bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
1850 to 2019 – Experience with retaining structures at the ÖBB Infrastruktur AG
Authors: Stern Jürgen , Schuch Markus
Published: October 2019

The many years of experience with retaining structures at the ÖBB‐Infrastruktur AG show that, independent of their structural loading, stone or mass concrete gravity walls, which have been in use since the railways were built, have the least expense for maintenance. Even structures built up to 160 years ago require little maintenance work, e.g. removal of plant growth. With anchored retaining structures of concrete, on the other hand, the maintenance work is considerably greater. This starts with regular inspection and extends to extensive repairs to the anchor heads.

With regard to the most economical construction of retaining structures, lifecycle costs are a significant parameter for the selection of a suitable type of structure, as with other railway works. Not only the construction costs, but also above all the maintenance costs are significant with a technical service life of 80 to 100 years. This basic idea of sustainable and safe railway operation is applied constantly in the regulations of the ÖBB‐Infrastruktur AG.
Experimental evaluation of analytical methods to assess building response to tunnelling subsidence
Authors: Ritter Stefan , DeJong Matthew , Giardina Giorgia
Published: October 2019

This paper evaluates the performance of currently available analytical procedures to assess building response to tunnelling‐induced ground displacements. The focus is on methods that account for the interaction between the soil and the structure during tunnelling. These methods relate the soil to the building stiffness and are often called Relative Stiffness Methods (RSMs). Results from centrifuge model tests are used to evaluate the ability of these RSMs to predict building deformations. This evaluation benefits from detailed building models including facade openings, intermediate walls and strip footings. The range of RSM predictions was large, and the accuracy of each RSM was quantified. It was found that no RSM accurately predicts flexural building deformations. Recommendations that consider the building‐to‐tunnel position to achieve accurate predictions are indicated. This contribution provides a better understanding of the performance of currently available criteria to assess the risk of urban tunnelling.
Geotechnical rock mass characterisation and classification at the Brenner Base Tunnel project – Methodology and solutions
Authors: Reinhold Chris , Cordes Tobias , Bergmeister Konrad
Published: October 2019

For the construction of the Brenner Base Tunnel with a total length of the whole tunnel system of 230 km, the geotechnical characterisation of the rock and the rock mass based on the geological mapping, the exploration and the geological models is of essential importance. The reliability of the ground prediction and consequently the effectiveness of the construction and support measures are mainly influenced by the methodology for the evaluation of the characteristic material parameters of the ground. This mainly influences the project process and the construction as well as the maintenance costs of a tunnelling project. In this paper, the applied methodology with its approaches of resolution for the improvement of the reliability of the ground prediction at the Brenner Base Tunnel project are explained in detail. Furthermore the improvements to this methodology during different project stages are shown. The paper concentrates on the implementation of the results gained from the exploratory tunnel and the influence of these results on the methodology for the improvement of ground prediction and the reduction of ground risks. In addition problems and approaches for solving these problems are explained in detail. For instance the avoidance of the double consideration of the influence of schistosity by using a rock mass classification system for rock mass parameter identification.
Robust segmental lining design – Potentials of advanced numerical simulations for the design of TBM driven tunnels
Authors: Meschke Günther , Neu Gerrit Emanuel , Marwan Ahmed
Published: October 2019

Loading assumptions used for the structural design of segmental linings often improperly reflect the complex load combinations that develop during the construction of a bored tunnel. Therefore segment designs used in practice tend to be on the safe side and often rely on conventional reinforcement methods instead of including other reinforcement concepts, such as steel fibres. In this contribution, a multi‐scale computational modelling framework is proposed to investigate the response of steel‐fibre reinforced, traditionally reinforced, and hybrid‐reinforced lining segments to radial loadings with an emphasis on the longitudinal joints. This modelling approach offers an opportunity to directly investigate the influence of type and content of steel fibres on the performance of segmented linings at the structural scale. Using this framework, a method for robust optimization is applied in order to generate damage‐tolerant hybrid segment designs.
Maintenance of retaining structures on the Swiss motorways and national roads
Authors: Balbi Gianpiero
Published: October 2019

The Swiss motorways and national roads are being completely modernised in maintenance sections. All structures are regularly checked according to national and Fedro standards and maintenance measures are implemented where necessary. Completed maintenance projects concerning retaining structures have shown that the danger of corrosion cannot be neglected. In order to ensure the availability of the network in the long term, several retaining structures have been preventatively strengthened, including with the aid of risk‐based approaches. For this purpose, five research projects have been initiated. The procedure of Fedro for the maintenance of retaining structures is presented through examples from project studies.
15 km TBM exploratory tunnel excavation in the construction Lot H33 of the Brenner Base Tunnel
Authors: Lussu Andrea , Grüllich Sebastian , Kaiser Christian , Fontana Adrian
Published: October 2019

The Tulfes Pfons H33 construction contract of the Brenner Base Tunnel includes a 15 km long exploratory tunnel. The tunnel is being driven by an open gripper TBM, permitting a view of the surface of the rock mass, to achieve the best possible geological and geotechnical exploration for the deep tunnel system. Geologists and geotechnical engineers follow the TBM excavation on a daily basis and guarantee ongoing mapping and interpretation of the rock mass classification and of the TBM data. All data from the exploratory tunnel advance, the TBM data, the measured deformations and the seismic explorations as well as the findings of geological mapping are incorporated into the geotechnical longitudinal section, which serves as the basis for the tenders of the main construction contracts. In particular, discussions take place with the designer of the following contract, how the encountered fault zones and overbreaks can be passed successfully in the main tunnels. Both the improvement of the rock mass from the exploratory tunnel and ramps are considered in order to excavate the most difficult fault zones from the exploratory tunnel.
Galbanic acid: Induced antiproliferation in estrogen receptor‐negative breast cancer cells and enhanced cellular redox state in the human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Sajjadi Maryam , Karimi Ehsan , Oskoueian Ehsan , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Neamati Ali
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Galbanic acid (GA) is a natural bioactive compound abundantly distributed in Ferula species (Apiaceae), with a wide range of biological functions.

Methods

The present study investigated the anticancer properties of GA in human breast carcinoma MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines using MTT (3,4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Further, the antioxidant activity of GA was determined in vitro. The plausible mechanisms of action of GA were further investigated using flow cytometry and gene expression analysis.

Results

Our study indicated that treatment with GA resulted in inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. The obtained results indicated that GA has strong cytotoxicity on MDA‐MB‐231 cells (IC50 = 48.75 µg/mL) compare to MCF‐7 (IC50 = 56.65 µg/mL) and decrease cancer cell viability in the dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, microscopic examination and flow cytometry analysis confirmed the apoptosis cell death upon treatment with GA. The gene expression analysis revealed that GA could induce apoptosis‐mediated proliferation inhibition in MDA‐MB‐231 cells through upregulation of bax and caspase‐3 and downregulation of bcl2 genes. Besides, the GA exhibited free radical–scavenging activity and enhanced the cellular redox state in human dermal fibroblasts. The elevation of cellular redox status was confirmed by upregulating superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase genes.

Conclusion

The results obtained in this study indicated that GA could be considered as a promising anticancer agent in breast cancer therapy and a bioactive antioxidant compound to be used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Relationship between Mayo endoscopic score and histological scores in ulcerative colitis: A prospective study
Authors: Shah Jimil , Dutta Usha , Das Ashim , Sharma Vishal , Mandavdhare Harshal , Sharma Pankaj , Kalsi Dimple , Popli Priyanka , Kochhar Rakesh
Published: October 2019

Background

The Mayo endoscopic score (MES) remains the most commonly used index in clinical practice, as well as in various clinical trials. Recently, two validated histological indices (Nancy Index [NI] and Robert Histological Index [RHI]) have been developed for ulcerative colitis (UC). We aim to study the relationship between MES with NI, RHI, and the established Geboes Index (GI) in patients with UC.

Methods

This was a prospective single‐center study. MES was documented from the most involved area. Biopsy was taken from the same area and reported by a single gastrointestinal histopathologist who was blinded to the endoscopic score. Histological activity was reported using GI, NI, and RHI. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's correlation coefficient and Cohen's kappa coefficient using SPSS version 23.

Results

Median age of patients with UC (n = 96) was 36 years. Seventeen patients were in endoscopic remission (MES 0/1). Correlation coefficient between MES and GI/NI/RHI was only weak to moderate (rho = 0.381/0.389/0.442, respectively; P < 0.001 for all three correlations). In patients with endoscopic mucosal healing (n = 17), the agreement coefficient between MES and GI/RHI was weak (κ = 0.253/0.336, respectively; P = 0.001 for both agreements). However, there was no significant agreement coefficient between MES and NI (P = 0.573).

Conclusion

MES moderately correlated with histological scores. RHI had the best correlation with MES among all histological indices. Endoscopic mucosal healing is not strongly correlated with histological healing. Histological examination should be performed even in patients with mucosal healing to detect ongoing histological activity.
Maresin 1 Regulates Hepatic FGF21 in Diet‐Induced Obese Mice and in Cultured Hepatocytes
Authors: Martínez‐Fernández L. , González‐Muniesa P. , Sáinz N. , Laiglesia L. M. , Escoté X. , Martínez J. A. , Moreno‐Aliaga M. J.
Published: October 2019

Scope

To study the effects of Maresin 1 (MaR1), a docosahexaenoic‐acid‐derived lipid mediator, on fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) production and to characterize the tissue‐specific regulation of Fgf21 and its signaling pathway in liver, skeletal muscle, and white adipose tissue (WAT).

Methods and results

Diet‐induced obese (DIO) mice are treated with MaR1 (50 µg kg−1, 10 days, oral gavage) and serum FGF21 levels and liver, muscle and WAT Fgf21, β‐Klotho, Fgfr1, Egr1, and cFos mRNA expression are evaluated. Additionally, MaR1 effects are tested in mouse primary hepatocytes, HepG2 human hepatocytes, C2C12 myotubes, and 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In DIO mice, MaR1 decreases circulating FGF21 levels and HFD‐induced hepatic Fgf21 mRNA expression. MaR1 increases hepatic β‐Klotho, Egr1, and cFos in DIO mice. In WAT, MaR1 counteracts the HFD‐induced downregulation of Fgf21, Fgfr1, and β‐Klotho. In muscle, MaR1 does not modify Fgf21 but promoted Fgfr1 expression. In mouse primary hepatocytes, MaR1 decreases Fgf21 expression and downregulated Pparα mRNA levels. In HepG2 cells, MaR1 reverses the increased production of FGF21 and the downregulation of FGFR1, Β‐KLOTHO, EGR1, and cFOS induced by palmitate. Preincubation with a PPARα antagonist prevents MaR1 effects on FGF21 secretion.

Conclusion

The ability of MaR1 to modulate FGF21 can contribute to its beneficial metabolic effects.
Temperature/pH/magnetic triple‐sensitive nanogel–hydrogel nanocomposite for release of anticancer drug
Authors: Hayati Marziyeh , Rezanejade Bardajee Ghasem , Ramezani Majid , Hosseini Samaneh Sadat , Mizani Farhang
Published: October 2019

Hydrogels, nanogels and nanocomposites show increasing potential for application in drug delivery systems due to their good chemical and physical properties. Therefore, we were encouraged to combine them to produce a new compound with unique properties for a long‐term drug release system. In this regard, the design and application of a nanocomposite hydrogel containing entrapped nanogel for drug delivery are demonstrated. To this aim, we first prepared an iron oxide nanocomposite nanogel based on poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐((2‐dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate) (PNIPAM‐co‐PDMA) grafted onto sodium alginate (NaAlg) as a biocompatible polymer and iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) as nanometric base (PND/ION‐NG). This was then added into a solution of PDMA grafted onto NaAlg. Through dropwise addition of mixed aqueous solution of iron salts into the prepared polymeric solution, a novel hydrogel nanocomposite with excellent pH, thermal and magnetic responsivity was fabricated. The synthesized samples were fully characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry and atomic force microscopy. A mechanism for the formation of PNIPAM‐co‐PDMA/NaAlg‐ION nanogel–PDMA/NaAlg‐ION hydrogel and PND/ION nanogel is suggested. Swelling capacity was measured at various temperatures (25 to 45 °C), pH values (from 2 to 11) and magnetic field and under load (0.3 psi) and the dependence of swelling properties of the nanogel–hydrogel nanocomposite on these factors was well demonstrated. The release rate of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) as an anticancer drug was studied at different pH values and temperatures in the presence and absence of a magnetic field. The results showed that these factors have a high impact on drug release from this nanocomposite. The result showed that DOX release could be sustained for up to 12.5 days from these nanocomposite hydrogels, significantly longer than that achievable using the constituent hydrogel or nanogel alone (<1 day). The results indicated that the nanogel–hydrogel nanocomposite can serve as a novel nanocarrier for anticancer drug delivery. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Adenosine‐to‐Inosine RNA Editing in Mouse and Human Brain Proteomes
Authors: Levitsky Lev I. , Kliuchnikova Anna A. , Kuznetsova Ksenia G. , Karpov Dmitry S. , Ivanov Mark V. , Pyatnitskiy Mikhail A. , Kalinina Olga V. , Gorshkov Mikhail V. , Moshkovskii Sergei A.
Published: October 2019

Proteogenomics is based on the use of customized genome or RNA sequencing databases for interrogation of shotgun proteomics data in search for proteome‐level evidence of genome variations or RNA editing. In this work, the products of adenosine‐to‐inosine RNA editing in human and murine brain proteomes are identified using publicly available brain proteome LC‐MS/MS datasets and an RNA editome database compiled from several sources. After filtering of false‐positive results, 20 and 37 sites of editing in proteins belonging to 14 and 32 genes are identified for murine and human brain proteomes, respectively. Eight sites of editing identified with high spectral counts overlapped between human and mouse brain samples. Some of these sites have been previously reported using orthogonal methods, such as α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) glutamate receptors, CYFIP2, coatomer alpha. Also, differential editing between neurons and microglia is demonstrated in this work for some of the proteins from primary murine brain cell cultures. Because many edited sites are still not characterized functionally at the protein level, the results provide a necessary background for their further analysis in normal and diseased cells and tissues using targeted proteomic approaches.
Influence of Bacillus thuringiensis application timing on population dynamics of gypsy moth in Mediterranean cork oak forests
Authors: Mannu Roberto , Cocco Arturo , Luciano Pietro , Lentini Andrea
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is one of the main pests of oak forests worldwide and causes extensive defoliation during its periodic outbreaks. In the Mediterranean region, control of gypsy moth populations in cork oak forests is based on application of Bacillus thuringiensis serovar kurstaki (Btk) formulations. This research investigated the effects of Btk applications carried out in two different population development phases on gypsy moth population dynamics. With this aim, temporal and spatial fluctuation patterns of L. dispar egg density were monitored in cork oak forests treated with Btk applications from 2004 to 2009 in Sardinia (Italy).

RESULTS

Applications undertaken during the progradation and culmination phases protected the oak canopies equally in the year of application, leading to a similar decrease in pest population density in the following year. However, the medium‐term effectiveness of Btk differed between the two application timings, because only applications in the culmination phase caused a gradual decrease in L. dispar infestations throughout subsequent years. By contrast, when the application was undertaken during the progradation phase, population density increased again after 2–3 years. Moreover, Btk applications in the culmination phase reduced significantly the number of years in which gypsy moth density was damaging compared with those done in progradation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate that Btk applications during the culmination phase were more effective than those in the progradation period, because application in the latter case did not suppress the population, but only postponed the outbreak peak by 2–3 years. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Novel Chiral 18‐Sulfanyl and Sulfonyl Dehydroabietane Derivatives
Authors: Izmest'ev Yevgeniy S. , Pestova Svetlana V. , Lezina Ol'ga M. , Rubtsova Svetlana A. , Kutchin Aleksandr V.
Published: October 2019

For the first time, dehydroabietic acid ethyl ester was used as initial material to produce the corresponding at the C‐18 position thioacetate, thiol, disulfide, sulfonic acid and sulfonyl chloride which open up prospects for the synthesis of other polyfunctional compounds combining a biologically active dehydroabietane fragment with various pharmacophore groups. The optimal conditions were found to directly oxidize dehydroabietanthiol to sulfochloride using chlorine dioxide as an oxidant in the presence of vanadyl acetylacetonate as a catalyst. This sulfochloride synthesized was proposed to use for obtaining a series of sulfonamides with alkyl, aryl, hetaryl and monosaccharide fragments.
Prevalence and phenotypic pattern of antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different types of raw meat samples in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Askari Neda , Momtaz Hassan , Tajbakhsh Elahe
Published: October 2019

Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates are not only known as opportunistic nosocomial bacteria but may also be regarded as emerging bacterial contaminants in foods of animal origins. The present investigation was done to assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance pattern of A. baumannii isolated from different types of raw meat samples. One hundred and ninety‐four raw meat samples were collected and cultured for A. baumannii isolates. Culture‐positive bacteria were also approved using the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) technique. The disc diffusion method was used for antibiotic susceptibility testing. Out of 194 raw meat samples, 39 (20.10%) were positive for A. baumannii isolates. Ovine raw meat was the most commonly contaminated samples (32.14%). All of the culture‐positive A. baumannii isolates were also approved using the LAMP assay. A. baumannii isolates harboured the highest prevalence of resistance against gentamicin (87.17%), tetracycline (79.48%), erythromycin (74.35%), azithromycin (66.66%), ciprofloxacin (58.97%), trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (56.41%) and rifampin (51.28%). The lowest prevalence of resistance was found against imipenem (17.94%) and chloramphenicol (28.20%). Raw bovine, ovine, caprine, camel and poultry meat samples were considered as the important sources of isolates resistant to some of the categories of antimicrobials used to treat infections caused by A. baumannii. Further studies are required to find the exact role of resistant A. baumannii isolates in the dissemination of antibiotic resistance to human population.
Revisiting singlino dark matter of the natural Z3-symmetric NMSSM in the light of LHC
Authors: Abdallah Waleed , Chatterjee Arindam , Datta AseshKrishna
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Inspired by the fact that relatively small values of the effective higgsino mass parameter of the Z
3-symmetric Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (NMSSM) could render the scenario ‘natural’, we explore the plausibility of having relatively light neutralinos and charginos (the electroweakinos or the ewinos) in such a scenario with a rather light singlino-like Lightest Supersymmetric Particle (LSP), which is a Dark Matter (DM) candidate, and singlet-dominated scalar excitations. By first confirming the indications in the existing literature that finding simultaneous compliance with results from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and those from various DM experiments with such light states is, in general, a difficult ask, we proceed to demonstrate, with the help of a few representative benchmark points, how exactly and to what extent could such a highly motivated ‘natural’ setup with a singlino-like DM candidate still remains plausible.
Subsystem complexity in warped AdS
Authors: Auzzi Roberto , Baiguera Stefano , Mitra Arpita , Nardelli Giuseppe , Zenoni Nicolò
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We compute the ultraviolet divergences of holographic subregion complexity for the left and right factors of the thermofield double state in warped AdS3 black holes, both for the action and the volume conjectures. Besides the linear divergences, which are also present in the BTZ black hole, additional logarithmic divergences appear. For the action conjecture, these log divergences are not affected by the arbitrarity in the length scale associated with the counterterm needed to ensure reparameterization invariance. We find that the subregion action complexity obeys the superadditivity property for the thermofield double in warped AdS3, independently from the action counterterm coefficient. We study the temperature dependence of subregion complexity at constant angular momentum and we find that it is correlated with the sign of the specific heat.
D1-D5-P superstrata in 5 and 6 dimensions: separable wave equations and prepotentials
Authors: Walker Robert
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We construct the most general single-mode superstrata in 5 dimensions with ambipolar, two centered Gibbons Hawking bases, via dimensional reduction of superstrata in 6 dimensions. Previously, asymptotically AdS3 × 𝕊2 5-dimensional superstrata have been produced, giving microstate geometries of black strings in 5 dimensions. Our construction produces asymptotically AdS2 × 𝕊3 geometries as well, the first instances of superstrata describing the microstate geometries of black holes in 5 dimensions. New examples of superstrata with separable massless wave equations in both 5 and 6 dimensions are uncovered. A ℤ2 symmetry which identifies distinct 6-dimensional superstrata when reduced to 5 dimensions is found. Finally we use the mathematical structure of the underlying hyper-Kähler bases to produce prepotentials for the superstrata fluxes in 5 dimensions and uplift them to apply in 6 dimensions as well.
Correlation functions of sourced gravitational waves in inflationary scalar vector models. A symmetry based approach
Authors: Beltrán Almeida Juan P. , Motoa-Manzano Josué , Valenzuela-Toledo César A.
Published: October 2019

Abstract

We use conformal symmetry to constrain the shape of inflationary correlators in the presence of long-lived vector field perturbations. Applying conformal Ward identities, we derive general expressions, up to amplitudes and normalization factors, for the two and three-point correlators in the presence of vector fields mediated by the interaction

$$ f\left(\phi \right)\kern0.1em \left({F}_{\mu v}{F}^{\mu v}+\kern0.5em \alpha {\tilde{F}}_{\mu v}{F}^{\mu v}\right) $$

f

ϕ

F
μv

F
μv

+

α

F
˜

μv

F
μv

, where f(ϕ) is a suitable coupling function between the scalar and the vector field. This interaction allows for isotropy and parity symmetry breaking and is consistent with super horizon conformal symmetry. As an application of the conformal field theory techniques followed here, we evaluate the mixed tensor-scalar 〈γζ〉 and tensor-scalar-scalar 〈γζζ〉 correlators which are interesting to look for parity violating effects related with chiral gravitational waves. Finally, we derive consistency relations for the three-point correlators obtained.
Confronting the coloured sector of the MRSSM with LHC data
Authors: Diessner Philip , Kalinowski Jan , Kotlarski Wojciech , Stöckinger Dominik
Published: October 2019

Abstract

R-symmetry leads to a distinct low energy realisation of SUSY with a signicantly modified colour-charged sector featuring a Dirac gluino and scalar colour octets (sgluons). In the present work we recast results from LHC BSM searches to discuss the impact of R-symmetry on the squark and gluino mass limits. We work in the framework of the Minimal R-symmetric Supersymmetric Standard Model and take into account the NLO corrections to the squark production cross sections in the MRSSM that have become available recently. We find substantially weaker limits on squark masses compared to the MSSM: for simple scenarios with heavy gluinos and degenerate squarks, the MRSSM mass limit is

$$ {m}_{\tilde{g}} $$

m

g
˜

> 1:7TeV, approximately 600 GeV lower than in the MSSM.
The exotic species Senecio inaequidens pays the price for arriving late in temperate European grassland communities
Authors: Delory Benjamin M. , Weidlich Emanuela W. A. , Kunz Miriam , Neitzel Joshua , Temperton Vicky M.
Published: October 2019

The exotic South African ragwort (Senecio inaequidens DC.) rapidly spread across Central Europe after its introduction, but we still do not know to what extent its timing of arrival in a plant community (i.e. before or after natives) and the composition of the native community being invaded affect (1) its capacity to invade a European grassland, (2) the performance of the native species, and (3) the direction and strength of priority effects. In a greenhouse experiment, we manipulated the timing of arrival of the exotic species (Senecio) and the composition of the native community to test the influence of these factors on the productivity and N content of exotic and native species. We also investigated if the plant species origin (native or exotic) and the native community composition affected the benefit of arriving early and the cost of arriving late in the community. The establishment success of Senecio strongly depended on its timing of arrival in a grassland community. Senecio benefited more from arriving early than did the natives. The presence of legumes in the community did not favour invasion by Senecio. When natives arrived later than Senecio, however, priority effects were weaker when legumes were part of the native community. Our results showed that inhibitory priority effects created by natives can lower the risk of invasion by Senecio. An early arrival of this species at a site with low native species abundance is a scenario that could favour invasion.
The Role of Grain Boundary Oxidation on Surface Crack Formation under Continuous Casting Conditions
Authors: Krobath Roman , Bernhard Christian , Ilie Sergiu , Six Jakob , Hahn Susanne , Pennerstorfer Paul
Published: October 2019

This paper represents an extended abstract of a study presented at the ESTAD 2019 conference. In this contribution, the influence of different cooling strategies on the formation of intergranular surface cracks is observed with in-situ bending experiments under continuous casting conditions. The steel composition is equal to a 0.17 wt.% C construction steel. It is investigated with and without Al deoxidation at bending temperatures of 1100 °C to 700 °C. The results show the most critical situation prevailed for each testing condition at 900 °C. A holding temperature of 1200 °C leads to a selective grain boundary oxidation and therefore to the formation of notches at the austenite grain boundaries, which are the cause for stress concentrations and easier formation of cracks during a subsequent tensile deformation at critical temperatures. The experiments reveal a partially stronger influence of this phenomenon on the steel without Al deoxidation.
Mikrobiologisch-hygienische Untersuchungen am Neusiedler See – von der Einzeluntersuchung zum Gesamtkonzept
Authors: Herzig Alois , Hatvani István G. , Tanos Péter , Blaschke A. Paul , Sommer Regina , Farnleitner Andreas H. , Kirschner Alexander K. T.
Published: October 2019

Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über die Untersuchungen zur mikrobiologisch-hygienischen Wasserqualität des Neusiedler Sees. Am Beginn steht ein historischer Abriss über die Entwicklung eines entsprechenden Monitorings. Es folgt eine statistische Analyse mikrobiologischer Langzeitdaten (1992 bis 2013) und deren Verknüpfung mit Wasserqualitätsparametern und Wetterdaten. Die Ergebnisse wiesen die Punkte des offenen Sees und die EU-Badestellen mit ausgezeichneter Wasserqualität aus, nur 3 Perioden waren an der EU-Badestelle Rust mit „gut“ klassifiziert. Es ließen sich aber auch Hotspots der fäkalen Belastung im Neusiedler See identifizieren. Es zeigte sich, dass diese Hotspots der fäkalen Verschmutzung mit menschlichen Aktivitäten in Verbindung standen, diffuser Eintrag aus der Landwirtschaft oder Eintrag durch Wildtiere eher lokal eine Rolle spielten. Bei den Hotspots standen mehr als die Hälfte aller Verschmutzungsereignisse in zeitlichem Zusammenhang mit extremen Wetterereignissen. Neben heftigen Regenfällen waren auch Starkwindereignisse mit den Verschmutzungsereignissen korreliert. Einschwemmung von tierischem Fäzes über Kanäle oder diffus und das Überlaufen von Kläranlagen bei Starkregenereignissen sowie windbedingtem Aufwirbeln von Sedimenten und Einblasen kontaminierter Wässer aus dem Schilfgürtel durch Starkwinde stehen höchstwahrscheinlich in kausalem Zusammenhang mit diesen Beobachtungen. Abschließend werden die Erkenntnisse aus der Pilotstudie für ein nachhaltiges Gesamtkonzept zum Management des mikrobiologisch-hygienischen Zustandes des Neusiedler Sees in Vorschläge für ein zukünftiges Monitoring fäkaler Verschmutzung eingebracht.
Efficacy of postoperative management with 5-fluorouracil injections after XEN Gel Stent implantation
Authors: Wałek Ewa , Przeździecka-Dołyk Joanna , Helemejko Iwona , Misiuk-Hojło Marta
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of postoperative management with 5-fluorouracil injections after XEN Gel Stent implantation.

Methods

Prospective real-world evidence study included 39 eyes (of 36 patients) with primary open-angle glaucoma without previous glaucoma surgery and with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma progression, or intolerance to IOP-lowering therapy. Patients underwent mitomycin C-augmented XEN implantation either as a stand-alone procedure or combined with cataract extraction. 5-Fluorouracil subconjunctival injections were a first-choice therapy for bleb failure and were administered according to predetermined criteria (analogous to pro re nata regimen in age-related macular degeneration treatment). Primary outcome was unqualified success, defined as postoperative IOP < 18 mmHg and > 20% reduction from medicated baseline without any antiglaucoma medications and no detected glaucoma progression.

Results

At median follow-up of 8 months (range 3–24 months), IOP decreased from a medicated baseline value of 23 mmHg (95% CI 21–24 mmHg) to 13 mmHg (95% CI 12–15 mmHg) and number of medications decreased from 3 (95% CI 2–3) to 0 (p < 0.0001 for both). Median number of 5-fluorouracil injections per eye was 3 (95% CI 2–3), and median time to first injection was 0.5 months (95% CI 0.25–3 months) after surgery. Thirteen eyes (33.3%) underwent ≥ 1 needling, and surgical revision was performed in three cases (7.7%). The primary outcome measure, which allows performing additional procedures, was achieved in 27 eyes (69%).

Conclusions

5-Fluorouracil subconjunctival injections are safe and effective in postoperative management of bleb failure after XEN implantation and represent a viable alternative to other methods.
Age-related changes in retrobulbar circulation: a literature review
Authors: Wiącek Marta P. , Modrzejewska Monika , Zaborski Daniel
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The advances in research methods used in ophthalmology allow for an increasingly accurate examination of the eyes, as well as the morphology and function of the vessels. Colour Doppler imaging is still the first-line method for the analysis of parameters of retrobulbar circulation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to present the current state of knowledge about anatomical and functional age-related changes in retrobulbar arteries.

Methods

A literature search was performed mainly based on the PubMed database.

Results

The anatomy of retrobulbar arteries, histological background of age-related vascular changes, age-related changes in retrobulbar blood flow in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, short posterior ciliary arteries, and the reference values for the age-dependent retrobulbar circulation parameters measured by colour Doppler imaging are discussed in this review.

Conclusion

The age of the subject should always be taken into account when interpreting the parameters of retrobulbar blood flow measured by colour Doppler imaging.
Abundance and Taxonomic Diversity of Bacteria Inhabiting the Sediment-Water Interface in a Marine Harbor Channel
Authors: Perliński Piotr , Mudryk Zbigniew J. , Zdanowicz Marta
Published: October 2019

The abundance of bacteria inhabiting the sediment-water interface and their taxonomic composition were determined with the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method in a marine harbor channel in Ustka. Among bacteria inhabiting the studied layer Gammaproteobacteria (1.4 cells 108·dm−3) and Cytophaga-Flavobacterium (1.1 cells 108·dm−3) dominated. Vibrio and Pseudomonas represented only a small fraction of the total cell counts. All taxonomic groups of studied bacteria show significant positive correlation between their abundance. The total bacterial number varied from 3.3 to 23.5 cells 108·dm−3 and their biomass oscillated from 39.4 to 282.4 μg C·dm−3. This parameter differed along horizontal profiles, while there were no significant differences in the abundance of the studied taxonomic groups among the study sites of the channel in Ustka. The total number of bacteria as well as the abundance of bacterial phylogenetic groups were subject to seasonal fluctuation in the studied water basin.
Diabetic kidney disease: new clinical and therapeutic issues. Joint position statement of the Italian Diabetes Society and the Italian Society of Nephrology on “The natural history of diabetic kidney disease and treatment of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function”
Authors:   the Italian Diabetes Society and the Italian Society of Nephrology, Pugliese Giuseppe , Penno Giuseppe , Natali Andrea , Barutta Federica , Di Paolo Salvatore , Reboldi Gianpaolo , Gesualdo Loreto , De Nicola Luca
Published: October 2019

Aims

This joint document of the Italian Diabetes Society and the Italian Society of Nephrology reviews the natural history of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in the light of the recent epidemiological literature and provides updated recommendations on anti-hyperglycemic treatment with non-insulin agents.

Data Synthesis

Recent epidemiological studies have disclosed a wide heterogeneity of DKD. In addition to the classical albuminuric phenotype, two new albuminuria-independent phenotypes have emerged, i.e., “nonalbuminuric renal impairment” and “progressive renal decline”, suggesting that DKD progression toward end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) may occur through two distinct pathways, albuminuric and nonalbuminuric. Several biomarkers have been associated with decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) independent of albuminuria and other clinical variables, thus possibly improving ESKD prediction. However, the pathogenesis and anatomical correlates of these phenotypes are still unclear. Also the management of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function has profoundly changed during the last two decades. New anti-hyperglycemic drugs, which do not cause hypoglycemia and weight gain and, in some cases, seem to provide cardiorenal protection, have become available for treatment of these individuals. In addition, the lowest eGFR safety thresholds for some of the old agents, particularly metformin and insulin secretagogues, have been reconsidered.

Conclusions

The heterogeneity in the clinical presentation and course of DKD has important implications for the diagnosis, prognosis, and possibly treatment of this complication. The therapeutic options for patients with type 2 diabetes and impaired renal function have substantially increased, thus allowing a better management of these individuals.
Ralph Sheldon (1537–1613) of Beoley and Weston: cloaked in conformity?
Authors: Turner Hilary L.
Published: October 2019

On two occasions, in 1580–1 and 1587, the Worcestershire gentleman Ralph Sheldon of Beoley and Weston (1537–1613) undertook to attend services in his parish church. This article seeks to make sense of these occasions of ‘conformity’, in the context of the situation and choices facing Catholics in Protestant England. It argues that Ralph consciously rejected the Jesuit message about non-attendance at the state church, a view he never abandoned. Never described by his contemporaries as ‘papistically affected’, let alone as an ‘obstinate recusant’, his later reputation as such is mistaken. By exploring the evidence relating to these occasions of official conformity, it is possible to see how he managed the challenge of being a Catholic living within the law. He could be regarded, and treated, as an obedient subject. He might thus be viewed as a church papist. However, since occasional conformity must itself also suggest recusancy, a more nuanced understanding of his position requires a reconsideration of some of the evidence.
Explaining the Kurdish Democratic Union Party's Self-Governance Practices in Northern Syria, 2012–18
Authors: Özçelik Burcu
Published: October 2019

On 17 March 2016 the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (Partîya Yekîtî ya Dêmokrat, PYD) unilaterally proclaimed the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria in three cantons, Afrin and Kobane in northern Aleppo province, and Jazira in Hassakeh. The party's ideology claims to endorse the participation of civilians and certain Arab tribes and minorities in its governance councils. However, the PYD and its armed militia, the People's Protection Units (Yekîneyên Parastina Gel, YPG), have been accused of committing human rights violations against civilians and installing one-party rule. Given its stated normative commitments and ideas on democracy, this ideology–practice gap begs the question: what factors facilitated the PYD to conform to its democratic pronouncements on power-sharing and inclusivity under certain conditions and, conversely, what factors permitted their abandonment or violation? By analysing the PYD's governance record and strategies in northern Syria between 2012 and 2018, this article argues that the PYD displayed a mix of democratic adherence and transgression in its governance practices. This has meant that the PYD engaged hybrid mechanisms of democracy-building, coercion, displacement and violence in order to consolidate territorial control and assert ideological hegemony. I argue that complex networks of local, state and third-party interests complicate Kurdish self-rule in Syria, requiring a multilevel approach to understand the interrelated challenges to democratization in the post-war transition. I identify four major types of relations that have influenced the PYD's hybrid governance practices: intra-organizational factionalism; civilian–rebel relations, especially in mixed demographic areas; international sponsors and rivals; and rebel–regime relations.
Direct simulation Monte Carlo computations and experiments on leading-edge separation in rarefied hypersonic flow
Authors: Prakash R. , Le Page L. M. , McQuellin L. P. , Gai S. L. , O’Byrne S.
Published: October 2019

A comprehensive study of the fundamental characteristics of leading-edge separation in rarefied hypersonic flows is undertaken and its salient features are elucidated. Separation of a boundary layer undergoing strong expansion is typical in many practical hypersonic applications such as base flows of re-entry vehicles and flows over deflected control surfaces. Boundary layer growth under such conditions is influenced by effects of rarefaction and thermal non-equilibrium, thereby differing significantly from the conventional no-slip Blasius type. A leading-edge separation configuration presents a fundamental case for studying the characteristics of such a flow separation but with minimal influence from a pre-existing boundary layer. In this work, direct simulation Monte Carlo computations have been performed to investigate flow separation and reattachment in a low-density hypersonic flow over such a configuration. Distinct features of leading-edge flow, limited boundary layer growth, separation, shear layer, flow structure in the recirculation region and reattachment are all explained in detail. The fully numerical shear layer profile after separation is compared against a semi-theoretical profile, which is obtained using the numerical separation profile as the initial condition on existing theoretical concepts of shear layer analysis based on continuum flow separation. Experimental studies have been carried out to determine the surface heat flux using thin-film gauges and computations showed good agreement with the experimental data. Flow visualisation experiments using the non-intrusive planar laser-induced fluorescence technique have been performed to image the fluorescence of nitric oxide, from which velocity and rotational temperature distributions of the separated flow region are determined.
Techno-Nationalizing the Levees on the Danube: Romania and Bulgaria after World War II
Authors: Șerban Stelu
Published: October 2019

In this article, I focus on the context in which levees were constructed on the Lower Danube, along the Bulgarian–Romanian border. I argue that after World War II, while the two states shared the management of the river in this region, Romania pursued a techno-nationalist hydraulic policy, which led to the complete damming of the left bank of the Danube with levees. Bulgaria also succeeded in building levees on its side of the Danube, that is the right bank of the common border; however, Bulgaria used different technologies and its building works proceeded at a different pace. Techno-nationalism as delineated in this article considers nation-states as basic units in the analysis of technologies. Technological development is not a flowing process, as it becomes entangled with the interests of nation-states seeking legitimation. Hydraulic technology may strengthen nation-states, and in some circumstances leads to the emergence of nationalistic ideologies.
Asian summer monsoon influence on chemical weathering and sediment provenance determined by clay mineral analysis from the Indus Submarine Canyon
Authors: Li Yuting , Clift Peter D. , Murray Richard W. , Exnicios Elise , Ireland Thomas , Böning Philipp
Published: October 2019

Clay minerals from the Indus Canyon and eastern clinoform since ~12 ka are uniformly rich in smectite and illite, similar to those from the Holocene Indus flood plains. A systematic enrichment of smectite in the proximal delta compared to the canyon and eastern clinoform argues for preferential capture of smectite close to the river mouth since ~12 ka. There is a rapid shift to a more smectite-rich assemblage in the canyon and eastern clinoform after ~5 ka. This change is probably caused by a change in sediment source, with less direct flux from the Himalaya and more erosion of older, weathered, smectite-rich sediment from the Indus River flood plains, driven by incision of the Indus and its tributaries into the floodplain as summer monsoon rains weakened. This influx of smectite is consistent with lower kaolinite/smectite values since ~5 ka. The onset of large-scale agricultural activities since ~5 ka, especially starting with the Harappan Civilization, may also have enhanced incision and erosion of floodplain sediments over the same time period. This study reports for the first time how monsoon strength variations since ~12 ka affected the clay mineral assemblages and sediment provenance in a major submarine canyon.
Subfossil lemur discoveries from the Beanka Protected Area in western Madagascar
Authors: Burney David A. , Andriamialison Haingoson , Andrianaivoarivelo Radosoa A. , Bourne Steven , Crowley Brooke E. , de Boer Erik J. , Godfrey Laurie R. , Goodman Steven M. , Griffiths Christine , Griffiths Owen , Hume Julian P. , Joyce Walter G. , Jungers William L. , Marciniak Stephanie , Middleton Gregory J. , Muldoon Kathleen M. , Noromalala Eliette , Pérez Ventura R. , Perry George H. , Randalana Roger , Wright Henry T.
Published: October 2019

A new fossil site in a previously unexplored part of western Madagascar (the Beanka Protected Area) has yielded remains of many recently extinct vertebrates, including giant lemurs (Babakotia radofilai,Palaeopropithecus kelyus,Pachylemursp., andArchaeolemur edwardsi), carnivores (Cryptoprocta spelea), the aardvark-likePlesiorycteropussp., and giant ground cuckoos (Coua). Many of these represent considerable range extensions. Extant species that were extirpated from the region (e.g.,Prolemur simus) are also present. Calibrated radiocarbon ages for 10 bones from extinct primates span the last three millennia. The largely undisturbed taphonomy of bone deposits supports the interpretation that many specimens fell in from a rock ledge above the entrance. Some primates and other mammals may have been prey items of avian predators, but human predation is also evident. Strontium isotope ratios (87Sr/86Sr) suggest that fossils were local to the area. Pottery sherds and bones of extinct and extant vertebrates with cut and chop marks indicate human activity in previous centuries. Scarcity of charcoal and human artifacts suggests only occasional visitation to the site by humans. The fossil assemblage from this site is unusual in that, while it contains many sloth lemurs, it lacks ratites, hippopotami, and crocodiles typical of nearly all other Holocene subfossil sites on Madagascar.