bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Properties of tribofilm formed on self‐mated stainless steel lubricated by palm methyl ester mixed petroleum diesel fuel
Authors: Fuadi Zahrul , Adachi Koshi
Published: June 2021

This paper discussed the tribofilm properties formed on the contact interface of self‐mated austenitic stainless steel lubricated by petrol diesel fuel mixed with 7.5% wt palm methyl ester. To simulate a severe contact condition between the material, a ball‐on‐disc tribometer was employed. Mild wear condition was found in the case of methyl ester mixed petrol diesel fuel lubrication whereas catastrophic wear was found in the case of petrol diesel fuel lubrication. EDX images revealed significant traces of manganese metallic film on worn scar of the ball in the case of petrol diesel fuel condition. On the contrary, manganese metallic film was found scarcely localised in the case of palm methyl ester mixed petroleum fuel. This indicates that the methyl ester component in the petrol diesel fuel has acted as an agent to prevent the adhesion of manganese metallic film on the contact interface resulting in mild wear of the material.
Improving of the tribological properties of attapulgite base grease with graphene
Authors: Nan Feng , Yin Yanli
Published: June 2021

With the rapid development of industry, individuals paid increasing demanding on the friction‐reducing and antiwear properties of lubricants under harsh service conditions. Here, the attapulgite base grease and attapulgite greases with grephene were successfully synthesised. The tribological behaviours of the greases were comparatively investigated using a SRV‐IV tribometer with the ball‐on‐disk configuration. The results show that the attapulgite grease with graphene presents better friction‐reducing and antiwear properties than the attapulgite base grease, especially at high load, frequency and temperature. The friction‐reducing and antiwear mechanism was determined through the analysis of worn surfaces and tribofilms formed on it. The results revealed that a tribofilm composed with Fe, Fe3C, Fe2O3, FeOOH, Al2O3, SiO2, graphene, attapulgite and organic compounds was formed on the worn surface, which is responsible for the excellent tribological properties of the attapulgite grease with graphene. Thus, as‐prepared attapulgite grease with graphene shows great potential in the lubrication for mechanical equipment operated under harsh conditions.
Subjective Cognition Reported by Caregivers Is Correlated With Objective Cognition in Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ko Dami , Dietrich Mary S. , Gifford Katherine A. , Ridner Sheila H.
Published: June 2021

Objective cognitive assessments, a gold standard diagnostic tool for cognitive impairment, may not be feasible in busy liver transplantation (LT) practice because they are often time consuming. This study determined whether subjective cognition, patients’ self‐ratings and/or caregivers’ ratings of patients’ cognition, reflects objective cognition in LT recipients. A convenience sample of 60 adult LT recipients and their caregivers, recruited at a single transplant center, participated in this cross‐sectional descriptive study. Subjective cognition (ie, recipient self‐rated and caregiver rated) was measured using the Everyday Cognition (ECog; global and 6 domain scores). Objective global and domain‐specific cognition of recipients was measured using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), Trail Making Test parts A and B, Digit Span Backward, and Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure. Agreement between LT recipients’ ECog scores and those of their caregivers was fair to moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.48 for global score, 0.35‐0.56 for domain scores). Significant, albeit rather weak, correlations were found between subjective and objective scores. Recipients’ ECog visuospatial abilities scores were correlated with Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure scores (r
s = −0.39; P = 0.007), whereas caregivers’ ECog global, attention, visuospatial abilities, and organization scores were, respectively, correlated with the scores of RBANS global (r
s = −0.33; P = 0.04) and attention (r
s = −0.46; P = 0.005), Rey‐Osterrieth Complex Figure (Copy; r
s = −0.34; P = 0.03), and Trail Making Test part A (r
s = 0.31; P = 0.049). The findings suggest that caregivers may estimate LT recipients’ cognition better than recipients themselves. Caregivers may provide supplemental information that could be useful for clinicians when considering the cognitive functioning of LT recipients.
Cationic Polymerization of β‐Pinene Using B(C6F5)3 as a Lewis Acid for the Synthesis of Tackifiers in Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
Authors: Destephen Aurélie , González de San Román Estíbaliz , Martínez‐Tong Daniel Enrique , Ballard Nicholas
Published: June 2021

β‐pinene is a well‐known bio‐based monomer that can be polymerized via cationic polymerization to give low molecular weight resins that find use commercially as tackifiers. However, the controlled synthesis of these polymers by cationic polymerization is challenging due to the reactivity of commonly used Lewis acid catalysts and the propagating carbocationic species with water. Here, the cationic polymerization of β‐pinene under mild conditions using the water stable Lewis acid tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane is demonstrated. It is shown that when combined with a suitable alcohol initiator the molecular weight of the polymer can be tuned while the kinetics are largely controlled by the concentration of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane. The final poly(β‐pinene) is shown to perform well as a tackifier in the formation of pressure sensitive adhesives based on polystyrene‐b‐polyisoprene‐b‐polystyrene triblock copolymers.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cellulose Modified Surface to Remove Lead (II) from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Isa Mohamad Ismail Mohamad , Azhar Siti Maizatul Ameera , Zaharudin Nazikussabah , Samsudin Ahmad Salihin , Samah Nurlin Abu
Published: June 2021

In the present work, the method developed is cellulose modified surface (CMS) to remove heavy metals such as lead II (Pb2+) from aqueous solution. The objective of present work is to investigate the effectiveness of CMS to remove Pb2+ from aqueous solution which includes some certain parameters such as kinetic study, saturation study and pH effect. CMS is prepared by acidification method; then, the activated cellulose is mixed with allylthiourea and acetonitrile. CMS is characterized using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Elemental Analyzer. The most efficient time for sorption is 180 min with sorption capacity of 46%. For saturation study, the highest sorption is 45.89% at the concentration of 1.389 mg L−1. In pH study, it has been found that CMS works the best at pH 7 (64.35%). For qualitative analysis, based on FTIR spectra, there is difference between before and after sorption of CMS. This difference can indicate there is Pb2+ on the surface of CMS. Elemental analysis indicates that there is oxidation process occur on CMS surface that shows attachment of thiol group on the surface. In conclusion, further study is required in order to enhance the CMS capability to remove more Pb2+ from aqueous solution.
Molecular structure and HOMO/LUMO analysis of 1,1'‐Spirobi[3H‐2,1‐benzoxaselenolene] by quantum chemical investigation
Authors: Guin Mridula , Verma Vinay Kumar , Singh Riya , Singh Ram C.
Published: June 2021

This work involves the investigation of equilibrium geometry, electronic energy, the HOMO/LUMO band gap, and Mulliken population analysis of 1,1'‐Spirobi[3H‐2,1‐benzoxaselenolene] using density functional approach. A total of 10 functionals are tested for better prediction of the molecular structure of the title compound. The functional GGA‐BLYP with the DNP basis set is found to be the best to correctly predict the experimental structure. The HOMO‐LUMO electronic gap is found to be 3.849 eV.
A Novel Design of All Optical Logical AND Gate Based on 2‐D Photonic Crystal
Authors: Shukla Anil Kumar , Pandey Girijesh Narayan
Published: June 2021

All‐optical logic AND gate is realized based on two dimensional photonic crystal composed of Si rods in air. The structure proposed is designed with T‐junction using line defect and point defect in the crystal. Plane‐wave expansion and finite difference time domain methods are used to simulate and analyze the performance of the proposed AND gate. The size of the logic gate is only about 18 µm x 18 µm and it works in the 1550 nm wavelength. The contrast ratio obtained for this structure is 11db. The band diagram obtained for this structure gives a good forbidden band gap in the normalized frequency range of 0.264783 ≤ (1/λ) ≤ 0.4213565 for transverse electric mode. Therefore, band gap width is 0.1247972. The simplicity and the small sized T‐shaped structure along with high contrast ratio make this device suitable candidate for integration in optical communication.
Two novel strategies to overcome the resistance to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs: Macrocyclic inhibitors and proteolysis‐targeting chimeras
Authors: Song Xiaoling , Zhong Hui , Qu Xiaojuan , Yang Linsong , Jiang Biao
Published: June 2021

Lung cancer is the most malignant tumor in the worldwide. About 3%‐5% non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients carry anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene fusions and receive great benefits from ALK‐targeted therapy. However, drug resistance inevitably occurs even with the most potent inhibitor drug lorlatinib. About half of the resistance are caused by alteration in ALK proteins for earlier ALK TKI drugs and near one‐third of loratinib resistant cases are caused by compound mutations without current effective treatment strategy in clinic. Novel strategies are in great need to overcome drug resistance. Lately, two novel strategies have been developed and attracted great attentions for their potentials to overcome drug resistance problems: (1) developed small compact macrocyclic ALK kinase inhibitors and (2) developed ALK targeted proteolysis‐targeting chimera (PROTAC) drugs. The macrocyclic molecules are small and compact in size, brain barrier permeable, and highly potent against lorlatinib‐resistant compound mutations. Developed ALK targeted PROTAC molecules could degrade oncogenic ALK driver proteins. Some showed superiority in killing ALK positive cancer cells and inhibiting the growth of cells expressing G1202R resistant ALK proteins comparing to inhibitor drugs. The update on these two treatment strategies was reviewed.
Enhanced interfacial interactions of carbon fiber/epoxy resincomposites by regulatingPEG‐E51and graphene oxide complex sizing at the interface
Authors: Chi Xiaofeng , Li Muxuan , Liang Mei , Chen Yang , Zou Huawei
Published: June 2021

A method of using modified epoxy resin (PEG‐E51) and graphene oxide (GO) as sizing agent in different pH has been proposed and applied to improve the interfacial interactions and bonding of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced epoxy resin‐based (EP) composites. The PEG‐E51 and GO complex sizing in different pH is prepared and then coated on CF surfaces homogeneously. The sizing layer forms on the fiber surfaces, and multiple GO sheets are introduced successfully surrounding the CFs. The surface morphologies of CFs change distinctly with different pH. The interfacial shear strength increases from 51.36 MPa for bare fiber‐reinforced EP composites to 66.62 MPa for composites reinforced by CFs coated with GO only. However, a significant improvement is achieved when the pH is adjusted to 10, making the interfacial shear strength grow up to 77.23 MPa. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy results and interlaminar shear strength test are in agreement with each other, suggesting better interface bonding of composites by regulating pH of PEG‐E51 and GO complex sizing. Besides, the interfacial interaction mechanism in CF reinforced composites is also explored, that is, the positive effects of roughness and specific surface area in complex interfacial layers lead to the improvement of interfacial properties.
Charting a path for prioritization of novel agents for clinical trials in osteosarcoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group New Agents for Osteosarcoma Task Force
Authors: Whittle Sarah B. , Offer Katharine , Roberts Ryan D. , LeBlanc Amy , London Cheryl , Majzner Robbie G. , Huang Alex Y. , Houghton Peter , Alejandro Sweet Cordero E. , Grohar Patrick J. , Isakoff Michael , Bishop Michael W. , Stewart Elizabeth , Slotkin Emily K. , Greengard Emily , Borinstein Scott C. , Navid Fariba , Gorlick Richard , Janeway Katherine A. , Reed Damon R. , Hingorani Pooja
Published: June 2021

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor in children and young adults. Metastatic and relapsed disease confer poor prognosis, and there have been no improvements in outcomes for several decades. The disease's biological complexity, lack of drugs developed specifically for osteosarcoma, imperfect preclinical models, and limits of existing clinical trial designs have contributed to lack of progress. The Children's Oncology Group Bone Tumor Committee established the New Agents for Osteosarcoma Task Force to identify and prioritize agents for inclusion in clinical trials. The group identified multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immunotherapies targeting B7‐H3, CD47‐SIRPα inhibitors, telaglenastat, and epigenetic modifiers as the top agents of interest. Only multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors met all criteria for frontline evaluation and have already been incorporated into an upcoming phase III study concept. The task force will continue to reassess identified agents of interest as new data become available and evaluate novel agents using this method.
Parametric study of carbon fiber reinforced polymer laminates geometry on the mechanical behavior of strengthened reinforced concrete beams under standard four‐point bending test
Authors: Benjeddou Omrane , Alwetaishi Mamdooh , Ben Ouezdou Mongi , Beddey Aouicha
Published: June 2021

This article presents the results of an experimental parametric study on reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened by an external bonding of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates to their tensile faces. This experimental work investigates the effects of both CFRP laminate sizes and concrete compressive strength on the flexural behavior of strengthened RC beams. Accordingly, a total of 10 RC beams have been cast, eight of which were strengthened in flexure by external bonding of CFRP laminate by varying its sizes, such as length, width, and thickness, and two control beams. All prepared beams were tested under standard four‐point bending until failure. The load–deflection response curves and failure modes were recorded and compared. Results show that failure modes of strengthened beams varied with the CFRP laminate characteristics from steel yielding, CFRP peeling off, and interfacial debonding laminate, Also, the load–deflection curves showed a considerable increase in the load capacity by up to 1% and 112%, compared to the unstrengthen beam, if the CFRP laminate length ratio passes from 0.40 to 0.94, respectively. In addition, the load capacity contribution increases from 56% to 112% when the CFRP laminate width increases from 50 to 100 mm. On the other hand, when laminate thickness increases from 1.2 to 2.4 mm, the load capacity contribution increases from 56% to 76%. Finally, it is concluded that the mechanical behavior of strengthened beam is strongly affected by the CFRP laminate sizes.
Viewing time and facial trustworthiness perception: Giving it a second thought may not work for older adults
Authors: Lu Yi , Chen Chao , Yin Xiaowei , Zhang Xin
Published: June 2021

Older adults tend to rate unfamiliar faces higher on trustworthiness than do their younger counterparts. Although the saying goes “look before you leap”, it is still unknown whether such a strategy could also apply to facial trustworthiness perception, and our understanding of the time course in facial trustworthiness perception also remains unclear. Here, we have argued that a cognitive controlled process suggested by “socioemotional selectivity theory” could potentially lead to such biased trustworthiness perception. Two experiments were conducted to test the association between viewing time and trustworthiness perception. The first study used hierarchical linear modeling in a sample of younger (N = 30, Mage = 20.53, SD = 1.61, 50% female) and older (N = 30, Mage = 63.27, SD = 3.14, 43% female) adults, and found that viewing time and trustworthiness evaluation were positively associated. Using the same stimuli, our second study further manipulated viewing time by two levels (500 ms vs. 3000 ms) and compared younger (N = 28, Mage = 23.93, SD = 2.68, 50% female) and older (N = 30, Mage = 64.47, SD = 4.32, 50% female) adults' facial trustworthiness evaluation. As expected, a significant three‐way interaction revealed that viewing time only impacted older adults' facial trustworthiness evaluation, and only when given shorter viewing time did older adults show similar facial trustworthiness ratings as younger adults. The present study is the first to directly investigate the relationship between older adults' viewing time on unfamiliar faces and their perception of facial trustworthiness. Findings suggested that a second thought in facial perception may not benefit older adults' trustworthiness evaluation.
Poly(ether‐block‐amide) membrane with deformability and adjustable surface hydrophilicity for water purification
Authors: Ge Chengbiao , Wang Guilong , Zhao Jinchuan , Zhao Guoqun
Published: June 2021

Freshwater resources are currently insufficient, and another form of freshwater resources, namely, ice, is very interesting except for the issue of how to use new materials for effective purification during the processing procedure. In this article, a new membrane material with multisize pore structure in the cross‐section and intact thin skin layer on the upper and lower surfaces was successfully prepared by adding porogen, filler and setting heating environment during the phase separation process. The membrane exhibits excellent axial deformability, and its elongation at break can reach to 160% strain. Meanwhile, they all show elastic deformation behavior in the range from −60 to 100°C. Even if high content of hydrophobic filler is compounded into these membranes, that is, 5.7 wt% carbon tube content, water contact angle of membrane's surface is only 72.5°, demonstrating obvious hydrophilicity. In addition, in the water purification process, the adsorption rate constant reached ideal value of 0.26 s−1, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity was about 2.8 g/g, showing fast and efficient water purification ability. In the mode of external heating source or the membrane's heat dissipation, these prepared membranes can melt the ice to obtain purified water and exhibit a controllable purification ability in this process.
Healthcare resource utilization and costs among children with cystic fibrosis in the United States
Authors: Thorat Teja , McGarry Lisa J. , Bonafede Machaon M. , Limone Brendan L. , Rubin Jaime L. , Jariwala‐Parikh Krutika , Konstan Michael W.
Published: June 2021

Background

Adverse health impacts of cystic fibrosis (CF) can be present in children before respiratory complications are observed. Children with CF show progressive health decline, with increasing lung function decline in adolescence. This study aims to quantify the healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs attributable to CF by comparing children with CF with the general pediatric population.

Methods

This retrospective, cross‐sectional, observational study compared HCRU and costs among children with CF in the US with demographically similar children without CF (comparison group) over a 12‐month period using administrative claims data spanning 2010–2017. Analyses were conducted by insurance type (commercially insured [COM] and Medicaid insured [MED]) and stratified by age (<2 years, 2 to <6 years, 6 to <12 years, and 12–17 years).

Results

Children with CF (2831 COM and 1896 MED) were matched to children in the comparison group (8493 COM and 5688 MED). Higher prevalence of comorbidities was seen in children with CF versus the comparison group across all ages. Across all ages, HCRU attributable to CF was substantial (higher hospitalization rates, more outpatient and emergency room visits, and greater use of prescription medications), and there were higher associated costs (all p values < .05), in COM and MED populations. HCRU and costs attributable to CF were highest for children aged 12–17 years.

Conclusions

Substantial HCRU and costs are evident among children with CF across all ages, starting as young as infancy, with highest HCRU and costs among adolescents. Effective treatments from an early age are needed for children with CF.
A state of the art of the accident causation models in the process industries
Authors: Wicaksono Fermi Dwi , Ciptomulyono Udisubakti , Artana Ketut Buda , Irawan Mohammad Isa
Published: June 2021

The comprehensive review of research literature in accordance with the implementations of the accident causation models enables knowledge incomes for the contributing authors towards the advancement of the accident causation methodologies for administering the accidents' causal factors. For obtaining this objective, the systematic literature review meta‐analysis are developed by evaluating the parameter indicator linked to the most utilized causation methods in addressing the contributing factors in process industries. The methodological review process called preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) is implemented in this paper due to its capability to integrate both systematic reviews and meta‐analysis. This systematic literature review deeply investigates 149 papers by a thorough reading from the filtered 387 manuscripts published in the academic SCOPUS databases during 1980–2020. Additionally, the statistical analysisttest is performed to identify the homogeneity of literature papers resulting from research conclusions. The suggested future improvement in the domain of accident causation models is the advancement of administering the accident causal factors' values of correlations and interdependencies. While particularly for quantified accident causation models, the adoption of uncertainty analysis needs to further developed as a research suggestion in the future.
The BPS Early Career prize for clinical pharmacology
Authors: Dowden Angela
Published: June 2021

The British Pharmacological Society (BPS) now runs an Early Career Clinical Pharmacology Abstract Competition to encourage doctors and pharmacists at the start of their career to consider specialising in clinical pharmacology. Here, Prescriber talks to Dr Andrew Scourfield, who was involved in creating the competition, as well as two previous prize winners.
Is honey effective for upper respiratory tract infection?
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: June 2021

Honey has been used for many years as a traditional remedy for upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), although clear evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. This article summarises a new review of randomised trials and observational studies that assessed whether honey can provide symptomatic relief of cough in people with URTI.
Composite‐observer‐based sampled‐data control for uncertain upper‐triangular nonlinear time‐delay systems and its application
Authors: Sheng Zhaoming , Ma Qian
Published: June 2021

This article studies the sampled‐data control problem for upper‐triangular nonlinear time‐delay systems with unknown output function and external disturbances. Different from the existing literature, the composite observers are proposed to deal with the unmeasurable states and disturbances. Next, the sampled‐data controller is elaborately constructed step‐by‐step. After selecting appropriate scaling gain and sampling period , the global uniform ultimate boundedness of system states can be skillfully proved. Finally, simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the design method.
Graphical models for mean and covariance of multivariate longitudinal data
Authors: Kohli Priya , Du Xinyu , Shen Haoyang
Published: June 2021

Joint mean‐covariance modeling of multivariate longitudinal data helps to understand the relative changes among multiple longitudinally measured and correlated outcomes. A key challenge in the analysis of multivariate longitudinal data is the complex covariance structure. This is due to the contemporaneous and cross‐temporal associations between multiple longitudinal outcomes. Graphical and data‐driven tools that can aid in visualizing the dependence patterns among multiple longitudinal outcomes are not readily available. In this work, we show the role of graphical techniques: profile plots, and multivariate regressograms, in developing mean and covariance models for multivariate longitudinal data. We introduce an R packageMLGM(Multivariate Longitudinal Graphical Models) to facilitate visualization and modeling mean and covariance patterns. Through two real studies, microarray data from the T‐cell activation study and Mayo Clinic's primary biliary cirrhosis of the liver study, we show the key features of MLGM. We evaluate the finite sample performance of the proposed mean‐covariance estimation approach through simulations.
Self‐Assembled Structure Evolution of MnFe Oxides for High Temperature Thermochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Xiang Duo , Gu Changdong , Xu Haoran , Xiao Gang
Published: June 2021

Thermochemical energy storage (TCES) materials have emerged as a promising alternative to meet the high‐temperature energy storage requirements of concentrated solar power plants. However, most of the energy storage materials are facing challenges in redox kinetics and cyclic stability. Iron‐doped manganese oxide attracts raising attention due to its non‐toxicity, low cost, and high energy capacity over 800 °C. However, there are few investigations on the reversibility enhancement of the redox reaction from the microstructural‐evolution‐mechanism point of view. Herein, bixbyite‐type (Mn0.8Fe0.2)2O3 is synthesized and extruded into honeycomb units, which can maintain an 85% initial capacity after 100 redox cycles. It is also found that a self‐assembled core‐shell MnFe2O4@Mn2.7Fe0.3O4 structure forms during the reduction step, and then transforms into a homogeneous solid solution of (Mn0.8Fe0.2)2O3 in the following oxidation step. During the reduction step, shells are formed spontaneously from the Mn2.7Fe0.3O4 with the MnFe2O4 as cores due to the lower surface energy, which facilitates the oxygen adsorption and dissociation during subsequent oxidation step. Through the density functional theory calculation, it is revealed that the lower formation energy of oxygen vacancies in the shell contributes to the improvement of oxygen diffusion rate. This study can provide a guideline to design prospective materials for high‐temperature TCES.
Eigenformbasierte Imperfektionsmethode für Tragwerke mit monosymmetrischen I‐Profilen
Authors: Hajdú Gábor , Rubert Achim
Published: June 2021

Die Grundlagen und Anwendungen der Overall Imperfection Method (OIM) (Vollständige Imperfektionsmethode) für normalkraft‐ und/oder biegebeanspruchte Tragwerke werden erstmals für einfachsymmetrische I‐Querschnitte vorgestellt. Im Gegensatz zum Biegeknickversagen normalkraftbeanspruchter Stützen mit doppeltsymmetrischem Querschnitt stellt sich bei einfachsymmetrischen Querschnitten Biegetorsionsversagen ein. Die zusätzlich zur Biegeverformung gekoppelt auftretende Rotation des Querschnitts um die Schubmittelpunktsachse ist deshalb beim Ansatz der Vorverformung der Imperfektionsmethode ebenfalls zu berücksichtigen. Auch das Biegedrillknicken biegebeanspruchter Träger verhält sich bei einfachsymmetrischen Querschnitten wegen des Abstands zwischen Schwer‐ und Schubmittelpunkt anders. Dieser Aufsatz zeigt erstmals auch die dazu notwendigen Erweiterungen sowie die automatische Ermittlung der eigenformbasierten Amplituden der vollständigen Anfangsimperfektion und drei Anwendungsbeispiele.
Korrelieren Stahlpreise und Stahlbaupreise? Eine statistische Untersuchung
Authors: Fischer Diana
Published: June 2021

Entwicklungen globalen Ausmaßes wirken sich scheinbar automatisch auf die Stahlbranche aus und führen dort zu überraschenden Anstiegen der Stahlpreise. Viele erinnern sich noch an die Preisrallye 2008, während der der Preis für Stahlprodukte innerhalb weniger Monate um über 50 % angestiegen ist. Und auch jetzt häufen sich wieder die Zeitungsartikel, in denen von steigenden Schrott‐ und Stahlpreisen berichtet wird. Der Stahlbau gilt – mal wieder – als schwer kalkulierbar. Aber stimmt es wirklich, dass die steigenden Rohstoffpreise automatisch auch zu höheren Stahlpreisen und insbesondere auch zu höheren Baupreisen führen? Eine detaillierte statistische Analyse entlang der Wertschöpfungskette „Stahlbau“ zeigt, dass Stahlpreise und Stahlbaupreise nicht wirklich korrelieren.
Self‐Sustained Marangoni Flows Driven by Chemical Reactions**
Authors: Nguindjel Anne‐Déborah C. , Korevaar Peter A.
Published: June 2021

Out‐of‐equilibrium chemical systems, comprising reaction networks and molecular self‐assembly pathways, rely on the delivery of reagents. Rather than via external flow, diffusion or convection, we aim at self‐sustained reagent delivery. Therefore, we explore how the coupling of Marangoni flow with chemical reactions can generate self‐sustained flows, driven by said chemical reactions, and – in turn – sustained by the delivery of reagents for this reaction. We combine a photoacid generator with a pH‐responsive surfactant, such that local UV exposure decreases the pH, increases the surface tension, and triggers the emergence of a Marangoni flow. We study the impact of reagent concentrations and identify threshold conditions at which flow can emerge. Surprisingly, we unraveled an antagonistic influence of the reagents on key features of the flow such as velocity and duration, and rationalize these findings via a kinetic model. Our study displays the potential of reaction‐driven flow to establish autonomous control in fuel delivery of out‐of‐equilibrium systems.
Vaginal stimulation enhances ovulation of queen ovaries treated using a combination of eCG and hCG
Authors: Yoshimura Naoaki , Taniguchi Masayasu , Terazono Tsukasa , Ono Tetsushi , Takagi Mitsuhiro , Sato Yoko , Hirata Maki , Tanihara Fuminori , Otoi Takeshige
Published: June 2021

Follicular changes throughout the oestrous phase have been poorly documented in queens because of the location and the small size of ovaries. We investigated follicular development in queens treated with a combination of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and evaluated the effects of vaginal stimulation by a tomcat on ovulation induction. A hormonal treatment was administered using a simple crossover design. Four queens were administered 150 IU of eCG (day 1) and 250 IU of hCG on day 5 and 6. Half of the queens were mated with a vasectomised tomcat for 3 days after hCG injection. Ultrasound imaging of the ovaries clamped at a subcutaneous site was performed once a day from day 1 to 7, and on day 13, and the serum concentrations of oestradiol and progesterone were examined on day 1, 5, 7 and 13. The mean number of follicles gradually increased with the eCG treatment and decreased after hCG injection. The ovulation rate of follicles was significantly higher in the vaginal stimulation group (70.0%) than in the control group (42.6%). During the hormonal treatments, the serum concentration of oestradiol and progesterone did not differ between the two groups. Ultrasound imaging of the ovaries clamped at a subcutaneous site showed that eCG and hCG treatment promoted the follicular growth and corpus luteum formation, respectively. The combination of hCG injection with vaginal stimulation by a vasectomised tomcat enhanced the ovulation rate of follicles.
Is the ecosystem approach effective in transboundary water systems: Central Asia as a case study?
Authors: Xie Lei , Ibrahim Imad Antoine
Published: June 2021

In the context of international environmental law and International Water Law (IWL), the Ecosystem Approach (EA) has become a source of heated debate. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the negative impacts that human activities have on freshwater ecosystems. Accordingly, the protection of such ecosystems has been identified as integral to ensuring the good governance of water resources. This article reviews key areas of research around the conceptualization and application of EA. First, we adopt a holistic approach to the concept of EA when applied to existing environmental challenges, before exploring the issues that arise when applying EA to water‐based ecosystems. Next, we assess the effectiveness of implementing EA in the management of environmental issues linked to transboundary water contexts. Our findings indicate that International Environmental Law, which applies a sector‐specific approach, poses challenges for the instrumental implementation of EA because the latter requires a holistic approach to resource management. Furthermore, in transboundary water contexts the competing needs of river‐basin countries are also identified as key factors complicating the implementation of EA. The article concludes with recommendations for policy makers and scholars.

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Human Water (WBAA) > Water Governance
Making sense of mRNA landscapes: Translation control in neurodevelopment
Authors: Park Yongkyu , Page Nicholas , Salamon Iva , Li Diana , Rasin Mladen‐Roko
Published: June 2021

Like all other parts of the central nervous system, the mammalian neocortex undergoes temporally ordered set of developmental events, including proliferation, differentiation, migration, cellular identity, synaptogenesis, connectivity formation, and plasticity changes. These neurodevelopmental mechanisms have been characterized by studies focused on transcriptional control. Recent findings, however, have shown that the spatiotemporal regulation of post‐transcriptional steps like alternative splicing, mRNA traffic/localization, mRNA stability/decay, and finally repression/derepression of protein synthesis (mRNA translation) have become just as central to the neurodevelopment as transcriptional control. A number of dynamic players act post‐transcriptionally in the neocortex to regulate these steps, as RNA binding proteins (RBPs), ribosomal proteins (RPs), long non‐coding RNAs, and/or microRNA. Remarkably, mutations in these post‐transcriptional regulators have been associated with neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, inherited, or often co‐morbid disorders, such as microcephaly, autism, epilepsy, intellectual disability, white matter diseases, Rett‐syndrome like phenotype, spinocerebellar ataxia, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we focus on the current state, advanced methodologies and pitfalls of this exciting and upcoming field of RNA metabolism with vast potential in understanding fundamental neurodevelopmental processes and pathologies.

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Finger printing the presence of extra scalars in the h → Vff′ forward-backward asymmetry
Authors: Ilisie Victor
Published: June 2021

Abstract

In this work we analyse the forward-backward asymmetry of the h → V f f′ decay in the Aligned two-Higgs Doublet Model. The Standard Model prediction for this asymmetry for V = W is small, as it suffers from Yukawa suppression and is absent for V = Z. This does not necessarily have to hold true in the Aligned model where these contributions can in principle be re-enhanced through the independent alignment factors ςf. In this analysis we conclude that, due to the additional contributions corresponding to the Aligned two-Higgs Doublet Model together with extra sources of CP-violation for the V = Z channel, the Standard Model predictions can be significantly modified in a great region of the parameter space. These deviations, that could be potentially measured at the High Luminosity LHC or future Higgs factories, would be a clear signal of new physics, and would shed new light on the possible extensions of the Standard Model and new sources of CP-violation.
Completing the eclectic flavor scheme of the ℤ2 orbifold
Authors: Baur Alexander , Kade Moritz , Nilles Hans Peter , Ramos-Sánchez Saúl , Vaudrevange Patrick K. S.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We present a detailed analysis of the eclectic flavor structure of the two-dimensional ℤ2 orbifold with its two unconstrained moduli T and U as well as SL(2, ℤ)T× SL(2, ℤ)U modular symmetry. This provides a thorough understanding of mirror symmetry as well as the R-symmetries that appear as a consequence of the automorphy factors of modular transformations. It leads to a complete picture of local flavor unification in the (T, U) modulus landscape. In view of applications towards the flavor structure of particle physics models, we are led to top-down constructions with high predictive power. The first reason is the very limited availability of flavor representations of twisted matter fields as well as their (fixed) modular weights. This is followed by severe restrictions from traditional and (finite) modular flavor symmetries, mirror symmetry, $$ \mathcal{CP} $$
CP
and R-symmetries on the superpotential and Kähler potential of the theory.
Geophysical Challenges for Future Satellite Gravity Missions: Assessing the Impact of MOCASS Mission
Authors: Pivetta T. , Braitenberg C. , Barbolla D. F.
Published: June 2021

The GRACE/GRACE-FO satellites have observed large scale mass changes, contributing to the mass budget calculation of the hydro-and cryosphere. The scale of the observable mass changes must be in the order of 300 km or bigger to be resolved. Smaller scale glaciers and hydrologic basins significantly contribute to the closure of the water mass balance, but are not detected with the present spatial resolution of the satellite. The challenge of future satellite gravity missions is to fill this gap, providing higher temporal and spatial resolution. We assess the impact of a geodetic satellite mission carrying on board a cold atom interferometric gradiometer (MOCASS: Mass Observation with Cold Atom Sensors in Space) on the resolution of simulated geophysical phenomena, considering mass changes in the hydrosphere and cryosphere. Moreover, we consider mass redistributions due to seamounts and tectonic movements, belonging to the solid earth processes. The MOCASS type satellite is able to recover 50% smaller deglaciation rates over a mountain range as the High Mountains of Asia compared to GRACE, and to detect the mass of 60% of the cumulative number of glaciers, an improvement respect to GRACE which detects less than 20% in the same area. For seamounts a significantly smaller mass eruption could be detected with respect to GRACE, reaching a level of mass detection of a submarine basalt eruption of 1.6 109 m3. This mass corresponds to the eruption of Mount Saint Helens. The simulations demonstrate that a MOCASS type mission would significantly improve the resolution of mass changes respect to existing geodetic satellite missions.
The Cayley transform of the generator of a polynomially stable $$C_0$$-semigroup
Authors: Wakaiki Masashi
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we study the decay rate of the Cayley transform of the generator of a polynomially stable $$C_0$$

C
0

-semigroup. To estimate the decay rate of the Cayley transform, we develop an integral condition on resolvents for polynomial stability. Using this integral condition, we relate polynomial stability to Lyapunov equations. We also study robustness of polynomial stability for a certain class of structured perturbations.
Queens of the inquiline social parasite Acromyrmex insinuator can join nest-founding queens of its host, the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex echinatior
Authors: Howe J. , Schiøtt M. , Boomsma J. J.
Published: June 2021

Queens of the inquiline social parasite Acromyrmex insinuator are known to infiltrate mature colonies of Acromyrmex echinatior and to exploit the host’s perennial workforce by producing predominantly reproductive individuals while suppressing host reproduction. Here we report three cases of an A. insinuator queen having joined an incipient colony of A. echinatior that contained only the founding host-queen and her small symbiotic fungus garden. We conjectured that 1:1 host-inquiline co-founding—a phenomenon that has only rarely been reported in ants—may imply that the presence of an A. insinuator queen may incur benefits to the host by increasing survival of its incipient colonies. We observed that the parasite queens neither foraged nor defended the nest against intruders. However, the parasite queens interacted with the host and fungus in a way that could be consistent with grooming and/or with contributing eggs. These observations may help explain why A. insinuator queens have maintained metapleural glands, even though they are smaller than those of host queens, and why A. insinuator has lost the large foraging worker caste but not the small worker caste.
Prevalence, incidence and bothersomeness of urinary incontinence between 6 weeks and 1 year post-partum: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Moossdorff-Steinhauser Heidi F. A. , Berghmans Bary C. M. , Spaanderman Marc E. A. , Bols Esther M. J.
Published: June 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common complaint for post-partum women. Reported prevalence and incidence figures show a large range due to varying study methodology. The crude prevalence of post-partum UI may differ when accounting for bother. Precise prevalence and incidence figures on (bothersome) UI are of relevance for health care providers, research planning, and policy makers. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence and incidence of UI in post-partum women in the Western world for relevant subgroups and assessed experienced bother in relation to UI.

Methods

Observational studies, published between January 1998 and March 2020 and reporting on prevalence and incidence between 6 weeks and 1 year post-partum, were included, regardless of type of UI or setting. We used a random effects model with subgroup analyses for post-partum period, parity and subtype of UI.

Results

The mean (weighted) prevalence based on 24 included studies, containing a total of 35.064 women, was 31.0%. After an initial drop in prevalence at 3 months post-partum, prevalence rises up to nearly the same level as in the third trimester of pregnancy at 1 year post-partum (32%). Stress UI (54%) is the most prevalent type. UI prevalence is equal among primi- and multiparous women. Experienced bother of UI is heterogeneously assessed and reported to be mild to moderate.

Conclusions

Post-partum UI is highly prevalent in women in the Western world. After an initial drop it rises again at 1 year post-partum. Experienced bother is mild to moderate.
Cross-presentation of a TAP-independent signal peptide induces CD8 T immunity to escaped cancers but necessitates anchor replacement
Authors: Marijt Koen A. , Griffioen Lisa , Blijleven Laura , van der Burg Sjoerd. H. , van Hall Thorbald
Published: June 2021

Cancer cells frequently display defects in their antigen-processing pathway and thereby evade CD8 T cell immunity. We described a novel category of cancer antigens, named TEIPP, that emerge on cancers with functional loss of the peptide pump TAP. TEIPPs are non-mutated neoantigens despite their ‘self’ origin by virtue of their absence on normal tissues. Here, we describe the development of a synthetic long peptide (SLP) vaccine for the most immunogenic TEIPP antigen identified thus far, derived from the TAP-independent LRPAP1 signal sequence. LRPAP121–30-specific CD8 T cells were present in blood of all tested healthy donors as well as patients with non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma. SLPs with natural flanking, however, failed to be cross-presented by monocyte-derived dendritic cells. Since the C-terminus of LRPAP121–30is an unconventional and weakly binding serine (S), we investigated if replacement of this anchor would result in efficient cross-presentation. Exchange into a valine (V) resulted in higher HLA-A2 binding affinity and enhanced T cell stimulation. Importantly, CD8 T cells isolated using the V-variant were able to bind tetramers with the natural S-variant and respond to TAP-deficient cancer cells. A functional screen with an array of N-terminal and C-terminal extended SLPs pointed at the 24-mer V-SLP, elongated at the N-terminus, as most optimal vaccine candidate. This SLP was efficiently cross-presented and consistently induced a strong polyclonal LRPAP121–30-specific CD8 T cells from the endogenous T cell repertoire. Thus, we designed a TEIPP SLP vaccine from the LRPAP1 signal sequence ready for validation in clinical trials.
Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia–A Series of 12 Patients and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Alhadeedi Omar , Gruner Laurent , Lasseur Antoinette , Monneuse Olivier
Published: June 2021

Background

The traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is strongly associated with blunt abdominal trauma. The importance of the CT scan cannot be underestimated—the diagnosis of TAWH is easy to miss clinically, but simple to spot radiologically. We report a case series of patients managed in a French‐level one trauma centre, to contribute our experience in the detection and management of associated injuries, and of the hernia itself.

Methods

All patients (n = 4238) presenting to a single‐level one trauma centre for trauma resuscitation (including systematic full‐body computerised tomography) from November 2014 to February 2020 were screened for the presence of TAWH and prospectively added to our database. Particular attention was paid to the late detection of associated intra‐abdominal injuries. Finally, the choice of management of the hernia itself was noted. A literature review of all case series and individual case reports until the time of writing was performed and summarised.

Results

We report 12 cases of TAWH amongst 4238 patients presenting to the trauma resuscitation bay between November 2014 and February 2020. All patients underwent a contrast‐enhanced CT immediately after stabilisation. No patients had clinically detected TAWH prior to CT. Intra‐abdominal injuries were found in 9 patients (75%), and urgent surgery was required in 7 patients (58.3%). Two (28.5%) of these seven patients had a missed diagnosis of intra‐abdominal injury at the time of the index CT scan, although the TAWH had been detected. Based on our literature review, 271 patients across 12 case series were identified. In total, 183 (67;5%) of these patients were reported to have ≥ 1 associated intra‐abdominal injuries. In total, 127 (46,8%) patients required an urgent laparotomy for management of these injuries. Five (3.9%) of the patients requiring urgent laparotomy had a missed CT diagnosis of intra‐abdominal injury but not of TAWH at the time of the baseline CT.

Conclusions

TAWH is a rare clinical entity that may alert to more significant, associated trauma lesions. The CT scan is the imaging modality of choice, to both diagnose and classify the hernia and to screen for other injuries. The presence of TAWH must lower the threshold to operatively explore or at least closely monitor these patients, in view of the high rate of false‐negative findings at index imaging.
Correction to: Volumetric assessment of the periablational safety margin after thermal ablation of colorectal liver metastases
Authors: Laimer Gregor , Jaschke Nikolai , Schullian Peter , Putzer Daniel , Eberle Gernot , Solbiati Marco , Solbiati Luigi , Goldberg S. Nahum , Bale Reto
Published: June 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s00330-020-07579-x