands. The results can be reformulated for the linear statistics defined on vectors distributed according to the Ewens sampling formula.
Do acoustically detectable species reflect overall diversity? A case study from Australia’s arid zone
Authors: Smith David G. , Truskinger Anthony , Roe Paul , Watson David M.
Published: July 2020

In recent years, passive acoustic monitoring has emerged as a reliable method for monitoring soniferous fauna, with numerous studies finding estimates of species richness and community composition are comparable with estimates derived from conventional field surveys. Most of these studies compare point counts of forest bird communities with contemporaneous short‐duration acoustic recordings, but several questions remain. How do these two methods compare in more open, arid ecosystems, how does applying methods optimally influence comparisons, and how do patterns in acoustically detectable species compare with overall patterns? Here we demonstrate techniques for improving sampling of acoustic data and conduct acoustic surveys to estimate species richness from ephemeral creek‐lines in the Australian arid zone using a long‐term passively derived acoustic dataset. We examine these results in the context of long‐term observer‐based transect surveys conducted along the same creek‐lines to define species within the avian assemblage that are acoustically detectable or acoustically undetectable/cryptic. Our data suggest that some species were consistently missed by acoustic surveys, but most belonged to groups that are typically excluded from inventories prior to analysis including rare species, raptors, waterbirds, swallows and nocturnal birds. Further, the relative diversities of sites were well estimated by acoustic surveys, with variations between sites reflecting those estimated by observer‐based field surveys. This suggests that in our study system, acoustically detectable species are reliable indicators of overall species richness. Field‐based surveys will remain an important component of sampling in arid ecosystems and we highlight the value of applying acoustic and conventional field‐based surveys in a complementary manner. This approach allows large, publishable datasets to be generated by exploiting the temporal reach of acoustic sensors, while also maximizing detections of acoustically cryptic species via field‐based surveys. We argue that acoustic monitoring has the potential to facilitate greater research effort in largely research‐deficient arid ecosystems.
Understanding model behavior using the Loops that Matter method
Authors: Schoenberg William , Davidsen Pål , Eberlein Robert
Published: July 2020

The relationship between structure and behavior is central to system dynamics, but effective tools required to understand that relationship still elude us. The current state of the art in the field of loop dominance analysis relies on either practitioner intuition and experience or complex algorithmic manipulation in the form of eigenvalue analysis or pathway participation metrics. This article presents a new and distinct numeric method based on a different measure, the loop score, to determine the contribution of a loop to a model's behavior at each instant in time. This allows us to discover the origin of model behavior. The method was inspired by observations of the patterns in the changes of the values of variables during simulations and has been tested and refined using empirical evaluation on a variety of models. The method also offers a promising approach to the visualization and aggregation of simulation results.

© 2020 The Authors System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society
Handling missing predictor values when validating and applying a prediction model to new patients
Authors: Hoogland Jeroen , van Barreveld Marit , Debray Thomas P. A. , Reitsma Johannes B. , Verstraelen Tom E. , Dijkgraaf Marcel G. W. , Zwinderman Aeilko H.
Published: July 2020

Missing data present challenges for development and real‐world application of clinical prediction models. While these challenges have received considerable attention in the development setting, there is only sparse research on the handling of missing data in applied settings. The main unique feature of handling missing data in these settings is that missing data methods have to be performed for a single new individual, precluding direct application of mainstay methods used during model development. Correspondingly, we propose that it is desirable to perform model validation using missing data methods that transfer to practice in single new patients. This article compares existing and new methods to account for missing data for a new individual in the context of prediction. These methods are based on (i) submodels based on observed data only, (ii) marginalization over the missing variables, or (iii) imputation based on fully conditional specification (also known as chained equations). They were compared in an internal validation setting to highlight the use of missing data methods that transfer to practice while validating a model. As a reference, they were compared to the use of multiple imputation by chained equations in a set of test patients, because this has been used in validation studies in the past. The methods were evaluated in a simulation study where performance was measured by means of optimism corrected C‐statistic and mean squared prediction error. Furthermore, they were applied in data from a large Dutch cohort of prophylactic implantable cardioverter defibrillator patients.
A Bioresponsive Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Probe for Facile and Persistent Live‐Cell Tracking
Authors: Zheng Jinrong , Xu Yue , Fan Lixue , Qin Shuheng , Li Hua , Sang Mangmang , Li Ruixi , Chen Haiyan , Yuan Zhenwei , Li Bowen
Published: July 2020

Molecular imaging significantly transforms the field of biomedical science and facilitates the visualization, characterization, and quantification of biologic processes. However, it is still challenging to monitor cell localization in vivo, which is essential to the study of tumor metastasis and in the development of cell‐based therapies. While most conventional small‐molecule fluorescent probes cannot afford durable cell labeling, transfection of cells with fluorescent proteins is limited by their fixed fluorescence, poor tissue penetration, and interference of autofluorescence background. Here, a bioresponsive near‐infrared fluorescent probe is reported as facile and reliable tool for real‐time cell tracking in vivo. The design of this probe relies on a new phenomenon observed upon fluorobenzene‐conjugated fluorescent dyes, which can form complexes with cytosolic glutathione and actively translocates to lysosomes, exhibiting enhanced and stable cell labeling. Fluorobenzene‐coupled hemicyanine, a near‐infrared fluorophore manifests to efficiently staining tumor cells without affecting their invasive property and enables persistent monitoring of cell migration in metastatic tumor murine models at high resolution for one week. The method of fluorobenzene functionalization also provides a simple and universal “add‐on” strategy to render ordinary fluorescent probes suitable for long‐term live‐cell tracking, for which currently there is a deficit of suitable molecular tools.
Progress in GTEWS Ground Displacement Measurements and Tsunami Warning
Authors: Santos Marcelo C.
Published: July 2020

Since its early days, GNSS has been employed for the monitoring of sudden ground movements, such as earthquakes. Its use as a tool to enhance tsunami detection was boosted after analysis of data following the December 2004 Great Ocean Indian Tsunami. The contribution of GNSS towards tsunami warning systems is possible due to several factors, such as advances in the measurement of crustal displacement, developments in GNSS methodology, the growing availability of real-time data streams and advances in processing power and communication means. The paper focuses on the progress of Global Navigation Satellite System Tsunami Early Warning Systems (GTEWS) identifying current implementations and future directions and challenges. The discussion leads to the conclusion that the GNSS technology already satisfies requirements of tsunami early warning systems and that the major hurdles are with other aspects, such as optimal network configuration, real-time flow of data, communication infrastructure, and national and international collaboration. The paper ends highlighting the important role that the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) can play to help overcoming those hurdles.
Early Christian Thinking on Hope
Authors: Webber Martin I. , Kok Jacobus
Published: July 2020

Recent classical studies on hope have sought to correct a long-standing overemphasis on negative aspects of hope in antiquity, setting up possible correlations with early Christian and New Testament studies. These studies, however, have focused more on the contemporary relevance of hope and the particular emphases of certain texts, without taking into account classical advances. This chapter proposes a more integrative model to make up for this lack. The chapter consists of three elements: a “bottom-up” approach, comprehensive textual analysis, and consideration of possible ancient frames. The aim is to facilitate understandings and nuances of hope. This model is then applied to the letter of 1 Thessalonians, arguably the earliest preserved Christian text. The results show to what extent the letter shares other developing conceptions and contexts related to hope, and how it specifically differs from them, with concluding observations for further study.
Philosophy of Hope
Authors: Milona Michael
Published: July 2020

The philosophy of hope centers on two interlocking sets of questions. The first concerns the nature of hope. Specific questions here include how to analyze hope, how hope motivates us, and whether there is only one type of hope. The second set concerns the value of hope. Key questions here include whether and when it is good to hope and whether there is a virtue of hope. Philosophers of hope tend to proceed from the first set of questions to the second. This is a natural approach, for one might expect that you must develop a basic understanding of what hope is before you can determine its value. The structure of this chapter thus follows this approach. But readers should not be misled: there is in fact a good deal of feedback between the two sets of questions. A theory of hope is more plausible to the extent that it fits well with plausible ideas about the value of hope. So the movement from hope’s nature to its value is one of emphasis rather than a strict, step-wise process.
An Introduction to EQ-5D Instruments and Their Applications
Authors: Devlin Nancy , Parkin David , Janssen Bas
Published: July 2020

Our focus, throughout this book, is on the analysis of EQ-5D data. The book is designed to meet the needs of those who have, or are planning to, collect EQ-5D data. Our hope is that this book will encourage all analysts, both those new to the EQ-5D and those experienced in using EQ-5D questionnaires, to make full use of the data provided by respondents, and to maximise the insights possible from those data.
A New Approach for Landslide Modeling: Application to the Scilla 1783 Tsunamigenic Landslide, South Italy
Authors: Gallotti Glauco , Tinti Stefano
Published: July 2020

In this study, we present a new 2D numerical model, UBO-Inter, able to simulate the motion of a body sliding down a generic surface. Such a body is represented as a mechanical system of a finite number of point masses, where the points can be viewed as the projections on the sliding surface of the centers of mass of the elements which the system is discretized into. The masses are strictly adherent to the surface and interact with the neighbor masses through internal forces. The entire system can be seen as a 2D irregular grid where the masses occupy the nodes of the grid, and each grid side connects a pair of interacting masses. The external forces acting on the masses are gravity, which is the driving force, the reaction force of the sliding surface, the basal friction and the drag exerted by the environmental fluid (typically water, for a slide moving partially or totally underwater). The system is governed by a set of differential equations that are solved through a fourth-order Runge–Kutta scheme. After providing the formulation of the problem and a simple example admitting an exact solution that serves to illustrate the internal forces, we validate the model on the 1783 Scilla (Calabria region, Italy) landslide, that is a well-known catastrophic event that caused a lethal tsunami killing more than 1500 people. This case has been already widely studied and thus can be used as a benchmark for landslide models. The outputs of the model UBO-Inter in terms of time-histories of point-mass velocities, run-out and final deposit, are found to be in agreement with observations and with results published in literature and obtained through different numerical techniques.
Yield optimization and surface image-based strength prediction of beech
Authors: Khaloian Sarnaghi A. , Rais A. , Kovryga A. , Gard W. F. , van de Kuilen J. W. G.
Published: July 2020

Samples of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) were used for this study. Logs of these samples covered a scatter of mild-to-strong curvatures and the boards of these samples covered strong fiber deviations. This study consists of two separate parts: (1) log reconstruction and optimization of the cutting pattern, and (2) board reconstruction and strength prediction. Information about the internal quality of the logs is missing in this study, as laser scanning has been used for surface reconstruction of logs. Therefore, two separate steps were implemented here. (1) Influence of cutting pattern and board-dimensions on yield were analyzed. For this step, 50 logs were checked. (2) A more advanced numerical method based on the finite element (FE) analysis was developed to improve the accuracy of tensile strength predictions. This step was performed, because visual grading parameters were relatively weak predictors for tensile strength of these samples. In total, 200 beech boards were analyzed in this step. However, due to the geometrical configuration of some knots, the reconstruction and numerical strength prediction of 194 boards out of 200 boards were possible. By performing tensile tests numerically, stress concentration factors (SCFs) were derived, considering the average and maximum stresses around the imperfections. SCFs in combination with the longitudinal stress wave velocity were the numerical identifying parameters (IPs), used in the nonlinear regression model for tensile strength prediction. The influence of the combination of different numerical parameters in the developed non-linear model on improving the quality of the strength prediction was analyzed. For this reason, improvement of coefficient of determination (R2) after adding each parameter to the multiple regression analysis was checked. Performance of the developed numerical method was compared to the typical grading approaches [using knottiness and the dynamic MoE (MoEdyn)], and it was shown that the coefficient of determination is higher, when using the virtual methods for tensile strength predictions.
Analyse von europäischen Weiterbildungskonzepten zum Facharzt für Urologie unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der intersektoralen Weiterbildung
Authors: Himmler M. , Westphal J. , Speck T. , Waldbillig F. , König J. , Michel M. S.
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund

Ziele der Arbeit sind der Vergleich der deutschen Weiterbildung zum Facharzt für Urologie mit anderen europäischen Konzepten, die Analyse lokoregionaler Unterschiede, sowie der personellen Entwicklung der deutschen Urologie in den letzten 5 Jahren. Zudem sollen finanzielle Fördermöglichkeiten für Weiterbildungsassistenten im ambulanten Sektor evaluiert werden.

Material und Methoden

Nach Analyse der neuen Musterweiterbildungsordnung (MWBO) erfolgte die Untersuchung der aktuellen Weiterbildungssituation in Deutschland im europäischen Vergleich. Es wurde eine Trendanalyse der Entwicklung von Personalstrukturen in der Urologie in den letzten Jahren durchgeführt. Zudem wurde ein intersektorales Rotationskonzept entwickelt. Zuletzt wurden finanzielle Fördermöglichkeiten für urologische Weiterbildungsassistenten durch eine standardisierte Telefonbefragung evaluiert.

Ergebnisse

Im Vergleich zu anderen europäischen Weiterbildungsinhalten zeigt sich die positive Sonderstellung der deutschen Urologie mit ihrem enormen Spektrum. In einigen Bundesländern bestehen bereits finanzielle Fördermöglichkeiten für Weiterbildungsassistenten durch die regionalen Kassenärztlichen Vereinigungen.

Diskussion

Während in anderen europäischen Ländern eine einheitliche Weiterbildung auf Staatsebene üblich ist, herrscht in Deutschland durch die Länderhoheit Heterogenität. Durch die Verlagerung vieler Weiterbildungsinhalte in den ambulanten Sektor werden zukünftig Allianzen zwischen Kliniken und Praxen im Sinne der intersektoralen Weiterbildung immer wichtiger werden. Dafür ist die Nutzung bestehender Fördermittel und als Fernziel der flächendeckende Zugang zu solchen Fördermitteln wünschenswert.
Grouped circular data in biology: advice for effectively implementing statistical procedures
Authors: Landler Lukas , Ruxton Graeme D. , Malkemper E. Pascal
Published: July 2020

The most common statistical procedure with a sample of circular data is to test the null hypothesis that points are spread uniformly around the circle without a preferred direction. An array of tests for this has been developed. However, these tests were designed for continuously distributed data, whereas often (e.g. due to limited precision of measurement techniques) collected data is aggregated into a set of discrete values (e.g. rounded to the nearest degree). This disparity can cause an uncontrolled increase in type I error rate, an effect that is particularly problematic for tests that are based on the distribution of arc lengths between adjacent points (such as the Rao spacing test). Here, we demonstrate that an easy-to-apply modification can correct this problem, and we recommend this modification when using any test, other than the Rayleigh test, of circular uniformity on aggregated data. We provideRfunctions for this modification for several commonly used tests. In addition, we tested the power of a recently proposed test, the Gini test. However, we concluded that it lacks sufficient increase in power to replace any of the tests already in common use. In conclusion, using any of the standard circular tests (except the Rayleigh test) without modifications on rounded/aggregated data, especially with larger sample sizes, will increase the proportion of false-positive results—but we demonstrate that a simple and general modification avoids this problem.

Significance statement

Circular data are widespread across biological disciplines, e.g. in orientation studies or circadian rhythms. Often these data are rounded to the nearest 1–10 degrees. We have shown previously that this leads to an inflation of false-positive results when testing whether the data is significantly different from a random distribution using the Rao test. Here we present a modification that avoids this increase in false-positives for rounded data while retaining statistical power for a variety of tests. In sum, we provide comprehensive guidance on how best to test for departure from uniformity in non-continuous data.
Phosphorrückgewinnung aus Klärschlammaschen mit dem RecoPhos-Prozess
Authors: Windisch Stefan , Ponak Christoph , Mally Valentin , Raupenstrauch Harald
Published: July 2020

Um Klärschlämme auch zukünftig in aktuell angewendeten Mitverbrennungsprozessen (z. B. Müllverbrennungsanlagen, Zementwerke) energetisch und stofflich verwerten zu können, muss eine Möglichkeit zur Rückgewinnung des enthaltenen Phosphors geschaffen werden. Am Lehrstuhl für Thermoprozesstechnik der Montanuniversität Leoben wurde vor einigen Jahren ein Reaktor gebaut – genannt InduRed –, welcher als Herzstück des RecoPhos-Prozesses zur Reduktion von Phosphatverbindungen in Klärschlammaschen dient. Durch das herausfordernde Reaktionsverhalten des Phosphors in Gegenwart von Eisen werden an einen solchen Prozess viele Anforderungen gestellt. Beim RecoPhos-Prozess werden aus Klärschlammasche mittels carbo-thermischer Reduktion in einer induktiv erwärmten Grafitschüttung mit anschließender Nachverbrennung und Gaswäsche Phosphorsäure, eine phosphorarme Metallphase und eine mineralische Restfraktion erzeugt. Das ambitionierte Ziel der Weiterentwicklung und Verbesserung der Phosphorrückgewinnung ist es, eine mehr als 75 %ige Rückgewinnungsrate zu erzielen und darüber hinaus eine für die stoffliche Verwertung geeignete mineralische Fraktion zu gewinnen. Dies soll durch die Wahl geeigneter Additive und schnelle Abkühlung der Restschlacke nach der Reduktion (z. B. durch Trockenschlackengranulation) passieren. In durchgeführten Versuchskampagnen konnten bereits einige Erfolge erzielt werden. So gelang es beispielsweise in einem kontinuierlichen Versuch in der RecoPhos-Anlage des Lehrstuhls für Thermoprozesstechnik an der Montanuniversität Leoben, den Phosphor-Restgehalt in der Schlacke nahezu zu beseitigen bzw. die Anreicherung von Phosphor in der Metallphase zu reduzieren.
Histopathological growth patterns as biomarker for adjuvant systemic chemotherapy in patients with resected colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Buisman Florian E. , van der Stok Eric P. , Galjart Boris , Vermeulen Peter B. , Balachandran Vinod P. , Coebergh van den Braak Robert R. J. , Creasy John M. , Höppener Diederik J. , Jarnagin William R. , Kingham T. Peter , Nierop Pieter M. H. , Sadot Eran , Shia Jinru , Groot Koerkamp Bas , Grünhagen Dirk J. , D’Angelica Michael , Verhoef Cornelis
Published: July 2020

Adjuvant systemic chemotherapy (CTx) is widely administered in patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Histopathological growth patterns (HGPs) are an independent prognostic factor for survival after complete resection. This study evaluates whether HGPs can predict the effectiveness of adjuvant CTx in patients with resected CRLM. Two main types of HGPs can be distinguished; the desmoplastic type and the non-desmoplastic type. Uni- and multivariable analyses for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were performed, in both patients treated with and without preoperative chemotherapy. A total of 1236 patients from two tertiary centers (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA; Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands) were included (period 2000–2016). A total of 656 patients (53.1%) patients received preoperative chemotherapy. Adjuvant CTx was only associated with a superior OS in non-desmoplastic patients that had not been pretreated (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37–0.73, p < 0.001), and not in desmoplastic patients (adjusted HR 1.78, 95% CI 0.75–4.21, p = 0.19). In pretreated patients no significant effect of adjuvant CTx was observed, neither in the desmoplastic group (adjusted HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.49–1.42, p = 0.50) nor in the non-desmoplastic group (adjusted HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.71–1.29, p = 0.79). Similar results were found for DFS, with a superior DFS in non-desmoplastic patients treated with adjuvant CTx (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.55–0.93, p < 0.001) that were not pretreated. Adjuvant CTx seems to improve OS and DFS after resection of non-desmoplastic CRLM. However, this effect was only observed in patients that were not treated with chemotherapy.
Global Inequality in a more educated world
Authors: Ahmed Amer , Bussolo Maurizio , Cruz Marcio , Go Delfin S. , Osorio-Rodarte Israel
Published: July 2020

Better-educated and younger cohorts from developing countries are entering the global labor market. This education wave is altering the skill and geographic composition of the global labor market, and impacting income distribution, at the national and global levels. This paper analyzes how this education wave reshapes global inequality over the long run using a general-equilibrium macro-micro simulation framework that covers harmonized household surveys for almost 90% of the world population. The findings suggest that global income inequality will likely decrease by 2030. The expanding supply of better educated workers from developing countries will be a key factor, especially in supporting the reduction of income disparities between countries. The education wave will also minimize, mainly for developing countries, increases of within-country inequality linked to technological progress and its widening of wage premia.