bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colorless and transparent semi‐alicyclic polyimide films with intrinsic flame retardancy based on alicyclic dianhydrides and aromatic phosphorous‐containing diamine: Preparation and properties
Authors: Wu Lin , Wu Xiao , Qi Hao‐ran , An Yuan‐cheng , Jia Yan‐Jiang , Zhang Yan , Zhi Xin‐xin , Liu Jin‐gang
Published: October 2020

Semi‐alicyclic colorless and transparent polyimide (PI) films with intrinsically flame‐retardant features, excellent optical transparency, and good thermal stability have been designed and successfully prepared. For this target, an aromatic diamine with lateral diphenylphosphine oxide substituent, 2,5‐bis[(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]diphenylphosphine oxide (BADPO) was polymerized with two alicyclic dianhydrides, including hydrogenated pyromellitic dianhydride (HPMDA) and hydrogenated 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (HBPDA), respectively, via a one‐step high‐temperature polycondensation procedure to afford two PIs, PI‐a (HPMDA‐BADPO), and PI‐b (HBPDA‐BADPO). The derived PI films maintained the intrinsic good properties for semi‐alicyclic PI films, including excellent optical transparency in the ultraviolet–visible light region with the cutoff wavelength (λcut) around 322 nm and optical transmittance at the wavelength of 450 nm (T450) higher than 83.0%. In addition, the PI films exhibited good thermal stability with the 5% weight loss temperatures (T5%) higher than 460.0°C and glass transition temperatures (Tg) higher than 235.0°C. More importantly, the developed PI films exhibited intrinsic flame retardancy with the limited oxygen indices (LOI) of 41.1% for PI‐a and 28.8% for PI‐b. What is more, the PI films showed the flame retardancy class of UL94 VTM‐0 and low thermal energy and smoke release during combustion.
Proteomic Characterization of the Pseudomonas sp. Strain phDV1 Response to Monocyclic Aromatic Compounds
Authors: Lyratzakis Alexandros , Valsamidis Giannis , Kanavaki Iliana , Nikolaki Antigoni , Rupprecht Fiona , Langer Julian D. , Tsiotis Georgios
Published: October 2020

The degradation of aromatic compounds comprises an important step in the removal of pollutants and re‐utilization of plastics and other non‐biological polymers. Here, Pseudomonas sp. strain phDV1, a gram‐negative bacterium that is selected for its ability to degrade aromatic compounds is studied. In order to understand how the aromatic compounds and their degradation products are reintroduced in the metabolism of the bacteria and the systematic/metabolic response of the bacterium to the new carbon source, the proteome of this strain is analyzed in the presence of succinate, phenol, and o‐, m‐, and p‐cresol as the sole carbon source. As a reference proteome, the bacteria are grown in succinate and then compared with the respective proteomes of bacteria grown on phenol and different cresols. In total, 2295 proteins are identified; 1908 proteins are used for quantification between different growth conditions. The carbon source affects the synthesis of enzymes related to aromatic compound degradation and in particular the enzyme involved in the meta‐pathway of monocyclic aromatic compounds degradation. In addition, proteins involved in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), an attractive biomaterial, show higher abundance in the presence of monocyclic aromatic compounds. The results provide, for the first time, comprehensive information on the proteome response of this strain to monocyclic aromatic compounds.
The Weyl – Wigner – Moyal Formalism on a Discrete Phase Space. II. The Photon Wigner Function
Authors: Przanowski Maciej , Tosiek Jaromir , Turrubiates Francisco J.
Published: October 2020

Classical model of light in helicity formalism is presented. Then quantum mechanical point of view at photons – construction and interpretation of two equivalent photon wave functions are proposed. Quantum mechanics of photon is investigated. The Białynicki – Birula scalar product and the generalized Hermitian conjugation of linear operator are discussed. Quantum description of light on a phase space based on the Weyl – Wigner – Moyal approach is developed. A photon Wigner function is built. Some explicit photon Wigner functions for different kernels are obtained.
High‐Quality AlN Template Prepared by Face‐to‐Face Annealing of Sputtered AlN on Sapphire
Authors: Shojiki Kanako , Uesugi Kenjiro , Kuboya Shigeyuki , Inamori Takafumi , Kawabata Shin , Miyake Hideto
Published: October 2020

This study comprehensively investigates the properties of metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE)‐grown AlN films on high‐quality face‐to‐face annealed sputtered AlN (FFA Sp‐AlN) templates on sapphire substrates, which are highly important to control the surface morphology for various applications, such as UV light‐emitting diodes and laser diodes. The conditions of thermal cleaning and AlN growth by MOVPE are investigated to remove numerous small islands on as‐annealed FFA Sp‐AlN. Subsequent to thermal cleaning in H2 + NH3 at 1300 °C, MOVPE growth is performed with varying NH3 flow rate and growth temperature (Tg) under a constant pressure and group‐III flow rate. An atomically flat surface with an atomic step‐and‐terrace structure is obtained at a growth rate of ≈1.0 μm h−1 and a Tg of 1300 °C. Transmission electron microscopy images and secondary‐ion mass spectrometry reveal low dislocation densities and impurity concentrations. Finally, the effects of compressive strain in FFA Sp‐AlN on the lattice constant and curvature of the MOVPE‐grown AlN film on FFA Sp‐AlN are investigated. The compressive strain of the AlN film, which is carried over from FFA Sp‐AlN, can prevent crack formation but leads to a large wafer curvature after cooling down from the Tg.
Clinical prediction models to predict the risk of multiple binary outcomes: a comparison of approaches
Authors: Martin Glen P. , Sperrin Matthew , Snell Kym I. E. , Buchan Iain , Riley Richard D.
Published: October 2020

Clinical prediction models (CPMs) can predict clinically relevant outcomes or events. Typically, prognostic CPMs are derived to predict the risk of a single future outcome. However, there are many medical applications where two or more outcomes are of interest, meaning this should be more widely reflected in CPMs so they can accurately estimate the joint risk of multiple outcomes simultaneously. A potentially naïve approach to multi‐outcome risk prediction is to derive a CPM for each outcome separately, then multiply the predicted risks. This approach is only valid if the outcomes are conditionally independent given the covariates, and it fails to exploit the potential relationships between the outcomes. This paper outlines several approaches that could be used to develop CPMs for multiple binary outcomes. We consider four methods, ranging in complexity and conditional independence assumptions: namely, probabilistic classifier chain, multinomial logistic regression, multivariate logistic regression, and a Bayesian probit model. These are compared with methods that rely on conditional independence: separate univariate CPMs and stacked regression. Employing a simulation study and real‐world example, we illustrate that CPMs for joint risk prediction of multiple outcomes should only be derived using methods that model the residual correlation between outcomes. In such a situation, our results suggest that probabilistic classification chains, multinomial logistic regression or the Bayesian probit model are all appropriate choices. We call into question the development of CPMs for each outcome in isolation when multiple correlated or structurally related outcomes are of interest and recommend more multivariate approaches to risk prediction.
Three Decades of Research about the Corona Around Nanoparticles: Lessons Learned and Where to Go Now
Authors: Lundqvist Martin , Cedervall Tommy
Published: October 2020

The research about how a nanoparticle (NP) interacts with a complex biological solution has been conducted, according to the literature, for almost three decades. A significant amount of data has been generated, especially in the last one and a half decade. First, it became its own research field which was later divided into many subresearch fields. This outlook does not aim to be a comprehensive review of the field or any of its subresearch fields. There is too much data published to attempt that. Instead, here it has been tried to highlight what, in the opinion, is the main step taken during these three decades. Thereafter, the weaknesses and end are pointed out with what needs to be the main focus for the future to understand the protein corona formation in the bloodstream, which is a prerequisite for the developing of true target specific drug‐delivering nanoparticles.
Oxygen‐Deficient Bimetallic Oxide FeWOX Nanosheets as Peroxidase‐Like Nanozyme for Sensing Cancer via Photoacoustic Imaging
Authors: Gong Fei , Yang Nailin , Wang Yong , Zhuo Mingpeng , Zhao Qi , Wang Sheng , Li Yonggang , Liu Zhuang , Chen Qian , Cheng Liang
Published: October 2020

Nanozymes with high catalytic activity and great stability have attracted increasing interests as the promising alternative to natural enzymes for applications in various fields. In this study, a new type of highly efficient peroxidase‐like nanozymes based on FeWOX nanosheets (NSs) synthesized by a thermal‐decomposition method is reported. Owing to the sheet‐structure with maximized utilization of catalytic sites (Fe atoms and oxygen vacancies), such FeWOX NSs exert efficient enzyme activity to trigger catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl radicals (•OH). A nanozyme‐based ratio‐metric nanoprobe is then fabricated by co‐loading of 3,3,5,5‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and IR780 dye on FeWOX NSs to enable ratio‐metric photoacoustic (PA) imaging of endogenous H2O2, as verified by imaging of the subcutaneous 4T1 xenograft tumor model and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation model. Moreover, FeWOX NSs could also be employed as promising nanoagents for multimodal computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of tumors, due to the strong X‐ray attenuation ability of W element and high MR contrast ability of Fe element, respectively. Importantly, FeWOX NSs with good biodegradability could be cleared out from the body without any significant biotoxicity. This work highlights bimetallic oxide FeWOX NSs as an enzyme‐mimetic nanoplatform for imaging of the tumor microenvironment.
Energetic damage analysis regarding the fatigue of concrete
Authors: Bode Matthias , Marx Steffen
Published: October 2020

Due to the visco‐elasto‐plastic material behavior, the added energy to concrete specimens during fatigue tests is transformed into another form of energy. Besides the description of the energetic material behavior of concrete, the elastic and the plastic part of the energy as well as the dissipation energy are analyzed for different specimens. Especially the dissipation energy shows a correlation with the damage process as a result of the cyclic loading. Regarding this correlation, a new energetic damage model is introduced. With this model, a degree of damage during the tests and the development of the damage parameter over the load cycles can be determined. First tests with the developed model show good and plausible results.
Liquid‐Like Phases Preorder Peptides for Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Rengifo Rolando F. , Sementilli Anthony , Kim Youngsun , Liang Chen , Xiang'An Li Noel , Mehta Anil K. , Lynn David G.
Published: October 2020

The front cover artwork is provided by our research group at Emory University, Atlanta (USA). The image depicts the diverse array of single β‐sheets that we have identified spectroscopically existing within metastable solute‐rich peptide phases. As the particle phase grows in time, sheet‐sheet stacking appears to nucleate fibril assembly. Read the full text of the Communication at 10.1002/syst.202000007.
Catalytic Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Leucinostatin A
Authors: Watanabe Takumi , Abe Hikaru , Shibasaki Masakatsu
Published: October 2020

This review describes our efforts toward achieving catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of leucinostatin A, a compound that interferes with the tumor‐stroma interaction. The synthesis utilizes four catalytic asymmetric reactions, including direct‐type reactions exemplified by high atom‐economy, and three C−C bond forming reactions. Thorough analysis of the NMR data, HPLC profiles, and biologic activity led us to unambiguously revise the absolute configuration regarding the 6‐position of the AHMOD residue side chain from S (reported) to R. Other examples of previously reported important studies on the stereoselective synthesis of HyLeu and AHMOD are also described.
Establishing the allosteric mechanism in CRISPR‐Cas9
Authors: Nierzwicki Łukasz , Arantes Pablo Ricardo , Saha Aakash , Palermo Giulia
Published: October 2020

Allostery is a fundamental property of proteins, which regulates biochemical information transfer between spatially distant sites. Here, we report on the critical role of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in discovering the mechanism of allosteric communication within CRISPR‐Cas9, a leading genome editing machinery with enormous promises for medicine and biotechnology. MD revealed how allostery intervenes during at least three steps of the CRISPR‐Cas9 function: affecting DNA recognition, mediating the cleavage and interfering with the off‐target activity. An allosteric communication that activates concerted DNA cleavages was found to led through the L1/L2 loops, which connect the HNH and RuvC catalytic domains. The identification of these “allosteric transducers” inspired the development of novel variants of the Cas9 protein with improved specificity, opening a new avenue for controlling the CRISPR‐Cas9 activity. Discussed studies also highlight the critical role of the recognition lobe in the conformational activation of the catalytic HNH domain. Specifically, the REC3 region was found to modulate the dynamics of HNH by sensing the formation of the RNA:DNA hybrid. The role of REC3 was revealed to be particularly relevant in the presence of DNA mismatches. Indeed, interference of REC3 with the RNA:DNA hybrid containing mismatched pairs at specific positions resulted in locking HNH in an inactive “conformational checkpoint” conformation, thereby hampering off‐target cleavages. Overall, MD simulations established the fundamental mechanisms underlying the allosterism of CRISPR‐Cas9, aiding engineering strategies to develop new CRISPR‐Cas9 variants for improved genome editing.

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Biochemistry and Biophysics
Characterization of offshore vertical wind shear conditions in Southern New England
Authors: Borvarán Dager , Peña Alfredo , Gandoin Rémi
Published: October 2020

Vertical wind shears could have a significant effect on the energy produced by a wind turbine and on its loads. Although the development of several wind farms has been planned on the East Coast of the United States, there are no studies that characterize the vertical wind shear over this area. This study focuses on characterizing wind shears in the marine boundary layer in Southern New England and along the East Coast of the United States. The analysis looks at the statistical distribution of vertical wind shear values and at their associated meteorological conditions. The analysis relies on remote‐sensing wind measurements and other meteorological data recorded at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Air–Sea Interaction Tower located 3 km to the South of Martha's Vineyard, together with buoy measurements and ERA5 reanalysis data. This work shows that large vertical wind shear values (>0.05 m/s/m) calculated using wind measurements at 60 and 53 m were often observed (≈25.3% of all the valid wind profiles analyzed) for South‐Westerly winds within a range of positive bulk Richardson numbers 0–0.1. These large‐shear values are the result of the presence of a strong high‐pressure system (Bermuda‐Azores High) over the North Atlantic basin and low pressures over land, which result in warm Southerly winds flowing over the cold waters of the Labrador current. The power density computed considering the vertical wind shear by means of the rotor equivalent wind speed is 5.5% smaller than that considering wind speed measurements at 110 m only.
Recovered after an extreme bottleneck and saved by ex situ management: Lessons from the Alagoas curassow (Pauxi mitu [Linnaeus, 1766]; Aves, Galliformes, Cracidae)
Authors: Francisco Mercival R. , Costa Mariellen C. , Azeredo Roberto M. A. , Simpson James G. P. , da Costa Dias Thiago , Fonseca Alberto , Pinto Fernando J. M. , Silveira Luís F.
Published: October 2020

A pivotal debate on biodiversity conservation is whether the scarce budgets must be invested in critically endangered taxa or in those with higher chances to survive due to larger population sizes. Addressing the fate of extremely bottlenecked taxa is an ideal way to test this idea, but empirical cases are surprisingly limited. The reintroduction of the extinct‐in‐the‐wild Alagoas curassow (Pauxi mitu) by Brazilian scientists in September 2019 added to the two other known cases of survival to bottlenecks of only two or three individuals. We exploit the reasons why this species has survived, and we report how investments to rescue the Alagoas curassow resulted in the protection of many other taxa, suggesting that in the face of the dramatic number of extinctions expected for the Anthropocene, integration must prevail over a choice.
Toeplitz Extensions in Noncommutative Topology and Mathematical Physics
Authors: Arici Francesca , Mesland Bram
Published: October 2020

We review the theory of Toeplitz extensions and their role in operator K-theory, including Kasparov’s bivariant K-theory. We then discuss the recent applications of Toeplitz algebras in the study of solid-state systems, focusing in particular on the bulk-edge correspondence for topological insulators.
Contesting the EU, Contesting Democracy and Rule of Law in Europe. Conceptual Suggestions for Future Research
Authors: Tomini Luca , Gürkan Seda
Published: October 2020

In ECE countries, democratisation and Europeanisation seemed to exist in a mutually reinforcing relationship and both concepts provided the main analytical lenses for studying these states. In the light of recent illiberal and anti-EU politics, two different concepts have started to receive increasing scholarly attention, namely the concepts of de-Europeanisation and autocratisation. Their exact meaning, however, remains unclear and the causal link between these specific processes and the rule of law has largely remained understudied. Against this backdrop, this chapter first summarises the state-of-the-art research on autocratisation and de-Europeanisation, and then examines the interaction and causal link between these two phenomena in times of declining democracies in Europe and rule of law problems.
Is There an East–West Divide over European Solidarity? Comparing European Citizens’ Attitudes Towards Cross-Border Solidarity 2016
Authors: Kley Florian K. , Lengfeld Holger
Published: October 2020

The Euro and sovereign debt crises since 2008, as well as the following Great Recession, have challenged the strength of European solidarity between EU citizens and member states. This chapter analyses the strength of European solidarity within East Central Europe and other European countries in two dimensions: citizens’ willingness to support indebted European countries financially (European fiscal solidarity) and their willingness to reduce welfare differences among EU member states (European territorial solidarity). The analyses are based on a comparative survey conducted in 13 European countries in 2016. Results show that citizens displayed a notably high level of European solidarity in both dimensions. While ECE countries showed slightly lower approval rates for European fiscal solidarity, their demand for European territorial solidarity is average. However, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland do not form a unique cluster standing out on these topics, making further policies of European integration possible.
Pro-Europeans and ‘Euro-Realists’: The Party-Voters Linkage and Parties’ Political Agendas in Poland, 2004–2019
Authors: Dulak Michał
Published: October 2020

Poland’s European policy and its struggles with EU institutions since 2015 may lead to the conviction that the country’s illiberal turn is accompanied by a process of de-Europeanisation which is fostered by the government to undermine the country’s presence in the EU. Drawing on the party-voters linkage concept, this chapter examines whether such assumptions can be confirmed. It covers societal attitudes and manifestos of the main ruling party and main opposition parties in Poland, PO and PiS, in the period from 2004 to 2019. The chapter shows that party manifestos do not show signs of radical de-Europeanisation (like, for example, calls for withdrawal from the EU) but a limited refocusing of EU issues. One exception was PiS’s open rejection to accept the Euro currency in the future. This mixed strategy is explained by differentiated positions among the party’s electorate over EU issues.
Talking Past Each Other: On Common Misperceptions in the Rule of Law Debate
Authors: Vincze Attila
Published: October 2020

This chapter deals with shortcomings of the EU policies vis-à-vis Hungary and partially also Poland. Firstly, it depicts the argument that the EU’s diagnosis of illiberal backsliding is too narrow. When assessing the quality of democracy in Hungary and Poland, the Commission and the European Parliament almost exclusively focus on recent constitutional changes, and thereby overlook many other deficits which lead to a distorted picture. Secondly, there is a legitimate debate on the meaning of the basic values of the EU. Article 2 TEU contains many open-textured expressions, which might be understood differently. Thirdly, due to the incomplete diagnosis, the instruments currently being used to combat backsliding tendencies seem ill-suited on the one hand, and, on the other, the EU surprisingly does not seem to make best use of currently available tools. The chapter concludes by highlighting and discussing possible improvements of EU strategies towards backsliding states.
Quarkonium TMD fragmentation functions in NRQCD
Authors: Echevarria Miguel G. , Makris Yiannis , Scimemi Ignazio
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We study the transverse-momentum spectrum of quarkonium production from single light-parton fragmentation mechanism. In the case of semi-inclusive deep inelastic scattering, we observe that there are two possible initiating processes, namely photon-gluon fusion and light-quark fragmentation. For the second case we derive the factorization theorem, which involves a new hadronic quantity: the quarkonium transverse-momentum-dependent fragmentation functions in NRQCD. We calculate their matching onto the non-perturbative long distance matrix elements at the lowest order in the strong-coupling constant, $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^2\right) $$
O

α
s
2

. Focusing on the case of the electron-ion collider, we make a comparative phenomenological study of the two production mechanisms and find the regions of the phase space where one is dominant over the other.
Systematic manufacturability evaluation using dimensionless metrics and singular value decomposition: a case study for additive manufacturing
Authors: Coatanéa Eric , Nagarajan Hari P. N. , Panicker Suraj , Prod’hon Romaric , Mokhtarian Hossein , Chakraborti Ananda , Paris Henri , Ituarte Iñigo Flores , Haapala Karl R.
Published: October 2020

Additive manufacturing has been presented as a novel and competitive method to achieve unprecedented part shapes and material complexities. Though this holds true in niche markets, the economic viability of additive manufacturing for large-scale industrial production is still in question. Companies often struggle to justify their investment in additive manufacturing due to challenges in the integration of such technologies into mainstream production. First, most additive technologies exhibit a relatively low production rate when compared with traditional production processes. Second, there is a lack of robust design for additive manufacturing methods and tools that enable the leveraging of the attendant unique capabilities, including the ability to form organic part geometries and automated part consolidations. Third, there is a dearth of systematic part screening methods to evaluate manufacturability in additive manufacturing. To tackle the challenge of manufacturability evaluation, the present work proposes a novel approach derived from latent semantic analysis and dimensional analysis to evaluate parts and their production for a variety of selected metrics. The selected metrics serve as descriptors of design features and manufacturing functions, which are developed using functional modeling and dimensional analysis theory. Singular-value decomposition and Euclidean distance measurement techniques are used to determine the relative manufacturability for a set of parts for a specified manufacturing process technology. The utility of the method is demonstrated for laser powder bed fusion technology. While demonstrated for additive manufacturing here, the developed approach can be expanded for any given set of manufacturing processes. Expansion of this systemic manufacturability analysis method can support part design decision-making, process selection, and design and manufacturing optimization.
Unconstrained representation of orthogonal matrices with application to common principal components
Authors: Bagnato Luca , Punzo Antonio
Published: October 2020

Many statistical problems involve the estimation of a$$\left( d\times d\right) $$d×dorthogonal matrix$$\varvec{Q}$$Q. Such an estimation is often challenging due to the orthonormality constraints on$$\varvec{Q}$$Q. To cope with this problem, we use the well-known PLU decomposition, which factorizes any invertible$$\left( d\times d\right) $$d×dmatrix as the product of a$$\left( d\times d\right) $$d×dpermutation matrix$$\varvec{P}$$P, a$$\left( d\times d\right) $$d×dunit lower triangular matrix$$\varvec{L}$$L, and a$$\left( d\times d\right) $$d×dupper triangular matrix$$\varvec{U}$$U. Thanks to the QR decomposition, we find the formulation of$$\varvec{U}$$Uwhen the PLU decomposition is applied to$$\varvec{Q}$$Q. We call the result as PLR decomposition; it produces a one-to-one correspondence between$$\varvec{Q}$$Qand the$$d\left( d-1\right) /2$$dd-1/2entries below the diagonal of$$\varvec{L}$$L, which are advantageously unconstrained real values. Thus, once the decomposition is applied, regardless of the objective function under consideration, we can use any classical unconstrained optimization method to find the minimum (or maximum) of the objective function with respect to$$\varvec{L}$$L. For illustrative purposes, we apply the PLR decomposition in common principle components analysis (CPCA) for the maximum likelihood estimation of the common orthogonal matrix when a multivariate leptokurtic-normal distribution is assumed in each group. Compared to the commonly used normal distribution, the leptokurtic-normal has an additional parameter governing the excess kurtosis; this makes the estimation of$$\varvec{Q}$$Qin CPCA more robust against mild outliers. The usefulness of the PLR decomposition in leptokurtic-normal CPCA is illustrated by two biometric data analyses.
Inhibition and induction of CYP enzymes in humans: an update
Authors: Hakkola Jukka , Hukkanen Janne , Turpeinen Miia , Pelkonen Olavi
Published: October 2020

The cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme family is the most important enzyme system catalyzing the phase 1 metabolism of pharmaceuticals and other xenobiotics such as herbal remedies and toxic compounds in the environment. The inhibition and induction of CYPs are major mechanisms causing pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions. This review presents a comprehensive update on the inhibitors and inducers of the specific CYP enzymes in humans. The focus is on the more recent human in vitro and in vivo findings since the publication of our previous review on this topic in 2008. In addition to the general presentation of inhibitory drugs and inducers of human CYP enzymes by drugs, herbal remedies, and toxic compounds, an in-depth view on tyrosine-kinase inhibitors and antiretroviral HIV medications as victims and perpetrators of drug–drug interactions is provided as examples of the current trends in the field. Also, a concise overview of the mechanisms of CYP induction is presented to aid the understanding of the induction phenomena.
Effects of high intake of cod or salmon on gut microbiota profile, faecal output and serum concentrations of lipids and bile acids in overweight adults: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Bratlie Marianne , Hagen Ingrid V. , Helland Anita , Erchinger Friedemann , Midttun Øivind , Ueland Per Magne , Rosenlund Grethe , Sveier Harald , Mellgren Gunnar , Hausken Trygve , Gudbrandsen Oddrun Anita
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To explore whether high intake of cod or salmon would affect gut microbiota profile, faecal output and serum concentrations of lipids and bile acids.

Methods

Seventy-six adults with overweight/obesity with no reported gastrointestinal disease were randomly assigned to consume 750 g/week of either cod or salmon, or to avoid fish intake (Control group) for 8 weeks. Fifteen participants from each group were randomly selected for 72 h faeces collection at baseline and end point for gut microbiota profile analyses using 54 bacterial DNA probes. Food intake was registered, and fasting serum and morning urine were collected at baseline and end point.

Results

Sixty-five participants were included in serum and urine analyses, and gut microbiota profile was analysed for 33 participants. Principal component analysis of gut microbiota showed an almost complete separation of the Salmon group from the Control group, with lower counts for bacteria in theBacteroidetesphylum and theClostridialesorder of theFirmicutesphyla, and higher counts for bacteria in theSelenomonadalesorder of theFirmicutesphylum. The Cod group showed greater similarity to the Salmon group than to the Control group. Intake of fibres, proteins, fats and carbohydrates, faecal daily mass and output of fat, cholesterol and total bile acids, and serum concentrations of cholesterol, triacylglycerols, non-esterified fatty acids and total bile acids were not altered in the experimental groups.

Conclusion

A high intake of cod or salmon fillet modulated gut microbiota but did not affect faecal output or serum concentrations of lipids and total bile acids.

Clinical trial registration

This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02350595.
Can an acute high-grade acromioclavicular joint separation be reduced and stabilized without surgery? A surgeon’s experience
Authors: Maleitzke Tazio , Maziak Nina , Plachel Fabian , Winkler Tobias , Moroder Philipp
Published: October 2020

Introduction

While the management of Rockwood type III injuries is still a topic of debate, high-grade Rockwood type V injuries are mostly treated surgically, to anatomically reduce the acromioclavicular (AC) joint and to restore functionality. In this case report, we present a method for non-operative reduction and stabilization of a high-grade AC joint injury.

Case

A 31-year-old male orthopaedic resident sustained a Rockwood type V injury during a snowboarding accident. His AC joint was reduced and stabilized with an AC joint brace for six weeks. The brace provided active clavicle depression and humeral elevation. After removal of the brace the AC joint showed a nearly anatomic reduction. Six-month follow-up weighted X-ray views showed an AC joint which had healed in a Rockwood type II position and the patient returned to full pre-injury function with a satisfying cosmetic appearance.

Conclusion

Non-operative reduction and stabilization of high-grade AC joint separations seems to be a valuable treatment option. A “closed reduction and external fixation” approach with the aid of a dedicated AC joint brace can reduce the AC joint and keep it in place until ligamentous consolidation occurs, thus improving AC joint stability and cosmetic appearance without surgical intervention.
Acute kidney injury in children with chronic kidney disease is associated with faster decline in kidney function
Authors: Melhem Nabil , Rasmussen Pernille , Joyce Triona , Clothier Joanna , Reid Christopher J. D. , Booth Caroline , Sinha Manish D.
Published: October 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate the association of acute kidney injury (AKI) with change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in children with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Single centre, retrospective longitudinal study including all prevalent children aged 1–18 years with nondialysis CKD stages 3–5. Variables associated with CKD were analysed for their potential effect on annualised eGFR change (ΔGFR/year) following multiple regression analysis. Composite end-point including 25% reduction in eGFR or progression to kidney replacement therapy was evaluated.

Results

Of 147 children, 116 had at least 1-year follow-up in a dedicated CKD clinic with mean age 7.3 ± 4.9 years with 91 (78.4%) and 77 (66.4%) with 2- and 3-year follow-up respectively. Mean eGFR at baseline was 29.8 ± 11.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 with 79 (68%) boys and 82 (71%) with congenital abnormalities of kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT). Thirty-nine (33.6%) had at least one episode of AKI. Mean ΔGFR/year for all patients was − 1.08 ± 5.64 ml/min/1.73 m2 but reduced significantly from 2.03 ± 5.82 to − 3.99 ± 5.78 ml/min/1.73 m2 from youngest to oldest age tertiles (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference in primary kidney disease (PKD) (77% versus 59%, with CAKUT, P = 0.048) but no difference in AKI incidence (37% versus 31%, P = 0.85) between age tertiles. Multiple regression analysis identified age (β = − 0.53, P < 0.001) and AKI (β = − 3.2, P = 0.001) as independent predictors of ΔGFR/year. 48.7% versus 22.1% with and without AKI reached composite end-point (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

We report AKI in established CKD as a predictor of accelerated kidney disease progression and highlight this as an additional modifiable risk factor to reduce progression of kidney dysfunction.

Graphical abstract
Convolutional neural networks for global human settlements mapping from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery
Authors: Corbane Christina , Syrris Vasileios , Sabo Filip , Politis Panagiotis , Melchiorri Michele , Pesaresi Martino , Soille Pierre , Kemper Thomas
Published: October 2020

Spatially consistent and up-to-date maps of human settlements are crucial for addressing policies related to urbanization and sustainability, especially in the era of an increasingly urbanized world. The availability of open and free Sentinel-2 data of the Copernicus Earth Observation program offers a new opportunity for wall-to-wall mapping of human settlements at a global scale. This paper presents a deep-learning-based framework for a fully automated extraction of built-up areas at a spatial resolution of 10 m from a global composite of Sentinel-2 imagery. A multi-neuro modeling methodology building on a simple Convolution Neural Networks architecture for pixel-wise image classification of built-up areas is developed. The core features of the proposed model are the image patch of size 5 × 5 pixels adequate for describing built-up areas from Sentinel-2 imagery and the lightweight topology with a total number of 1,448,578 trainable parameters and 4 2D convolutional layers and 2 flattened layers. The deployment of the model on the global Sentinel-2 image composite provides the most detailed and complete map reporting about built-up areas for reference year 2018. The validation of the results with an independent reference dataset of building footprints covering 277 sites across the world establishes the reliability of the built-up layer produced by the proposed framework and the model robustness. The results of this study contribute to cutting-edge research in the field of automated built-up areas mapping from remote sensing data and establish a new reference layer for the analysis of the spatial distribution of human settlements across the rural–urban continuum.
Usefulness of a finger-mounted tissue oximeter with near-infrared spectroscopy for evaluating the intestinal oxygenation and viability in rats
Authors: Suzuki Yuhi , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Sugiyama Kosuke , Akai Toshiya , Suzuki Katsunori , Kawamura Takafumi , Sakata Mayu , Morita Yoshifumi , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Kurachi Kiyotaka , Unno Naoki , Takeuchi Hiroya
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To investigate the utility of the device for evaluating intestinal oxygenation and viability using an animal model.

Methods

Sprague–Dawley rats underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia, and the blood vessels in the terminal ileum were clamped to create ischemia. We measured the regional tissue oxygenation saturation (rSO2) using an oximeter after 1, 3, and 6 h of vessel clamping. Ischemic tissue damage was assessed using a histological score. The intestine was reperfused after each clamping period, and intestinal rSO2 and survival rate were evaluated.

Results

When reperfusion was performed at 1 and 3 h after ischemia, rSO2 increased after 10 min, and it improved to the same level as for normal intestine after 1 h; all rats survived for 1 week. In contrast, after 6 h of ischemia, rSO2 did not increase after reperfusion, and all animals died within 2 days. The histological scores increased after 1 h of reperfusion, with longer clamping periods.

Conclusion

A finger-mounted tissue oximeter could evaluate intestinal ischemia and the viability, which is thus considered to be a promising result for future clinical application.
Drill Monitoring for Rock Mass Grouting: Case Study at the Stockholm Bypass
Authors: van Eldert Jeroen , Funehag Johan , Schunnesson Håkan , Saiang David
Published: October 2020

In tunneling, rock mass grouting is a method applied to reduce water ingress. Grouting is influenced by rock mass conditions, especially apertures, frequency, and continuation of fracturing. These rock mass conditions can partly be determined by rock mass classification systems. At the Stockholm bypass, the Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Fracturing Index was applied to characterize the rock mass for grouting purposes, with a focus on adjusting the grout hole drill plan to minimize environmental impact. This study divided the rock mass in a 1.9 km tunnel into six categories based on rock mass conditions, identifying rock mass quality, apparent fracturing, and grout consumption. These categories were then compared with the mean fracturing index based on the coefficients of penetration rate and rotation pressure variations, as well as grout consumption at each grout umbrella. The fracturing index was 93% successful in assessing favorable and unfavorable rock mass conditions in the studied tunnel and 85% successful in determining grout consumption. Finally, a conceptual method was developed to reduce the grouting activities using the MWD fracturing index and water loss tests. The introduction of this conceptual method for grouting decisions could potentially reduce 59% of the umbrellas found in the case study.
Approaching environmental human thermophysiological thresholds for the case of Ankara, Turkey
Authors: Santos Nouri A. , Afacan Y. , Çalışkan O. , Lin Tzu-Ping , Matzarakis A.
Published: October 2020

The disclosed study undertook a ‘human centred-approach’ that ascertained and categorised environmental human thermophysiological risk factors by relating them to the human biometeorological system through the use of three widely utilised energy balance model (EBM) indices, the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET), the modified PET, and the universal thermal climate index (UTCI). The disclosed assessment was carried out over the past decade (i.e., 2010–2019) with a 3-h temporal resolution for the case of Ankara through two WMO meteorological stations to compare both local urban and peri-urban environmental conditions. The study recognised extreme annual variability of human physiological stress (PS) during the different seasons as a result of the biometeorological processing of the singular variables, which in the case of average PET for both stations, varied by up to 75 °C between the winter and summer for the same annual dataset (2012). In addition, all EBMs indicated higher heat stress within the city centre that were conducive of both urban extreme heatwaves and very hot days during the summer months, with extreme heat stress levels lasting for longer than a week with PET values reaching a maximum of 48 °C. Similar cold extremes were found for the winter months, with PET values reaching − 30 °C, and average PS levels varying lower in the case of the peri-urban station.

Graphical abstract
Adhesion and whitening effects of P11-4 self-assembling peptide and HAP suspension on bovine enamel
Authors: Hojabri Niloofar , Kaisarly Dalia , Kunzelmann Karl-Heinz
Published: October 2020

Objectives

This study evaluated the adhesion and whitening effects of a combination of P11-4 self-assembling peptide and hydroxyapatite (peptide-HAP) on bovine enamel.

Methods

Forty-six caries-free bovine teeth were selected, and 40 teeth were randomly allocated to one of five groups (n = 8). First, the effects of application frequency, exposure time, and storage in saliva on the whitening effects of an experimental low-concentrated peptide-HAP suspension (0.5 wt% HAP; Curodont, Credentis) were evaluated and compared with a commercial bleaching agent (VivaStyle Paint on Plus, VS, Ivoclar Vivadent). Tooth color was measured using a spectrophotometer (Gretag MacBeth), and color changes ΔE were statistically analyzed. Second, the effects of peptide-HAP concentration (low versus high: 6.25% HAP; Curodont Protect), and its interactions with saliva and postapplication restaining, were investigated. Third, enamel surfaces (n = 2) were treated with low concentration peptide-HAP and high-concentration peptide-HAP in polymeric and monomeric forms (Curodont Protect & Curodont Repair, Credentis) and analyzed by SEM.

Results

The ΔE of the low-concentration peptide-HAP suspension did not differ from that of VS. Application frequency, exposure time, and storage in saliva did not have any significant impact on whitening efficacy of the peptide-HAP suspension. Increasing the concentration of the suspension did not promote overall ΔE. SEM observations confirmed the presence of the newly generated peptide and HAP on the enamel surface.

Conclusions

The peptide-HAP suspension is a mild tooth whitener, and the adhesion of peptide-HAP to enamel is concentration dependent.

Clinical relevance

This peptide-HAP suspension is effective in offsetting discoloration caused by restaining after treatment.
One-year efficacy and safety of single or one to three weekly injections of hylan G-F 20 for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: De Lucia Orazio , Jerosch Joerg , Yoon Sophie , Sayre Tobias , Ngai Wilson , Filippou Georgios
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of single or 1–3 weekly injections of hylan G-F 20 at 1 year following the first injection for knee osteoarthritis (OA). Searches were conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL and included relevant conference proceedings (January 1, 1995–August 17, 2020). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized trials, and observational studies investigating 1-year efficacy and safety of 1–3 weekly injections or single hylan G-F 20 injection for knee OA were included. Primary outcomes were WOMAC pain, physical function, and stiffness. Meta-analyses of RCTs and non-randomized studies were conducted separately. Our search identified 24 eligible studies. Hylan G-F 20, in the meta-analyses of RCTs, showed statistically significant improvement in WOMAC pain (SMCC − 0.98, 95% CI − 1.50, − 0.46), physical function (SMCC − 1.05, 95% CI − 1.28, − 0.83), and stiffness (SMCC − 1.07, 95% CI −1.28, −0.86). Improvement was also seen for VAS pain, SF-36 MCS (mental component summary), and SF-36 PCS (physical component summary). Analyses of non-randomized studies showed similar efficacy estimates. There were no significant differences in efficacy based on injection schedule, nor between RCT and non-randomized studies. Rates of adverse events (AEs) were low for most types of AEs. Hylan G-F 20 (either as single or 1–3 weekly injections) showed improvement in 1-year efficacy outcomes in comparison to baseline and was generally well tolerated. While further research will inform the medical field regarding viscosupplementation treatment options for knee OA, these findings show that hylan G-F 20 at both frequencies/dosages are efficacious and generally well tolerated for long-term use.
GKL Tagung zur Bestandesaufnahme von Mikro- und Makroplastik im Gartenbau
Authors: Blanke M.
Published: October 2020

Die GKL-Tagung zum Nachhaltigen Einsatz von Kunststoffen im Gartenbau im September 2019 bei FVG in Dernbach informierte über den aktuellen Wissensstand

1) Nach der GKL-Erhebung von Freyer und Lampe in 2018 wird der Einsatz von Agrarfolien (LD-PE einschl. Netze aus HD-PE) im Obstbau auf ca. 16.000 ha und im Gemüsebau auf ca. 40.000 ha (einschl. Vlies) geschätzt; die Daten sind stimmig mit den zeitgleichen Gartenbau-Anbaustatistiken des JKI in 2018 und BMEL in 2014 und entsprechen ca. 22 % der Anbaufläche im Obstbau und ca. 29 % im Gemüsebau.

2) Bei 4,07 Mio. t Kompost jährlich mit einer Fracht von 817 t Mikroplastik liegen die Mikroplastik Einträge für die ca. 200.000 ha Obst- und Gemüsebaufläche (einschl. Baumschulen) in Deutschland im theoretischen Durchschnitt bei ca. 61 t/Jahr.

3) Diese Kunststoffeinträge mit dem Kompost lassen sich durch eine Änderung des Verhaltens der Verbraucher reduzieren, die ihren Biomüll in Plastiktüten sammeln und dann mit diesen und ebenso Blumen mit (Plastik‑) Blumentopf in der braunen Biotonne entsorgen – dazu bedarf es Aufklärung durch den Grünen Punkt, die in Planung ist;

4) Für gebrauchte Hagelnetze (HD-PE) ist eine Ausdehnung des bereits am Bodensee bestehenden Rückführungssystems auf die anderen Obstbauregionen geplant sowie eine Ausweitung der Rückführung (und Recycling) von Agrarfolien im bestehenden (freiwilligen) ERDE Rückführsystem europäischer Kunststoffhersteller, so dass die Entstehung von Mikroplastik aus Agrarfolien bei der Folien-Entsorgung vermieden wird.

Insgesamt kann eine validierte Einschätzung der Emissionen von Mikroplastik aus Agrarfolien noch nicht vorgenommen werden und erfordert weitere Forschung sowie eine Recherche von Daten, die schwierig zu erheben sind, und vor allem Kenntnisse über die Abbauraten von Mikro- und Makroplastik in unterschiedlicher Umgebung.