bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of core phases of biolistic transformation of potato
Authors: Malakhova Natalya P. , Skiba Yuriy A. , Tezekbayeva Botakoz K. , Maltseva Elina R. , Ismagulova Gulnara A.
Published: August 2020

We have established the optimal exposure time for internodes and callus plant material of Aksor potato variety on the OSS osmotic medium before and after biolistics and the type of plant explant that is most suitable for that. The optimal objects were explants from internodes of test plants. The best time for exposure of plant material to the osmotic medium before bombardment is 24 hours, and after biolistics – 48 hours. Callus tissue developed on the MS medium with zeatin two weeks later in internodes that were cultivated before bombarding on the OSS for 24 hours and we observed an increase in the callus mass by the end of fourth week. Not a single callus was obtained with rhizogenesis on the R4 medium from internodes and potato calli that were on the osmotic medium within 24 and 72 hours after biolistics. The regenerative capacity of internodes after cultivation on an osmotic medium for 48 hours after bombarding was higher than that of calli. We obtained 12 regenerant plants out of 200 internode explants and 4 regenerant plants out of 150 calli that were used in the experiment.
Impact of coherent light on interaction of fungi and bacteria cells cultivated in vitro
Authors: Budagovsky Andrey V. , Maslova Marina V. , Budagovskaya Olga. N. , Grosheva Ekaterina V.
Published: August 2020

This article considers impact of coherent red quasi-monochromatic light on interaction of colonies of the Pseudomonas syringae bacteria and the Fusarium macroceras fungus in an in vitro culture. A helium-neon laser and a heat source with a system of light filters and aperture diaphragms were used for irradiation. Two light fluxes were obtained with energy parameters close in magnitude, but significantly different in spatio-temporal coherence. Light with a high statistical ordering stimulated growth of both colonies. Irradiation from the same spectral range and intensity, but with low spatial coherence, increased the functional activity of only small bacteria cells. As a result, there was a suppression of larger fungal cells development that were interacting with them. Therefore, it was the statistical (coherent) properties of light that affected the change in the equilibrium of microorganisms in an artificial biocenosis. This approach can be used in practice for increasing the activity of bacteria antagonists of pathogenic fungi and the non-chemical disease protection of plants.
Studying growth kinetics of microbial populations using information technology. Solving the Cauchy problem
Authors: Nikitina Marina A. , Chernukha Irina M.
Published: August 2020

The possibilities of information technologies in the study of growth dynamics and development of microbial populations have been shown. In the R programming language in the Jupyter Notebooks environment, a direct kinetic problem has been solved. Kinetic regularities of growth of microbial populations under periodic cultivation have been considered within the framework of an approximation based on numerical integration of velocity equations. The one-step Runge-Kutta method of the fourth order of accuracy has been used as a method for solving a differential equation with initial conditions (Cauchy problem). Initial conditions of the problem were: the number of time steps n=10,000; initial substrate concentration S0=1; the initial concentration of microorganisms has been considered in four variants: M0=0.01, M0=0.05, M0=0.1, M0=0.2, which correspond to 1%, 5%, 10%, 20% of the inoculum density accordingly; affinity ration of the substrate to microorganisms Ks=0.5. The use of modern information technologies in the analysis of microbial growth patterns is mainly determined by the capabilities of personal computers, software environments and shells. The potential of modern software in the implementation of applied engineering and research problems in solving ordinary differential equations describing the development and course of the microbial process over time has been presented.
Identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soils of the North Caucasus based on Illumina MiSeq data for ITS1 and ITS2 regions
Authors: Yurkov Andrey P. , Kryukov Alexey A. , Gorbunova Anastasia O. , Shcherbakov Andrey V. , Zhurbenko Peter M.
Published: August 2020

The objective of our research was to analyze the efficiency of identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for 2 regions: ITS1 and ITS2 regions of AMF DNA isolated from the soils of the North Caucasus (Karachay-Cherkessia). For the first time the necessity of different AMF species identification using both ITS regions was revealed, but not one region. The research demonstrated: 1) the set of taxa is different using ITS1- and ITS2-based identification; 2) analysis of the ITS1 region reveals a greater number of operational taxonomic units; 3) ITS2 allows identification of AMF at the species level more often. Sample preparation for Illumina MiSeq analysis was optimized. Obligatory stages in the sample preparation were the purification of DNA in the agarose gel in Silica after isolation, as well as separate amplification of ITS1 and ITS2 followed by combining and joint sequencing for each sample. The results showed the highest AMF biodiversity for the 176Te sample from the ecosystem of the subalpine meadow of the southeastern slope of Malaya Hatipara mountain (43°25′48.0″N 41°42′31.0″E; 2401 m above sea level), in which 8 species of AMF were identified (Archaeospora spainiae, Claroideoglomus claroideum, Diversispora versiformis, Entrophpora infrequens, Funneliformis mosseae, Glomus indicum, Paraglomus laccatum, Rhizophagus irregularis).
The effect of the “Rizotorfin” inoculant on moisture consumption and productivity of yellow melilot
Authors: Kurachenko Natalya L. , Bopp Valentina L.
Published: August 2020

A significant part of the livestock feed in Siberia is obtained from yellow melilot (Melilotus officinalis Pall.) – a perennial legume crop. In addition to its nutritional benefits, melilot is valuable as a source of biological nitrogen in soil and has phytosanitary qualities. To increase the productivity of the crop with considerate consumption of moisture resources, it was proposed to use inoculation of melilot seeds with the nodule bacteria compound – “Rizotorfin”. It was proved in a field experiment that the “Rizotorfin” treatment of melilot seeds contributes to a more reasonable expenditure of soil moisture, the evapotranspiration coefficient characterizing the average moisture consumption per 1 ton of crop’s green mass is reduced by 0.7 relative to the control variant plants. The root system develops better, the morphometric parameters of the experimental plants are 25-31% higher than those of plants not treated with “Rizotorfin”. The green mass yield of the experimental plants is 28-33% higher than in the control variant.
Rhizospheric microbiomes of Sorghum bicolor grown on soils with anthropogenic polyelement anomalies
Authors: Muratova Anna Yu. , Gorelova Svetlana V. , Sungurtseva Irina Yu. , Zelenova Nadezhda A.
Published: August 2020

Comparative study was made of the rhizospheree microbiomes of two cultivars of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor cvs. Sucro 506 and Biomass 133) grown on soils with anthropogenic polyelement anomalies and on a background (control) soil. The study used traditional culture-based and culture-independent metagenomic approaches. In soils contaminated with heavy metals, we found decreased numbers of culturable bacteria and quantitative changes in the populations of actinomycetes and micromycetes. The relative abundance of the families whose members were able to resist heavy metals was found to increase in the rhizospheric communities. The taxonomic profile of the microbial communities at the phylum level did not differ significantly between cultivars. The Shannon diversity and the abundance of actinomycete families in the rhizosphere of cv. Biomass 133were greater than those for cv. Sucro 506. Significant differences were found between cultivars for the number of rhizospheric microorganisms resistant to heavy metals.
The role of new stress protectors in the formation of production process of oat culture during cultivation in anthropogenically polluted areas
Authors: Andriyanova Yuliya M. , Sergeyeva Irina V. , Gusakova Nataliya N. , Mokhonko Yuliya M.
Published: August 2020

Stress protectors (adaptogens) are among the most important factors that regulate growth processes at all stages of plant development. This article presents results of field studies of the effect of new synthetic plant growth regulators of stress protectors (adaptogens) on the elements of productivity and yield of spring oats of the Skakun variety. The obtained results during the research showed that all the studied derivatives of peredazinones are adaptogens and they contribute to an increased productivity and increased yield of spring oats. We studied the effect of pre-sowing treatment of seeds with new synthetic plant growth regulators of stress protectors on the quality indicators of cereal production of Skakun oats (protein, starch and amylolytic enzymes content in the cereal). Pre-sowing treatment of oat seeds increases the amount of protein in the cereal up to 15%, starch – up to 25%, amylase – up to 20%. We proved the ability of stress protectors to minimize the negative impact of heavy metals (lead, zinc) on agrophytocenoses, which will make it possible to obtain environmentally friendly cereal products when cultivating oats in anthropogenically polluted areas of the Saratov Oblast.
The Uptake of Open Science: Mapping the Results of a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Shmagun Hanna , Oppenheim Charles , Shim Jangsup , Kim Jaesoo
Published: August 2020

This paper contributes to “Open Science” theory, with a specific focus on Open Science data generated by scholars. To this end, a mixed- method systematic literature review, including science mapping techniques, was conducted. Our preliminary results reveal the potential of Open Science as a domain for interdisciplinary research. A keyword co-occurrence network analysis using the VOSviewer visualisation tool identified five clusters of interrelated sub-concepts within Open Science research. The key distinctive characteristics and the various categories of Open Science data have been identified. The relevant data platforms have been provided to exemplify each category of Open Science data. Finally, a distinction between Open Science data and Open Government data was explored and the convergence point between them was presented.
What flowers can bloom in a green open access landscape? Imagining a future with BitViews.
Authors: La Manna Manfredi
Published: August 2020

BitViews is a blockchain application that collects, validates, and aggregates worldwide online usage data of author’s approved manuscripts (AAMs) deposited in Open Access Institutional Repositories. It creates a free public ledger of usage events that allows anyone to see which research outputs have been accessed, where, and when, thus providing the raw material to construct discipline- and region-specific non-citation based measures of research impact.

BitViews’ short-term implications include:

1.

The re-alignment of journal impact measures (from citations to usage);

2.

Changed patterns in the production of research articles (towards high- usage topics);

3.

Creation of new networks of research collaboration;

4.

Enhanced opportunity for open data sharing.

BitViews’ long-term effects are transformative. Because BitViews promotes the “unbundling” of AAMs from published articles, it endows AAMs with independent value. Two disruptive consequences follow: the very concept of APCs is undermined and the conditions are created for the academy to regain ownership of peer review. Relegating commercial publishers to the role of providers of post-AAM services, huge resources will be released. As soon as AAMs are de‐ coupled from articles, the same process and infrastructure can be applied to research monographs, thereby completing the cycle of Open Access to the whole production of knowledge.
Integration of national publication databases – towards a high-quality and comprehensive information base on scholarly publications in Europe
Authors: Puuska Hanna-Mari , Nikkanen Joonas , Engels Tim , Guns Raf , Ivanović Dragan , Pölönen Janne
Published: August 2020

The need for a comprehensive infrastructure for scholarly publication information has been on the EU’s agenda for a long time. Also, the European Commission’s open science policy highlights the necessity of a good information base to follow up open access publishing across Europe. However, an all-inclusive information infrastructure on research publications is still missing. During the past 10 years, European countries have invested significantly in national research information infrastructures. Now, at least 20 European countries have a national database for research publication metadata. The strength of these databases lies in their comprehensiveness and quality assurance since they often have a mandatory nature. They are, however, neither yet integrated nor widely used for cross- country comparisons. To this end, a proof of concept of a European publication infrastructure was carried out in the framework of ENRESSH (www.enressh.eu). The ENRESSH-VIRTA-PoC integrated publication data from four countries and the concept was built on the strengths of the Finnish national VIRTA system. This paper highlights the results from the PoC and outlines future steps towards the integration of national publication databases in Europe.
Social Media Mapping as Digital Infrastructure for Disaster Prevention and Reduction
Authors: Yamamoto Kayoko
Published: August 2020

At the time of the Heavy Rain Disaster in Western Japan in July, 2018, it was possible to gather and accumulate a variety of disaster information using the function of social media mapping included in our spatiotemporal information system. Considering these circumstances and taking up the above social media mapping, the present study described the issues related to the development and utilization of digital infrastructures as one of the measures for disaster prevention and reduction. As the results of the present study, it is possible to rescue and support victims, and cause excessive information and confusion, due to the close relationship between the real and virtual space in the super smart society of Japan. Additionally, it is essential to effectively utilize the information included in the virtual space at the time of disaster. Specifically, it is an important issue to make use of the information on social media for rescue in the real space. Furthermore, it is necessary to take the measures for the people vulnerable to disaster who require the disaster information most. For this, it is necessary to prepare a variety of ICT in addition to oral communication.
System approach for Digital History
Authors: Bystritskiy Nikolay
Published: August 2020

Present advanced capabilities for information storage and a clear presentation, uncover the possibility of accumulation in digital form large volumes of historical data. For this purpose, it is necessary to establish the theoretical foundations and principles of formalization and presentation of historical knowledge. This paper presents the description and experience of practical implementation of the developed methods for formalization and analysis of historical data sources.
Creating a learner corpus infrastructure: Experiences from making learner corpora available
Authors: Frey Jennifer-Carmen , König Alexander , Fišer Darja
Published: August 2020

With language resources being collected in many - also small - projects in learner corpus research with considerate amounts of time and ef- fort spent in this activity, making these types of data available in a FAIR way, with standardized and reasoned methods, would contribute substan- tially to the advancement of the field. Additionally, it would answer current demands in transparency, replicability and reusability. In this article, we dis- cuss some of the challenges when making learner corpora FAIR and report from experiences in fulfilling this aim while creating a learner corpus infra- structure at a research institution hosting five different learner corpora.
Agile development of the SSH Open Marketplace: User Workshop
Authors: Barbot Laure , Biller Tracey , Broeder Daan , Dekker Ron , Durco Matej , Vipavc Irene , Willems Marieke
Published: August 2020

For the release of the Alpha version of the SSH Marketplace, we arranged a two-hour slot on 30 June 2020 during the ICTeSSH 2020 Conference. This report provides the context for the development of the Marketplace and presents the feedback received from testers who had been given prior access to the site, and from workshop attendees who were polled via Mentimeter during the event.
Design of a prototype of an engine mechanism with rotating cylinders
Authors: Blatnický Miroslav , Dižo Ján
Published: August 2020

In this article, authors focus on the design and construction of a real prototype of an engine mechanism with rotating cylinders and its using mainly in piston combustion engines. It is assumed, that the normal force of a piston will be completely eliminated, because the swing angle of a connecting rod will equal to zero during the whole working cycle, since the connecting arm of the piston moves just the cylinder axis. It will by allowed by the conceptual design of the mechanism presented in this article. As rotating blocks of cylinders concurrently act as a flywheel, it is proposed, that in this way there is possible to save the mass of additional flywheels. Moreover, liquid cooling system is not necessary, because the rotating cylinders sufficiently transfer heat to ambient air. In addition, the output of torque will be reached without necessity of gear transmission, which results to decreasing of needs of mechanism lubrication. Other advance of the designed mechanism are two outputs. The first output is low-speed and it goes out from rotating cylinders, i. e. from the slider-crank mechanism with revolutions n1. The other output is high-speed, from the crankshaft with revolutions n2. Because of more favourable properties of the mechanism, authors have decided to create a real device to confirm all mentioned advantages of the mechanism by the suitable way.
Tribological Characterization of Some Elastomers Used at Progressive Cavity and Piston Pumps
Authors: Mohamed Iyad Al Naboulsi , Antonescu Niculae Napoleon , Dinita Alin , Morosanu Marius
Published: August 2020

The progressive cavity pump (PCP) is a positive displacement pump, consisting of a polished helical-shaped rod (rotor) turning inside a helical elastomer (stator). PCP has many advantages, but the pump durability is manly limited by elastomer behavior. At piston pumps (PP) used for drilling mud piston has an elastomer sleeve that also limit the durability. Standards like ISO 15136.1 & 2 for pumps developed by manufactures and users’ committees provides requirements for design, quality design verification etc., but do not define specifically the elastomer for the stator or the metal used for the rotor. Each PCP and PP manufacturer used specific materials at pump construction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tribological behavior of some elastomers such polybutadiene rubber (BR), polybutadiene acrylonitrile rubber (NBR), polybutadiene acrylonitrile carboxylate (XNBR) and polyamide (PA 6) in couples with hard chromium coated steel, nitride steel and cast iron. Were determined friction coefficients and wear on 2 types of friction couples (plane to plane and shoe to plane) on two tribometers and some mechanical proprieties (Young’s modulus, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, hardness).
Research, study, design and development of an artificial ear splint model by using a 3D printer
Authors: Argyropoulos Athanasios , Botsaris Pantelis N.
Published: August 2020

The aim of this research study centers around the design and development, using a three-dimensional model of an ear-splint. This study results from the need of a non-invasive method, as the current techniques used in otoplasty have succeeded in reducing the risk of complications, but without drastically reducing the rate of postoperative deformity. Indeed, stick out ears present a deformity that occurs in 5% of the population. Factors such as psychosocial impact and intimidation lay the foundations for the need for such a method. This paper essays to create, through 3D printing, a case customized into the ear of any person of all ages. The splint was made on Zortrax M200 3D printer model, equipped with the V3 Hotend head, and the material used for printing was 16 grams of Z-FLEX. It is noted that the creation of the case is innovative and original. After putting the ear-splint into test, by applying it on a human ear, two conclusions emerge. First, it is very light, weight, just 16 grams, and second, it offers comfort and convenience to the user. In order to get results for its practicality, a clinical rehabilitation study is recommended.
Skills Requirements for the 4th Industrial Revolution: The Additive Manufacturing case
Authors: Stavropoulos Panagiotis , Lianos Andreas K. , Bikas Harry , Mourtzis Dimitris
Published: August 2020

This work analyses the required expertise knowledge for the European workforce under the implementation spectrum of the technologies from Industry4.0. The advancement of the conventional manufacturing technologies with complementary monitoring and control systems combined with the rapid growth of unconventional manufacturing technologies, calls for the equivalent advancement in the workforce’s expertise. The Industry’s 4.0 skills are mapped and categorized based on the knowledge requirements derived from the major technologies involved. The competences’ categorization is what further determines the Professional Profiles and skills requirements for the Industry4.0. As Additive Manufacturing is one of the most significant manufacturing technologies implemented from Industry4.0 a case study for the required AM skills is performed. The outcome of this work indicates that the AM Professional Profile is a multi-dimensional quantity with multiple competence units that require validation and further evaluation in order to meet the skills requirements imposed by the industry.
Optimization of a novel external fixator for orthopaedic applications
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed S.
Published: August 2020

The use of external fixation devices is a very common method for the treatment of bone fractures. However, these fixators present some limitations in terms of mobility, significant risk of infection, and induce pain and discomfort. Moreover, they are also not fully customized to suit individual patients. To avoid these limitations, this paper presents a novel patient-specific external fixator developed using reverse engineering, finite element analysis and additive manufacturing. The fixator was designed based on a set of computer tomography (CT) scan images of a patient and optimized considering different thickness values and materials. New lightweight designs were produced through a manual process (regular distribution of circular and hexagonal voids) and topology optimization. Different polymeric materials (Polylactic acid (PLA); Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and Polyamide (PA)) were also considered for the fabrication of these designs. It was found that although both PLA and ABS allow to meet the design requirements, and that the best mechanical properties were obtained with fixators made of PLA. Results also showed that the best results in terms of mechanical performance and weight reduction was obtained with topology optimization.
A Pedagogical Methodology for Introducing CAD Modeling Tools and 3D Printing Technologies to Adult Trainees
Authors: Chatzikyrkou Maria , Manavis Athanasios , Minaoglou Prodromos , Efkolidis Nikolaos
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a four-step training model based on pedagogical methodologies for introducing CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modelling tools and 3D printing technologies to adult trainees. Nowadays, 3D modeling techniques and 3D printing technologies are emerging core competencies due to the increasing popularity of STEAM education frameworks. The proposed training model has these four stages for trainees’ team: a) theoretical background of program based on traditional educational techniques, b) e-learning tools and parallel interaction with the trainer, c) micro-teaching frameworks and case studies and d) brief questionnaires with motivation and satisfaction criteria completed by the trainees. The present paper attempts to identify the pleasure and satisfaction of participating in New Technologies Education through CAD (Computer-Aided Design) modelling tools and 3D printing technologies program.
3D Printing Assisted Product Design Addressing Refugees Needs
Authors: Panagiotidou Antigoni , Karalekas Dimitris
Published: August 2020

With one of the largest refugee crises of modern times currently occurring, the need for technology-based solutions to address related pressing issues is eminent. In the past few years, 3D printing has attracted considerable attention as a technology that could help to address specific refugees needs in a customized way. The aim of the presented work was to investigate and demonstrate the contribution of 3D printing to the design of specific products that could easily and rapidly manufactured to assist the refugees integration into the host country. Specifically, the undertaken study focused on facilitating the integration of refugees’ children into the Greek society through the design and 3D printed toys for educational purposes. It is demonstrated in this preliminary study that such 3D printed toys can be proven a powerful tool for improving the integration process of displaced people by making the learning of a new language a pleasurable experience.
Prospective analysis of the impact of a pandemic in Industry 4.0
Authors: Andreadis Georgios , Quirós Gámez Ana Isabel
Published: August 2020

The world population in 2020 was estimated at 6.070 million and is projected to grow to around 9 billion by 2050. The evolution and transformation of society in the technological field is a challenge due to its rapid evolution and the social consequences it triggers. The pursued aim is the prospective analysis of diverse scenarios directed by Industry 4.0 macro-drivers, breeding cornerstones for the purpose to presage future pandemic backdrop. In accordance with the evolution of the force for change due to the analyzed factors, a series of recommendations and future work is elaborated to create a weapon to confront this possible context.
Design of Multiple Mailboxes
Authors: Baronos Athena , Manoliadis Odysseas , Pavlidis Aristeidis
Published: August 2020

In today’s world the design of multiple mailboxes comes to cover the evolution of logistics in delivering mail where the postman is not required to visit every user. In this research the 3D visualization is used for the design of multiple mailboxes for domestic use. It concerns the design of mailboxes in ergonomic building blocks and apartment complexes in 3D design so that they can be easily manufactured. Between the advantages of this design will be rapid production of ready-made products production of prototypes that enables testing at the design stage and reduces the time and the cost of production. The design when done with 3D CAD can be manufactured with modern machine tooling methods. In this paper after an extensive Literature Review the postal multiple mailboxes is used as a case study in the use of 3D CAD for 3D printing. A methodology is proposed that enables the examination of prototypes at the design stage according to specifications and allows the manufacturing department of a company to prepare the right tools and begin installing production lines. Conclusively this method gives the advantage of designing the product and supporting the production of scaffolds that can be functionally and ergonomically tested before finalizing the production.
Computer modelling and simulation of a novel printing head for complex tissue engineering constructs
Authors: Ates Gokhan
Published: August 2020

In tissue engineering, three-dimensional functional scaffolds with tailored biological properties are needed to be able to mimic the hierarchical structure of biological tissues. Recent developments in additive biomanufacturing allow to extrude multiple materials enabling the fabrication of more sophisticated tissue constructs. These multi-material biomanufacturing systems comprise multiple printing heads through which individual materials are sequentially printed. Nevertheless, as more printing heads are added the fabrication process significantly decreases, since it requires mechanical switching among the physically separated printheads to enable printing multiple materials. In addition, this approach is not able to create biomimetic tissue constructs with property gradients. To address these limitations, this paper presents a novel static mixing extrusion printing head to enable the fabrication of multi-material, functionally graded structures using a single nozzle. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to numerically analyze the influence of Reynolds number on the flow pattern of biomaterials and mixing efficiency considering different miscible materials.
Starch Sandstones in Building Bio-materials
Authors: Mansour Gabriel , Zoumaki Maria , Tzetzis Dimitrios
Published: August 2020

A review of the recent literature shows that the use of more sustainable, eco-friendly recycled waste materials made from natural biopolymers is an important step of the planning process to reduce the environmental impacts of traditional building materials such as cement and concrete products. This study introduces the application of maize starch in the production of a novel biodegradable construction material. The samples prepared in this investigation were formed by heating a mixture of different proportions of starch, water and sand. The structural properties, morphology and chemical composition of materials were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The structural characteristics and morphology of the study material to a certain extent resemble natural sandstones, the most common type of sedimentary rocks. Based on the uniaxial compressive strength classification schemes, comparing with the brittle deformation behavior of natural rocks, it can be considered that this material behaves as a polymer - matrix composite with a ductile - thermoplastic mechanical behavior.
Model-based definition capabilities and its impact on industrial productivity
Authors: Varitis Emmanouil , Rinos Konstantinos , Kostis Nikolaos
Published: August 2020

The need for optimization of the product manufacturing cycle and data management resulted in the creation of the model-based definition technology. The beneficial impact in most processes (CAD, CAE, CAPP, CAM, etc.) of a product manufacturing cycle, made the MBD technology implemented in various industries. The following paper has the purpose of highlighting the benefits and limitations of the current MBD capabilities and makes its impact on the industrial collaboration known by summarizing the communication file formats, which support this technology. Special interest is attributed to lightweight collaboration files, especially 3D PDFs, which are capable to deliver information and data to the domains of a company inside or outside of the manufacturing cycle and support all the necessary downstream activities of the product.
Tacrolimus Improves the Implantation Rate in Patients with Elevated Th1/2 Helper Cell Ratio and Repeated Implantation Failure (RIF)
Authors: Bahrami-Asl Zahra , Farzadi Laya , Fattahi Amir , Yousefi Mehdi , Quinonero Alicia , Hakimi Parvin , Latifi Zeinab , Nejabati Hamid Reza , Ghasemnejad Tohid , Sadigh Aydin Raei , Heidari Mohammad Hassan , Nouri Mohammad , Novin Marefat Ghaffari , Dominguez Francisco
Published: August 2020

Introduction An abnormal endometrial immune response is involved in the pathogenesis of repeated implantation failure (RIF), so we investigated the effectiveness of tacrolimus treatment on the endometrium of RIF patients.

Materials and Methods Ten RIF patients with elevated T-helper 1/T-helper 2 (Th1/Th2) cell ratios were recruited into a clinical study. The expression of p53, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-17, and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the endometrium of patients with and without tacrolimus treatment and the association of these factors with assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes were investigated.

Results Tacrolimus significantly increased the expression of LIF, IL-10, and IL-17 and decreased the expression of IL-4, IFN-γ, and the IFN-γ/IL-10 ratio in RIF patients. Tacrolimus treatment resulted in an implantation rate of 40%, a clinical pregnancy rate of 50%, and a live birth rate of 35% in RIF patients with elevated Th1/Th2 ratios who had previously failed to become pregnant despite at least three transfers of embryos. We also found a significant positive correlation between IL-10 levels and the implantation rate.

Conclusions Our findings suggest that RIF patients with a higher Th1/Th2 ratio could be candidates for tacrolimus therapy and that this immunosuppressive drug could be acting through upregulation of LIF, IL-10, and IL-17.
Familiäre Hypercholesterinämie in Deutschland
Authors: Schmidt Nina , Klose Gerald , Schatz Ulrike , Laufs Ulrich , März Winfried
Published: August 2020

Die familiäre Hypercholesterinämie (FH) ist eine häufige, erbliche Störung im Cholesterinstoffwechsel. Sie kommt in ihrer heterozygoten Ausprägung mit einer Häufigkeit um 1 : 300 in der deutschen Bevölkerung vor, wird aber in der Regel zu selten und zu spät diagnostiziert. Das hohe kardiovaskuläre Risiko der Betroffenen kann durch eine frühzeitige medikamentöse Therapie reduziert werden. Die Verdachtsdiagnose wird anhand von klinischen Merkmalen wie erhöhte LDL-Cholesterinwerte und kutane Zeichen (Xanthome, Xanthelasmen) sowie einer auffälligen Eigen- und Familienanamnese gestellt und durch eine molekulargenetische Analyse gesichert. Innerhalb betroffener Familien ist ein Kaskadenscreening empfohlen. Die Therapie sollte entsprechend den bestehenden und aktualisierten Leitlinien erfolgen. In Deutschland wird die Versorgungssituation von FH-Patienten systematisch in einem Register (CaRe High-Register) erfasst. Erste Auswertungen zeigen, dass FH-Patienten in Deutschland
weiterhin unterbehandelt sind.
Impact of Transferring a Poor Quality Embryo Along with a Good Quality Embryo on Pregnancy Outcomes in IVF/ICSI Cycles: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Aldemir Oya , Ozelci Runa , Baser Emre , Kaplanoglu Iskender , Dilbaz Serdar , Dilbaz Berna , Tekin Ozlem Moraloglu
Published: August 2020

Background The number and the quality of embryos transferred are important predictors of success in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. In the presence of more than one good quality embryo on the transfer day, double-embryo transfer (DET) can be performed with these embryos, but generally, different quality embryos are present in the available transfer cohort. We aimed to investigate the effect of transferring a poor quality embryo along with a good quality embryo on IVF outcomes.

Methods In this study, 2298 fresh IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles with two good quality embryos (group A), one good and one poor quality embryo (group B), and single good quality embryo (group C) transfers were examined. All groups were divided into two subgroups according to the transfer day as cleavage or blastocyst stage. Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were the primary outcomes.

Results In the cleavage stage transfer subgroups, the clinical pregnancy rates were lower in the single-embryo transfer (SET) subgroup compared with DET subgroups, but the difference was not statistically significant compared with DET with mixed quality embryos. The live birth rates were comparable between the three groups. In the blastocyst transfer subgroups, the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly higher in DET with two good quality embryos than DET with mixed quality embryos and SET groups. Multiple pregnancy rates were higher in both DET groups in terms of transfer day (p = 0.001).

Conclusion DET with mixed quality embryos results with lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared with DET with two good quality embryos at the blastocyst stage. At cleavage stage transfer, there is no difference in live birth rates between the two groups.
Neue Antidiabetika
Authors: Johnson Victoria , Maack Christoph
Published: August 2020

Diabetes steigert das Risiko für Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen und hat eine zunehmende Prävalenz. Die Therapie des Diabetes stellte bisher ein Dilemma dar, da viele Therapien zwar den Blutzucker, aber nicht kardiovaskuläre Ereignisse reduzierten. Erst Glukagon-like Peptid-1-Rezeptor-Agonisten (GLP1) und Natrium/Glukose-Cotransporter-2(SGLT2)-Inhibitoren senkten deutlich kardiovaskuläre Endpunkte, und SGLT2-Inhibitoren beugten darüber hinaus der Entwicklung einer Herzinsuffizienz vor. Die Glukosesenkung an sich ist daher nicht entscheidend für den Schutz vor Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen. Die neuen Leitlinien der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie stellen daher bei Patienten mit Diabetes und hohem kardiovaskulären Risiko die Verwendung von GLP1-Rezeptor-Agonisten und SGLT2-Inhibitoren der Behandlung mit Metformin voran. Die neuen Studiendaten eröffnen zudem neue metabolische Ansatzpunkte für die Behandlung von Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen auch unabhängig vom Vorliegen
eines Diabetes.
Sarkopenie im Kontext von Insulinresistenz und Diabetes mellitus im Alter – Daten aus der Berliner Altersstudie II
Authors: Spira Dominik , Buchmann Nikolaus , Mai Knut , Bobbert Thomas , Spranger Joachim , Demuth Ilja , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth
Published: August 2020

Hintergrund Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 (T2DM) und Sarkopenie nehmen mit steigendem Alter in ihrer Prävalenz zu und können langfristig betrachtet jeweils zu erheblichen gesundheitlichen und funktionellen Einschränkungen führen. Während eine zunehmende Insulinresistenz bei abnehmender Muskelmasse plausibel erscheint, sind umgekehrt auch glukotoxische negative Effekte auf die Skelettmuskulatur im Sinne einer sekundären Sarkopenie denkbar. Ziel dieser Arbeit war es, den Zusammenhang zwischen Sarkopenie, Insulinresistenz und T2DM bei älteren Menschen zu untersuchen.

Methoden Untersucht wurden 1555 Probanden der Berliner Altersstudie II (BASE-II) mit einem durchschnittlichen Alter von 68 ± 4 Jahren. Die Diagnose T2DM wurde basierend auf der Anamnese sowie oralem Glukosetoleranztest und HbA1c-Wert nach ADA-Kriterien gestellt und die Insulinresistenz wurde via Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) und Insulinsensitivitätsindex nach Matsuda (ISI) eingeschätzt. Die appendikuläre Skelettmuskelmasse (ALM) wurde mittels Dual-Röntgen-Absorptiometrie (DXA) und eine Sarkopenie mithilfe der anhand des Body-Mass-Index (BMI) korrigierten Muskelmasse (ALM/BMI) nach den Cut-off-Werten des FNIH Sarcopenia Project bestimmt. Gruppenvergleiche wurden mittels Kruskal-Wallis-Test berechnet, und der Zusammenhang zwischen Diabetes mellitus und Sarkopenie bzw. ALM und Insulinresistenz wurde mittels geeigneter Regressionsmodelle überprüft.

Ergebnisse 25,2 % der insgesamt 160 Probanden mit T2DM hatten bereits eine Sarkopenie. Sarkopenisch-adipöse Probanden wiesen im Vergleich zu nur adipösen, nur sarkopenen oder weder adipösen noch sarkopenen Probanden im Median einen niedrigeren ISI und einen höheren HOMA-IR auf (jeweils p < 0,001). T2DM zeigte sich unabhängig assoziiert mit Sarkopenie (OR 3,293, 95 %-KI 1,984–5,466, p < 0,001), während nach Ausschluss bekannter Diabetiker eine höhere ALM mit einem höheren ISI (B 0,229, 95 %-KI 0,119–0,338; p < 0,001), nicht jedoch niedrigerem HOMA-IR (B –0,017, 95 %-KI –0,089–0,055; p = 0,640) einherging.

Diskussion Sarkopenie ist sowohl mit Insulinresistenz als auch T2DM assoziiert. Die Frage bzgl. der Kausalität ist aufgrund des querschnittlichen Designs der Studie nicht zu beantworten, jedoch sollte eine mögliche Rolle des T2DM als sekundäre Sarkopenieursache berücksichtigt und weiter untersucht werden. Im Hinblick auf mögliche Folgen erscheinen die Identifizierung von Risikopatienten mit kombiniertem Auftreten von Sarkopenie und Insulinresistenz und die Evaluation basaler präventiver Maßnahmen wie gezieltes körperliches Training und angepasste Ernährung ein weiterführendes sinnvolles Ziel.
Rosmarinic Acid Intravitreal Implants: A New Therapeutic Approach for Ocular Neovascularization
Authors: Vieira Lorena Carla , Moreira Carolina Paula de Souza , Castro Brenda Fernanda Moreira , Cotta Oliver Araújo Lacerda , Silva Luciana Maria , Fulgêncio Gustavo de Oliveira , Silva-Cunha Armando , Fialho Sílvia L.
Published: August 2020

Rosmarinic acid, a plant-derived compound with antiangiogenic activity, can be applied for the treatment of ocular diseases related to neovascularization, such as diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and age-related macular degeneration. These diseases represent the leading causes of blindness worldwide if they are not properly treated. Intravitreal devices allow for localized drug delivery to the posterior segment, increasing the drug bioavailability and promoting extended release, thus, reducing side effects and enhancing the patientʼs compliance to the treatment. In this work, rosmarinic acid-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid intraocular implants were developed with a view for the treatment of ocular neovascularization. Physical-chemical, biocompatibility, and safety studies of the implants were carried out in vitro and in vivo as well as an evaluation of the antiangiogenic activity in a chorioallantoic membrane assay. Data obtained showed that
rosmarinic acid released from the implants was quantified in the vitreous for 6 weeks, while when it was in the solution formulation, after 24 h, no drug was found in the vitreous. The delivery device did not show any sign of toxicity after clinical evaluation and in electroretinographic findings. Histological analysis showed normal eye tissue. Rosmarinic acid released from implants reduced 30% of new vesselʼs formation. The intravitreal implant successfully allowed for the prolonged release of rosmarinic acid, was safe to rabbits eyes, and demonstrated activity in vessel reduction, thus demonstrating potential in preventing neovascularization in ophthalmic diseases.
Unsymmetrical Heterocycle Cross-Couplings Enabled by Sulfur(IV) Reagents
Authors: Qin Tian , Zhou Min , Tsien Jet
Published: August 2020

Whereas metal-mediated cross-couplings find broad applications in syntheses of medicines, agrochemicals, and natural products, these powerful transformations have limited utility for Lewis basic substrates (e.g., heteroarenes), wherein basic functionalities coordinate to the metal center, hindering product formation. In this context, we have developed a transition-metal-free cross-coupling reaction mediated by sulfur(IV). This method leverages the ability of simple alkyl sulfinyl(IV) chlorides to form bipyramidal sulfurane complexes to drive a pseudo ‘reductive elimination’ process from the hypervalent sulfur atom, thereby readily providing unsymmetrical biheteroarenes.

1 Introduction

2 Historical Sulfurane(IV)-Mediated Couplings

3 Unsymmetrical Heterocycle Cross-Couplings

4 Conclusion
Chiral Brønsted Acids Catalyze Asymmetric Additions to Substrates that Are Already Protonated: Highly Enantioselective Disulfonimide-Catalyzed Hantzsch Ester Reductions of NH–Imine Hydrochloride Salts
Authors: List Benjamin , Wakchaure Vijay N. , Obradors Carla
Published: August 2020

While imines are frequently used substrates in asymmetric Brønsted acid catalysis, their corresponding salts are generally considered unsuitable reaction partners. Such processes are challenging because they require the successful competition of a catalytic amount of a chiral anion with a stoichiometric amount of an achiral one. We now show that enantiopure disulfonimides enable the asymmetric reduction of N–H imine hydrochloride salts using Hantzsch esters as hydrogen source. Our scalable reaction delivers crystalline primary amine salts in great efficiency and enantioselectivity and the discovery suggests potential of this approach in other Brønsted acid catalyzed transformations of achiral iminium salts. Kinetic studies and acidity data suggest a bifunctional catalytic activation mode.
Effective and Versatile Synthesis of Ginkgotoxin and Its 4′-O-Derivatives through Regioselective 4′-O-Alkylation and 4′-O-Chlorination of 3,5′-O-Dibenzylpyridoxine
Authors: Zhang Yan , Huang Boshi , Danso-Danquah Richmond , Safo Martin K.
Published: August 2020

A regioselective synthesis of ginkgotoxin and its derivatives is described. A blocking–deblocking strategy was employed in this new methodology, which relied on selective ketal protection of the 3- and 4′-hydroxy groups of pyridoxine. The key intermediate, O-dibenzylpyridoxine, was prepared in four steps with a reasonable yield. The present synthetic route enables convenient and versatile preparation of diversified 4′-substituted pyridoxine derivatives.
The Effect of Increasing Fracture Site Stiffness on Bone–Pin Interface Stress and Foot Contact Pressure within the Equine Distal Limb Transfixation Cast: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Lescun Timothy B. , Adams Stephen B. , Nauman Eric A. , Breur Gert J.
Published: August 2020

Objective The aim of this study was to determine how increasing stiffness of fracture site tissues distal to the pins in an equine distal limb transfixation cast influences stress at the bone–pin interface, within the bones distal to the transcortical pins, and contact pressure between the foot and the cast.

Study Design A transfixation cast finite element model was used to compare the bone–pin interface stress, pin stress, bone stress distal to the pins and contact pressure between the foot and the cast, using six stiffness values for a composite tissue block representing progressive stages of fracture healing.

Results Increasing stiffness of the composite tissue block resulted in a decrease in the maximum stresses at the bone–pin interface, an increase in stresses distal to the transcortical pins and a decrease in the maximum pin stresses. As the composite tissue block stiffness was increased, contact pressure between the bottom of the composite tissue block and the cast increased and the stress patterns surrounding the pin holes became less focal.

Conclusion The findings of this study illustrate that with good foot to cast contact within a transfixation cast, increases in tissue stiffness due to progressive fracture healing are expected to reduce bone-pin interface stresses, and increase fracture site loading and stress. Increasing the contact pressure between the foot and the cast could reduce transfixation casting complications such as pin loosening, pin hole fracture and poor fracture healing, if these results transfer to ex vivo and in vivo settings.
Multiseptate Gallbladder in a Patient with Biliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Talalaev Michael , Tawil Ralph , Rios Humberto , Rey Jose , Zaman Huma , Blain-Maiza Samantha
Published: August 2020

Biliary dyskinesia due to a multiseptate gallbladder has been rarely described in literature. Septations within the lumen of the gallbladder can lead to bile resistance, causing symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The majority of cases are due to congenital malformation during the development of the gallbladder. Ultrasound (US) is usually sufficient to make the diagnosis, although other imaging techniques can be used for confirmation. We present the case of a 60-year-old female who presented to the emergency room (ER) with biliary pain due to septations in the lumen of her gallbladder.