bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene and glass fiber on flame‐retardant and mechanical properties of the rigid polyurethane foam
Authors: Zhang Peidong , Ma Dan , Cheng Jiaji , Zhang Xinlong , Chen Xianqun
Published: May 2020

Hexaphenoxycyclotriphosphazene (HPCTP), modified with phenoxy groups based on hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP), has been proved that have excellent thermal stability. In this article, HPCTP and glass fiber (GF) were added into the rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) to improve the flame‐retardant and mechanical properties of RPUF. The mechanical properties of composite were measured by compressive strength test. The micrographs were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the flame‐retardant and thermal properties were investigated by limiting oxygen index, cone calorimeter test, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed that the addition of HPCTP and GF would improve the mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of RPUF.
Identification of nodulation‐related genes in Medicago truncatula using genome‐wide association studies and co‐expression networks
Authors: Michno Jean‐Michel , Liu Junqi , Jeffers Joseph R. , Stupar Robert M. , Myers Chad L.
Published: May 2020

Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have proven to be a valuable approach for identifying genetic intervals associated with phenotypic variation in Medicago truncatula. These intervals can vary in size, depending on the historical local recombination. Typically, significant intervals span numerous gene models, limiting the ability to resolve high‐confidence candidate genes underlying the trait of interest. Additional genomic data, including gene co‐expression networks, can be combined with the genetic mapping information to successfully identify candidate genes. Co‐expression network analysis provides information about the functional relationships of each gene through its similarity of expression patterns to other well‐defined clusters of genes. In this study, we integrated data from GWAS and co‐expression networks to pinpoint candidate genes that may be associated with nodule‐related phenotypes in M. truncatula. We further investigated a subset of these genes and confirmed that several had existing evidence linking them nodulation, including MEDTR2G101090 (PEN3‐like), a previously validated gene associated with nodule number.
Registration of oilseed sunflower maintainer germplasm HA 489 with resistance to the banded sunflower moth
Authors: Wronski Adam R. , Prasifka Jarrad R. , Grove Michael S. , Koehler Brady D. , Misar Christopher G. , Underwood William , Hulke Brent S.
Published: May 2020

The banded sunflower moth is one of the most pervasive insect pests of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in North America, in large part due to its ability to overwinter in cold climates. The goal of this research is to provide germplasm containing resistance to infestation by the banded sunflower moth while retaining valuable traits, such as imidazolinone herbicide tolerance and high oleic acid content in the seed oil, along with suitable agronomic performance for the northern Great Plains climate and other similar climates where the banded sunflower moth is prevalent. HA 489 (Reg. no. GP‐370, PI 691858) is a maintainer inbred germplasm developed by pedigree selection and testcross evaluation that can fill this need. HA 489 has high oleic acid composition, exhibits tolerance to imidazolinones, and provides resistance to banded sunflower moth infestation. This line was released by the USDA‐ARS, Fargo, ND, to fill the need for sources of host‐plant resistance to important insect pests.
A Fast and Memory‐Efficient Spectral Library Search Algorithm Using Locality‐Sensitive Hashing
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Kaiyuan , Li Sujun , Tang Haixu
Published: May 2020

With the accumulation of MS/MS spectra collected in spectral libraries, the spectral library searching approach emerges as an important approach for peptide identification in proteomics, complementary to the commonly used protein database searching approach, in particular for the proteomic analyses of well‐studied model organisms, such as human. Existing spectral library searching algorithms compare a query MS/MS spectrum with each spectrum in the library with matched precursor mass and charge state, which may become computationally intensive with the rapidly growing library size. Here, the software msSLASH, which implements a fast spectral library searching algorithm based on the Locality‐Sensitive Hashing (LSH) technique, is presented. The algorithm first converts the library and query spectra into bit‐strings using LSH functions, and then computes the similarity between the spectra with highly similar bit‐string. Using the spectral library searching of large real‐world MS/MS spectra datasets, it is demonstrated that the algorithm significantly reduced the number of spectral comparisons, and as a result, achieved 2–9X speedup in comparison with existing spectral library searching algorithm SpectraST. The spectral searching algorithm is implemented in C/C++, and is ready to be used in proteomic data analyses.
Mental disorders in migrants: First episode psychosis in postpartum period
Authors: Sheikh Anneka , Singsit‐Evans Sharon
Published: May 2020

The aetiology of the increased risk of mental illness in migrant populations, including psychotic disorders, remains unclear. Studies have shown positive associations between prolonged psychosocial adversity experienced in such populations and the development of schizophrenia. This case report describes a Black‐African migrant woman who presented with first episode psychosis.
Primary progressive aphasia: misdiagnosis with ‘normal imaging’
Authors: Randall A , Larner AJ
Published: May 2020

Aphasia, an acquired disorder of language function, has a potentially broad differential diagnosis. We present two cases in which primary progressive aphasia in its most common variant – the non‐fluent form – was misdiagnosed as other cognitive disorders, with consequent implications for patient lifestyle and activities. Greater awareness of this disorder is required in the assessment of patients presenting to memory clinics.
The COVID‐19 pandemic and its impact on mental health
Authors: Chakraborty Nandini
Published: May 2020

Similarities exist between our past experience of viral diseases and COVID‐19 concerning the mental health issues of sufferers of an epidemic, frontline health workers and the social and psychological impact on society. There is significant evidence that a novel illness such as COVID‐19 can cause widespread fear, panic, anxiety and xenophobia. Dr Chakraborty explores the latest literature and what it means for mental health.
Prescribing in borderline personality disorder – the clinical guidelines
Authors: Yadav Devender
Published: May 2020

Drug prescription and polypharmacy are commonly seen in the management of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in clinical practice, and the ‘placebo effect of medications’ in BPD patients is significant. However, it is to be noted that ‘no drug’ has a UK market authorisation or Food & Drug Administration approval in the USA for BPD. Here Dr Yadav reviews the guidelines.
Predicting assessment outcomes in an EIP team from referral letter information
Authors: Randall Ian , Booth Hanna , Bousie Jonathan , Chakraborty Nandini
Published: May 2020

Effective screening of referrals is key to prioritising clinical needs. Here, the authors describe their study, which evaluated how effectively a multidisciplinary team in an early intervention in psychosis community team assessed appropriate cases based on the information in the referral letter and the implications for improving the service for the future.
A protein sequence fitness function for identifying natural and nonnatural proteins
Authors: Kaushik Rahul , Zhang Kam Y. J.
Published: May 2020

The infinitesimally small sequence space naturally scouted in the millions of years of evolution suggests that the natural proteins are constrained by some functional prerequisites and should differ from randomly generated sequences. We have developed a protein sequence fitness scoring function that implements sequence and corresponding secondary structural information at tripeptide levels to differentiate natural and nonnatural proteins. The proposed fitness function is extensively validated on a dataset of about 210 000 natural and nonnatural protein sequences and benchmarked with existing methods for differentiating natural and nonnatural proteins. The high sensitivity, specificity, and percentage accuracy (0.81%, 0.95%, and 91% respectively) of the fitness function demonstrates its potential application for sampling the protein sequences with higher probability of mimicking natural proteins. Moreover, the four major classes of proteins (α proteins, β proteins, α/β proteins, and α + β proteins) are separately analyzed and β proteins are found to score slightly lower as compared to other classes. Further, an analysis of about 250 designed proteins (adopted from previously reported cases) helped to define the boundaries for sampling the ideal protein sequences. The protein sequence characterization aided by the proposed fitness function could facilitate the exploration of new perspectives in the design of novel functional proteins.
Caffeine preserves quiet sleep in preterm neonates
Authors: Koch Gilbert , Schönfeld Natalie , Jost Kerstin , Atkinson Andrew , Schulzke Sven M. , Pfister Marc , Datta Alexandre N.
Published: May 2020

Caffeine is widely used in preterm neonates suffering from apnea of prematurity (AOP), and it has become one of the most frequently prescribed medications in neonatal intensive care units. Goal of this study is to investigate how caffeine citrate treatment affects sleep‐wake behavior in preterm neonates. The observational study consists of 64 preterm neonates during their first 5 days of life with gestational age (GA) <32 weeks or very low birthweight of < 1500 g. A total of 52 patients treated with caffeine citrate and 12 patients without caffeine citrate were included. Sleep‐wake behavior was scored in three stages: active sleep, quiet sleep, and wakefulness. Individual caffeine concentration of every neonate was simulated with a pharmacokinetic model. In neonates with GA ≥ 28 weeks, wakefulness increased and active sleep decreased with increasing caffeine concentrations, whereas quiet sleep remained unchanged. In neonates with GA < 28 weeks, no clear caffeine effects on sleep‐wake behavior could be demonstrated. Caffeine increases fraction of wakefulness, alertness, and most probably also arousability at cost of active but not quiet sleep in preterm neonates. As such, caffeine should therefore not affect time for physical and cerebral regeneration during sleep in preterm neonates.
Ni‐Based Coordination Polymer as a Promising Anode Material for Potassium Batteries
Authors: Kraevaya Olga A. , Shchurik Elena V. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: May 2020

Ni‐based coordination polymer derived from 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine (Ni‐DAB) is reported as a stable potassium battery anode working in the safe voltage window of 0.4–2.0 V versus K+/K. At a low current density of 50 mA g−1, specific discharge capacity of 183 mA h g−1 is reached. Capacity of 158 mA h g−1 is obtained at 1 A g−1, whereas capacity decay is only 0.014% per cycle over 600 cycles, which is among the best cycling stability results reported for electrode materials used in potassium batteries.
High‐Temperature Thermoelectric Properties of Sol–Gel Processed Ca2.5Ag0.3RE0.2Co4O9 (RE: Y and Rare‐Earths) Materials
Authors: Kilinc Enes , Uysal Fatih , Celik Erdal , Kurt Huseyin
Published: May 2020

Herein, dually doped Ca2.5Ag0.3RE0.2Co4O9 (RE: La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, Eu, Tb, Ho, Lu, Ce, and Y) samples are synthesized by sol–gel technique and consolidated by cold pressing under high pressure to systematically scrutinize the influences of Y and rare‐earth dually doping with Ag on transport properties of Ca3Co4O9 for high‐temperature thermoelectric (TE) applications. Characterization results reveal that targeted phase is successfully produced, and doping of the compositions is provided. Doping of Y and rare‐earth elements together with Ag into the Ca2+ site is effective in increasing the Seebeck coefficient and decreasing the electrical resistivity of the samples, thanks to the reduction in carrier concentration. Thermal conductivity of the samples is reduced related to the lower relative densities and alloy scattering originated from dually doping. Among the samples, Ca2.5Ag0.3Ho0.2Co4O9 and Ca2.5Ag0.3Eu0.2Co4O9 exhibit the highest power factor (PF) values of 0.65 and 0.62 mW m−1 K−2 at 800 °C, respectively. These results are quite high for bulk oxide TE materials which can be assessed as potential oxide TE materials for high‐temperature TE power generation.
Tuning Spin Hall Conductivity in GeTe by Ferroelectric Polarization
Authors: Zhang Wenxu , Teng Zhao , Zeng Huizhong , Zhang Hongbin , Železný Jakub , Zhang Wanli
Published: May 2020

Controlling charge‐spin current conversion by electric fields is crucial in spintronic devices, which can now be realized in diatom ferroelectric semiconductor GeTe. It is well demonstrated that ferroelectricity can change the spin texture in this compound. Herein, it is shown that the spin Hall conductivity (SHC) can be further tuned by ferroelectricity based on the density functional theory calculations. The spin texture variation driven by the electric fields is elucidated from the symmetry point of view, highlighting the interlocked spin and orbital degrees of freedom. It is observed that the origin of SHC can be attributed to the Rashba effect and the intrinsic spin–orbit coupling. The magnitude of one component of SHC can reach as large as 100  in the vicinity of the band edge, which is promising for engineering spintronic devices. The work on tunable spin transport properties via the ferroelectric polarization brings novel assets into the field of spintronics.
Substitutional Sulfur in CdSe: Localized Vibrational Modes
Authors: Herklotz Frank , Lavrov Eduard V. , Melnikov Vladlen V.
Published: May 2020

The substitutional sulfur at the selen site in wurtzite CdSe is identified by a combination of infrared absorption spectroscopy and first principles calculations. The dominant isotope gives rise to two local vibrational modes at 270.6 and 271.4 cm−1 (10 K) assigned to the nondegenerate and the twofold degenerate E representations of the point group. The corresponding signals of the isotope occur at 263.6 and 264.4 cm−1. The results of measurements performed on a set of samples supplied by different manufacturers highlight that sulfur is an ubiquitous impurity in CdSe unintentionally incorporated into the crystals during the process of growth.
Dynamics of concurrent and sequential Central European and Scandinavian heatwaves
Authors: Spensberger C. , Madonna E. , Boettcher M. , Grams C. M. , Papritz L. , Quinting J. F. , Röthlisberger M. , Sprenger M. , Zschenderlein P.
Published: May 2020

In both 2003 and 2018 a heatwave in Scandinavia in July was followed by a heatwave in Central Europe in August. Whereas the transition occurred abruptly in 2003, it was gradual in 2018 with a 12‐day period of concurrent heatwaves in both regions. This study contrasts these two events in the context of a heatwave climatology to elucidate the dynamics of both concurrent and sequential heatwaves. Central European and, in particular, concurrent heatwaves are climatologically associated with weak pressure gradient (WPG) events over Central Europe, which indicate the absence of synoptic activity over this region. One synoptic pattern associated with such events is Scandinavian blocking. This pattern is at the same time conducive to heatwaves in Scandinavia, thereby providing a mechanism by which Scandinavian and Central European heatwaves can co‐occur. Further, the association of WPG events with Scandinavian blocking constitutes a mechanism that allows heatwaves to grow beyond the perimeter of the synoptic system from which they emanated. A trajectory analysis of the source regions of the low‐level air incorporated in the heatwaves indicates rapidly changing air mass sources throughout the heatwaves in both regions, but no recycling of heat from one heatwave to the other. This finding is line with a composite analysis indicating that transitions between Scandinavian and Central European heatwaves are merely a random coincidence of heatwave onset and decay.
Identification of short‐chain fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (SFAHFAs) in a murine model by nontargeted analysis using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/linear ion trap quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry
Authors: Gowda Siddabasave Gowda B. , Liang Chongsheng , Gowda Divyavani , Hou Fengjue , Kawakami Kentaro , Fukiya Satoru , Yokota Atsushi , Chiba Hitoshi , Hui Shu‐Ping
Published: May 2020

Rationale

Fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids (FAHFAs) are recently discovered endogenous lipids with outstanding health benefits. FAHFAs are known to exhibit antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti‐inflammatory properties. The number of known long‐chain FAHFAs in mammalian tissues and dietary resources increased recently because of the latest developments in high‐resolution tandem mass spectrometry techniques. However, there are no reports on the identification of short‐chain fatty acid esterified hydroxy fatty acids (SFAHFAs).

Methods

Intestinal contents, tissues, and plasma of rats fed with high‐fat diet (HFD) and normal diet (ND) were analyzed for fatty acids, hydroxy fatty acids, and FAHFAs using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and linear trap quadrupole‐Orbitrap mass spectrometry (LTQ Orbitrap MS) with negative heated electrospray ionization.

Results

Untargeted analysis of total lipid extracts from murine samples (male 13‐week‐old WKAH/HKmSlc rats) led to the identification of several new SFAHFAs of acetic acid or propanoic acid esterified long‐chain (>C20)‐hydroxy fatty acids. Furthermore, MS3 analysis revealed the position of the hydroxyl group in the long‐chain fatty acid as C‐2. The relative amounts of SFAHFAs were quantified in intestinal contents and their tissues (Cecum, small intestine, and large intestine), liver, and plasma of rats fed with HFD and ND. The large intestine showed the highest abundance of SFAHFAs with a concentration range from 0.84 to 57 pmol/mg followed by the cecum with a range of 0.66 to 28.6 pmol/mg. The SFAHFAs were significantly altered between the HFD and ND groups, with a strong decreasing tendency under HFD conditions.

Conclusions

Identification of these novel SFAHFAs can contribute to a better understanding of the chemical and biological properties of individual SFAHFAs and their possible sources in the gut, which in turn helps us tackle the role of these lipids in various metabolic diseases.
From Policy Challenge to Implementation Strategy: Enabling Strategies for Network Governance of Urban Resilience
Authors: Therrien Marie‐Christine , Normandin Julie‐Maude
Published: May 2020

What transformations do municipal administrations implement to enact a resilience policy? This article responds to this question from a comparative perspective by analyzing enabling and impeding mechanisms developed in the cities of Montreal (Canada) and London (UK) as they establish their strategies. Collaborative network governance and institutional work mechanisms used in Montreal and London are analyzed in connection with the influence of macro‐ and micro‐contextual elements under which a network can resiliently manage risk and crises. In both cases, the development of resilience emerges from their emergency management structures, as units in charge try to animate their new area of responsibility through collaborative governance. As a siloed approach this is embedded in daily routines, organizations with limited resources focused on shared motivation and values, collaboration across organizational boundaries and creation of joint capacity to implement resilience. This transformative process concerns the organization in charge of resilience in the municipal administration and the wider network that they build and animate.
Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH)‐Derived Mixed Metal Oxides (MMOs): A Systematic Crystal‐Chemical Approach to Investigating the Chemical Composition and its Effect on High Temperature CO2 capture.
Authors: Cheah Li Anne , Manohara G. V. , Maroto‐Valer M. Mercedes , Garcia Susana
Published: May 2020

A systematic study was conducted to establish a chemically meaningful relationship between the chemical composition of precursor, layered double hydroxide (LDH) and the CO2 uptake capacities of the derived mixed‐metal oxides (MMOs) sorbent. A simple crystal‐chemical approach based on Vegard's law is proposed as a better characterization technique for LDHs, using lattice parameter a to find the true composition, x. Close values of a for all the resultant LDHs (3.051 ‐ 3.056 Å) suggests a thermodynamic preference to produce LDHs having a composition that is close to that of mineral Hydrotalcite (3.054 Å). Solid state 27Al spectra reveal the presence of aluminium based amorphous impurity phases in bulk LDHs. Due to the employed synthesis method and complex solution chemistry of the unitary hydroxides involved, it proved difficult to get the desired composition and to control the presence of impurities. The presence of remnant sodium has a significant effect on the CO2 uptake capacities of the resultant MMOs. Overall, the choice of synthesis method, purity of the samples, presence of impurities and chemical efficiency of the whole synthesis process plays a major role on developing LDH based MMOs sorbents for CO2 capture.
The Synthesis of 1H‐Pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoxaline Derivatives Oriented towards Modification of Carbocyclic Ring in the Parent Skeleton
Authors: Wojtasik Katarzyna , Danel Andrzej
Published: May 2020

Palladium catalyzed aminoarylation reactions are widely used to create new C−N bonds. It has been proved that the method of synthesis of 1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoxaline derivatives (PQX), consisting of the reductive cyclization of the corresponding pyrazole derivative, is the most universal method of PQX synthesis among the known and is regiospecific. The obtained x‐chloro‐1‐methyl‐3‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazolo[3,4‐b]quinoxaline isomers were starting materials for the synthesis of N,N‐diethylamine derivatives. The position differentiation of these substituents strongly impact the emissive properties of the final compounds.
Palladium Nanoparticles Doped on the Chitosan Nanofibers Modified with 2‐Aminobenzaldehyde as a Nanocatalyst in Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Shahbazi Esmaeil , Bahrami Kiumars
Published: May 2020

The palladium metal nanoparticles doped on the modified chitosan nanofibers with 2‐aminobenzaldehyde (CSNFs‐2‐AB−Pd (0)) were thoroughly characterized and applied as a novel heterogeneous catalyst in Heck and Suzuki C−C coupling reactions. This catalyst is exceptionally simple to handle and ecologically safe and temperate. The catalyst was essentially reused from the reaction mixture and reused sequential five times with low leakage. CSNFs‐2‐AB−Pd (0) was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared.
Physical Simulations of Macromixing Conditions in One‐Strand Tundish during Unsteady Period of Continuous Slab Casting Sequence
Authors: Cwudziński Adam , Jowsa Jan , Gajda Bernadeta
Published: May 2020

The tundish as a flow reactor has a special feature, that is, the liquid metal stays in its working capacity for a certain period of time before it enters the mold. This time is effectively used to correct the chemical composition of cast steel. The object of investigation is the wedge‐type tundish, being a component of the continuous casting slab machine. According to the criterion of similarity, the glass model of the tundish is built to a 0.4 linear scale. A tracer is fed into water using the pulse‐step method. During the casting sequences, the time for starting the alloying process, the depth of immersion of the ladle shroud, and the location of feeding the alloy addition change. On the basis of the recorded tracer concentration curves, the mixing time is calculated between the start of feeding the marker to the water and obtaining the required level of chemical homogenization in the water flowing out of the tundish model. Based on the conducted experiments, it is stated that mixing time depends on feeding positions, time of feeding initialization, and hydrodynamic conditions in the tundish during particular stages of the casting sequence.
Konzepte für Tragstrukturen von Windenergieanlagen an Beispielen
Authors: Kemper Frank , Friehe Mirko , Fontecha Robert , Feldmann Markus
Published: May 2020

Anhand dreier Beispiele aus eigener Forschung und Entwicklung werden Herausforderungen und Potenziale im Bereich der Planung und Konzeption innovativer Tragstrukturen für Windenergieanlagen dargestellt. Dabei ist die Ermüdung ein zentrales Thema. Durch die windrichtungsscharfe Bestimmung der Beanspruchungszyklen, die aus den Betriebslasten resultieren, lassen sich die berechneten Schädigungswerte gegenüber einer monodirektionalen Windmodellierung deutlich reduzieren. Durch die Nutzung automatisierter Berechnungswerkzeuge können in der Phase des Variantenstudiums auch Modelle für besonders hohe Gittermasten numerisch generiert und hinsichtlich Entwurf und Bemessung optimiert werden. Ein wichtiger Punkt ist, dass die deutlichsten Kosteneinsparungen bei Turmtragwerken sehr großer Höhen im Bereich von „Selbsterrichtungskonzepten“ erzielt werden, worauf der Beitrag auch eingeht. Die Randbedingungen dieser Beispiele, die eingeschlagenen Lösungswege sowie eine Auswahl der erzielten Ergebnisse werden vorgestellt.
Extended experimental and numerical investigations on constraint forces from imposed deformations
Authors: Berger Johannes , Pfeiffer Max , Feix Jürgen
Published: May 2020

Constraint forces are directly proportional to the stiffness of the system, so the size of the constraining force reduction depends on the ability of the system to reduce stiffness by the cracking of concrete, the plasticizing of reinforcement, or a time‐dependent process. Constraint forces can be differentiated in two cases: internal forces due to constraints that have the same or opposite action effects as the load in the relevant cross sections. For the first case, extensive experimental investigations have already been performed, and the results have been presented. For the second case, new extended experimental and numerical investigations were carried out to understand the development of the constraint. In these new tests, the concrete strength, percentage of reinforcement, and slenderness were varied. The obtained results serve to assess how constrained forces can be considered in the design of concrete structures.
A micro‐mechanically motivated phenomenological yield function for cubic crystal aggregates
Authors: Dyck Alexander , Böhlke Thomas
Published: May 2020

A micro‐mechanically motivated phenomenological yield function, for polycrystalline cubic metals is presented. In the suggested yield function microstructure is taken into account by the crystallographic orientation distribution function in terms of tensorial Fourier coefficients. The yield function is presented in a polynomial form in powers of the stress state. Known group‐theoretic results are used to identify isotropic and anisotropic parts in the yield function, whereby anisotropic parts are characterized by tensorial Fourier coefficients. The form of the presented yield function is inspired by the classic, phenomenological von Mises ‐ Hill yield function first published in 1913. For a specific choice of material parameters, both functions coincide, thus a micro‐mechanically motivated generalization of the von Mises ‐ Hill yield function is presented. For the given yield function, two dimensional experimental results are sufficient, to identify a three dimensional anisotropic yield behavior. The work concludes with a treatment of the isotropic special case, i.e. a tension‐compression split in yield behavior as well as parameter ranges for convexity and shapes of the yield surface.
Conformal quantum mechanics of causal diamonds
Authors: Arzano Michele
Published: May 2020

Abstract

It is shown that a general radial conformal Killing vector in Minkowski space-time can be associated to a generator of time evolution in conformal quantum mechanics. Among these conformal Killing vectors there is a class which maps causal diamonds in Minkowski space-time into themselves. The flow of such Killing vectors describes worldlines of accelerated observers with a finite lifetime within a causal diamond. Time evolution of static diamond observers is equivalent to time evolution in conformal quantum mechanics governed by a hyperbolic Hamiltonian and covering only a segment of the time axis. This indicates that the Unruh temperature perceived by static diamond observers in the vacuum state of inertial observers in Minkowski space-time can be obtained from the behaviour of the two-point functions of conformal quantum mechanics. The results presented suggest a group theoretical description of the recently proposed light-cone temperature associated to null surfaces defined by light fronts in Minkowski space-time.
CU06-1004 (endothelial dysfunction blocker) ameliorates astrocyte end-feet swelling by stabilizing endothelial cell junctions in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Kim Dong Young , Zhang Haiying , Park Songyi , Kim Yeaji , Bae Cho-Rong , Kim Young-Myeong , Kwon Young-Guen
Published: May 2020

Cerebral ischemia, or stroke, is widespread leading cause of death and disability. Surgical and pharmacological interventions that recover blood flow are the most effective treatment strategies for stroke patients. However, restoring the blood supply is accompanied by severe reperfusion injury, with edema and astrocyte end-feet disruption. Here, we report that the oral administration of CU06-1004 (previously Sac-1004), immediately after onset of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), ameliorated cerebral damage. CU06-1004 stabilized blood‑brain barrier by inhibiting the disruption of the tight junction-related protein zona occludens-1 and the cortical actin ring in endothelial cells (ECs) after I/R. Interestingly, CU06-1004 significantly suppressed astrocyte end-feet swelling following I/R, by reducing aquaporin 4 and connexin 43 levels, which mediates swelling. Furthermore, the degradation of β1-integrin and β-dystroglycan, which anchors to the cortical actin ring in ECs, was inhibited by CU06-1004 administration after I/R. Consistently, CU06-1004 administration following I/R also suppressed the loss of laminin and collagen type IV, which bind to the cortical actin ring anchoring proteins. Unlike the protective effects of CU06-1004 in ECs, astrocyte viability and proliferation were not directly affected. Taken together, our observations suggest that CU06-1004 inhibits I/R-induced cerebral edema and astrocyte end-feet swelling by maintaining EC junction stability.

Key messages

• CU06-1004 ameliorates I/R-induced cerebral injury.

• EC junction integrity was stabilized by CU06-1004 treatment after I/R.

• CU06-1004 reduces astrocyte end-feet swelling following I/R.

• EC junction stability affects astrocyte end-feet structure maintenance after I/R.
Natural brominated phenoxyphenols kill persistent and biofilm-incorporated cells of MRSA and other pathogenic bacteria
Authors: van Geelen Lasse , Kaschani Farnusch , Sazzadeh Shabnam S. , Adeniyi Emmanuel T. , Meier Dieter , Proksch Peter , Pfeffer Klaus , Kaiser Markus , Ioerger Thomas R. , Kalscheuer Rainer
Published: May 2020

Due to a high unresponsiveness to chemotherapy, biofilm formation is an important medical problem that frequently occurs during infection with many bacterial pathogens. In this study, the marine sponge-derived natural compounds 4,6-dibromo-2-(2′,4′-dibromophenoxy)phenol and 3,4,6-tribromo-2-(2′,4′-dibromophenoxy)phenol were found to exhibit broad antibacterial activity against medically relevant gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. The compounds were not only bactericidal against both replicating and stationary phase–persistent planktonic cells of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; they also killed biofilm-incorporated cells of both species while not affecting biofilm structural integrity. Moreover, these compounds were active against carbapenemase-producing Enterobacter sp. This simultaneous activity of compounds against different growth forms of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria is rare. Genome sequencing of spontaneous resistant mutants and proteome analysis suggest that resistance is mediated by downregulation of the bacterial EIIBC phosphotransferase components scrA and mtlA in MRSA likely leading to a lower uptake of the molecules. Due to their only moderate cytotoxicity against human cell lines, phenoxyphenols provide an interesting new scaffold for development of antimicrobial agents with activity against planktonic cells, persisters and biofilm-incoporated cells of ESKAPE pathogens.

Key points

• Brominated phenoxyphenols kill actively replicating and biofilm-incorporated bacteria.

• Phosphotransferase systems mediate uptake of brominated phenoxyphenols.

• Downregulation of phosphotransferase systems mediate resistance.
The INFluence of Remote monitoring on Anxiety/depRession, quality of lifE, and Device acceptance in ICD patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-center trial
Authors: Leppert Florian , Siebermair Johannes , Wesemann Ulrich , Martens Eimo , Sattler Stefan M. , Scholz Stefan , Veith Stefan , Greiner Wolfgang , Rassaf Tienush , Kääb Stefan , Wakili Reza
Published: May 2020

Background

Impact of telemedicine with remote patient monitoring (RPM) in implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) patients on clinical outcomes has been investigated in various clinical settings with divergent results. However, role of RPM on patient-reported-outcomes (PRO) is unclear. The INFRARED-ICD trial aimed to investigate the effect of RPM in addition to standard-of-care on PRO in a mixed ICD patient cohort.

Methods and results

Patients were randomized to RPM (n = 92) or standard in-office-FU (n = 88) serving as control group (CTL). At baseline and on a monthly basis over 1 year, study participants completed the EQ-5D questionnaire for the primary outcome Quality of Life (QoL), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Florida Patient Acceptance Survey questionnaire for secondary outcomes. Demographic characteristics (82% men, mean age 62.3 years) and PRO at baseline were not different between RPM and CTL. Primary outcome analysis showed that additional RPM was not superior to CTL with respect to QoL over 12 months [+ 1.2 vs. + 3.9 points in CTL and RPM group, respectively (p = 0.24)]. Pre-specified analyses could not identify subgroups with improved QoL by the use of RPM. Neither levels of anxiety (− 0.4 vs. − 0.3, p = 0.88), depression (+ 0.3 vs. ± 0.0, p = 0.38), nor device acceptance (+ 1.1 vs. + 1.6, p = 0.20) were influenced by additional use of RPM.

Conclusion

The results of the present study show that PRO were not improved by RPM in addition to standard-of-care FU. Careful evaluation and planning of future trials in selected ICD patients are warranted before implementing RPM in routine practice.

Graphic abstract
Fingerprints of homogeneous nucleation and crystal growth in polyamide 66 as studied by combined infrared spectroscopy and fast scanning chip calorimetry
Authors: Anton Arthur Markus , Zhuravlev Evgeny , Kossack Wilhelm , Andrianov Ruslan , Schick Christoph , Kremer Friedrich
Published: May 2020

Homogenous crystal nucleation and growth in polyamide 66 (PA66) are followed in situ by means of a combination of FTIR spectroscopy and fast scanning chip calorimetry (FSC). Therefore, a novel setup with a calorimetry chip equipped with an IR-transparent SiN membrane was developed, which enables to examine IR spectroscopic and FSC experiments on the identical specimen. Because of the small amount of sample material (~ 100 ng), it is possible to achieve heating and cooling rates up to 5000 Ks−1, and hence to quench the sample into a fully amorphous state without quenched-in homogeneous crystal nuclei. Annealing the film then allows to determine the onset of homogenous nucleation and crystal growth by means of FSC, whereas molecular interactions are unraveled by FTIR spectroscopy. It is demonstrated that different moieties of PA66 respond distinctly during crystallization; far-reaching interactions such as hydrogen bonding are established prior to onset of short-range steric hindrance.
Low-profile double plating versus dorsal LCP in stabilization of the olecranon fractures
Authors: Hoelscher-Doht Stefanie , Kladny A.-M. , Paul M. M. , Eden L. , Buesse M. , Meffert R. H.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Proximal ulna fractures are common in orthopaedic surgery. Comminuted fractures require a high primary stability by the osteosynthesis, to allow an early functional rehabilitation as fast as possible, to reduce long-term limitations of range of motion. Classical dorsal plating is related to wound healing problems due to the prominence of the implant. New low-profile double plates are available addressing the soft tissue problems by positioning the plates at the medial and lateral side. This study analysed whether, under high loading conditions, these new double plates provide an equivalent stability as compared to the rigid olecranon locking compression plate (LCP).

Materials and methods

In Sawbones, Mayo Type IIB fractures were simulated and stabilized by plate osteosyntheses: In group one, two low-profile plates were placed. In group two, a single dorsal plate (LCP) was used. The bones was than cyclically loaded simulating flexion grades of 0°, 30°, 60° and 90° of the elbow joint with increasing tension forces (150 , 150 , 300  and 500 N). The displacement and fracture gap movement were recorded. In the end, in load-to-failure tests, load at failure and mode of failure were determined.

Results

No significant differences were found for the displacement and fracture gap widening during cyclic loading. Under maximum loading, the double plates revealed a comparable load at failure like the single dorsal plate (LCP). The double plates failed with a proximal screw pull-out of the plate, whereas in the LCP group, in 10 out of 12 specimens the mode of failure was a diaphyseal shaft fracture at the distal plate peak.

Conclusion

Biomechanically, the double plates are a good alternative to the dorsal LCP providing a high stability under high loading conditions and, at the same, time reducing the soft tissue irritation by a lateral plate position.
The effects of high oxygen partial pressure on vegetable Allium seeds with a short shelf-life
Authors: Hourston James E. , Pérez Marta , Gawthrop Frances , Richards Michael , Steinbrecher Tina , Leubner-Metzger Gerhard
Published: May 2020

Main conclusion

Storage at an elevated partial pressure of oxygen and classical artificial ageing cause a rapid loss of seed viability of short-lived vegetable seeds.

Prolonging seed longevity during storage is of major importance for gene banks and the horticultural industry. Slowing down biochemical deterioration, including oxygen-dependent deterioration caused by oxidative processes can boost longevity. This can be affected by the seed structure and the oxygen permeability of seed coat layers. Classical artificial seed ageing assays are used to estimate seed 'shelf-life' by mimicking seed ageing via incubating seeds at elevated temperature and elevated relative humidity (causing elevated equilibrium seed moisture content). In this study, we show that seed lots of vegetable Allium species are short-lived both during dry storage for several months and in seed ageing assays at elevated seed moisture levels. Micromorphological analysis of the Allium cepa x Allium fistulosum salad onion seed identified intact seed coat and endosperm layers. Allium seeds equilibrated at 70% relative humidity were used to investigate seed ageing at tenfold elevated partial pressure of oxygen (high pO2) at room temperature (22 ºC) in comparison to classical artificial ageing at elevated temperature (42 ºC). Our results reveal that 30 days high pO2 treatment causes a rapid loss of seed viability which quantitatively corresponded to the seed viability loss observed by ~ 7 days classical artificial ageing. A similar number of normal seedlings develop from the germinating (viable) proportion of seeds in the population. Many long-lived seeds first exhibit a seed vigour loss, evident from a reduced germination speed, preceding the loss in seed viability. In contrast to this, seed ageing of our short-lived Allium vegetable seems to be characterised by a rapid loss in seed viability.
Upregulation of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein hnRNPA1 is an independent predictor of early biochemical recurrence in TMPRSS2:ERG fusion-negative prostate cancers
Authors: Möller Katharina , Wecker Anna Lena , Höflmayer Doris , Fraune Christoph , Makrypidi-Fraune Georgia , Hube-Magg Claudia , Kluth Martina , Steurer Stefan , Clauditz Till S. , Wilczak Waldemar , Simon Ronald , Sauter Guido , Huland Hartwig , Heinzer Hans , Haese Alexander , Schlomm Thorsten , Weidemann Sören , Luebke Andreas M. , Minner Sarah , Bernreuther Christian , Bonk Sarah , Marx Andreas
Published: May 2020

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNPA1) is a ubiquitous RNA splicing factor that is overexpressed and prognostically relevant in various human cancer types. To study the impact of hnRNPA1 expression in prostate cancer, we analyzed a tissue microarray containing 17,747 clinical prostate cancer specimens by immunohistochemistry. hnRNPA1 was expressed in normal prostate glandular cells but often overexpressed in cancer cells. hnRNPA1 immunostaining was interpretable in 14,258 cancers and considered strong in 33.4%, moderate in 45.9%, weak in 15.3%, and negative in 5.4%. Moderate to strong hnRNPA1 immunostaining was strongly linked to adverse tumor features including high classical and quantitative Gleason score, lymph node metastasis, advanced tumor stage, positive surgical margin, and early biochemical recurrence (p < 0.0001 each). The prognostic impact of hnRNPA1 immunostaining was independent of established preoperatively or postoperatively available prognostic parameters (p < 0.0001). Subset analyses revealed that all these associations were strongly driven by the fraction of cancers lacking the TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion. Comparison with other key molecular data that were earlier obtained on the same TMA showed that hnRNPA1 overexpression was linked to high levels of androgen receptor (AR) expression (p < 0.0001) as well as presence of 9 of 11 chromosomal deletions (p < 0.05 each). A strong association between hnRNPA1 upregulation and tumor cell proliferation that was independent from the Gleason score supports a role for tumor cell aggressiveness. In conclusion, hnRNPA1 overexpression is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in ERG-negative prostate cancer. hnRNPA1 measurement, either alone or in combination, might provide prognostic information in ERG-negative prostate cancer.
Stiripentol fails to lower plasma oxalate in a dialysis-dependent PH1 patient
Authors: Kempf Caroline , Pfau Anja , Holle Johannes , Müller-Schlüter Karen , Bufler Philip , Knauf Felix , Müller Dominik
Published: May 2020

Background

Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is a multisystemic metabolic disorder caused by an excessive production of oxalate by the liver. The majority of patients presenting in early infancy have end-stage renal disease (ESRD). While awaiting the results of sRNAi trials, the current standard treatment is combined liver-kidney transplantation. Recently, Stiripentol has been reported as a promising drug in the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria by reducing urinary oxalate (UOx). Stiripentol is an anti-convulsive drug used in the treatment of children suffering from Dravet syndrome. It causes blockage of the last step in oxalate production by inhibition of hepatic lactate dehydrogenase 5 (LDH5).

Case

We administered Stiripentol as compassionate use in an anuric infant with dialysis-dependent PH1 over a period of 4 months. Although achieving plasma concentrations of Stiripentol that were recently reported to lower UOx excretion, we did not observe significant reduction to plasma oxalate concentrations (POx).

Conclusion

We conclude that Stiripentol may not be useful to reduce POx in PH patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), but larger studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Mechanical response of industrial benchmark lipsticks under large-scale deformations
Authors: Pan Sharadwata , Germann Natalie
Published: May 2020

This work documents the first account of advanced mechanical properties of six commercial lipsticks, some of which serve as market leads. We systematically studied their nonlinear viscoelastic properties under large amplitude oscillatory shear deformations. At large strains, all lipsticks showed intercycle strain softening, the extent of which initially depended on the prototype in the nonlinear regime. This behavior, markedly, was absent after the crossover of the dynamic moduli. Parameters obtained from the strain amplitude sweeps, i.e., the intrinsic elastic modulus and the stress maximum, demonstrated distinct prototype dependence. The Lissajous plots and the dimensionless nonlinear indices were determined using the MITlaos software. They showed intracycle elastic strain stiffening and viscous shear thinning. The angular oscillation frequency directly influenced the linear viscoelastic measures of all the benchmark lipsticks, and the nonlinear properties of only a few benchmark ones. The current study generates standard nonlinear rheology data that can be associated with the lipstick sensory attributes and typical tribological parameters. This may serve as an effective way to examine the transition from the initial spreading to the post-application sensation.
Production of isopropyl and butyl esters by Clostridium mono-culture and co-culture
Authors: Cui Yonghao , He Jianzhong , Yang Kun-Lin , Zhou Kang
Published: May 2020

Production of esters from the acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation by Clostridium often focuses on butyl butyrate, leaving acetone as an undesired product. Addition of butyrate is also often needed because ABE fermentation does not produce enough butyrate. Here we addressed the problems using Clostridium beijerinckii BGS1 that preferred to produce isopropanol instead of acetone, and co-culturing it with Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25,755 that produced butyrate. Unlike acetone, isopropanol could be converted into ester using lipase and acids . C. tyrobutyricum ATCC 25,755 produced acids at pH 6, while C. beijerinckii BGS1 produced mainly solvents at the same pH. When the two strains were co-cultured, more butyrate was produced, leading to a higher titer of esters than the mono-culture of C. beijerinckii BGS1. As the first study reporting the production of isopropyl butyrate from the Clostridium fermentation, this study highlighted the potential use of lipase and co-culture strategy in ester production.